I Don't Hate Running

So, I've decided that it was the anger talking yesterday when I said that I hate running. I actually love it, I know, I think I am some sort of masochist. Someone was talking about running before my Zumba class this evening and I perked right up, and I could have sat there and chatted with her if I didn't have a class to teach. I realized right then and there that I really do love running, and my ranting and complaining yesterday was mostly due to the fact that I was a Bitchy McBitcherson yesterday.

So, since everyone is in bed and I have a run in the morning, I decided to make a new playlist. I went to jog.fm and looked for some inspiration. The funny thing is that I had all of these songs in my collection, I just needed to have my mind jogged a little (no pun intended). Check out what I came up with, it's pop-tastic, old, new and in between.

Do you have a pump up song? If so, what is it?

Ch-ch-changes

This week's theme- Change

This past Monday was week 14's long run, and it was 11 miles. First things first, I made that 11 miles my b*tch, just thought you should know, even if I did it rather slowly. This also happened to be B's first day of second grade, and let's touch on that before I tell you about the long run. The morning started out with little Miss "I've Been 7 For A Whole Week So I think I'm Grown" copping quite the little attitude. Then,  when we got to school, she was too cool to take more than one "first day of school" picture. I also can't forget to tell you guys that I got in trouble when crossing from the school to the parking lot because I didn't cross at the crosswalk. Mind you, there were no kids out, the bell had already rung, and I was a little misty eyed at the thought of my baby not being a baby anymore. Yeah, so after that I cried in my car for a minute, because mad emotional is just how I roll somedays. After, I had a coffee date with a friend, so we could have our official first day of school date, like we had last year.

So finally, I was off running after an interesting start that morning. I decided to run my usual route, but backwards, and added miles by running through neighborhoods that butt up to the paths. Of course, I ran into a bunch of people I know when I looked like an awful hot mess, and about to melt into the pavement. One of the people I ran into was Celia, who follows the blog, and stopped me because she recognized me from the blog. I almost felt like a celebrity, thank goodness I managed to keep the paparazzi at bay. Also, I kept oscillating from incredible miles, to miles where I thought I saw snails moving faster than me. Thankfully, when I saw Celia, I was having a rockstar mile, so I probably didn't look like that much of a mess, or at least I didn't in my head. I had the tunes going, and it was a nice mix of everything under the sun, we're talking Britney, Poison, Barbara Streisand... it was AWESOME! Somewhere around mile 9, I think I started to lose my head a little, the heat and humidity was killer. See, I have photographic evidence.

 

Somehow, I managed to waddle on through 11 miles. I was pretty darn happy, even if it was slow... so slow in fact that I think I got Granny'd by a lady near the Senior Citizen's complex. This my longest solo run ever, so I had some stuff to celebrate. Also, did I mention there was some new chafing?! I thought I had covered all the important spots with my chafe cream but apparently, I missed a spot, because I had some serious chafe action. OUCH! *TMI WARNING* I had never chafed in the spot where on my bum on the spot where the undies rubbed it, but let me tell you that I have now. My butt was on fire, not a good situation.

So, this week the schedule was mixed up so I can now officially have two rest days, and I couldn't be happier about that. Now, I get to chill out on Thursdays and Sundays, which means no pilates for me until after the marathon, but I can deal with that. It felt great to have Thursday off, seriously, I almost didn't know what to do with myself. Ok, that's a bit of a stretch, the day was busy, but it was weird not going to the gym. 

This change means that I did my speedwork on Wednesday, and it was a tough workout this week. I seriously thought I was going to die and/or fly off the treadmill. I am not a fan of this, but I have to remember that it's going to pay off. It will pay off, right? Lie to me if you must. 

This past week was all about changes. Changes to the schedule, B's back at school so my life can return to normal, oh yeah and a new place to chafe. Ok, not that many changes, but good and welcomed changes nonetheless. 

Lazy Blogger

I've been a lazy blogger lately, I had a ridiculously busy week last week. So, I was back to running last week and if felt great. I was a little worried about the ankle but it held up really well, which was a pleasant surprise. The issue that I had going on last week was the HEAT! Georgia's turned into a sauna, seriously, a friggin' sauna. Last week's runs were all fairly slow and I think that the heat and humidity played a hand in my extra slow runs. In the end, it didn't matter because I was so thankful to be running again. I had missed running, but I didn't realize quite how much until I was out there again. Oh, and in case you were interested, I've been running in shorts and I couldn't be happier. I think that next on deck will be a skirt sports skirt or a sparkle skirts tech skirt.... living on the wild side.

