I'm still alive and running

I am still alive, running, and cooking.  I have just been super busy with my candidacy.  Hopefully I will have a post for you soon.

Crappy running week but awesome glass

This week has not been a very good running week for me.  Actually, this entire week was one of those weeks where I just wasn't very hungry.  You know how some weeks you are really hungry and others not?  I know that sounds kind of strange, but the latter was this week for me.  I think my lack of hunger led to a lack of energy running. 

Caitlin and I did an easy three mile run on Wednesday (34:31). That run was alright.  Thursday was busy at work then Chris and I met with a potential wedding photographer.  We had a great time but did not get home until late.  Friday night I ran with Chris.  The first mile I felt like Superwoman.  I honestly thought to myself, "This is easy.  I feel like a runner!"  (I jinxed myself.)  That mile was a 8:53 pace.  I pushed through another half a mile doing a 8:23.  Then we stopped to walk, because I was pretty sure I was going to be sick.  I had felt sick earlier in the day, and I guess it was back.  After the walk, I started the Garmin again and took it very easy going back.  The total time for the three miles was 30:02. 

I needed one more run this week, so I had to run today.  Caitlin is running a 10K on Sunday, and Ryan is running his marathon (GOOD LUCK GUYS!), so I was going to run 6 miles.  After my crappy run yesterday, I wasn't feeling up for it today.  I only ran 3 miles, but I did feel better than yesterday. (27:57, average 9:18 pace... 9:18 = my birthday!  woo-hoo!)

Twice this week I was almost hit by a car while running.  The first was during the run with Caitlin, and the second was tonight.  This is just a note to remind everyone to watch out for cars, because they may not see you!

I bought extra fruits and vegetables this week, so hopefully I will be feeling better and more energetic this week.

Chris was feeling sore from his run in his vibrams, so today we went to our local running store and got him compression sleeves for his calves.  He also got me a super awesome Runner Girl pint glass!  I love it!!  He's the best!

I hope you all  have a fun and safe Halloween! 

Hilarious Video!!!

Make sure you turn your speakers on before watching this video.  Also, there is foul language for those who may have young ears in the same room.

Constructive spammers comic

[source]

Happy Birthday Chris!

First of all, let me begin by saying HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY to the love of my life, my amazing fiance, Chris!

Friday night we started the birthday festivities by meeting some friends at a local bar.  It was a great time, although I did not take many pictures.  I did manage to take a picture of Chris with his new Darth Vader teddy bear that Ryan and Caitlin got him (along with some beer).  So cute!  It even plays Star Wars music!  They paired perfectly with one of the gifts I gave Chris.  I got him some books about the science/physics of Superheroes, Supervillains, Star Trek, and Star Wars.

My pear cider

 

Chris with his Darth Vader Teddy Bear

I'm looking forward to reading these too!  We are such dorks!

He goes well with the "life-size" Yoda in our living room.  Oh yeah, we are dorky!

 Saturday morning, I made my first poached eggs, following the wonderful directions of A Healthier Happier Bear.  We both worked on homework, then did some shopping.  I had to get some GUs for my training and some body glide.  As it turns out, my hydration pack rubbed in one tiny spot along my spine during our 15 mile run.  I didn't even realize it until I took a shower and felt some stinging.  I bought some body glide to help prevent that in the future. 

Eggs in the water

 

 

 

Speaking of our epic 15 mile run, my legs are feeling wonderful!  After the run, I took an ice bath, shower, then put on my CEP compression socks.  Then I rotated icing my knees and my feet, since they were both sore.  The next day my muscles all felt fine, but my knees were killing me.  It hurt to walk, so I took the elevator instead of the stairs.  I iced my knees while at work, and by the end of the day my knees were great! 

Saturday night, Chris and I went for a very easy 3 mile run (in 33:19).  I wanted to take it easy and go slow, because I was considering it a recovery run (and my third run for the week).  Chris wore his Vibrams and ran in the grass along side me.  My legs felt good, except for a small twinge of pain in my right knee around 1.5 miles.  We walked for a bit then which seemed to help.  I ended the run without pain.  Then we went out for his birthday dinner, just the two of us.  We went to PF Changs for dinner.  We ended the night with this amazing dessert consisting of banana spring rolls and coconut/pineapple ice cream.  SO DELICOUS!  They also gave him a free mini dessert for his birthday, which I believe was chocolate mousse.  My knees did not appreciate the heals I was wearing, but they are feeling fine today. 

