Challenging

Today's run was more difficult than Saturday's run. The numbers reflect it as well, but they all can't be glorious. I am running, and for that I am happy! Can you tell I wanted to hitch a ride back home during mile 2?

Mile 1 (13:21) Avg HR 158
Mile 2 (14:07) Avg HR 168

I wanted to wish you all a happy and safe new year. I am glad you stop by here, and post your comments that keep me more motivated than you will ever know...Cheers, to many miles in 2008!

Random thought of the day: Some drivers will almost break their neck to look at a fat chick running. I am fat, I am running, get over it!

But, Now I Am Found

Instead of my face being posted on a milk carton it should have been placed on every bit of junk food you could imagine. I have been on a eatathon on and off since Thanksgiving. I have been so far off the wagon, that I need a map to find it, to jump back on. The good news is I have been cleared by the Dr. for running again as of Thursday. He recommended that I not run on consecutive days since he says I have a tendency for stress related injuries. I guess cross training will continue to be my friend for life. I went for a run today, and did run/walk intervals of 7R/1W. I forgot how grueling running can really be at times. None, of the cycling I had been doing could prepare me for this, it was rough! When, I finished I felt relieved as if all this sense of dispiritedness I had been carrying exited through my feet remaining on the pavement I pounded. In the two miles, I had regained my confidence, my desires, my will to continue on my journey and not look back. The why I run came back to me, and that is what will carry me for many miles to my goal of the 1/2 in 5 months....

Stats courtesy of my Garmin Forerunner 305 Christmas present, which will now be known as LT. LT is a class act who works so hard physically to achieve his goals, and after his 60 Minutes interview I was inspired by his strength.

Mile 1 (12:47) Avg HR 164

Mile 2 (13:00) Avg HR 167

The Stars Alligned

I am sitting in a court room typing this up on the Blackberry. I'm here for two moving violations. I wish I ran as fast as I like to drive. I have been here 4 hours!! How do I break it to the Judge that I might miss my hair appointment ;-D There is 50 people in here, and they all look like criminals to me. Maybe, its just that we're all in court.

So, the gym didn't happen yesterday. I have a really good excuse, of course I do. I am full of them since Thanksgiving! I was driving to the gym when the Hubby called and informed me he has a spur of the moment meeting in Paris, and asked if I wanted to go with him. I busted a U'y right there, 3 minutes from the gym. I headed home, since it was going to take a lot of kinks to work out before Paris was going to happen for me.

1. Make sure the grandparents can watch the kiddo. My parents are out of town till Sunday so my Mother in Law would have to be able to have the kiddo for two days than my parents have him for two days.

2. Get a ticket to Paris with airline miles at the last minute.

3. Reschedule my Saturday hair appointment for Friday. I don't want my ever prominent grays showing in the pictures :-/

Mission accomplished! I am leaving for Paris tomorrow!

I am so excited I have never been anywhere close to Europe, unless you count Disneyworld in the summer when all the Europeans visit. So, I will try to take in as much in as I can in a couple days. If you have any tips or sights I must check out let me know. TX Runnergirl & Margo, Do you think I will run in to LC? LOL! I know I will eat myself pastry silly. The maintain my current weight through the holidays will be tested...

Au revoir

Random thought of the day: As I am typing this does the lady next to me thinks its OK for her to look over my shoulder and stare at my phone screen?

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Mama Mia!

During the entire show I was thinking, I need to pee! I asked ushers on end where the restroom was, and they all said there are only Men's restrooms. I reply, In a theater, no Women's restroom, what kind of establishment are you running here?

Than, I woke up used the potty, and went back to sleep. Who dreams of musicals? Umm, that would be me. I watched some show last night they were discussing a movie version of Mama Mia was in the making. I guess it stayed in my mind subconsciously. I did enjoy that musical, it is on my top 5 musical list. Yes, such a list exists in my world..

I have not worked out since Tuesday when I took a great, ass kicking spin class with my favorite instructor. I tried to stay after class to do an endurance ride, but 5 minutes into it I skipped out. I guess I will try again today. I am staring at my workout clothes debating it still.

It seems like I have so much stuff to do today. Why are the holidays so dayum busy?! Is anybody else going through this or do I just stress myself out with ridiculous things?

I will update later if I make it to the gym.

Random thought of the day: Why do people drive around a parking lot several times waiting for a close spot? If you would have parked in the back, you could have walked to the front by now..

Jack Frost

I am feeling so much better. My side only bothers me when I sneeze, cough or take a big deep breath. I have not done jack frost (edited for the season) of anything active since Friday, unless you count baking 300+ cookies with the familia, and managing to eat a couple dozen myself drizzled with a bunch of eating out this weekend. UGH! I complain that I am not hitting my mini goal by the end of the year. So, I succumbed and set a new goal for years end, which is maintain, maintain, maintain. That would mean I have to lose 4 pounds to maintain :-O

Mini Me

This morning I got a calender out to set some goal events I would like to participate in next year.

Texas Motor Speedway Duathlon

Athens Sprint Triathlon

Conoco 10K Rodeo Run

Cleveland 1/2 Marathon

With that being said I am heading to a spin class this morning, and if it feels good I will aim to do an additional 45 minutes on the bike. Also, I need to stop in the poor food choices. I have to remember that losing weight is a huge goal here at Excuses.... I go back to Dr. McDreamy in 2 weeks & 2 days. When I will hopefully be cleared for running, which I will need help in how to come back. I don't want to do too much too soon, cause lets face it that is me!

Pain Is Nature's Way of Telling You That You Are Still Alive

Cliches, gotta love them. Except for last night, after two Vicodin , curling up into a ball , and whimpering. It hurt to lay down, sit down, and it only felt better to curl up. The pain is better today. I still could not do spin class this morning. I walked in, and walked out after five minutes. I ended up doing the recumbent bike for 40 minutes, and that was bearable. I had promised Kim, my gym pal that I would try Zumba with her. I figured I would be OK since I would really just be shaking my hips, and could minimize the arm movements. If you know me though, you would know no coordination here. After, all my battle wounds, isn't it totally apparent. However, I enjoyed Zumba, it was like being at one of my parents parties dancing our asses off to salsa and merengue, minus the flowing rum...

