So since today I do not get the day off work, and neither do I tomorrow, there wasn't much traffic this morning en route to my job. Let me just tell you, to drive a measly 18 miles to work from my house, I must get on the 405 to the 55, to the 5, to the 57, to the 91. Yup, that is my route in the mornings. This morning as I traveled, I was like man, I seriously drive a lot of freeways to get to work. Pretty crazy.
On another note, this weekend I had a great long run of about 6 miles, and also did some cross training. Two very funny things happened that I will share for your laughing pleasure. I wore only a sports bra and shorts while jogging on Saturday because at 8 am it was already like 78 degrees out and I knew I would be a sweaty animal if I wore more clothes, but normally I hate not wearing a shirt. I figured, who would be out on this Saturday morning.
Sidenote: I live in a very small town, but it's surrounded by big towns, so it's not like the 'small town' you may think of when you think small town.
I'm out on my large loop, running on the sidewalk next to the main road and things are going good. I ran through the park and there are a bazillion little families watching soccer games. I'm running down some more streets to cross over, to the other side of town to run through a little greenbelt in between some housing neighborhoods. This is where I ran into a wall. Yes, I have a tendency to run super close to the wall, perhaps because I am fearful of cars, but I got to close and totally skinned my right arm up against the concrete wall. This has now left me with some scabs and bruises along my whole right arm. Seriously. I ran into the wall.
So anyways, I get to the greenbelt and think I see some hubbub at the other end. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING ever happens in my small town, so I was wondering if it was a carnival or what was going on. I continue down the little winding path, and to my disbelief there is a small carnival thing being set up, oh and a PARADE is going to be happening on the street I was planning on running. People are lined up on the sidewalk, therefore my path was taken. So yes, I had to run down the parade route, in the street, in my purple sports bra, with all these parade watchers looking at me, like I was some crazy triple headed monster. Either because:
a. My sports bra was purple
b. My face was disgustingly red
c. I was a sweaty beast
d. I looked amazing and they wanted to be like me.
I like to think it was D, but I know it was a combination of A-C.
Needless to say, I was excited to get home and off the parade route.
So this is a recipe I'll be making this week, I'll let you know how it turns out, but it looks delish!
Low Calorie Beef Stroganoff
1pound of ground lean hamburger
1/2 pound of mushrooms, sliced
1 onion
1 pint of low-cal yogurt, plain
1 can of beef consommé soup
Flour to absorb fat
Sauté chopped onion and mushrooms in butter. In separate pan brown hamburger with a little garlic powder. Add all the above ingredients together. Put in enough flour to absorb fat. Add beef consommé plus a little water. Cook at simmer for 10 minute, stirring occasionally. Take off heat, fork in yogurt. Serve over noodles or rice.
Though I don't know how the yogurt mixes in, we shall see how the final product turns out. This one sounds a little different though. :)
Also I love this shirt from Vickerey. The site is a little pricey for me, but I still really like their stuff and some of their final sale stuff, like this shirt is really cute and a great deal!
It's the Klommer Crew from Hind and it's seamless technology reduces chafing and provides enhanced comfort. Fun colors of Frosty (glacier blue) and Lifevest (warm Orange) give it a lively feel, and it's different, which I like. The quickdry Drylete fabric transfers moisture away from skin and offers all-around great performance. It looks super stretchy and fun, and it's on sale for $29, when normally it's $60. You can find it here, but hurry, it's final sale!
Hope everyone had a great weekend, and is keeping up with their running! I have so many people I know doing the Couch to 5k plan, and have heard only such great things about it! This week I'll be hitting up the gym again and putting in about 25 miles. I love the crisp weather to run in during the morning hours... and I ran in the new target jacket I talked about here and it was the BEST purchase ever. So great with the mesh back and I love it! :)
I also wanted to thank everyone who was so encouraging and nice with the comments you guys left on my last post. I know that is a big part in my life, and I'm glad that you were inspired or touched by it. It's made me who I am today and I am so thankful to the blogging/running community as well for being such supporters. :)
xoxo
Monday, November 10, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
TIaRT: The Biggest Transition of My Life.
