FoHo...

So my blogging days are somewhat done but back by popular demand- quotes. Yes, one person equals a demand in my world.

I think this one is hysterical and I have no idea where I got it from...

"Whatever you give a woman, she's going to multiply.
If you give her sperm, she'll give you a baby.
If you give her a house, she'll give you a home.
If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal.
If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart.
She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.
So - if you give her crap, you will receive more shit than any one human being can handle.
Love and appreciate all the women in your life."

Still Processing...

I'm still trying to wrap my head around my race this past weekend. It was good, bad & ugly.

The Good:
I finished in 3:45:30 which is a 4 minute PR as well as my Boston Qualifying time.
I ran the first 19 miles with my running peeps.
The 3:45 pacer coming up on me at mile 25ish and dragging my ass to the end.
I left nothing on the course.
Team Rogue on the sidelines at end screaming for me- trust me I heard you!
My coaches and friends on streets throughout the race screaming with encouragement.

The Bad:
I was cold.
I missed my goal of 3:39 for the second time.
Mile 18ish realizing it was NOT my day.

The Ugly:
Dehydration.
Blurry vision from mile 20 on.
I think I might have bonked. Still processing.
Absolutely no control over my legs in the final 10k. I've never been here before.
Frozen hands, i.e. dysfunctional.

So, the good out weighs the bad and I get to continue training with my peeps in the spring as we get ready to tackle Boston in April;-)

I Am A MORON!!!

It's quite possible I'm the last person to know this about myself but if I'm not let me tell you the 2 major idiotic things I managed to do in 1 day...

Thursday am I opted to forgo my work-out since I have been dealing with a minor cold and really can't risk it getting worse with my 'A' race around the corner. So I decided to 'sleep in.' For starters this is a bad move on my part. Tuesday/Thursday are school days for me so my day starts at 4:30am. It sounds crazy but I'm used to this routine and can follow it well. Today with the decision not to get up at 4:30am really jacks with my system...as I hit the snooze button so many times I'm at a loss for how long it takes me to get out of my house and to my 8am class on time. The beauty of being a student I don't have to bother with a shower or painting the face;-) Now I have to have enough time to make my coffee, pack half the house and get down to San Marcos.

So I start making my pot of coffee like normal, or so I think it's like normal. I know it takes a bit to brew but seriously what the heck is going on??? there's a smidgen of coffee in the pot but it's not looking to make anymore than the smidgen. Dear goodness coffee pot don't fail me now...if there's ever a day I need some serious caffeine help it's today. I go over to see what the problem is. I open the part that holds the ground coffee and notice it is not even wet from water passing through it. I'm perplexed on this one. After staring at the coffee pot for a good minute, I realize it is not going to tell me it's problem so I start trying to figure this thing out. Apparently, this thing needs water in order to make the coffee??? You heard it hear first one must add water to pot for it to brew FRESH coffee. Idiot moment take 1.

On for my next idiotic moment...this semester involves a 2-hour break after my first class. I've always used this break to go to the gym, lift weights and shower for my next class. Ok, so today was just skip shower but definitely get in the weights. Remember I didn't go to my morning work-out so my stink was at a low, or so I thought;-) When I said my morning routine was whacked I was not playing around. I have a system that my body can follow on automatic pilot...when pilot is lost other people suffer. I'm working on some leg lifts and I'm sitting there trying to remember if I put on deodorant. I kept reminding myself but the whole coffee debacle really threw me off...oh, no please tell me my automatic pilot did this for me...I'm totally sniffing to figure this out. Bad news... I grab my wallet, leave mid-work-out, leave stuff at gym and sprint to the student center. I already stink but at least I'm outdoors now. I go buy deodorant and immediately rush in the bathroom to cake this stuff on...my biggest fear BO...that stuff is awful. Idiot moment #2.

And this is how I ended my school week...

