run4may

Wake. Up. Mom!

2012-02-04T10:35:00.000-08:00

Since the little guy decided to wake up at 7:30 in the morning on a Saturday, doesn't he know that we sleep in on the weekends. Like a good mommy I got up and we played until 9:30 when he finally surrendered and decided it was time to nap. So, I dusted off my garmin (charged it, since it was dead) and laced up my muddy running shoes and hit the pavement. I would be lying if I said it was easy and it felt great and refreshing. But, I did it! Although it was difficult I pushed and pushed and played endless mind games to make it through the two miles without walking/stopping for a break. I can proudly add two measly miles to my miles log for 2012. I leave you with a silly picture taken last weekend of my boys.

I'm Back

2012-01-08T20:35:00.000-08:00

I know it's been way too long and I probably have no readers left. I just ran today for the first time in months. Until now I had nothing running related to discuss. It's been unseasonably nice in Chicago and I finally decided to take advantage of it with my new christmas present from my dear husband. I introduce to you my newest running partner- BOB. Which I have renamed TOM since my husband doesn't run. This way I get to pretend that he's running with us. This run wasn't only about trying/testing out the BOB/TOM it was also Alexander's first run, EVER! He really seemed to enjoy it or actually not mind it. He typically falls asleep while in the stroller- while walking, but today he stayed awake until the last second. As soon as our run was over his eyes shut. I have a feeling the bumps kept him from snoozing, but I think, I hope he gets used to all the movement while with TOM. The weather is due to remain mild for part of the week. If my legs feel up to it tomorrow I hope to get back out there for another run with baby and TOM.

BUSY BEE

2011-11-02T12:29:00.000-07:00

i'm a busy bee lately. lots to catch up on. here is what i have been up to. lots of running around. literally.

first my run with grace went well. i realized how difficult it is for a 10 year old to focus on one thing (running) for 30 minutes. i ran at her pace since i didn't want to intimidate her, because then she may never want to run with her aunt again. so i tried to make small talk, asked her how school was, and all her other activities. i realized how much of a busy bee she is. she's dancing in the joffrey ballet again this year (3rd year in a row), she also dances on wednesdays for her usual dance studio, and she obviously is now in xc. since our run was a week before halloween she was preoccupied by all the decorations. the great news is since our training run which was a little more than a week ago, her school placed high enough to make it into the championship race. super proud of her but i'd like to take some credit. i think she made it because of our training run together. i made her into a champ. the race was on saturday and she got 80th place and ran a 8:40 something pace. enjoy some picture action and maybe a video if i can get it to work.

we also went to cheer on my sister on her first half marathon. she ran the monster dash in chicago and did great. i don't have the details on her final time. but i was able to see her twice. enjoy the pictures since this was a costume run.

marge from the simpsons

she was dressed up as a greek soccer player (original)

after a weekend full of cheering on others i am now itching to start racing again. now lets move on to our halloween celebration and pictures.

my little munchkin

for halloween we headed to sil house for some trick or treating. she had a bunch of friends and family over. my little man went as a monkey and my big man dressed up as a banana just for pictures. sit back and enjoy.

from left to right- baby daddy with monkey alex then cow rosie (cousin) with sil kate

the entire group. alex is in the stroller next to another baby two months older than him dressed as a dog

baby alex and rosie with the devil

alex fell asleep after the first house but we went trick or treating anyway. clearly tom and i really wanted candy.

rosie and alex matching. he wasn't having it.

you know it's time for a workout when you get this (image below) from dailymile. if that's not motivation then i don't know what is. it's because of this e-mail that i got my butt out of bed this morning for an easy (yea right) 2 mile run.

stats from my run this morning:

2miles in 19min average pace 9:43

i will leave you with the usual- cute picture of my little man on our walk yesterday.

RUNNING SUPPORT

2011-10-24T10:29:00.000-07:00

finally a running related blog post with just a hint of baby.

i ran my second pp run the monday after we returned from vacation. we all know that monday's are the go-to date for starting or re-establishing workout routines. the measly two mile run was shamefully exhausting and difficult. i felt like an elephant. it was a cold morning which caused my lungs to ache from panting so much. i have nothing to brag about. getting back into shape is no easy task especially with winter right around the corner. i know it's going to get harder and harder to get out the door when the temps drop and like every major tv network is reporting, chicago is going to have the worst winter to date. not sure how they know this but i'm hoping they are wrong. back to my run. i look forward to the day this two mile run is my warmup rather than my workout. i felt i pushed myself because hubby had to get ready for work and i didn't want my slow butt to be the reason he was late, especially because it was his first day back after his part-time paternity leave. unfortunately even though i felt i pushed myself to get back, my time definitely did not reflect my efforts.

running stats- 2miles in 21 minutes about a 10:13 pace

i would like to thank those who responded to my post about creating a cheer onesie for graces xc races. i loved your ideas and i think i am going to create one that says Amazing Grace. i watched grace run again last friday which was the race that would determine if she would qualify to run in the championship race. i haven't heard what the results were but i did snap some pretty neat pictures. the race was delayed some because CPS fired employees the morning of the race. so the coaches had to think quick and get creative on creating and setting up the race. kudos to them.

grace showing her mom what place she got (113)

i ran my third postpartum run last night which felt much better than the last two. although i'm not running regularly or as regularly as i'd like but i am seeing results. i felt great while running. it's already beginning to feel less exhausting to run two miles. and my time is reflected by how i felt. i also wonder how much of it was the perfect running weather in chicago thus making it easier to breath.

running stats- 2 miles in 20 minutes 9:46pace

tom scheduled me to go for a training run with grace after school today. i think we will likely run a mile or two.

my sister is running her first half marathon (monster dash) this saturday and i hope to show my support by attending and maybe if i find the time i will make her a cheer onesie. i am so proud of her. love you sis.

i will leave you with a picture of the little man.

alex cracks a smile

FIRST VACATION & MANY LESSONS LEARNED

2011-10-20T16:35:00.000-07:00

pre-vacation i took alex for his second month doctors appointment and we found out that i am doing a very good job feeding him since he gained 4lbs in 5 weeks (12lbs). the only concern was his eyes which have remained yell since birth. so we have retested his bilirubin levels. after his appointment we prepared for alex's first vacation.

on october 8th we boarded the plane and headed to boca rotan, fl. the little man fussed for a few minutes at the beginning of the flight and slept the rest of the three hours.

the in laws rented a three bedroom home with a screened in pool and spa.

and the beach was only a ten minute walk from the house. we got to the house pretty late so we unpacked and called it a night. the second day we headed to visit family for a bbq where we enjoyed the pool with the little man and his cousin who is just 6 months older, that was before i realized that babies under 4 months should not be in a pool due to the chlorine. so here are the pictures from his only swim.

she stole his pacifier to massage her gums

alex really seemed to enjoy the pool but we could only enjoy for a short while because you can't put sunscreen on babies under 6 months. we then did some research and discovered that we also couldn't put him in the ocean, not until 6months because of the salt water.

later in the week we decided to head to the beach and we would put alex under the umbrella. we took turns swimming in the ocean while alex contently napped for an hour and a half.

family came to visit us for the evening and we enjoyed local pizza when all of a sudden we began to notice alex turning red. fist his face then the insides of his arms and legs (hence sleeping position above). we are the worse parents. we first let him swim in a pool, then we let him get his first sunburn at only 2 months old. we truly felt terrible. we comforted him as best we could and by the time we returned home his face was peeling. the day after the beach incident he was officially two months and i couldn't miss taking his two month pictures however i will forever be reminded of how naive we were.

we were able to enjoy a couple of nights away from alex where we enjoyed fine dining, thanks to grandma dd for watching him. one night we went to Trulucks where tom enjoyed the waiter placing the napkin on his lap and i enjoyed grilled salmon. my favorite place we dined was Whales Rib which was featured on diners, drive-ins and dives. I enjoyed the chicken sandwich twice. it was so good i made tom go back the night before we left for another one. i highly recommend this restaurant if you are near deerfield beach, fl.

we returned to the beach on the morning we were scheduled to return to chicago for a family picture with the sunrise. the hubby was no fan of the early wake up time but this was once of a lifetime opportunity to get a family picture.

Then we headed home.

my second pp run post is up next.

CHEER ONESIE

2011-10-06T12:52:00.000-07:00

haven't been running since my first pp run because i experienced some unexpected bleeding (tmi) that has me concerned. so, i'm back on the bench until i feel completely healed.

however... our niece has joined the cross-country team and we plan to cheer her on today for her second meet. i have such great memories from my cross-country days in middle school and high school. she is one of the youngest on her team and i am super proud that she is following in my footsteps, but she's far better than i was at her age. she placed 11th at her first race and ran 8:46 mile. since we are super proud of her and want to support her i was thinking it would be a good idea to make baby alex a cheer shirt (onesie) to wear.

any ideas on what the onsie should say? her name is grace.

my ideas so far-

Grace's #1 Fan

run Hard grace

i'm not very creative so please help me think of onesie ideas. thanks in advance.

Running Reflections

2011-09-28T10:39:00.000-07:00

i finally made it out for my first pp run, so, my blog can finally return to it's roots.

running reflections-
preparing and planning for a run has a few additional steps. i now have to make sure little man is fed, then make sure i empty the jugs to lighted the load. lightening the load was not enough for i am carrying an extra 15lbs and i felt every extra pound. i felt like my legs were heavy and i could hear my feet stomping on the pavement through my ipod. i also over dressed, had on too many layers. i realized this .3 miles into my 2mile run. the thought that went through my mind at that point- i would rather be running naked. the extra clothing was contributing to the feeling of being sluggish. i quickly reminded myself of how jiggly the bod was and how that was not a better alternative. i can also recall the feeling of the air entering my lungs and how foreign that felt, almost painful to breath in so much air. i was clearly huffing and puffing already and i had only run .5 miles. i tried my best to push all the uncomfortable feeling to the back of my mind and tried to focus on how lucky i am to be able to enjoy a run. a run that i had been longing for, for months. i didn't really feel like surrendering to the urge to walk until 1.3 miles, at which time i started playing mind games to help push myself. every runner plays the game- "okay just make it to that stop sign, then you can take a quick breather aka walk break, reach destination and then pick a new point ahead to run to." the game worked like a charm because i can proudly announce that i was able to complete my run with no breaks whatsoever. the best part was getting poured on with .6 miles to go. the downpour came just at the right time, when i was feeling hot, exhausted, and beat.

successfully ran my first pp run non-stop- 2mi in 20min average pace 10:09

i have a mess for hair and a tomato face to prove it

as soon as i returned little man was up and upset and the stretch that my body so desperately needed got pushed to the back burner and never happened.

believe it or not that is his upset face

my body is screaming of pain today but it's a good feeling. a feeling i really missed. since i'm in pain today i think it would be best to take a rest day and give it a try again tomorrow. hubbie's schedule finally works to my advantage, (i have never been a fan of his work hours- works early afternoons till about 8:30 or 9pm) i get a run in the morning before he goes to work.

MINI VACATION

2011-09-21T16:37:00.000-07:00

we headed to the lake house in indiana for a mini vacation. i have logged many running miles at the lake house, and being there reminded me of how much i miss running. instead i was joined for a walk around the hilly dunes of indiana with the hubby and little man.

terrible picture of me (hello chubby bunny)

on our walk back to the house i spotted this slithery snake in my path

a couple days later i went for a solo walk with the little man strapped on. not sure how much more weight he adds for his 2 month appointment isn't for another couple weeks and there is no scale in our home. if i were to guess, he's weighing in at about 9lbs. which is more than enough weight to make this sexy momma sweat profusely. we walked on the beach, which was his first time, not like he's aware of it but i have a picture for the baby book.

he loves his paci

we walked when the weather permitted which was only about half the time we were there.