I am working on my first giveaway to help one of my very best friends who is running her first half marathon with DetermiNATION in November. Anyone have any tips on how to run this giveaway smoothly and maybe get some sponsors on board? So far, I've just purchased some things to give away.

Fabulous and Fierce Friday

First things first, today is Canada Day and I have already started the festivities. I wore my Canada tank to teach my Zumba class this morning, and even I high fived a fellow Canuck at CVS this morning. If I had thought about it when I was home, I would have picked up a pack of mix for the gravy that goes on poutine. Poutine, you ask.. well, poutine is a Canadian dish that's french fries, with gravy and cheese curds.  It looks nasty but tastes so good, I'm serious.

Since, I'm talking about Canada and such here's a list of some of the many famous Canucks. Us Canadians walk among you...



And then just because I love these two videos...





Alright, on to other things. I've been sidelined from running for a while because it turns out that my ankle was sprained. Imagine how jealous I get when I see all the runners around here running and generally looking so bad ass. So, I've been doing the rehab exercises and last week I was sporting a super sexy ankle brace. What?! You didn't know that ankle braces were sexy... well, now you know. Please try not to be too jealous that I still get to rock it when I work out and that I'll have to keep wearing it when I start running again. I'm considering decorating the thing with some fabric paint and such... I'll post pictures if I do. According to the orthopedist, I can't run again until Monday, I'm a little worried about it because of course no one ever wants to re-injure themselves. The ankle thing has been a blessing and a curse. I haven't been able to run but I've been working on the weight loss thing and it's finally getting back on track. Also, because I can't teach my Zumba classes like I normally do, I've had to get creative with teaching and really work on my verbal and visual cueing without actually doing some of the things. I really feel that it's making me a better instructor and my classes have all stepped up and delivered too. Gotta love that!

Hope everyone has fun stuff going on this lovely long weekend! Now stop reading my ramblings and go enjoy a FABULOUS FRIDAY and a kick ass weekend!

Let's Play Catch Up & Marathon Training Long Run Week #3

Thursday

Started my day with pilates then followed it up with some intervals on the treadmill. I'll be honest with you, there tears. They were tough and the tears came not because the run was tough, which it was, but because I didn't quit even though I was very tempted. Can I just tell you how surprised I was when the tears came on?! It's tough to be bad ass when you are crying.

Then Thursday night, my dad flew in from Toronto to see Bella perform in her first grade play on Friday morning. 

B and Grandpa hanging out

Friday

Friday was my first Friday in a while where I didn't teach my Zumba class. I subbed it out so that I could be at B's school to watch her Tony award worthy performance in "It Sounds A Little Fishy". Alright, maybe my baby is not going to be the next Broadway sensation but it was so stinkin' cute! I think Patrick said it best, the kids and the play was cuter than a litter of puppies. I pulled Bella out of school after the play because it's almost the end of school and they weren't doing much. Plus, I thought she should spend some time with Grandpa. My mom and dad had promised her an American Girl doll if she did well in school this year, and Miss Bella delivered, so we made the trek to the AG store so she could pick out her new doll, but not without taking one of hers with her to enjoy the festivities. To add to that, my dad wanted to go shopping so we spent the rest of the day shopping. My dad loves shopping... 

Saturday

I had Zumba launch at one of the gyms that I work at, and let me just tell you it was fun but super exhausting. 

Sunday

I missed Saturday's run, I ran a mile and walked a mile Sunday morning, to get myself moving. I got to try out my new shoes, did I mention that I got new shoes? I got another pair of Vomeros and I'm glad to have another pair of shoes in the mix.

Patrick and I decided to take Bella to the Renaissance Festival that was taking place very close to where we live. I'd never been to one before and he hadn't been since he was in high school, neither of us were really sure what to expect. Both Patrick and I thought it was alright and overly pricey and some of it was not really as family friendly as it was advertised. That being said Bella absolutely loved it.

An animal shelter had this one eyed killer, he was adorable.

My baby is a lot of things but graceful is not one of them.

She had to have a picture taken with the knight who won the joust.