Jibberish

Yes, I know it's spelled gibberish but unfortunately, when I named this blog I didn't realize the spelling at the time was wrong. So I'm officially stuck with jibberish;-)

We're 2 1/2 weeks away from game day and I am so excited!!! The Lydiard training system my coach opted to use this season has been phenomenal. Granted during the summer months I did nothing more than bitch, moan and groan. Some of that was heat/humidity related but the majority of it was from a certain someone being out of shape. She shall remain anonymous;-) There was a point in the training I thought no way in Hell I can qualify for Boston with the piss poor performances I was having and the thoughts of death looking better and better after each practice. Trust me it wasn't pretty. My long runs sported quite a few walk breaks in them, something I've never had to do before. Really that one is a total confidence booster, ugh! However, my wise coach said to me "you're getting there just keep at it." As much as it kills me I must admit he was right (he always seems to be, maybe that's why I pay him) and I was wrong. In all honesty I'm glad to be wrong in this case.

This is the first marathon I've trained for where I'm not mentally burned out and chomping at the bit to get'er done and over with. I find this the worst way for me to enter a race because I have a very flippant attitude to race day once it arrives. Mainly because I'm over IT...I'm ready for my next adventure one that does NOT involve running. This training season is so different. I have rediscovered my love of running. Everyday I wake up excited for my runs. I think this training has finally broken through my mental barrier, which I've always said is my biggest down fall in this sport. If the San Antonio marathoners is any indication of what can happen I'm fired up to see some results!!! Woo!Hoo! Bring on CIM!!!

My Love of Quotes Continues...

“Twenty years from now you will be
more disappointed by the things
you didn't do than by the
ones you did do.
So throw off the bowlines.
Sail away from the safe harbor.
Catch the trade winds in your sails.
Explore. Dream. Discover.”
~Mark Twain

Flirting

You're expecting an exciting post based on the title...ha! unfortunately what is flirting with me needs to get lost;-)

Let's see training season has been great overall...I haven't had an injury since my doozy of an IT band back in '05. So, why the heck is plantar flirting with me now. See what I mean this flirt needs to get lost. I realize my right calf is uber tight and the good news about being a student again I rarely 'have' to wear high heels anymore. Ignore my blog photo. I'm rolling the heck out of my calf on a very tiny ball. This ball is just one size larger than a golf ball and just a tad softer. What I'm getting at is this ball makes me quiver it hurts so bad to roll on. Regardless I am rolling on this teany weany size of a ball almost non-stop...so why is my foot hurting more??? I've made the executive decision not to go to tomorrow morning's work-out and take Friday off as well. I'm hoping to get my calves massaged while I'm at it. Me not running 2 days in a row is not a pretty sight. You may want to steer clear, just sayin.'

And I thought flirting was supposed to be fun...

Processing

I seem to be in a processing mode this semester not too worry I only wish to discuss my process of running. I think I've finally made peace with my IBM 10K 'Race' this past weekend. I was frustrated on a lot of levels and am slowly celebrating the small successes that did come from this race. The week I'm having I have to acknowledge the small successes;-)

I haven't run a 10k since I don't know when. Let's just say before Sunday I did NOT have a 10k PR listed in my little running PR box. This leads me to believe it didn't exist;-)

Goal- 46:33 (7:32 pace)
Actual finish- 48:00 (flat, dead even, 7:44 pace)

Once I finished I was very disappointed with my time even though I knew I left nothing on the course I was unhappy with my results. My coach was quick to say find the successes in it, focus on it and let the disappointment go. Ok, I find that way easier said than done. Well, it's Wednesday and I can officially let it go. Remember I'm slow.

My first mistake at this race was to start in the middle. I spent the first mile dodging people in a very tight space. When I saw the first mile time I knew there was no way to hit my goal. I couldn't move any faster than I had just moved and the time sucked!!! With that said I now know to get behind 'the train' and start from there. I know those peeps start very close to the front. Sorry, the rest can pass me, I will be that asshole. My coach said I could, take it up with him.

