H2OBreak

Attention! Attention!

2011-02-19T19:04:00.000-07:00

Hey runners, this blog has moved to http://ontheotherendoftheleash.blogspot.com/

Routine (Monthly) Check of Your Dogs

2011-01-23T15:27:00.003-07:00

Fundraiser Website

2011-01-18T20:19:00.000-07:00

Since I talk about my dogs too much and running almost as often, I've decided to kick off a side blog for my upcoming race. I'm doing a fundraiser for Canine Cancer Research along the way. It's not set up for donations yet, but I wanted to get the word out to my followers and others in the blog-o-sphere.

Please take a look at what I have set up and hopefully become a follower of my new adventure. It's all about keeping our furry friends On the Other End of the Leash.

The Last Five Months in Pictures!

2010-12-26T18:13:00.000-07:00

Well I didn't fall off the face of the earth, I just got wrapped up in my new puppy and relaxing so I took a break from blogging. It had somewhat consumed a lot of my time and I needed to enjoy raising my new Rottie, Summer. I didn't figure everyone wanted to hear about her and not about running.

I do, however, want to show everyone (who cares) how Summer has progressed and grown over the last 5 months. She's now 7 months old and weighs over 50 pounds. Enjoy!

I have signed up for my next big race and will be blogging about it. I did want to do a fundraiser for this race and will be creating a new webpage for it. I'll keep everyone informed on when I kick things off. For now, it's training time for the Flying Pig !

Only Doing the Half!

2010-10-15T21:09:00.000-06:00

It took a lot of going back and forth on this and I'm just not in it this time. My feet feel fine, but my mind just isn't in it. Maybe it's just taper jitters. Maybe I'm scared. Maybe a cute friend from high school is in town and I'd much rather hang out with him. (I'd go with the last one!) I really just want to have fun. After everything I've been through, I deserve a little hooting and hollering! Race recap to follow.

Reflections - 15 Weeks of...Miles!

2010-10-08T20:00:00.000-06:00

I'm enjoying a peaceful night at home. My last Friday night before the team I've been training with has their last Saturday morning run. I've been reflecting on the last 15 weeks and I can honestly say that I'm satisfied with my training this time around. This will be my 5th marathon, but my first without ending up in PT. Yes, I have foot issues right now, but nothing compared to the things I've dealt with before. Last year, I had hip issues and was still able to run three marathons. The year before I couldn't even run because I had ITB and runner's knee. Only one marathon that year - my first! So I'm feeling pretty good with only having orthotics this year. After looking over all of my shoes, it looks like I've needed them for years.

Also, considering the things I've been through this year, I'm surprised I've even made it this far. My first training run was while my entire family was out here on vacation and it wasn't pretty. I had every intention to make this my best race, but my Rottie's cancer came back and the disease took her too early for everyone. It was hard for me, but I still made it to the training run that week. [Side note: I was also going to grad school during all this.] Enter new puppy and lack of sleep. The one thing I'm disappointed with is my weight. I really wanted to lose some weight, but instead, I gained. Can't ask for everything. I can start on that after the race. Perfect time for it.

A week from Sunday is the big day - Denver RnR baby. I know I can do it. My legs have put in my miles. I've felt the pain. It's my day! Hope to see you there!

Big Run in the A.M. So...

2010-09-24T19:53:00.000-06:00

Mommy I'm all dressed and ready for our run together!

(sometimes you just need some humor during those tense moments)

Custom Kentucky Cow Bells - Bell Outlet

2010-09-19T20:38:00.000-06:00

Custom Kentucky Cow Bells - Bell Outlet
Bell Outlet is owned & operated by Red Hill General Store, Inc. We have been in business since 1998. Our offices & warehouse are located in Hillsville, Virginia in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia. Customer service and satisfaction are the cornerstones of our business and we pride ourselves on a superior level of customer service & satisfaction. We offer quick turnaround of in-stock items and all of our products are first quality and factory new; we do not sell seconds or damaged products. Bell Outlet makes ordering via the Internet safe, private and secure.

Why does doing the right thing feel so wrong?

2010-09-19T07:46:00.000-06:00

So it's almost 8 a.m. and I'm not lined up for my half marathon. Last night over some Ben & Jerry's FroYo, I decided not to go. My foot feels better and I know I could do the race, but would I be able to do the Denver Marathon afterwards is the bigger question. So this morning I'm spending some quality time with my puppy and then later today I might try to get a few miles in. Orthotics appt. tomorrow.

Since I'm not running, I provide this for your enjoyment - my 4 month old Rottie:

Caught in the Nick of Time?!?!?

2010-09-16T19:24:00.001-06:00

Pain where the circle is...only when I walked or ran.

Since my 18 miler on Saturday, I've had pain on the top of my right foot. It felt like I had my shoes tied too tight during the run. Unfortunately, the pain didn't go away. Even after the Race for the Cure on Sunday, it still didn't feel right. But like most runner's training for a big race, I didn't want to admit there was something wrong. I rested on Monday, but went on with my training Tuesday. I started icing my foot in the evenings; trying anything to put off going to the doctor. My new shoes arrived on Wednesday so I had to try them out. Only 3 miles though. Loved the new Asics GEL - Nimbus 12's (fantastic cushion). On the fence about the Saucony ProGrid Kinvara's (great lightweight shoe). This morning I realized that my right foot was actually swollen. So as soon as I got to work, I got an appointment with my primary physician. He was worried that it was a stress fracture so he called in an appointment with a podiatrist. So I left there to go over to that appointment. I sat waiting over an hour. You can only imagine how that felt and the emotions I was going through. I got my x-rays and in with the doctor. She explained it like this (my memory isn't that great so I may be off a little): my big toe is locked - something seen in arthritis patients - I'm using my other toes to compensate for it - there's a build up on my 2nd thru 4th toes to handle the weight - no stress fracture but if not fixed now it will happen. So she tapped my feet to see if custom orthotics will help. I have to wear the tape for three days (four if I decide to run my half marathon on Sunday) to see if the inserts will help my feet during walking/running. Showering should be fun!

I'm just glad it's not a stress fracture. Whew!

Embrace Your Inner Turtle!

2010-09-13T20:45:00.002-06:00

A bloggy friend of mine - MJ - posted a topic I've been mulling over for almost 3 weeks now. It's about being S-L-O-W! I started running back in 2007 and I've gotten a little faster over the years - up from a 15 m/m to 11 or 12 m/m. But I'm still not satisfied. I want to be that girl who makes running look effortless, not the penguin with a stride of 6-10 inches. I just don't know if I'm ever going to get there. That's what is discouraging.

This is what I wrote on her blog in response to her post:

We must be on the same wavelength. I've been thinking something similar. I wonder what the fast runners think when the see me out there chugging along. Do they see me "and my shadow" (my toochas) puffing along and think "look at the fat chick trying to run"? Do they feel pitty for me and my "efforts"? Are they wishing I'd give it up and clear out of their way?

Sometimes I get so upset with myself wondering "what the heck am I doing out here" since I'm not getting any faster. Other times I just want to scream at them "how many miles are you running today? I'm doing 18!" And I'm going to be out here for 4 hours! That was yesterday.

Then I do a run like today and I see these ladies who've battled breast cancer & won. And I remember all of the people who can't run. Like those who lost their live in 9/11. I figure I may be slow, but I'm out here. Running for them and others going through similar situations. Mile 1 for my BFF's mom would lost her battle with breast cancer, mile 2 for my friend fighting MS, mile 3 for my grandma who's 90, mile 4...a mile for each of them.

I hope it helps you and others.

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K Colorado Springs

2010-09-12T10:58:00.000-06:00

Course Elevation

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure - Colorado Springs, CO

Set up & Pikes Peak

Garden of the Gods

Everyone lining up for the race

Two minutes to starting time

Second hill in the park

Another hill - oh water station!

