A Nickle, A Diary and A Meg

I have 3 things to talk about tonight, I'll save the best for last, per the title. First though, a few notes on runs: I ran outside 3 days in a row. 11 miles on Friday (it was 91 degrees, but not that humid), 5 miles Saturday with the CRC Crew, 17 miles today in 300% humidity. I then got bored and bought new running shoes (and maybe a new outfit). Instead of the Asics Kayanos, I decided to save $50 (see outfit, new) and try the Mizuno Wave Inspires. Lisa and Jess run in them and they rock, so I should, too. Plus they're pink (so is the new outfit!). I've also been sleeping in my compression socks, per Beth. She is my running crush, so I do all she does. I also make her AMAZING banana bread twice a week (see diary, food below).

1. I FOUND A NICKLE!!! I was really excited about this. My first running cash! I have been highly disappointed with the lack of cash on the side of the road. There's enough litter to fill a dumpster, but no cash. Doesn't a $20 bill just fly out with the Wendy's cup? No loose change with the White Castle box? Not even a penny for your thoughtless actions. Why run outside if there's no money to be found? I can find plenty of no money on the treadmill.

Then, Friday...there it was. Shining in the sun like a...um...I don't know...shiny thing. My first nickle! Though the gentlemen mowing his lawn may have laughed at me, I didn't care. I had enough money to buy help from Lucy.

2. I started a food diary. As my (14!) loyal readers know, I have been struggling with my post Boston weight gain. I consider this a financial issue because I don't want to have my wedding dress let out. Per the antedote above, I'm not finding enough money to pay for it. I reached out to a nutritionist I know and she agreed to help me lose the 5 pounds. She told me to keep a food diary and write down every single thing that goes in my mouth (don't be a pervert). Since Wednesday, I have dutifully recorded each vitamin, potato chip, Diet Coke and piece of gum (18 in one day? Holy halitosis.).

This has been quite depressing. Turns out I can't go more than 2 hours without eating (or a half hour without a piece of gum). I feel really guilty about Saturday's peanut butter cups. I now count the chips I sneak from the kitchen. There's 8-10 per handful. I really need to drink more water. I think I have a Tootsie Pop problem. I wonder if "shit-load" is an acceptable quantity?

We don't have our acutual appointment set up yet, but I'll let you know how it goes.

3. My friend Meg posted a story on runnersworld.com that was too good not to share. It certainly beats anything I've posted:

"Morning! I'm cranky. Ran an easy 5 on the trails with boytoy and his coworker last night. Adventures during said run included a) a crash in which I managed to scrape significant amounts of skin off both knees, b) an encounter with a large, very overheated dog and the rescue efforts to cool him off that ensued (including boytoy's attempts to get the dog to lie down in a nearby stream, random passersby and their dogs, and a large Russian man named Boris), c) a random FE with serendips, who happened to be involved in said rescue efforts, and d) an unfortunate altercation with a large thorned branch, which scraped attractive red lines across my midsection. Fun times!

I feel like crap. Sore from softball wednesday night (probably because I was catcher and had to crouch behind the plate for 7 innings) and just generally tired and sluggish. I've also put on 3 lbs in the past couple weeks for no apparent reason. Tempting to do a long run, but I think I'm going to take both today and tomorrow off instead. Big 5K Sunday and I don't want to suck.
(oh, and before anyone says anything- NO, I AM NOT PREGNANT.)"

A Trip to Walgreens

I knew I hadn't posted in a while, but I didn't realize it had almost been 2 weeks! I blame work keeping me too busy and exhausted to write (though I did run). Today I am posting at work. I think its a fair trade. Disclaimer: if this post ends up being random and disjointed, please blame the golfers and my ringing phone.

The other reason my posts were not here is because nothing really noteworthy happened. The runs were pretty boring. The lone exception was Sunday, June 20. (Do you like my teaser? HA-HA! You have to keep reading!)