Monday


Beginning of marathon training week #3, and third long run in this training cycle. I was on my own for this one, and I was glad because I just wanted to be alone. I put my ipod in and set out slowly because it was HOT, but I shouldn't be surprised because I do live in Georgia after all. I started out well enough, and then about a mile into the run, I felt the urge to go. Well, I knew that there is a bathroom at a super market I pass at the 2.5 mile mark, and I could hold it till then. Then the urge got worse, I tried ignoring it, but that didn't help. I started eyeing the trees on the path, but couldn't bring myself to go outside because it would be my luck that I would have someone see me. By the time I hit the second mile mark, I was starting to worry that I would end up with yellow socks. I would speed up so that I could get to the bathroom quicker and then slow down because I started to worry that I would have an accident. I even asked myself what would SUAR do, in an attempt to talk myself into going behind a tree, but I just couldn't do it. I don't think I have ever felt a feeling as heavenly as sitting on the toilet at Kroger, and I am sort of glad that it was empty because I might have let out one of those sighs. You know which sigh I'm talking about, we've all done it. Anyways, I headed back out and was trucking along then I saw a donut on the cart path, now, it's not unusual to see food on the cart paths because sometimes little kids throw things from their golf carts. What was unusual was the next donut I came across, then there were even more. For about 1.5 miles, I saw donuts and donut holes scattered along the path, which makes me wonder what exactly prompted someone to throw that many donuts. That's some serious sugar abuse. Look I have evidence...

One of the many left on the path... that's some serious sugar abuse.

The good thing about the donuts was that it gave me something to entertain myself with. I started concocting crazy stories as to how they got there, and why. Plus, because this is Georgia and there is tons of wildlife, so there were lots of birds pecking away at the discarded donuts. So not only was I making up my stories, I was having a quasi redneck disney princess moment with all the birds lining the path. It was almost magical and I managed to get 7 miles in, albeit slowly.

Epic Weekend and Week One of Marathon Training Wrap Up

Saturday


I woke up early, and hit the treadmill and got my miles in before Patrick had to go to work. After that, I had to go practice for a Zumba launch at one of the gyms I work at. After that, I had to make myself look and smell presentable because I had a senior photo shoot with my friend Shannon's oldest daughter. Can I just tell you that I had the most fun ever during this photo shoot! Met up with Shannon after the shoot so she and her daughter could have a quick look at the shots. I headed home to get ready because I had a date with my friend Christina and one Jon Bon Jovi. We had awesome seats and had an incredible time, even if I was a tad late and walked into Phillips Arena as they started playing their first song.

Sunday


I tried my best to sleep in but B had other plans, she barged into our bedroom and made her presence known so the plan to sleep in was a FAIL. It was a planned rest day and it mostly for one exception. I was part of a Zumba flash mob at an event called Taste of Fayette.

Here is a video of the flash mob if you're interested... (I was towards the back of the crowd)



Week One Marathon Training Wrap Up


So, first week of marathon training is done. Feeling great and looking forward an epic week two of training. Monday, I got my long run in; Thursday, I did some intervals on the TM; Saturday, got 3 miles in on the tm. Did weight training on Wednesday and Friday, plus taught my three Zumba classes on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. I was super proud of getting it done according to the plan this week.

Really Late Night Three Things Thursday

1. Weighed in and I gained weight and I am PISSED OFF. That being said this is my fault, and I am going to get this under control. I can even pin point why it happened. My eating has SUCKED, and I haven't been journalling as I need to be. I am going to weigh in again next Saturday May 7th and there will be a loss.

2. I got some miles in on the very muggy Monday, and again today on the treadmill. I like feeling like I am back on track. I will run again this weekend when Bella runs in her first 5K, she is so excited and I couldn't be prouder.

3. Check out this video.. it's HILARIOUS!

Stick A Fork In Me...

I'm done. I taught me Zumba class this morning and it completely killed me. I'm not quite sure why this class was so rough on me, but I can barely keep my eyes open this afternoon. Then to make this an extra awesome day my car started acting up... seriously this car is going to make me insane. I'm done, I am checking out for the rest of the day and I know that tomorrow will be a much better day. 

The bright note of today was that Sarah came to my class today and she had some super sweet things to say about my teaching. Then after class we went to Cracker Barrel, and I ordered some pancakes because as we all know, this girl loves pancakes. I am sure that it is written somewhere that a perfect post workout meal involves pancakes. LOL 

Bringin' The Crazy

On Sunday, my mom let me know that she was coming from Toronto on Monday. Talk about short notice!  Not a huge deal, I love my mom and we all enjoy having her visit. That being said, it sort of threw a bit of a wrench in my plans for the week, but that's life and I have to learn to work with it... right?