Downhills - YEAH!

Cheer squad on the last hill leaving the park

Downhill towards the starting line - & FINISH LINE!

All done and it was so much fun! 36:06 timed on my Garmin

Denver's SkirtChaser 5K Race - Volunteering Recap

2010-08-29T14:40:00.002-06:00

This has to be the most fun race I have ever ran (last year) so this year I decided to volunteer helping out Beth @ ShutUp&Run! She's such a hoot on her blog and is more of a pack of dynamite in person. She was running around all afternoon like a chicken with her head cut off. I was lucky to catch her standing still for a moment before the race to catch a photo op. If she wasn't such a "badass", she'd be one of those "skinny blankity-blanks" that I'd be afraid to hug in fear I'd break her. I can see how she was able to run 20+ with Dean. She's fast and fit! I volunteered in two shifts - one as a course pointer and the second helping out with the beer tent. I had the great pleasure of working with Beth's husband under the beer tent. Hopefully she kicked his butt for the treasure hunt he put us through looking for his wedding ring - in the bottom of the ICE BIN!

The weather looked like it wasn't going to play along. The wind was making every effort to have the tents go airborne. Some of the voluteers were helping racers while holding down the tents. What a mess! But lady luck offered up a nice breeze instead up rainy muck. It was sunny and hot for the race start. I was trying to get rid of the nice capri tan I'd gotten earlier in the day during my group training run - 17 miles! Lots of coffee and energy drinks got me through the day!

As for volunteering, I was set up to be a pointer at the best spot on the course - the Start/Finish! So I was alloted a little time to flirt with the Police officers setting up the course - nod to JT who led the race on his "dirty" Harley! I would have enjoyed hanging around chit-chatting with the guys. Great bunch with some enjoyable stories about Denver drivers. Thanks for the laughs and your time.

Now off to the race - for those who don't know the specifics of the race: the women start the race 3 minutes prior to the men. The first video shows the women's start. The second shows how things start off with the men. Take note how much road area the women cover going up that first hill and remember the men have to get around them. What a cluster-fart!

And a last bit of humor for those who know Beth. After a few beers and finally getting a chance to relax....Dirty Dancing!

Marathon Training with a New Puppy

2010-08-25T22:00:00.000-06:00

I've crossed over the line into the second half of my marathon training and oh my am I busy. I've realized a few things over the last two weeks:

There are never enough hours in the day for every thing I need or want to do. By the end of the day, I have to flip a coin on what I will wrap up the day with...run or workout or crash?!?! I can hear you say it - why don't you do your workouts in the morning? - and to that I say, I am not a morning person! I have to ease my way into my day - wake up, potty (pooches then me), feed (pooches then me), coffee (none for pooches), get clothes ready, etc.

Just the hall closet...more in the bedroom!

I own way too many pairs of running shoes and none of them are working for me right now. I've been rotating between a few and it seems to be working, but I'd really like to try those Somnio custom ones.
Puppies take up a lot of your time and act like newborn children. Which is probably why I don't have kids. You can't put kids out in the back yard while you get your run in at 8 p.m. Well you could but Focus on the Family would be pounding on your door with a few questions from their spokesman Tim Tebow and we don't want to make him cry (again - Roll Tide!).
The minute you want to do something without anyone seeing it is the moment someone sees you. Case in point: I was trying out a new RunLove Fleurs running skirt over my own capris with some difficulties. It was riding up and becoming a belt. Now this might have been a fashion statement in the 80's, but at this moment it was a big fashion don't. So after a mile, I decided I was going to take it off. I looked around...no one nearby...squatted like I was stretching...still no one...bent over to pull it off and stood up...And who was driving by?! A sheriff! Never one around when you need one, but wham when you don't!
There is a point when a parent (human or pet) is not grossed out by anything. Back in the 90's, I remember watching a friend pull back her daughter's diaper with her fingers to check it and I was totally grossed out. Today I spent over an hour standing in the back yard waiting with a spoon and plastic bag to get a "sample" for the vet. The things I've cleaned up over the last month would make most people gag, but I have no problems 'cuz I love my furry children.

I'm finally getting a full night's sleep (thanks to a loaner dog crate) with a 4 a.m. wake up call. So I try to get to bed sooner to make up for the early mornings. Now I have to hurry up since Summer has already beaten me to slumber land. She's too cute! Night all!

Had to Run Fast...Just keep moving!

2010-08-14T18:43:00.002-06:00

I really enjoy my Saturday training runs with the team. The group is motivating and challenging. And just a lot of fun. There are all different types of runners: fast ones, walk/runners and slow ones like me. Today though, I had to work at the mall and needed to finish my 12 mile run in a short amount of time. I really had to push myself: one to make time and two because I am so darn tired. Between the puppy keeping me up and the lack of my favorite addiction item - Diet Pepsi - which I haven't had over the last two days, I'm just plain dragging butt. And still it's a lot of butt. With the help of the group and bypassing a race on the trail, I was able to make good time. I stayed under a 12 min/mile. Pretty good for someone 20 pounds overweight. When I finished, my coach gave me a doggy picture frame for my birthday. Too nice! I think I'll put a picture of Jersey in it for next to her ashes.

Then I seriously had to rush home, took time to play with the dogs, got dressed, pottied the pupster, drove to the mall...only to find out they had called me off! Note to self - check phone messages! So I did what any other woman would do at the mall, I went shopping. Penney's was having a good deal on some motivating t-shirts for $10 each so I got three. After a trip to Target for more things to occupy the puppy, I was headed back home for a nap or two or three.

I did something I haven't done in years. I slept in a lounge chair in the back yard and let me tell you, it was so relaxing (in between puppy barks). I have been so worried over the last few days and nights about her going in the house that I haven't been able to get fully asleep so what better way to solve this than to move the bed outdoors. We've spent the majority of the afternoon in the back yard and Summer is beat. She's crashed out on the floor now. This has been our first full (almost) day together. Now I'm crossing my fingers she sleeps through the night.

**For more puppy humor, check out My Furry Children page.**

Happy Birthday To Me! Minus the Cake!

2010-08-12T21:56:00.000-06:00

Today was my birthday. I'm forty-something. Single. Overweight. And I've had enough of this self-pity loathing mood I've been in for some time now. I need to get off my butt and do something about it. Seriously OFF MY BUTT! Otherwise I'm going to remain single and overweight for the rest of my forties..fifties..no way Jose!

So today I started back on WW. Can I say I'm starving right now and wishing I could have some birthday cake?! Maybe after my 15 miler on Saturday. I fell off the P90X bandstand when my Jersey Girl got really sick from the chemo. I'm going to start back on it on Monday, but with some changes so it's not eating up all of my time. I cannot dedicate that much time to it, running, my new puppy and work. But I need it because I noticed I wasn't feeling some of the usual pains I've had during marathon training.

I can honestly say I've been here before. I've said I'm going to get started down this road and about halfway down it something causes me to take a wrong turn. I need to understand that wrong turns in dieting are okay. Sometimes I'm going to lapse and eat 20-40 Oreos (oh double-stuff)! Just get back on track. My biggest problem is I go "all or nothing". I can't do this dieting thing, well halfway. I get so into counting points and gaining workout points and on and on that when I go overboard, I feel there is no way back. Did you know Chobani BB yogurt is "3" WW points?! It's okay to stray sometimes.

So I may be looking for guidance from some of the bloggy world success stories. If I post a comment/question on your blog, please try to offer something in return. I'm looking for encouragement as well as something to occupy my mind and fingers so I'm not standing in front of the fridge. I hope you understand. Thanks!

Running & Rambling

2010-08-08T22:17:00.000-06:00

The flowers were received on Saturday from my vet and the staff at High Plains Vet Hospital. I thought it was very sweet of them to take the time.