Random thought of the day: Every year when I shop for Christmas presents for others, I find a bunch of stuff for myself that I just have to have.

Crash Test Dummy

This is what I see when I look in the mirror lately.

I am coming live to you from Starbucks. I have to say this stay at home Mom gig has some perks, kiddo is at Pre School now. I feel like Perez Hilton except that I don’t think any stars are walking up in this joint. People are looking at me like I am doing some serious work here, if they only knew.

Sorry, I have not blogged in a while. I felt like a loser coming in here and saying not only do I have a stress fracture, and calf strain. I now have scrapes, bruises, and a rib contusion (fracture, I hate that word). I had my first official bike crash on Saturday’s club ride. It was a one person crash, usually how I crash cars as well. We were about 9 miles into the ride, and at that stretch I was going about 16mph. We were coming out of the shoulder to the road because there was a curb up. I checked behind me and there was a truck coming pretty quickly not giving much me much clearance. I was so busy keeping my eyes on him that I missed the huge lip between the road and shoulder. That skinny road bike tire hit it sideways, and off I went. I learned you don’t have to worry about unclipping if you hit hard enough it will be done for you automatically. I know I stood up quickly with fear that the truck would make me road kill. I am so glad I was with the group, hence why I still am scared to ride solo, and a flat tire those two things keep me always riding with a partner. I felt like I hit my head pretty hard. I have a goose egg bump on my head, but that is just from the helmet hitting my head. I was shaking afterward. I think it was just an adrenaline rush since at the moment I felt no pain. One, of the guys twisted my bike back to a ride able shape. One, the ladies had band aids. After, a few minutes we were off. My rear brakes were out, the front ones were barely working, and the whole bike leaned left. I took it easy back to the Y, not to mention that I had regained all the fear I had of the bike before.

I felt sore for the next couple of days, but Tuesday morning I woke up and felt like I had been speared on my left side. It was difficult to breathe so I went to the Dr. and he hooked me up with the good stuff. He said the worst pain is days 3-5, luckily today is day 5, (still hurts like hell), but tomorrow is day 6, so I should feel fine tomorrow right? He said just no heavy lifting and stay off the road bike for a couple weeks so I don't fall and injure the same area, which could cause complications. I still have kept up with spin class, and an extra 45 minutes after class, depending who the instructor is.

I got some groovy x ray pictures, but I can't figure out how to copy it off this disk.

I should have taken the pics right after the accident versus Wednesday night, Duh?! I am still practicing at this documentary; some of you are so good at it. The goose egg pic I will save you from, mostly save me cause I couldn't’t get one pic without showing that I have to redo my roots already..ugh!

This one just feels like a sunburn. It is little but very annoying.I had a short sleeve shirt on it it has no rips, weird. I have this on the side of my stomach too. I am not taking a picture of my stomach to save my life. Can my stretch marks be anymore prominent. NASTY!

The little ones on my knuckles is where my glove ripped. My knee is just bruised now, I had on pants. My camera sucks, I can't see the green on this pic.

These pictures stink!

Random thought of the day: My Mom's reply to falling off my bike. "Maybe ,you should stop exercising till you lose more weight or just walk on a treadmill"

Back In The Saddle..Literally

I had my follow up for my stress fracture on the tibia and calf strain on Tuesday. I was cleared to begin cycling, and elliptical next week if the cycling feels good. He told me I can add resistance/hills slowly in this week as tolerated. Still, no running till Christmas. I went to spin class today, and my fitness level has taken a nose dive. I tried some of the climbs, and felt pain instantly in my calf so I released the tension. I am trying this thing now where I am listening and most importantly paying attention to the pain. I also do not know what happened while I have been gone from spinning class. We have a new instructor, who does not get on the bike, and that just blows my mind a bit. There is also a full class now, and they are a bunch of Chatty Cathys. They almost forget to pedal while they are talking, and the instructor is right there with them, and even turns down the music to continue to converse. I don't know what the flip that is all about! Nonetheless, I still got a good workout. That is the great thing about spin class is that you can push yourself as hard as you like. You want to burn more, pedal harder. You want to burn the quads, add more resistance. My mind kept playing tricks on me telling me to get off the bike and give up, and yes I am singing that song when I typed my mind is playing tricks on me. I burned 500 calories, and threw up a little after class. It is gonna take a while and a whole lot of determination to build back up, but I am determined. I want that 1/2 in May more than I have ever set my mind to accomplish anything before. I don't think that makes sense, but remember people elementary here. Rounded out the morning with a mani & pedi...Ahh, I feel like a woman again.

On another note, Dancing With The Stars delivered the winner I wanted since the freestyle where all the dancers fell short to Helio's fun filled performance. Timmy, you are so right on the wind up on doll Marie. I thought for sure she would give us something. Total disappointment, not that she ever impressed me too much. I have 2 episodes of Project Runway to watch. How is the season thus far?

Random thought of the day: Why does the lady at the nail shop get a little perturbed when she tells me to pick a color, and I respond by saying I brought my own.

'Elementary, my dear Watson'

Thanks, Margo for the site that affirms what I always knew about my blog. LOL!

The scale scared me straight this evening! Back on the wagon tomorrow. I have my follow up with the Dr. on Tuesday, and keeping my fingers crossed for some cycling, and maybe elliptical.

Random thought of the day: How come it takes me almost a month to lose 8 pounds, but yet they can pack back on after a few days of pigging out?

There Is Always Next Year

Not much to report here. The race I had been looking forward to for 6 weeks is here tomorrow. It would have been a step up for me, a 5miler. My son, is still doing the 1 mile race, and my family is doing the 3 mile walk. I will be there to cheer them on! It was my idea that we all got out there and did something active Thanksgiving morning. Well, there will always be more right....

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving & best of luck to those of you with Turkey Trots!

5 More You Did NOT Wanna Know

How sad, I tagged myself from Jess's blog. Than, Margo was going to tag me, and I beat her to it. So, so sad... Well, and now I was tagged 4 realz by P.O.M.

So, I thought I would do 5 facts with visual aids.