exercise-

satruday september 17th- walked 1.09mi with hubby and little dude

tuesday september 20th- walked 1.62mi with little dude

~~~~~

today i had my 6 week postpartum doctors appointment which didn't deliver the news i had been hoping for. i guess i'm still not completely healed and have stitches that are refusing to disappear. doctor suspects they will dissolve in the next week. although i thought i would definitely be cleared to run again and figures i would be out there tomorrow morning for the first time in months, i guess my body had a different plan, and i will have to resist the urge. on the bright side i have lost 20lbs since delivery and have 15 more pounds before i'm back to my pre-pregnancy weight. not bad. right?

i empathize with those who are injured in the running world. now i know what it's really like to be itching to run but can't (not by choice).

yesterday the little man was upset and crying when we were loading up to head back to the city and for the first time the sound of my voice calmed him down = best feeling in the world.

i will leave you with one of my favorite picture thus far of the little man-

Midnight Mommy: {Giveaway} Double Gusset Pocket Cloth Diaper ~ End...

2011-09-12T13:38:00.000-07:00

Midnight Mommy: {Giveaway} Double Gusset Pocket Cloth Diaper ~ End...: Wow! I am in awe of how amazing all of you are ! In celebration of you and the fact that there are now over 450 subscribers to Midnight...

GIVEAWAY & UPDATE

2011-09-12T12:14:00.000-07:00

haven't walked in a few days but plan to get back out there in hopes to get my body back once hubb rreturns to work tomorrow. tonight we are headed to see our niece and haveing some good food.

On a different note i would like to try out cloth diapers on my little man and hope to do so at no cost by entering as many blog giveaways as i can find.

If you would also like to enter here is the link. and link for snuggbaby and link for glow bug cloth diapers and .

OMBROPHOBIA

2011-09-08T14:12:00.000-07:00

hubby is fortunate enough to have part of the week off for the next few weeks, thanks to paternity benefits. after waking up and having some breakfast and feeding the little man a couple times and pumping for our freezer stash we were planning to head out as a family on an hour walk. the weather was perfect in the morning, however, as soon as I got dressed and ready for the walk it decided to get dark. it looked like rain was on it's way to crashing this walking party. i had to make the motherly decision to skip the walk since i didn't want us to get stuck 30min away from home with a newborn. which he is still considered for the next 24 hours. did you know that you can only refer to babies as newborns for the first month of life. my little man isn't so little anymore : ( it's almost two hours later and still no rain and now i feel silly for having missed out on my exercise.

"Ombrophobia- Fear of rain or of being rained on" Fredd Culbertson

getting ready for a work (goodbye) party that is scheduled to be in the parking lot at 6pm. there will be a tent, but i'm still nervous to take the family if the weather is going to be poor. i don't want a sick baby. however, i want to show my face since i will likely someday need a job at the same company. i haven't posted about it yet but i found out a couple weeks before the little man made his arrival that my work place will be closing oct 20th. not the best timing considering my situation. it's a large company with many opportunities. i was originally planning to take corporate leave for the full three months after the little mans arrival which i will still do, however, i was originally planning to return to work since i love love loved my job. reason for corporate leave and not maternity leave is because i have barely been with the company a year and one of the fmla rules is that you must have worked for the company for a full 12 months prior to qualifying for maternity leave. i met the hourly requirement but not the monthly requirement which stunk but i was lucky enough to find out about the corporate leave after making some calls. when my leave is up my work place would have obviously closed, so, i may or may not have a job when i return on nov 12th ish. which is and isn't such a bad thing, if you know what i mean.

if we end up attending the goodbye work party i will be sure to snap some pictures and post later.

a picture of my sweet little monkey since i can't get enough of him

NEW ADDITION

2011-09-07T15:10:00.000-07:00

i am finally back. reason for my long absence is the new addition to our growing family. welcome alexander lyle who embraced us on august 12th. he was about three weeks early and healthy as can be and ready to enter the world.

3w1d

since his arrival i have obviously had to learn how to manage my time since i am his food supply and care giver. most of my day is spent feeding and changing dirty diapers. my only opportunity to get anything done for muah is while the little man is napping. which is exactly what he is currently doing.

3w 5d

as of yesterday i have decided it was time to get my body back. starting pregnancy weight was 113lbs and two days before the little man decided to enter this crazy world i weighed in at 147lbs. i don't own a scale so i have no idea how much i weigh post baby but i imagine i lost 20 lbs since his birth. i will find out at my 6 week follow-up appointment. since i am currently restricted from running i am walking while wearing him about an hour a day. today i was only able to get 40 min in since with a new baby comes many many visitors, some expected and some unexpected. the unexpected pop-in visitors are mainly my folks. i'm looking forward to being cleared to finally run again but until then i will respect that my body is still healing. just realized last night that i still have stitches, ouch!

exercise
tuesday- 3.18mi 59min
wednesday- 1.99mi 39min

Heavy Jugs

2011-04-09T20:04:00.000-07:00

Workout- 2miles / 00:22 min / 11:14 pace

My Saturday through pictures and tangents.

Packed my running motivation for our mini vacation from the city

We had a late breakfast at our favorite diner- Peggy Sues

Changed the look of my blog. I felt it was time for some change. Hope you like it. It took about an hour and a half.

Gross eyebrows... that need some maintenance

Try finding a eyebrow threading shop in a town you don't know all that well. I called around to some places I found online who said they threaded eyebrows. I drove 20 minutes to some ghetto hair salon that called themselves a day spa. They quickly shut me down by saying they didn't do eyebrow threading, only waxing. Thanks false advertising for wasting my time and gas.

Googled another threading location that sent me 30 minutes in the opposite direction. Uhhh.... I'm stubborn and super focused once I set my mind to something.

Check out my cool shirt!

The only other good thing that came out of running all over town was the amazing gas prices. Prices in the city are crazy- $4.15. I couldn't resist and had to fill up.

$3.82 Reg- only in IN

I picked up some dinner for the hubs and I (I'm taking care of him since he's sick with a head cold).

Rushed home to get my little run in before dusk. I decided to run on the beach, reasons being- avoiding getting hit by cars (no sidewalks in the neighborhood) and cushioned running ground.

Looks like I went for a swim not a run according to garmins mapping of my run

As I took my first few strides I realized I needed a different sports bra for these new heavy jugs, but I didn't have time to waste.

My thigh looks ginormous

Taking pictures of myself while running or driving is not such a great idea

at about .30 miles I though it would be a good idea to run on the strip closest to the water... just to find out it was like quick sand and I practically sunk. My shoes and socks were soaked and I felt I was caring ankle weights.

I saw these two geese and had to stop for a quick picture

The sunset at the end of my run

Couldn't have asked for a better finish to my mini run.

At the end of my run.

i met my goal of running three runs in one week. what a great feeling.

2/3

2011-04-07T16:44:00.000-07:00

My goal for the week- to run 3 times this week and I have two out of the three done.

Workout- 1.6/2miles done- 20 minutes- 12:28pace

My workout wasn't exciting or great. The first 4 minutes garmin was attempting to find satellite. Then right before I stopped my watch I had sharp cramps which forced me to walk the rest of the way. I'm not sure if the cramps were caused by baby or something else. Although it wasn't as long as I had hoped or planned I am proud of myself for getting out the door. After a full days work it's the last thing I want to do. Instead what I want to do is eat dinner and relax. Put my feet up. I have gained 10 pounds since the beginning of the pregnancy and I can feel the weight affecting my running. I feel slower, sluggish, and my joints hurt from caring the extra weight. I try to combat the discomfort by running on the little patches of grass I can find in the city, which seems to help cushion the impact.

Tom and I are getting away from the city for a weekend, leaving after work tomorrow. I hope to run at least once while we are there. I love running at the lake house. I have written many times about my running adventures at the lake house. I spend most of my run trying to locate deer.

Layers

2011-04-03T10:44:00.000-07:00

Workout- 2.0 miles / :19 minutes / 9:36 pace (no music)

I wore way too many layers for my little run today.

Current temperature-

My wish for warm weather was answered. But, I was silly and wore way too many layers.

Layer One

Thanks self timer for taking this wonderful picture

Under layer

I probably would have been just fine wearing only the under layer. I didn't take off my sweatshirt because the pink shirt no longer fits. I know this because it rode up the entire time.

The garmin had a difficult time finding satellite signal. I guess it's because I live in the city and there are just too many tall buildings.

The post wouldn't be complete without a picture of my kitty

This is how I feel now. EXHAUSTED.

Silly Saturday Ramblings

2011-04-02T17:59:00.000-07:00

Monday March 28th- Distance 3.0 miles Pace 9:54 Time 30:00

I was able to get one run in this entire week- stats listed above. I had planned to run at least three days, but obviously that didn't happen.

Picture taken while on a walk last week

Let's hope for two runs next week. The weather is finally getting warmer, which should make it easier to get out the door.

This morning Cosby and I watched a movie while we waited for the hubs to wake up. I guess that would have been a good time to go for a run.

We also attended our nieces school play- Wizard of Oz. She was a lullaby munchkin. She was the best one out there. Made us all so proud, as usual.

Dad's birthday was this week and we hope to take him out to dinner tomorrow.

"She's Got a Baby Inside"

2011-03-26T13:42:00.000-07:00

We are 17 weeks pregnant!! I am just full of news these days.

First u/s @ 9 weeks

Second u/s @ 12 weeks

Haven't really run too much since finding out due to all the wedding planning and stress. Since the wedding is history I have thought a ton about running and exercise. Doctor gave the okay early on to exercise and actually recommended it. So, I went for a run around my parents neighborhood last Monday 3/21.

Gross picture of me while I run

It felt great to fill my lungs with fresh air. My belly "jiggled" some, which was a new feeling. The next day I was sick with a cold. I don't think there is much correlation between the two, but I was forced to put exercising on the back burner again. As soon as I kick this cold I will be sure to get out there again.

Honeymoon

2011-03-16T20:31:00.000-07:00

We spent the night at the in-laws to hitch a ride to the airport. Set the alarm for 4:00am for a 6:50am flight. We accidentally woke up at 4:30am to my father in-law yelling up to us that he will be waiting in the car. Tom actually jumped in the shower and I was up and ready in 5min. We luckily made it on time for the flight. I grabbed a bagel from home, which beat paying double at the airport. This later came back up on the flight. I have never gotten sick on a flight. The lavatory is foul to say the least and made me want to vomit again. We had a connecting flight in Atlanta where I decided it was a good idea to try having some fruit snacks, which again came back up on the second flight. Eeek. Sorry, for all the details.

We checked into the Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort St. Thomas around 4pm (I think). Announced to the reception desk we were on our honeymoon and hoped to get a little upgrade and some special treatment, didn't think it was too much to ask for. They said no upgrades were available. Tom was able to talk them into giving us an ocean view. See below-----

Since my tummy was empty we decided to find a cafe for a late lunch. Found one right on the beach connected to the hotel. I ordered a turkey sandwich and had to wait an hour and paid $26 = terrible service. I was starving.

Picture taken while I waited....

We then sat in the beach chairs and watched the sunset.

We spent the next day relaxing on the beach. Guess we got there kinda late, as a result, we had a difficult time finding beach chairs. The service continued to lag which frustrated us beyond belief since everything was way over priced. Example- a small container of ice cream and a red bull was about $20 at the convenient shop at the hotel. During dinner at the "fancy restaurant"(hotel) I ordered a water and found a lovely little bug swimming in my cup. That's when I just about had it. I'm sure you can tell where I'm going with all this. Next day I finally got the guts to tell Tom I wasn't happy with the hotel he picked and didn't feel like a honeymoon. Being the sweet husband he is he got on the phone with the hotel staff and got all the charges we accrued while at the hotel (including fancy dinner that was $100+, internet) waved and they offered us a suite- huh thought they had no upgraded rooms. Funny how that works. We kindly declined since the service would continue to lag. I later ran into a drunk fellow at the bar who filled me on the reason for the terrible service. He said, the hotel workers are payed by the government and they don't really care about tips and the hotel was being torn down in May and many workers already quit so they were short staffed. Tom found another hotel- Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort St. Thomas- All- Inclusive which would cost about the same with obviously all meals included. No more paying an arm and a leg for a bottle water and crackers. We moved as soon as we could. We were able to get an upgraded room with an amazing view of the ocean.

We spend a couple days exploring St. John. To get to St. John from St. Thomas we needed to take a 15 min ferry. I was scared because the last few times I experienced sea sickness. Thankfully now I know ferry's are okay.

We headed to Sugar Bay to snorkel. We borrowed the snorkel gear which was included and provided by our hotel. I was kinda a scardy cat and wouldn't go too far out. We spent the rest of the time relaxing on the beach. Which was the first day we really got burnt.

Not many pictures of both of us since we had no one to take pictures of us.

We used taxi's to get around both islands. One of our drivers had this sign which was totally worth sharing with you.

Saw many of these guys around the resort

Great angle of me. Waiting for connecting flight back to cold Chicago.

Didn't get sick on either flights back to Chicago. We did however experience delays. Our connecting flight was supposed to depart at 9:50pm but got pushed back to 10:35pm. We didn't board until close to 10:45pm. We then sat around and needed extra fuel due to bad weather. They then forgot to provide paper work about the fuel added so we had to go back to the gate and didn't actually take off until close to 11:45pm. We arrived at 1:15am and I had to work the next morning. I only had time for a short nap before it was time to get ready for work.

I GOT HITCHED YALL!! lol

2011-03-06T10:34:00.000-08:00

I am now officially Mrs. (enter husband's last name). Well maybe not officially, because I still have to find time to visit the SS office and DMV, however, I am a married lady now. We both have known for a long time that we were some day going to tie the knot. I think dating for 4 1/2 years was more than enough time to prepare us for marriage and having lived together for a while we already worked out most of the kinks of living together. I remember when we first moved in together it took some time to adjust, but we made it through. So now on to the review of our wedding day.

Rehearsal started at 6:00pm which lasted all of 30-45 min. We then headed to Gibsons Steakhouse. Where we met close family and relatives and friends who had to travel in for the wedding. We had a blast and felt so blessed to have everyone there to celebrate us. I wasn't thinking and forgot to snap any pictures. I'm sure someone has pictures that I will have to steal.

My middle sister was sweet enough to stay the night with me so I wasn't along on my wedding day.

We woke up and headed to the salon to get our hair and make-up done and I wasn't thinking ahead and forgot to ask my sister to get any pictures of me at the salon. So here is a picture of my hair all done up and receiving a kiss from my mom before I got all dressed up.

We left the house around 12:45. Dress in hand and bags packed for the honeymoon. We arrived at the church around 1:30pm where I was taken to a special room just for me. My bouquet was waiting for me in the room.

We just sat around until it was time to get dressed.

My nephews from Greece

I started putting my dress on at about 2:10pm.

Once I was all dressed it seemed like everyone and their mother wanted a sneak peak at the bride- muah. This bothered me some, because I wanted them to be wowed when they saw me in the church. Oh well!

Church started at 2:30pm.

You may now kiss the bride

We then signed our lives away...

After taking many pictures in front of the alter (I won't bore you with those) we headed to a spot we could get some freezing cold pictures of us.

downtown naperville bridge

Attempted to smash cake in his face but totally missed

Some would say we were late to the reception but we are the ones getting married and time revolved around us.

While cutting the cake his sister was egging me on to smash cake in his face. She shouted if I didn't do it we would have bad luck (things of that nature). I eventually gave into the peer pressure and tried to get him but he dodged the cake filled plate. Instead it hit the side of his face, got in his eye and all over his suite. It was all in good fun and we will forever remember my bad aim. My nephews are still talking about it.

Our first dance

Loved ones made speeches (our close friend, my middle sister, his dad). We ate good food and then we GREEK Danced the night away.

Our niece aka flower girl caught the bouquet

My mom came up to us and said "your doing it wrong- no hands allowed and you have to go under the skirt"

That's all folks. Honeymoon post up next.

Wedding Planning

2011-01-22T10:52:00.000-08:00

Here is my excuse for the lack of posts lately... attempting to plan our wedding. With the wedding date less than a month away, it's cram time. I feel I have been spending all my spare time planning and preparing for this day. I am already looking forward for the date to be here and more importantly the honey moon. We plan to go on our honey moon the Monday after our wedding. I will hopefully be escaping this winter wonder land and enter warm paradise.