The week of June 13-19 I did all but 1 of my runs outside. The exception was my Monday speed work on the treadmill. Why treadmill? Because I can set the pace and run and not think about it. Speedwork outside (I assume) takes more effort. And thinking. And paying attention. Wednesday outside I pulled a muscle in my back. I'm not really sure what happened, but I attribute it to carrying my water bottle and how I was holding my arms. It happened at mile 3 but I still ran the remaining 8 miles. So smart us runners! I ran again Thursday morning. It didn't hurt to run, just to breathe deeply or yawn. The chiropractor cracked me that afternoon and all has been honky-dorey since.

Sunday's run was my long run (16 miles). I started at 6:45am to beat the heat. There is a Walgreens that is 7.5 miles from my apartment. I carried my water bottle, but no GU, as my plan was to stop and drink a G2 at the Walgreens. (You know what teenage cashiers LOVE? Sweaty money.) While at Walgreens, I used their facilities (bonus!) and my 32 oz of sweet, blue sugar water. A gentleman in line behind me (rocking some SWEET houndstooth pants) inquired, "How far are you running?"

"16 miles"

"I run 10 miles every Tuesday and Saturday and 5 miles every Wednesday and Friday."

"That's awesome." I replied. I meant it, too.

"I also run a jackhammer 5 times a week."

Um...ok. Yippee? He preceeded to then show me his bulging forearms and further inform me on the merits of working with a jackhammer versus weightlifting in the gym. I then heard about where his office was, where I should go for lunch, and who I should ask for. Why am I way too polite to blow off strangers that I will never see again? Who knows? He might tell everyone that some smelly girl (I sort of forgot to put on deodorant before I left) was rude to him at 8am on Sunday at Walgreens. The horror.

This week's runs were then boring. Monday off. Tuesday speedwork on the treadmill. Wednesday 10 easy miles on the treadmill. It was over 90 degrees, heat stroke is not attractive. Thursday morning 5 miles on the golf course. Today, gulp, back outside for 10. I think. Unless my People magazine arrives. No. No excuses. Must run outside. I can do it. Outside.

Saturday I ran into a pesticide cloud (literally and figuratively)

I was really lazy this past week. I only ran outside twice (Sunday and Saturday) and took 3 days off in a row. I still managed to get in 45 miles on the week.

Saturday's run was another early morning endeavor. I awoke at 5:45am (feeling very rested thanks to falling asleep on the couch at 9pm) and met a few friends at 6:15am. It was already over 70 degrees and humid.

I was wearing my compression socks because I thought it might help my overly tired legs. I don't really know if they made me feel more hot or not. (I mean, I felt totally "hot" in the sense that I looked AWESOME with my matching visor, but I couldn't tell if they affected my overall body temperature). My legs felt ok energy wise through most of the run, so maybe they did help.

I ran 11.65 miles with the group and then strayed so I could get to 15 before I would be late for work. By mile 13 I was done for. So hot. So humid. Body hates me. Why did I think I should do pick ups during the 12th mile? Why, self?

Being the stubborn runner that I am (and obsessed with my weight gain since Boston that only keeps growing instead of shrinking) I had to get to 15 miles. Couldn't quit at 14. But at mile 14.25 I saw what I thought was a mirage of sweet relief. A city worker - with a hose!!! Spraying trees! Sweet relief! Its so hot. Please, sir, just direct the hose at my head!

"Is that water or pesticide?" I shout at my orange-smocked friend.

"Pesticide."

Too late. Ran directly in it. Great. At least I can finish my run pest free. (And it was totally NOT refreshing.)

As for my figurative pesticide cloud. I'll keep this short. Basically, I reached out to someone with some unsolicited advice, just trying to help, and got my ass kicked all over the internet. I spent a good portion of yesterday in tears, being angry at myself and beating myself up. The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Instead of focusing on the negative, I'll find the silver lining. A lot of people came to my defense, and showed what amazing, caring people I have met through running. I have found a true community - good, bad and ugly, and we accept and support each other. Its been said that when you cross the finish line of a marathon your life changes. My life changed significantly when I became a marathoner. I have met interesting, loving, caring people who support my every step and I theirs. We are from all corners of the country, all shapes, sizes, colors, and beliefs. I can't imagine my life without the knowledge they have shared with me, the support they have shown me, and the love they have given to me. Thank you doesn't seem close to enough to say.