Normally, I don't post on the Runner's Lounge, Take it and Run Thursday accounts, but this one really struck a chord.
I share a story that I never though would be my life. I never imagined any of the things in my life would happen to me, and that I would be 'that girl', but through it all running has helped me grow and reflect on so many different aspects of my life, that without it, I don't even know where I would be today. I begin with a background.
My sophomore year of high school, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was on and off treatment including chemotherapy and radiation all throughout my high school and beginning of my college years. She was never horribly sick, but she was tired, and took many more naps and cut back on her 40 hour work weeks volunteering at the Christian school I went to growing up. If any of you met my mom, you would know instantly that she was a fighter. She was so stubborn and she bullied the cancer to have her life stay as consistent as it was before she was diagnosed.
I went to many doctor appointments with her, and once I moved away to college, we became very close. This time really allowed me to see the core of my mom, the person she was, her beliefs, her thoughts, and her wishes and it made me see who I wanted to become.
In March of 2006, the doctor came back after some testing and told her and my father that she had three to six months to live. Three weeks later she passed away. I spent those last three weeks in an abyss of artificial smiles and complete confusion. I had no idea what was happening, or how I would handle everything, and once the reality hit, she was already gone.
I was exhaustively lost after that happened. I had been running every year in high school and off and on in college. I completely stopped running. I stopped functioning. I couldn't get one foot to go in front of the other, none the less make my legs follow. I couldn't sleep. I couldn't eat. Everything had lost flavor and I had lost interest in life.
One day, I decided that it was time that I stop wallowing in my confused state, and get my life back together. I was still going to school at the time, and decided that I had to finish out the semester, after dropping one class. I finished my 18 units, but I was still very lost.
I felt like I didn't want to run because it was something I did when my mom was alive. Though I absolutely hated her at my cross country races, and I hated her watching me run track, and even hated her watching me sit the bench while on the soccer team, I wanted her there for me. I wanted to know she would be there when I got home from my run. I wanted to see her again and I felt like running was something that I couldn't do again, it wasn't apart of me anymore.
It came to me one morning. I needed it. I wanted it still. I wanted the consistency, and I wanted the control. This was when I went out once again, and found the comfort of the road under my feet. The first run I completed after she passed was a short three miler, and once I got under the cover of the brush around me, I broke down and just cried as I ran, but nothing had ever felt so good. I had consistency again, I had a path in front of me, and I had something that no one could ever take away from me.
I had breath in my lungs and with tears streaming down my cheeks, I just ran. I allowed myself to hurt, and to feel again, and I allowed myself to think. To think about the changes, about the future. It was a time of thinking. After that run, I didn't run again for a while, life got in the way, but since then, I have realized that running through the hardest times in your life, gives you something that you control. You can do it. You can come back to it. You can make a change, but you have to choose too.
So granted, I also went to counseling, and did a lot of prayer during this time, obviously, but I know, without running the biggest transition of my life wouldn't have led me to the story I have today, to the outlook I have today, or the attitude I have today. So many people tell me they are so sorry, and I am sorry too, but I can't change that, and I am lucky that I got to see a great example of what I want to become one day, and learn so many life lessons at such a young age.
Sometimes I look back at my short life thus far, and think about things that could have changed, or could be different, but I know that God had this all happen for a reason, so I got it to take it and run with it. :)
xoxo
I share a story that I never though would be my life. I never imagined any of the things in my life would happen to me, and that I would be 'that girl', but through it all running has helped me grow and reflect on so many different aspects of my life, that without it, I don't even know where I would be today. I begin with a background.