Same chair 7 months earlier

A preview of a dress I tried on... but not the one I chose. Tom reads my blog and I wouldn't want him to see it before the wedding- that's bad luck.

With that said... I hope to hit the gym today and get some wedding errands out of the way. Anticipated workout- 30 min warm up on the elliptical and 30 min on the treadmill about 3 miles.

What are you plans for the day?

MIA

2011-01-05T16:52:00.000-08:00

I have been missing in action. Sorry for the lack of posts lately. A ton of news and things happening around here which have kept me away from my blog for far too long. I have been taking it easy since the holiday season and only running half the weekly miles. However, I did join a fitness class, Six Pack Attack, which kicked my ~~butt~~ stomach right into shape. I could barely move for a full week. I'm going to keep it short and sweet. However, keep on the look out for a post that will just blow you away.

Happy New Year To Everyone.

In a Tizzy

2010-12-20T18:08:00.000-08:00

Oh boy, it's been a while. I have let time get away from me with all the holidays. Just because I haven't blogged doesn't mean I haven't been running. I love having a gym membership. As I type this, Chicago is under a weather advisory and expecting to receive 3-6 inches of snow. Should make tomorrows work commute that much slower. The commute to the new job isn't terrible, about 45min each way, if I don't get stuck waiting for the commuter trains to cross. I continue to set my morning alarm for a morning workout however have yet to make it to the gym before work. I'm beginning to wonder if I should stop trying. As the week goes on I naturally get increasingly tiered and thus wake up later and later each day. Which reminds me, I was almost late to work last Thursday. Over slept by an hour and a half, thanks to Tom's alarm I woke up at 8am in a tizzy and ran around the apartment like a chicken with my head cut off and managed to get a shower and out the door by 8:15am. I continue to push through the marathon training schedule with only a couple missed workouts.

The unfinished house

My family celebrated Christmas last weekend because my mom is headed to Greece tomorrow to visit my oldest sister and two nephews. They have been building a house for the past two years and are finally ready to move in which naturally means my parents get their condo back. Mom will likely be spending most of her mini vacation attempting to get her condo back in order.

I will miss her dearly during the holidays, however, this just makes things less complicated in the long run with who I would spend the holidays with. Since Tom and I are engaged to get married we will spend the holiday with his family and they kindly invited my dad. I was worried he would be alone on the holiday, my worries have melted away and everything is working out better than planned.

Keep on running and happy holidays

I Wouldn't Recommend It, But I Did It

2010-12-08T19:07:00.000-08:00

:: week 1 :: 11/29 - 12/5 :: of marathon training- 0 total miles run (what a terrible way to begin training)

:: week 2 :: 12/6 - 12/12 :: 8 miles run thus far

monday- 3 miles 30 minutes @9:48 pace

i have been attempting to wake up early to get my runs in before work. i was so proud of myself when i woke up to my 1st alarm monday morning and got these 3 miles done before the world woke up. wish i could do this more often. i usually have to set three alarms. depending on how tiered i am, i will either get up to the first and get going or i will turn it off and continue on with my sleep. my warm comfortable bed makes it so difficult.

tuesday- 5 miles 43 minutes @8:37 pace

i obviously planned on going before work, however, was unable to get out of bed in time *no surprise there*. one more hour of sleep was too precious to miss out on. so, i went after work instead. i first had to get dinner going. i made the wolds best pasta sauce which requires 1 1/2 hr to simmer. so i left it on low on the stove and went for my run. i was so worried my apartment would catch on fire or my cat would get curious and catch his whiskers on fire. so, i ran super super fast. i wouldn't recommend this technique, i wasn't able to enjoy my run.

wednesday- was supposed to run 3 miles, but didn't make it out there. will have to push this run to tomorrow sometime for thursdays are supposed to be rest days.

it's freezing and icy in chicago, which had me hunting for my yaktrax and a gym to join. i finally found them after searching for the past three days. i look forward to using them tomorrow to see how much time i can knock off. due to the ice i have been forced to slow down my pace.

Do you use traction devices during the winter months?

Feel What's Real

2010-12-02T18:02:00.000-08:00

Pampered myself with a hair cut after work today. It was way too long. I felt like a frizzy curly hippy. Now I feel like a real professional and ready to run some crazy miles. Ever feel like your hair is slowing you down?

Wish I had a before picture to show the crazy frizzy curls I had before.

Sitting here just hanging out with Cos. Haven't started training for marathon #2 due to an infection. I started antibiotics and high dose aspirin for the pain on Monday night and have been too scared to run while on the aspirin. But, I have started to wean myself off so I can get back out there and run just in time for the snow. We are scheduled to get 4-5 inches of snow this weekend.

The moment you have all been waiting for.... *drum roll please* I plan on using Hal's intermediate marathon plan for this cycle. Unfortunately, I will be a week behind due to the above but I'm okay with that. Health comes first.

How are you coping with the cold?

Last Minute Thoughts

2010-11-28T20:39:00.000-08:00

Well I made the plunge and registered for NWI Crossroads Marathon in IN. If I choose an 18 week training plan then training would begin tomorrow (Monday). I used Higdon's novice plan for Chicago which was a complete disaster. I'm sure the plan used wasn't to blame but more the weather conditions, however, I am hesitant to use his plan again. I would love to run the race of my life and would really love to redeem myself during my next full. Which is why I am conducting some research on marathon training plans- ~~Galloway vs.~~ Higdon vs. Pfitz.

"Galloway advocates regular walk breaks." Not exactly my style and will likely not be using or considering this plan.
"Higdon loads up on Sat/Sun miles."
"Pfitz is probably the most 'rounded' plan, but is more technical."

At this point I'm between Higdon's (intermediate) and Pfitz.

I think there is much more research to be done. From what I am currently gathering, I will have to purchase a book to learn more about the Pfitz training plan since they are not made available for free on the web. Higdon's plan is very accessible and free via the web- here +1 for Higdon.

I did however come across this great article that I only had time to skim and will make it a point to read early on in my training- here. It's an article for second time marathoners and it includes tips and tricks to remember while training.

I shall leave you with a silly picture of my cat.

Weekly Blog

2010-11-27T13:33:00.000-08:00

::running:: 5mi/47min wed ~ 3mi/26min fri ~ 8mi/1:20min sat

since the weather is finally beginning to change i would love a new running hat or headband and a pair of running gloves.

::racing:: i have until tuesday to decide if i'm going to run a half or full at nwi crossroads marathon on april 3rd. this is the first year for this race which has me a little nervous it won't be as organized. however what drew me to this race was the size and terrain. after chicago i vowed to run smaller races whenever possible for the sake of family spectators. after tuesday the price goes up so better decide quickly.

::family:: no kitten, after reading some of the comments and listening to tom i think it's best that i wait incase cosby doesn't adjust well. being a renter i'm concerned that he will begin peeing (aka marking his territory).

::work:: so far i love my new job.

Dreams of Running

2010-11-21T13:18:00.000-08:00

::family:: First of all... still no kitten... fiance isn't sold on the idea. He's worried that our current fluff muffin won't love having a friend and will rebel by peeing all over our apartment.

Cosby loves drinking out of the toilet. Gross right?

::running:: ran 10miles at Calumet Trail, IN.

Had my first running dream [that I can actually remember]. Goes a little bit like this: I PR'ed by a ton during a half. Don't recall the finishing time but remember everyone being stunned and amazed by my performance. Oh wishful thinking... how I wish I was a speed demon.

::work:: Although I have accepted a job offer I have since gotten two more interviews. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see what else there is out there and have continued interviewing while waiting for everything to clear. I thought I would have been cleared to start by now... however it's not such a bad thing that it's taking longer than planned. The fiance doesn't think it's such a good idea that I have accepted interviews while already having accepted a job [I don't disagree but my narcissistic personality has completely taken over]. This has undeniably made my life much more complicated.

Turning Over A New Leaf

2010-11-16T17:53:00.000-08:00

:: Work/Job :: It took me ~~just~~ 5 interviews to land a job. Much longer than I ever imagined, but am now grateful to have a ~~break~~ chance. I have spent the past week preparing for the new job [HR paperwork, background check, blood work, and no TB test]. Now I patiently wait for everything to clear and hopefully my first day will be Monday.

:: Family :: I would like to expand my mini family since we will finally have two incomes. Seeing as though T and I love our kitty and he won't let me have a dog until we have more space [bigger living quarters]. So, I'm currently trying to convince T to agree to the idea.

Cosby is so photogenic!

These are the two kittens I'm interested in. I have always admired the beauty of Siamese cats and the uniqueness of calicoes. I would love either one. Whichever one gets along with Cosby best is the one I plan on getting ~~obviously~~.

:: Running :: Still struggling with running. I have come to realize that I will not reach my goal for 2010 which was to run 10 races. I cannot dwell on the past therefore I have taken note of what went wrong and why I didn't reach my goal. Therefore, I plan on starting off the new year with a marathon on the schedule. I hope to run my second marathon [NWI Marathon] in April and two half marathons during training [March Madness] & [Des Plaines River- which is a race that I will forever hold close and dear to my heart since it was my first half marathon]. I have made my 2011 race schedule live, so head on over and check it out- here. Since the marathon is in April that means training starts at the end of November. How's that for motivation. I think that will do the trick. It's a plan that will also help keep me in shape through the Chicago winter.

::Giveaway:: Head on over at Racing it Off for a chance to win CEP Compression Socks/Sleeves.

Missing our May-berry

2010-11-13T09:05:00.000-08:00

Two years ago today May was admitted to Children's Memorial Hospital (CMH). She hadn't been feeling well all week. Little did anyone know that May would never make it out of CMH. I was a full-time student at the time and remember having a mid-term speech due that night. Being the good student that I was I had a really tough decision to make- attend class and complete my mid-term or ask the professor for an extension because of May's hospitalization. Mind you by this point May had been in and out of CMH for about 9 months. At the time May was actually improving, or so we thought. I am forever grateful for having decided to not go to class that night and for my professors generosity to postpone my midterm. We were able to see May right before surgery. May was her typical self- all smiles and extremely courageous all the while being connected to many machines. We talked about christmas and what she wanted from Santa- she said she wanted a "pony but not a real one of course," this made us all laugh. Her nurse was as sweet-as-can-be and had called Santa and his elf. Tom and I then told her how much we loved her and we returned to the family waiting room and anxiously awaited for the prognosis. May's doctor wanted to take a better look at her heart since KD directly affects the heart. May made it through the surgery and the prognosis was not good. The doctor informed us that May was in dire need of a new heart and would be placed on a donor list immediately. The worst news anyone could ever hear. I am glad Tom and I were able to see her and even more importantly, being able to tell her how much we loved her (not knowing this would be the last time). We, eventually decided to head home to get some rest. Once we were home and finally able to get some shuteye we got a call at about 3 in the morning from Tom's sister who had opted to stay the night with May along with a few other family members, it was a phone call that neither Tom or I were ready for. We were told to hurry back to the hospital because May's condition had worsened and she had suffered a few heart attacks. May was unable to recover from the heart attacks that she had suffered.

We will forever remember May.

If you haven't already please take a few moments to listen (song written and sung by May's dad) and watch (video created by my fiance and May's uncle) this youtube slideshow in memory of May.

May was many things but one of them was creative. During her battling with KD she had started school where she learned how to write. Since her dad was and still is a song writer May started creating her very own songs. Her dad found this song which inspired the Play for May theme in 2009.

Road ID Winner

2010-11-05T11:27:00.000-07:00

I used Random.org to select the winner for the Road ID giveaway. After reviewing and entering all comments there were 39/46 that could be entered into the giveaway. With that said the winner of this wonderful giveaway is......

Which was Tracy who left this comment

Congrats to you Tracy. Happy and safe running to Tracy and everyone who entered.

For another great giveaway go to 26.2ismycooldown for a chance to win a GARMIN.

Today Is Your Day

2010-11-04T14:37:00.000-07:00

While babysitting recently I was reading a very popular Dr. Suess book called, Oh! The Places You'll Go. The book concerns life and it's challenges. The part about The Waiting Place spoke to me most. What was I waiting for? Waiting for the "phone to ring" and "waiting around for a Yes or a No."

He's waiting for a mouse to catch.

What are you waiting for?

I want to believe the waiting is finally over...

The phone rang not once but twice... I now have two interviews scheduled for next week. They both seem to be a good fit but only time will tell. Next week I will likely be back to The Waiting Place... for a Yes or a No.

::RuNnInG:: Ran for 30min yesterday and 4 miles today. It felt great to get back out there.

::GiVeAwAy:: Don't forget about the RoadID giveaway, time is running out. Giveaway ends tonight (Nov 4th) at midnight.

Emotional Roller Coaster

2010-11-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

::JoB:: Yesterday was an emotionally loaded day. I interviewed for my dream job and was a ball of nerves prior. I heard immediately that I wasn't selected, then I got a phone call for another job I had applied to last week. I had an unexpected informational/initial phone interview and am now waiting to hear back to see if I am selected for a more formal interview. I felt the phone interview went really well and she seemed to really be considering me for the position. It is becoming evident that my job hunt is a teeter-totter. For every one piece of bad news I get I almost always hear good news in return (every door that closes a new one seems to open).

::RuNnInG:: Has remained on the back burner since the marathon and this has to change TODAY. No more excuses! I may need to join my running group(s) in order to remain motivated during the cold winter months.

::Giveaway:: Don't forget about the RoadID giveaway, time is running out. Giveaway ends tomorrow (Nov 4th) at midnight.

Road ID Giveaway

2010-10-29T09:57:00.000-07:00

One item you should never walk out the door without or at least if your heading out for a run, Road ID. Well, we are stoked to be teaming up with Road ID to offer you a chance to win your own Road ID!

I have been wearing Road ID since my freshman year in university (about 5 years now). It was a gift from my mom for my 18th birthday. It was a simple red Shoe ID, but it got the job done. I was entering university which was located in the BIG city. I always felt so much safer with it on. It wasn't just handy for my runs, but for everyday use around campus. My Shoe ID included my name on the first line and my mom was the emergency contact (second line), and the final line read: "Loyola Student."

I recently traded in my Shoe ID for a Wrist ID Elite which I won from Running Diva Mom . I absolutely love my Wrist ID. The only difference is I actually have to remember to put it on before my workouts, when before I didn't have to remember since it was on my shoe. I love all the color options for the Wrist ID. I think they look so sleek and stylish. It's a great accessory to have, hands down.

Other ways I practice safety-

I always tell someone when I'm going for a run/workout. Where I'm going and how long I plan on being out.

We want you to get as excited about Road ID as we are. So for this giveaway, the winner will be the one that makes the most noise about this giveaway!

The many ways to enter this fantastic giveaway:

:~: Mandatory entry- What personal motivator would you put on your Road ID?

For extra entries do any or all of the following:

:~: Become a follower of this blog

:~: Follow run4may on Twitter

:~: Like Road ID on Facebook

:~: Tweet it out using #run4may for extra entries

:~: Post the giveaway on your Facebook Page

:~: Follow Road ID and say Hi on Twitter

:~: Blog about this contest

* Make sure to tell us in the comment section on what you did for the extra entries for them to count. Contest ends Nov 4, 2010. Winner will be notified by email.

Winds Got Me Down

2010-10-27T20:41:00.000-07:00

The city has been hit with continuous 20-60 mph winds for the past couple days, which have in return kept me from running. The winds will hopefully have settled down by tomorrow morning, so I can play catch up with my weekly miles.

::Nathan Sleeve Review::

I was able to try out the sleeves on Sunday. The best part about wearing sleeves, you guest it, the ability to easily remove them once you have warmed up. That's exactly what I did, after a couple miles I folded them down. Reason being, I didn't want to carry them for the rest of the work out.
Pro - They did their job well in keeping me warm.
Con- I did experience some slipping, they don't want to stay up on my triceps. I think my arms are just a little on the small side. I have a feeling they might stay better after I get to work on my arms more.

::Banner::

As some may have noticed I have been working on a new blog banner. I think I have created one to my liking and hope not to change it again. It's challenging to make a good banner when you don't have IT experience.

::Giveaway Coming Soon::

I was contacted today by a RoadID rep about possibly hosting a giveaway. Keep on the look out for a giveaway.

::Prospects::

I have an interview scheduled for an amazing job opportunity- that's all I'm saying for now.

::Computer Troubles::