Today we went to celebrate Chris's birthday the way any person should celebrate their 30th birthday... in a room full of trampolines!  We went to Rebounderz and bounced around for an hour.  It was tiring but so much fun! 

Check out our awesome shoes!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tired at the end of the day.

On a side note, due to some recent spam on my blog, so I changed the comments on my blog so that I have to approve them.  All in all, we had a wonderful weekend!  I hope you all had just as great of a weekend. 

Two left feet and a 15 mile run!

This week I have run twice so far, since I have been really busy.  Caitlin and I planned to run after work on Wednesday.  We both brought running clothes to work, and the idea was that right after work we would run, then I would hit the gym to shower and head to where I needed to be that evening.  She had an experiment than over a few minutes, so I was already changed and waiting by the time she was going to change.  She got her gym clothes on then realized she packed two left shoes.  It was pretty funny.  So, I ended up running 3 miles on the treadmill at the gym (31 minutes; 10:20 pace). 

Then last night we set out for our 15 mile run.  We split a GU before we started, split another at 5 miles, and split a third at 10 miles.  Starting at 5 miles, I had a dull side stitch.  It didn't go away at all, but I could run through it up until the last 2 miles.  The last two miles hurt.  My knees ached and I had to keep stopping due to the debilitating side stitch.  Boo!  But we did it!  15 miles!  Our time was 3 hours and 7 minutes.  I have never run that distance or for that long in my life, so I PR'd in two areas.  My knees and feet were sore.  I took an ice bath when I got back, showered, then put on my compression socks.  I ate dinner while icing my knees.  This morning they still hurt really bad, and I iced them while at work.  I also used the elevator instead of the stairs.  I am happy to say that my knees are feeling much better! 

Today I registered for the OUC half marathon.  It is on December 4, 2010.  The day after my candidacy defense.  Eek!  OUC was my first half marathon, back in 2007, and I ran it in 2:06:56!  I was not expecting that pace at all!  Since we have been training for a longer distance and at a slower speed, I do not expect to PR at OUC, but hopefully I will have fun and enjoy the race.

On a side note, I recommend these cinnamon almonds.  Such a delicious snack! 

 

 And check out this crazy gum my co-worker had.  I tried it.  It was interesting.  Kind of fun.

 

 I am about to head out to start the Chris's birthday weekend celebration.  He is turning 30 on Sunday!  

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Love Letter To The World (borrowed from Kind Over Matter)

I just saw this at Kind Over Matter, and it really spoke to me, so I wanted to share.  It was originally written by Kate, who deserves to be applauded. 

Text:

In the face of complaints, look that person in the eye and imagine what it might have been like to be raised to see only what is wrong.
In the face of selfishness, wonder what it might be like to walk the world with a feeling of lack, of depletion.
In the face of insults, consider where this person first learned that it’s okay to abuse others.
In the face of disconnection, think about what causes it, and ask if your response will widen the river between the two of you.
In the face of laziness, recognize the fear of living big dreams.
In the face of extremism or fundamentalism, see the clinging, as well as the terror-filled silence that would arise for that person if they risked letting go.
In the face of controlling behavior, understand the chaos that must have bred it.
In the face of “always needing to be right,” see how often this person was once made wrong.
In the face of arrogance or bravado, hold gently that still, small piece that says “I’m not enough.”
In the face of drama or attention-seeking, see the person who wishes so much to be seen.
In the face of accusation, imagine what it might be like to live life with suspicion.
In the face of judgement or comparisons, step into the opportunity the world has just provided you for practicing love and acceptance.
In the face of passive-aggressiveness, recognize the child that wasn’t taught a safe way to express their truth.
In the face of anger, see the pain of isolation from others.
Most importantly: In the face of ferocious hatred, believe in the possibility that there exists the potential for equally as big, intense, lovely and fiery ferocious love.