To Party or Not to Party?

I have the day off today so of course that means I spent my morning drinking coffee and reading all of your blogs.  I love this time of reflection.  Looking back and looking forward, simultaneously.  It is kind of exhilarating in a way.  It is also shocking every year that 365 days have passed by that quickly.  It never fails, people always say "where did the year go?"

If our year was full and memorable we can look back with satisfaction and know we didn't let it slip through our fingers.  I can look back and see that I started a brand new life here in San Diego.  I left Chicago and had a fresh, healthy start on the west coast.  It was such a good decision and I have not regretted it for a second.  I have grown as a person and as a runner.  I have learned a lot about myself and my oh my, do I have a lot more to figure out.

So, tonight is the night we celebrate one year and bring in the next.  How are all of you celebrating?  

For years I have wanted to attend a late night yoga session with an extended savasana for reflection.  I have wanted to bring in the new year on my mat, at peace, surrounded by positive people in a room filled with intention.  I have yet to do so.  Tonight might be my night.

We may do the traditional NYE and go to Lei Lounge, one of our favorite spots with an outdoor dance floor and entertainment.  I think these parties are often overrated.  The bars are overcrowded, drinks are overpriced, cabs are scarce and chaos always seems to ensue as the bars close.  My expectations are never met and I always think about how peaceful that midnight yoga would have been.  I have drunkenly brought in many a new year with raucous cheers and crazy dancing.  Maybe this one will be different.  Maybe, I won't wear the 2011 crown this year and will forgo the noisemakers and champagne.    How about you?

To Party

or

Not To Party...

That is the question...

I hope ALL OF YOU out there have a fabulous night.  Be safe and of course, have fun!

May the new year bring you health, happiness and many joyous miles.  

Saying Good-Bye to 2010

2010 has been an incredible year for me.  It was full of change as well as love, laughter, challenge and triumph.  The great thing about blogging is that I have written about the special moments and can look back from time to time and reflect. 

Here are a few of the memorable moments of 2010:

• I was injured...twice.  Here and here.
• I went vegan
• I ran 12 miles with Jenny Hadfield, from Runner's World
• I cycled for 50 miles in Baja, Mexico (uphill)
• I ran in San Francisco (and spotted Dean Karnazes)
• I ran on Catalina Island
• I found peace and comfort in running
• I ran my first 20 miler
• I received the gift of a fourth niece, Sophia.
• Oh yes, and I surfed for the first time!

Halloween

La Jolla

Catalina Island

I am looking forward to another memorable year.  I will run my first marathon and hopefully set some new PRs for myself.  I don't know where life will take me beyond running because it can change in the blink of an eye.  All I can say for certain is that it better involve a heck of a lot of running! ;-)

Don't Take It For Granted

I did something out of character this morning.  I went running before work.  This is a huge challenge for a procrastinator like me.  I usually wait until after work to hit the pavement running but today I didn't have a choice.  I have a hair appointment at 5:30 tonight, so it was morning or not at all.  I may be a procrastinator but I am not lazy.

So I did it.  I popped out of bed at 5:30 AM, drank some coffee and put on my brand new running clothes.  I am so glad that I did.  I was still full from dinner last night (see below) so I ran without needing to fill up the tank. 

Last Night's Dinner = This Morning's Fuel

We made Colleen's chana masala with chickpeas and steamed broccoli from The Vegan Table. Ang took the lead on this dish and it turned out excellent. It was bursting with flavor and the recipe didn't even require any oil. We will definitely be making this again (and again).

Surprisingly alert and energetic for 6 AM, I was happy to be moving.  It was still dark and freezing cold, so I wore layers.  To be fair, it was 47 degrees but it felt like 20 to this "California girl".  I put that in quotes because as most of you know, I am a from the midwest.  Within one year I have lost that Chicago girl inside me and wimper at anything below 50.

I did my usual out-and-back around the neighborhood and into Balboa Park.  The sun was slowly rising and it was starting to feel like morning.  I have become accustomed to running through the park in the dark.  In doing so, I forgot how beautiful it appears in the light of day.  When I reached the fountain I had a clear view of the mountains in the distance.  I took a moment to let it all sink in and then I turned around. 