Monday - Ran 3 miles (as planned), and my mom and I went to Zumba
Tuesday - Unscheduled rest day. Alright, it was more like I went shopping and got some new real clothes, not workout clothes. Hoping to make up the miles later this week.
Wednesday - Trained with Amy and taught my Zumba class.

So you see, not a complete diversion from the plan but still just a little off.

What I didn't plan for was my car breaking down. FAN-FRIGGIN'-TASTIC! Now, I have to take the car in tomorrow morning, and hope that it makes it there, plus, hope that it isn't going to cost me an arm and a leg. I love my volvo, but when that car needs anything done to it, I end up spending a small fortune. The car stress was enough to send me to crazy town today. Add in the stress from the last minute visit and I am officially back to being the Mayor of Crazy Town... good times.

Back In The Land Of The Living

Alright, since I feel so much better, I've rejoined the land of the living. So, let's address the post from Tuesday, I will fill you all in on what that was about. I received a message from a lady who works for Zumba's PR team, and she had seen where I had posted about my weight loss on Zumba's Facebook Page back in October. Anyways, she wrote that she was working on getting some other stories like this out there, and was looking for someone for a very big TV show. She asked me if I was interested in the opportunity and if I would get in touch with her. I called her and she was in a meeting so couldn't chat for long but her first question to me was if I was an instructor, which automatically disqualified me for the TV show she was working on at the moment. Apparently, the TV show does not want people who are instructors, so big bummer for me. That being said, all was not lost, she did ask if she could contact me when other opportunities come up, and apparently these do come up, maybe just not on the large scale as the TV show she's working on right now. So, there is still a possibility that I will get to do some cool stuff with regards to Zumba. Here's a question for you. I did not get to chat with the PR lady long, and I did not tell her my updated stats and such. Would it be pushy to send her an e-mail with updated stats? I just don't know.

After Monday's visit to the doctor, she had given me the ok, to return to the gym on Wednesday as long as I felt up to it. Believe me, when Wednesday rolled around, I was ready to get to the gym and at least be quasi active. Karen and I trained with Amy, and she didn't push me too hard was aggravating but she had a good reason. She didn't want me pushing so hard that I broke down again and possibly get worse before I got better. After the workout, I went straight home and back to bed, because to be honest I was wiped out. I had to sub out Wednesday night's Zumba class because there was no way I was going to be able teach that class, I really was just not well enough yet. Thankfully, Thursday morning I was almost back to normal. I went to pilates Thursday morning, and even ran a little with Karen after class. Now, the run was less than stellar but you know what, WHO CARES?! Getting out there makes me feel good, and I was active. By Friday morning, I was feeling like a real human being again.... SCORE!!! Especially important because I had a Zumba class to teach that morning. After class, I again met Karen and got some miles in. What's not to love about that?

At some point on Sunday, I am going to post my week's goals, update my weight because I forgot to weigh in Saturday morning. Also, updating the upcoming races page because I have some things lined up, and I need to refocus on training towards a goal.

Have you seen this ad? This chick is totally stealing my moves. LOL

Fabulous Friday

Here is today's list of all things FABULOUS

• Going to do the Shamrock N' Roll this Sunday. Only doing the 5K, although I considered the 10K.
• Had an awesome Zumba class this morning and teaching again tomorrow morning. Love teaching Zumba!!
• I've been working on some choreography for my classes. I need to record them asap before I forget what I came up with.
• Fresh Market opened this week in Peachtree City. I might have to pick up more Zumba classes just so I can shop there every week.  
• I'm going to West Stride tomorrow after my class... my wallet might come home a little lighter.
• Hoping to get a small run in at some point tomorrow as well

Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend Recap Day 2

Day 2... are you ready for it?