THA RULZ:

• link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog




• share 5 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird




• tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs




• let them know they are TAGGED by leaving a comment on their blog

1. I love going to baseball games, since I could remember.





2. I rolled with a big entourage as a kid.







3. I loved & still love Madonna.
   
4. I had an afro as a child, and for some reason I liked to run around commando.
   
   



5. I was in a beauty pageant, and while others showed their talent of playing the piano and violin. I chose to dance and lip sync to "Lucky Star". Mom & Dad must have been proud.

   

   
   
   
   

   I'M TAGGING

Christy

Maria

Vanilla

Amy

Delane

Random thought of the day: Why do people remove their car emblems off their car. If have a Kia and you remove the Kia emblem, and put Lexus tail lights. I still know it is a Kia. Ride it proudly!

Ankle Air Alphabet?!?

Today is the kind of gorgeous day that running should be done!

Eh, this leg is really starting to get on my bad side. I had Physical Therapy yesterday, and left with my leg feeling worse than it did when I got there. I did receive some great massages, than we did a few calf strengthening exercises, I hope they work. I have been doing the exercises myself, twice a day as I was told, followed with ice. By the way, why do I always get a chic therapist. The hottie PT guy had a line of cougars waiting for him to rub them. I hope this PT thing works. I have this fear that I will be fine in six weeks only to relapse a few weeks down the line. Planning on some pool running this weekend, and I may be able to do some cycling after Thanksgiving. I am so ready for it!

Did anyone catch "Grey's Anatomy" this week? That show is getting a little off from where it once was. I may just be grumpy lately, cause Meridith is working my last nerve.

Random thought of the day: Will I ever outgrow watching music videos or MTV reality shows.

Random Nothings

I had a rest day lined up for today since I had a hair appointment at gym time. Also, my arms are killing me since it is the only thing I can work out. I thought I would show off the hair freshly colored and cut. It took three pics to get one worth posting. Here are all three...

I thought I would do the 5 random things about myself as seen at Jess's blog & Marcy's blog. Great blogs!!

1. I have to make the bed's daily. Even if I am about to sleep in them.

2. I misspell everything, and much to my embarrassment my grammar is at a fourth grade level. I write like I speak, which consists of plenty of run on sentences, and fragments when I am mad.

3. I brush my teeth in the shower.

4. I get sleepy everyday at 3PM no matter what I am in to.

5. I love high heels with the pointy toes, and that show toe cleavage.

The whole random thing has sparked a thing I can do for my blog daily. Since, I am so mundane compared to those awesome blogs out there. I will do a random thought of the day. Not totally orginal since P.O.M. does a song of the day, which is so signature.

Random thought of the day: When I go to Starbucks and order my tall non fat iced coffee with two Splenda, I always get the feeling that they give me whole milk.

Swimming..Huh?

The Doc told me to cross train with swimming for the next three weeks. I have never been a swimmer. Every time, I am in the pool I am floating around with a fruity drink in hand. I went and got a bathing suit first. The one I had from last year, was a bit big and the girls kept coming out. I went out to a swim shop and wobbled over to the clearance section. I found three that looked cute. Went to the dressing, and sure they were super cute, hanging on the hanger back on the rack. Who the hell do they make these things for? SWIMMERS, I am guessing. I tried three on and one, yes just one fit. My back fat and boobs were all squeezed into a scary uni boob, but it fit without having to go to the plus size suits, which tripled in price. So, it was a scary moment and a great moment. I am outta the plus size category, and that has not happened to me in years!

I grabbed my suit, my son's goggles, a swim cap that I found in a closet, which I am still scratching my head thinking where it came from, a towel, and off to the gym. I have no idea how your supposed to swim form wise and exercise wise. Do you swim till you tire out and can't swim anymore?? Do you swim hard, recover and start back up again?? I started with the breast stroke, since it is the only thing I know how to do besides floating. I am really good at floating especially with the uni boob acting as the ultimate floating device. I swam for 21 minutes till my arms felt like they were going to fall off, and to tell the truth my lungs were struggling. My arms are super sore since yesterdays upper body ST session, and now they are just numb. I am a sicko cause I love that feeling. I like to feel the pain for a day. It reminds me that my work outs are doing just that working. I need to find out if I can wear my HRM whilst swimming to see if I am actually burning calories.

If there are any swimmers out there please feel free to throw a non swimmer some tips or advice anything, just don't throw my a life preserver. I got that one covered ;-)

Advil Addict Comes Clean

Calf sprain with a good ol' fashioned stress fracture. That is my diagnosis. I know it is partly my fault when my leg was really bothering me the whole month of October, I continued to push it. I would just cut my running down to two to three times a week and increase the cross training. I would ice it, massage it, and stretch it. I felt like I was just getting this running thing right where I wanted it. So, I would pop Ibuprofen before I would go out for a run, after, and all times in between. Rita, will tell you that when she gave me 800mg Ibu pills it was like crack, I got all tingly on the inside. I just had to have it, where is the milk so I can pop this bad boy and have some relief. Nobody believes me, but becoming this Ibuprofen connoisseur of sorts I will let you in on my hypothesis. The 800mg Ibu dissolves in one big boom, not the same as four 200mg tablets.

A couple of weeks ago I came to the realization that running should not be all this pill popping, Ben Gay, elevation, ice, rinse & repeat ordeal. There has to be good days with a few rough ones, but all of mine got rougher and intolerable. I had this conversation with my gimp leg, please just hold out till the 5 miler on Thanksgiving, and I will take a solid month off let you regroup, and than we can start training for the Cleveland 1/2 in May. Deal?? No deal!! On the weekend of RWTS 5K and Tour de Donut, my leg let me know who is running this show.

So, here I am now with this knee high sexy boot, oh and the ever so hawt crutches that just remind me how uncoordinated I truly am. I spent all last week sitting around with my leg up, and coordinated just enough to make it to the fridge, and pantry several times a day.

I made up my mind while devouring my Dad's infamous lasagna that I could get through this by stuffing my sadness into whopping weight gain, and be back where I was 5 months ago or get back on the WeWa wagon after a week of craziness.

