Happy birthday me!

37 years ago today, the world was graced with my presence, and I'm still going strong.

Here's hoping the next year is full of wonder and amazing experiences and, of course, amazing mistakes.

Oh, and I will be using my shiny for the first time tomorrow. As I am in the Cities I may not be posting about my thoughts right away, but I have high hopes!

Happy Turkey Day!

It's the official American holiday of overindulgence, so of course that means I ran a race this morning. This is the second time I've run the Gobble Gallop 5k here in Duluth, and I must say the first time was a better experience than this time.  Some thoughts on this race:

• There were a LOT of people out for this race, over 2000.  Which wouldn't necessarily be a problem, but the walkers and runners were in one big group, so I spent a good portion of my time bobbing and weaving around the walkers.  Which is no good when in the back of your mind you want to PR...
• The swag was pretty nice.  Runners got a really nice long sleeve tech shirt, which is good for winter running, and some coupons to local stores.  I especially appreciate the $20 off a new pair of running shoes.
• The route was flat and fast, as it was down and back on Superior Street.  Which would have been good for a PR, but see bullet #1
• I didn't partake in any of the post-race food and beverages, as I was a meat popsicle and just wanted to get inside. But from what I understand it was fruit, bagels, water and coffee.  Pretty standard fare.
• One huge bonus is the race offered free child care during the race on a first-come-first-served basis.  I have never seen another race offer this, and I was grateful for this as I did not have anyone to watch The Boy.  He said he had a good time as well.
• The price was a bit high for a 5k, at $30 for the registration with the tech shirt.  Part of the proceeds go to the Second Harvest Food Bank, which kinda makes it worth it.

I'm not sure if I'll do this one in the future, as the whole walkers not lining up at the rear thing kinda pissed me off.  Plus the price is at the top end of what I want to spend for a 5k.  Besides that it was put together well and is a race Duluthians need to try at least once.

As for this holiday, I am thankful for so many things in my life.  I great job that allows me to work a normal schedule and still provide for my family.  A roof over my head, and food in my belly.  Friends and family that care for me, and that I care for in return.  And this year, I am most thankful that I met a special someone, someone that is truly amazing and that I am so extremely happy to have in my life.

Today's Run

Today I ran a 5k (approximately 3.1 miles) in XX:XX 24:11, for an average pace of X:XX 7:47.  I started a bit back in the pack, and did not see the clock as I was passing the finish line, so I have to wait for the official results to know how I did.  Which feels weird and is liberating at the same time.  It was extremely cold out this morning, and the wind was brutal.  And I saw a lot of people from last spring's running group at the race, and it was nice to catch up with all of them.

*Update 11/28/2013: Just got an email with the official results.  Definitely not a PR, but way better than I thought I had done.

I am unlimited.

SHINY!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had some bad stuff happen last night (not super bad, just emotional bad) and so I couldn't be bothered with writing this post last night.  But now it's early, and it's a new day, so I will push all the negative away.

Before all the crap, this came via my friends in the brown truck:

Shiny! Shiny! Shiny!

The setup was super duper easy.  And even though it's a bit bigger, it is actually smaller than I thought it would be (my wrists are on the smaller size).  Before I use it I want to figure out the whole Garmin website upload thingie, which is hopefully super easy as well.  I did read something in the rather sparse manual that has me a bit concerned - you're not supposed to use it when it's below -4 F.  Is that air temperature or wind chill?  Because I do go out when it's below zero wind chill...

Yesterday's Run

Yesterday was a bit of angry running, around the neighborhood and down the Big Hill.  Normally my angry running has me going a lot faster, but as it was getting dark out (I also had someone in a car yell at me for not wearing enough reflective clothing - super awesome) since I got started a lot later than I had wanted to I kept it a bit of an average pace.  Yesterday I ran approximately 3.6 miles in 30:20, for an average pace of 8:24.  As I am running a race on Thursday, my first opportunity to use the Shiny will be on Saturday, and I am really looking forward to it! 

Bits and pieces

Today feels like a list kind of day...