I didn't take this picture, but isn't it stunning?

View of the fountain at sunrise.

If I had carried my camera on my run I could have captured the pink sky and the view from the bridge.  It was serene and almost breathtaking.  Once the sun began to light up Balboa Park, the slightest intricacies of the spanish buildings became apparent.  They are beautiful in the dark but only under the sun can you truly appreciate them in their entirety. 

I realized it had been quite some time since I actually stopped and enjoyed this precious park.  I live only a few blocks away yet I don't take the time to visit.  I use it as a nightly running route but I rarely stop to smell the roses.  I could have a picnic on the weekends or visit the museums or botanic garden.  Heck, I don't even enjoy sunrise!  I sleep through its beauty every day of the week.

It's kind of like family.  When they live nearby you don't see them as much as you should.  Then you move away and suddenly regret all of the weekends you didn't visit them.  It's even like running.  Anyone who has ever been injured knows this feeling.  Once you can't run, it is the one and only thing you want to do and suddenly you feel as though you didn't appreciate it enough when you had it.  We sometimes take advantage of the things at our disposal every day and no longer feel grateful for them.

Is there anything you have taken for granted and later regretted?

A Christmas (Running) Story

Almost every holiday memory begins with a run...

It is Christmas eve and the sun is shining through the open window along with a cool breeze.  There is no snow and no need to blast the noisy heater.  My feet are bare and I am wearing a cotton t-shirt and an old pair of shorts as I relax on the couch.  One year of living in San Diego and I am still amazed at the warmth of Christmas eve.  I hesitate before coming out from under the covers in anticipation of cold air.  I expect the icy cool bathroom tiles to shock my naked feet, but they don't.  All is warm.  I sit with a cup of hot coffee in my hand, steaming into my face as an open book lay on my lap.  Relaxed and at peace with myself and everything around me.  

Eventually, Angela makes her way home from training her clients and picking up last minute gifts.  This is my signal to finally change out of the clothes I've been in all day.  I pull my hair back into a  low bun and use a few gold bobby pins to hold back the crazy hairs with a mind of their own.  I slip on my bright white, new running shoes.   I don't like the whiteness of them, I'd prefer a little dirt around the edges.  We head out to the end of our road where it meets Florida Street along the canyon trails.  We warm up for a mile and a half or so before we start the taxing repeats that will eventually turn our legs into wobbly noodles. 

View of Florida Street from "Our" Trails

The time comes for our first fast mile and off we go.  Somehow I manage to stay a few feet ahead of Ang.  It seems that my legs are working entirely on their own.  They don't even need me to tell them to speed it up.  My inner drill sergeant doesn't speak quite yet.  We are on an incline and my lungs are letting me know.  I push in an effort to finish sooner.  "Stop!" she yells and I turn the brakes on.  We jog at a snail's pace and get ourselves together.  First mile, not too bad.  The next mile is a slight decline.  That should be nice. 

And it was.  Two down, Two more to go.  Off we go for the third repeat, up the incline once again.  This time around my legs feel shaky.  I am regretting my late night run on the treadmill the night before.  This is my fourth day of running in a row, something I have tried to avoid after my overuse injuries.  I realize I am making excuses and push harder.  The inner drill sergeant is talking now.  Angela keeps turning to check on me.  This frustrates me.  I yell at her to stop looking at me; it makes me self-conscious and reminds me that I am behind her.  The incline feels like a mountain this time around.  Another mile done and my legs come to a screeching halt.  My head feels fuzzy.  I have the same feeling as when I stand up too fast.  I like this feeling.  A natural high, but short lived.

We recover before our fourth mile-repeat as the sun sets.  The last mile is always the best.  I can see an imaginary finish line ahead.  The signal that the hard work is almost over and a cool down is ahead waiting for me.   This time Ang has to stop and tie her shoe so I go on without her.  I am enjoying this last fast bit as I hear footsteps somewhere nearby.  Assuming it is Ang, I continue.  Out of the corner of my eye I see a man on the opposite side of the road.  I look to my left and sure enough he is running slightly faster than me. 