My sophomore year of high school, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was on and off treatment including chemotherapy and radiation all throughout my high school and beginning of my college years. She was never horribly sick, but she was tired, and took many more naps and cut back on her 40 hour work weeks volunteering at the Christian school I went to growing up. If any of you met my mom, you would know instantly that she was a fighter. She was so stubborn and she bullied the cancer to have her life stay as consistent as it was before she was diagnosed.
I went to many doctor appointments with her, and once I moved away to college, we became very close. This time really allowed me to see the core of my mom, the person she was, her beliefs, her thoughts, and her wishes and it made me see who I wanted to become.
In March of 2006, the doctor came back after some testing and told her and my father that she had three to six months to live. Three weeks later she passed away. I spent those last three weeks in an abyss of artificial smiles and complete confusion. I had no idea what was happening, or how I would handle everything, and once the reality hit, she was already gone.
I was exhaustively lost after that happened. I had been running every year in high school and off and on in college. I completely stopped running. I stopped functioning. I couldn't get one foot to go in front of the other, none the less make my legs follow. I couldn't sleep. I couldn't eat. Everything had lost flavor and I had lost interest in life.
One day, I decided that it was time that I stop wallowing in my confused state, and get my life back together. I was still going to school at the time, and decided that I had to finish out the semester, after dropping one class. I finished my 18 units, but I was still very lost.
I felt like I didn't want to run because it was something I did when my mom was alive. Though I absolutely hated her at my cross country races, and I hated her watching me run track, and even hated her watching me sit the bench while on the soccer team, I wanted her there for me. I wanted to know she would be there when I got home from my run. I wanted to see her again and I felt like running was something that I couldn't do again, it wasn't apart of me anymore.
It came to me one morning. I needed it. I wanted it still. I wanted the consistency, and I wanted the control. This was when I went out once again, and found the comfort of the road under my feet. The first run I completed after she passed was a short three miler, and once I got under the cover of the brush around me, I broke down and just cried as I ran, but nothing had ever felt so good. I had consistency again, I had a path in front of me, and I had something that no one could ever take away from me.
I had breath in my lungs and with tears streaming down my cheeks, I just ran. I allowed myself to hurt, and to feel again, and I allowed myself to think. To think about the changes, about the future. It was a time of thinking. After that run, I didn't run again for a while, life got in the way, but since then, I have realized that running through the hardest times in your life, gives you something that you control. You can do it. You can come back to it. You can make a change, but you have to choose too.
So granted, I also went to counseling, and did a lot of prayer during this time, obviously, but I know, without running the biggest transition of my life wouldn't have led me to the story I have today, to the outlook I have today, or the attitude I have today. So many people tell me they are so sorry, and I am sorry too, but I can't change that, and I am lucky that I got to see a great example of what I want to become one day, and learn so many life lessons at such a young age.
Sometimes I look back at my short life thus far, and think about things that could have changed, or could be different, but I know that God had this all happen for a reason, so I got it to take it and run with it. :)
xoxo
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Jogger Runs mile with RABID FOX ON ARM
Normally I HATE double posts, but this, this is WAY too AMAZING to not post until Friday.
Jogger runs mile with rabid fox on her arm
She then pried it off, tossed animal into her truck and drove self to hospital
PRESCOTT, Ariz. - Authorities in Arizona say a jogger attacked by a rabid fox ran a mile with the animal's jaws clamped on her arm and then drove herself to a hospital.
The Yavapai County sheriff's office said the woman told deputies she was on a trail near Prescott on Monday when the fox attacked and bit her foot.
She said she grabbed the fox by the neck when it went for her leg but it bit her arm.
The woman wanted the animal tested for rabies so she ran a mile to her car with the fox still biting her arm, then pried it off and tossed it in her trunk and drove to the Prescott hospital. The sheriff's office says the fox later bit an animal control officer. He and the woman are both receiving rabies vaccinations.
WHAT! This woman is my HERO!
