4K's Run 42Ks

Well, maybe 3K's and 1 big dork. (What AM I doing in this pic?!?) I'm so proud of you guys! And I am having post-marathon depression. :( Now what do I look forward to? Had mucho fun e-training with you, and SO much fun running with you last Sunday. Hope you're all recovering well. Nike Women's Half in SF 2010? (The schwag includes a Tiffany necklace!) Or the Covered Bridges Half in VT? New York's is pretty great too. http://www.halfmarathons.net/index.html XOXOXOXO

Halls in the Park!

I went out, somewhat reluctantly, for a run last night. Was supposed to go with Jen and/or Kraig but they both bailed and my leg was kinda hurting... so I dragged myself into the park, turned on some Neko and tried to keep moving.... switched to JT but even that didn't help.... was feeling pretty poopy when, all of a sudden, who comes running along the bridal path?!? Ryan and Sara Hall!! (Ryan won the men's marathon olympic trials in said park last year and I got to see him doing it - one of the most extraordinary, inspiring, goose-bump moments ever.) They were going at a pretty good clip and they looked so fresh and happy! Totally pulled me out of my slump. Had to tell somebody. Facebook peeps wouldn't really get it, but thought you guys would. You know you're a runner when your celebrity sightings are the people in Runner's World. :)

Got to get you into my life.

The following is a very real, in-depth and sometimes disturbing view into the mind of Karley while running 20 miles. Read with caution, as your opinion of her might change.

Pre-Run Bus Ride: Dread. Complete and utter dread. Hey genius, way to wait until the hottest possible time of day to run 20 miles. Hey beauty queen, what is going on with your hair? People are staring. Act cool. Be cool.

Pre-Run Walk/Warm-up: Ok, already hot as a pancake. I'm going to run twenty miles, I have no choice. Do I have a choice? Feels like I should have a choice but that I definitely do not have one. Inquire about choice later. Start up iPod and Nike+, put obnoxiously hot pink hat on head. Good, all my girls are here. Let's do this.

Mile 2: Feeling good. Feeling positive. This world is my bitch. See all you walking happy people, I am running and I like it. Here! I'll flash you a smile. Woah, slow down speed racer, these people having a joyous Sunday stroll along the water, they don't want to see a show.

Mile 4: Gosh, The Sun you are a prick.

Mile 4.25: Long-legged, beautiful, SPRINTING Nike billboard just passed me. Be cool. Why must rich beautiful people run marathons? Rich people make everything look easier. I wouldn't be as hot and sweaty right now if I were rich. Yeah, there is toothpaste dribble on my shirt.

Mile 6: What would happen if I ran full-speed into that pole?

Mile 8: Should have ran full-speed into that pole.

Mile 10: Woopdeefreakingdoo. Halfway. No, your eyes deceive you, in fact I am not the first competitive-running hobo.

Mile 12: You're more than 1/4 of the way done gurl! Feeling as high as a kite. That smoked meat smell ought to last me right through to the end, and I have to say I don't mind if it does.

Mile 15: Ok. The only way I'm running any further is for the explicit goal of finding gun to shoot myself in the foot with.

Mile 17: What high-carb to protein ratio candy was I snacking on when I decided it would be a good idea to put Sting on my running mix?

Mile 17.5: Dearest Giants Dugout Apparel Store Employee, you've smoked 5 cigarettes during the two hours I've known you. Let's run away together and be smokers, full-time. Scratch that, let's WALK away together.

Mile: 19.43: Jay-Z and Alicia Keys you are the heroes of my life. You make me want to be a better person and learn about life and stuff. You make me want to run exactly 0.57 miles and like it.

Mile 20: Hands in the air. Waving around like I just don't care. Because I don't.

Karley would like to thank the extremely helpful gentleman who convinced her - not to board that cruise ship, because it was full of old people. She would also like to thank the burrito she ate Friday night for it's seriously "super" inspiration.

5K's?!!?!

I submit for your consideration: King Kraig. This man can devour an entire pot of mole poblano in less than an hour. He also, apparently, can run 12 miles in well under 2 hours, without a single gu. !!!! If only this fitness epiphany happened six months ago! Although, it seems he may have finished well ahead of the other 4K's. Amazeballs. Go bro!!