1mi= 8:18 (WTH?)
2 mi= 7:33
3 mi= 7:28 (14:55 for miles 3 & 4)
4mi= 7:28
5 mi= 7:32
6 mi= 8:15 (wheels are coming off)
.2 mi= 1:27

Here's what I learned from this race. I am a much stronger runner than I was back in '06 both mentally and physically. I ran 10 miles on Saturday and more than likely ran those miles a little too fast. I worked the rest of the day at the store and drank no water. Ok, I don't recommend this as a good pre-race plan just what I had on schedule for the day minus the lack of water. In a way this so called pre-race plan showed me my progress with the ability to push past the dehydration cramps (this used to stop me dead in my tracks) and find a rhythm regardless of pace and get'er done.

So all in all I'm satisfied with this finish. I still have work to do but know my goal is within reach;-)

Pacing

Pacing is something I hear about non-stop in fact it's something I'm supposed to know how to do. Well, guess what, I can't pace for the life of me. Actually that last statement isn't completely true but it's not far from the truth, I promise. No, I don't want a garmin I don't like looking at a watch non-stop. I am however, bound and determined to figure out how to feel my pace. I have always been one of those get out there and run type gals. Basically, when doing speed work I run 'til it hurts and sometimes this carries over into my long runs as well. Never mind that I've been working with the same coach for the past 2 years and I'm just NOW starting to understand what the hell he's been talking about. Ok, so I'm a little slow on the uptake of some things and I'm glad to finally be getting this message.

Today was one of the hardest work-outs of my life, and I'm beyond ecstatic with the outcome. About a month ago I thought no way in HELL I will be able to pull off a 3:39 at CIM (California International Marathon in Sacramento). I couldn't find my running legs it was like they were on permanent vacation. However, something changed recently- maybe the attitude adjustment I had been struggling with or the sweet kind soul that sent me a kick in the ass e-mail (Jeff- I will be forever grateful).

Let me explain the soul buster work-out. Basically, it was a run from North Austin to the Austin High School track which is more or less in South Austin. We had to put in 18 miles before getting to the track and the route was far from kind. If you're familiar with Austin you know we have some unforgiving hills such as Red Bud Trail & Stratford and yes, we had to knock those out prior to getting to the track. So, not only am I working on the pacing thing I've been trying real hard on slowing down at the beginning of my runs. I tend to act like I'm a dog being let out of the gate. Start hauling ass the second feet hit the pavement and then mid-way lose all steam and crawl to the end. Not a good method of madness for a marathon.

Part 2 of this work-out was all mental. It consisted of 6 miles on the track...that's right 24 friggin' laps on the reddish brown oval in the daylight mind you. The first 2 miles were to be at marathon goal pace (MGP)- Brenda and I nailed this one. Both miles were the exact same. Holy smokes we're awesome, but you already knew that didn't you? The next 2 miles were half-marathon goal pace (HPMG) this is when the mental game really kicks into gear. Again mission accomplished. The final 2 miles (I thought suicide looked good right about now) were to be at your 10k pace. I will spare you the f-bombs I was dropping in my head. Thank goodness Sisson, my coach, was on the track asking how things were going. I knew going for 10k pace prolly wasn't in the stack of cards for me. I told him I'm slipping...his words dial down to MGP if you need to but get 'er done! I'd like to state for the record I may not have hit the 10k pace but I was faster than my HPMG with my form still in tact. It's the small things that make me wanna do the happy dance.

All I've got to say is that track section made me dig down deep to levels I never knew existed and quite frankly, without the sweet souls standing on the track passing out water (did I mention we couldn't stop between these 6 miles) and cheering I would have never found those levels.

My coach, the man of few compliments told me he was impressed with my running. So with a puffed up chest and my posse we hobbled the 3 miles left to the store and 27 miles later I couldn't be happier!!!

Another One

Another good quote for me...