Suddenly it becomes a two-person foot race, except, he never got the memo.  I kick it up a notch and hit the gas.  I move faster.  We are neck and neck.  If I see him inch ahead I push even harder.  I see the mile mark in sight and I use the remainder of the gas in my tank.  I think he is trying to beat me!  Maybe he did get the memo.  He veers onto a path and I finish, feeling victorious.  In my little game I won.  I beat the man with the long legs and the runner's body.  He was the gazelle and I looked like the old rickety man as I slowed to a tired jog.  Done.  Complete.  Now relax. 

We jogged back home with satisfaction.  The weak feeling in my legs after a fast run actually makes me feel stronger.  I love speed workouts!  They are not only more fun but they go by much faster than most runs.  That cloud nine feeling passed over me, as it does after many of my runs. 

I need to be pushed.  I was lucky to have Ang to chase after and the random runner on the side of the road.  Innocent man didn't even know he was part of my little mind game.  If we don't push ourselves out of our comfort zone we don't get any faster.  I choose the challenge over the easy road.  It feels so much better at the end.

After a total of eight miles, we continute the night with a meal of steamed rice, veggies and curry tofu piled high in our white bowls.  We opened gifts, laughed and enjoyed soft holiday music.  This was our Christmas, even if it was only the 24th and just the two of us.  Love and peace filled our home along with an overdose of gratitude for the gifts received.  It's hard to believe I once dreaded and abhorred the holiday season.  My, how times (and people) change. 

**Sorry for writing such a long post about one measly workout.  Running, especially fast, feels euphoric at times and I want to relive it by writing about it.  Do you ever feel the same?

The Way To My Heart and TAG, I'm It!

 Secret Santa is serious business where I work.  It lasts an entire month and gifts are given every few days.  My co-workers become CIA agents and no one is to be trusted.  People create Secret Santa Facebook accounts, e-mail addresses, scavenger hunts and whatever else they can cook up in their crazy little minds.  It's great.  Yesterday, my sneaky Secret Santa was revealed at our annual gift-exchange/pot-luck.

My final gift was Portia De Rossi's memoir Unbearable Lightness.  I love memoirs but usually don't read those of celebrities.  I heard Portia's story on Oprah recently and it resonated with me.  I started it last night at the gym and can't put it down.

Books, not diamonds, are this girl's best friend.  They truly are the way to my heart.  As a child I received books for every holiday.  Even my Easter Basket had books when my siblings received candy and money.  Stories, whether fiction or not, affect me in such a strong way and stick with me for months, maybe even years.  I am so appreciative when someone gives me a book that I know they picked out just for me.

I was gifted with another thoughtful book out of the blue yesterday by one of the men that attend our support group.  He chose a book about Paul Farmer, a physician that inspires me and I greatly admire.  The note inside was the best gift of all.  He called ME an inspiration!  Can you believe that? I am so incredibly touched by this gesture.  Thank you, if you're reading this!  You made my day.

Now, I think I have about 5 pounds to lose after yesterday's potluck.  Everyone is unbelievably accommodating leaving me with endless amounts of vegan options.  So, what does a girl do?  She eats everything...and then some.

Thank you to Linds Love Miles for tagging me to answer the following questions! I answered them in the most running-related way possible.

1. What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2010?

This may seem far from extraordinary but it's a big one for me.  In 2010 I finally learned how to push myself in my running.  I learned what it feels like to run outside of my comfort zone.  The first few races I ran terrified me.  I ran at a comfortable pace the entire time and never finished feeling proud.  This year, with some major encouragement from Angela, taught me to push past comfortable and work hard for that PR.

2.  What are your running goals for 2011?

Not only complete my first marathon (in less than 3:50) but more importantly, make it to the start line, injury-free!  I should have already run my first marathon by now but injuries have haunted me in 2010.  I also want to run the Chicago Marathon next year.  I ran half in 2009 with Ang (as support) and I can't wait to run it myself, right back in my old stomping grounds.