Bright & early, I did a nice 13 mile run on Saturday morning. Nice, meaning I got through it without breaking down and crying even once. I thought I was going to on the way to the run, but once I got there and started running with the group - some of which already knew about Jersey - I felt better. I got wrapped up in my thoughts and just kept going on and on. She would have wanted it that way.

I spent the rest of the day up in Denver trying to locate a new puppy. Waiting in the long lines at PetCo for the puppy rescue, but no luck since I got there just as things were kicking off. People start lining up for it at 6 a.m. and the event doesn't start until 11! They had 4 Rottie mixes and one by one they left. I even told my story to 2 girls standing next to me and what do they go in and pick?! One of the Rotties! Bitches! There was another lady who had lost her German Shephard on Friday to cancer. It has not been a good weekend! She got a puppy though.
Off to MaxFund rescue to see their mixed breed puppy. A Rottie/Hound mix. It never slowed down and kept chewing on my fingers. She was cute and I took the papers to turn in to be approved to take her home. However, I needed something over the weekend and they said it would take 3-4 days to get through the approval process. Also I needed to bring my other dog up to their facility to see how Scout would react. Now don't get me wrong, I love my Scout "Foofer", but the thought of an hour + drive up and hour + drive back and I still wouldn't know if I had the puppy made me really think about the whole process.

So I got home late Sat. and started doing some more searching. I looked at Rotties, Labs, Weimerieners...Rottles (Rottie crossed w/ a Standard Poodle)! I got a response from Double D Puppies. They had 3 Rottie females available right now. So I went out today to see them and well...the picture says it all. The quietest one with the biggest feet came home with me. She's shy and doesn't have a name yet. I'm leaning towards Summer, but I'm open to suggestions - please! Scout has mixed opinions still since the puppy thinks her tail is pull toy. But I think they're going to get along fine.

All is good in the household for now. Vet check on Tuesday to see if there are any issues with the puppy. Classes start this week for the second summer session. Things are looking better for all of us. Thanks again to everyone who offered their thoughts & prayers about Jersey. I still miss her, everyday, but she's happy and healthy, and waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge.

Goodbye my dear friend - Jersey Girl (02/18/2006-08/05/2010)

2010-08-06T01:03:00.000-06:00

Rest in peace sweet baby. No more pain. No more chemo. Go play Boog and I'll see you soon!

Love you Monkey Butt!

Chemo Round 2 - Update (not good)

2010-08-05T20:55:00.002-06:00

My little Jersey is not sitting next to me tonight. She's at the Emergency vet for an overnight stay. She had a really bad reaction to her chemo and she "crashed" about 4:30 this afternoon. These photos are from today and show how tired / dehydrated she was as her vomiting continued thru from last night into today. I tried everything to make her comfortable, but when she started whining, I knew she was in some serious pain. So off to the vet - kudos to the techs at High Plains Vet Hospital & Dr. Anne Pierce - where her white blood cell count was up and her pulse was over 200 for most of the visit. She got meds and oxygen, and some bad vet tech humor...But she wasn't ready to come home yet. Which is why she's at the 24 hour vet. She's getting more meds/fluids/bad vet tech humor! She was cutting some serious Zzz's when I left her and that's a good sign - both she and I haven't had much sleep the last 24. I'll know more in the morning.

"Can we pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars

I could really use a wish right now, a wish right now, a wish right now

Can we pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars

I could really use a wish right now, a wish right now, a wish right now"

Airplanes lyrics © Artist Publishing Group West; J Franks Publishing; Kinetics & One Love

Just Let The Pictures Do The Talking!

2010-08-04T21:19:00.000-06:00

My little Jersey Girl's outfit was proudly made by Bekah at Honey Bee Baby Boutique

Denver Marathon Course Unveiled

2010-08-02T23:15:00.001-06:00

Denver Marathon & Half Marathon 2010 Course

They finally revealed the course for the 2010 race and the rumor was that it was going to be easier & faster - doesn't look like they were thinking properly when they planned the last 3 miles. Looked like they got to mile 23 and then added in some more miles to make the cut. It still goes through all of the parks and some of the back-tracks were eliminated until...loopy loopy mile 23! At the very least, it looks like they go rid of the annoying "pass the finish line one block over" before going downhill, around the corner, and UPhill to the finish line! Nothing like hearing the cheering and still having the .2 miles left.

Elevation Chart - Denver Half/Full Marathon 2010

First time I've ever signed up for a long race without knowing the course. Don't think I'll ever do that one again. Can't wait to run this one again (even with the new course). See everyone there!

GREEN MONSTER ALERT!

2010-07-27T06:59:00.000-06:00

Chef Note: Thanks to Kristin over at Iowa Girl Eats for the recipe!

In the mix:

• 1/2 scoop vanilla whey protein powder

• 1/2 Tablespoon chia seeds (I didn't put these in because I couldn't find them)

• 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond breeze

• 1 Tablespoon almond butter

• 1 frozen banana

• enough spinach to fill the blender to the top!

I was very skeptical about this recipe. She said it doesn't taste like spinach. I just kept looking at her pictures of the blender with all of that green! So I've had this frozen banana in my fridge for about a week now just tempting me to try it. I picked up some more almond butter last night and this morning decided it was time. This stuff is really good. I don't even taste one bit of the spinach. Trust me! Try it!

Two more recipes down!

2010-07-21T20:00:00.001-06:00

Well my breakfast was quick and easy and OH MY GOODNESS so yummy! I threw together a Cottage Cheese, Yogurt and Fruit Parfait. It is layered with 1/2 cup cottage cheese (I used 2% small curd), Chobani Greek Raspberry yogurt (1 serving), and a sliced banana. The recipe called for a diced peach on top, but I was in a hurry and decided I would save it for a later date. My lunch was something called the "Kitchen Sink" salad. And that's exactly what it is - everything but the kitchen sink. I used baby greens, cubed chicken, shredded cheese, dried cranberries, sliced carrots, sliced amonds and balsamic & vinegar dressing. No recipe is necessary though you can find examples on Kristin's blog. Me - I just put whatever I felt like having into a bowl and out the door! Dinner was leftover Tortilla Egg Scramble - not bad the second day. Just microwaved to warm up the chips and eggs. Top with salsa, cheese, etc.

Day One of the Recipes - Three Down!

2010-07-20T18:40:00.001-06:00

So I decided to get up early enough to make my breakfast and lunch before work..can't get up early to go for a run, but food, I'm right there! I have really been wondering about some of the oatmeal recipes so I got everything together to make Baked Banana Bread Oatmeal. It was super easy to make. The only problem I had was the 25 minutes it took to bake. As per the directions, I was going to put it under the broiler, but threw everything in a bowl and poured milk over it instead. I would have taken a picture of it, but it was gone too fast.

For lunch, I put some Aidells Habenero and Green Chili Sausages in a grill pan and cooked them until they were blackened on two sides. I added canned corn and deli potato salad as sides. I wrapped the sausage in a whole wheat tortilla instead of a bun and ate it plain. The spices of the sausage were enough. Safeway was having a sale on some really good potato salad - I would have made my own, but that takes a lot of time - to take the place of the homemade kind Kristin made.

For dinner, I started to think about the Tuna Casserole and quickly turned to the Tortilla Egg Scramble because it looked easier to get made before I starved to death. I got so caught up into getting to the eatin' part that I forgot to put green onions on top of it before I took the piccy. I used store bought salsa which worked out fine. It was my first time cutting up an avocado. Yeah I can hear you laughing. I even had to ask a lady at the store how to buy one. This stuff was delicious and I even made more than necessary so I can have some tomorrow - don't know if it will be as good then but it's worth a try. Two thumbs up on this one!