Moisture wicking, my ass...

I am fully aware that while running in a downpour my Nike top (endorsement money, please. Sponsor a slow kid!) will not be able to wick all moisture from me. Instead, it will cause me to look like the loser of the world's worst wet T-shirt contest. However, I did spend $70 on this outfit - is a dry spot too much to expect? I am now on a search for an umbrella hat. Added bonus - you'll always be able to find me in the running crowd.

Yes...you read that correct above. I ran in the rain today. At 6:15am, the day was sunny and full of dryness. Wendy said something about a storm moving in, but I thought we had a couple hours until it got here. Not 45 minutes later the big, dark grey clouds were near us. I was highly optimistic that we were running away from the rain by heading towards the lighter sky of the south. Mr. Rain chose to follow us and completely dump a cloud. Then another one about 20 minutes later, and one more for good measure 10 minutes after that one. I ran 15 miles, only 3 of which were in the rain and I was soaked to the bone. Does that make me hardcore now? I even stepped in a puddle. And outload swore about it. I was so wet that I had to find a blanket to protect my car seat.

I survived, though. And I want a merit badge.

I was super busy at work this week, and I didn't have time to write until today. I ran outside Tuesday and Thursday this week. Wednesday I chose the treadmill so I could read my Entertainment Weekly (top 100 characters of the last 20 years and no Urkel?!?! Outrage. It was on from 1989-1997. I checked before I outraged). Tuesday's run I got lost. Like way lost. Thought I ran to Michigan lost. I took one wrong turn and became completely discombobulated. I was running around my usual lake and had no idea. Once I figured that out, I tried to run in the direction of the golf course, but ended up by the big water tower that is only 2 miles from my house. How I didn't see the water tower looming...

Turns out I can find my running route in a car, either. The BoyToy's parents are in town this weekend and last night I wanted to show them the neighborhoods I run it. I also wanted to show BoyToy because if I get murdered by a squirrel while I'm out running it is his job to scrape me off the road. I told him to turn into the completely wrong subdivision (one with no outlet to boot!). Let's just say after 5 minutes of me having no clue where we were, I could feel the anger wafting off of him.

We finally found the correct neighborhood where I preceded to get us lost once again, by missing the same turn I missed on Tuesday and also not figuring out that I knew where I was until too late. BoyToy, as I should note, still wafting anger. I was able to get us home in one piece eventually, but I don't think I'm ever allowed to be navigator (note to wedding guests: we are registered for a GPS. If you buy it for us BoyToy may marry you instead me). At least it wasn't raining either time I was lost.

A month recap and a bee attack

It is Memorial Day...the last day of May. I ran outside 11 times this past month - an average 2.5 times per week. I would tell you the mileage totals, but I'm at work and all that information is at home. I also can't tell you my yearly tally of runs outside. I counted last night, but have no idea right now.

Last week was a rough one. I ran outside for 4 out of 5 runs. Let me tell you...I could feel it! My hips were sore by Thursday. My legs need a little more time to get used to asphalt. (Yeah, yeah, yeah, run on the grass and all that jazz, but I don't think the homeowners would appreciate it.) Plus, I am in dire need of a massage. I think my entire body is one big knotted muscle - from my shoulders to my back to my glutes to my calves. Anyone know a cheap masseuse? One that won't cost my $70 per hour plus tip?

Don't get me wrong, I think they deserve that much (considering some of the people they have to touch!), I just can't afford it. Someday I hope to have that luxury in my weekly budget, but I don't right now. I do have a foam roller and a stick, but they're not the same. I think tomorrow I'm going to break and get out the credit card.

Anyhoo...I ran with my running group on Saturday. I haven't ran with them since March because of my work schedule. Saturday they started at 7am and since I'm not up to high mileage yet, I jumped at the opportunity to join them. I ran 7 with the group, broke away with Denise for another 4, and then I HAD to run 1 more to get to 50 miles for the week.