3.  What was your favorite race?

This is very tough because one of my favorite places in the world is San Francisco.  However, I am going to choose the most random Cinco de Mayo 5 Mile race put on by the San Diego Track Club.  It happened to be my birthday, which made it extra special.  It took no planning or preparation, whatsoever.  After work I drove up to Lake Miramar where a small group of runners gathered around and off went the gun.  I just came back from a stress-fracture and ran much faster than I ever imagined I would.  It was the greatest birthday memory and such a fun, small race.  No frills, no cheesy music, but I did win a medal! :)

My bloody sock and insole after the race :)

4.  What is your favorite holiday guilty pleasure?

I'll answer this for Ang first - she loves watching Charlie Brown Christmas and listening to the Charlie Brown station on Pandora.   For me, it's food!  Anything full of sugar is where I find I pleasure.  I try not to feel guilt because most of the year I eat well and I am always very active.   

5.  What is your most embarrassing running moment?

Well, recently I wrote about one right here.  But there is another poop related incident that is worse.  Angela and I were meeting up with Coach Jenny Hadfield, a writer for Runner's World and friend of Angela's from Chicago.  It was very early and we parked near the start of a trail when I realized I had to go #2, STAT.  I opened the door to the porta-potty and the smell was so horrendous it almost knocked me on my a**.  I decided to do my business in nature, like the olden days, right?  I found a nice tree to squat next to and let it happen.  I heard some twigs snapping and the sound of someone approaching.  A mountain biker passed right by me, made eye contact and continued on.  It happened too fast for me to react and pull my pants up!  The good news is, I will never see him again (and we had a really great run that day, so pish posh).

New Kicks and Popping Pills

It is raining cats and dogs in San Diego!

I just visualized that sentence. Can you imagine? I would rescue as many of those animals as possible and I would find me a Pug to name Ellen.  It would be much easier to convince Angela to get a dog.  I wouldn’t have to send her emails full of furry faces that need adopting. If only….

Our future fur-child

I digress.  The weather has been pretty awful, by San Diego’s standards.  Rain, rain and more rain.  I took my run to the treadmill last night and guess who I saw?  The guy from the other night when I almost crapped myself.  He waved and smiled, so clearly he doesn’t read my blog (thank goodness).

I ran in my brand new Brooks Ghost running shoes and they felt fantastic.  Usually new shoes feel funny on the first few runs but these fit like a glove and I ran faster than usual.  Maybe they’re magic!  All Brooks shoes (with the exception of their walking shoes) are vegan, which was the primary reason I switched over from Nike.  I was completely sold after my first pair.  I’m a Brooks girl now. 

What shoe brand are you loyal to?

After my run, I went home and took a hot shower.  Those are the best on cold, rainy days.  I could stay in there until my fingers are soggy if Angela didn't remind me how wasteful it is.  She keeps me in check. 

Then it was pill time. When I set all of the pill bottles out on the nightstand I couldn’t help but laugh at how many there were.

We have pills up the wazoo! I am a firm believer that if one eats a varied plant based diet, one does not need to supplement. However, I am far from perfect and oftentimes I eat a can of soup or peanut butter toast for dinner.  I don’t always get everything I need in the foods I eat.  This is probably true for most of us.  On a perfect day I will eat loads of vegetables and fruits, plenty of protein and some healthy fats.  Most days aren’t perfect, so bring on the pills!

Angela just recently stocked us up. We have antioxidant pills for the days we don’t eat enough fruits and veggies. We take Calcium, Iron and B12 daily (I was anemic even as a meat eater).  Ang introduced me to Glutamine for muscle recovery and then there is Joint Support that Angela takes.  Taking a handful of pills before bed isn’t always fun, especially when they’re the size of olives, but it’s worth it.  I do it for my bones, my muscles and all my tiny cells.  My body is so good to me.  As its owner I need to make sure it gets everything it needs. 