It was my lucky day today. After some great advice and encouragement by my family, I decided to take my computer in knowing full well that my computer is no longer covered under warranty. The great crew at Apple genius bar took a quick look at my computer and were unable to retrieve any data from my hard drive : / but were able to replace the hard drive with a brand spanking new one for no charge at all. My computer is good as new- literally.

I feel like the luckiest girl right now.

Giveaway Pick-Me-Up

2010-10-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

Today didn't start off right, but it sure has gotten better since.

::bad news first::

The hard drive for my computer crashed this morning. This is what it looks like now:

So I guess I won't be blogging as much or reading your blogs as much. That is until I fix it. I am hoping I can fix it myself or with the help of a friend.

::good news::

I got mail. I recently won a giveaway from Angie over at Barefootangiebee. She's such an inspiration, so head on over and check her out if you haven't already.

In this box-

I found-

and-

and last but not least-

I did not hesitate one bit to nail this amazing piece of metal to my wall.

Scatter Brain

2010-10-23T10:24:00.000-07:00

::running:: I can thank the marathon training schedule for my lack of running. I relied on the training schedule so much for 18 weeks that I now feel lost. I also think not having registered for any more races has contributed to my lack of discipline to the sport. Like most runners my lack of running has also resulted in my being more emotionally unstable ~~fiance can attest to that~~. With that said there is only one cure and that's to register for a race. I have been eyeing four races which would conveniently help me reach my 10 races in 2010 goal. I worked most of yesterday and now have some ~~extra~~ cash to use towards a race. I should really be saving this money earned but I can't resist. Now I have a difficult decision to make... which race to run?

7. Haunted Hilly Half 10/30 ($55)

8. Hot Cider Hustle 8 Miler 11/7 ($40)

9. 13.1 Valpo 11/13 ($30)

10. Schaumburg Half Marathon 11/27 ($50)

::affiliates:: I am currently applying to affiliate programs. All of which are running/fitness related (your favorite fitness shops). Keep a look out, they will be added to the right sidebar.

::upcoming review:: I recently won a pair of Nathan sleeves from misszippy. I'm heading out for a wet run shortly and will write up a review. I was so excited when they arrived, I decided to wear them around the house and they were falling/slipping. We shall see how they hold up during a run.

Expanding Home Gym

2010-10-20T15:51:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank those who commented on Enhancing Fitness post. After much consideration I have chosen to add this pretty number to my home gym.

I don't see a gym membership in my future. Knowing full well running is just not enough, I hope to work on improving my upper body strength. And hope to achieve this optimism with some medicine ball exercises.

Know of any good medicine ball exercises? Share them here, they are greatly appreciated.

The ball was purchased with a $20 giftcard won from forwardfootstrides and it only costed me $9.62.

Gifts and Girls

2010-10-20T09:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's Workout- Planned on running 3 miles barefoot. Instead I ran 6 miles with shoes w/ an average pace of 8:32.

Surprised myself with that pace. I decided last minute that I really wanted to do a quick & hard run. I wasn't sure how far I would end up going but quickly decided that I would just wing it by listening to my body. I laced up my kicks and headed to the LSD path. At about mile 3, I was feeling good and knew that if I headed back I would have 3 solid miles back home.

Might wing my run today as well.

Do you plan your runs and length of distance before hitting the pavement or wing it by listening to your body?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was catching up on blogs yesterday when I stumbled on an old giveaway over at the Chic Runner.

My future sister-in-law is currently pregnant (withe her first baby). We recently found out at a family dinner that she is having a girl. I have been looking for the perfect baby shower gift and think I found it at the Chic Runner. Seems as though Chic Runner's roommate, Not So Cli-Shea has a business making adorable baby/kids clothing. This is the little number I would love to gift to my (future) sister-in-law whom I hope doesn't read my blog. I'm not sure if I can wait until the shower to gift it.

This is another running one that was included in the giveaway. Figured you'd all enjoy it since most of you are runners.

I'm more of a 13.1 girl however the baby is due in Feb and if any of you are familiar with weather in Chicago around that time you would know that a short sleeved onesie wont get nearly as much wear.

Giveaway: Erin Braxton Designer Lounger Outfit

2010-10-20T08:29:00.000-07:00

Giveaway: Erin Braxton Designer Lounger Outfit

Enhancing Fitness

2010-10-19T07:51:00.000-07:00

I recently won $20 CSN giveaway from forwardfootstrides. Forwardfootstrides ran a half marathon this past weekend, so head on over to congratulate her (she's always hosting giveaways- new giveaway just posted yesterday).

I have decided to use the $20 CSN giftcard towards an item that is related to fitness. Always looking of ways to improve physically. I have narrowed my search to three items and would love your help in picking one.

Exhibit 1-

Exhibit 2-

Exhibit 3-

So, which would you choose?

I am going to see about hosting my own CSN giveaway (currently in the works).

Barefoot Run Numero Uno

2010-10-13T17:12:00.000-07:00

I went for a slow and easy 2 mile run today- BAREFOOT. It was AMAZING! Loved how it felt, except the few times I stepped on a pebble. I took carried my camera to document the experience.

I listened to my feet and walked when needed. During the brief walking I saw this exuberantly decorated home.

End result- not bad IMO

This goes to show how easy I took it, not even a drop of sweat

Happy running.

P.S. My interview went really well, fingers crossed.

Marathon Pictures

2010-10-13T06:35:00.000-07:00

I woke up to find the official marathon pictures in my e-mail. They were able to get about 10 pictures of me. Half of which I looked strong and happy and half of me walking and looking defeated.

The good

and....

The ugly [more like sad]

Now excuse me for I have to go finish preparing for a job interview. Eeekkk.

Barefoot Runner

2010-10-12T13:43:00.000-07:00

I am considering making the switch to barefoot running. I have been wanting to make the switch for some time now but knew I couldn't until after the marathon. Reason being: I knew I would have to start with little millage.

There were a few barefoot runners who finished the Chicago Marathon. One who was interviewed at the finish. His reason for running barefoot is exactly why I want to make the switch, comfort. My feet don't get along with shoes. Shoes give me blisters and I have just about had it.

View more news videos at: http://www.nbcchicago.com/video.

I think I am ready to try running two miles barefoot tomorrow.

Kat Von D Running a Marathon

2010-10-11T13:12:00.000-07:00

Since I'm recovering from my first marathon I am watching plenty of TV and catching up on LA Ink on TLC. I couldn't help but share this clip of Kat Von D with each of you.

To Watch Go To: 10:00-11:00 min-

Summary of Clip- During this episode ( S4 Ep 08) she asks her brother if he would run a marathon with her to help their relationship. The marathon is in two weeks and her brother [realistically] doesn't think he can be marathon ready in such a short time. She tries to pressure him to run it with her.

Neither are runners and have never completed a marathon. Having just completed my first marathon and having trained for 18 weeks, I couldn't imagine running a marathon with just two weeks of training under my belt.

What are you thoughts after watching the clip?

Before posting this I did some research and it turns out Kat ran the RnR San Diego Marathon as a relay with her brother and the tattooers from her shop.

Grateful Mondays

2010-10-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

At the post race brunch my future mother-in-law highlighted what a year it has been for me. Which inspired this Grateful Mondays post.

In 2010 I....

Completed and survived the Polar Plunge on New Years Day
Graduated with my Masters of Social Work
Got engaged to the most perfect man

Completed my first marathon & raised $1,504 for KD Fund

What are you grateful for?

Finished My First Marathon

2010-10-10T15:26:00.001-07:00

I don't know how you bloggers run 3:40-4:00 HR marathons. I applaud you, I now know how hard it really is to run a marathon.

My unofficial time- 5:09 GARMIN had a hard time finding GPS signal in the Loop. Can't say I'm too proud of that time. But someone once told me, "how can you plan for something you have never done before."

Things that I did wrong during my first marathon:

Went out too fast- Attempted to run with the 3:50 Nike pacers
Hoped for a quick first marathon (AKA- Goal finish time was maybe unrealistic)

Which resulted in my burning out by mile 16-17 (hit the wall early)

It was way too hot- 85 without the humidity
Didn't but should have taken Ibuprofen prior to beginning of race
Couldn't fall asleep the night before (approximate bed time- 3:50am)

Those are my reasons for a having a difficult and challenging first marathon.

However, I am happy and proud I finished. I pushed through the discomfort for 10 miles. Don't get me wrong I considered dropping out or having my older sister finish off the final two miles. But, I knew how disappointed I would be if I didn't finish, especially with only two miles to go. My legs were yelling at me!

Spending the rest of the day watching movies and relaxing with Tom. Who was kind enough to get up at 4:30am with me and ride his bike all over Chicago trying to find me. He was successful and found me 4 times.

I am in so much pain I want to quit running and never look back. I wonder why I put myself through this? But, I know I did it for the right reasons- Mayberry.

Supportive Words

2010-10-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

My future mother-in-law posted some words of encouragement and support worth sharing.

From left-right- May's mother and father, May in light pink, her two doctors, May's sister- Grace in hot pink, a leading Kawasaki Disease researcher, future mother-in-law in hot red.

Brief Fundraising History: May's aunt hosted a benefit for Kawasaki disease research in 2008 and 2009 called Play for May. May was able to attend the first benefit which raised a total of 12,587 for Kawasaki research at Children's Memorial. At the first benefit, May sang her favorite song with her father, Eight Days a Week By, Beatles. Unfortunately May was no longer with us to attend the 2009 benefit. Play for May has raised a total of $50,000 which was all donated to Children's Memorial Kawasaki disease research. During this marathon training cycle I have raised a total of $1,504.00 which will be donated to Kawasaki disease research in memory of May.

My mother-in-law wrote this message to go along with the picture above:

"Tomorrow, going to cheer Andriana on, running the Marathon in Chicago to help with Kawasaki Research at Children's Memorial. I'm sure May would thank you, not only for her, but for all the children that get these diseases that don't get the big funding for research that major ones do. Hugs from heaven."

Day Before Marathon Day

2010-10-09T08:33:00.000-07:00

The weather didn't determine what I would be wearing for the marathon. I always had a hunch that I would race in the same tempo shorts that I trained in and I knew all along I would wear the Children's Memorial Marathon Team Singlet. Winter was rearing it's ugly head in Chicago about a week ago, at which time I thought I would have to wear a shirt under the singlet, however, summer has made it's final appearance.

Quick look at the weather

I will be wearing....

First attempt- My cat rebelling and not wanting me to run tomorrow.

In the picture:

My Singlet says Run4May and I think I will add some tape that will say my short name, Annie. This is good incase I get tiered of hearing my name I have the option to take it off.

iFitness Belt Double- in purple because that was May's favorite color. Since it's a massive race I will have my phone on me and Sharkies (finally ordered some).

Nike Tempo shorts.

Black GARMIN- I have received all the correct pieces. It's now working and ready for race day.

RoadID- again in purple because that was May's favorite color.

Sunglasses & Nike mesh hat for the hot and sunny weather.

Don't forget the sunblock tomorrow. Good luck to all those who are racing this weekend.

Marathon Week

2010-10-04T09:09:00.000-07:00

I am entering my final week of marathon training. Ran 8 miles last night and my achilles was bothering me before, during, and after. Treated the sore achilles with a rice pack before bed which seemed to help with the soreness.

Cleared up the GARMIN issue first thing this morning. They are mailing me the missing clip and will be assisting me with shipping the ugly black GARMIN after the race Sunday. The new green GARMIN will still be a refurbished watch : ( They said since I have had my GARMIN 60+ days they can only replace it with a refurbished watch. I wish I would have known this prior to sending them my original watch. The good news is, it will continue to be covered under the warrantee for another year.

I am beginning to prepare for the marathon. This includes stalking the weather sites. At the moment it looks like we are going to have ideal running weather- some of my runnersworld forum buddies are concerned that it's going to be much warmer than stated.

I am also making pace bracelets for myself, fiance, and mom for race day. I figure this might help them figure out where I will be throughout the race. I am considering making one more for myself at a faster pace. I based my time for the marathon from my overall time on the 20-miler training run. I felt very comfortable at the 20-miler which leads me to believe that I am able to maintain a slightly faster pace during the marathon. I am secretly hoping for a faster pace during the marathon.

I have a marathon team pasta dinner this Wednesday where I hope to get the inside scoop from former marathon finishers on where my family should be throughout the race. I will also be picking up cheer shirts for my family during the pasta dinner. Therefore, I will have to run around town Friday and Saturday to distribute the cheer shirts to everyone.

I plan on attending the Expo on Friday. Hope to take public transportation to the expo and having my fiance pick me up on his way home from work.

GARMIN SUPPORT STAFF ARE IDIOTS

2010-10-02T08:18:00.000-07:00

Seems as though they don't know how to do their jobs and they don't know their products. Let me explain...

STRIKE 1- (This you already know from previous post) I received a refurbished watch and no USB stick or power adaptor/charger. I will take some responsibility because, I'm the ding-dog that mailed the entire unit with my GARMIN that needed fixing However, in my defense I was never instructed on what parts they would need in the first place.

The good news the GARMIN parts just arrived arrived .... the bad news.... still missing a part.

STRIKE 2- Received the USB stick and the wall adaptor with no cable to plug in to my GARMIN. First off I know for a fact I told the customer support that there were three different parts that the GARMIN needed. Clearly when you call and it asks you to press 1 or 2 for your specific product that you are calling about doesn't mean jack $h*t, because if it did I (A) wouldn't of had to repeat myself multiple times on the phone on what pieces are missing (B) wouldn't be in this predicament right now.

I am running my first marathon in about a week and I better have my partner, Mr. GARMIN along for the experience!

THIS IS EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING / GARMIN SUPPORT YOU TRUELY SUCK

THE END

Oh... GARMIN how I miss you....

2010-09-28T12:19:00.000-07:00

I was so happy when the buzzer rang and it was UPS- I had a feeling it would be my replacement GARMIN.

I quickly ran down the stairs and frantically ripped open the white envelope... to find this....

REFURBISHED!!! WHAT!!!

I had no idea that they would be sending me a refurbished one. I feel a tad stuck up right now but it's rather irritating. I traded in an almost brand new GARMIN for a refurbished one. Uhh... I wish support would have told me that on the phone before mailing mine in.

Anyone notice anything different about this replacement GARMIN, other than the refurbished bag behind the watch? Maybe this will jog your memories...

Mine was GREEEN

I also didn't know that I wasn't supposed to mail in all of the accessories that came with GARMIN and now I don't have a charger or the USB stick. Not sure if the jokes on me here or if the support staff failed to tell me that they only wanted the watch.

Super frustrating day.... on hold and waiting for GARMIN support.

I'm content with the color difference (I guess)
I'm not content with it being refurbished
I'm also not content with the accessories being AWOL. Hope they can track them down and send them home, preferably my old USB stick with all my data on it.

Update- Just got off the phone with GARMIN support and they said, "we throw everything away that comes in." So, they are sending me new(doubt it) accessories. It will be another 7-10 days before they get here. Until then... I will have a dead Garmin.

On a brighter note. I also got these in the mail today-

Amazon giftcards

Unfortunately I am not hosting a giveaway with them... but rather planning on purchasing my nephews birthday present with them. I am the best aunt ever. Since I have no job and my bank account is slowing(quickly) dwindling away to nothing, I decided to cash in my credit card rewards to purchase him a gift.

I plan on getting him the new LeapFrog Leapster Explorer. Not looking forward to paying an arm and leg to ship it to Greece. Since I don't get to see him nearly enough, he's totally worth getting spoiled on his 5th birthday. Hope to win some brownie points and the best aunt of the year award.

Things in Heaven

2010-09-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

Tom put together a beautiful video to go with a song May's father wrote for his little May. If you are new to my blog and don't know who May is please take a moment to check out the Kawasaki Disease/May's Story tab at the top.

As many of you know I am running the Chicago Marathon with the Children's Memorial Marathon Team in Memory of May, if you would like to donate to May's cause please follow this link.

Golden Ticket

2010-09-22T12:30:00.000-07:00

I received my Chicago Marathon Confirmation Ticket.

Anyone else get theirs yet?

Goodbye GARMIN

2010-09-21T12:31:00.000-07:00

today I said goodbye to my GARMIN. i took everyones advice and called GARMIN support. had to wait on hold for a while... tested my patience. what i learned from the representative...

it's supposed to last 2 weeks in power save mode (aka- idle, not in use)
it's supposed to last up to 8 hours in training mode

i was instructed to mail mine in and within 5-7 business days they would ship a new one. i will have to do without it for a little while. i hope to survive. not sure how i'm going to complete my long run this weekend without it. i depend on it for the distance. i will have to just figure it out. costed $10 to ship it. i am willing to go without it for 5-7 days in hopes to have it fixed by marathon day.