Today, I was back to journaling everything I put in my pie hole, which consisted of fruits, soup and things that will make me stronger, and most importantly make my scale move in the correct direction, DOWN. I also went to the gym, did upper body strength training and core work. If anybody has some good ab workouts, shoot em' my way. I thought I kicked my abs ass, if that makes any sense, but they are not sore. I want that muscle that is way under the fat, feel my wrath!

I will not take this injury with my leg up, getting fatter. I will do everything I can to come out of this stronger, Advil free, and lesson learned.

Tour De Donut 28 Mile Ride Report

Here is the ride report I have been slacking off on posting. I think it is just cause I am a little down about being sidelined for a while, but I digress that will follow on another post. After my 5K on Saturday I came home and washed my bike so it would be all pretty for the ride. Goofball I know! Loaded it up and made sure I had all the supplies I needed, and headed out to some friends house in Katy. They spoiled me so much with a great dinner and awesome margaritas. Ahh, is this not the way all events should be preluded? We hung out, watched a DVD, followed by spectating a game of Halo 3. I can see where I could enjoy that game. Note to self: never buy a XBox unless I want to sit on the couch forever! We than set three alarms with the time change thing going on we did not know if any of them would go off, and out of three alarms one woke me up. We all headed out to the ride site. It was so awesome of them to get up early with me and support me. Thanks you guys, love you bunches!! I unloaded my bike, went to go grab my shirt at packet pick up since they did not have them available at early pick up, annoying. The line went out the door after being there twenty minutes, I picked up my chip and headed back out to the car to find my friends and grab my gear. Here is where the problem came, it was eight minutes till start time and when I looked out it was a sea of bikes, cyclists, and cars with bike racks. Everything and everyone looked like the next. I walked around, rode around, screamed out in a panic, and finally I saw Ana. I ran to her in my cycling shoes (which means on my heals) like a lost three year old who just found her Mom after being misplaced for a bit. I threw everything in the car pinned my number and headed to start line. I was wondering how that worked out, if we all got sent out like a pack of wolves in search of prey or they spaced us out. I was glad to know they spaced us out in groups, so my being five minutes late to the start line made no difference since I would just wait for another ten minutes to ride off. While waiting they kept telling us to put left foot down on the starting mats to pick up the chip. Great, I always unclip right foot first like a habit to prohibit me from those fun falling off the bike while barely moving events. So, as I am lined up back there I tried unclipping left first. Yea, bad idea totally fell over! Huge nasty bruises all over my left leg and instantly sore. *Tip: If you wanna part a sea of cyclist, fall off your bike before the race starts and they will avoid you like the plague the rest of the ride. Finally, I was off and the first 5 miles were pure torture. There were kiddos almost falling in ditches. There was unpredictable riders who did not say the good ol' polite on your left so you could move over or how about a shout out of debris when there is a dead fucking pig on the shoulder!! Nothing, It took five miles to weave in and out of other cyclist and find a happy riding place. I was feeling good miles 5-10. .

The course was really flat, and kinda scenic if you like flat hay filled land. We had the first pit stop at mile 10 and there were so many people I spent fifteen minutes waiting to get in a port a potty, but devoured a donut while I waited. After all, five minutes off my chip time for every one I ate. I should have eaten 3 to knock off my bathroom break but oh well, I am trying to lose weight here. I was back on the bike with a smooth comfortable ride till the next stop at mile 20. I got off there grabbed some oranges, walked it out and I was back out. I went all this past week without jumping on my bike or mixing in a spin class, but I was sick so whatevas! I was paying for it now though, I could not feel my booty! I got back on the bike sipped some Gatorade, and kept looking at my cycle computer as I felt every mile from there on out in my left leg. At mile 23 I had to cross over I-10 with a nice steep overpass, oh, and don't forget a huge 18 wheeler on my ass with no shoulder for me to get in to. My nerves were shot, and I am telling myself BPMS150 not in my cards maybe ever. Once I was on the side shoulder I pedaled my heart out hitting 21mph on the flat road trying to get back to the finish line as soon as I could. Soon, after that I was crossing that finish line with a huge smile cause I could not get off the bike fast enough! Cycling is definitely my cross training tool, but I will do it again cause the competitor in me has to beat this two hour time.

Run With The Saints 5K Report

I had Run With The Saints 5K this past Saturday. It was the race our Power In Motion running group was doing as our little graduation 5K. I had to get up quite early since it was on the west side of town, but I was feeling pretty good considering the fact that I was sick as shit all week, oh except that my gimp leg was bugging out. The race was a small event, not chip timed just good ol' fashioned stop watch and bib tear offs. It was a very relaxed atmosphere, just peeps running for a good cause and fun. It went through a nice neighborhood off of Eldridge, birds chirping and all. We had a huge turn out from our PIM group. Here is the group pic that took a good five minutes to gather us all up! I am in the front right hand corner in the bluish, greenish tank and hat.

I had told Coach Trish this past week that I wanted to break that 39 minute 5K that I had been getting pretty comfortable in. She told me we can do it no problem, and promised to pace me for this race. I enjoy running with her so much we have great conversation,and even when we are not chatting she keeps me going. It seemed like every 1/4 mile we ran I was feeling worst, and she knew it. You think it could be cause I kept saying I feel like shit, Trish! She kept reminding me I can do this. At around mile 2 we passed up my car, she made me look at the big pretty houses to keep me from jumping in that bad boy, and getting the hell outta there! The last 1/4 mile I gave it all I had left, which was hardly nothing at all. When I crossed the finish line I had goose bumps, and not feeling well at all. Trish, gave me her water bottle and took me over to the food were I ate a couple orange wedges and more water. A few minutes later I felt back to normal. It is amazing how I pushed my body to perform better and it let me know right after. It is a good feeling to make your body give you all it has. Now that I actually move my ass, I realise what a fascinating piece of equipment the human body is. I shaved two minutes off my last 5K. It was so great to hang out with the group afterwards and discuss future running goals, and what a fun journey we have had. The homies are pictured below, Trish and I are on the left.