Find the whole story here
Jogger runs mile with rabid fox on her arm
She then pried it off, tossed animal into her truck and drove self to hospital
PRESCOTT, Ariz. - Authorities in Arizona say a jogger attacked by a rabid fox ran a mile with the animal's jaws clamped on her arm and then drove herself to a hospital.
The Yavapai County sheriff's office said the woman told deputies she was on a trail near Prescott on Monday when the fox attacked and bit her foot.
She said she grabbed the fox by the neck when it went for her leg but it bit her arm.
The woman wanted the animal tested for rabies so she ran a mile to her car with the fox still biting her arm, then pried it off and tossed it in her trunk and drove to the Prescott hospital. The sheriff's office says the fox later bit an animal control officer. He and the woman are both receiving rabies vaccinations.
WHAT! This woman is my HERO!
Find the whole story here
Dreadmill Wars
The other night I was at the gym and running on my favorite machine, the treadmill. There was an elliptical between me and the next treadmill which a father like man was running on. I got on and knew I had to do a little bit more than just a jog, so I decided that I would run for 30 minutes, and every five minutes would up my speed by .5.
This allowed me to get in a faster workout indoors, but I'm pretty sure the guy next to me thought I was questioning his fitness level and decided that he needed to go as fast as me, if not faster. We started at 6 mph, and then I ended at 9.5, and he got off the treadmill at 8. It was just hilarious to see him trying to keep going, and not realizing that I wasn't trying to race him, or even run with him.
Tonight I'll be going for a jog again at the gym, and some weights. Tomorrow morning up early to get in a few miles before work and another big football game. I was going to run to my voting location yesterday, but awoke to pouring rain and thought it wasn't the best idea for me to do such a thing so early in the morning. I am looking forward to getting back into the routine, but unfortunately for me, after daylight savings time happened again, I cannot be out running as much after work because by the time I get off work it's already pitch black. I get pretty scared running around with many cars in the nighttime.
So for some deals I found. From Eastbay, I found these really cute and colorful Nike Shorts.
They are called the Nike Graphic Boy Short and have printed mesh side panels. They are Dri-Fit with spandex and have a 3.5" inseam. They are short and fun, and I love them! Normally they are 34.99, and now they are only 24.99. Get them here.
Also, from See Jane Run I found this super cute jacket.
The retro Piper Jacket by Horny Toad zips up your look from warm up to cool down with what's called Shakedown fabric. It's a soft brushed knit lined jacket and has a wicking-enhanced finish. There's also the racing stripes on each sleeve, piping on the chest, ribbed cuffs and hand-warmer pockets. They have a lot of cute stuff at that website, but find the jacket here.
For the winter months with are no upon us, I also found this lovely number.
It's super cute and bright as well, which would be great for night running! The SportHill Infuzion Splice Top is a versatile multi-season piece, and I would probably be caught wearing it everywhere. Swift Technology offers the essential balance of insulation, breathability, moisture wicking and wind block for all winter sports. This no-bulk fabric works exceptionally well as a base layer for extreme winter weather or activities. Swift is also a great single layer mid-weight fabric for chilly, less-extreme days and activities. This super soft and stretchy top allows for a full range of motion so that you can perform at your best no matter what the activity or the temperature! It also has flatlock seams to eliminate chafing. Hooray! Normally $79.00, on sale right now for $39.50. Get it here.
I am still patiently awaiting the arrival of my Nike+ Half Marathon Garb, I cannot wait for that Tiffany's key chain. Friday I'll have a new recipe to share, and also maybe some more good running finds, including a review of the Power aide Zero.
xoxo
This allowed me to get in a faster workout indoors, but I'm pretty sure the guy next to me thought I was questioning his fitness level and decided that he needed to go as fast as me, if not faster. We started at 6 mph, and then I ended at 9.5, and he got off the treadmill at 8. It was just hilarious to see him trying to keep going, and not realizing that I wasn't trying to race him, or even run with him.