~~~~~~

made a smoothie to curb my hunger. Being jobless = a ton of time to over eat. i take many snack breaks and going into my first week of taper I must begin to watch what i'm consuming. figured i'd share my recipe.

half a banana

5 strawberries

some milk - eye balled it so i'm not sure how much

half a scoop of Fastfuel Complete (vanilla flavor)

finished product. it was only fitting to enjoy this refreshing and smooth snack in my 10.10.10 Chicago Marathon cup

Calling All Garmin Users

2010-09-20T09:03:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone and happy Monday!

I ran my first 20-miler yesterday and it went better than I anticipated. The longest I had run prior to the 20-miler was 18 miles which didn't go well at all. I felt like I was dying during that 18-miler.... I was worried the 20-miler would be just like that 18-miler. I guess I had set the bar low.

While running my 18-miler which took me 3 hours+ to complete my Garmin gave out two miles before completing the 18-miler. I charged it the night before. I don't understand why it died. Once it died it continued to turn on and off- while making annoying beeping noises. While I run I insure the bazel is locked, figured this would preserve some battery life. The same thing occurred during yesterdays 20-miler. Garmin lasted the entire 20 miles however while crossing the finish line, I went to stop the timer and it turned off while I was pushing the stop button. This time the workout was saved even though I did not have the chance to save the workout prior to it shutting off. The 18-miler did not save, I lost all the data saved in the training history.

This is my Garmin which is only a few months old-

How long is the battery supposed to last?
Does this happen to anyone else?
How can I preserve the battery, more?
Will my Garmin last the length of the marathon?

Chicago Half Marathon Review

2010-09-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

Sunday September 12th, 2010 I ran the Chicago Half Marathon. I don't exactly enjoy writing race reviews. Mainly because I find them tedious and long however this was a race to remember. Only because I have some complaints.

4:30am- I woke up ridiculously early to allow enough time to eat breakfast and make and drink coffee.

First- brewed coffee
As coffee was brewing I had a bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats
Drank 1 cup of coffee

5:00am- or so... took care of business in the bathroom (since many of you running bloggers disclose such info, I figured it was time I joined the cool kids)

5:00am- 5:45am- browsed the channels for something to watch, but found nothing other than infomercials. Reason for the lack of productivity- waited for the fiance to wake up. I was feeling rather anxious to get going. Got dressed within that 45min period of time.

6:00am- We were out the door.

Never had a bib that said my name, and it's spelled correctly.

6:00am-7:20am- Fiance was kind enough to drive and I was supposed to navigate however, this I am not good at. We got stuck in some serious traffic on LSD. Something I should have been aware of, tis tis on me. How dare I not be more prepared. I will admit I was rather lax about this entire race. I didn't do my research ahead of time. I almost missed packet pick-up (no race day packet pick-up). Once we neared the race LSD was down to one lane because of the race. I had no idea that the race was even on LSD. I figured it would be on the lake front path. Little did I know. So, I huffed and puffed as we sat in traffic. I found it comforting when I looked around to the other cars stuck in the same traffic, because 95% of them were runners trying to get to the race. I knew the race would start without me (start time 7:00am) and I would just have to start whenever I got there.

7:20am- Fiance dropped me off as close to the race as he could. I ran with other frantic late runners as we each tried to figure out where the start was. We almost jumped in at mile 1, not knowing that that was mile 1. Thanks to one runner who informed us that they had already run a mile. At that point we dodged through the thick crowd of racers to the start line. I started the race with the 2:30 pace group.

I spend the first 4 or so miles dodging, hopping, skipping, and tripping over runners. I have been informed by another running blogger who also ran this race that she had the same experience and she started with her pace group.

The rest is honestly a blur... JK. The only memorable thoughts worth writing on my blog included:

Mile 6 or 7 I saw the first place runners heading to the finish. The runners around me began to cheer them on. I was amazed at their talent.
Around mile 7 or 8 I began to wonder where the turn around was. I vaguely remembered looking at the map the night before, I thought the turn around was at mile 8.
Mile 12 I saw my only support, fiance. He first cheered my name and then jumped into the race and ran along side. He asked how I was feeling. I replied, "good, a little tiered now." But really what I was thinking, my feet are hot and tiered. I also remember telling him that I am on schedule to PR. But, I didn't. I had hoped to PR however after having some time to process the entire event, I blame the lack of a PR on the fact that I spent so much of my energy at the beginning trying to get around the run/walk groups.

My official chip time is 1:51:18. I did take some decent race photos that I would like to share as well as a post race pic. I was able to feel proud of my accomplishment, even though it wasn't a PR.

In Need of a Psychic ... From a Psychotherapist

2010-09-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I am unemployed and feeling lost. I am sure you are tiered of hearing about it. Sorry, I'm not done talking about it just quite yet. It's the only thing I think about day and night.

While washing dishes a great idea popped into my head, I need a psychic. I had a friend who got a psychic reading on her 21st birthday and from what I know not one thing the psychic told her came true. I have reservations about psychics- whether or not they are truly able to predict and tell the future. However, I am desperate for advice and guidance and most importantly dying to know what is ahead for me... in my career and running.

If I were to meet a psychic for a reading I would want to know two things:

What is to come of my career?
Will I complete the Chicago Marathon (experiencing cold feet)?

A Day in My Life...

2010-09-13T12:51:00.000-07:00

This post was inspired by Shut Up and Run!

9:00am- Mom called to tell me that there is a computer virus going around and to not open any strange e-mails. I reassured her that I would never open a sketchy e-mail. She also informed me that my aunt and uncle are visiting from Greece and are scheduled to arrive this Thursday. I inform here that I may come back home Thursday to great them and welcome them back to USA.

9:30am- Made coffee. As coffee was brewing I ate some cereal with a couple drops of milk (ran out).

9:40am-10am- Drank my delicious coffee while watching Today Show.

10:10am- Fiance encouraged me to pay my CC bill. I reluctantly took care of business.

10:15am- Said bye to fiance as he left for work and connected ipod to surround sound to tune into, Social Work Podcast, my version of studying for my license exam. It's playing in the background as I type this post. I figure listen to podcast for an hour before watching an hour of T.V.

11:00am-12:00pm Access Hollywood Live. Did you know this is a new daytime talk show taking the place of the Martha Stewart Show? Well, if you didn't now you do.

12:00pm- Got dressed and ready for the grocery store. I'm clearly out of ______ and sugar.

(fill in blank)

1:00pm- Dropped off groceries- Answer- milk- so it doesn't spoil.

1:30pm-1:45pm- Went to the Chicago Public Library to pick up, Nice girls don't get the corner office By: Frankel, Lois P.

2:00pm- Continued listening to Social Work Podcast (studied for exam). Squared away date of exam.

P.S about yesterdays Day in My Life... I ran the Chicago Half Marathon and my official time 1:51. A min slower than my PR. I am blaming this minute slower on my being late to the race and having to start at the very back of the pack and then having to skip, hop, and jump over runners. If I were to guess, I spent the first 4 miles doing the above.

I don't enjoy writing race reviews but you may get lucky this time, check back Wednesday for a race review.

I Am...

2010-09-09T12:08:00.000-07:00

Stealing this idea from Fitness Diva who stole it from Tall Mom on the Run.

Fiance and I in San Diego, Cali

I lived in Greece for the first 8 years of my life. I have dual citizenship.