1. Went to the Y with Roja on Thursday to do the Core Challenge class.  But the teacher was a no call/no show so that didn't happen.  I feel slightly ripped off, but as it is a free class I guess I can't complain too much.  Basically just a waste of time and gas.  I was kinda looking forward to getting my butt kicked a little bit though...
2. The Cookies and Cream Mini Cupcakes were a hit.  Score another one for me.  I'm thinking those will be a good choice for The Boy's first violin recital in a couple of weeks...
3. I ordered my Shiny (aka the Garmin Forerunner mentioned in a previous blog post) on Friday, and I got confirmation that it is guaranteed to arrive on Monday!  Thank you Amazon Prime for your speedy delivery services...
4. I made a Pear Upside Down cake today, just because.  And, man, was it good.

 So much better than the pineapple variety

  

5. I also bought most of the stuff I need for this year's Christmas Cookie Baking Extravaganza. So far the total is around $60, and I haven't gotten any butter yet :-/

 

Today's Run

Holy cold run Batman!  Per the internets, it was about 10 F, with a windchill of -5 F, when I went on my run this morning, but it felt a LOT colder.  My muscles just would not warm up, and I probably could have used a third layer as my skin was bright red from my ribcage to the middle of my thighs when I got back to the Y.  I did find my face mask, which helped a bit with the frozen cheeks, but I still was fighting fogged up glasses.  I don't know if I'm quite ready for the below zero running on a regular basis quite yet...

Today I ran on the Lakewalk from the Y, approximately 6.1 miles in 54:00 for an average pace of 8:47.  Hopefully by this time next week I'll have figured out the shiny and I can be a bit more accurate!  Yay! 

Happy Birthday, Pequena!

Another of my friends, Pequena, is having a birthday tomorrow.  Don't ask me how old she is going to be, because I honestly can't remember.  Age is just a number anyway, right?

So for her birthday, I'm trying out another mini cupcake recipe: Cookies N Cream.  They look like this:

Not the prettiest, but they look damn tasty!

I only hope they: 1) Taste good; 2) Are still good when she comes over on Friday; and 3) There are still some left because I love me some cookies and cream.

Anyway, I'm pretty sure she doesn't read this blog, so the secret is safe.  Even if she doesn't like them, she will be gracious enough to appreciate the effort.

Today's Run

Today was an odd weather day, in that it was well above 40 F when I went for my run before dinner.  Needless to say, I overdressed and was extremely overheated when I was done.  I guess that is better than what it will be like on Saturday, where the high is only supposed to be 15 F.  Today I ran the neighborhood route, down the Big Hill, for about 3.6 miles in 30:30, for an average pace of 8:26.  It did get really dark at the end of my run, so it may be time that I find out if I can take long lunches a couple of days a week so I can run in daylight.

Sleepy

It was a really great weekend for the most part, and so today I'm recovering.  So let's just get down to business...

Today's Run

It took all my willpower to go out for a run tonight; I was tired, it was cold and I was feeling slightly unmotivated.  But I got out there and ran the neighborhood route, up the Big Hill, which sincerely kicked my butt.  I ran approximately 3.5 miles in 31:00, for an average pace of 8:41.  Not too shabby, all things considered.

And now I'm off to bed.

I have the best friends

Last night was my friend Roja and my monthly get-together, AKA Nacho Night.  Roja makes the rice and queso, I usually bring witty conversation or some type of dessert.  Since today is Roja's birthday, I made her a birthday cake for Nacho Night, strawberry with whipped cream frosting.  It was delicious.

I love cake. Not too pretty, but SO GOOD.

Since my birthday is at the end of the month, Roja decided to surprise me with a present last night, since there's a good chance we won't be getting together before then.  And does this girl know me - she got me a digital kitchen scale.  I have seriously wanted one forever - there are so many recipes that call for a certain ingredient by weight, and I just had to wing it with mixed results.  I am so lucky to have her in my life.  For more reasons than she is an awesome gift giver.

Today's Run

I try not to run two days in a row, to give my body a rest, but I didn't really have a choice due to the craziness that was this week.  And it was surprisingly a good run.  My calves are sore right now, but it's not that bad.  Today I ran from the Y down the Lakewalk approximately 6.1 miles in 53:15, for an average pace of 8:40.  Overall I have improved my average pace from 8:46 last week to 8:38 this week.  Not too shabby. And only 28 more miles and I will have run more miles this year than last.  Pretty awesome. 

