Category 3

The Rolling Stones, Zilker Park, Oct 22nd and I was a category 3...makes for an interesting time to say the least. The afternoon, yes, this was a long school night, started out right. 4ish drinks at Lucky Lounge with some cool peeps and the understanding we would order pizza before heading down to Zilker for the show. Oh, yeah, you guessed right we never got around to the pizza part. I'm a 33 year young woman I know drinking on empty is no longer an option, problem is if I've already been drinking my decision making is questionable.



We're thinking we'll get to the park and get food there...keep in mind we were drinking at Lucky until the bitterend; get to the park lines way too long and we really NEED another drink before the Stones go on stage...again decision making skills not so great.



My friend, Mike, had some sweet tickets and the few brain cells left working we, I've dragged Jarvis girl with me, decide to text him and see where he is. Mike called back trying to give us directions to him...poor guy my comprehension of the English language wasn't going so well at this point. After asking him the same question for the 50th time I realize I should pull Sharon in on this. WE LOVE MIKE!!! He had wrist bands waiting for us to join him in the "special" radio shak section. Thank goodness we were ropped in I don't think I needed to be loose with 40 some odd thousand people...not too mention I was probably heading to a category 4.

Good times, great friends & a "somewhat" memorable night;)

Jibberish

Honestly, I have nothing to say I have some great photos to post from this past weekend, but life has been rather mellow since coming back from vacation. I know I'm back physically but mentally not so much...

Dating
ABSOLUTELY, nothing to report here. I've gotta ramp things up a bit.

Running
AMAZING- I'm getting my ass handed to me week after week and it's AWESOME. Run from Hell was fantastic! I can tell I'm much stronger than last year. Can't wait to see how my first half-marathon goes, cross your fingers that my time shows my hard work.

Enough boring stuff...

80's Party at Tony's

All I know is my friend, Tony, put on a great 80's party at his house this past weekend complete with a splatter paint back-drop for pix, booze, 80's tunes for dancing (he even cleared out the living room for more space) & great friends.


Who doesn't love the 80's? I mean Pat Benatar "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" is the best song ever. The clothes- leggings are so comfortable, polyester- who cares if you have to sweat a little to look good, fishnet hose. Funny quite a bit of this is back in fashion, and yes the majority of my outfit was already in my closet. Best part about the 80's the BIG hair (I am a huge fan of hairspray) and the infamous mullet for the guys...seriously, Tim had women pawing all over him Saturday night.






Thanks Tony!!

Keebler Elves

Who knew the Keebler Elves were Japanese? Honestly, this is the smallest doorway I've ever had to go through in order to get into a restaurant. I mean I'm "knee high to a grasshopper" and I had to squat, imagine regular sized people. Jane, you may have to crawl and you might as well stay on the ground and crawl all the way to the table because that too is on the floor. We had some great food at this place, no idea what the name of it is...









Cute little pots to cook our food on.





Then somewhere along the way they gave us costumes. Apparently, the Japanese are into changing their look after a few drinks.

We're Back...

So we're back from our 2 week trip to Tokyo and yes, we could have stayed longer.
AMAZING! That's the only thing I can say for the moment.

Wiley I'm trying not to disappoint.

Training
Note to self either run when you are on vacation or take vacation when you're not training for a marathon.

Let's just say running once a week didn't prepare me for Tuesday's work-out. We did the "Warhurst" work-out. The name says it all. This had a variety of track work at 10k pace (1600m, 1200m, 800m & 2X400m) with a road/off road tempo mile in between. When it was all said and done this thing totaled 9.5 miles (including warm-up/cool down). My final 400 felt more like a toddler learning to walk. That's how wobbly my legs were. I guess this is one way of getting me out of vacation mode.

Wed morning run resembled a 90 year old shuffling down the street. I can't tell you how many times I almost fell flat on my face from not being able to pick my feet up off the ground. Good thing it was dark wouldn't want anyone to witness this lovely site.

Greetings from Tokyo

We're here...that's all I'm sayin' for now.

Just wanted to make 5 for Wiley;)

Tokyo Bound

The time has finally come...I didn't think it would ever get here. Vacation to Tokyo. My BF from San Francisco, Ranya Louise (no her family didn't name her Louise, but being a southern girl I added the Louise part) and I are on our way to Tokyo. Honestly, I didn't think vacation would ever get here. We booked this flight back in July to leave mid-September that's a long time to wait. I have no idea how people plan any further out than this. I'd go insane.

