three things thursday.

three things thursday. DC (err... VA) edition.  I worked a half day today. Went to the airport, worked from the airport, hopped on a plane, landed, had dinner with my parents, and got home to the house I was raised in because I am running a marathon on Sunday.  ....and onto my three things.

{one} on monday i was talking to my friend chrissy and hearing about how she got engaged and her wedding hopes and dreams and BAM my car spazzes and freaks and just stops. stops. stalls. mid-drive. i am going up a hill and bam, the whole thing is frozen and i am stuck. {insert panic} i try to call kyle and i call his OFFICE not his cell. 4 tries later the car starts back up and i call chrissy back to continue the conversation. Tuesday I am driving to work and BAM car stops again. {insert tears of frusteration} so i drove the car to the nissan dealership only to learn it is something about the cam and crank {no idea} they quote me and i say "fix it". I go to pick it up and suddenly, the quote is higher. {insert sassy attitude} and all of a sudden $50 worth of charges disappear.  i totally think they were trying to take advantage of me because i am a girl. But the total cost was still higher than the initial quote. I told the manager that i hope he can sleep better knowing that his staff lies to people. but i am lucky this all happened in neighborhoods and at red lights, it could have been worse and i could have been in an accident so i am thankful. ...well kyle still owed me money on our furniture and since he had a lot of extra money since it was a 3 paycheck month for me he wrote me a mini check to help pay for it. and he told me that right now we're practicing the for poorer part of "for richer and poorer" . one of the many reasons i love him.
{two} i hate traveling for 1 reason. leaving my little family. kyle always says "don't go" and then he tells me that he is going to turn on all the TVs in the house to make it as loud as i am.  it was so sad dropping mulligan off at daycare this morning. he did not want to say goodbye, he just wanted to run off and play in the playroom.  i understand that he loves daycare and rarely goes - but he won't see me for 4 days.  i got teary as kyle left for work and when i dropped my crazy critter off.
{three} as much as i hate taylor swift i actually want her new cd. i don't know why and nor do i think i will actually shell out the money for it in person or on iTunes but there are some songs on the CD that I actually am attracted to. normally her music makes my ears bleed, but this CD they did some major editing and it isn't too bad.

and with that. i am off to bed.

Off to DC I go (tomorrow)

After @bemadthem (Lisa. From Twitter) ran the Chicago Marathon and PR'd in not so ideal weather conditions she tweeted something simple and wise.

"Our perception and attitude toward any situation will determine the outcome."

And with that said, I am flying out to DC tomorrow and there is nothing more that I can do other than lay low, keep my legs loose and rested, hydrate hydrate hydrate, eat mucho carbs, sleep well, and mentally prepare for my marathon on Sunday.  I have to trust my training and my ability to finish. i know for a fact i can do it. it is just about being mentally tough come Sunday morning and ignoring the voices in my head. as i mentioned on sunday, i know i can do this... now it just up to me 110% believing that on race day and praying for a GREAT race.

I am looking forward to finishing my 2nd marathon this Sunday... I am going to fight to get across that bridge and you know what, i know i can.  "our perception and attitude toward any situation will determine the outcome"

1 week out.

I am 1 week out from my 2nd marathon.  The weather looks like it is going to be gorgeous. Per the 10 day forecast we're looking at a high of 64 with a 10% chance of rain. I will be watching weather.com like a hawk this week.

Race outfit picked out. black running skirt. teal lululemon tank. gray long sleeve frat party shirt will be my throw away. no rain jacket since i can deal with 10% rain. race number pinned on skirt. OH my race number is 17221 (that's for you jen). you can evidently track me online... learn how to here. There is no runner tracking text messaging service this year which is crappy since that is how my parents tracked me at Disney so who knows how they're gonna do it now. BOO Marine Corps BOO.

I am actually getting kind of excited for this (with a mix of nerves). One of my favorite twitter people said he would run back to mile 21/22 and run me into the finish so I can have company. And I am actually thinking I can and will beat that bridge.

and I will leave you with this. I saw it on DailyMile this morning and loved it so I wanted to share it with you......