We started out having to pack up and get all of our stuff out of the hotel we stayed at on Friday because we were going to be at a different place on Saturday. We must have been quite the sight because we packed like we were going for an extended trek through the mountains or something. That being said, we had tons of clothes to choose from and guess what we wore again? Our superhero/princess tees... yup we did. At least we showered, changed our undies and pants... that's got to be worth something. We staked out a Starbucks because we needed coffee, and that would be my last cup of coffee before the race. I savored that coffee like it was the last drink of my life, put my feet up and tried to calm my nerves.  I was on edge all day Saturday, as much as I felt confident about being prepared, I was still nervous about finishing. I was also feeling pretty stressed thinking about getting to the race the next morning, and everything just had me stressed, I was an absolute mess. Hmm, actually with the stress I was feeling, I think mess, might be an understatement. Hey, at least we had on our happy bad ass shoes.

A little coffee and relaxation before heading to Downtown Disney

We got to Downtown Disney, and it was pretty busy but that isn't too surprising considering that it was a Saturday and it was race weekend. We walked around, did some shopping for our kids, and got Amy's daughter a little gift too. In the Mickey's Pantry store, K found the best wine ever! It's called Jam Jar, and it's a sweet shiraz, now, I am a wine idiot, I just know that I like drinking and that reds aren't my cup of tea. That being said, I make an exception for this Jam Jar, we popped it open on Tuesday after the race and it was incredible. I digress, I also went to the candy store and bought myself a rice krispy treat to enjoy on the way home after the race, that thing looked like a rice krispy brick. We also got to briefly meet up with Shannon, her daughters and Sarah while we were there. After that, we picked up some lunch and headed to the new hotel to check in, eat and get ready for the race.

This sign said "Let The Memories Begin"... loved it

Loved this quote!

Once we got to the new hotel, I was feeling so stressed out that I couldn't even finish my lunch. I unpacked the stuff I was going to need the next day and started organizing everything. I wish I had taken a picture because I had everything organized by the order in which I had to put it on. I also packed the bag that I would check on race day, plus the outfit that I would wear on the ride home after I showered and what not. During this, I got a text from Shannon asking if we wanted to join them for dinner. Karen wanted to stay in and order room service and have some time alone, so I met up with everyone else for dinner. At this point, I was wound super tight, and needed to get some perspective and to vent. I called Amy, we had a fabulous chat, so much so that our talk had me in tears, not just any tears, ugly cry tears. I had to sit in the parking lot at the restaurant for a little while afterwards to get myself together because it takes a little time to get yourself together after a good ugly cry. I got it together, went in and found the girls and got to chatting. Even during dinner, I couldn't quite settle down, like I said I was wound up pretty tight. Not even getting a balloon tiara from the super cute balloon guy managed to help. Can you believe that?! I thought a good ol' fashioned balloon tiara would do the trick. Guess what finally calmed me down?! The ride home with Sarah. We were riding back, and somehow got turned around and ended up on the freeway. It was just hilarious, and it turned out to be exactly what I needed to finally calm me down. 

Didn't you know that I have a thing for balloon tiaras? See this post.

After finally making it back to the hotel, I managed to take a shower, talk to Patrick (who was beyond sweet) and get myself to bed. I slept a bit but not too much, I was up a few times during the night. At that point it was more out of fear of oversleeping than anything else. 

Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend Recap Day 1

I'm breaking this up into 3 entries so I can make sure I cover everything. Also, before I go into the entry, I just have to let you know that I did finish, my worst fear did not come true. I did the damn thing!

My friend Lisa and I. We stopped to have breakfast with her along the way.

Alright, very early Friday morning Karen and I set out for Orlando. It was raining and very messy, so we decided to just take it easy trying to get down there. I drove for the first little while, and as soon as Karen took the wheel the skies cleared up. We stopped and switched drivers and guess what happened? The rain was back, it was thoroughly amusing, I think the rain knew I was driving because this continued for a better part of the drive down, I am sure it meant that I wasn't meant to drive that leg of the trip. We stopped along the route to meet a friend who moved away and lived on the way. Have you ever had pancakes from Cracker Barrel? I did for the first time when we stopped to have breakfast with Lisa. Oh my goodness, apparently I have been living under a rock because they were AWESOME! In case you hadn't noticed, pancakes, cupcakes, most things with the word cake in them make me pretty darn happy. Anyways, we said our goodbyes and were back on the road. Before we knew it, we were in Orlando, at our hotel and getting ready to head out to the Fit For A Princess Expo.