All I know is Ranya Louise and Katherine Anne (that's my full name) get into ALOT of trouble when we're together. It's going to be 2 full fabulous weeks of trouble together. Ready, set, GO...

If I get a chance I'll let y'all know that we are there...otherwise may not post until October when I'm back.

Wiley- I've set a post record for me, 4 posts in 1 month, just sayin'.

Week 1 of Training

Holy Toledo! What a first week of training!! Last I wrote I still had to do the Saturday 12 miler as well as an easy Sunday run.

Saturday's route was the St. Ed's loop. I've never done this one before and I'm real sure I've never seen so many hills in one run. Granted these hills don't come out in full force until after you've run through campus. I did have Dimples with me (we ran the long runs together last year) and if it wasn't for her I'm not so sure I wouldn't have crawled the hills instead of run, however, we stumbled through it together and it was fantastic!

BTW- I think today is the first day my legs haven't howled with pain.

Week 2 of Training

Monday I had my 1 on 1 with "Cutie" Coach Sisson. Side note I don't think you'll find a woman in Rogue that doesn't agree with me on Cutie.

Tuesday we were to do 2 X Mariposa. This is a 2.5 mile loop through Travis Heights that hasn't been done before. Let's just say the first loop was a cluster f**k. Cutie Coach didn't realize how long it would take to mark the course. Needless to say there were a few wrong turns taken in the dark and we all know this never works in the runners favor. I honestly thought death was an option. I'm going to have to consult Buzz on how one pukes and keeps on going (he learned this trick during last years marathon). I had my arse handed to me today. I've got lots of hill work-outs headed my way. Today not so good.

5 days and I'm Tokyo bound!!

Life Update

Running

Ok, I've gotten through the first week of quality (speed) work-outs. I woke up this morning again at 4:45am and I was already sore from 3 workouts this week. I decided once marathon training started I would also get back to my core work-outs and serious ab time. Probably not smart to do this all on the same day but that is just what I did, hence the reason I was ultra sore this am.

Today's schedule called for 5 X 1000m around the Zilker tree. This is the work-out I mentally prepared myself for only to show up and find out I had to go do a 2mi time trial. Lucky Me!! My butt and quads feel like cement blocks hanging out of my hip sockets and my oblique muscles are howling. I must confess after all of that it's great to be sore, to know I'm pushing my limits again. And yes, I pulled off my 2mi TT in 15:17. I am ecstatic with the way this season is starting. Granted I've still got to crank out a 12 mile run on Saturday and a 45 minute run on Sunday. It's all good!


Dating

For the record I did hit my goal and go on a date with a boy from the online world. He was a NGB (nice guy but...) no chemistry. Yes, that is a very important part of dating. I've got plenty of guy friends and I'm not interviewing for that position at this time. I do have another date tomorrow with a friend of a friend. Life is good!!

Kick-Off Time

It's kick-off time for a lot of things in the month of September...kids go back to school (yeah, 20 mile zones again), college football (I don't actually have a certain team I root for and being from Louisiana not quite ready to commit to that burnt orange team), but the most important thing this month is spring marathon training has begun.

Yipee!! Today was the first day of Project Performance (my running group). We had a great morning work-out. I'm not gonna lie when my alarm went off at 4:50am the first thought of the day was I have to wake up at this time for the next 6 months. I was a little nervous Monday night since I don't know anyone in this group and I've heard they're all FAST. Like I stated in another post I'm going to be the caboose for the first time in my life. I'm proud to report I am NOT the caboose as of today, granted this can all change on a dime, but I'm off to a good start. Ruth was kind enough to split us up into groups based on running levels. I say she was pretty spot on on this one. I am in the Aqua group. Not so sure about this name but it was a great group to run in the rain with and a few gals to push the speed limit.

It's going to be a great training season!!

Random Update

Running Update

So we're less than a week away from marathon training season. It's officially time to get back to real running. I have found that if I don't pay someone for my work-outs they just don't happen or they're just half-ass running weeks. This week is no different. I'm really hoping tomorrow I come to my senses. I'm blaming my need to study for this laziness. Woo!Hoo! it's finally time.