I hate it when things don't go my way

I have a pretty busy life, and so when I started this journey I decided I would do my runs this winter on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, barring any unforeseen circumstances.  So I've gone running in the cold, and the rain, and the wind, because if I commit to doing something on a certain day then I will do it no matter what.

This week put a crimp in my style, in that I was stuck working until after 5 PM on Wednesday this week.  I was outside working from 8 AM until almost 4:45 PM on a cold, late autumn day (at least it wasn't like the day before, when the wind chills were still in the single digits).  It gets pretty dark pretty early around these parts and the drivers around here suck big time and I feel very uncomfortable running after dark on the roads.  I guess I could have gone to the Y and run on the dreadmill, but I like to do that as only a VERY last resort.

So, I didn't run Wednesday, and I felt slightly guilty.  I didn't run Thursday, as the BF Barbado and I went to the Cities for a concert (which was totally awesome and SO MUCH FUN), and I felt really guilty and a little bit sick about it.  So today, on a day off from work because of the awesome fun-time concert, I went for a run.  And it was way harder than it should have been.  But now I fell much better.

Now I just hope I can get my run in tomorrow.

Today's Run

Today I ran the neighborhood route, down the Big Hill, for a distance of approximately 3.6 miles in 31:10, for an average pace of 8:38.  I hope I get this money that I have coming from a previous job so I can buy my shiny Garmin and get some more accurate numbers...

I have a serious case of beard envy

Today was Veteran's Day, a holiday in which we celebrate the sacrifices of the men and women of the armed services by taking a day off from work.  And it was glorious, in that I actually was able to sleep in for once.  I essentially got paid to sleep.

It was also the coldest day in a very long time, with wind chills in the single digits.  I love running in the winter, but my face does not.  I can keep my body comfortable while on a run pretty easily, but I usually end up with a partially frozen face.  I've tried face masks, but since I wear glasses I end up not being able to see from the steam from my breath.  And I refuse to stick my finger in my eyes to wear contacts.  All this could be solved if I could just grow a beard.  I see these men (BF Barbado included) with all this warm and cozy hair on their faces and I get jealous of their genetics.  Some day I hope to find something to keep my cheeks and nose warm on the coldest days, but until then I will turn super rosy and curse not being hairy.

Today's Run

Today I ran the neighborhood route, up the Big Hill, during what would be my normal working hours so I also got paid to run.  But it was COLD, 23 F with a windchill of 9 F, so it wasn't very pleasant.  I ran approximately 3.5 miles in 30:45, for an average pace of 8:36.  I just hope it will be a bit warmer on Wednesday...

Challenge conquered

On Thursday night my friend Roja and I tried the Core Challenge class again at the Y.  Because we're crazy.  And I think we both wanted to see how much we've improved in the last 2 weeks (I've been lifting weights and she's been doing pilates).  The class was still pretty hard - there were times when I just had to stop doing a certain exercise because I just physically couldn't do it - but we both finished without feeling like we were going to die and, at least for me, I could move normally the next day.  I really like the class.  Unfortunately I won't be able to go this next week (going down to the Cities with BF Barbado), so maybe this will just be an every other week thing for now.  I'm pretty sure if I went every week that in no time I'd be super buff, or at least really strong through my core.

Today's Run

Today I ran the Lakewalk from at the Y again.  This time of year is so hard in that it is really easy to overdress.  Before I left I checked the weather and it was 34 F with a windchill of 25 F, so I decided to wear my lined running pants.  Big mistake.  Thank goodness for moisture-wicking clothes because if I didn't wear them I would have been completely drenched in sweat.  But today's run was awesome - I ran about 6.1 miles in 54:10 for an average pace of 8:49.  That was a whole 2 MINUTES faster than last week.  And this past week I averaged a 8:46 pace, compared to 9:01 for the previous week.  I must be doing something right.  I'm not where I need to be, but at least I can definitely see some improvement. 

It's beginning to feel a lot like...