Do you take supplements? What kind?

Do you prefer to take them in the morning or evening?

20 Miles Done & Xmas Came Early!

I learned this weekend that running 20 miles (in windy and rainy conditions) can be tons of fun.  Sunday marked my very first 20 mile run... ever.  I was excited about this milestone all morning so I annoyingly urged Ang to hurry up so we could run.  She decided to take her time doing laundry and sending work emails.  Clearly she isn't training for her first marathon.  I sat there and tapped my foot with my arms crossed like a kid waiting to open my birthday presents.  Finally (2 hours later) she was done and I was able to embark on my first 20 mile adventure. 

I laughed at us as we headed out the door.  Wearing knee high compression socks and a fanny pack with water bottles has to be the dorkiest get-up known to man.  Runners are quite a funny breed.  I was thinking about how 5 years ago I wouldn't be caught dead traipsing around like this.  Now, it's part of my wardrobe just like high heels and big earrings. 

The first several miles were somewhat downhill.  A nice and easy way to start out a long run.  Eventually the strong winds came and blew us all over the place.  Several times I ran straight into Ang.  The rain came and went and didn't phase us one bit.  We talked and laughed the entire way.  I made up a few songs about our 20 mile adventure and sang them to Ang, just like any other day.

As I said, the first few miles were downhill.  That meant our last few miles were uphill and let me tell you it was not easy.  We pushed through them and continued on home, still smiling.  As soon as the Garmin looked like this, we stopped.  You could practically hear our brakes come to a screeching halt.

I felt absolutely no pain during the run but as soon as I stopped all of the fatigue came rushing in.  Suddenly walking felt like the challenge.  We stretched, iced and Ang fed me some concoction with Glutamine for muscle recovery.

As you can see, I use frozen corn and peas for icing.  They work great - especially the more expensive, organic type. 

I woke up today with barely any tightness or soreness.  I have to give major thanks to my mom for my new compression socks.  Typically my calves are barking on long runs but with these suckers they were perfectly content.  Mind you, these are not the Rite Aid version and I noticed a huge difference when I upgraded.  I highly recommend a quality pair.  It's like giving your overworked muscles a tight hug.

At work today I received one gift after another.  It started with a few little goodies from my Secret Santa and was followed by UPS and FedEx deliveries.

Vegan cookies from my fabulous Step-Dad, Rich!

I truly am a Cookie MONSTER.

...and then came my brand new Brooks from Mama Bear.

Brooks Ghost 3 - Completely Awesome :) 

Thanks, Mom!



Please Don't Hit On Me, I'm Running.

One thing I hate about the gym is that it can sometimes feel like a meat market.  I pretty much avoid the gym at all costs but about once a week I go for a run on the treadmill.  This week, I hit the gym on a night when I was having some serious GI issues.

I had a 7 mile tempo run on the plan which normally would not be a problem.  This time I was having sharp stomach pains which I thought were most likely gas.  I may have mentioned before, I am an extremely gassy woman.  Maybe it's my vegan diet or maybe it's just me, but I have some serious gas.  It was becoming so uncomfortable that I took off my headphones so I could focus and get my run done.  At that same moment a big, meat-head looking guy hopped on the treadmill next to mine.

"You better slow down or you'll make me look bad"  he says.

{Oh boy.  Is he really going to talk to me?}

"Don't worry, I just lifted for about an hour before this" he continues.

{Wow - I'm so impressed. }

With every word he said my stomach became more and more bloated and was beginning to feel like it might combust.

"So, do you run marathons or something?"  he's still talking.

I was beginning to think my body might seriously explode.  At this point I knew where this guy grew up, his favorite sports team and his entire workout regimen.  

My treadmill hit 5 miles and I knew I had to run.  

To the bathroom, that is. 

I was out of there in a flash.

I hate, hate, hate having to "go" in a public restroom, but sometimes you just don't have a choice.  If only that guy knew I was a ticking time bomb of diarrhea.  I'm sure he would have had a lot less to say.

I hung out in the bathroom for several minutes letting nature take its course then I went back out to finish my run.  