We got there later in the afternoon, and the expo was absolute chaos but happy chaos. I was definitely overwhelmed and over stimulated. I spent some money but surprisingly enough, I didn't make it rain like I thought I would. I wish I had come up with a solid game plan for tackling the expo, but we hopped around everywhere. Let me tell you what my most favorite part of the entire expo was... are you ready for it? THE MASSAGE! I had never ever had a massage until I had my legs worked on at the expo, and it was fabulous. Actually, I was a little bummed because I only paid for 10 minutes, and I could have used the 25 minute option. Where had massages been all my life? Why did it take me this long to get one?

After the madness of the expo, we headed out to find some dinner. Mind you, K and I are still wearing the tees we wore to the expo. Hers said Bionic Babe (because she really is bionic), and mine said The Incredible Shrinking Woman. You should have seen the looks we got when we walked in and out of the Uno's restaurant, it was thoroughly amusing. During dinner, I had to fight the urge to have a drink, I had held out (since the beginning of January) so long that waiting a few more days wasn't going to kill me. As soon as we got back to the hotel, we CRASHED, the excitement from the night before and the drive just did us in. You can see this post for pics from the Expo.

I'm Too Excited To Sleep

Ok, so I am a dork and I am too excited to sleep. Plus, I am working on the packing list for the trip. I don't think I freaked out this much when I travelled to The House Of Mouse with the family in the summer. I know that I am forgetting something but I am not sure what.

So, give me suggestions. What did you forget or feel was super important to have when you ran your first half?

Things I've Learned In The Last 9 Months

Yesterday, I was thinking about all the things I've learned since I started this little running adventure 9 months ago. Some of what I learned was about running, some is about myself.

• Running doesn't suck, shocking I know, but I really did not enjoy it when I started
• I now look forward to my runs, and I get bummed if I have to miss them.
• Running is very much a mental game
• Running hurts sometimes but the feeling of running completely outweighs the pain
• It's cheaper than therapy
• The right shoes make all the difference. 
• Blood = BAD ASS (at least it is in my books) See this post
• Running in rain/sleet etc. = BAD ASS
• I am a sock snob, I found a kind of sock that I like and will not use any other. Thorlo Experia Coolmax socks (I own a lot of these and in a variety of colors)
• Still on the subject of socks, I refuse to wear my white socks to race in. I wore white for the first 5K and I decided that white socks are bad luck for me. I know it's weird but that's just me. I plan on wearing the orchid or turquoise socks for the Princess, in case you were wondering.
• I learned the importance of wicking fabrics. I started out wearing cotton...never again.
• I learned the importance of fuel
• I've learned what bonking is
• I've become close friends with my foam roller
• Learned how to properly tie my shoe laces, sounds simple but there is a wrong way to do this apparently.
• Not every run is a superstar, rockstar run and I have had to learn to deal with that
• I feel pretty bad ass every time we go on a long run
• I learned what glide is, and that it's a wonderful thing.
• The fine people at the Kroger on our running route are very nice and are kind enough to share their restrooms with us on our runs
• I actually like being outside even in the cold, when I started I dreaded going to run outside
• I learned that if you run you are a runner, it was a long time before I felt like a real runner. 
• Slow is the new fast 
• Most importantly, I learned that I am capable of a lot more than I could have ever imagined.

What have you learned since you've started running?

REST?! I Guess I Can Handle That

So, if you read my last post you saw that I have an ear infection and sinusitis. Normally, something like this would not slow me down, but this time I am completely spent. Monday evening, I covered a friend's Zumba class, and afterwards I was completely exhausted more so than I normally would be. When I got home, I was ready for bed. Keep in mind that Patrick and I's 7th anniversary was on Monday, but we were both so done that we were in bed by 9, I think that officially makes us old married people. I took Bella to school Tuesday morning and went home and headed straight to bed, so not my normal MO. I had planned on resting but going back to bed was not what I had planned. I did go to Bosu but I did have a few moments where I felt really dizzy and had to take a minute to gather myself. I took it easy the rest of the day and even skipped Zumba to stay home and rest. Can you believe it?! Me skipping Zumba and resting... what next? I'm hoping to feel well enough to get a run or two in by the end of the week. I can rest if it means that I can run and be well enough for Disney. So, rest and I are about to get reacquainted.

Fierce Friday

This was about as fierce I could get tonight

A Few Fierce Things

• My new cut and color. Will post a good picture of it this weekend.
• The new Lady Gaga song "Born This Way
• My Asic Tri-Noosa 6 shoes... they make me happy (not great for running, but AWESOME for Zumba an Groove)
• Bella's excitement about her one mile race at her school
• Bella's excitement about starting running club at school on Monday.
• My Zumba class

Well, That Was Harder Than I Thought It Would Be.