One of the things that I've been procrastinating on lately is making my list of christmas cookies that I'm going to make and share with my friends and family.  This is a pretty big deal.  I will be spending a lot of time and effort on these packages, and I have heard only compliments on my baked goodies.  So, this year I will be making the following:

• White sugar cutout cookies (decorated by The Boy)
• Ninja-bread cookies (chocolate gingerbread in the shape of ninjas)
• Cranberry oatmeal cookies
• Shortbread cookies
• Brown sugar cherry white chocolate cookies
• Peanut butter kiss cookies
• Holiday ginger cookies
• Spritz cookies
• Jello cookies
• Cream cheese cutout cookies (in the shape of dinosaurs - I need to come up with a good pun yet) - new for this year
• Fudge

As an idea of what I will need to get to make all these, I will need 14 sticks of butter, 5 pounds of sugar, 8 pounds of flour... the list goes on.

But I do it because I love baking.  And I love to see the looks on people's faces when they are enjoying the yummy treats I give them.  And then I also get my baking fix out of the way.... until 2 weeks after christmas when I have to make The Boy's birthday cake.

Today's Run

Today I ran the normal neighborhood route, down the Big Hill.  I've been trying to speed up my turnover, making my running more efficient and faster.  I don't know if it's truly working, but today I ran approximately 3.6 miles in 31:15, for an average pace of 8:39.  I corrected my stride to be more of a mid-foot strike rather than a heal strike; I'm pretty sure I can improve my turnover....

Where did the year go?

It is hard to believe it's already four days into November, even though I keep a pretty thorough calendar that I look at every day.  There is just way too much to do before the end of the year and Christmas celebrations, and shortly after The Boy's birthday.  I'm normally not a procrastinator, but the sheer quantity of things left to do has left me paralyzed.

In other news, I spent a goodly amount of time in my attic over the weekend adding insulation, in the hopes of possibly lowering my heating bill this winter.  Crawl space attics are DEFINITELY not for people over 3 feet tall.

Today's Run

I was originally going to try a new route for today's run, but as I was leaving work I realized two things: 1) trying a new route in the rain could be a bad idea, and 2) now that it's no longer Daylight Savings Time it gets dark EARLY.  So I ran the normal neighborhood route, up the Big Hill.  Today I ran approximately 3.5 miles in 31:30, for an average pace of 8:49.  Not too shabby.

The Internets ARE good for something...

One of the things I have been trying to work on for a long time is to get out there and meet people; specifically to meet and date people.  This is especially hard when working full time and being a mom full time, and living in a place that is a bit limited in social opportunities.

My good friend Roja has, pretty much since I met her, tried to convince me to try online dating.  She has gone on some nice dates, and some not-so-nice ones, and was even dating someone exclusively for quite a few months.  After our last Nacho Night, she basically peer pressured me into creating a profile on one of the online dating sites.  And as Mr. Gaiman says, I need to be willing to make mistakes in all aspects of my life, including love, which for me has been the hardest area in my life to be willing to put myself out there and be ok with making a mistake.

When I tried to sign up for an account it turned out that I had apparently created one quite a few years ago B.C. (Before Child).  And I don't remember doing it.  Luckily I didn't really do anything with the account, so there weren't any horrible photos or profile statements to get rid of.  One thing that amazed me was the sheer quantity of apparently single men in this town.  And the creepy things they feel they can send to a girl in a message.  But it wasn't all bad...

I redid my profile on a Sunday.  I got a really nice message from a guy, let's call him Barbado, on the next day, Monday.  On Friday of that week we had our first date.

And I have disabled my online dating profile.  Barbado is pretty amazing.  We have a lot in common, and we have a lot of fun together.

Now, if I can only guilt trip him into running with me... :-)

Today's Run

Today I dropped The Boy off for his Gym & Swim class, and I went for a run on the Lakewalk.  It was an OK run, but I think my body is adjusting to adding more workouts to my week and so my pace isn't where I'd like it to be.  Today I ran about 6.1 miles in 56:10, for an average pace of 9:08.

For the month of October I ran a total of about 54.5 miles, spending over 8 hours running.  Not too shabby.  For the year, after today's run, I have a total of about 465 miles in, and will need 54 more miles to surpass last year's total!