I am thankful for...

As usual, I am behind on my updating. Life has been very busy lately, and fortunately for me I have finally come out of my thesis writer’s block.

I love the winter holiday season because the weather is nice and cool (and dry… which means less frizz for my normally frizzy hair). There are decorations and twinkling lights on the streets. People are in the giving spirit and actually spend more time thinking about others instead of themselves. These are all reasons why I love the Thanksgiving/Christmas(or Hanukkah)/New Year’s holidays. Thanksgiving however tops my list! Why is Thanksgiving at the top? It’s not just because there are mounds of delicious food and an endless supply of pumpkin treats… I love it the most because it is the one time of year that people really reflect on what they are thankful for without the hassle of gift-giving. Don’t get me wrong, I like to receive gifts on occasion. I definitely love to give gifts; unfortunately, I am also a poor college student, so sometimes the gifts are cheap but I try to make them thoughtful. Thanksgiving is free of the gift-giving stress, which makes it fantastic. It is also a great time to get together with family, which is another reason I love it.

This year my Thanksgiving was supposed to be spent with my Dad’s side of the family; however, plans changed and I ended up celebrating it with Chris’ family in south Florida. Despite not spending it with my own family, I still had a marvelous Thanksgiving with really great people. I even got a chance to visit with some of my very best friends who were in town from Texas (the ones expecting the new baby…YAY!). I have included some pictures from our trip to Siesta Key Beach on Thanksgiving morning.
Chris, Myself, and Bryan
Me and Alisha

Over the weekend Chris and I ran a fast (for me) 2 miles at just under a 9 min/mile pace. We also ran 6 miles down the beach during sunset, which was absolutely gorgeous. I’m afraid I don’t have any pictures of the sunset, but trust me it was spectacular. We even ran past three different weddings! (I hope I didn’t ruin any of their pictures by running in the background. Oops!) I also watched the Battlestar Galactica Razor movie… It was awesome! Finally, this past Tuesday I saw Papa Roach in concert. They put on a fantastic show! I even got touched (more like slimed with sweat) by the lead singer.

Of course a post about Thanksgiving weekend would not be complete without a cheesy list of things for which I am thankful. Here goes:

• Good health: I am very thankful that this past year I have morphed into a runner… that’s right. I said it. I. Am. A. Runner. And I have a 13.1 mile race this weekend to prove it!

• A great job: Sure I’m a research assistant that is not accompanied by a large paycheck, but my job really rocks! Not only do I get paid to work on the research for my thesis, but I have a terrific boss/adviser and hilarious co-workers. Sure there are days when I’d rather sleep in or watch tv, but I never actually dread going to work. I love having a job that is constantly challenging and mentally rewarding, not to mention it is giving me experience as well. I just hope my next job is as exciting.

• Family: My Mom: Despite our many differences and complete opposite ways of thinking, she is always there for me and is one of my heroes. I really admire her for all that she has done and appreciate the support that she has given me. My siblings: They are all so strong and just absolutely amazing. They make their big sis proud. My dog: Yes, he is part of my family. He is one great dog!

• Friends: I really have the absolute best friends in the world. Seriously, I’m sure many of you think that your friends are the best, but I assure you that you that mine are the greatest! They are always there to lend me a shoulder to cry on, to kick me in the butt when I need it, to make me laugh when I need it, and to point out the idiotic things that I do. That’s what friends are for! I am also grateful for my roommate, who manages to keep me running on days that I feel sloth-like and puts up with my consistent babbling. She is one great roommate. And have I mentioned how awesome Chris is? Yeah… he is quite amazing and cute too. (o; He is espcially great at making me smile and feel good about myself. And since this is my running blog, I have to say that I am thankful for all of the people who have kept me running. First here is Joe for getting me hooked and running with me as many times as he has. Of course the roommate is on this list. Chris, Kyle, and the other hashers I must also thank for introducing me to a very different and fun way to run. (Espcially when "shiggy" is included! Yay for Kyle's trails!) I'm grateful to Rebecca for helping me in my quest to be a triathlete and learning how to swim. And to all of you bloggers for all of your support, wisdom, and the ability to make me cry from laughing so hard. THANK YOU ALL!!