This is kind of what I had going on in my closet.

So, I cleaned out my closet. All the old clothes that have not fit in months are officially out of my closet, and it's sad to see how little I have left in there. So, I thought it would be this easy thing to just clear the old stuff out of there but it was tough and it was surprisingly emotional. I guess it was the statement of "Im not going back there" that really made it surprisingly difficult. When it was all said and done I filled 4 garbage bags with clothes headed to the women's shelter. I did keep a couple of things... the first pair of pants I wore to the gym, and the outfit in this picture....

I plan on taking a picture of myself wearing the outfit once I reach my goal. Should make for a heck of a picture.

In other news, I had my final long run before the half today. We started with this awesome attitude and we were ready for a kick ass long run. We started out well, but fizzled by the time we hit the 5 mile mark. We were mentally there, our fuel and hydration was there, but we were both exhausted and more so than what you would expect. We eeked out another two miles, and decided when we hit 7 that we would walk that last mile back to the cars. This was not one of our most bad ass moments. That being said, not every run can be this awesome bad ass rockstar run, and we understand that. We got some miles in, and we have a race at Bella's elementary school on Saturday. Maybe there will be some redemption there. We'll see.

Last but not least... just had to share that I am picking up another Zumba class on Wednesday evenings. WOOHOOO!!!!! Plus, I am getting my hair done tomorrow... double plus!

Monday's post.. only a day late

Just overlook the fact that I look like a hobo... I don't know why the hobo look hasn't caught on.

The Bad & The Bad Ass

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At least the view from yesterday's run was pretty....

So, I went for a little run by myself yesterday afternoon before picking Bella up from school. Karen is on a set working on a commercial, oh the life of a super cool make up artist. Great for her, sucky for my running situation. Anyways, I sucked it up, got myself dressed and headed out. First and foremost, let me just say that I had some issues with the running skirt/capri combo from runningskirts.com. My particular issue with this outfit is that I am still too big to rock this look, it'll be a little while before I can fit into it properly. Bummer because the skirt/capri combo is cute, and the capris under the skirt were super comfy.  So, walking at first was fine, but as soon as I started running, the skirt started riding up and it wasn't pretty. Had I not had the capris underneath, I would have given the others on the paths a free show, Momma has bills to pay, I can't be showing it all for free. Then, to add to the suck fest that was Wednesday's run, I had to pee the entire time, and I had gone to the bathroom right before I ran... WTF?!  Of course, there had to be more, I was having some knee pain and some calf discomfort. I know the knee pain is due to the arthritis, so that wasn't a surprise, just an annoyance and a reminder of the permanent damage I have done to my joints with the extra weight.

I am very coddled having someone to run with even on the treadmill. I had a huge hit reality when I went out on my own yesterday. I think that mentally, it put me in a bad head space and I didn't put on my big girl panties like I should have. Even my music made me mad, and I was being a huge baby. I finished my 3 miles and stomped off to my car and sulked. I thought that going to Zumba in the afternoon would help me shake it off, but all it did was make me extra tired and slightly irritable.

Today on the other hand was going to be my redemption run and was it ever. After Groove, I went and changed out of my stinky Groove stuff, put on all my running gear and headed over to the lake. As I was leaving the gym, it was sprinkling but nothing that was going to keep me from the redemption run. The sprinkles turned into full on rain. I started out, my music was right, I felt great, and I was determined to get in 4 miles by myself. I tried to stick to the 4:1 interval plan but that part didn't work out exactly as planned, I walked a little more than I would have liked. I am motoring along and at about 1.75 miles into the run, it hit me that I was already doing so much better than yesterday. Then that rain turned into sleet, by the time I hit mile two, it really started coming down and I started feeling pretty BAD ASS! I was smiling to myself the whole time. The only issue with my bad ass moment was the slick conditions it caused on parts of the paths, but I managed. By mile three, I just felt such a sense of accomplishment even though the Garmin was reminding me that I was SLOW. I passed a doggy show down, and some guy who may or may not have been a crackhead (don't see too many of those in Peachtree City), just to keep things interesting. By the time I got back to the car I was so happy. I was buzzing because I finished, and finished the run on my own, and because I ran in the rain and sleet. This one is going down in the Book of Bad Assery!