Happy Birthday Charlie Brown!!!

Yes, I know. Your birthday was Monday. And we suck as sisters who blog. But look! How SVELTE!! Running does a body good! :) You're my disciplined hero - running programs, blogging birthdays... Have faith in yourself and all your progress, you are going to kick some Chicago Marathon A*#!!!! Love you!

fuel belt

Skooter, Sandi and I went for a 12 mile run on Saturday! YAY!!! It wasn't bad at all the 12 miles that is! Without our water boy (aka Jordan), we all realized we were mucho parcho! At about mile 10, and the 5 miles before mile 10 I ran and thought about water and gatorade and water. Poor Skooter and Sandi were looking in every ditch just thinking there would be a stream to drink out of. Who would of thought that here in VT we would be semi dry after the beginning of summer was so WET! I realized at mile 10 after seeing a 1/2 drank Gatorade bottle on the side of the roading which was actually tempting to drink.....that I needed one of those dorky fuel belts. Not just for me but for my poor doggies! Soooo with that in mind I plan to purchase one of those dorky fuel belts for our 15 mile run this Saturday so we all don't die of dehydration!

Good Things Come to Those Who Run.

I was in a running slump when I returned from vacation. Stomach aches, zero motivation, feeling like death, etc. The roller coaster that is running had lost it's thrill. Was it over training? Absence of my coach (where the HELL were you KT?!)? Eating and drinking like a sloth on vacation (and, er, continuing to drink like a sloth when I returned)?

Well who knows, I've never been one to relish in solving problems. Instead, I put Katy on the case. Turns out peanut butter on toast is the solution to everything that is wrong in my life. Seriously, it cleared up all outstanding issues I was about to consider taking up with God. (Too much?)

My slump only lasted one week and now Kar'z got her groove back! Then I ventured out on Sunday to complete a long run and almost got hit by a tour bus. Dave Matthew's tour bus. I was on mile 13ish, completely in a zone and rhythm when a black and sleek (not woolly) mammoth came approximately 14 inches from hitting me! I was pointing and waving my finger like a crazy person when I realized the passenger was Dave Matthews. So, yeah, then I met him.

I really don't understand why this had to happen in 2009. I'm over it. I'm over the jamming and feet stomping and two-stepping. I'm mad at the universe. There was a good 4 to 5 year span of time when this should have happened to me. After we chatted a bit I continued on my run, wondering where he was headed next, which city he would enter to continue to please the masses. Nah, actually I was thinking how happy I was I to almost be done with my run. It was blissful.

wedding over...CRUNCH time!

So who would of thought that planning a wedding, buying a horse, and training for a marathon would have been so time consuming??? Haha obviously not me! I decided it would be fun to be that crazy busy! Well wedding is over, horse is in training, and now its CRUNCH TIME FOR ME!!!! I am seriously debating flying out Kingston and having him help me run the marathon. I have a lot of catching up to do and it worries me! You girls need to seriously consider taking off w/o me, I am totally fine with that! Jordan, Skooter, Sandi and I ran 9 miles today! WOOOT WOOTT making progress somewhere! I guess getting married is pretty time consuming afterall! :)

6 weeks to go!

How's the training going?? I am doing 15 tomorrow, and it's almost certainly going to rain (yay!). Good practice for potential ick weather on race day, right? Wish we could run together... I will pretend like you're all there and talk to you anyway, like a good nyc crazy person. :)

Do you all have chicago tix yet? We should chat about shirts sometime soon too! If you guys are busy, I can just take care of them - let me know if there's anything you definitely want, or don't want, on them. And we're all doing sleeveless right?

Miss you! Happy running! xoxo

Ramblin' Rose.

Read this short article in the NY Times about the summer running slump related to fall marathoners.

He of course advises more cross training, does lounging by the pool and *drinking carbs count? Good.

Happy Birthday Kara!!!

