Back to my random ways

I have a lot on my mind, but none of it is full blog post-worthy, so back to my favorite writing form: bullets. 

• My sore back is slowly getting better, I think. I ran on Monday (4 miles) and Tuesday (3 miles). Today it’s kind of stiff and sore again, but not nearly as bad as Sunday. I hope it’s on the mend. I don’t need anything else working against me on Sunday: the day of “most challenging half marathon in Florida.”
• In addition to the half marathon, there is a full marathon available. Yikes. That distance is still not appealing to me and extremely scary. I keep thinking it will be my next goal, but no, not yet … maybe not ever. I do always get a little twinge of interest when I read an inspiring marathon recap, like this one ... but only a twinge, mostly admiration and awe at the person who did it.
• Jessica Simpson was on Jay Leno on Tuesday. She was beautiful and funny, per usual. She just makes me happy. She already looks super pregnant, but isn’t due until summer. I guess that’s what happens when you’re 5’2”.

• I like to think I’m a part of this child’s life because when I met Jessica, she was pregnant.

• To top off the ultimate late night, Charlie Sheen was on Jimmy Fallon. He makes me happy, too. But, not happy enough to stay up that late. Sorry Charlie.
• I did recently watch a new-to-me Charlie Sheen movie, though. It was released in 1998, so it’s probably not new to anyone else. What can I say? I’m on the cutting edge. Anyway, I could have gone another 15 years without seeing it. If given the opportunity, do not watch “No Code of Conduct.” Horrible, awful movie. I didn’t realize Martin and Charlie made such terrible movies. They do. My boyfriend said at the beginning of the movie, “Hey. That’s Bret Michaels.” I said, “No. It looks like him, but it’s definitely not him.” At the closing credits, we found out it was Bret Michaels … and that he directed the movie. Bret Michaels directs movies? Well, he shouldn’t.

Source

• I came upon this unfortunate movie because of Netflix. I’ve never had Netflix, but our new TV has a wireless connection and now, Netflix. In my first experience, my boyfriend asked what movie I wanted to watch. I of course said “Ace Ventura.” Not available. OK, what kind of service is this? The best movie of all time is not available? Then, I said, “How about 300?” Yeah, not available either. So, I said, “Can you look up movies by actor?” That led to searching Charlie Sheen and the terrible discovery. Um, is Netflix really this lame? No recent movies? Only Bret Michaels-directed movies?
• Tonight, I’m watching an OJ Simpson trial documentary thanks to Netflix. I started by searching Jessica Simpson (surprise!). After finding absolutely nothing (seriously worst movie service ever … or I don’t know how to work it yet), but seeing OJ, I decided to see what he had to offer. I thought maybe "Naked Gun," but no: two documentaries about the trial. Sadly, I’m mildly obsessed with law and especially the Simpson trial, so I’m actually liking it more than the pitiful Charlie Sheen movie.

Please tell me: is Netflix really this bad? Have you ever watched a Bret Michaels-directed movie? Have you run a marathon? If so, do you like the distance? If not, are you scared like me?

Spinning, marketing, arting, stretching, walking ... and finally, running

I’m a sweater. I know this. I should have been prepared for the level of sweat. I wasn’t.

I had a towel. I could have used another towel. So. Much. Sweat.

What produces this level of sweat? Spin.

On Saturday, I participated in my first spin class to benefit Pet Pal Animal Shelter.

Because it was an early weekend morning, it took me awhile to wake up and get oriented. But, about 20 minutes into the class, I finally figured out what was going on and started to really enjoy it. I loved climbing hills (huh?) and making turns. Aside from the sweat situation, I loved it all.

What I loved most is that it benefited sweet animals like this girl.

Sandy made an appearance at the spin-a-thon

After the class (which consisted of a lot of my running group since a running group friend was teaching the class), we headed to the market across the street ... and into heaven.

I love tomatoes, seriously.

I love guacamole, too, but I just had a sample ... and wanted to
take home the entire bowl.

Later that evening, I headed to an art show with a fabulous Tampa Bay artist's work in it. That fabulous local artist happens to be my coworker and friend who is extremely talented.