"Every memorable act in the history of the world is a triumph of enthusiasm. Nothing great was ever achieved without it because it gives any challenge or any occupation, no matter how frightening or difficult, a new meaning. Without enthusiasm you are doomed to a life of mediocrity but with it you can accomplish miracles."

Og Mandino
1923-1996, Speaker and Author of The Greatest Salesman in the World

This one comes to me at the right time as I'm struggling with school this semester and don't have much enthusiasm towards it anymore. It's a ME problem I know I'm ready to be back in the real world. So, with this quote I'm adjusting my attitude and finding peace as I whip out my latest design. I'm way behind and need to work at lightening speed to get to where I need to be. Bring on the enthusiasm;-)

Interesting

More random things about me. I am a huge LOVER of quotes...the ones that are just shy of saying, "Dear Katie..." they literally have my name written all over it. I even keep a document on my computer of quotes I run across and know I will need to read again some other day. For example: a previous post.

I subscribe to quite a few blogs and a few of them are the sappy kind. Yes, I'm a total romantic at heart. So this gal wrote a post on relationships followed with a ton of quotes...oh, it made my heart go pitter patter. There's only one I will force the 3 of you to read.

“However good or bad you feel about your relationship, the person you are with at this moment is the "right" person, because he or she is the mirror of who you are inside.” - Deepak Chopra

Man, this one hit me square between the eyes. I like it. It makes me stop and rethink a few of my previous relationships and remind myself who I was during those times. I'm happy to say I'm not the same woman I was back then. I'll always be a work in progress but it's always good to have some checkpoints and see I'm moving in the right direction.

Rhythm

My training so far this season has been lacking rhythm. Having off runs is one thing, but several months of bad running is annoying. I guess all of these years I've been lucky. Granted my running/training has always been sporadic. I'm finding the older I get the less sporadic I should be. I'm much more sane with running than without it. Remember sanity is relative and I prolly wouldn't be the poster child for it...just statin' the facts people;-)

Back to the point of my post. Saturday, 'Stella, got her groove back.' Words can't explain Saturday's run. I've felt like a lost soul for awhile now, but Saturday, my soul was found, YEEHAW!!! BTW running is my religion. Seriously, much cooler temps, a sunrise, an all-out 3rd mile on the track, barton hills to climb at the end & great friends to run with what more can a gal ask for...21.7 miles, check!!!

Hmmm

Hmmm, not real sure what to say at the moment. There are so many things running through my mind all at once I don't even know where to begin. I feel like my emotions are on a roller coaster ride that I can't seem to get off of. I'm fighting the urge to pack a back pack and leave the country for a while. Ok, so that's a tad dramatic but it sure would be fun;-)

Let's see my running, the thing I've always considered my outlet for excess emotions has not been my friend. I started training about 2 months ago for my marathon in December and every run feels like the first one after a 6 month hiatus. I've been extremely frustrated to say the least. I know it takes time to get in the groove, but it's like my groove went on permanent vacation. I'm here to tell you if there were ever a time for running to be my friend it would be now. My hydration has been a constant problem. I take nuun, I drink tons of water but nothing ever seems to be enough. Every run has involved tummy stitches. I've even started carrying a water bottle. Ugh! I think there are a number of challenges that will totally pan out I just wish to whine for a moment.

After licking my wounds from my crappy am run I read an e-mail with a question 'what is this supposed to teach me?' It came at the right time, right when I'm ready to question everything and flip the boat for change it forces me to hold on and ride the wave just a little longer. Granted I forgot about the e-mail by this afternoon and clearly, someone is speaking to me...Julia, posted something else to speak to me 'Moral #1 Stick with whatever goal you have chosen for yourself. It will work out.' The e-mail and Julia are right. Ok, I'm done talking to myself;-)

My Tangible True Love

Ok, so we all know my original 'true love'. Well, I also have a tangible true love, it's high heel shoes. Now, I'd like to state for the record since going back to school I have been a very good girl with my shoe purchases or lack there of. I have managed to buy very few cute shoes, only the practical kind read boring type shoes. Excuse me while I pat myself on the back and wipe the tear from my eye. I'm officially sick of being practical, however, I've got another 15 months of the student thing. So needing a reason to buy cute high heel shoes has presented itself. I have a few weddings and events coming up and my generous Mother bought me a cute black dress for these events and for sure I 'need' some cute not so comfortable shoes to go with the dress.