"Whatever. There are no tricks. Run because you have to. Run because you love it. Run because you want to be fast. Run because you want to be skinny. Run to find some quiet time. Run to sweat. Run to eat. Run hear your heart pound in your ears. Run because you're a runner. Run because you gotta keep the streak. Run because you don't know why the hell you're running. Run because you fought with your partner. Run because your job is shitty. Run because you got no money. Run for the sunrise. Run for a race. Run because it's impossible. Run because it's easy. Run instead of doing the laundry. Run instead of watching TV. Run because no one else understands. Run because the cool kids do it. Run because you're tired of talking. run for numbers. Run for feel. Run to prove something. Run because it f**ing hurts. Or don't run. If you got something better to do." - Jeff Edmonds

wigwam socks review.

a few months back natalie from wigwam sent me an email thanking me for being such a fan of wigwam and sent me some socks that she loves and she trains in. they came in a pretty box and with a really nice handwriten note and i was really stoked to get them and then try them all out. it  has taken me months to do this review because of sheer laziness and not really knowing how to describe 5 pairs of socks. really. that is a hard task since i always thought a sock was just a sock and once you find something you love, in the running world you tend to not change. plus i tend to just grab a pair of socks from the drawer and i only grabbed the free ones every so often, but i have been wearing most of the socks and others i have not tried just yet (forgive me) … but since people have been wondering about socks a lot lately (or at least my twitter friends are) – i decided to stop being lazy and review some of the ones natalie shared with me.

there are many things that i love about wigwam and that have kept me wearing them for so long and kept me buying them.

1. i have never ever ever blistered when wearing wigwams.
2. all the ones i have tried have no toe seam like thing so it’s like the sock is 1 big piece of fabric. no toe seam = no irritation,
3. they’re super comfy to wear
4. they may be pricey but they are made so so so well. I don't have to worry about them falling apart, getting holes, etc..
5. for the most part, they’re light, breathable,  and comfy to wear.

so onto the little write ups on the free pairs of socks i scored…

racey: these ones were my fave and the most comfortable and i am currently sad since i am missing one of them so I cannot wear them anymore (and I cannot seem to find them at REI so I don't know where to get them). they are so so so cushy and comfortable. they are cut just right – so none of the sock is showing – and despite being thicker than the average sock i normally like and am drawn to, they don’t make my foot hot or uncomfortable. i have found myself wearing these around the house just because and grabbing them most often to throw in my gym bag. as mentioned, i currently only have 1 racey sock so i have not been able to wear them, but once i find the match i will run in them again and when I find out where to buy some I am stocking up. =)
ironman tailwind: i like these. i like these a lot. i actually had bought myself a pair or two before getting the free pair. they have just the right amount of cushion and they keep my foot dry and cool for the most part. they were not my favorites on the super hot days {i am weird, i hate hot feet when i run and i tend to think about my feet midrun} but now that fall is coming back they’re working out well. The cut is just perfect, giving the heel and back of the foot just the right amount of coverage and they are comfy. i have always been a big fan of the "ironman" socks and these ones did not disappoint. these are $12.00 at REI and I feel they’re worth the high price tag and I will for sure continue buying these ones.
ironman surge pro: this sock had it’s ups and downs for me. the first thing i noticed was that it was cut too high for me (i don’t like my sock showing or doing over my ankle) but i noticed that it was lightweight which i love.  i am honestly on the fence with this sock – i liked how it was tight on my foot (but not too tight) yet they did not cause blisters, but it lacked enough padding for me. i also did not find that it kept my foot as cool as i would like in both the hot summer and cool fall. i will 100% keep wearing this sock especially for the shorter runs and i do want to see how they do in the fall/winter. I would rate these a 7 out of 10 because I really couldn't complain about them.  If the cut was lower I would for sure wear them more often, since we all know I don't do all my scheduled long runs. ;)
ironman spark pro: these ones just did not do it for me. i thought they were cut way too high. i thought they hugged my foot well and did not blister but they did not breathe as much as i would have liked and my feet just felt hot and uncomfortable.. the weirdest thing i noticed about these socks is that i think they cut off the circulation to my feet (yes, i untied my shoes and loosened them and they still feel asleep).. when i run in these my feet tend to fall asleep and i don’t know if it’s because they’re cut so high and so tight, but it is weird.  i kept these ones in my bag for spin class  – not so much of the outside running. i really have not put too many miles in with these on so i cant say too much about them.
trail trax pro: these ones are still in their packaging. i am kinda scared of these ones due to how thick they are. also – they’re evidently ideal for cool weather running and atlanta has not yet seem cool weather (yeah it is 70+ degrees currently). i will try these this winter – i promise but since i hate hot feet i just have not yet.