Life in the Shopping Cart Lane

2010-07-19T23:02:00.001-06:00

A while back I started reading Iowa Girl Eats' blog and found a lot of recipes I thought would be nice to try. However, the more I read, the more I wondered how does she do her grocery shopping? Low and behold, she offers tips on how to meal plan and grocery shop. So I studied her tips, did some research on which recipes I wanted to make this week, made up my list and set off to the grocery store.

Well let's just say I'm worse than a bachelor because I had to buy almost everything for each recipe. Therefore, I totally blew her on a budget of $50 a week. I spent $160! And I really tried to save money with my Safeway card. Maybe shopping at Aldi in Iowa is cheaper. I'm going to try out King Sooper next weekend which is part of the Kroger chain. But don't my fridge and cabinets look FABULOUS right now?! **Nod to the Almond Butter gods - you are my new found friend!**

The recipes I picked to try out are:

Spinach Salad
Tortilla Egg Scramble
Fresh Vegetable Pasta Toss
Tuna Salad
Green Monster – only if I find the ingredients **found all of them @ Safeway!**
Lemon Tuna Noodle Casserole
Cottage Cheese & Fruit Parfaits
Chicken Brats W/Potato Salad & Sweet Corn
Turkey Burgers W/Baked Beans & Potato Salad
Baked Tilapia W/Asparagus & Rice
Baked Banana Bread Oatmeal

I'll let you know how things go as I try things this week. I'm curious about the Green Monster.

On another note: I now know what everyone is talking about with regards to these things called Sweaty Bands. I ordered one on Saturday morning - after I didn't win one in a giveaway - because I wanted to see for myself if it worked. I have very fine hair and most headbands do that slow creep to the back of the head and BOING off the back. I got it in the mail today - yes today! And so far I'm not having any problems with it, but I just got done with a short run and my hair is sweaty. I'll have to see how it is when my hair is clean and dry. I got the white reflective for nighttime running. It looks very pretty. I may have to order one of the patterned ones if this one passes all of the tests. Thanks to everyone who spread the word on these!

[Update: The band works! Order up a bunch! I'm thinking about one of the polka dot ones with some green - my favorite - color.]

Remember this is my opinion! Go get your own!

2010-07-15T21:26:00.000-06:00

Well yesterday I got the larger size of my golden slippers, a.k.a. Puma Complete Velosis, and I tried them on immediately. They felt good. Still felt like my toe was hitting something - see what I discovered later. Unfortunately, I had homework to do and I couldn't try them out last night.

Today, I came home to find the other model I bought to try out which happens to be the same one in an updated version - Puma Complete Velosis I in screaming turquoise (see piccy at right). This one felt larger than the other and wider in the toe box. I decided I would try it out first. The cushion in it felt great. Like some of the Adidas shoes I've had in the past like the Boston Classic. However, for some reason, my right foot (the weird one) didn't like them and I turned back after just over a mile.

I immediately switched over to the golden slippers and took off again. They felt great. Not a problem other than that toe thing so I stopped to see if my toe was actually hitting the end of the shoe or what. It looks like I'm raising up my big toe just enough to brush up against the seam right where the mesh upper meets the leather. Not a big deal. Did a speedy .5 to check them out and called it a night.

So the decision is to stay with the original choice of the Puma Complete Velosis in one full size up from my normal size (8 to a 9). Happy running!

K9's Against Cancer

2010-07-14T18:04:00.002-06:00

I just received an email about a race this fall put on by Bow-Wow Buddies. Anyone planning on attending? I'll be there for my Jersey Girl and in memory of my other Rottie, Leo.

You can register now at: k-9sagainstcancer.blacktie-athon.com

Jersey Girl Update

2010-07-13T22:07:00.001-06:00

I've had a few requests for updates about my little Jersey Girl. She's fine. You wouldn't know she was sick if'n you saw her. She had a chemo treatment a week ago Monday and it went well. She really had those "why me, mommy" eyes when I picked her up. I stayed home Tuesday just to make sure she was okay. She's got another dose on the 20th, so in a week. We're trying a different treatment path this time around. Those nasty cells have probably built up a defense for the old stuff. This stuff is going to kick butt! She's a real trooper.

Now everyone go hug your furry children (the ones with four legs!) and let them know how much you love them! Okay you can hug the two-legged ones too!

Complete Velosis Women's Running Shoes

2010-07-08T21:13:00.002-06:00

Ever since the foot doctor said I was turning my right hip in when I run, I've been trying to locate a pair of shoes that would solve this dilemma. I've tried Saucony (the larger woman runner's best friend - note to konk the next saleperson who says that one), Asics, Adidas and Mizuno. Mizuno being my favorite so far. Adidas has really nice cushion, but they stopped making the Boston Classic's some time ago. So when I saw Puma, I was a little hesitant to try a different brand. Once a runner finds a shoe that works, it's like written in stone that it is the only shoe brand they'll use. Me, I throw caution to the wind and try something new every once in a while. So back to Puma. I researched (to locate the best price) what type would work for my situation and found the Velosis. Giving the shoe the once over, I noticed that the sides of the shoe around the toe box were wider on the outside area. This would help with the supination. The cushion in the heel looked promising. So after reading the sales pitch:

Forget therapy

This shoe will respond to your needs and won't bill you at the end of the session, even if you run over your set time. A unique, Fast Forward design features a high toe spring to give you a little extra boost.

Features:

Extremely lightweight, breathable upper for built-in air conditioning
Enhanced cushioning for arch support
Memory foam midsole for shock absorption
Sockliner to wick moisture and keep feet dry
Durable rubber outsole for a great grip
EverRide outsole

I decided to give them a try and boy was I glad I did. My right foot (yeah only one of them does it) wasn't able to turn out at all in them. These are made for neutral runners with only minor supination. I love the yellow color - started calling them my "golden slippers". Now if I could only find Prince Charming - 'nother story for some other time. I did, however, feel like maybe a 1/2 size bigger would have been better (I normally wear an 8.5 in running shoes which is what I ordered). So I wrote back customer service to see if they could send out another pair (have to wait for word on it). They were very comfortable so I think I keep 'em!

Good Advice

2010-07-05T21:46:00.000-06:00

I've been sitting here for most of the day trying to come to terms with the fact that my dog's cancer has come back. We'd nap for a few and I'd think it was all a dream. I'd look at her next to me with her front leg shaved from her chemo treatment this morning. And it's all there in front of me again. I hated the look on her face when I picked her up today. The 'why me' look was back. I'm so sorry puppy.

As I was trying to make it through today, I surfed the blog world. I came across a runner's blog with some good advice on self defense. It had some good points so I thought I would pass it along. Visit Wendy and read her post The Devil Drives A Red 4-Wheeler for some info on self defense. Her husband has his black belt in Taekwondo and offers 7 tips on what to do.

Well me and the Jers are going to bed. She's giving me the sleeping puppy dog eyes because she hates when I'm on the puter - ignoring her - so I get the face. Night y'all!

Food Porn?!

2010-07-02T22:15:00.000-06:00

I'm relatively new to this blog thing. Been doing it for a few months now. Slowly getting the hang of it. I enjoy jumping around to other blogs, seeing what they're in to and then jumping on to the next one.

Well I jumped over to one site (Iowa Girl Eats) and oh my goodness! I wanted to lick the screen. This girl, Kristin, is making up some meals that make me want to move back home. Not really, but almost (I grew up there and now, after being in Colorado for years, I can't stand the bugs or humidity). I digress too much.

Anyway, I mentioned it to some friends and they said it's called "Food Porn". Never heard of this, but apparently it's something a lot of people have taken a liking to. Being the starving dieter that I am, I can see why this reference would fit for sites posting delicious pictures of scrumptious meals. My stomach growls when I see Kristin's recipe for Baked Blueberry Banana Oatmeal or her desert recipe for an over-the-top Rhubarb Tart. And she makes the recipes seem so simple to make. More recent is the Fruit Cobbler Oatmeal (see her picture of it on the right)! Love it!