Well, I found some by accident while shopping in Dallas a few weekends ago. I managed not to buy them. My Mom and Sis don't need to witness me spending money...they give me hell. Come on, don't they know every girl needs a little pick up and what better pick me up than some new cute high heel shoes. Ok, so I refrained from buying these oh, so cute shoes. I procrastinated until today and I have a wedding this weekend. I know patience little grasshopper.

Today when sprinting through Nordstrom to get to the Apple store for my appointment at the genius bar there they were. It was like time stopped, the heavens opened and the angels were singing 'Glory Hallelujah' while shining the light on what had to be the most perfect pair of high heel shoes I've seen. I came to a screeching halt. Could it be my dream come true? I turn these beautiful gems over to see the size of the shoes, forget price these babies have taken my breath away. Yes, size 6 on display, that's me. Try them on, perfect fit. A nice sales lady walks up and escorts me to the register. I think a total of 5 minutes went by between the time I saw them and the time they became mine. So, without further ado I introduce to you the perfect high heel shoe;-)

Planning

For the most part I'm quite the planner. I map anything and everything out including potential catastrophes. I am always ready for anything that may occur. However, this August I've clearly fallen apart. I start a new semester tomorrow. I have done nothing to prepare for it. In fact I'm willing to bet I don't even carry a notebook with me tomorrow. What has happened to me?

My goals before a semester are to be well rested, organized home and slightly bored with myself. This helps me want to start a new semester. None of this has happened this month. If anything I feel as exhausted as I feel at the end of a semester. Wish me luck!!!

I still need to sign up for an online course that I'm pretty sure started today. Clearly, I'm on top of things;-) Where are my classes tomorrow morning? I have no idea and more than likely will just figure it out tomorrow once I'm on campus. I will say the one thing I've managed to take care of is get the old parking sticker off of my car, which is like ripping your thumb off your hand it's so messy. The new sticker is ready to roll. At the moment I call this success. Seriously, 15 months to go!!!

The one thing I have planned is my entire labor day weekend which involves lots of beer, running and tons of fun...maybe I'm acting more like a freshman. Woo Hoo!

Exhausted...

Exhausted is not the way I wish to start my next semester, but it looks like that's what it's going to be. I realized today as I was talking to my mom a lot of my exhaustion stems from watching the Olympics until 11 or 12 o'clock at night. I'm usually sound asleep by 10 pm. So staying up late to get up at 4:30 am to run 12 or so miles then go stand on hard concrete floors for the rest of the day at work explains my exhaustion.

I must say I'm a tad frustrated at the moment with my training. I keep thinking this humidity thing won't bug me so bad but the truth is it's kickin' my ass!!! Today was no different. I feel like I'm slogging elephant legs through my 12ish mile runs. It seems like my pace is more of a shuffle than a run like a walker could pass me I'm moving that slow. You know what I'm talking about. You've seen it happen. The good news is I'm so pace challenged (I guess this is good for now) once I plug in the numbers I'm actually holding an 8:50 pace. Whew!!! I was getting concerned about my race goals but am settling back down again. All I know if it weren't for Julia this morning I would have stopped running and crawled back to Barton Springs.

12.5 miles (Ruth's definition of a 12 miles run) check!

Nap Time

Who new nap time would be so necessary in adulthood? As a child it was the most dreaded moment of any and every given day. What I wouldn't give to have mandatory nap time every day now. Now here's the sad news my nap occurred today at 830am. You read that right. Most people are headed to work at that time but not me. I had been up since 4:30am and slogged my way through 12 humid miles and was whacked. 2 hours later I was a new person. Ahhh...