Me, not the creator, with her amazing artwork

The artist with another piece of work, Schlitz (only a dolla dolla bill, ya'll)

After a fun day and night, I headed to bed to start it all over again with a long run on Sunday morning. Problem: I woke up on Sunday to excruciating back pain. I couldn't stand straight. It hurt to take a step. Gah.

So instead of running, I spent the day stretching, applying heat and walking.

... and spotting dolphins

... and drinking delicious Dunkin' Donuts coconut
coffee in the dog park

I thought maybe I could run Sunday night, but I still wasn't comfortable. Better, but not great.

On Monday, the back was much better. Still sore, but not nearly as bad. So, I ran Monday night. The first mile was awful. It was so painful that I wanted to quit, but I told myself, "Self, run at least one mile and then reevaluate."

I ran 4 miles. Pretty decent miles for me running by myself (I hate running by myself). I felt awesome after (less back pain than before I ran).

Tonight, I ran 3 more miles. A little pain when I started, but it all worked out by the end. Whew! The half marathon on Sunday is still a go ...  

Ever have random back pain? What did you do? Did you run with it? Do you love tomatoes? Guacamole? Ever do a spin class? What did you think?

A running quiz

I’m kind of late to the party (per usual), but I did this running quiz that I saw on Jogging on Coffee ... three months ago, ahem.

Fuel: Shot Bloks, GU, Energy Chews, Candy or Other?  

When I first started running, I didn’t even know you needed to “eat” while running long distances. Once I learned this, I bought a variety of things to try, and I didn’t like most of them. I tolerated GU Energy Gel, but it was still gross to me. Then, I discovered GU Chomps, which I thought were the best thing ever (because they are almost exactly like gummy candy). I used them until this training session when a running group coach gave us a bunch of GU gel. I started using it again and realized that even though the texture was still nasty, I liked it better than chewing something while running. So for now, GU gel ... but only fruity flavors (the idea of espresso gel makes me gag … not that the fruity flavors don't sometimes).
 
Race Length: 5k, 10k, 1/2 Marathon, Marathon, Ultra or Other?

Half marathons and I are in love. Good thing, since I have seven on the calendar for 2013 (yikes). It’s a manageable distance, but I still find it very challenging. I have tons of room for improvement … and I’m extremely scared of the marathon distance. I’d like to someday get an under-30-minute 5K, but I just really don’t like that distance. It takes me at least one mile to warm up, so this doesn’t bode well for a 3.1-mile race. I’ve done two 10Ks: one I didn’t like and one I loved, so I’m still not entirely decided on that distance.

Workout Bottoms: Skirts, Running Shorts, Capris, Pants or Other?

I always run in black capris. Always. Why? My legs are blindingly white. Even the small amount of skin that shows could frighten small children. 

Black capris, pale legs? Yep, me.

Sports Drink: Gatorade, Powerade, Cytomax, you stick to water when you run or Other?

Nuun is my favorite sports drink by far. I highly dislike Gatorade but have been known to drink it during a race with a water chaser. But, blech. 

Running Temperatures: HEAT or COLD?  

Cold, please! Living in Florida, “cold” is anything below 80 degrees, which doesn’t happen very often (it was 85 degrees today, and it’s January for goodness sake). Hot weather is miserable here. The sun sizzles my skin and the humidity causes an excessive amount of sweating. 

Me excessively sweaty: not pretty

Running Shoe Brands: Saucony, Mizuno, Nike, Brooks, Asics or Other?

I love Brooks! I was fitted for the Brooks Adrenaline when I first started running, and I’ve never ran in anything else since. I tried on others and ran on the “track” in the store, but the Brooks stood out as the most comfortable and most supportive by far. 

My love

Pre-race meal: Oatmeal, Bagel, Banana, Eggs, Cereal or Other?  

I either have toast (usually sandwich thin) with peanut butter and a banana or oatmeal, but usually the toast, peanut butter and banana because it tastes better.

Rest Days: 1x per week, 2x per week, never ever ever or other?

I only run three days per week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday), so I have four rest days from running. I keep thinking I’ll add another run day, but I haven’t. Since I haven’t been injured and this allows me to run half marathons, I haven’t changed it.