My families village in Greece, Amfilochia

I am a 23 year old Gemini.
I am the youngest of three girls. The oldest sister is 25 and lives in Greece, and the middle sister is only 12 months older than myself (24).
I am an aunt to two beautiful boys.

Oldest to youngest (left to right) and my nephews in between.

I am running the Chicago Marathon in memory of my fiances niece.
I am a masters graduate.
I am recently engaged and have not started planning the big day yet.
We met during our first social work course and have been together ever since.
I broke my right collar bone when I was 7 years old. Only bone I ever broke.
I am a worrier and not an adventurer and feel that the fiance balances me out. He keeps me calm and challenges me to try new things.
I enjoy running and staying fit because it boosts my self confidence.

Of course there is more to me than what is listed above. However, I plan on taking a nap and going for a run in the next few hours.

Haven't Figured it Out Yet

2010-09-07T19:32:00.000-07:00

Well I completed my first 18-miler Sunday in San Diego. Technology is not on my side lately. On the flight home I typed a post all about my trip and my first 18-miler but it didn't save. So... this is the quick version because I have better things to talk about than running. JK.

One word that describes my first 18-miler :: PAINFUL ::
First half felt fine. Second half not so much. At about mile 10 I began experiencing extreme pain below calf but above achilles [anyone know what this area is called?] I think it may have been a tendon problem. The pain lasted all the way through the final mile. I ran through the pain which may or may not have been a smart decision on my part. The pain has resolved itself with some rest. Tomorrows 9-miler will tell if it's a lasting injury or not.

Change in gears

I feel lost. My life has lost direction. I have always known what I had to do and for the first time I have not a clue what my next move should be. I take that back- I guess I do know the next move [take my license exam]. However, I feel that I was forced into picking a major and now I have two degrees in that major but it just doesn't fit me. So, what do I do? I know I can't afford to go back to school. Well, do I just have to live with the decision I made 4.5 years ago while in college? At the time it seemed like an interesting field.

I quit my job because I disliked my supervisor. In order to afford LIFE I have decided to work as a sitter. I plan on studying for my license and sitting for the exam within the month. Then, I pray I can find the job of my dreams [whatever that may be].

I had an interview at my old internship last Friday (residential home for boys and girls as a therapist). I guess it went well, they want me to come back for a second interview this Friday. But, I can't because I already have a babysitting gig that day. However, I don't really have the desire to go because my heart is just not in it. I know the job well enough and I think I have cold feet about going back to a place that I have already worked. I would rather continue moving forward and trying new things. Which makes me feel terrible that I even submitted an application and completed 1st interview. Why do I continue putting myself in these dilemmas? I don't really know what to tell them. Do I just take it for the security of knowing I have a job or do I tell them that I'm really not interested in the job and apologize for the inconvenience. I thought it was what I wanted... but after listening to the interviewer I had flash backs of my experiences. It's an extremely difficult job working with extremely difficult children with extremely messed up upbringings. This is where I miss my clientele at the last place of employment. I wonder if I will find the perfect balance. Looks like I have some more real world decision to make.... looking forward for things to settle down in my life.

Sorry for all the complaining lately and job mombo-jumbo.

R-I-C-E

2010-08-31T18:03:00.000-07:00

Ran early this morning to avoid the summer heat and although it felt great I'm experiencing some discomfort on my right foot. You might remember me complaining about a possible bunion on my right foot (I despise that word). I had it looked at by a doctor in May. Dr. reported that it was a slight bunion. I have thankfully had no pain throughout the marathon training.... that is until NOW.

I couldn't help but think back to my high school running years- My coach would always preach about R-I-C-E.

R- Rest- Can't really do this one at the moment. I have already lost too many days of marathon training due to acute bronchitis.

I- Ice- Sitting on the coach as I type this with a bag of frozen rice on my foot. I follow the 20 on 20 off technique while icing.

C- Compression- Will not be doing this one because I don't own any ACE wraps.

E- Elevation- I'm doing this while icing.

Guess I need to work on doing more of the items. I have 9 miles on the schedule for tomorrow and hope to finish all 9 injury free.

Work Update- I listened to everyones advice from the previous post and told my boss about the interview and her response surprised me. She was completely fine with it. Thanks ya'll

New Look, New Me

2010-08-30T19:06:00.000-07:00

Notice anything different?

That's right I have changed the look of the blog yet again. What do you think of the new look?

I have changed the look so many times, in an attempt to find the PERFECT look that reflects who I am. I think I hit the nail on the head this time. No hurt feelings if you don't like it, but please share if there is anything that I could change to make it better.

I'm super excited with the new look, if you couldn't tell.

I have thought about my interview Friday and how I might handle the interview interfering with my final day of work.

I could either just not show up to my final day. Seems outrageous, however please do keep in mind that I intend to NEVER use my current supervisor as a reference or mention that I ever worked there.

Tell my boss tomorrow that I have an interview Friday and will have to come in late (more considerate option)

How would you handle a DILEMMA such as this?

Hope to run tomorrow morning before work.

Interview

2010-08-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

My prayers were answered this morning, when I received a call for an interview. My final day of work is this Friday and the interview is scheduled for Friday at 11:30am. Can you say: DILEMMA! Will have to cross that bridge when it comes. I'm thrilled about this opportunity and hope it leads to employment. Knowing Friday will be my final day of work, isn't the greatest feeling. I, just like every other adult in this world, have bills to pay. The quicker I find a job the quicker I feel secure again. Hope to receive a few more calls like the one this morning, having options is ideal, but I'm willing to take anything.

Ran 12-mi Sunday. Didn't get out there as early as I had hoped and had to run in the scorching hot summer sun. My love joining me half way through my run which made everything better. It was nice to have company while running for 2 hours: we had a photo shoot, stopped for water, and got "kinda" lost and had to find our way back to the trail. It was well worth it and I am the luckiest girl to have someone as sweet as him.

We plan on traveling to San Diego for labor day weekend to visit my grandpa. Should be a good time. Haven't seen my grandpa in a few years and he was recently diagnosed with adrenal cancer and has an enlarged heart. We will be staying on his boat the entire time. Should be interesting- I don't think I have ever slept on a boat. I have 18mi on the schedule for next weekend and I suspect it will be a challenge finding my way around a new place. Did I mention we will be staying on an island. I hope it's big enough for an 18 miler.

Resignation

2010-08-25T14:04:00.000-07:00

Haven't had much energy lately to post because my job was taking too much emotional energy. I needed some time to figure things out and I have decided, although we are in a recession and many are out of work, my health is more important than any job. Without my health I would not be able to do my job. I have decided and chosen to end the vicious cycle. I informed my boss of my resignation and have submitted my letter today, it's official. My final day of work will be Sept 3rd. Not exactly two weeks but better than nothing. Now I pray she doesn't make my life even more miserable during the upcoming week and a half. Shortly after she was informed, she packed her bag and left for the day. Not unusual behavior on her behalf. Which was one of my reasons for wishing to discontinue to work with the current company which shall remain unknown.

Reasons:

Lack of respect
Lack of support
***Boss/supervisor was not approachable or available when needed**

I have learned so much from this experience and hope to not make the same mistakes twice.
I have been looking for a job for the past month. I hope to find employment in the very near future. If you know of anyone hiring entry level, masters social workers please let me know, it would be greatly appreciated.

Training has resumed and in full force. Joining the marathon training group after work for 8-mi.

The day after the Marathon

2010-08-18T04:46:00.000-07:00

Has anyone else seen this video? I absolutely love it and can't wait till I look like that.

Chicago Half Coupon Code

2010-08-16T06:03:00.000-07:00

I just registered to run the Chicago Half Marathon on Sep 12th. My reasons for registering include a coupon I received via e-mail this morning. My marathon training calls for 14 mi that day so why not enter a race.

The coupon is only $5 off but any bit matters these days. The race originally costed $80 and then $8 processing fee so I ended up paying $82.50. Ouch! Right?

The code is- SAVECHM5 and it is good until Aug 17th.

I thought this race would have been sold out by now, guess not. However, it doesn't pay to wait till last minute to register for a race. Lesson learned, I hope.

I ran this morning, first time since I got sick on vacation. I slacked over the weekend.

I ran 4.3 mi and it felt great. Looking forward to getting back on track with my marathon training this week.

Running in the Dunes

2010-08-14T16:29:00.000-07:00

Since I'm beginning to feel more like myself it is time to create a plan so I can get back on track.

Seems as though many runners believe that one does not lose a significant amount of fitness in just one week. I hope their right. (Source- Runner's World Forum)

What the missed schedule looked like (Week 10)-

Week 11's Schedule-

Sunday- Try running 4mi to see how my body responds.
If Sunday's run goes well...
Monday- 8mi
If Sunday's run doesn't go well...
Monday- 5mi or rest
Tuesday- 5mi run. Hope to be back on schedule by Tuesday
Wednesday- 8mi run
Thursday- 5mi run
Friday- Rest
Saturday- 18mi run
Sunday- Cross

Enough of that boring talk... now on to something more fun.

While doing some research on how to catch up on my marathon training I stumbled upon Hal Higdon's art gallery. I had no idea he was an artist. While looking at his work I fell in love with one in particular.

I think it would be a great addition to my home or office decor. Haven't decided yet where I will home this unique piece.

Reasons I love it and want it-

I run at the Dunes when I'm visiting my SO's parent's lake house
I'm using Hal's novice training program and look up to him

Back At It

2010-08-13T17:44:00.000-07:00

Took a week off of running to recover from this respiratory infection but I'm ready to get back to it. I'm itching to see how much fitness I lost in that week. Tomorrow I am supposed to run 15mi but I think it would only make sense to start out a little easier than that. Will try for 4mi and see how that goes. If anyone has a suggestion on how to get back on schedule after missing a week of marathon training when following a training plan they are greatly appreciated.

Bronchitis- YIKES

2010-08-11T15:02:00.000-07:00

I got sick while on vacation last week and have had to put my training on the back burner-Unfortunately. I'm still trying to kick this "cold". I had enough last night. I took a half day off work and decided to find a doctor who would allow me to make an appointment b.c I would be paying out of pocket. New job doesn't offer insurance : / It was difficult finding a doc who would be willing to do that. I made a couple appointments and then my finance had the brilliant suggestion for me to try going to a Walgreen clinic. Since he is always right and knows what's best, I listen to his advice and went. About an hour later and $60 poorer I was diagnosed with bronchitis. I was prescribed an inhaler and told to purchase MucinexD. So I did. Drugs coasted another $60 bucks.

Now I am trying to decide if I should get back to running. I have 7mi on the schedule for today. I would run with the training group. I tried running 3mi on Monday with a group and could barely run 3mi without feeling sick to my stomach and light headed.

I have had enough of this "cold" and have tried everything from rest to tea to drugs. It's time you go away bronchitis. DO YOU HEAR ME!

Q- WOULD YOU RUN OR REST MORE?

The power of the mind

2010-08-07T06:49:00.001-07:00

I have been on vacation for the past week. And it's not a vacation without me getting sick. The first vacation I took with my fiancé and his family I broke my front tooth while wave running and had the 24 flu. While on this vacation I caught a cold. Not nearly as tragic as my first vacation with them.

The irony is, just two days ago I was reading while sitting on the beach (my marathon book that I have been quoting in my last couple posts.) Hal talked about the common cold. Strange huh? It's like reading that section gave my mind permission to get sick. The theory behind it: that about two months before the race ones immune system decreases(fails). This is due to the increase in miles. I am almost at the peak of my training for the marathon.

I am currently on my way to the airport. Should be an interesting flight. My throat is killing me and my fiancé's sister who flies frequently has warned me that the flight will magnify my symptoms. That's all for now.

Looking forward to sleeping in our own comfy bed.

3/1 Approach

2010-08-05T05:11:00.000-07:00

This morning I tried something new. As I was reading my "Marathon" book by Hal Higdon I learned a little about the 3/1 Approach by John Davies. If you don't know who he is, like myself, here is a quick recap- "Bronze medalist in the 1500 meters at the 1964 Olympics."

"He advises that one do the first three-quarters of a long run at a slow pace, then picking up that pace in the last quarter of the distance- although not quite to marathon pace."

I learn best by doing. ~~This morning~~ Yesterday the scheduled called for a 7-mi run which I didn't do because I couldn't get out of bed. I'm on vacation I'm allowed one day to sleep in. Beyond the point, so today I decided to try this 3/1 approach to running and this is what it looked like when implemented by a amateur.

The only criticism I have about my experiment, is that I didn't run marathon pace the last quarter of the run but instead ran sprints. I think my marathon pace will be about 9min mile. Better luck next time.

Anyone else know about the 3/1 approach? Ever use it? What do you think of the approach?

That's all I have for you. I'm having breakfast and then headed to the beach for the day and going pair sailing with the so's cousin.

RUNNING W/ A GROUP

2010-07-28T18:07:00.000-07:00

started off the day on the wrong foot- had made plans to run with a friend who is coming off an injury but totally over slept and missed the run. just because i started off the day on the wrong food did not mean that i had to end the day the same way. i decided to take some initiative and look up a training group which i have written about here and there but have yet to run with. i spent the money on a training group for the chicago marathon and finally decided it was time to join them and get my moneys worth.

i got ready for my run and was almost late to the meet up. as i walked up to the group the leader asked what pace- i responded 9 and he told me the 9 min group had already left and that i had to catch up to them. so that i did. i sprinted up to the group and eventually introduced myself. there were only four of us. the other three seemed to know each other pretty well, makes sense since marathon training started over six weeks ago. anyhow, they invited me to run with them on days that the training group doesn't meet, such as tuesdays and thursdays.

if i were to compare running with a group and running alone, i would have to admit that running with a group is much easier. sometimes less convenient but makes the time fly by and running seems easier- imo.

i wish i could join them for 13 this weekend however i will be on my way to vacation. i figure it will too much to run 13 before our flight on saturday and would have to push the 13 to sunday again. it should be interesting (a)running in a new place (b) running 13 alone is insane. but i will survive and it will make me stronger...

long run sunday

2010-07-25T16:49:00.000-07:00

Finally did 12 mi. The weather was perfect. Only note, ~If running seems too easy on your way out, expect your way back to be opposite~ Exactly what my run was like. The wind was behind me on my way out which made running a breeze, no pun intended. You guessed it on my way back home I was fighting the dreaded Chicago wind. I survived, none the less.