i know everyone has personal preference about their sock and the cut, the cushiness, the colors, the texture and materials, etc.  I know I am really picky and when i first started running and trying socks i tried everything from thorlo to goldtoe to the target champion brand and then finally found and loved the wigwam brand.  But if you’re ever in the market to try a new brand, i really am a HUGE fan of Wigwams. to rank them 1-5: 1) racey 2) tailwind 3)surge pro 4)spark pro 5) trax pro

randoms.

I have had about 4 million and one things running through my brain over the past few days. so here we go. bullet form. we will scratch three things Thursday tomorrow because of this...

• the marine corps marathon is 12 days away. so i am starting to figure out times and where i need to be on the course at certain times. for example, i need to be at mile 17.5 in 4 hours and mile 20 in like 4 hours and 40 minutes. when i ran Disney in January, I hit mile 20 at 4 hours and 21 minutes, so *hopefully* I should be fine. am i allowed to write things like 17.5=4 hrs and 20=4.41 hrs on my hand?! or what about 1:15 (since that is when the bridge cut off happens)? Would you judge me? But who doesn't start second guessing themselves going into a freaking marathon????
• i was looking at the weather for Northern VA (the 10 day forecast) and a lot of rain is planned for the week of the race. lets hope there is no more rain in the sky on race day. looks like i am bringing my running rain coat. oi.
• i am having a rocking month of miles so far. just look ----->
• there has been a lot of talk about the Boston marathon and the qualifying times and charity runners and how it sold out in 8 hours blah blah blah and i know i do not see eye to eye with a lot of people on this topic of discussion, so i am not even going to go there. but i do think that Boston is something that so many people work towards and when they do qualify it is an exciting moment in a runner's career (a  moment I may never be able to experience) and i personally am impressed and excited for everyone who has had their BQ moment. and that is all i am gonna say about that.
•  i need to get a massage, pronto. my little legs are getting heavy and sore. I need to have all the kink worked out before running 26.2 miles. i think i am gonna plan for one Sunday. do 1 last long run Saturday and then get a good rub down. any suggestions for somewhere in Atlanta.
• i decided to run my marathon in a running skirt. i hope i do not regret that decision. now i gotta figure out what to wear on top, but i am leaning towards a tank. yes. i may freeze but that is okay.
• i am having an internal struggle with if i should or should not get a flu shot. i have been getting one for 3 years and nothing has ever happened, but since i am getting so close to my marathon i am scared to risk it. but then i am gonna be on a plane so i feel like i should be getting one. to flu shot now or to wait is the question...
• I am really excited about the MCM tweetup that is happening on Friday night.  I am excited about meeting people at the Brooks table at the Expo on Friday. There have been so many people on Twitter encourage each other from the day we signed up till now that I want to put a face with a @name.
• I ordered a ragnar hoodie in gray and I really hope I have it in time for my trip home to DC for MCM. With my luck, it will come Thursday afternoon... the day I fly out. =)  ...I am hoping there is a MCM hoodie I can buy at the Expo.  Barbie loves Hoodies.
• so. this right here makes me nervous. don't know why. but hello nerves.
• Right now I have 7.5 hours of music for the marathon. I think I have more than enough tunes to get me through. Some songs are on there about 5 times, but that i becaue i love them and they make me move.

and i will leave you with this: Run hard, be strong, think big. -- Percy Cerutty
and that i all i think. goodnight.

foto friday (engagement style)

today was goooood! it's friday! hi friday! i ran to the office today and survived. no near death experiences with cars like last time and I ran about 5 miles in 55 minutes and some change, which is good since for Marine Corps I want to be doing 5 miles per hour and 5 miles in 55 minutes gives me 5 miles to spare.  Am I allowed to say that the atlanta weather is simply amazing and makes running so so so easy!

and i wanted to share some exciting things with you!! My engagement pictures!! You can see them all here and the email address = yours (she won't spam you, I promise) and the PW = ring.
**if you're in atlanta and need a great photographer, I highly recommend my friend Kristin!**

As a sneak peek, three of my faves... dun dun dun..

three things thursday.

another week another issue of three things thursday.