Now about "The Race"… Yes Doug, I am pumped! I am super excited yet scared at the same time. Any words of support you guys can throw my way I would greatly appreciate. I know that I will finish it, and I am confident that I can do it in the time that I want, but I’m still a bit nervous. Pre-race jitters I guess. I will definitely keep you all updated, and I will be sure to post a picture of my finisher’s medal (like Amy, I love a good medal or trophy). *Edit* I forgot to add that the roommate and I ran a nice easy 2 miles last night, otherwise we are taking it easy this week. By Saturday my legs are going to want to run. LOL.

I’m way behind on my blog reading as well guys, but I will try and catch up soon. I apologize in advance for the very delayed comments on all of your blogs, but I will comment nonetheless. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and has a great upcoming weekend!

I'm going to have a godson!

First of all, let me just say that I am going to have a godson!!! I am so freaking excited! He is not due until May 4th, and as of right now his name will either be Shawn or MEGATRON (all caps). hehe. Either way, I'm super freaking excited! I'm also about to be an aunt again... life is good!

I just ran 3 miles outside in the cool darkness. It was very nice.

Last Thursday I said I was going to run a 10K then go to pilates, but I only ended up running 4 miles. Then I did a great 45 minute stretch before going to pilates. Friday I did a little bit of an ab work-out. The weekend was pretty busy, so I didn’t get to fit in a work-out, but I did go to the amazing JRR-B-Q concert (Bands: Operator, Fiction Plane, Skindred, Nonpoint, Finger Eleven, Drowning Pool, Seether, and Breaking Benjamin).

Today was a bit depressing, because I had to say good-bye to Joe for a little while. I’m sad that he’s moving, but we will run together again in less than 2 weeks for the half-marathon. Eek! It’s almost here! I’m a little worried that I wasn’t able to get in a long run this weekend, but it may have been for the best because my legs were really sore after all the lunges we did in pilates and a sore hip at the all-day concert would not have been fun.

Tomorrow the roommate and I are going to go swimming (I told you that I’m not giving up!), and Wednesday I’m heading out of town for Thanksgiving. I plan on running over the weekend, but I doubt I’ll get in another long run (10 miles or over) before the half-marathon. I know that I’ll still do well however. (o:

So the Muddy Buddy has been brought to my attention again and it is time to register. I think I’m going to do it, and it sounds like a lot of fun! I just need to train for it, especially transitioning from running to biking (and likewise).

Finally, yes P.O.M… the chest protectors do come in different sizes. Believe it or not, I did order what I thought was the correct size… so watch out, they must run large. LOL And P.O.M. tagged me, so here goes!

THE RULES:

* link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog
* share 5 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird
* tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs
* let them know they are TAGGED by leaving a comment on their blog.

THE 5 FACTS:

* As a kid I preferred a plate of steam veggies (brussel sprouts, broccoli and asparagus included) over cake and ice cream. (I was a strange kid... but it pretty much still applies. I love steamed veggies!!!)
* I was layout and design editor of my high school newspaper. I love Adobe Pagemaker. (o:
* I am terrified of cock roaches. I have had too many close-encounters with the creepy kind.
* The first time I ever moved was when I went away to college... and I was a navy brat.
* This last one is in response to Amy's latest blog post... When I was a kid, my dad took us kids to the zoo. We were all excited about the ostrich that was standing near the board walk, until it bit my dad's hand. I thought for sure it was going to eat him!

WHO'S IT NEXT?

* Amy
* Tangie
* Alisha.. the mother of my future godson!!!
* Bryan.. and the father!
* Jojit

8 on the 8th, Frak! and Fencing!

Swimming update:

I am sad to say that I am not a natural when it comes to swimming. I knew it would be difficult, but getting over the whole fear of drowning was a bit harder than anticipated. I practiced Tuesday and last night was the last swim lesson. I am disappointed to admit that I still do not have free-style down. It's not that I'm not trying, but that I cannot get the breathing down yet (I turn my head, but I'm too far under the water to get air). The coach told me to keep practicing my drills so my body will be more "balanced". This will result in my sinking less and being closer to the surface of the water, hence being able to get my face out of the water to catch a breath without having to lift my head. She told me that if I keep practicing it will just eventually happen. The coach also mentioned that she may teach the class again next semester... since it will be my last semester at the school, I may just take it again (it's free). I am not going to give up. I will compete in a triathlon eventually!