My stats according to Garmin.

And a nice picture of what it looked like on the way out.

Lightning vs Running

2010-07-24T12:38:00.000-07:00

Planned on running 12 this a.m with a new run group however the storms were out of control at 6am. Instead of driving 20 min to the location just to find out that it was canceled I decided to continue sleeping. Although it felt great to sleep in I now have to find time and someone to go with tomorrow morning. A while back someone contacted me who was interested in finding a running buddy in the Chicago area figured this would be a perfect opportunity to take her up on the offer. Haven't heard back yet, my fingers are crossed, hoping she emails me back to run all or some of the 12 miles tomorrow morning on LSD.

I drove back to the burbs to see my family before they leave for Greece Monday and they have been driving me crazy ever since I got here last night. I love my family to death however sometimes they are a little chaotic and needy.

I hope to head back to my air conditioned, cute little apartment, to see my fiance very, very soon.

Please Vote for Mary Beth

2010-07-23T09:05:00.000-07:00

Mary Beth is a relative of my finance and is aspiring to make it big with her gift from up above (beautiful voice). She has auditioned multiple times for AmericanIdol and has not made it through. But, she was offered this great opportunity. With your help by voting for her she could win a contract.

Mary Beth Johnson - Just Let Me Sing: "Mary Beth Johnson needs your help. Place your vote at JustLetMeSing.com.

12mi Saturday

2010-07-22T17:45:00.000-07:00

I registered for the CARA marathon training program and have yet to go on any training runs with the group. Sad... isn't it. So, I plan to join the training group this Saturday for a 12 mile long run. It's almost my longest run ever... but not exactly... 13 is the longest which was in March. So, I hope this provides me with the motivation needed to make it a successful 12miles. Off to run 3 miles before my love gets home from work.

Hot Feet

2010-07-21T19:20:00.000-07:00

Post run pic!

Question- Just got back from a 6 mile run and by mile 4.5 my feet felt like they were on fire. Has anyone else ever experienced this? If, so what is it and how do you prevent it? It felt extremely uncomfortable.

crazy few weeks

2010-07-21T17:28:00.000-07:00

i have had a crazy couple of weeks which have kept me from blogging. first i worked the last two weekends so i can take vacation without a pay cut. heading to jersey shore with my fiancés family first week of august. you have no idea how ready i am for this week long vacation. i have started looking for a new job. i am extremely unhappy with my current place of employment. hoping to have a new job by the time i return from vacation. which may be an unrealistic goal but it's the only thing that keeps me going every day, other than my sweet fiance who is super supportive and always there to listen.

i also ran a 10k last weekend and would like to do a quick review now and more thorough one at a later time. i registered for it because of the cute race shirt. it was rewarding to see what my new 10k time is since i have been training.

I look awkward! Oh well it took 10 tries to get one that looked semi normal

A result of working my butt off the last couple weekend and keeping up with training I have been extremely tiered during the week and especially in the mornings. Although I have been really good at getting up for morning runs because it's too hot after work this week has been terrible. I haven't gotten up the last two days for my scheduled runs. I told myself that I would just go after work, I was too tiered then too. So, tonight I must go even though it's hot.

Running Schedule (Week 7)

Mon- Rest

Tue- 3 miles (Move to Friday or Sunday)

Wed- 6 miles

Thur- 3 miles

Fri- Rest

Sat- 12 miles

Sun- Cross

Competitive Side

2010-07-09T07:54:00.000-07:00

this morning i was making up one of my lost runs from earlier in the week due to the huge blister. the blister is healing quickly, thank gosh.

as i was coming back from my five mile run a lady who was running turned around as i reached her. she ran ahead of me for a while and then my competitive side got the best of me. for the next 2.something miles i attempted to pass her. but i couldn't. well i think i could have but she wouldn't let me. every time i got close to passing her she sped up. this really pissed me off. i finished my five miles without passing her.

i justified this by telling myself "i have probably been running longer than her (for i don't know where her run began).

i am secretly dreading my long run tomorrow (10mi) because of what happened last weekend when i attempted 9 mi. i will however (hopefully) have my new running partner with me Mr. Garmin. the ups man attempted to deliver it yesterday but couldn't. so i left a sweet little note for him today saying please leave my package. lol. hope he does.

New look

2010-07-08T09:42:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to write a quick post about the new look. This background reminds me of my morning runs on the water at my fiancés parents beach house. My blog is my visual get away. Love it, hope you do to.

Apartment Pictures

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

Remember we moved at the end of May. I had promised that I would post pictures of our new place but, I let time get away from me. The month of June was crazy busy but as you can tell it is beginning to settled down some and I am gaining some control back. So here are some pictures of our place. Sit back and enjoy.

Fiancé relaxing out on the deck on our much needed day off (due to the holiday)

Cosby enjoying watching the birds. He loves the deck (most of the time)

My leg (looks abnormally large). So ignore my leg and focus on the dragonfly that landed on my phone while we were sitting on the deck.

That's muah sitting on the deck. Okay I'm sure you get the picture. We were all out on the deck.

Now to the part you have been waiting for- the unavailing of the apartment pictures.

This is the room off the deck. We call it the sunroom/spare bedroom. There are two french doors that allow some privacy but not much.

This is the first view of the living room. This room is also used as our dinning room for we have no other place to eat.

Second view of our living room- a little brighter.

Our one and only bathroom. It's much larger and nicer than any of our other bathrooms (previous two apartments)

Our small but cosy bedroom.

Last but not least the kitchen.

So what do you think of our new place?

Update on my ginormous blister-

It killed like hell when I got home last night. I could barely walk or sleep. I cleaned it up and put some more neosporin and took an alive and finally was able to sleep.

When I woke up this morning. It was not as swollen and I was able to walk a little better.

But, it still looks terrible. Looks like I will need to take a day off running and hope for the best.

It will be difficult to not run if the garmin arrives tomorrow.

I think the fluid inside the blister has gone down a little since yesterday and the ring around it has gotten more red.

I went to the target pharmacy first thing this morning and they told me to just use neosporin a few times a day. I have already been doing this but thanks dude.

I also purchased the moleskin and it doesn't seem to want to stay on my skin. So I ripped it off within an hour. I don't really see the point of it.

Garmin & Drymax Socks

2010-07-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

After entering my last post I decided to look into what socks are good at preventing blisters. Through the RW forum I decided to purchase two of these socks to see if my blisters get any better.

I selected these socks because of their so called "blister guard system". Hope it really works and it's not a bunch of BS. Will be reviewing them as soon as they arrive.

Before purchasing two of these pairs I decided to look around the web for a coupon for running warehouse. I found this coupon at retailmenot.com-

The coupon worked like a charm. After almost clicking the checkout button I decided to see how much their Garmin's were. Fiancé at my side saw what I was eyeing and said, "lets get it pick one out." So, after spending some evening researching all the different Garmin's I decided on the sage green 405 w/out hr monitor.

I then looked for another coupon and found this one at fatwallet-

I clicked on the that blue link and it added the coupon to the order.

After all that this is what my cart looked like.

So excited I can't wait for my items to arrive. I have some other running items arriving sometime this week and I will review them for you here.

Poison Ivy is the least of my worries

2010-07-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

I thought I contracted poison ivy on my run yesterday but that seems to be doing fine. Not extremely itchy.

Instead,

I have a huge blister on my non existent arches that makes it difficult to walk.

I have been battling blisters this entire time and I have just about had it with them.

If you remember a while ago the blisters drove me to running barefoot. Which I am not reconsidering for the second time. The first series of blisters were near my big toe which I figured was due to my new shoes. So, I switched to another pair of running shoes recently which has now caused another series of blisters which are actually making it very difficult to walk.

My fiancé is recommending I use mole skin so it looks like I will be purchasing some soon.
Also, I think I need to try new socks- real running socks. I only have one pair of real running socks and since my quantity is so low they seem to always be in the wash or waiting to be washed. No help for my feet there. Any suggestions of good socks that prevent blisters or anything at all. Any good tricks that you may know of. I am doing my research on the RW forum.

Here is a picture of the new blister series. lol.

It's painful. You can kinda see in the picture the old blister series as well.

I battled off poison ivy, angry dogs, and swarming flies

2010-07-03T14:54:00.000-07:00

While on my first really long long run of 9 mi I encountered many obstacles.

Including:

Flooded paths, roadkill (so stinky), the usual swarming flies, spider webs, possibly poison ivy, ginormous sand hills, and angry dogs.

Although, it was difficult I prevailed.

The Flooded path-

I first figured I would attempt a trail that I had attempted twice now but every time it was too flooded. Even though I say flooded this didn't stop me the first or the last time. I ran right through the large puddles the first time going about a mile and half- shoes and socks soaked to the bone, there was enough water that the splash of running through them reached my shorts. For the third attempt at this trail- it appeared to have dried up some- but not enough- About a half mile in I reached the path wide puddles that I just couldn't get around. So I turned back. I dislike this part of running- having to re-route while on the go. I then tried another path that was a sand dune path which seemed to be tolerable. The only complain with this trail is the lack of upkeep. I had tree branches and brush hitting me most of the way. I feared and continue to fear contracting poison ivy. I have never had it so I'm not sure if I have a small patch on my leg. Running up sand dunes is no easy task so, I opted to hike up them instead. This trail eventually ran out (ended on the beach) and I had not even reached the half way marker. So from there I ran up and down the beach where I fought off many dogs.... so annoying. I love dogs but have little tolerance when the sun is beating down and I have run 6+ miles and my feet and body are beginning to ache. One actually pounced on my back, the only thing the owner had to say was, "he never does that, sorry."

I now have new blisters on my arches and can barely step down.

I used nuun for energy during my run.

I will leave you with a picture of my love and I as we wait for his family to finish getting ready before we hit up a neighborhood 4th of July dinner and firework show on the beach.

Hope everyone is having a fun and safe holiday weekend.

As Promised...

2010-07-03T07:30:00.000-07:00

Late entry-

I was headed to the bank after work before they close at six... but being the air head that I am I couldn't find any branches of my bank near my work. Well, I tried but once I arrived to my destination there was no bank there. So, I decided I would begin to drive toward home in hopes to find a branch but still no luck. Before I knew it I was so close to home that I would rather find a good parking spot than go to the lake shore path. Once I was home I flirted with the idea of running on the sidewalk near my apartment but that wasn't motivating enough to get me off the sofa. So, I stayed in and ordered myself a pizza. The polar opposite of what I should have been doing according to my marathon training schedule. I knew that I would have to make up the run today or Sunday. So, I dragged myself out of bed this a.m for my scheduled 3 mile run.

What helped motivate me this a.m to get up and ready at 6:00am was that I had promised you pictures of the path and deer that I have been raving about.

I do out and backs at the forest preserve, so on my way out I was looking for the deer but there were none. I figured my luck the one time I carry a camera they are not here- I thought to myself, my readers are gonna think I was faking. On my way back I removed my sunglasses because the sweat was beginning to drip into my eyes and I saw them. Maybe they are not morning fellas because usually I run after work and they are out and about on the path. Anyway... here are some pictures.

First of just the trail -

Then I spotted with my little eye a mama deer across the river

Seconds after taking the picture above I went back to my run and I practically ran into one right in front of me. By the time my camera loaded the creature was on the move.

Do you see what I am talking about- Look how close he is to the path. When I first saw him he was on the stone path next to the blacktop.

Amazing... I love running this train...

My running trail is better than your's

2010-06-30T17:35:00.000-07:00

I have been running at a trail near my work called Bunker Hill. I return day-in and day-out because of the view, which is priceless. I mentioned why about a week ago- I see at least a few deer each time. If you don't know already because your a new follower, I live in the city of Chicago where bugs and animals are extinct. Seeing these beautiful creatures is breathtaking and amazing. They are rather odd and different from other deer I have seen in the past, in the sense that they are not afraid of humans, even speeding bikers. For example, today I was running around a turn and I didn't notice the deer eating some tree leaves right in front of me. I practically ran into him/her and he didn't even flinch. I probably flinched more than he did. Isn't that crazy! I love it. This entertains me while I run. I never know where they will pop up on my run. I saw four today.

I am not very good at carrying things while I run but this is a sight that is worth sharing. I will carry my phone with me during tomorrows run and hope that they aren't shy. Which they rarely are as you can tell. I will post pictures tomorrow.

Garmin Help?

2010-06-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

HI all,

I am looking to invest in a Garmin. Which Garmin would you suggest?

If you are a Garmin user, please share the pro's and con's of your Garmin (indicate which model you are commenting on). All comments are welcome.

From funeral to marathon training

2010-06-26T15:38:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in a while... which makes for a perfect opportunity to bring you up to date.

Last weekend I headed to my parents home to visit my mom because she left for Greece. She arrived in one piece and has since been helping my sister. While at my parents Tom called with the terrible news of his relatives passing. Since then we debated if we could afford to take the time off work to travel to St. Louis for the wake/funeral. My boss allowed me the time off to travel to St. Louis and Tom simply took some sick time. I forgot my running shoes and thus opted not to run barefoot in the hotel fitness room. Therefore I went for my run as soon as we were back home.