Halloween Running & Ramblings

We did our 3 mile Indian run yesterday with the group. That was really fun! The back of the line runner would sprint up, ask a question as they passed other runners, and what do you know..we were half way done before I even noticed. Many of us came in the Halloween spirit with costume. I was an angel, and I have to tell you those wings had magical powers because I had a pretty good pace going on at times. Coach Trish was a cute kitty, with jingling mice attached, Coach Jack came as Hef, and some other Coaches came as bunnies. It was cute, but by far Sara & Brenda took the cake as Dog The Bounty Hunter, and voluptuous wifey. Holy shit, every time she ran past me in the line I would just crack up!! We had a lot of honkers, hoots and hollers! To say the least it was an easy fun 3. I am really gonna miss this group when it ends next week. We will still meet informally for those who would like to come out. The Monday ladies will still be meeting so I will have to join them a few times.

Here are some pics from yesterday

& My not so Little Red Riding Hood costume with my mini me wolf!

I am relapsing with my cold again. I was feeling so much better yesterday, but this morning woke up with the throat pain and aches. I have a 5K on Saturday with the running group that I plan on breaking my 5K 39 minute curse. We will see now that I still feel like crap, and not to mention a 28 mile ride on Sunday. I will play that one by how I feel that morning.

TX Runner Girl, Jill & Anna, thank you so much for your support. I have officially set a goal for the Cleveland Half Marathon in May. I want to take a little extra time to train for it since I am a klutz, (knock on wood) and since my gimp leg is acting out again I will need the time. The Seabrook Marathon & Relay in March sounds like a fun relay. Totally gotta get a team together.


Shane, has been emailing me while in Africa, with a race goal for himself. He wants to aim for the Chevron Jingle Bell Run. I am so excited for him to find a hobby. His hobby always seems to be too much work, being a fabulous Dad, and a caring supportive Husband. So I am excited that he can do something for himself, he deserves it!

Marathon...Itch

Damn that Marathon Challenge show! First, it made me cry. The last five years I have prided myself in growing this tough layer of skin. I don't cry over bullshit anymore, and especially movies or shows. The second thing this show did is put the token fat chick in it, and let me think I have this glimmer of hope that maybe I could complete a marathon.

So, do I? Do I want to push my body?

When I began a 5K running program in June, I did it for exercise and for satisfying this vision of me being able to run a 5K. Now, well now I want more from myself. Sure, I could increase my speed, but I know that will come with time especially as the weight continues to drop. I want to run a marathon. I do, but how do I go about it? I am thinking next years marathon season. Do I have to do all different distance races first? Do I have to do a half before I commit to a full? What is the protocol here? I know I am way ahead of my capabilities here, but if I set goals I will set out to accomplish them. Without any goals, and something to look ahead to, I will let it all fall by the wayside. Could be this freakin Nyquil!

What the hell happened on Dancing With The Stars tonight? How can the best dancer be kicked off!?!!

Anna, I hope you get better soon. I totally hope this half happens for you. If not there is a bunch more, not very consoling, but there is.

Sick & Now What

I did a lot of cross training this past week. I did not sleep enough, mixed in with a few social activities. All this = one sick chick! I have not slept at all this week, getting a max of 5 hours on good nights. For some of you that is a decent amount, but for me I need, and love my 8 hours if I can get it. Last night I had that tickle feeling in my throat in combonation with congestion, and still went to a movie. I caught Dan In Real Life, in my opinion it was ehh at best. Than, I went ahead, and woke up at 4:45 AM anyhow and headed out to a 40 something degree cold, dark downtown to volunteer at the Houston Half Marathon. It was a lot of fun though, I worked the finisher shirt station. I got to watch the runners take off since we had set up our station by gun time. I saw a few of my PIM running coaches, and cheered for them. Whilst the race was going on I talked to some of the other volunteers many of them with a bunch o' marathons under their belt who gave some great advice, and told some fantastic marathon stories!! I worked the guys shirts, giving all the finishers a big great job! Except for the hottie runners, they got a Colgate smile

with a raspy voiced congratulations!! I saw Kim Hager, pick up her finisher shirt way ahead of everyone. I swear nobody else came around for a while. I am pretty sure I heard she was the first overall female finisher. Kim is amazing!! I hear she coaches a beginner tri group here in The Woodlands in the summer, just saying.
Coach Manny came to grab his shirt, with the smart ass comment, "Viv your not running?" Ha, Ha, Funny guy! I told him next year, and he said I know you will. Ah, Sweet! The Houston Striders are awesome to their volunteers. We got a catered lunch, goodies, and great door prizes. I left there knowing one thing for certain, I will be there next year running. God willing and keeping me healthy. Cycling did not go so great on Saturday. I was not feeling the 22.5 mile ride. The group encouraged me to go for it, but I just was set against it. I did the 13.5 mile ride, and it was just a perfect leisurely ride. I was just feeling lazy, and probably my body was trying to fight this cold that has been trying to get me since Thursday. My body has surrendered, and now I feel like total shit. I have a supah busy week, and a packed race/ride schedule this coming weekend!

I just put the kiddo down, so I am crashing out at 7:30PM! Goodnight...

XT Week

I spent most of this week cross training. I did 3 spin classes, a couple days of elliptical, and 4 miles on Wednesday with the group, which went suprisngly well. Thanks, Trish & Crystal for the conversation, about food nonetheless, but it got me through. Crystal is going to be out of town so that was her last run with us this PIM season. Will miss ya chickie!! Enjoy it, cause than we start this 10K training schedule .

I also did 3 miles on the treadmill today. It was gorgeous outside, but no preschool on Fridays so had to settle for the gym with the kid's club. I have my 22.5 mile club ride tomorrow morning. I am a little nervous since it has been 2 weeks since I have been on the bike.

I went to a Halloween party tonight without Shane, since he got called out to Africa. I still went as not so Little Red Riding Hood, just without my wolf....

D'Feet Breast Cancer 5K Race Report

If your not in to kiddos you may want to skip this one. It is my son's first race, a 1K & my 5K. Super exciting day!!