1. i am going to start running the work again starting tomorrow. i am hoping that this go round there are no gold muranos in my life and no cars decide to almost run into me. my heart cannot take that sort of excitement at 7:15 am and i really do enjoy living. but the forced 5+ miles is gonna be good for me right?! and i am running it tomorrow in the skirt i want to wear for marine corps, lets see if i can handle the compression shorts built in. plus it’s quality time with my long lost chrissy as she drives me home. :o)

2. last week i committed to something that is 100% outrageous. I am not quite sure what I have gotten myself into, but I am excited to be sharing the journey with 11 other people (1 of which is Erin!).  We’re doing one of the Ragnar Relay’s – meaning we’re gonna run from Madison Wisconsin to Chicago Illinois. 204 miles, 12 girls, 1 van, lots of good times and jokes and memories and lack of sleep.  Luckily you only run “legs” and the longest leg is only 8 miles… but it is still a crazy crazy feat. i talked to kyle about it and he told me that he thinks i should to it and that it would be a great experience. i have heard of a lot of people who have done one and they say it’s a great experience and i am really excited to be sharing this experience with some girls who i have learned to love via their running blogs and twitter. now lets hope that none of them are crazy maniac murders who joined to be able to commit a mass homicide.  Now: I want the hooded sweatshirt.

3.  my crimson tide let me down this past weekend when they played south carolina. my heart is still hurt. that is all i will say. oh alabama i do not like the feeling of loss. i know you can’t win them all, but can’t we?! I just hope that this was our only loss and we look a lot better this week against Ole Miss.  I do not like that every other SEC team has an off week before playing us… …but i do like that they feel they need time to prepare. oh alabama.

tracking chicago runners

Today I tried to track about 5 runners via text message as they ran the Chicago Marathon.  The ranged from 1 first timer (who happens to b a good friend from college who just wanted to beat Oprah's Marathon time), another 1st timer (who just didn't want to die), and 3 seasoned marathoners.  My friend ending up not beating Oprah's time but I am still so so so proud of him! He did so well with a finishing time of 04:47:13!  And my friend from high school finished her 1st marathon in 5:29:18.  congrats to them both on their 1st's! I heard it was really hot up there too so super big congrats!

Technology is crazy cool and I loved being able to track them as they crossed different mile markers.  (and cheer people on via text message and twitter as they hit different points) My phone tracking ended up not working so I sat in front of the TV, gross from my run, watching the chicago marathon website.  I think by the end of it all I was tracking about 7 people since I just kept remembering more people who were running.  Needless to say, I lost most of my Sunday but it was well worth it.

As they were running 26.2 I ran about 5.52 of awfulness. My legs failed me today and my football team failed me Saturday I learned that I need to be spending a lot of time with my foam roller and stretching in the weeks so come. As well as drinking a lot a lot a lot of water since I will blame a lot of the badness on dehydration.

congrats to call the Chicago marathon finishers!!

Race Coupon Codes.

If you're anything like me you love discounts and sales and getting things for cheaper than other people.  Whenever I online shop I always look for coupon codes and when I find good ones I feel like I hit the jackpot.  Today I have two coupon codes to share with you.

1. sign up for any rock and roll series race between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM on 10/10/10 and use coupon code: SAVEON10 between and get $20 off any race entry. I am already registered for Savannah 2011 maybe it's time to sign up for VA Beach 2011! =)
2. The Atlanta 13.1 (which I ran this past Saturday) is offering a 20% off discount on their race next year.  Currently, the race is $60 and if you take off 20% it is like $48 and $48 is a good deal on a half marathon. 

there will be no three things thursday today because i have had a horrible day and i think all i would do is complain about said horrible day. i thought i would be nice and well, spare you.

happy race entering!

Atlanta 13.1 Pictures

 The Atlanta 13.1 pictures have been posted and I don't look too bad.  Remember, it was an AWESOME race!  But Yikes, I totally need a tan. ASAP.  Too bad I burn in tanning beds, spray tan things turn me orange and um it's too cold to lay by the pool. Oh Casper.

Random Ramles.