This was you - after a yummy Italian dinner (with many glasses of red wine as I recall) and the birth of a new horse (at like 2am) - finishing your first half marathon (in a most speedy time of 2 hours)! What will we do to top all that in October?? Happy Birthday you horse-loving, wine-guzzling runner!!

xoxoxoxo

Kingston my new cross trainer

For of those of you who didn't know I got a new horse, Kingston, and well he is my new cross trainer! I have had him for almost a month already and love him so much! I usually come home go running with the dogs and than go ride Kingston. Its a great work out and for those of you who have never ridden a horse, don't knock the workout till you do it! I'm not sure if riding counts as cross-training, but in my book it does!

Happy Birthday Kristin!

Woo! Happy Birthday sista! A running memory about you: you "trained" me for my field hockey try out (3 mile run) in middle school. You ran backwards and cheered me on and I think I wanted to punch you in the face at the time, but thanks lady! xoxo.

damn feet

So not like I didn't have enough problems with my right foot, now my left foot has to act up, it was supposed to be my good foot!!!!!!!! I have no idea what is wrong with it, all I know is it feels just like my right foot did when I had the bone chip in it :( not good. I gave it 4 days off and went running today, and well it didn't hurt anymore after my run than it did before, so I guess that is good. PAIN IN MY BUTT! I'm so sick of my damn feet! According to this picture I believe it is the "cuboid" bone that is giving me a problem. Oh well, its not getting worse so onward I go!

I loves you, Porgy.

I'm back. I know, it's like your birthday. Nails are painted orange, shorts are shorter than ever and I am seriously considering running the marathon with my bumpit.

Sedentary depression

29 days since hip surgery = no running for me yet. :( I am trying to be smart about it and follow my doctor's advice not to run until I see him again (in three weeks!) but it is really hard. Especially because this is kind of the official start week for most of the fall marathon training programs. And because I just miss the crack-like high (not that I've actually tried crack but that's what people say right?), the incredible stress-relief, the pure joy.... basically I am going crazy.

But I started my NY Times interactive trainer anyway and you should totally check it out: http://health.nytimes.com/run-well/start?ref=sports. You can create a program from one of four coaches, put in the date you start training and the date of your race and then record all your runs. Very cool. They have Galloway's program - which is similar to our man Hal (pictured above), who definitely encourages running easy, and taking regular walk breaks (http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/Mar00novice.htm). There was an article in the Times last week that said several people tried the walk-break program and actually beat their best marathon times! You can DO this! And I can too, even if I am starting 5 weeks late.

love my new running shoes :)

I must say I underestimated how great new running shoes are! I LOVE MY NEW RUNNING SHOES! They are amazing! I guess after wearing the ones I had for over a year, any new pair of shoes are going to be amazing to run in! Yes yes I know that is very bad for me and I should only run so many miles in a pair, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do! Ran 5 miles yesterday and it was amazing! I was tired but a good tired! It was a perfect day for a nice 5 mile run, temp. around 65-70, sun shining, and my new running shoes :)

mega t-storms

I ran 5 miles on Friday...and let me tell you, its kind of discouraging @ the moment. It just doesn't seem to be getting easier. Between all the hills/mtns on my 5mile run and my stinking shorts riding up my legs....5 miles just sucks right now. I am hoping sometime time soon to go for a 5 mile run and be like..."wow that was a good run..." hopefully soon!

Took the day off today, not by choice but because of major thunderstorms THE WHOLE DAY! We got so much rain I am worried that Jordan should be building an arch instead of an arbor!

JPL

Yesterday, I was supposed to cross-train in the pool. But my friend Jen was going to get cheeseburgers and that just sounded like more fun. At the moment of decision, a mysterious force pulled me down the subways stairs with her, toward french fries and away from my swim suit. In my training diary, where I usually record my workouts or the really good reasons I didn't do them (dental implants, scheduled off day) I realized I had to be honest and wrote "JPL" or JUST PLAIN LAZY!!

Forced off day, and a new appreciation of applesauce

I had my teeth implant surgery yesterday and am told that I absolutely CANNOT run, or do anything else to raise my heartrate, for at least 48 hours. Boooo! Not really supposed to eat anything hot or crunchy either, so I got some applesauce. It's not as good as Mom's, but yum!