I knew this one was going to be rough since I did not plan correctly. I thought the whole time when I registered that this race was the last weekend of October. I had increased my mileage this week as well logging 13 miles. I had been doing 9 a week so yes that is way more than a 10% increase. My gimp leg was telling me to take it easy, instead I chose to run a 5K. It was a late start time almost 9:15 AM before we took off, and the sun on coast was beating down. I was nervous about doing this one alone. Last time Rita paced me and encouraged me. It was all me this time. I started out really slow, reaching mile 1 at 13:42. I didn't want to be stuck walking at the end if I pushed too hard at the beginning. I took the iPod with me, kept it really low, stayed to the right side, and removed an ear bud to thank volunteers. When I reached the turn around point I felt better. My muscles had warmed up so I increased my speed. I knew by looking at my trusty Timex Ironman that the possibility of beating my last time was looking shady. I was giving it all I had at the last mile. My Polar was saying heart attack numbers jumping between189, 191!! I kept at it, and finally the finish line was within reach. The best part was having my Lil' Buster cheering me on at the finish line. The chip times were finally posted this past Tuesday. I did not beat my last time I was shade slower, which kinda stinks considering this course was completely flat. I am fine with it, sure it would be nice to be fast though the reality is, I am a big runner, but running nonetheless. I am working on increasing my distance since it will burn more calories for me to run longer distances. When the weight continues to drop, and I have increased my base to a decent distance than I will work on my speed.

Lil' Buster 1K race report

Shane and I set him up at the starting point, kissing him to the point that he said stop, and reminded him to walk if he had to. We went back to the sidelines, praying that he would not get trampled like a running of the bulls. LB did not want me to run with him, he said, "this was his race." LOL! He was off and running, and what seemed like forever later he was running back. I ran to him at the finish line, and it looked like he threw up on himself just a tad. His heart was about to beat off his chest. He looked spent and said, " carry me Mom." So I carried him to the water station. He hydrated, felt better, and got his medal placed around his neck. He and Daddy went to the children's party catered by Mc Donald's with tons of M&M's, activities for kids, and he was loving that, while I was doing my 5K. Later this week he walked by his medal hanging on the mantel and said, "I can't believe it Mom, I won my very first race!" I told him yes baby your a winner!

LIVESTRONG CHALLENGE 5K Report

Well, I can finally say I ran my 1st 5K! I have been working at this since June, so crossing that finish line was an awesome feeling! We set out for Austin on Friday, after a lot of traffic, and several u-turns we made it to our hotel checked in and headed to the Livestrong Village for packet pickup. The village thing was pretty cool. Trek was there and got to check out their new bikes, supah suaweet. They had a lot of cycling vendors there since the ride was the big deal this weekend. I enjoyed walking around and taking in all the goodies that come with an event. We, (meaning Shane, my husband, Rita & Vince our dearest friends, and Godparents to our Lil' Buster) than headed to a nice dinner at Carrabba's Grill. Looking back, I should have had a glass or bottle of wine because I was so excited that I barely slept Friday night. I laid in bed watching the clock, waiting for the alarm to go off at 6AM. At that time, I got up and started getting dressed. Rita, came down to our room to have some oatmeal and juice. We stuck tattoos on ourselves from the goodie bag like a couple of 10 year olds. A, few minutes later the guys were chauffeuring us to the event. We went to the porta potty, lined up, and did some stretches. Than, as we waited, I ran back to the porta potty again, lined up again, now I was ready. LOL! Lance Armstrong pulled up in a huge bus. Andy Roddick got out said some blah, blah words. Why is it when he speaks I understand nothing?!?!
Lance took to the stage and thanked everyone for coming out, and reminded Texans to vote for Prop 15 this November. The horn sounded..we were off and running!!
I took off way to fast, Rita made me talk to her to make sure I could keep at a pace that would last me 3.1 miles. I have to admit, for some reason I took it personally when people were flying past me, and prom king Dad's were almost running me over with the jogging strollers. I had to remind myself, it was nothing personal they also have worked to hard to achieve their level of running. Got over myself, and kept at it. It was such a scenic course, the sun coming up over Town Lake, downtown Austin, and the gorgeous rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country. Rita, was the best friend anyone could ask for. Even though this was her first running race, she made a point of making this all about me, cheering me on, calling me a runner, motivating me up those beautiful fucking gorgeous rolling hills!! I think, I might have threatened to kill her somewhere along mile 2, but I love you more Mon Chi Chi! I made sure I thanked all the volunteers, took all high fives, and cheers I could get. I could see we were making our way back to the Capital, and at that point the cheesy smile came all over me. We crossed the finish line. I had done it! I was overwhelmed with emotion. I hugged Rita and shed a few tears of the joy and sense of accomplishment I had attained. Then, Shane came running to me and squeezed me hard, and told me over and over how proud he was of me. I have not seen Shane so proud of me since I gave birth to our son. Shane, hates taking pictures so to see him in full paparazzi mode, not to mention rund down, confirmed his support. I looked at the video in the car on the way up to New Braunfels, which is where I realized that at the finish line Rita stood back, clapped, and let me cross that finish line first..priceless!

I set two goals for myself;

1. Run the entire course

2. Try to finish under 40 minutes

Goal 1

accomplished

Goal 2

Bib 3288 / 39:06 (12:35)

Great tee I saw on a runner....

Feeling like somebody is pushing you from behind, and than realizing it’s you. That is running

1 DAY TILL LIVESTRONG CHALLENGE 5K

I ran 3 miles twice this week, and did 22.5 ride on Saturday, first ride in a misty rain. I can not believe I have accomplished the goal I have been aiming for since June. I have to tell you I almost shed a tear, but instead I had a big cheesy grin and gave Rita a huge sweaty hug! I have my first race Saturday, and I am looking forward to it. I guess that explains while I am still awake, I am a lil' excited. If I finish the race without a walk break I will be ecstatic, but if I have to walk, there is no shame in that. I might have to let the tears flow once I get that first 5K under my belt, as Tammy would say. I am gonna get sappy here, but I want to let you know how much support I have felt from all my WeWa pals and fellow bloggers, friends and family. All of you that check my blog regularly, those thumbs up keep me going. Just took a Valium about 30 minutes ago to chill out and now I am that drunk chic who says I love you like a thousand times. I will stop here and be back after the race....