You are warned! Bring papertowels if you visit her site or others like it. You will drool! Happy cooking!

Something to Think About

2010-06-29T21:11:00.000-06:00

The marathon’s about being in contention over the last 10K. That’s when it’s about what you have in your core. You have run all the strength, all the superficial fitness out of yourself, and it really comes down to what’s left inside you. To be able to draw deep and pull something out of yourself is one of the most tremendous things about the marathon – Rob de Castella

Let the games begin!

2010-06-26T22:04:00.000-06:00

The training plan has started. Five miles in today with the BRC Women's Fit Team on the trail. Lovely weather - 70+, slight overcast with some brief drizzle, and lots of new and old faces. It was a great day to start off the 16 weeks. I was amazed that I had 5 miles in me. I haven't ran in almost a month I'm guessing and really didn't want to push myself, but I needed to see what I could do if I pushed it. Oh did I push it!

I ordered the P90X a few weeks ago, but I haven't started it. I will just as soon as my family gets on their ways back home. The thought of taking the before pictures or doing the fit test while they're still here gives me shivers. I'm ready to do the workouts and want to get a PR at the Denver Marathon in October. Determination! Dedication! And right now Exhaustion!

Have you started off your training plan with good intentions and then didn't follow through? How did it hurt or help your race?

Tribute to Past Furry Friends

2010-06-20T22:32:00.000-06:00

Now don't worry - I didn't lose my Jersey Girl. She's doing fine. Enjoying my family visiting for a week. I've just read a blog of another runner who has lost a pet and thought this might bring them comfort. Also, it may help others deal with the loss of a furry child. Read with an open heart and a box of tissue. Hugs to everyone!

The Rainbow Bridge

Inspired by a Norse legend

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,
Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next,
Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,
For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,
Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care,
Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,
Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met;
Together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past,
The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart,
Has turned into joy once more in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever,
And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.

Garden of the Gods 10 Miler

2010-06-13T21:07:00.004-06:00

Today was (finally) race day. It was so different to work for months with the team and to not be running on race day. But just like a runner, I got going late, didn't have enough coffee, needed a potty break as soon as I hit the course, and needed a nap after the race. All together though, it was a new experience.

We all met before the race. It was cool with the breeze - perfect running weather. Some of the runners were nervous and making multiple trips to the Safeway bathroom - no Starbucks until 6 so some were cranky! After a few, the runners headed off to the starting line and the "tinkerbells" headed off to the Garden. We ran into a water station competing for best station dressed entirely as the North Pole. Complete with Xmas carols, lights, decorations, elves, Santa hats - they had everything (too much that we moved away from them in fear of singing carols in our sleep).

The rain stayed away for the entire race and some sun shined through towards the end. I had brought some chalk to decorate the road and small bells for ringing (I think I still hear them!!). AnnaMarie, Cindy and I were probably the best cheer group - heck we were the only group - on that stretch of road. We got a lot of thanks from the runners as they struggled up past mile four on the longest hill in the park. Some smiling, some not, but all pushing along up the hill and we got to see them going back down. Everyone loved the bells - someone said they were "happy bells" versus cowbells. I called us the "tinkerbells" and it just seemed appropriate with the noise they made.

The team looked great! Pretty in "orange" shirts! Everyone looked happy and healthy and some were FAST! I was totally amazed when the first went past us at 30+ minutes (I wasn't wearing a watch so I'm trying to remember what Cindy said). Even the walkers we trained with were fast and they seemed so happy to be out there. Some kept their humor going up the hill and down. Loved the ones who ran when they saw I had a camera. Way to keep chuggin' even when you're hurting! I knew exactly how they were feeling.

As for us, I have to say cheering is pretty tiring too! All runners should do it at least once to see how much energy and imagination it takes to motivate people to push through the pain. We had trouble coming up with catchy phrases to put on the ground in chalk. "Don't Stop", "U Look Fabulous" and "Lookin' Good" were the choices we went with. And then we had to think of motivating things to say over and over and over and ....AnnaMarie did a GREAT job at this, but deliriousness set in after about an hour and half and she started to ramble on and on and on...! Loved every minute of it!

So next time you're out running and someone cheers you on - THANK THEM! They got up early too, walked miles to be there too, are cold/hot/cranky too, but they're not there to run the race - they're there for YOU!

Dee-dee-dee-dee-dee-dee That's all folks!

2010-06-12T07:12:00.000-06:00

A few nights ago, I was woke up at 1:30 a.m. by what parent's might call "the sound that can wake any sleeping parent from deep sleep" - gagging! Now I didn't suddenly go out and have a child. I have two dogs: Jersey and Scout. Jersey, as most of you know, has cancer (lymphoma) and the noise was coming from her. I've heard it before, but now things are different. I have to watch things with her more closely. In the past, I've never moved so quickly to get her or my other dog out the back door before the moment of expulsion. Not so lucky this time. You really don't need all of those details.

The real story is what happened next. I felt it was necessary to let Jersey stay outside for a few to see if she was done. While she was doing her business, I started making changes to my blog layout and background. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw something move near my sofa. Now my eyesight is going so I didn't think anything of it. Minute goes by...movement came back and "son-of-a-bisquit" was looking toward my dogs food dishes not six feet from me! I knew they were around because I've had them in my house before, but I haven't seen any evidence of them in over a year. But I live near a field so they are bound to return.

Now I'm not a person who like to kill things unless it's a snake or spider - I REALLY don't like them. Mice aren't something I have a fear of. I grew up on a farm and have dealt with them most of my life. But this one HAD to go! So there I was in my p.j.s digging mouse traps out of the garage at two in the morning. Let me say that I've never used these before so don't hold this against me. I just needed him gone before my family comes out to visit next week. I put some peanut butter on two of the traps and put one by the sofa and another by the fridge. And waited.....

All day on Friday, I kept thinking that I was going to come home to my Rottie with a mouse trap attached to some appendage. They are made of plastic so she'd probably chew them to pieces just to get that little bit of p.b. So on the way home last night, I picked up some more humane sound deterant rodent ridders. I put one on one side of the living room and the other across from it. Nice humming sound took a little getting used to. And waited.....

Oopps! This morning I got up to find one trap "tripped". Not by my dog. Was hoping the rodent ridders would have worked instead of the trap. So sorry little buddy...

Workout Videos

2010-06-10T05:04:00.004-06:00

A few years ago, I decided I was paying the gym too much money to use their treadmill, elliptical, and weights. Occasionally, I would use the pool or an aerobics class, but for the most part, I just used the treadmill and elliptical machines. So I stopped paying them and bought my own set of...everything! I have an entire home gym in my basement (every guy's dream). I have an elliptical machine from Vision Fitness (first purchase), a treadmill from Landice (L7 - well worth the money!) and the last purchase was the Inspire M3 Home Gym ( I added the leg press attachment which brought the cost up). All of the items are well worth it. I don't have to drive somewhere, pay someone else for the use of broken down machines, waiting amongst other sweaty people. I own these. Now like most people, I don't always use them (primarily in the summer), because I like to workout outside whenever I can. I use them a lot in the winter months.

Well I'm getting ready to start marathon training at the end of the month. I have already started back on my WW program to bring back down some of the weight I gained over my "downtime" since my last marathon in December. Also, I have been reading blogs and seeing people describing video workouts they have been doing so I started looking into buying something to add to my training program. The workout I've seen a lot is P90X. I've looked at it before, but it seemed to be too much for what I wanted at the time. Not now. I really need to get my body in shape and I'm really hoping this will help.