Running update:

I am sad to say that my running partner, Joe, has moved. I'm sure we'll be able to squeeze in a few runs together, but it won't be the same without him. (I miss you Joe!)

On a more positive note, I'm mentally feeling a lot better about the half marathon ever since my long run this past weekend. Thank you all for the support, high fives, and encouragement! I am once again very excited about the race!!! I am also excited about Non-Runner Nancy's 8 on the 8th race!!! This virtual race will take place between the 7th and 9th of December so not only is the race flexible with your schedule but it's also FREE!. I definitely plan to participate, and anyone else in blog-land who would like to join in the fun please check out the group over at the Runner's Lounge!

Tonight's work-out plan is to run 10K then go to power pilates.

Non-running related:

I am officially hooked on the series Battlestar Galactica (the newer series). That's right people... I even said "frack" the other day, much to my embarrassment! I have successfully made it through the first season, and I'm almost half way through the second (2.0 for those who know). If for some crazy chance any of you have seen this, please do not spoil the upcoming episodes for me. Also, the two-hour event of BSG Razor comes on Thanksgiving weekend, for those who are interested. (I'm pretty certain that I've mentioned how much of a dork I am before, but this blog should make it quite obvious. lol) Now I could not resist posting the picture that was sent to me today of the BSG ships made from legos. That's just amazing!

And finally, just to make sure you truly realize how much of a dork that I am... this one is for you P.O.M...

I finally pulled out the smelly fencing gear that has been hidden in the closet for close to 3 years now. Here it is... all of that wonderful, expensive gear I just had to have! (granted the blue mask and foil were given to me when my friend moved) Featured here is the bag for carrying said gear, two masks (love the blue one!), jacket, chest protector (that's right, and believe me you appreciate it!!), glove (right-handed) and two foils (the blue one is a french grip and the other is a visconti pistol grip).


And here I am ladies and gentlemen sporting the ever popular chest protector. Not only does it keep the weapon (foil in my case) from giving you a new piercing, but it also apparently triples the size of my chest. Hmmm, maybe I should wear this every day! (Note: They are available for men as well!)


I have my foil in hand! En garde!


Finally, please pay no attention to my horrendous form (it's been a while folks), but here ya go. For anyone interested, fencing is a great leg and butt work-out, with all those lunges! ouch!


I hope everyone has a great rest of the week!!!

Get Shiggy Wit It.... and Tag, You're It!

Kyle was most definitely not joking about the shiggy! To the right is a picture of my nasty shoes and socks that I took this morning after last night's hash (I was so tired I left them in the bag to be dealt with today... and the socks went straight to the trash).

The hare (Kyle) started running a few minutes after 7 pm. The rest of us began ten minutes later, following the trail of flour and toilet paper. Now we are not supposed to use flash lights, but it would have been terrible without one. We ran through a narrow path in the woods which eventually led to a muddy path. The muddy path soon turned into a swamp! Just before having to wade through ankle to knee-deep water (in the dark remember), a little snake swam past me... that was a bit unnerving. Eventually we reached a boardwalk, but not before my foot got stuck in the mud. The hare was eventually snared (which means someone caught him before he made it to the end), but it wasn't by myself. I was definitely slow yesterday. During the run my hip was pretty sore, but today it feels great! Maybe running through mud and water is the cure for a sore hip.

After the run we participated in "circle" and ate delicious chili and pasta. It was fun being with the new hashing crowd. There were some really hilarious hashers there. By the end of the night I was freezing and ready to get out of those disgusting shoes and pants. Despite the mud and cold, I really did enjoy the hash. It was a lot of fun. I cannot wait for the next one! And here is a map of the route the hare took (we of course ventured off this during "checks"). I was told by the hare that the trail was 2.92 miles. It seemed a lot longer to me.


Jess over at 21 Days tagged everyone to list 5 random things about yourself, so here goes...

