I don't know what's been going on this weekend but, for some reason, I found the need for a good cry yesterday. Thanks to my favorite sad song, I got it!
This song is by Christian artist Bebo Norman and it's the most candid, simple, and sincere song about death I have ever heard. Bebo wrote it when one of his friend's sisters died of an unfortunate disease. He wrote this song for her.
It's a beautiful song, but it's sad.
Night!
Liz
Sunday, September 21, 2008
This Just In: Liz Declares End of "this staying up until 3 am bullshit."
So, actually this supposed to be a blog to log the Women's Fitness Celebration, but that race has since been overtaken by more recent events.
As I'm sure you'll read in everyone's blog, the celebration itself was rainy and gloomy and awful. We runners stood in the rain for several minutes waiting for them to let us run, hardly even pysched by the female-inspired, peppy music they were playing. Finally, they moved the gates and let us run.
The race was a mental challenge. I didn't have the best of attitudes. Even so, I tried to focus on form and reducing tension and found that I wasn't exerting nearly as much energy as usual for the first 1 1/2 miles or so and was actually having fun! (Yes. This is sort of a first.) This lasted until the base of the hill. I got up the hill just telling myself to continue. Physically, it didn't take nearly the energy it did mentally to keep chugging along. The second 1 1/2 miles were mentally much more challenging. I find that I'm afraid of pushing my body past a certain point of exertion -- where it starts to be really uncomfortable to run -- because I really don't know how long I can continue doing it without crying or freaking out. So, as usual, I kept pushing myself to just under the "Aaah. Too scary!" level and focused on keeping myself at that pace.
I made it down the hill and started on that long stretch to the turn-around. About half-way to the turn around, I saw Dave on the side and he started screaming directions at me. I sort of tried to do what he was asking, but was already carrying a mental load, so I only tried to a point. Glad Dave was finally out of earshot, I turned the corner and just focused on getting to that finish line, remaining just at that stress/exertion equilibrium. Finally, I crossed the finish line and the girl took my timing chip.
I have come to know my body. And one way I know I have exerted myself is when I desperately have to pee after a race. (This happens every time I do dots or pick it up at all. It's my body's way of responding to exertion.) Well, the brilliant designers of the women's fitness challenge thought to put bathrooms only a football field distance away from the finish line. By the time I had managed to find a free port-a-potty, I didn't need it anymore. Gross? Yeah. But a good sign. (Don't worry, Dave! Your car is safe. I was wearing Monica's pants at that point in the game so your car seats are well-protected!)
All in all, the race was really fun. I actually really enjoyed running in the rain because it kept the temperature down and it made me feel like a die-hard.
After the race, I went home, did some cleaning, accepted three huge crates of my old grad school crap from my parents' house, and, eventually, made it over to Mike and Monica's. We had a lovely dinner and, upon finishing our food, had a frat-boy movie party extravaganza. We started by watching, "Animal House". Pretty funny. Then we watched "Eurotrip". Also somewhat funny. Finally, we got to "Beerfest" which, in spite of myself, I found myself giggling at.
Hanging out exclusively with men (and Monica) is a pretty new thing for me. I think this testosterone-inspired evening has taught me a couple new things and reaffirmed a couple of old understandings of how men work.
Man Stereotypes I feel were Reaffirmed Last Night
1. Men are just like teenage boys, only with a lot more responsibility.
2. Men like to see boobs, lots of boobs, tons of them, even though (in my opinion) they mostly all look the same and they have no function at least 90% of the time.
3. Drinking is funny!
4. Drinking a lot is funnier.
5. Men like to see movies about their relationships with their buddies because that's important to them.
6. Burping with buddies is a bonding experience.
Don't get me wrong: I love these guys. But every now and then I am led to wonder why and whether that's really such a good idea. :)
After a long night without much sleep, I looked on my training schedule and noticed a 6-8 mile "hilly" run scheduled for today. I called Mike and he suggested I do a 4-6 flat run instead and Monica will work it out. Now that I have new, fangle runs on my schedule, I definitely want to get together with Monica and go over routes and whys and wherefores. Can we do that, Mon?
I will have pictures of the 5K as soon as Dave e-mails th em to me. (Please, Dave?)