Training has been going well. I am beginning to switch the runs so that they fit into my schedule better. I am proud to say that I have yet to miss any runs. Running felt easier this week than the first two weeks of the marathon training program but that is probably because it was a step-back week. With that said instead of a day off tomorrow I must play catch up since I missed a couple runs due to traveling during the week, It will be an easy 3 miles to finish up the third week of marathon training.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Running is my therapy

2010-06-18T17:58:00.000-07:00

A difficult day at work makes for a great long run tomorrow. I kinda wish it was tomorrow already because I could really use a run to let off some steam.

I am deciding to leave it all behind because it's not worth letting it get in the way of a good weekend. Instead I am hoping for a nice evening with my love then tomorrow I will do my long run of 7mi as early as possible. Then we are going to open a joint account- looking forward to it since it will be the first thing that we will have together- other than our baby-

he doesn't like car rides.

Then I hope to head to my parents home because my mom leaves for Greece for a few months. I'm gonna miss her so much. She is my best friend, I call her more than 3 times per day. No more of that unless I want my entire pay check to go towards paying for the bill.

That's all for now... Good luck to everyone who is racing this weekend.

3 mi talk

2010-06-16T19:14:00.000-07:00

I had 3 mi on the run calendar yesterday. I had planned on running at a forest preserve on my way home that I have never ran at before but it was pouring so hard I couldn't even see while driving only 5 mi per hour. And by the time I was home I was expecting house guests- mom and g-ma for dinner. As you can see I didn't make it out for that 3 mi run.

So, I had to make sure that I got the 3 mi that was on the running calendar for today and then reschedule that run missed yesterday. Which I have now placed on Sunday when I am supposed to only do crosstraining. I plan on doing both- crosstraining and 3mi on sunday.

Let me tell you about my forest preserve run the one that I have been raving out. It was as wonderful as I had dreamed and hoped. Okay maybe not as amazing as I had hoped for it to be. For it was hot and humid and I was trying out some of my new gear that I have won in the blogging world. Big thank you to everyone out there that has allowed me the chance to win some amazing gear that I would have never gotten on my own.

Here are a couple pictures of only a couple of the items.

Hydration bottle was from feet dominating pavement. Advice- never wait till your run to use new gear. Reason- b.c I didn't try drinking from it until I was on my run and I couldn't figure out how to drink out of it. It's more complicated than it seems. Now that I have figured it out- I love it and it's super logical. The red piece at the top of the bottle is not plastic like most bottles- instead it's rubber like a babies bottle. However, you have to bite it and pull to drink out of it.

This couldn't have been a better bottle for me b.c I broke my front tooth which on vacation with my fiancé and his family in the Caribbean. It was terrible I felt like my life was over. But I eventually learned an important lesson that looks aren't everything. I had to make the most out of the vacation for it happened on the first day of the 10 day vacation.

I was making a silly face.

The Ryder sunglasses I won from girlgetstrong. They worked so well that my eyes hurt when I took them off after my 3 mi run today. My eyes needed some time to adjust to all the color.

I will leave you with something interesting I encountered during my 3 mi forest preserve run.
I wish I had my camera- I encountered two deer hanging out by the bike path who did not even mind bikers and runners zooming by. It was cool but strange b.c deer are supposed to run when humans are near these guys came even closer on my way back- they were literally 2 ft away from me. It frightened me just a bit.

I hope to run in the a.m from here on out b.c the humidity is proving to be too much after work.

I also invested in some bug spray- has anyone tried this kind? It smells really good. The bugs just love me.

First Long Run of MT

2010-06-13T08:07:00.000-07:00

Delayed entry- I wrote this on Saturday after my long run-

Today I ran the first long run of my marathon training. I was supposed to do 6mi but nature got in my way. Can you believe it?

My fiance and I are in Indiana for the weekend for his nieces dance recital. They have a beach house right on lake MI. There are so many great places to run here with endless trails. However, with those trails come bugs. I didn't think to put on bug spray before my run and I payed for it. The entire time I was circled by buzzing bugs. It was nasty. I have many new mosquito bites. That's not all though, I planned to run on a trail near the neighborhood not realizing that the rain received last night could have flooded the trail. Once at the trail about 2.5 mi into my run I couldn't tell how bad the trail was so, I continued on. I encountered many large puddles that required me to run through them for there was no way around them due to corn fields. I think I would have been better off swimming through these puddles. I was also afraid of garden snakes, but thankfully this was the least of my worries. I eventually decided that I was drenched enough and couldn't keep going on the trail so I turned around and headed for home. Thinking I would much rather run on the road than through puddles.

The bugs were ridiculous. At one point (about 4.45 mi) I think I was being circled by bees. I had to stop because the humidity was getting to me and needed a quick breather. When I stopped I realized that those bugs circling me were really bees. So, like a girl I freaked out. They wouldn't leave me alone so I figured I had to start running again. I felt like I was in a battle against the bugs the entire time and I eventually surrendered and gave up. I couldn't take it any more. I arrived back at the house having completed just 5mi.
Do you think I should try to get that last mile in before the end of the day? I don't want to cheat on my marathon plan. But, next time I will be a little more prepared with bug spray.

The fiance went golfing with his dad (it's been 2years since his dad last went, due to his health).

While the men do that his mother and I are heading into town for the European market.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend.

In Need of Some Advice

2010-06-10T17:43:00.000-07:00

Today my boss took a half day so I gossiped with one of the employees who informed me of some pretty disturbing things about the organization. I don't know what to make of all that I heard during our gossip session and was hoping that some of you would have some advice.

First of all she told me that the organization recently sold some property for 7 million and " no one has seen even a penny of that money." And there I was asking for just a little cushion money to help pay for my own insurance (remember way back when, I attempted to negotiate my pay.)

Second, she told me that she is miserable and hates working at the organization and has been looking for another job. : ( Bummer because, I really hit it off with her and she is the one training me at the moment. She has been at the organization for five years and knows how to do all of the various position. Therefore, she is my crutch and I need her help with my millions of questions.

She... said that I should not have had to pay for my own background check (which costed $40) and I may have to go back and get another more extensive one for another $40. She said since it's something they are requiring then they should be paying for it. So, I am out $40 b.c there is no way that I will ask for reimbursement. Or maybe I will. I'm not sure yet, what I should do.

Along the same lines she said that anything that they are requiring as an organization should be paid for by the organization and not from my own pocket. Such as, my license exam fee ($200+) and Continuing Education Courses. Which she said the organization has thus far paid for all of the employees to attend CEC.

I am upset with all of this information and don't know what my next move should be.

If you have read my earlier posts, I am not crazy about the job. My boss is crazy and I don't feel like I can be myself at my job. Like I'm walking on egg shells because my boss is power hungry and looks for any chance she can to bitch at her employees...

Any, thoughts?

I am not sure if this was the best job for me to take. I should have just kept looking.

Background info about boss lady, she has only been the director for 9 months and has been trying to change everything about the place ever since.

I did it

2010-06-09T20:11:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

It's been a while since I last posted. So, I will have to do a quick update on my life and then talk about the topic at hand- Barefoot Running.

Work- It has it's good days and it's bad days, just like any job. However, I think it's too early for that to be happening. Shouldn't there be a honeymoon period?
Tomorrow I am giving my first presentation/outreach of the services I offer.

Now, to the exciting part- Running!

I ran my first run of my marathon training yesterday with my friend CC. The training program that CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association) follows is the Hal Higdon program. Which said to rest the first day of marathon training, can you believe that? I was itching to run. Isn't it strange how reverse psychology works? Of all days to actually want to run, your training program says, rest. So, I met CC for a quick and easy 3 mile run after work yesterday. CC has a bum knee and she still rocked the three miles.

So, today was the second run on the HH program which said to do another 3 mi. I planned ahead and took my running clothes to work with me this a.m so that I can stop at a local forest preserve on my way home that I have been eyeing. But, first I had to stop at the fiancés rents house to look for a clinical book that may help me complete my first initial assessment. His mom some how convinced me to go out to dinner with her and then have her follow me back to our new apartment so she can see it. So that's what we did. I was a little bummed at first that I didn't get to run at the new forest preserve but, that's life- unexpected.... maybe tomorrow.

Alas, I made it out the door for my 3 mi run. I refuse to not do any scheduled runs for this marathon training. So, I went even though it was just about dark outside. And, I decided to run barefoot. I had been flirting with the idea for some time now because my shoes were causing my feet to blister and I have just about had it.

So, I took some pictures of my feet post-run.

I got the boost I needed to try BR from Run Mommy Run who recently ran barefoot for the first time. I know I probably shouldn't have gone out and done so many miles the first time but, I loved it. It's pretty cool and I think it's something runners should try just once, so they know what it's like. I ran on the sidewalk because it was dark and I couldn't see much. I thought about running on the whatever patches of grass that I could find but then I thought about all of those dogs who piss and poop all over the very little grass patches there are in the city and opted for rocks in my feet instead of dog turds. It didn't hurt unless I landed on a pebble.

The most interesting thing about it was that I ran faster than I normally do. For example yesterday I ran 3 mi in 25 min & today I ran 3 mi in 23 min. That's drastic when it comest to running. So, I think there is something there that is worth looking into. Anyone else experience this?

My feet hurt a little right now. It's more of a tingle on the bottom of my feet. And they hurt when I washed them after my run. Felt like a kid who skinned her knee falling off the bike and mom forced her to wash it with soap. You know that burning feeling.

Starbucks Giveaway Winner Is....

2010-06-05T06:20:00.000-07:00

I used Random.org and it selected.....

Comment #29 which is Kovas Palubinskas who said... I follow you on Twitter. Congratulations Kovas!

Kovas please email me at run4may[at]gmail[dot]com

Include your name and mailing address and I will have it in the mail as soon as I can.

You have 72 hours to respond before I select another winner.

I'm headed to the CARA Super Clinic. I am super excited and can't wait till I can post all about the experience. Marathon training is beginning Monday.

Last chance to enter the starbucks giveaway

2010-06-04T18:20:00.000-07:00

New Apartment... New Job... New Everything

2010-06-02T17:19:00.000-07:00

So the apartment is coming together beautifully. I will take pictures as soon as everything is ready.

I am loving our new balcony and so is cosby

I am also loving my new job. Just like any new job it's different, scary, overwhelming, and exciting all at the same time. As I am being bombarded with information. I will be calling to schedule my first therapy session by the end of tomorrow, yikes.

The only thing that seems to be missing is running. With all this change going on I have slacked in the running department. I am disappointed in myself because it seems like right as I got back into the swing of things and training on a regular basis I let it go. So, I went for my first run, in I don't know how long (likely a week) after work and let me tell you was it a challenge. I ran 3 miles, and I begin marathon training soon. The CARA Super Clinic is this Saturday (training kick off expo) and my second half marathon is just around the corning (mid month). I don't feel at all ready. So I have to buckle down and focus on training.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway only a couple more days.
Starbucks giveaway ends June 4th at which time I will use random.org to pick a winner.

Let the crazy weekend begin

2010-05-29T05:59:00.000-07:00

First I celebrated my birthday/engagement with my my family. We went to dinner in Greektown at our favorite restaurant Greek Islands. Then headed over to Artopolis for dessert and drinks.

In about an hour we will be picking up the keys to our new apartment. The landlord will probably take an hour to show us everything and then we hope to load up our two cars with things that will not be coming with us to our new apartment (since it's smaller). So, we will take them to my fiances parents home for storage. Then take a couple of load of boxes and things to our new apartment. There is a chance that my mom will join us today. She will likely be at the new apartment cleaning and maybe unpacking some of the boxes.

Tomorrow is my fiances birthday but the movers are coming at 10am. So, moving will take up most of the day.

But, hopefully we can take some time Monday to relax and enjoy since it's a holiday and we both don't have to work.

Last but not least, I start my new job Tuesday. So, if that's not enough change for two weeks, I don't know what is. My world is turning upside down and I am reaching milestones all at one time. First graduating then proposal, then our birthdays, moving, and lastly new job. Wow!

I am looking forward for things to start settling down some.

Brookfield Zoo

2010-05-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

Went to the zoo today with my g-ma and sister. We had a blast. Our favorite part by far was the stingray exhibit because we happen to be there during their feeding time. The zoo keepers let everyone feed the stingrays. This was my second time seeing this exhibit. It was such a hit the last couple of years that they continue to bring them back. It's a huge shallow pool of water, under a huge white tent and people (including little people) put their hands in the water and the stingrays (which have had their stingers removed) come right up to your hand and you can touch them. They said that they don't like to be touched on their bellies and their tails- so doing either one of these could have really upset the stingray. I was afraid enough that I had no problem staying away form those two areas, however I think the announcements were more for the children. They also advised people not to try picking up the stingrays because they need to remain in the water to breath. It was my sisters first time seeing the stingrays and she had a blast. I gave her my stingray food because I thought it was creepy the way that they snatch the food from between your fingers. They gave us little fish that we put standing upright between any two fingers and then you place your hand as far in the water as you can and they come up above your hand and suck the food up. Here are some pictures-

This stingray has his mouth open. That's my brave big sister.

That's me- intimidated a little

We were also able to view the new bear exhibit. The polar bears were super lively and playful. It was entertaining to watch.

Polar Bear Walking Around

Can you see the Lion?

Sorry these pictures were taken on my phone= poor quality.

Overall I had a great time. A little hot for my comfort level. Due to my flat feet it hurts to stand for many hours. So after the first two hours I was cranky and hungry.

I would highly suggest visiting the Brookfield Zoo if your visiting the Chicagoland area.

For those of you who are reading this and have not yet entered my giveaway and would like to please click here. I am giving aways some Starbucks coffee.

run4may

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