Music: Have to have it or go without it?  

I go without it. I almost always run with my running group and chatting with the girls is one of the reasons I love running so much.

#1 reason for running: stress-relief, endorphins, you love to race, so you can eat all the cupcakes you want, weight-loss, love running for social reasons or other?

My number one reason for running is endorphins. I feel awesome after I run. Even if it was a “bad” run, I still feel fabulous. Closely tied for second: running is challenging, it allows me to be competitive (with myself), and it provides social benefits.

Are you a blogger that’s completed the quiz? If so, let me know so I can check out your answers. Otherwise, let me know your answers below. I particularly interested in your rest days ... how many days do you run per week? How did you determine that number?

Time to panic

I’m not sure why I keep doing this to myself.

The last two years I’ve taken time off from running over the holidays. Some of it is due to a crazy December work schedule. Some of it is due to family visiting. Some of it is due to travel.

Last year, I panicked. I assumed I’d lost all running ability. I adjusted my training schedule and realized I did not lose all running ability. Even with the time off, I got my beautiful half marathon PR of 2:33 at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in February.

This year, I’m panicking again. I tried to remember that I took the time off last year and was fine. The only problem: this year I have a half marathon in two weeks. Yikes. And, it’s not any half marathon. It’s the Clearwater Halfathon, possibly “the most challenging half marathon in Florida” (according to the race website). Double yikes.

Why is it challenging? It has two ascents over two “relatively” tall bridges connecting Clearwater to the barrier islands.

And, by “relatively” tall, they really mean gigantic, scary and huge. Triple yikes.

So, even though I’m trying not to panic, I am.

Even though I ran 7 pretty awesome miles on Sunday, I’m still panicking. 

Awesome miles, but not awesome hair

Even though I’ll have four more weekly runs and one more long run before the race, I’m still panicking.

Gah.

How do you deal with being unprepared for a race? Do you panic? Should I stop panicking? Ever run over “relatively” tall bridges? How does one do this?

No resolutions for me

Happy New Year! But don’t expect any resolutions from me.

I’m not anti-resolution. I love hearing about other people’s goals for the year — it’s very inspiring. I just know that resolutions don’t work for me.

I used to carefully think out my resolutions and write them in notebook. A few weeks later (at the most), all of my resolutions ended in bitter disappointment. They probably tended to be a little too unrealistic and maybe a little too big. (I guess “Marry Reggie Bush” was too ambitious. Hmph.) I just know that instead of feeling new and inspired, I felt like a total failure. 

See why becoming Mrs. Bush was a previous (failed)
resolution? Source

 

To avoid that feeling, I quit.

I could make someone rich.

So, instead let’s look at what I have planned for the first half of 2013.

Jan. 12: Pet Pal Spin. It’s my first spin class ever, and it’s for a great cause. If you’re in the Tampa Bay area, come check it out (because it’s an awesome cause and we’ll have an awesome teacher (a running group friend) — not because you want to see me make a fool out of myself on a bike … well, if me making a fool out of myself will make you attend, I’m OK with it).

I'm attempting the 9 a.m. class.

Jan. 20: Clearwater Halfathon. It’s my first half marathon of the year, and I don’t feel prepared whatsoever. A few days off of running due to work madness and the holidays, and I assume that I’ve lost all running abilities.

Feb. 2: Best Damn Race 10K. It’s my second 10K after I said I’d probably never run another one. Yeah, that ended in failure, too. But, it’s a good thing.

Feb. 10: Rock ‘n’ Roll St. Petersburg. Yay! It’s my favorite half marathon! I loved this race last year, and I can’t wait to rock it again.

March 17: Florida Beach Halfathon. It’s my second half marathon on this course. I ran this route for the Halloween Halfathon, and I found it boring (and windy). But, it’s flat, I guess?

April 14: Iron Girl Half Marathon. It’s my first half marathon this late in the year. I’m nervous about the potential heat (and tall, scary bridges), but I’m running with running group friends, and that always makes everything better.

Do you make resolutions? Why or why not? What are your plans for the year? Have you ever done a spin class? Any tips for me?