LIVESTRONG CHALLENGE 5K Training Week 14

Ugh! Sorry, it has been a bit since my last update. My laptop is broken and the thought of sitting at the desktop makes me nauseous. I got back from running clinic tonight and we did a 2 mile run with no walk breaks. It was challenging but great! We also got our half way through the program medal tonight. It was not much, but It looks like a gold medal to me!

It was a big accomplishment for me because 6 years ago when I joined this same running clinic, I quit 3 weeks in to it. I was thinner than too. I guess I did not have that driven desire I have this time around. I finally got to use the Polar HRM I got this week with birthday money from my parents. My birthday is not till Tuesday, wasn't there a band called that in the 80's?! I will take early gifts, no worries..LOL! Thanks Mami & Papi. I bought it on Monday, but Shane has been sick all week with the stomach flu. I have been playing nurse all week, and have not exercised at all since the 3 miler on Sunday with Mon Chi Chi!!

I also had a fall on my bike on Saturdays ride.
This is just some of the nasty bruises. They are on both legs and left hip with a huge knot too. I did not clip out on time getting to the light. The President of the cycling club was riding with us so we had to foot down at every stop :-0 I guess my nerves were shot by the time we made it to this busy intersection at FM 2978 & Woodlands Parkway. I had a hard time keeping up with the group this weekend, but I toughed it out. The nice thing about, Coach Joe, President of the club riding with us is that his biking knowledge is endless, and he enjoys sharing it. He informed me that my chain was on the outer loop so I have been pedaling in my highest 7 gears. Doh! More work for me. I switched it to the middle ring and what a difference. I pedal and go faster with a lot less effort. I did bounce a bit more on the lower gears causing such a soreness on my butt! I thought I was done with the sore ass, and TMI my sore pubic bones....OUCH! I didn't even know I had bones there. LOL! I can't wait to wear the HRM on my ride this Saturday. Point of the fall story is that I was sore to no end the last couple of days. Here are some scary stats for yous guys(Goodfellas style) from tonight's run. I included the warm up and cool down in the calculations.

Total Time: 38:06

2 Miles: 25:28

In Zone: 14:15

Avg HR: 162

Max HR: 185

Cals Burned: 442

I am really nervous for next week we will do 3 miles straight, bye bye walk breaks! This week we move up to 30 minutes running straight than we step to do the 3 miler next Wednesday. I figure rest Thursday & Friday for the 5K on Saturday. I know I am a 2 day rester kinda chic! I am gonna be such a sack of nerves next week. Must remember to get plenty o' rest so I don't get sick.

((knocking on wood))

Marathon Challenge

I saw an article about this show in Runners World, and have been waiting for an air date.

It will now air on Oct 30 on your local PBS. It is called Marathon Challenge.

The show will take 13 non runners and Pippig, a Boston Marathon winner will coach them from non runners to marathon runners.

The website, which is linked above has their training schedule and tips. I hope it is as good as I have hyped it up in my mind.

LIVESTRONG CHALLENGE 5K Training Week 12

I put the clipless pedals back on the bike, and drum roll.... I can do it! I took right off this time with no problems. I practiced quite a bit on Tuesday and I am going to get back out there this evening and practice some more. I did have one tiny accident. I saw Andrew falling off his bike and I tried to jump off my bike with out clipping out. I think I will remember now after the flesh donation to my street.

On the running end of things, it is going well. Last week at running clinic Coach Andrea ran next to me and asked me how was my day. I could not answer!! I had no breath in me left to put one word together. She told me I was running too hard. They would like us to run at a conversational pace since we are not trying to break any world records just cross that finish line and cross it healthy. I learned my pace is more at a 12.30 min mile. I am now running where I should be, which in turn let's me and my leg enjoy it. I do not have the terrible pain in my leg after running. My leg is still a little bothersome the next day. I ice it as soon as I get home and Ibuprofen after a run, and the day after. I am still holding my runs back to 3 times a week, and follow the groups training schedule. I pride myself in actually not pushing myself, but gradually increasing my time as stated by the schedule. This week we will be moving in to the 10min run/1 min walk. This is where I was at before the stress reaction, so keep your fingers crossed.

LIVESTRONG CHALLENGE 5K Training Week 11 (b)

My apologies for a double blogging session again, but I have something important to say. I used to say that when my Mom would tell me to hush, "but, Mom I have something really important to tell you." I went for a 3 mile run on Sunday with Rita. The run went really well. Mile 1 was really good ran all of it. Mile 2 was rough walked most of that. Mile 3 was good ran most of that. When I made it to the 3 mile marker I tapped like it was my finish line. We went to Memorial Park, which has a crushed gravel path, and is a lot easier on the legs. I am going to have a tough time in a month with that 5K, if my leg behaves and lets me get there first. After my run on Sunday, I iced my gimp leg and took my Naproxen. It felt fine till later in the evening on Sunday. It began to bruise again, but in a different spot and bigger. I know it is not from bumping into something because these bruises look different. The one I have from when I first had my stress reaction was a little small one, which is still there just barley visible.

For some reason, I think I have lost 40 punds in my ankles

Now there is a longer one on the same leg, but on the right side of the shin. I debated with the notion of calling the Dr. like if I ignored it this would all go away.

I have also dealt with this thought that keeps creeping in to my head. Will I ever be a runner? Maybe, I am not meant to run? Maybe, I need to lose more weight to not put so much stress on my legs? Maybe my form sucks royally? Than, I have my Cuban mom saying, give up running it is messing you up, just stick to cycling. What the hell? Does she not understand running is what I envision myself doing. It is in my heart, and in my dreams I picture this thinner me, running contently and happily. I called Dr. McDreamy, and I have an appointment Thursday. After spinning this morning I have been icing my leg on and off, and elevating it when I sit down for a bit, hmm..like to blow up my blog! Seriously, no bullshit it feels better this evening. Even the bruising as not as prominent as it was yesterday. I tried to get the best of the crap pictures I took, hopefully you can see what I am babbling about. TX Runner Girl, count me in on that Tour de Donut Ride.. It looks like so much fun!