Liz
As I'm sure you'll read in everyone's blog, the celebration itself was rainy and gloomy and awful. We runners stood in the rain for several minutes waiting for them to let us run, hardly even pysched by the female-inspired, peppy music they were playing. Finally, they moved the gates and let us run.
The race was a mental challenge. I didn't have the best of attitudes. Even so, I tried to focus on form and reducing tension and found that I wasn't exerting nearly as much energy as usual for the first 1 1/2 miles or so and was actually having fun! (Yes. This is sort of a first.) This lasted until the base of the hill. I got up the hill just telling myself to continue. Physically, it didn't take nearly the energy it did mentally to keep chugging along. The second 1 1/2 miles were mentally much more challenging. I find that I'm afraid of pushing my body past a certain point of exertion -- where it starts to be really uncomfortable to run -- because I really don't know how long I can continue doing it without crying or freaking out. So, as usual, I kept pushing myself to just under the "Aaah. Too scary!" level and focused on keeping myself at that pace.
I made it down the hill and started on that long stretch to the turn-around. About half-way to the turn around, I saw Dave on the side and he started screaming directions at me. I sort of tried to do what he was asking, but was already carrying a mental load, so I only tried to a point. Glad Dave was finally out of earshot, I turned the corner and just focused on getting to that finish line, remaining just at that stress/exertion equilibrium. Finally, I crossed the finish line and the girl took my timing chip.
I have come to know my body. And one way I know I have exerted myself is when I desperately have to pee after a race. (This happens every time I do dots or pick it up at all. It's my body's way of responding to exertion.) Well, the brilliant designers of the women's fitness challenge thought to put bathrooms only a football field distance away from the finish line. By the time I had managed to find a free port-a-potty, I didn't need it anymore. Gross? Yeah. But a good sign. (Don't worry, Dave! Your car is safe. I was wearing Monica's pants at that point in the game so your car seats are well-protected!)
All in all, the race was really fun. I actually really enjoyed running in the rain because it kept the temperature down and it made me feel like a die-hard.
After the race, I went home, did some cleaning, accepted three huge crates of my old grad school crap from my parents' house, and, eventually, made it over to Mike and Monica's. We had a lovely dinner and, upon finishing our food, had a frat-boy movie party extravaganza. We started by watching, "Animal House". Pretty funny. Then we watched "Eurotrip". Also somewhat funny. Finally, we got to "Beerfest" which, in spite of myself, I found myself giggling at.
Hanging out exclusively with men (and Monica) is a pretty new thing for me. I think this testosterone-inspired evening has taught me a couple new things and reaffirmed a couple of old understandings of how men work.
Man Stereotypes I feel were Reaffirmed Last Night
1. Men are just like teenage boys, only with a lot more responsibility.
2. Men like to see boobs, lots of boobs, tons of them, even though (in my opinion) they mostly all look the same and they have no function at least 90% of the time.
3. Drinking is funny!
4. Drinking a lot is funnier.
5. Men like to see movies about their relationships with their buddies because that's important to them.
6. Burping with buddies is a bonding experience.
Don't get me wrong: I love these guys. But every now and then I am led to wonder why and whether that's really such a good idea. :)
After a long night without much sleep, I looked on my training schedule and noticed a 6-8 mile "hilly" run scheduled for today. I called Mike and he suggested I do a 4-6 flat run instead and Monica will work it out. Now that I have new, fangle runs on my schedule, I definitely want to get together with Monica and go over routes and whys and wherefores. Can we do that, Mon?
I will have pictures of the 5K as soon as Dave e-mails th em to me. (Please, Dave?)
Liz
Monday, September 15, 2008
Run With the Animals 5K
This race theme reminds me of this picture.
The 5K went well, in a way. I pushed it all the way through and made a time of about 25:30. This is 1:15 slower than my last 5K, which was 24:15. To this day, I don't know if the problem is that this course was a bit long and the last was a bit short (both possibilities) or if it's because I'm not exactly in a fast stage of training right now. What I do know is that I pushed it all the way through so this time is a pretty good representation of where I am right now. I'm satisfied with it. Monica told me today that if I was still 29 I would have placed in my age group! Oh well. There will be many many more opportunities to place, and I will!