Is anyone else using P90X or another video workout to get in shape for summer races?

Vacation Update

2010-06-04T22:13:00.003-06:00

Well here's the skinny - I went back in time to a land where there was no cell phone service and limited access to the Internet. Unfortunately, it was only Kentucky!

It was a nice few days in the humidity with all of the bugs and snakes you could ever want. I didn't get any runs in while I was there (took clothes & shoes though so the thought was there), but I did get a couple walks with their pitbull, Zoey. Zoey and I took a while to warm up, but were playing hide&seek by the last day.

I had a nice rental car - Pontiac G6. Funny thing about it costing more than my plane ticket...humm?! My nephew had fun test driving it (he was our designated driver). I did let the guy at the Avis counter know we had "fun" with the car since he tried to give me a Ford Fusion (said it was an 'upgrade'). One the winding KY roads, we had a blast. Final vote on the car: I wouldn't pass one up if I won it.

I learned a few things while I was home. One was how to tie a tie. My brother and nephew had their ties dry-cleaned and then didn't know how to tie them. After a few (30+) minutes and some how-to videos online, I was able to get them done. Unfortunately, they looked like they were tied for someone shorter. I'm 5'6" and my bro and nephew are pushing towards 6'. It worked for graduation though. Not a bad looking family, huh? Notice I'm trying to hide behind my nephew's skinny girlfriend - "Agent K" (on left side).

Second, I learned how to run a riding lawn-mower. Laugh - ha, ha! But I've never had the opportunity to use one. My yard takes about 30 minutes to mow and isn't big enough for a riding one. I went too slow for my nephew so he was laughing. I was afraid I'd tip it over on the hills. I had fun, but I don't think I'll rush out to do it again.

Well back in Colorado - the Miller Moths have arrived! Lovely bugs who get into everything in your house and vehicle. They leave little droppings on walls, furniture, etc. Some people buy those electric fly swatters to shock them to death. I've allowed a pair of swallows to set up camp on my front porch. They eat them! And they're pretty to watch.

Vaca!

2010-06-03T20:40:00.000-06:00

Sometimes you just have to get away! My nephew graduated from high school and I surprised my mom by popping in for a visit. It was a fun visit and I'll give a recap later. Right now, I have to get caught up on everything around the house and spending time with my furry children.

My Friday Night Out!

2010-05-21T23:08:00.001-06:00

It's been a while for me. Sorry to say it, but I've been lurking in the background for a few days. Getting caught up on homework (some), playing with the dogs (more), and cleaning house (a lot). As for Fridays, I've gotten into a routine lately. I enjoy my Friday nights curled up on the couch with the dogs, watching "What Not To Wear" (now I'm doing homework during commercials). I'm always looking for ways to camouflage my large tookass. Let's just say my Friday's have become comfortable. I enjoy relaxing after a long week with my remote and my dogs. So after hearing the dating dilemas of some co-workers this week, it made me wonder have I fallen out of the loop so much that I can't, or won't, get back into it? Has my idea of a date become a 5K on Saturday morning?

So to break out of my comfort zone - for lack of a better phrase-, I decided to meet up with friends at the O.C. after work. Now I spent the day looking forward to this, but then I started to dread trying to find an outfit to wear. Hoping I had something other than running gear to throw on when I got home. No such luck! Instead of my usual comfort, I was rushing around trying to figure out if what I had put on covered my large tookass without making me look like a large @ss. I was able to find something once I said this is who I am and if they don't like it tough-nooky! I now know why I quit going out and why I quit drinking. I swear it looked like I was at the zoo watching the peacocks during mating season. Everyone putting on their best (until the 3-4 tequilla shot) to attract someone (or something) for the evening. Maybe it's not that I've become too comfortable, just too smart for it. The getting drunk acting stupid - I had enough of it years ago. A decent conversation (without him looking at my boobs) would be nice.

On a side note: I now have two wardrobes - running season & off-season (or my fat clothes)! Nothing like a trip to the local petting zoo to put you back on track! Come on marathon training - I'm ready for you!

Time to Start Thinking About October??!!

2010-05-14T22:24:00.003-06:00

I was reading blogs the other day and I started to see a pattern. It seems like everyone is signed up for a marathon in October because I saw a lot of marathon training start dates in June. I realized that my start date is June 27, 2010 (112 Days -- or -- 16 Weeks of training). That's a little over a month away! When I signed up for the Denver Marathon, I decided to make it something I can be proud of (a PR would be extra special). So it got me thinking about how I feel when I'm really into training for a race. The amazement I have when I push my body to the edge and it delivers. Maybe that's the illusive runner's high everyone talks about. I just get into a groove and I go (something I'm not seeing these days). Maybe because I'm in the "off-season" and I've put on 20 pounds - duh! Funny story - I was once told I looked like I just spent the day at the spa after finishing a 20 mile training run (thanks Cindy-in green!). I'm not a fast runner, but I can run quite a long distance. Maybe this time around I'll try to be faster so I don't have so much energy left over at the end. I'm loving all of the advice I'm getting from the blogs-THANKS FOR SHARING! Even though I've ran a lot of races, it's nice to see how others do things. Sometimes I pick up new ideas on how to hydrate better or when to take GU packets or what shorts not ride up. Things I can try this time around to improve my race time. Reading race recaps is fun and there's a lot of information in them. Thanks for taking the time to sit down (know that in itself is difficult) and write those long reports. They are valued by others. I can see that a lot of the bloggers have way better times than me and I would like to get down to a 5hr marathon time. It's doable. I need to change my attitude towards everything. I liked the post where someone said "I get to run up this hill" instead of "I have to run up this hill" when they thought about people who can't run and would love to be in their shoes. Starting June 27, 2010, I GET to train for a marathon. Positive thinking!

Three Changes Challenge Result

2010-05-13T06:12:00.000-06:00

Well I guess I should report on my progress. I said I would do the following three things:
1. No late night eating
This is probably the most healthy thing I've done in a while. I used to wake up in the middle of the night (old people do that cuz we have to pee!) and I would get something to eat while I waited for my dogs to potty. Guess what - I'm sleeping through the night now. Could be because I'm staying up later due to school or that I'm just so darn tired (or because I make sure I potty before I go to bed - getting old sucks!). This is one change I'm sure I will stick with!

2. Follow my workout schedule
I'm doing better on getting my workouts in. They might not be on the exact day or the exact item scheduled, but I workout in some way each day now. Last night was my first night of class and I don't know how much it is going to interfer with my workouts, but I did try to read my homework afterwards on the treadmill, walking of course. Got two miles in.

3. Get back down below a 10:30 min/mile
You know I don't really care about speed right now. I'm more concerned with getting back to enjoying my time running and staying healthy. I get so wrapped up in my time and speed, and I end up injured. That just discourages me even more. For now, I'm just enjoying my time alone with my thoughts and the miraculous things my body can do..even if it takes me two...three...four...hours!

This too shall pass..thanks!

2010-05-09T18:34:00.001-06:00

My Jersey is all better now. That was a big scare and an even bigger vet bill! Guess I'll get my new laptop next month. She came home from the vet on Friday night..tired but happy to not be so dehydrated. She slept good and was back on Saturday morning. After some additional bloodwork, she was sent home. I watched her for a few to see if anything changed and then had to get out for a run.

I got in a nice five miles before I was met by a not so unusual surprise - a snake! A Pituophis catenifer to be exact! Okay it was just a Bullsnake (see photo for an example). He was about 4-5 feet long and stretched out across the Santa Fe Trail sunning himself. He didn't seem to have a problem with me. He just moved up into the grass and then off he went towards the parking lot to crawl under some pavers. I thought he was a beautiful looking snake. Never seen one with such a nice golden color before. Added bonus to a great 8 mile run.