LIVESTRONG CHALLENGE 5K Training Week 11

I promise I will give my titles some interesting meaning once I do this 5K in October. Entering it as my title keeps reminding me how bad I want to run this 5K . I went on my ride this past Saturday with the group. I barely slept Friday night, I was very excited and nervous at the same time. I don't want to think how I will be the night before a race or something. I have been known to get super excited about stuff for a week before, than not sleep and, get sick. I think I have been sick on at least 2/3 of all our vacations or big events. I woke up early and ate a granola bar as Shane filled up my tires, loaded my bike, filled my water bottle, and grabbed my helmet and gloves. He has been pretty supportive of all my new ventures lately. I explained to him to answer his phone if he saw any unknown numbers since I put to contact him in case of emergency in my helmet, and I was on my way. The meeting place is right off where I used to live in The Woodlands. It is such a nice area with plenty of open road, great scenery, small rolling hills. Perfect! I got there and hung out around my car for a while being shy. Than I said fuggettabout it! I found the group leader, Kelly, who is super sweet. I introduced myself to the other ladies on the ride, than we were told the safety rules and we were off. I was so scared the first 10 minutes. In my head thoughts like; What if I fall? How the hell do these little skinny tires hold my ass? If I hit a small pebble will I jolt off this bike? Why the fuck does the chic in front of me keep slowing down so much, I know I'm gonna side swipe her tire and kill myself? I was one in front of the back of the pack, I would say about 7 in our group, I was informed of some calls I need to make such as car back, debris, and I will tell you one more I learned later. I started chatting with the other lady pacing the back of the ride. She had done a few triathlons and was really nice. I started to relax at this point, and more importantly feel comfortable with the bike. I got the hang of turning, shifting, stopping. I was feeling good now! We made a stop about 45 minutes in to it at a park, chit chatted, re hydrated(did I mention there was no way in hell I was going to try to grab my water bottle while in motion) we discussed the next portion of the ride, and she told us it would be nice open road with not much traffic. I started at the before to last spot again, and at this point I was feeling comfortable enough to pick up my pace. That is when I learned my next call out, "on your left" LOL! I was passing people up. I was right behind the tri girl. I used her as my pace marker. I am so glad that spinning really prepared me for this. I was in love. The breeze was blowing in my face and I swear I had to remind myself to stop smiling so big before I ate a few bugs. I actually braved up a bit and looked at the ponds and the serenity consumed me. It was me, my bike and the road! I finished up and stretched. Kelly, said I did great and had a pretty good pace and would probably be able to move up to the next group after a couple more rides. My goal is to get back to the clipless pedals before switching groups. I am in love with cycling. I took it up as a way to do something while not running, but I never knew it would be so much more than I anticipated. I went to the cycling club meeting last night, and I won a door prize. Is cycling trying to suck me in or what?! I was telling Kelly during the ride that I wanted one of these. It is a wireless on board computer so I can know my speed, average speed and distance. Yaa!

LIVESTRONG CHALLENGE 5K Training Week 10 Part II

Me and my big girl bike...where do I start? Shane bought the used bike on Craigslist a couple of weeks ago as an early birthday present. It is a used 1999 Trek 2100 with a lot of owner upgrades including a Liberator seat with a cut out for, hmm... pc term, protect soft tissue. The previous owner tells me she treated it like her baby. It is in excellent condition except for a few cosmetic nicks on the frame. The people at the bike shop were pretty impressed telling me it is a great entry level road bike that handles really well, being a novice I smile and say, thanks. The bike parked in my garage for a week while I think about where I want to ride, and how to lose a little of the fears I am having. I had been doing spinning now for close to a month. I fell in love with cycling hard and fast. I wanted to maximize that feeling by going outdoors. The bike has the SPD clipless pedal system, which I have the shoes for from indoor cycling, but the bike in the gym is stationary. Even, with the stationary bike at the gym it took me a solid 4 classes to finally clip in and out quickly. Here is an example, on what clipping in should look like, mind you she is on a bike trainer so her bike is balanced for her.

I did some research on the net and found a local group in my area, The Woodlands Cycling Club. I figure with a group I would be motivated, learn some much needed pointers, meet other cyclists, and of course safety in numbers. I sent them an e-mail and was invited to join the Ultra Beginners Group for a 13 mile ride tomorrow, Saturday. I was excited this whole past week. I took my bike to the shop on Wednesday, where I had gotten my cycling shoes since they were so friendly and helpful. I got everything adjusted to where it should be for me. Except the handlebars, I feel they should be a little higher and inclined more towards me. It is at the highest level it can be at now. The guy at the bike store said if after my ride on Saturday it does not feel comfortable to bring it back and he can order a piece to incline it 45 degrees and bring the bars up a little higher. I take all this information go home and park my bike back in the garage thinking on Thursday I will go for a short ride in the neighborhood and be ready to go on Saturday. I take Lil' Buster to school, hit a spin class, and run home to go ride my bike. I take it in the sidewalk so Ill have grass on both sides for a fall. I do as I thought I should one foot on the ground, clip in the other, rotate the pedals and clip the other one in. Sounds easy enough, right? Fast forward to 10 minutes later and 2 bloody elbows, and 1 bloody knee. I freak out and do something I have not done in a while, cried in frustration. A few hours later, I take a breather call the bike shop, and the guy tells me to bring it in and he would put some good ol' fashioned pedals on them. He told me not to worry get the hang of being on a bike again and than I can switch back to the clipless pedals. I ride with Lil' Buster yesterday afternoon, which he was so excited to be riding bikes with his Mom. I than waited for Shane to get home and rode around the neighborhood for a few hours, practicing starting, stopping and shifting, there is 21 gears on that bad boy. I stopped for about 50 minutes for the community meeting, but than jumped back on the bike and felt the breeze blowing in my face...I was smiling ear to ear! I am feeling much more comfortable with it now, a lot of the fear is gone. My shoulders hurt from tensing up, but I did that with spinning the first few times too. Monica, sent me an awesome email. In it she gave me step by step instructions on clipping in, a video link as seen above, and a go get em' tiger pep talk. Thanks, biker chic...... I will try the clipless pedals again in a couple weeks and I will succeed. I will try to get a good nights sleep tonight and be ready for my ride tomorrow morning!