Last Saturday night we went to do a bit of karaoke at Club 44 and a good time was had by many! I will post pictures of that event here as soon as I can. The only one I can provide now is this one which everyone was keen on having taken but no one else wanted to join me in:
Of course, that was supposed to be an upside-down can of spaghettios on my head (put there by one of my bratty welfare children) and a bowl of Ramen in front of me, but Trailer Park Cuisine closed early because business was slow. As a result, we had to eat Mexican. The disappointment still haunts me.
Here are the only two other pictures that exist of the evening's festivities. Dave wanted a picture of himself on the big horse in front of P.F. Chang's. I think he's listing his favorite songs or movies in the second one.
The rest of the evening was fun, though! The following not-entirely-appropriate video, courtesy of youtube, is here to remind us of a moment that will forever hold a place deep in my funny bone. Enjoy!
In any case, it's time to do something besides stare at the computer screen.
Liz
Thursday, September 11, 2008
I need sports psycho-therapy
I do! The mental blocks abound right now. But, frankly, I think some of them will melt once I see that I really am being successful. :) Give it a few weeks.
My nutrition goal for the next few days is to cut back on the carbs I eat in favor of some protein. For example, eggs instead of oatmeal and raisins for breakfast. (Maybe oatmeal and raisins for lunch? I don't have anything for lunch tomorrow. :)
I'm in "Thomas Hammer" typing this on their free internet and the song, "Dust in the Wind" just came on. I love this song. It makes me feel peaceful.
The run today was good. It was a bit frustrating, as they all have been lately, but we've been over that.
I have to skedaddle on home. I have to get early to work tomorrow to prepare for some classes. Students have even started coming in before school to hang out and take up my prep time, so I have to pre-empt them and get there even earlier!
Night all!
Liz
My nutrition goal for the next few days is to cut back on the carbs I eat in favor of some protein. For example, eggs instead of oatmeal and raisins for breakfast. (Maybe oatmeal and raisins for lunch? I don't have anything for lunch tomorrow. :)
I'm in "Thomas Hammer" typing this on their free internet and the song, "Dust in the Wind" just came on. I love this song. It makes me feel peaceful.
The run today was good. It was a bit frustrating, as they all have been lately, but we've been over that.
I have to skedaddle on home. I have to get early to work tomorrow to prepare for some classes. Students have even started coming in before school to hang out and take up my prep time, so I have to pre-empt them and get there even earlier!
Night all!
Liz
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Frumpy Grumpy Running
I had an enlightening hour with Monica today going over stats, setting nutrition goals, and discussing a plan. I was surprised to discover that achieving my target BMI of 21-22% would require 30 pounds off my frame. That's like running with Helena plus a sack of flour strapped to my back. Dropping that weight would certainly make me run faster!!
I ran from my apartment today down to the reserve, did the one mile loop, and then came home. Running has felt frumpy and grumpy lately. It's weird. I feel like I'm going slow, and my legs don't want to go. Actually, my first mile or two feel kind of like the last few miles of a marathon, minus some of the exhaustion and soreness. The frustration and the sense of dragging is there. Even so, we got 'er done.
One of the big goals this week is portions. Today went well. I can't log much of what I ate today on fit day because it wouldn't be there. Even so, I can say that portions mostly went well. I'll be starting bright and early tomorrow logging on fitday.
To my coaches: Thanks for your help, Monica!! Hey, Mikey! And Dave, I have reviewed the necessary tuneage and, you're on!
Liz
I ran from my apartment today down to the reserve, did the one mile loop, and then came home. Running has felt frumpy and grumpy lately. It's weird. I feel like I'm going slow, and my legs don't want to go. Actually, my first mile or two feel kind of like the last few miles of a marathon, minus some of the exhaustion and soreness. The frustration and the sense of dragging is there. Even so, we got 'er done.
One of the big goals this week is portions. Today went well. I can't log much of what I ate today on fit day because it wouldn't be there. Even so, I can say that portions mostly went well. I'll be starting bright and early tomorrow logging on fitday.
To my coaches: Thanks for your help, Monica!! Hey, Mikey! And Dave, I have reviewed the necessary tuneage and, you're on!
Liz
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Speed Work -- A New Thing
Hello!
I'm sitting in a semi-freezing basement typing this, so this entry will be short.