I have had a million and one random running thoughts going through my head today (and some not so running related) ... so I decided to share them with you. Enjoy.

• Yesterday I ran a really awesome half marathon and I think the awesome-ness wasn't in the PR but the actual course and volunteers. I am still stunned how well it was run for only being the 2nd year here in Atlanta.  One of my favorite bloggers Tim did his recap and you can read it here
• I am about 3 weeks out from the Marine Corps Marathon which means it is cram time. While others start to taper and trust their training, I start to freak out and build a little more endurance and strength. Yeah... not the best planner.
• I was running today and saw pumpkins.  I know Halloween is creeping up, but will the pumpkins still be alive come October 31?! Won't they rot?!
• Somone "hmmm'd" my Race Recap from yesterday - isn't a hmmm like a "huh interesting" or a "huh i don't get it" or a "huh you have me thinking" ... I personally didn't think a race recap was "hmm" worthy - but to each their own.
• Hills - I know they make you stronger and faster and build your endurance but why do they have to be so menacing?!
• Some of my favorite bloggers have been posting some awesome posts lately - super informative. For example Erin gave me some Pre-Race Moves (that I did not use, but want to/need to) ... Aron reminded me about taking care of myself you know sleep.stretch.foam roll.recover
• I pulled a fun little training plan and I am implementing it starting today.
• I am going to start doing speed work to try and get faster. But question: how exactly do I do speed work? I need insight & help. Pretty please.
• Beauty and the Beast comes out of the Disney vault tomorrow - I am really hoping Kyle comes home from work with it.  To drop hints I have been singing "tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme, bitter sweet and strange..." I hope he has gotten the hint, but he is a boy so that is doubtful. :o)
• I really hope you all have a good week and the weather is getting nice for everyone.  Fall is coming which means fun runs await!

So here is my training week:
Monday: 45 minute run. Tuesday: 60 minutes cross training Wednesday: Speed Intervals 4 times Thursday: Cross Train 60 minutes Friday: 30 minute run Saturday: 7 miles Sunday: Rest

Rah Rah Shish Koom Bah - Atlanta 13.1 - new PR!

Disclaimer: I feel like a total dork for writing this right after my race. But I have soaked in the tub of ice, stretched, showered, walked the dog, put on recovery socks, and am now on the couch for eternity... and I am excited so I just had to put it all down now.

As another training run I ran the Atlanta 13.1 this morning.  I was pretty pumped after looking at the course map and turn by turn directions since most of the course was planned to be in my neck of the woods which meant I was familiar with the terrain, the hills, and pretty much most of the course. I checked the weather and learned that it was going to be in the 50's for the whole race - so I was feeling pretty confident in my run.  I was wondering how I would do since I gorged myself on spinach dip during the Alabama game the night before and I was a bit worried since Erin did a 13.1 series in Boston and they ran out of water and after seeing the less than stellar expo I feared the same thing, but I didn't want to carry my water bottle (man. I need a fuel belt) so I just hydrated really well and hoped for the best.

As always, race morning came early. 5:45 is not a pretty time and I don't like the darkness, but I got up and ready, took my dog out (the usual) and headed to the Marta Station for the quick trip up to Oglethorpe University for the start.  I got to the college with about 15 minutes to spare and felt really pressed for time but quickly stretched and hunted for my corral, only to learn there were not corrals but it was a test of honesty on your expected finish time.  I guess I am the only honest kid here in Atlanta since as I crossed the start line I was already veering from walkers (hey peachtree road race) and for the first 3 miles I was having to dodge the walkers with backpacks and khakis on.  I was cruising and having a great time and I noticed that my breathing was really under control which is a first for me.  I managed to stay steady and hold just about the same pace and the first 5 miles I was just rocking.  Around mile 5 is when fear set in. Not fear of "oh my gosh I am not going to finish" ... but fear of "why is there a Lexus on the course behind me" ... as the Lexus stayed on my heels and practically tried to run people off the road my heart rate went berserk.  Once the Lexus got around me and harassed other runners I calmed down and found my groove again.  We looped around all these neighborhoods and headed back towards Peachtree and after getting back on Peachtreee I was pretty much in familiar territory.