I did run on Saturday - around the bridal path in Central Park with Jen. It was FINALLY 70 and sunny and wow is that good for running motivation. Later that day, in celebration of the weather, we had mexican (and margaritas, do I need to say that?) outside. So on Sunday, when I got up for my 4 mile race in the park, I felt like death. At the starting line, during my first few jogging steps, it felt like the cushy fluid inside my skull had been drained out and my brain was just bouncing around in the bone. OW! I willed my way through it and finished in 35:24, an average 8:51 pace!! Moral of the story: drink margaritas, go fast.

chickens and eggs, oh my!

So I have been super busy with cleaning up the yard for the big day and planting flowers galore! The most recent project that consumed my time was the fence around the chicken coop and the stone pathway out front of the door to the chicken coop. The stone pathway involved some serious cross training....lifting rocks that weigh more than Jordan and I combined, as well as lugging 25-50 lb rocks up the hill from the woods!!!! I am super glad we are done and it looks awesome! I don't have a picture yet of the pathway but expect one soon! For now here is the chicken coop and fence! Very excting. Otherwise nothing has stopped me from running!!! And soon I will have new running shoes too! YAY!

The Hills are Alive.

...with the sound of my joints cracking like Reverend Mother's. This is my walk home. I refer to it in my marathon schedule as "weight training." I mean, I have to lug my whole body up these monsters everyday. If that ain't weight training sistas, I don't know what is.

Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head.

Like the wise B.J. Thomas says, "I'm never gonna stop the rain by complaining," so might as well run in it! There are a few days of rain in the forecast and I've decided I must solider through it. Kristin says she enjoys running in the rain, a sentiment that I will probably end up sharing if said rain doesn't destroy my iPod. In other news, this picture reminded me of Easter colors and I just got super re-excited to dye eggs on Friday! 

It's the perfect weather for...

ARM WARMERS!! I know that I was the only lucky one to receive a snazzy pair of black lululemon arm warmers with reflective bird design (on the right warmer only!) from a certain James at Christmas but you guys must be jealous! I finally had the opportunity to wear them on my run last night, with leggings and a sleeveless run top, and let me tell you - those things are MONEY! They fit so well, and are actually really warm and the right-arm design is funky cool, and they look hot! I hate to post without a pic, but I can't find one to them justice and I couldn't take a pic of myself wearing them (watching me try to hold the camera and somehow get my hand farther from my arm would've been funny). I plan to wear them to my race on Sunday and I'll make sure I get a proper photo then. If you see these at a lulu near you, you must get a pair!

thunder thighs=riding up shorts

So I found it hilarious when I logged on to blog and read Katy's, for many reasons. First off it was about 50 degrees here today, for the first time since Winter started, and well that means shorts. Which for most of Vermont, they were thrilled! But for me, well I wasn't, I enjoy running when its cooler, and I enjoy wearing pants while running, because that means no riding up of shorts and rubbing on my thunder thighs! I have yet after how many years of playing soccer and running to find a pair of shorts that does not ride up while I run. IT DRIVES ME CRAZY! My whole run today I pondered the very thought....will I ever find a pair of shorts that don't ride up? Does this happen to everyone? Am I the only one that has this problem?

Sure Body Glide fixes 1/2 of this problem, chaffing, but what kind of shorts do I need to buy to solve the other 1/2, riding up? About 1/2 way thru my run after pondering this for 2.5 miles I thought to myself how uncomfortable it was to run in shorts and how I wished I had winter back, and that way I wouldn't have the problem and I wouldn't be able to see my huge thunder thighs. I've never liked my thighs. Actually I hate them, they are ugly and big, and shorts just remind me of this. So, the rest of the 2.5 miles back to the house I ran my butt off, hoping that my thunder thighs would just decrease with every mile.

Got home and determined to blog.....I started looking up pictures that would perfectly describe how I felt....shorts riding up while running, uncomfortable running thighs, etc...you name it I looked it up. I couldn't find one picture that looked how I felt and the one thing in common in all of these searches was one picture. It goes back to Karley's blog, Nike's Ad about Thunder Thighs.



And well that ad just reminded me of why I run, and why I put up with the shorts riding up my thighs......