Dating

The attempt to online date has been a bit different to say the least. I swear these people just want some e-mail buddies to play on their crackberries with while in meetings. Way too much back-and-forth for me. I'm a very direct straight to the point kinda gal. Funny I stated just that in my profile. Maybe these people are really busy but wow, this is a little more time consuming for my liking. I know what you're thinking did you think it would be easy? No I didn't, but come on how difficult is it to decide if you want to meet a person for a cup of coffee. If they don't thrill you over the first 2 e-mails let it go. Now with all of that said...I have some plans with one of those boys that I think if anything will be a cool guy to know. Also, for the record this hasn't been a complete waste of time I've met some other potential boys through my friends. We shall see.

BTW- 2 1/2 weeks until vacation...I so need a break!

Ms. Impatience

Well, I've joined the blackhole of dating...online dating that is. I think they should call it online surfing or lurking or something because dating is a strong term, and at the rate my winks aren't being returned it's really just online surfing for me. Don't get me wrong a freak from the Bronx e-mailed me some love letter that is for sure a cut & paste routine that he sends to tons of women. I figure he's either looking for a green card or a sugar momma. Keep in mind my profile states I'm looking in a 20mile radius of Austin, ages 30-39. I guess men really are optimistic. My other peeve with this b.s. is those that don't post a picture. Do they really think I'm going to waste time on their profile? I delete those immediately. The majority of the profiles are the same so to keep me from going cross-eyed I get rid of the boys with no pic. I just don't get that one at all. Oh, yeah, they've winked at me too. I must confess I'm a tad shallow...if I don't think you're cute I'm just not interested.

With all of the above said I have since joined 2 other dating sites/surfing sites...I refuse to lose this bizarre game! I will find someone cute/interesting to go on a date with before I go on vacation next month!!

The Comfort Zone

More like getting out of the comfort zone. I have moments when I wonder if I've completely lost my mind. For instance, I'm getting up at 4:30am on a Saturday to do a long run. Getting up at 4:30am on a work day is bad enough but a Saturday. Yes, I signed up for this torture.

A few weeks ago my good friend, Joanne, came down for her first visit to Texas. I'm happy to report she survived the Tex-ass heat. Anyway, I adore her, she totally motivates me. She's one of those people that has more than 24 hours in her day, seriously! Well we spent a day brainstorming and goal setting, yes, we found this to be fun. We've been keeping up with each other and our goals on a weekly basis via e-mail. We talk a few times a month to go over everything. The majority of my goals are to keep me on track with what I really want out of my life and a few lofty items on the list are starting to stretch the comfort zone...

One of the minor things I listed on my goal list was to e-mail Steve, head coach of Rogue, my running group. I really want to get faster and qualify for Boston. Well, I have officially signed up for Steve's Performance Project Group. I'm scared and excited out of my mind. For starters- I'll have a cute coach yelling at me and I have to report my progress to this cute guy. Not to worry he's taken by another cute girl. Eye candy is always good. The downside of this "project" is I will be sprinting at 5:30am on Tues/Thurs. I guess I will finally start working out in the mornings. I am also going to be the slowest in this group. Steve already confirmed this fact with me. I've never been the fastest or the slowest but I guess somebody has to be the caboose.

The larger goal for my August list is to get myself in the dating world. Ok, there are some things I'm not great at in life, but who really cares...then there are some things I flat out SUCK at...this would be dating. I can't tell you how nervous I get on dates...to get around this I dated a few of my friends...this proved to be disastrous on many levels. To deal with my fears head on i've decided on Monday (give me my weekend, ok!) to join the land of online dating. I'm very excited about the unknown, the possibilities and the stories that are sure to come of this...I'll keep you posted.

I needed to accomplish something this month before I report to Joanne via phone. E-mail you can get away with more the phone not so much...

Haunted...

So finally today, Saturday at 6am I joined the summer long group for our long run. Yes, I paid for this program but getting up at 5:15am on a Saturday really didn't suit me or my Friday evening plans. I would like to state that I have been doing my long runs but I've been doing them at 7am a much better time.

Today I managed to get up and do this 6am run and boy am I glad we did this thing early. I stepped out the back door and dear lord was it HOT/HUMID...wow, the sun isn't even up. Man is it going to be a long 10 miles on the dam loop no less. Have I ever mentioned how much I HATE the dam loop. I swear my worst runs occur on this path and today was no different.