1. I cannot lick Popsicle sticks. Just the mere thought makes me cringe!
2. I broke my best friend's nose when we were kids after I watched the movie Dirty Dancing for the first time... we tried to do the dance move that involves one person going under the other person's legs, but she ended up falling on her face. We both laughed hysterically until she realized her nose was bleeding.
3. I used to be in a fencing club. I even own all my own gear.
4. As a kid I would eat mustard sandwiches... just mustard and bread. Nothing else. I still do on occasion.
5. I never believed in Santa Claus as a kid.

Now I am tagging all of you. List 5 random things about yourself, and have a great rest of the week! (o:

I made it 10 miles!

Well I did it. I ran 10 miles this weekend. This was the longest distance that I've ever run by myself (the roommate was out of town), but I did enjoy getting lost in my thoughts. I didn't run until Sunday when my leg and hip were feeling much better. I maintained a nice slow pace, and refrained from looking at my watch. I was determined to run for distance and not time (which ended up being 1:51:25). If I can keep that pace then I will just make my half-marathon goal of 2.5 hours, but right now my main focus is on finishing it and not on time (yeah right... come race day my head will be thinking something different LOL). By the end of the 10 miles my hip was pretty sore, but a combination of ibuprofen and the foam roller is helping it to feel better. I really should look into going to the student health center to ask about my hip (thanks for the suggestion P.O.M... sadly I do not have insurance). Oh yes, during my run I passed a bank that had the following sign displayed: "Why shouldn't you bring a turkey to church? Because of all the fowl language." *groan*

Tonight is another hash run and Kyle is the hare. I am so excited! I was told this hash has a "Get Shiggy Wit It" theme (read as lots of vegetation, mud, water, etc.).... I'm very excited about that! I will just have to be extra careful, because it is at night. I should probably go pick up a better flash-light before tonight. I will be sure to give you guys the update on how it goes! I can't wait!

Ouch...

Here's how this week went down:

Tuesday: No intervals, because the roomy and I decided we wanted to get in a really good swim, and I didn't want my legs too sore for the rest of the week. Swimming was exhausting and frustrating. But on a good note the pool was warmer than last week!

Wednesday: No arms and abs... instead I met a friend for dinner. lol. Swim class was um.... frustrating. I just cannot get down the breathing for free-style. I'm still mentally struggling with the lack-of-air fear. Grrr... this is going to be even more challenging than I anticipated, but I WILL get it eventually... After being frustrated and exhausted, I watched the movie 300 on HD. It was great!

Thursday: 6 mile run. Here is where the pain set in. By mile 3 my right hip and the outside of my right thigh were killing me. My right hip (and butt region) is still killing me. )o: How am I supposed to make it 13.1 miles?? Maybe I just need to build up more. After the run was power pilates, which I totally kicked butt in! I'm back on my game in pilates at least! (and this was definitely and arms/abs/legs work-out! I have got to work on my hamstrings!)

Friday: Short swim.

I hope to run 10 miles this weekend, but it looks like I'll be pushing that back to Sunday in hopes my hip feels better by then. Mentally, I need to run 10 this weekend.

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!!!

Canoeing and Meatballs!

I am feeling sooooo much better now! Thursday I stayed home from work and pretty much slept off and on until 5pm. By the time my roommate got home, I felt I was up to working-out… it usually makes me feel better and would probably help me sleep later that night. I ended up running 6 miles at a nice slow 12 min/mile pace (with a bathroom break and a 30 second walk break). Then we went to power pilates. I kind of slacked-off in that class because I was feeling weaker by that point. Not to mention having not been to pilates in a while, I could feel a major difference. (I’ll be happy when swim lessons are over and I can dedicate just a little more time to pilates and spinning again!) Friday we swam for a bit, but my legs were really tired. Saturday I went canoeing for 2 hours, which was a lot of fun and an amazing shoulder work-out (oh yeah, they hurt today!). Luckily we saw only one alligator.
Then it was off to the Italian Festival where I had the most amazing meatballs and managed to avoid the mounds of free candy. Sunday was a nice relaxing day, and today I hope to run 3 miles and do a little ab work before grocery shopping.

The plan this week is as follows:
Tuesday: Intervals for running and swimming
Wednesday: Arms, abs, and swimming
Thursday: Running (6 miles)
Friday: Rest… maybe arms and abs
Saturday: 10 mile run, hopefully (we’ll see what happens)
Sunday: Rest