P.S. But I'm still open to any suggestions of shorts to buy!

tight pants = MORE RUNNING

Today, for some reason, my black cords are peculiarly tight and uncomfortable. I have had a terrible urge to take them off all day. (I don't tolerate uncomfortable very well.) Since they are not new and have never been in the dryer, I can only presume that I am larger than usual. :( I will store all the hours of this extremely awful feeling and use it as fuel for my run tonight!! MUST. RUN. MORE.

Please, Louise.

I passed this lady yesterday. Hell yes. I really owe my tremendous progress to Kenny Loggins and his musical genius. 

Happy Birthday KT!

It's your birthday, you can run if you want to. Run if you want to, run if you want to...

Love you! Hope you have a fantastic day!

Margarita mama

Oh! No no! Don't be disappointed Kara Bear. All these posts are so clever and fun, I feel pressure to post only when I have something extraordinary to report. And thus far, it's just slow and steady here in NYC. I've decided my first official long run is 7 miles on May 16, so until then I'm just building the base - running 3-6ish miles three times a week. (Five times a week is impressive!!) And sadly, I don't have any fun horses to ride as cross training. (That totally counts!)

But don't you worry - I am dedicated. Last night, a boy asked me to have dinner and I said "nope, I've got to run!" After my run, I met him for a margarita as a reward. :)

Miss you all SO MUCH!

Do the whirlwind.

I apologize, Kara. I have been a little swamped lately. Look at my to-do list! It would keep anyone terribly busy. I have been running, albeit very slowly. 

Yesterday I had a problem only other runners could understand: being 2 miles into your run and wanting to take your shirt off. SF weather (especially along the water) can be hard to predict, so I often go out with a long sleeve t-shirt on. Big mistake! I finished out the rest of my run with what I like to call the "preppy look" (you know what I'm talking about, sweater around shoulders, tie in the front). I wouldn't dare post this in the middle of your winters, so I am hoping spring has sprung for you all.

dissapointed!

I must say I am dissapointed in my siblings, here it has been OVER a week since anyone has posted, and the last person that posted was ME! Majorly disspointed sisters! I live in the middle of NOWHERE Vermont and I still manage to post more than you girls do! AY CARUMBA!
Anywho, running is going good here in Vermont, I haven't really increased my mileage in a long time, running about 3 miles 5x a week. But I have increased my riding horses :o) Very EXCITING! I ride Onyx a 11 yr old Percheron/QH? Cross (pictured here). He is super cute and super good and reminds me of my old horse Bailey. I really enjoy this and well its good cross training.....or that's what I keep telling myself. South beach diet is going really well, I don't even notice I am even on a diet anymore! Jordan and I have both lost 15 lbs each! I'm still working on losing more, I'm pretty sure Jordan is content with that! Till next month! ;)

mud season in vermont

I don't think mud season in Vermont has "officially" started yet, but I do know its pretty darn close! I haven't decided yet if I should wear my muck boots or plastic bags over my shoes to help save them and my feet. I'm not even exagerating when I say look at the picture, that is what we have to run through right about now, and it's only going to get worse! EEEEKKKK! Lets just say I am actually excited about running in Chicago on PAVED roads!

Even Nene Takes a Week Off.

Early last week I toppled over. It was the least graceful fall you could possibly imagine. In an attempt to save my teeth (I wasn't thinking marathon training in this moment, let's call that a lapse in judgement), I landed completely *insert lbs. here*  on my left knee. 

Ok, so the stairs didn't look like this, but it was one of those moments where you realize what just happened and kind of talk to yourself (shit, does anyone else do this?). 

Needless to say, I took last week off while the purple dots slowly turned brown and I regained confidence in my ability to...do anything without falling. I'm in good company. Nene, a Denver Nugget also bruised his knee recently. 

"Tests on Monday showed that his knee has no structural damage. He is listed day-to-day."

Ditto.

cross-training day :)~

I took the day off again from running and decided it was a cross-training day :) So, I went snowboarding in the morning with Jordan, than went snowshoeing in the afternoon with the doggies. It's snowing like crazy here and we already got 5" and it's supposed to snow all night! The picture is the view from the summit of Madonna Mountain where we go skiing/snowboarding! It's so beautiful! Now we didn't get a view like that today because all the snow! It's well worth it though! So I plan on going snowboarding in the morning again and then maybe run in the afternoon, we shall see! I am enjoying running a lot, but decided that if I took more than 2 days off a week that would be ok at the moment too! My next cross-training will be riding a horse :) great exercise!