Last year I had to drop down to the half marathon due to an IT injury that was brutal. Well I had to do a bunch of massages (no these aren't the relaxing kind these hurt like a mofo), core work-outs several times a week and stretch 2-3 times per day. At the time I was unemployed and getting in my treatment was realtively easy, now that I'm employed I have been anything but religious with this stuff. I've half-ass been stretching and half-ass using the foam roller. Today was the day I had a rude awakening...the IT flare up, now this is the first flare up I've had since last November. Unfortunately, this waited to happen when we were on the "bad" side of the trail. I was running with Jen whom I ran long runs with last year and no way was I going to turn and leave her on the bad side alone, nor did I have any plans to hobble back to the water stop on my own. Besides it wasn't that bad....

I really don't think this is bad. I will definitely start my core work-outs again, get re-aquainted with the foam roller and I'm calling Lisa on Monday. I have a very lofty goal for the Austin '07 Marathon and NOTHING is getting in my way!!

Back to the Jibberish

What's up with the mold in this town? Is it like the heat "you'll get used to it?" Man this stuff is kickin' my ass. About 2 weeks ago this mold stuff had me down for the count and now it's back. I was told it makes you weepy...I opted to believe this and not think that the leaky eyes had anything to do with my birthday & new shiny number. Thanks Dr. Jarvis it definitely made me feel better. So anyway this mold crap has knocked me down again. Instead of enjoying booze on the green I'm trying to be as still as possible so I don't disturb my aching head, neck & eyes. I think if my head pulsates anymore it just might pulsate off of my body. I wonder if this were to happen would I get another one in return and if so what would it look like? Allergy free is all I ask for...

My Favorite Poem for no apparent reason...

The Dance

I have sent you my invitation,
the note inscribed on the palm of my hand by the fire of living.
Don't jump up and shout, "Yes, this is what I want! Let's do it!"
Just stand up quietly and dance with me.

Show me how you follow your deepest desires,
spiraling down into the ache within the ache,
and I will show you how I reach inward and open outward
to feel the kiss of the Mystery, sweet lips on my own, every day.

Don't tell me you want to hold the whole world in your heart.
Show me how you turn away from making another wrong without
abandoning yourself when you are hurt and afraid of being unloved.

Tell me a story of who you are,
and see who I am in the stories I am living.
And together we will remember that each of us always has a choice.

Don't tell me how wonderful things will be...someday.
Show me you can risk being completely at peace,
truly okay with the way things are right now in this moment,
and again in the next and the next and the next...

I have heard enough warrior stories of heroic daring.
Tell me how you crumble when you hit the wall,
the place you cannot go beyond by the strength of your own will.
What carries you to the other side of that wall,
to the fragile beauty of your own humanness?

And after we have shown each other how we have set and kept the
clear, healthy boundaries that help us live side by side with each other,
let us risk remembering that we never stop silently loving
those we once loved out loud.

Take me to the places on the earth that teach you how to dance,
the places where you can risk letting the world break your heart,
and I will take you to the places where the earth beneath my feet
and the stars overhead make my heart whole again and again.

Show me how you take care of business
without letting business determine who you are.
When the children are fed but still the voices within and around us
shout that soul's desires have too high a price,
let us remind each other that it is never about the money.

Show me how you offer to your people and the world
the stories and the songs you want our children's children to remember,
and I will show you how I struggle,
not to change the world, but to love it.

Sit beside me in long moments of shared solitude,
knowing both our absolute aloneness and our undeniable belonging.
Dance with me in the silence and in the sound of small daily words,
holding neither against me at the end of the day.

And when the sound of all the declarations of our sincerest
intentions has died away on the wind,
dance with me in the infinite pause before the next great inhale
of the breath that is breathing us all into being,
not filling the emptiness from the outside or from within.

Don't say, "Yes!"
Just take my hand and dance with me.

~ Oriah Mountain Dreamer

A Bunch of Jibberish

Yes, the title of my blog is a bunch of jibberish and I'm not kidding. I will disclose from the get go I am NOT a writer...yes, there will be tons of grammatical errors, spelling mistakes and I will end sentences in prepositions. Apparently the last disclosure is a no, no in the English world. English was not my forte. I can't imagine having much to say on these things, but my friends all have blogs and in order to post a comment that will list your name I had to register. I must mention how much I hate anonymous posters. They are usually being mean then don't have the balls to say who they are...that's all i'm sayin'.

I'm out,
kj