The workout tonight was fine. I think I went fast enough, though I can't say I'm exactly sure how to tell. I felt good afterwards and really wasn't sore at all. I hope that doesn't mean anything.
I went by and bought vitamins today. The Vitamin Shoppe is having a sale.
After the run we went to dinner. Scott tried to convince me that the jalapenos weren't hot and that the hot salsa wasn't spicy, and Mike backed him up, but I know those two tricksters.
Now I'm home and freezing and just about ready to nod off! Night!
Liz
I'm sitting in a semi-freezing basement typing this, so this entry will be short.
The workout tonight was fine. I think I went fast enough, though I can't say I'm exactly sure how to tell. I felt good afterwards and really wasn't sore at all. I hope that doesn't mean anything.
I went by and bought vitamins today. The Vitamin Shoppe is having a sale.
After the run we went to dinner. Scott tried to convince me that the jalapenos weren't hot and that the hot salsa wasn't spicy, and Mike backed him up, but I know those two tricksters.
Now I'm home and freezing and just about ready to nod off! Night!
Liz
Monday, September 8, 2008
September 8, 2008
I have very little to report today. It's Monday. My schedule says "0-4" today so I did a very short run basically from my apartment to my parents' house. (I couldn't drive anyway because my key was -- I hope -- locked in my apartment.) Monica and I definitely need to go over some kind of energy-boosting food plan because I will tell you, I am dragging. My legs are fine, but my energy is sapped every day by about 3 and I don't seem able to get it back. How 'bout it, Monica? Can we discuss some ways I might get and keep more energy? I stopped taking my vitamin like two months ago or longer, so that could be it.
Eating is going well for the most part. Portions are good. I need to adjust nutrient intakes, though. I still gravitate towards my favorite carby, sweet stuff. Though I am getting plenty of fruit in that way.
On Sunday, I met up with my friends Petra and Hubert and their children Abraham, Noah, and Helena and the six of us went to Art in the Park. I got to carry Helena in the snuggli backpack. (Helena is the one I identify as "my" baby.)You should have seen Hubert and Petra putting me in that harness, clipping all the clips, and adjusting Helena, the 25-pound baby. I felt like they were saddling me up. Even so, it was tons of fun. I have absolutely fallen in love with some of the pictures we took. At the risk of being an attention hog, I'm going to share some of these. I took the last three while Helena was on my lap.
So far, being 30 has been mostly awesome. See you later!
Liz
Eating is going well for the most part. Portions are good. I need to adjust nutrient intakes, though. I still gravitate towards my favorite carby, sweet stuff. Though I am getting plenty of fruit in that way.
On Sunday, I met up with my friends Petra and Hubert and their children Abraham, Noah, and Helena and the six of us went to Art in the Park. I got to carry Helena in the snuggli backpack. (Helena is the one I identify as "my" baby.)You should have seen Hubert and Petra putting me in that harness, clipping all the clips, and adjusting Helena, the 25-pound baby. I felt like they were saddling me up. Even so, it was tons of fun. I have absolutely fallen in love with some of the pictures we took. At the risk of being an attention hog, I'm going to share some of these. I took the last three while Helena was on my lap.
So far, being 30 has been mostly awesome. See you later!
Liz
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Birthday Celebration (#1)
We met for lunch at Trailer Park Cuisine, and I opened my presents.
I got two new sports bras, and a Team Apex Singlet with built-in support from Mike and Monica! Scott gave me winter running gloves (excellent choice!!), and Kevin bought me lunch! Thanks, Guys!
Here I am modeling my new sports bras
And this is what I look like not modeling my new sports bras.
After lunch, we posed on the big, dumpy couch outside. This is as close as Mike and I got to one those take-it-yourself pictures.
I got two new sports bras, and a Team Apex Singlet with built-in support from Mike and Monica! Scott gave me winter running gloves (excellent choice!!), and Kevin bought me lunch! Thanks, Guys!
Here I am modeling my new sports bras
And this is what I look like not modeling my new sports bras.
Scott and I tried to take one of those you-hold-the-camera-out-and-snap-the-picture-yourself photos, but this one really didn't work out.
After Scott saw how good he looked in this one, he refused to try for a third time, thus revealing his conviction that the left side of my face really isn't necessary.