I am not a sprinter

So I ran tonight for the first time in a week. I felt fresh and also tired. I am blaming Patti and Tim. Completely. After this night out - bottom pic - well.... I don't remember taking that photo, what does that tell you? PS - our cousin Erik? (top pic) Boy. Can. Run. I should've been inspired, but all I did was hang out, eat cupcakes and watch. He is SO fast, I couldn't get a non-blurry picture. Erik competed in the 500 and the 4x400 relay - his relay team placed 5th at the Big East meet. Amazing. Also, he promised to run a few miles with us in October.

Recent Caloric Intake

Who has two thumbs and runs really slow?

I ran so slow yesterday that this guy passed me.

thank goodness for VT mountains!

I'm not sure how far I ran today....and guess what....I don't care! Haha. That was my goal today, just run. No particular speed, no particular distance. Just run because you can and because you want to! All I can say is thank goodness for VT mountains, because there might be some chance (even if very little) that the marathon might seem just a smidge easier because I have these mountains to train on! Just maybe Chicago will seem almost like a downhill for me! Hahahaha I WISH!

Rainy Day(s) Woman

It has been raining non-stop (and by non-stop I really do mean non-stop) for 4 days here in SF! If I was not trying to catch up with you ladies in miles, I wouldn't mind. I love the rain after months and months of sunshine and 60's. It gives you an excuse to be in a different mood and to snuggle up with a book (or a beau), in the same way that snow gives people an excuse to drink lots of hot buttered rum and lounge around in "snowbodies perfect" PJs. Ahem, you know who you are.

Ok so I've fallen off on the running for the past 4 days as the rain hammered the windows. O well. It's not like I have 236 days left to prepare for the marathon or anything...In other news my sleeping has improved quite a bit and I now have an excuse to wear these babies!

South Beach Diet

Today is the first day of our South Beach Diet! I decided after talking w/ Karley who had good success with the diet to do it also, and of course Jordan said he would do it too! I'm a little nervous, not with the diet, but how it will effect my running. But I have decided that if for 2 wks I have to slow my running down I will do so, b/c in the long run it will help my running if I am lighter!
I am getting wicked excited about running the marathon even though it is months away! Yesterday we went snowshoeing in the morning than running in the aftertoon. I had a great run yesterday with the dogs and Jordan. No, Jordan didn't run, but he biked along side of me and it made me realize how much easier and shorter my run seemed w/ somebody there! I CAN'T WAIT TO RUN W/ YOU GIRLS!
My run this morning wasn't as fun, but I plan on running 5 miles tomorrow for the first time in a long time! I am hoping that the ice melts on the hills by than!

Off Today

I am currently on the 4 days a week running plan. It doesn't feel like enough sometimes and I am getting nervous that I won't be able to keep up with you all! I do feel like it gives my body time to recover however, and I am starting to see the glory in not over-doing it. Today I won't run, so my Nike mini is playing video games.

Yesterday I had the best run since I started training. It was late when I got out of work and also cold (45 degrees!), cloudy, and dark. But once I was out running along the water, I enjoyed it more than a sunny day run. I decided to run down a pier at the end of it which was strangely liberating. Weird to say, but I think I enjoy overcast weather while running.

Chutes and ladders

On Saturday, I ran inside. :( I had to because it was cold and dark and whenever I run outside, I never make it into the gym to do PT exercises like I'm supposed to. BUT! I did ladder intervals, which is a fun way to get in several miles on a treadmill without even realizing you're doing it! I did a 1/4 mile at speed=8, 1/2 mile at 7.5 and 1 mile at 7, then back down - 1/2 mile at 7.5, 1/4 mile at 8. In between each one, run slowly or walk for 2-3 minutes while your heart rate goes back down and your breathing recovers. And presto! 4.41 miles all done!

Inspiration.

Two posts in one day, not-uh! Thought you would all enjoy these ads. 