As I was running my last mile, ALONE, I felt something hit my left shoulder, then my right shoulder, then my left again! AAAACCKKK!!! A BEE! ITS A BEE! I'M BEING ATTACKED! ITS FOLLOWING ME!!! A BEE!!! I tried to run faster, but the bee stayed with me. After about 10 steps I mustered up all the courage I could and tried to swat the bee off of me.

Turns out...not a bee. It was my stupid headband. Its a two strap thing and one strap had fallen and was whacking me in the shoulders. I was thankful to be alone it my freak out. Bee attacks on a treadmill are rare. I may have figured this out earlier had I been inside.

The things I get myself into...

I work at a Golf and Country Club. It is well known here that I am a runner. (It also well know that I am a gerbil.) I have been asked on numerous occasions to run the golf course. I have never done it for a few reasons. 1. It is outside. 2. They run at 6am. 3. It is dewy in the morning. My shoes will get wet. And covered in grass. 4. I don't know if the people I work for should see me sweaty.

But as part of this outdoorsy endeavor...I finally said yes. I set my alarm for 5:27 am. I packed my bag (bonus of my work: showers available!) and breakfast last night. I even fell asleep before the new American Idol was announced.

I showed up on time and ran 2 laps around the course for 9 miles. My shoes are wet. My socks are wet. I think I am bringing home enough lawn clippings to mulch. But I survived. I didn't even see any creatures. I thought for sure I'd see a deer (Did you see the season finale of The Middle? Sue takes up cross country and on her morning run she gets hit by a deer - histerical!), but no deer. And no squirrels.

I have to admit, watching the sunrise on a golf course is one of the most beautiful things one can witness. The green grass, the tall trees, the blooming flowers...it makes you happy to be alive. I was thankful to have people to run with and access to an amazing trek. I mostly see golfers at work and it was nice to get to know another segment of our membership.

I ran probably 8 of the miles on the grass. I have to say...I think my shins and calves are going to be sore tomorrow. My legs are not used to undulation. Grass is supposed to be easier on your joints, but I'm a hurtin. Thank goodness tomorrow is a rest day. I think.

You can skip this one...its boring

I ran 11 miles outside this morning between 10am and noon. I finally got off the couch at 9:50am, after my morning nap, after I slept past 8:30. My plan was to run 10 miles with 8 miles being acceptable.

Once I was on my way, however, I decided to finally figure out how far it was from my apartment to the entrance to the Wedgewood neighborhood. I ran this neighborhood once during my Boston training, but I entered it from the north side and our starting place was the running store. The Wedgewood neighborhood is one of the hilliest in Columbus. I plan on using this neighborhood to do hill workouts and build my overall running strength.

I knew I was close to this neighborhood from a few of my earlier runs. I just didn't know how far I was from the north entrance. I chose this as my goal because it was the midway point on our 23 miler this past March. Wendy, a good friend of mine and fellow marathoner, used the sign at the entrance to hide our water and fuel. I knew once I could figure out how to get to the entrance, my runs could be limitless from my front door. I set a goal to find out one day how far that sign was and I decided that today was the day.

I wasn't overly concerned with how far away the entrance was. When I started running I used to worry that I would run out too far and not be able to make it back. I had images of myself walking and crying and being stuck out in the middle of a trail. But now...distances no longer intimidate me. I have the confidence to run to a specific point. That point could be 5 miles away, 10 miles away, 20 miles away and I know I can make it. I am healthy and strong enough to make it.

That health and strength also tranlates to other areas of life. I could go to New York City tomorrow and I could walk all day around the city. I could go to Disneyland and have the energy to spend the entire day at the park. I could do most cardiovascular challenges on the Amazing Race. I even told a cardiologist that if I ever have heart trouble I will be PISSED.

I can still remember being a fat kid. Hating to run the mile in PE class. Knowing that I sucked at sports and never being picked in the first half for teams (I wasn't last pick, but often close). I still think before each marathon, while waiting for the gun to go off, "what am I doing here? I can't do this." Then having to remind myself that I can. I have before. I will again.