I foresee a nap tomorrow as well. These Olympics are keeping me up way past my bedtime. 2 more weeks to enjoy these naps then it's back to school...

My True Love

I honestly had no idea what I was getting myself into back in 2000 when I pulled out a map of the US to figure out my next place of residency. There really is no method to my living madness other than I get bored and need a new adventure, which tends to involve me moving to another state. I figure why not, if I don't like it I can leave. It's safe to say I fell head over hills in love with San Francisco. I can't explain it but there's something about this city that makes me feel alive like no other place can or does. Don't get me wrong I like Austin just fine but my heart belongs to SF.

Seriously, words can't describe my love of it. I would walk my neighborhood almost every night out to the lion steps just to take in the fresh air and beauty of it all. Like some people hug trees (Kerry) I walk the hills to see the views of the water. I am well aware it costs a mini-fortune to live there and it's worth every pretty penny to do it at least once.

I guess I should come clean with the fact it was 75 degrees and sunny the entire time I was there earlier this month, and normally July is the coldest month out there, but whatever. I got a little trigger happy with the camera to take it all home with me.

3-Hours

and one sore ass later my latest UT Cycling study has begun. Honestly, my decision making abilities need to be revoked. I've said this before (in another post I can't recall) and I'll say it again. I may need someone else to tell me if I'm making the right decision or not. I say this in jest...

A few weeks ago i got an e-mail from Lynne over at UT wanting to know if I had time to do another cycling study. If so, was i still cycling. Well, if you count my ride at the Katy Flatlands last July as still riding then yes. Ok, so I didn't tell her that part. I vaguely payed attention to the length of the study and all it would require. As a student all I saw was the dollar amount and followed by a 'yes, I'd love to participate.'

So yesterday was the 'practice' ride. Seriously, why didn't I read that e-mail. I'm thinking no biggie I've fasted for these things before I've survived, how bad could it be. Way worse than my crazy head could imagine! After fasting for 12 hours and waking up hungry I had the privilege of riding a bike for 3 hours. Yeah, you read that right 3 hours on an empty stomach. Have I mentioned my bony butt...I think now is a good time to do just that. I have a very bony ass. When I drove from San Francisco to Austin every night I landed in a hotel I had to lay on my stomach and massage my ass back to life. In fact, I need to make a butt pumper. Something that can fluff a person's bony ass back to life.

Ok, for starters Lisa left my watch on...I love it when I sneak my gigantic watch by the timing Nazis. About 1.25 hours into my ride Lisa sees it and confiscates it...damn it!!! I really need to know how much longer I have on this bike. Now we'll get back to my bony ass. It's a total toss up in what's more miserable my growling stomach or my numb seat bones. I kid you not my butt was numb around the half-way point. The good news is you're able to stop and take a potty break. This proves to be a good thing. Gives me a chance to pump some life back into my bony ass. Again I need to make a butt pumper. I took 2 potty breaks. 1. because I actually needed to go and 2. because sitting on a bike for 3 straight hours is wrong!

By the end of the 3 hours my arms couldn't even hold the handle bars anymore I was so hungry. Normally I'm not one to want food directly after a hard work-out. Yesterday was different. The second I jumped off that bike I started slamming calorie drinks along with the biggest PB&J my eyes have ever seen. Lynne makes a wicked PB&J. By the time I finished stuffing my face I looked like a 6 month old pregnant lady in cycling shorts...not a good look for a single person;-)

The good news is I can bring my own bike seat with me next week. I think bike shorts and bike seats deserve their own post along with my bony ass;-)

Happy Birthday Cancers!!!

Good friends, great memories and a ton of wine;-)

So True

I saw this quote on a friend's facebook page and I couldn't agree more;-)

"I'm impatient, selfish, and a little insecure. I'm hard to handle and out of control sometimes. I may get down on myself and come to you for help a lot. But, if you can't handle me at my worst...then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."
-Marilyn Monroe