We trekked down Peachtree heading towards my apartment, turned on Johnson Ferry and onto Keswick and we were in the neighborhood I run for giggles.  My confidence was still high, my breathing was great, and I was just rocking the roads I already run.  I would be lying if I said the hills didn't still kill me because they did but I liked the comfortable feel.  As we turned on Harts Mills I hoped I wouldn't see Marist but we saw Marist and I was not thrilled about the awful Ashford Dunwoody hill.  Lucky for me there was a water stop and water stops = it's okay to walk. :o)  i walked and loved every second of it.  We then headed into Blackburn Park which is another area I run and I just sailed over the hills and around the soccer fields (enjoying the writing on the sidewalks).  We came out of the mark and headed up a hill that I do run and I do hate - I noticed a turn around coming up and I just prayed that my Garmin didn't freak out like it did last weekend and luckily it handled it just find. *phew*  ... as we headed towards Johnson Ferry and onto Johnson Ferry back to Peachtree I knew the rest of the course was 100% familiar territory and was confident that I was going to do well.  As I hit mile 11 I looked at my Garmin and thought "hey, I just may accidentally PR" and just chugged along, listening to my music (my marine corps play list is ah-may-zing).  I headed back up the rolling hills towards Oglethorpe and I knew we were in the home stretch so I just kept going even though I so badly wanted to take a walk break.  We hung a right before campus and then a quick left and was home free. Ms. Miley Cyrus and "The Climb" got me across that finish line in 2:27:53 - a 8 minute personal record - and I got my medal from Mike B who cheers me on via dailymile.com.  It was just a really cool race with a really pretty course and awesome volunteers who made pretty much everything run really smoothly (even the water stops and those are normally chaotic).

I don't know if it was the pasta that I ate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner or all the spinach dip I gorged myself on last night during the game ... or if it is because Alabama stomped Florida last night and well Alabama and people who went there are just winners, but it was an awesome race and it gave me just the confidence that I need heading into Marine Corps.  I went into this race not worrying about my finish time and I think my "whatever happens happens mentality" helped a lot.  I was 2.39 miles ahead of the bridge closing and I knew that for MCM I need to do about 5 miles per hour and I was ahead of that today.

And in the Erin vs. Barbie competition I totally accidentally beat her last half time by 2 minutes. 

And I am l-o-v-i-n-g running to the Glee kids. Seriously, add them to your iPod. Stat.

Oh and the only bummer - I have a baby blister on the tip of one of my toes, I felt it forming and it surprised me. My wonderful Wigwam Socks usually never blister me, this is my 1st blister EVER. Not cool, not cool at all. Help me. How do I make it go away?!

So rock on 13.1 Marathon Series, you and your volunteers put on one awesome race this morning. The only thing I would change is to add corrals so we can all run easily at the beginning so we're not all jumbled.  BUT  I will be back next year!

september. where did you go?

another month has come and gone and 2010 is quickly coming to an end. honestly, i feel like i JUST started running again and I hardly believe that this time last year I was gearing up for my first ever half marathon. i mean really... where does the time go.

i really to not have too much to say, but i had the 2nd highest mileage month of 2010.  47.94 miles ran in total. call it me cramming for marine corps. but whatever you want to call it, i am super happy with my high miles month. i ran a 10k and beat my time last year which i was super happy about, ran a super hilly half marathon in nashville, and just logged some around the neighborhood miles.  nothing really exciting happened this past month.

with it now being october and marine corps being all of 30 days away (yikes.yikes.yikes.) i am going to make a crazy effort to get my butt out of the office every day for something active. i know what i do this month won't help drastically -- but every little bit helps. i am doing another 13.1 this weekend with a run home so i am hoping to get in 16 on saturday and that will be my longest run before mcm - but goodness october will be cramming time. (...wait i am supposed to be talking about september...)

.my playlist.well, the abbreviated version.
1. "Empire State of Mind" -Glee Cast
2. "Just a Dream" -Nelly
3. "Fancy Footwork" - Chromeo
4. "Peacock" -Katy Perry
5. "If I Had You" -Adam Lambert
6. "2012 (It Ain't the end)" - Jay Sean
7. "DJ Got Us Falling In Love" -Usher
8. "La, La, La" -Auburn
9. "Not Myself Tonight" -Christina Aguleria
10. "Love Me" -Justin Bieber

how was your september?!