Perfect Winter Meal

I ran in the late afternoon yesterday, just over 2 miles (I'm starting from 0 here!). It was an easy run, and I enjoyed the cloudy and cold weather. I know this sounds insane, but when you have nothing but 60 degree, sunny days- clouds and a 10 degree drop are welcomed! 

After I got home I wanted something hearty and wintery: moussaka! It was perfect and oh-so-healthy. I would describe it as a Greek version of lasagna. It fills you up in a warm, wintery way without all the cheese and noodles found in traditional Italian lasagna. The original version of moussaka uses lamb and full-fat Greek yogurt. You can substitute fat-free plain yogurt and turkey and it's delicious! Mmm just had some leftovers for lunch. 

In other news I am considering running a 5K "Year of the Ox" race this Sunday. To be continued...

Body gliiiiiide

An absolute essential to avoid chafing under the boobies (for me anyway)... but who knew it is also useful in the pool! Friday was swim day (2500 yards, 55 minutes) and I purchased a new tube-o-glide. I have to use it in the deodorant-area when I swim. (Is this too personal for a blog?) Anyhoo! Great night of chafe-free cross-training. xoxo

Week 1 Done

My first week of training is done :) I am feeling really good, and am excited for Tuesday to start week 2 and run 4 miles each day. Let me tell ya I was spoiled rotten today, I didn't even have to wear long underwear. It was 40 degrees!
I must say I am a little worried about running the marathon with you girls, because depending on what day it is I will have to walk w/in the first 10 minutes :( I have what the doctors diagnosed as Osteitis Pubis Syndrome. Oh its great let me tell ya, especially because they really don't have a treatment for it. The more I read it about it too, the more I think I have something else. But anywho....depending on the day, usually w/in the first 10 minutes of my run and I will get these cramps really bad and they won't go away unless I stop and walk. The good news, once they go away I don't get them again! Sometimes I get them, sometimes I don't. I never know.
On to Week 2!

Esquire Rule No. 330: Foods ending in "ito" are delicious

Rule No. 331: Also "eeto."

Training Log:
Jan 27 - 2.25 hours shopping
JS and I go shopping for new workout clothes so as to blend in at the trendy gym. Everything makes us look fat.
Jan 28 - 1.5 hours gym reconnaissance
Work up a sweat during our guided tour of the gym. There are 3 floors. Obtain free passes. Decide to get a fresh start tomorrow.
Jan 31 - 45 minutes gym reconnaissance, Day 2
There are 20,000 machines to help you perform a bicep curl. We try them all, but are careful not to strain ourselves. We are easing in.
Jan 31 - 2 hours recuperation
We promptly return to the couch and replenish lost nutrients with Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos.
Feb 4 - 1 hour motivational research
Watch America's Best Dance Crew while considering the merits of joining a gym.

My Girls

I have a new running song: My Girls, by Animal Collective. I can't seem to find a way to post the song, but you should check it out here. It's my new favorite when it comes up on the shuffle. It always makes me want to dance, which is a requirement for running music! 

1.5 mile run for me today. I'm sore from tennis! Pictures are from Embarcadaro, where I run.

silly cows!

So, my easy timed 3 mile was not at all accurate! We ran the 3 miles in 45 minutes, but that does not include the 15 + minute stop to help the neighbor get the cute cows back in the fence! HAHAHAHA. It was so much fun and my 3 mile run had some sprints than too! One of the cows is pictured here. Feisty little fellah! I believe if I would have stopped my watch when this all happened that I would have made it in 30 minute's if not less. Good start indeed, for me at least! Love and miss!

Day 1 of "official" training for the marathon

It's a beautiful day here in Vermont, quite warm already at 20 degrees! I am very excited to start my "official" day of training in such warmness! I have been running in negatives, not so much fun! Yesterday was cold and well my first day off of the week, so I didn't feel much like running. So we (Jordan, Skooter, Sandi, and I) went for a walk instead, past the church and Jill (horse in picture w/ Jordan), and of course the scottish highland cattle, our favorite route! We (the dogs and I) plan on running 3 miles at an easy pace today and timing it just out of curiosity on how long it will take us. Will let you know later, or maybe not, depending on how bad it is!