Tonight I'll be going for a jog again at the gym, and some weights. Tomorrow morning up early to get in a few miles before work and another big football game. I was going to run to my voting location yesterday, but awoke to pouring rain and thought it wasn't the best idea for me to do such a thing so early in the morning. I am looking forward to getting back into the routine, but unfortunately for me, after daylight savings time happened again, I cannot be out running as much after work because by the time I get off work it's already pitch black. I get pretty scared running around with many cars in the nighttime.
So for some deals I found. From Eastbay, I found these really cute and colorful Nike Shorts.
They are called the Nike Graphic Boy Short and have printed mesh side panels. They are Dri-Fit with spandex and have a 3.5" inseam. They are short and fun, and I love them! Normally they are 34.99, and now they are only 24.99. Get them here.
Also, from See Jane Run I found this super cute jacket.
The retro Piper Jacket by Horny Toad zips up your look from warm up to cool down with what's called Shakedown fabric. It's a soft brushed knit lined jacket and has a wicking-enhanced finish. There's also the racing stripes on each sleeve, piping on the chest, ribbed cuffs and hand-warmer pockets. They have a lot of cute stuff at that website, but find the jacket here.
For the winter months with are no upon us, I also found this lovely number.
It's super cute and bright as well, which would be great for night running! The SportHill Infuzion Splice Top is a versatile multi-season piece, and I would probably be caught wearing it everywhere. Swift Technology offers the essential balance of insulation, breathability, moisture wicking and wind block for all winter sports. This no-bulk fabric works exceptionally well as a base layer for extreme winter weather or activities. Swift is also a great single layer mid-weight fabric for chilly, less-extreme days and activities. This super soft and stretchy top allows for a full range of motion so that you can perform at your best no matter what the activity or the temperature! It also has flatlock seams to eliminate chafing. Hooray! Normally $79.00, on sale right now for $39.50. Get it here.
I am still patiently awaiting the arrival of my Nike+ Half Marathon Garb, I cannot wait for that Tiffany's key chain. Friday I'll have a new recipe to share, and also maybe some more good running finds, including a review of the Power aide Zero.
xoxo
Monday, November 3, 2008
Enough Already!
If I have to watch one more commercial with Obama taking stabs at McCain, or vice versa, I might, might just pass out! Seriously. One more commercial with chickens being cooped up in a cage, or yes or no on eight, AGH! I can't take it anymore. Take down all the signs littering my running pathway, clean up the streets again! I can't take looking at last names for this position, or vote this for this anymore! I feel like this!
Anyways, with election day tomorrow, there are some sick free deals to be had, and many restaurants are taking advantage of them. Hey, the economy's down, go big and give away free stuff to win people back. I'm a believer. Keep your coveted, "I voted" sticker all day, and get freebies all day long! Long Live Democracy!
Anyways, for all you java junkies, Starbucks is giving away one tall coffee to anyone who votes. I assume this is when you are wearing the 'I voted' sticker. Want to read more, click here.
Anyone else running in the morning? This gives you free reign to celebrate or drown your sorrows in either delicious ice-cream, or donuts, or both!
Krispy Kreme Donuts is giving away a star shaped patriotic sprinkled original flavored donut to everyone with the "I voted" sticker. Looks super tasty! To find your nearest Krispy Kreme go here.
If you live in the Orange County area, feel free to check out all these election deals @ Fast food Maven, for local steals and deals for tomorrow. You'll be finding me at the Daily Grill for free appetizers!
Also, since were are pretty much covering all fast food today, check out Jack in the Box for the latest installment on Jack Antenna Balls, “Beanie Jack.” The new ball features Jack wearing a multi-colored beanie cap topped with a propeller. Beanie Jack are selling for $1 at participating restaurants. And Jacks lookin' out to help! Seventy percent of Beanie Jack sales will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters.