You better believe I chose a treadmill at the farthest end from Mr. Meathead-loves-to-talk-about-himself. If he even tried to talk to me again I might have to yell,  "I'm a lesbian with really bad diarrhea!"  

Maybe he'd have better luck with her. 

Chicago Cold and a Brand New Life!

I've been MIA from the blog scene this past week.  It's been a whirlwind of family, work and holiday busyness.  I went back to Chicago this past weekend to visit family.  I was able to make my rounds and see just about everybody.  Here's a recap in pictures:

We had a company holiday party at the Prado.

I saw my dad for the first time in almost 3 years.

"I wanted a Mercedes!"

I celebrated my niece, Bella's 4th Birthday

I held my brand new niece, Sophia. 

She is only 3 days old in this picture.

XOXO

Here is proof that Bella smiles and she doesn't hate us all.

While I was home (in the Midwest) I was reminded of what a hassle it is to go for a run.  I have become accustomed to throwing on my Brooks and running out the door.  Instead I had to bundle up and drive all the way to Lifetime Fitness with my sister's partner because it was too cold and icy outside.  She lives in the burbs so a car is absolutely required, unlike when I lived in the city.  Our first attempt failed because I forgot my photo ID.  Eventually I managed to get a 12 mile run in on the treadmill.  I finished with yet another bloody sock.  How do I not feel my foot bleeding!? 

I was actually supposed to run 20 miles, but I am not EMZ so that was out of the question. 

Speaking of EMZ, the first thing I saw as I entered my apartment back in San Diego was a little brown package from the one and only.  I won one of these awesome shirts...

I will model it for you soon enough (but don't expect me to look half as good as Emz herself).

I had such a fantastic time at home visiting with my wonderfully crazy, fun family.  I wasn't quite ready to say good-bye to everyone.   Only my family comprehends my strangeness and they're the only people I know that are equally as nuts as I am.  They don't fully understand why I eat pizza without cheese or why I run if it gives me nasty feet and injuries, but they get the jyst of my oddness.  We are one lovingly goofy, raucous bunch and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I arrived back in San Diego on Tuesday.   Ang picked me up from the airport, we went home to dump my bags and then off for a late night run.  It was strange going from one degree weather straight to running in a tank-top.  Polar opposites, the midwest and the west coast.

All is well on the marathon training front.  I have been running pain-free and feeling fabulous.  I am continually inspired by all of you that run and write out there.  The blogosphere is where I turn whenever I need a little inspiration.  I have a 5 mile, super HILLY race on Saturday, put on by Anne followed by my first ever 20 miler on Sunday.  I am practicing with gels and vitalyte.  Hopefully this time nothing I bring is expired.

Cheerio, darlings!

Running With Recycled Passion

Sometimes recycling someone else's passion can make for a really fast and powerful run. 

How?  Through music.  I know many runners that prefer only to run au natural.  I can understand this, but sometimes it is nice to change things up.

I love running.  Clearly.  What I've found is, my love for running overflows when I listen to music that explodes with passion.  It often heightens my sense of pleasure.  The music must be from an artist that pours them self into the lyrics and the instrumentals.  The type of music that you can feel in your bones.


I choose passion-filled, heart felt music.  The energy of the music enters me and I move effortlessly.  The exhilaration is almost unbearable.  Runner's high, defined in that moment.  I beg you to try it.


Losing yourself in the unadulterated sounds of music while engaging your body through the movement of running is magical.  Everything simply comes together and it feels incredible.
I had a run today so good I could feel it in my toes, my stomach, my hands and my heart.

I certainly don't depend on music to run because the act itself feels so good.  Sometimes all I need is the sound of my footfalls on the dirt, sand or sidewalk.  On the other hand, music can act as an enhancement.  It can bring a run to an entirely new level if I select just the right music that touches me in just the right way.  Feeling the energy and sincerity from the artist coming through my tiny ear buds is sometimes enough to make a run feel truly amazing.  If you need to feel inspired just press play.