[Update: Found out Bullsnakes eat Rattlesnakes - don't mind them much anymore. They can visit the trail anytime - as long as they keep the poisonous ones away!]

Another punch to the gut!

2010-05-07T16:34:00.000-06:00

Sometimes you've just gotta talk to somebody. My fellow bloggers, you get to be the one since no one else is around today.

I've had to deal with a lot of things this year. The biggest being my Rottie, Jersey Girl, getting diagnosed with lymphoma. She's just the sweetest little thing - only 74 pounds (which for those who know is small for a Rott). She didn't deserve that disease, no dog does for that matter. Her reaction to chemo went well. Nodes went down two days after treatment. She's in remission now. Thank God for that! So a while back, I decided I wouldn't leave her all day in her crate. I don't know how much time she has left...could be a year..could be 10 years..so I felt she should have to spend that time in a crate. She was doing great. Only a few minor setbacks. Chapsticks are her favorite items to chew up.

Lately though she's taken to getting things off the kitchen counter. A bowl, left-over box, wrappers, paper towels..nothing major so I didn't think anything of it when I left my meds and my other dog's meds on the counter. Yep I can hear your gasps! She got into them yesterday when I was at work. Chewed up two of my bottles, but didn't eat any. She did eat my Aussie's Rimadyl. An entire bottle (small bottle though). Another gasp! Both dogs went to the vet last night and got the vomit treatment. Looked like we got most of it out of Jersey. Aussie, Scout, didn't have any in her so she's pissed about the whole trip.

Jersey was back at the vet this morning first thing. Not herself, dehydrated, and her kidney numbers were up. She's been on an iv all day and has some diarrhea. She's supposed to come home tonight and then go back in the morning for more treatments (vet doesn't want to leave her alone overnight). I'm just hoping we got to her in time. The next 24-48 will determine if she's damaged her kidneys/liver. She doesn't deserve this. Say a prayer please. Thanks!

Another Day in the Garden - This time with pictures!

2010-05-01T12:09:00.001-06:00

Well another beautiful day for a training run in the Garden. It was sort of brisk and this time I was overdressed. Started to get a liitle warm about a 1/4 way into it. Didn't much feel like running today so Cindy and I walked the uphills. And this park as a ton of them. Here is my running picture story - this is a view of the park after the first hill looking down into the main area of the Garden. Off in the distance on the top of the last large rock formation, you can see Kissing Camels. Unfortunately, the camel on the left lost his hump to a lightning strike.

After a nice downhill and a really terrible uphill, this is the view you get. As you can see, we haven't gotten to be very green around here yet. Heck, we had snow yesterday. We had grapple (new word of the day). I called it packing material - snow pellets.

Take a turn and look over your shoulder...here's Pikes Peak! It sure is pretty all covered with snow.

Kodak moment! More like rest break! That's me & the Peak.

This rock formation is right next to the main parking lot. Before you go grabbing your climbing gear, know first that you have to have a special pass to climb the rocks in the park. Otherwise, there is a hefty fine. Check with the Garden of the Gods Visitors Center for all of the rules/regulations.

This is probably the most popular car pull-off in the park for photographers. There is an area for about 3-4 cars to stop at one time. The tour buses do stop here too. Don't even think of parking on the other side of the road. That area is for bicycles, runners and hikers only. You wouldn't like to have a bicyclist splattered across your rear window, would ya?!

Another view of the Peak. Take a moment to ponder the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon. For those who don't know, the Marathon is 13.1 miles up and 13.1 miles down. The Ascent only does the up part. This year, the Ascent will run on Saturday, Aug. 21 and the Marathon on Sunday, Aug. 22. Can you believe some people do both?!

Garden of the Gods most famous rock formation - Balanced Rock. You can drive right by it.

Had to through in one final picture of Pikes Peak. It will keep its white top until some time in June. Visiting the Garden, along with its Trading Post, and the top of Pikes Peak are top on my list of things to do in Colorado. Make sure you sample the doughnuts they make up at the top. Anyone who can make them at 14,115 feet has my vote. Baking at just over 6,000 is hard enough.

Oxygen is overrated!

Native Eyewear Reviews

2010-04-29T20:59:00.000-06:00

So I've been trying out some new sunglasses over the past few weeks. My favorite pair of Optic Nerve sunglasses are getting a little worn and I've seen them enough in race photos. The first pair of Native's I tried are the Native Eyewear Bolt Sunglasses - Polarized Reflex Lenses. These are a little larger than I thought they would be, but still worked for a windy and cold run one Saturday morning. The frames are 5” temple to temple and cover from brow to cheekbone really well. It kept the wind from making my eyes water. The frame has an interchangeable lens design, but initially they only come with one set (others are available at additional cost - not at STP). Only drawback I found was a slight loss to peripheral vision due to the wrap-around frames. These list for $119, but I was able to pick them up on sale via STP. The color shown in the photo is Snow Streak/Polarized Silver Reflex which I think is a nice pearl white. Recommend them for medium to large size faces.

The other set I picked up is the Native Ignition Sport Sunglasses - Polarized. These are quite different from the Bolts in that they are smaller in size. They are 4-¾” temple to temple and fit snug around my ears (not a bit of movement while running). There was a small gap between the bottom of the lenses and my cheekbones, but not enough for me to send them back. These, like the Bolts, have the Native signature vents at the top of the frames which increases airflow and helps with keeping them from fogging up. That is the biggest problem I've had this past winter with my Optic Nerves. I will say that EK Ekcessories Cat Crap (found at REI) helps some with the fogging up problem. Anyway back to the Ignition glasses: Again, I picked them up at STP on sale (list price is $120) in the color shown in the picture - Pale Ale Fade W/Polarized Blue Reflex Lens. Recommend them for small to medium size faces.

School Days! School Days!

2010-04-26T20:58:00.000-06:00

If my life didn't already have enough stress...I'm now officially registered for the Summer Semester at Colorado Techincal University. What the heck was I thinking?! Thinking about staying gainfully employed is the primary reason. I am going to start working as a DBA (which I know databases-need to know coding) and my company would pay for my schooling. So here I am. Going for another Master's.

Is anyone else working towards a degree and do you feel it will benefit your career?

Loved the run! Hated the wind!

2010-04-24T16:21:00.002-06:00

It was a beautiful day (once the sun came up) for a run in the Garden. Team was there bright and early. I wasn't awake yet. Picked up my coffee on the drive in. Had breakfast then too - Clif Chocolate Brownie Bar. Later wished I'd eaten earlier. Got in 6 miles with my buddy, Cindy. Then we walked another two. I think we both had 8 on the schedule so that covers it. Eight miles in the Garden isn't easy; heck 6 isn't! One teammate did 12. Hope she ate something decadent after that run! She deserved it. Photo courtesy of the Garden of the Gods - Colorado Springs, Colorado website.

Well Mother's Day is fast approaching! Thought I'd remind everyone just in case. Got my order in on my favorite website - QVC! I'd tell you what it is, but I'd like it to remain a surprise for my mom. Tell you later! Don't forget to get your mom something special on her special day.

Challenges Update

2010-04-23T19:58:00.000-06:00

I'm so bummed. Only days into this challenge and I've messed up on two out of the three. I've missed two workouts (there is still time tonight for a workout, but with the icky weather, I'm just not into it) and last night, I woke up to let the dogs out and snacked on some goldfish. I'm addicted to those little buggers. I have been eating well this week. But had too many diet sodas today. I'll pay for it later when I won't be able to get to sleep.

Tomorrow is a new day. Training run with the group. It's gonna be a good one. Get at least one out of three. 10:00 min/mile here I come!

No Turning Back Now!