It's a Brooks Women's Equilibrium Long Sleeve, and they only have sizes M-XL left, but it's a great price of 19.95, normally 35.95, and it comes in three different colors. I really like the scoop neck and it's fitted throughout, with cuffed sleeves, which I like when I run because then they stay down.
ALSO! The winner for my first ever giveaway of the Marathon Pace Band is KIM from KIMPOSSIBLE!!!!! Hooray!! :) Her PR for a marathon is from the Kentucky Derby Marathon on April 28, 2006 and it was 4:56:43, and she is now working towards a 4:45! :) Hopefully the Marathon Pace Band can help her reach her goal! Congrats Kim! I will be having another contest soon that my involve a SPIBELT from Overton Fitness!! Once I get mine to do a review I'll also be giving one away... Stay tuned!
Hope everyone's weekend was great, I struggled through five miles on Saturday, but my cold is subsiding and I am going to run to my polling location tomorrow morning before work. I was on the elliptical last night at the gym watching the football games, and it looks like my fantasy team might surprisingly squeak out a win tonight! Tonight I am going to hit up the gym again with some dreadmill running and weights. I'm really working on toning and firming. As they say in the movie "Knocked-Up", don't lose weight, just tighten. :)
Anyways, with election day tomorrow, there are some sick free deals to be had, and many restaurants are taking advantage of them. Hey, the economy's down, go big and give away free stuff to win people back. I'm a believer. Keep your coveted, "I voted" sticker all day, and get freebies all day long! Long Live Democracy!
Anyways, for all you java junkies, Starbucks is giving away one tall coffee to anyone who votes. I assume this is when you are wearing the 'I voted' sticker. Want to read more, click here.
Anyone else running in the morning? This gives you free reign to celebrate or drown your sorrows in either delicious ice-cream, or donuts, or both!
Krispy Kreme Donuts is giving away a star shaped patriotic sprinkled original flavored donut to everyone with the "I voted" sticker. Looks super tasty! To find your nearest Krispy Kreme go here.
So about the ice cream... Ben and Jerry's is giving away free scoops in between 5 pm and 8 pm tomorrow night, to ANYONE! Democracy never did taste any sweeter! It's limited to one per customer, but hey, what a deal! Want some? Find your local B&Js here!
If you live in the Orange County area, feel free to check out all these election deals @ Fast food Maven, for local steals and deals for tomorrow. You'll be finding me at the Daily Grill for free appetizers!
Also, since were are pretty much covering all fast food today, check out Jack in the Box for the latest installment on Jack Antenna Balls, “Beanie Jack.” The new ball features Jack wearing a multi-colored beanie cap topped with a propeller. Beanie Jack are selling for $1 at participating restaurants. And Jacks lookin' out to help! Seventy percent of Beanie Jack sales will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters.
It's a Brooks Women's Equilibrium Long Sleeve, and they only have sizes M-XL left, but it's a great price of 19.95, normally 35.95, and it comes in three different colors. I really like the scoop neck and it's fitted throughout, with cuffed sleeves, which I like when I run because then they stay down.
ALSO! The winner for my first ever giveaway of the Marathon Pace Band is KIM from KIMPOSSIBLE!!!!! Hooray!! :) Her PR for a marathon is from the Kentucky Derby Marathon on April 28, 2006 and it was 4:56:43, and she is now working towards a 4:45! :) Hopefully the Marathon Pace Band can help her reach her goal! Congrats Kim! I will be having another contest soon that my involve a SPIBELT from Overton Fitness!! Once I get mine to do a review I'll also be giving one away... Stay tuned!
Hope everyone's weekend was great, I struggled through five miles on Saturday, but my cold is subsiding and I am going to run to my polling location tomorrow morning before work. I was on the elliptical last night at the gym watching the football games, and it looks like my fantasy team might surprisingly squeak out a win tonight! Tonight I am going to hit up the gym again with some dreadmill running and weights. I'm really working on toning and firming. As they say in the movie "Knocked-Up", don't lose weight, just tighten. :)
xoxo
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