Peace, Love and John Lennon

I remember being a skinny kid in my awkward stage, dancing around the tiny living room of our suburban townhome.  My mom, my sisters and I would sing along to "Stand by Me", "Beautiful Boy" and "Instant Karma" by John Lennon.  I have a whole slew of childhood memories I'd love to forget but these are the ones I treasure.  I loved this time with them enjoying music, feeling free.   I still remember Friday nights when we'd go out for pizza and play the juke box.  We'd slide our dollars in and fight over which songs we'd play.  The one artist we could always agree on was John Lennon.  

At a young age my mom shared the story of how he died and where she was when she heard the news.  Although many years after his death, I was saddened that this man that made such beautiful music was killed.  Today marks 30 years since that very day.  

I've always felt a strong connection to his lyrics and his messages of peace and truth.  I admire him for his honesty, his activism and his artistry.  I'd like to pay tribute to a man that inspired and moved me since childhood.  A man that spoke his truth like we all should speak our own.  

My 18 Miler: On Auto-Pilot

Late Sunday morning, Ang and I set out to Coronado Island for our 18 miler.  She was only supposed to run 16 but sure enough she finished 18 with me.  Typical Angela.  Mentally strong and super supportive.  The route is a flat bike bath along the Silver Strand with views of the bay and cool winds from the ocean.  Nature's air conditioning.  We've come to love it for long runs.

Most of the time I prefer to be alone on these longer runs.  There is something wonderful about those hours by myself.  It can be incredibly peaceful and therapeutic (as I've said many times before).  I get inside my head and go.  I don't have to talk; I just run.  Yesterday was different.  I wanted company.  It felt really nice to have Angela by my side the entire way. 

We didn't get off to the best start.  I bought several packs of Power Bar gummies at the dollar store a few weeks ago.  What was I doing in the dollar store?  And who buys food there?  Apparently, I do.  They were less than a dollar per pack, how could I resist?  I tried one before we started running to be sure I could stomach them.  Within 5 minutes of running I was keeled over.  It wasn't settling in my stomach.  Ang, the experienced runner that she is, asked to see the package for the expiration date.  Sure enough, EXPIRED.  Note to self: Never buy anything edible from a dollar store. 

The pain subsided after a mile and a half and it was smooth sailing for the rest of the way.  After mile 15 or so, my body seems to go into auto-pilot mode.  I don't have to tell my legs to move, they just do.  It doesn't necessarily feel easy, actually the opposite.  It feels as though I am moving painfully slow.  In truth, we ran the second half 4 minutes faster than the first half but it felt like slow motion.  Funny how that works.  My body naturally starts to shuffle.  It knows how to move along with the most minimal amount of effort.  I don't lift my knees high.  I move my feet quickly in shorter strides.  I feel like a robot just going, going, going.  As weird as it is, I love this part of the run.  Knowing how far you've gone is such a neat feeling.  Ang and I were talking about how endurance athletes look down at their watch and consider an hour of running the "easy" part.  You're just getting started.  Isn't it amazing that our bodies can take us that far and so much farther?  As always, feeling an intense sense of gratitude for my body. 

I had Ang snap my photo after we got back to the car.  Check out my super sweet compression socks from Rite Aid.  They sell them in the older people section (only $7 and they were pretty helpful!) 

Do you believe in the power of compression? 

What is your favorite brand of compression socks?

Do you prefer to run solo on longer runs? 
Or with a group or a friend?

Hallucinations & The Dreaded Spin Bike

While doing a tempo run on the treadmill the other night I learned that nutmeg is the latest drug for teens.  I promise, it was on the nightly news.  Apparently it has a hallucinogenic affect when snorted.  Where was nutmeg when I was 16?  I'm pretty sure I only used it in cookies.  What a goodie goodie.  Parents, be warned if your teen suddenly becomes interested in baking.  On the upside, I'm sure it's safer than heroine.