2010-04-21T21:07:00.000-06:00

In a brief moment of insanity (or runner's high from my training run today), I registered for the Denver Marathon on October 17th. This will be my second time running this race. I've done the 1/2 marathon also in 2008 (would have done the full but was recovering from ITBS). Anyway, it is a fun race if the weather plays along. In 2008, it was 34 degrees and drizzled the entire race. I took me nearly 30 minutes in the shower to thaw my butt out. In 2009, can you say "OH MY GOD, IS IT HOT?!" We had had a blizzard the weekend before and on race day, no such luck - sunny and 85! I matched right along with the Country Music Marathon I ran earlier in the year in 96 degrees. That race I just wanted finish. So if the weather gods can play nice with us, it should be a good race. If not, I'll be cursing the entire way - just like last year!

3 Changes Challenge

2010-04-21T06:04:00.000-06:00

Another blogger offered up a challenge: Change 3 things for a month. So I thought about what I needed to do to kick start my workouts to get ready for summer racing season. I came up with:

No late night eating
Follow my workout schedule (provided by BRC Fit Team)
Get back down below a 10:30 min/mile

Well 1 and 2 are looking like they are going to be pretty easy to stick with. Just takes a little control and dedication. Number 3 is going to take some work. I'm still sitting at 11:30-12:00 min/mile. Maybe with the help of 2 I'll get there. Wish me luck!

What a load of crapola!

2010-04-20T19:34:00.000-06:00

Well I missed my workout last night because I started playing on the computer and before I knew, it was bedtime. I just was not in the mood to work out anyway. So tonight I made it a point to get into my running clothes before I even thought of sitting down. It was drizzling a little when I started out and everything was going well until...shin splints! Now I haven't had a dose of those in a long time. Couldn't figure out what was causing them. Wasn't the shoes because I just ran in them on Saturday with no problems. So I stretched some more and trudge on. Mile one down - no better. Took a walk break and rubbed them a little. Mile two - a little better. Then for some strange reason in mile three I started favoring my left leg. RUN OVER! 3.37 miles done so not a total loss, but not what I wanted to do today. Icing the shins now - brrrgghhh!

Review - North Face Women's Nimble Zip Jacket

2010-04-17T13:04:00.002-06:00

General Features (from Altrec.com)
Standard fit
TNF™ Apex Aerobic fabric wind permeability rated at 10 CFM
Quarter-length, center front zip
Lower hip stash pocket
Hem cinchcord
Zipper refer to the side-pocket zippers only
Avg Weight: 355 g (125 oz)

Center Back Length: 26"

Fabric: 90D 248 g/sq m (73 oz/sq yd) plain-weave 4-way stretch TNF™ Apex Aerobic with DWR

And in my opinion...

First let's see what the fantastic CO weatherman has on schedule for us. Please show us the weather report for Saturday morning: Scattered showers. Cloudy, with a high near 47. South wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. With that being said, I knew I needed to have something for a nice jog in the cold rain. So I picked this jacket up at Dick's Sporting Goods (several online sites offer it).

LOVED IT! Initially, I was thinking it wasn't going to be enough. The wind was blowing out the south pretty good and it was drizzling/foggy. But as soon as I got going, I warmed up perfectly. It blocked out the cold wind and I could see the water beading up on the jacket. Now, I did have two shirts on underneath (1 LS/1 SS) so I did get a little cool later in the run but come on, I'm trying to move a mountain here with two chunks I call legs so I sweat!

I picked it up in the Melon Red since that was the only color in my size other than Black and I have enough of that. Very pretty color. The shirt ran large and long. At what point did companies start to think that making a shirt longer makes it a bigger size? Need some wiggle room here buddy! Dick's Sporting Goods sells this jacket for $59. Highly recommend it. [ Updated: Me in my new coat during the weekend run!]

Thinking about the next one...?!

2010-04-15T20:42:00.000-06:00

Thought I'd add in a short note about marathons. They say you can't begin to think about your next one until you've forgotten your last one. Initially, it was easy for me to sign up for my next one. I ran my first 26.2 miles in December 2008. It was the Las Vegas Marathon. I ran it with two knee braces and took 5:47 to finish. But before the end of the year, I was already signed up for the Country Music Marathon in April 2009. That was not an easy race by any means - 96 degrees! Being a glutton for punishment, I was signed up for the Denver Marathon in October 2009 by May. I guess I brought the heat to that race too - 85 degrees! And to increase the pain even more, I crammed another race 7 weeks later. I returned to Las Vegas for the inaugural Rock 'n Roll Marathon. No knee braces this time around and the new course, low temps and overall great experience paid off - 5:32 new PR!

Four months later and I'm not signed up for anything! Actually the only race I've ran is a 5K. I don't know what's holding me back, but I'm eye-balling trying again in October - without the heat this time!

Product Review - REI Woodridge Fleece Hoodie

2010-04-15T19:00:00.004-06:00

I thought every once in a while I'd throw in a review of an item I've tried out during a run. This past Saturday, I tried out the REI Woodridge Fleece Hoodie - at REI.com I've always wanted a 3/4 zip fleece, but haven't found one I liked. This one actually has a kangaroo pocket that goes all the way through which was nice to keep your hands warm. I was able to keep my inhaler and cough drops in it with no problems.

I really didn't need the hoodie. I think not having a tie string makes it pretty useless in any Colorado wind. The zipper doesn't go up the neck very high so it doesn't get tight enough, but could help out with eliminating cool-down chills. The sleeves have a nice band at the wrist so it doesn't hang down too low. Nice scroll design on the left shoulder adds a little flair. I picked it up in the "SPRING WATER" color which I think is a little lighter than what the website shows.

Initially, I had a Nike Winter Mock Running Shirt underneath it since the temp was in the low 40's and there was a good breeze blowing. I had to take the turtleneck off about 1/2 through my 7 miler because it got a little too warm. I was comfortable for the remainder of the run, but did get chilled when the wind picked back up again. It's not a thick fleece so it doesn't hold off gusty breezes, but it is nice for cool Colorado morning runs. Super soft. Washes/dries well. Would highly recommend it. It sells for $46.50 at REI. [Updated: Me in my REI Fleece Hoodie.]

Workaholic or Putz! BOTH!!

2010-04-11T08:39:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I was all ready to blog about my day with the BRC team. I had my coffee and was working on the header piccy when the phone rang. I knew who it was just as soon as it started - my part-time job. "Can you come in this afternoon?" Someone wanted to leave early because they had family in town and our normal replacement had found a job elsewhere. Then the inner torment started. "Why should they get to leave early? Is there life more important? Is my life that pathetic that I'm actually considering giving up my day off? I really could use the hours. I could do some shopping while I'm there." As you can tell from the direction this conversation with myself, I ended up going in. Only four hours, but now I'm waiting to go back in for four hours today (Sunday). So my only day of relaxation was Friday and that day was spent dealing with the Vet! I'm really in a rutt!

Get my @ss in gear!

2010-04-09T14:47:00.000-06:00

Let's get this thing going again!

I've just been in a funky mood for months now. I get up in the morning and I feel like I could mark off everything on my to-do list, but by the time I get home...nothing! I just want to sit on the couch and do nothing. My house is starting to look like an episode of "Hoarding".

This year started off with my Rottie being diagnosed with lymphoma which is what probably started this mood. I was hoping her remission would change things, nope. Sign-up for the BRC Fit Team didn't even phase things.

Now as my fat chick clothes (which I unfortunately hung on to like an idiot) are starting to cling like a fleece shirt to a pair of panty-hose, I'm drive to a new form of aarrrggghhh! It's nice I work at a clothing store part-time so I can buy new things, but I'm slowly moving up & up & up in sizes instead of the good direction.

So I figured if I had something that occupied my time, like a blog, kept me from boredom eating, like a blog, and humiliated me to the point of losing the pudge, like a blog that tells everyone about my pudge, I might actually get moving off the couch and finally get out of this mood I'm in.