Enough about that.  My runs have been almost too perfect this week.  That is, until I came down with a fever and had to sit one day out.  It was completely fine because I probably needed to ease up for a day.  After two injuries this year, I have become little Miss. Conservative Kate.  I still can't stand Sarah Palin (unlike my mother) but I now follow the "rules" of running.  That 10% rule has been keeping me from doing too much, too soon.  I hate rules and I've always been known to be a rule breaker (or bender) but "better safe than sorry" is my new motto.  I WILL make it to the starting line of the Surf City Marathon injury-free.  So far, so good.  I have 18 miles to run tomorrow and I don't want to jinx myself now.

Sticking with my new conservative plan, I hit the spin bike today at the gym.  This has to be my absolute  least favorite method of exercise.  I would rather do jumping jacks for an hour than get on that damn bike but I know it's good for me.  It's low-impact, yada yada yada.  It's actually not too bad if I bring the Mac and watch old episodes of The L Word.  I try to make the best out of  a workout I can't stand.

Oh, how I miss my pretend TV lesbian friends!

That's my handy dandy set-up.  I high-jack the spin room and set up my little station like so.  It definitely helps to pass the time when you can watch whatever you please.

This morning I received a few text messages with photos of the first snowfall from my family.  In response I sent a picture of myself sitting outside in a tank-top and shorts before hitting the gym.  I know, I'm such a brat.  I'll have to suck it up next Friday when I go back for a visit.  It will be well worth the snow and cold when I meet my brand new niece, Sophia.  She'll only be one day old when I step off the plane.

I send pictures like this when it's 10 below in Chicago...

Ahh ~ How I love our pool.  

I hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend.  Good luck to those running the RNR Las Vegas Marathon!  Knock 'em dead.  If it doesn't go well, there's always nutmeg.

Hard Nips and Running Inspiration

Thanksgiving was a success!  Our food turned out edible, unlike last year when we dumped it all down the disposal and ate store bought stuffing and pie.  For the first time in my life I did not overindulge or feel stuffed.  I actually woke up hungry the next morning!  

Yummmy. 

Thanksgiving is for Lovers :)

Prior to cooking our veg feast for 2, Ang and I went for a Thanksgiving run.  A Turkey-less Trot, ya might say.  It was in the mid-60s with perfectly clear skies.  We ran through Balboa Park and past several games of football.  I think we probably smiled the entire 5 miles. 

Two days later we found the same bliss as we ran along the coast up north in Del Mar.  The sun was setting as we ran along the Torrey Pines trail set high on the cliffs.  We made our way back down along the beach and stopped to enjoy the final moment before the sun fell out of sight.  Everything seemed miraculous.  The feeling of my feet in the sand, the power of the ocean, the pink left lingering in the sky after the sunset.  It was surreal.  I felt lucky to have such incredible runs back to back like this. 

Last night, yet again, I had a perfect run.  I needed it after a morning of bad luck involving a broken pants' zipper and a brand-new broken travel mug.  I set out at 6pm when San Diego starts to cool off tremendously.  I wore running tights and a zip-up running top to stay warm.  My nipples we hard as rocks and it took about 5 minutes before I had sensation in my toes.  I had the Garmin on but ignored it and ran free.  I wound up running much longer and faster than anticipated and felt such a high nearly the entire time.  I kept thinking to myself, I am so lucky to be a runner and to have this in my life. Do you ever feel this way?  Complete and total gratitude for my body and the act of running.

I checked the temperature on weather.com when I returned home and it turns out it was 59 degrees.  I promise you, my skin and blood have changed!  My tough Chicago skin has withered away.  It's been replaced with California wussy skin.   I'm not proud of this.

Later that night Ang and I watched Running the Sahara, a completely inspirational running film about 3 pretty intense guys on a mission.  I think it's a must-see.  If you thought Running on the Sun and Ultra Marathon Man were intense, you'll be blown away by this documentary.  It makes a marathon look like water aerobics.  It's almost laughable that I think 26.2 is a far way to go.  These guys ran 4,300 miles in 111 days through the Sahara!  This is more than 164 marathons in a row! 

Has anyone else seen Running the Sahara?  What did you think? 

What movies inspire you?