After lunch, we posed on the big, dumpy couch outside. This is as close as Mike and I got to one those take-it-yourself pictures.
We had a most excellent running experience last night in the Mountain Home 5 mile race. Monica, Dave, Brittney, Jenny, and Scott all placed!! That was really exciting. I was the only one who didn't, which isn't particularly surprising but also doesn't really bother me that much. Even so, I will describe my physical and mental processes here.
I arrived at the race lacking confidence, feeling tired and grumpy, experiencing the tail end of a sinus headache and still mad because the race was more expensive than I had anticipated. This attitude extended through the first couple of miles of the race: I was stressing it, which never helps, and I was feeling really tired and angry that I even had to be doing this. Finally, at about mile 2.25 or so, I decided that I had found a good pace. It wasn't killing me. Instead, my speed hovered just below my frustration threshold, which, I think, has been particularly low lately. I stayed at the same tempo until the beginning of mile 5, where I started to struggle a bit with pacing. I wanted to go faster but had emotional issues. I think I really haven't figured how far I can push it and still sustain a speed for any length of time. I need to figure this out, because it's a huge source of frustration for me.
I didn't sleep well last night. I woke up several times and had to drag myself to running group this morning. I didn't eat anything before the run. I was supposed to do an easy 40 minutes but even found Melissa's 10-mile pace someone difficult to keep up with at first. The way back was fine until I was about 1.2 miles out: my stomach started feeling a bit sour. Even so, I made it in, but left early to go find something to eat, to take a shower, and (I was dreaming when I thought I would have time to do this) go see my baby before our lunch at noon.
This is my official 30th birthday. The Alzheimer's Walk was at the park where we start and finish our Saturday runs, and the DJ for the event was Maclean Flood, a guy who I know because he has dated two of my friends at different times. (That's so creepy!) I spoke with him after the run, told him it was my birthday, and he played a song for me about turning 30! It's a fabulous song and has officially become my theme for the day. See below and listen, if you like.
I arrived at the race lacking confidence, feeling tired and grumpy, experiencing the tail end of a sinus headache and still mad because the race was more expensive than I had anticipated. This attitude extended through the first couple of miles of the race: I was stressing it, which never helps, and I was feeling really tired and angry that I even had to be doing this. Finally, at about mile 2.25 or so, I decided that I had found a good pace. It wasn't killing me. Instead, my speed hovered just below my frustration threshold, which, I think, has been particularly low lately. I stayed at the same tempo until the beginning of mile 5, where I started to struggle a bit with pacing. I wanted to go faster but had emotional issues. I think I really haven't figured how far I can push it and still sustain a speed for any length of time. I need to figure this out, because it's a huge source of frustration for me.
I didn't sleep well last night. I woke up several times and had to drag myself to running group this morning. I didn't eat anything before the run. I was supposed to do an easy 40 minutes but even found Melissa's 10-mile pace someone difficult to keep up with at first. The way back was fine until I was about 1.2 miles out: my stomach started feeling a bit sour. Even so, I made it in, but left early to go find something to eat, to take a shower, and (I was dreaming when I thought I would have time to do this) go see my baby before our lunch at noon.
This is my official 30th birthday. The Alzheimer's Walk was at the park where we start and finish our Saturday runs, and the DJ for the event was Maclean Flood, a guy who I know because he has dated two of my friends at different times. (That's so creepy!) I spoke with him after the run, told him it was my birthday, and he played a song for me about turning 30! It's a fabulous song and has officially become my theme for the day. See below and listen, if you like.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Moody Lower Legs
Hello!
Life has truly been an enigma lately.
I have found that I have been feeling great at the beginning of the day, very tired by the end and very moody and emotional in between. One minute I'm grumpy and stressed, then I just want a hug, then I just want to run but when I finally get on the road I don't have any get up and go. It's weird.
That's exactly how I felt today. I had way too much energy all day and I was very moody but when I got on the road for a run, my lower legs felt heavy, my breathing was heavy, and I was going pretty slow. The only two things I can think would be affecting this is the amount of coffee I've been ingesting since school started. (It's free, y'know.) and a serious lack of water, and, perhaps, that I'm not as recovered from the marathon as I think I should be. But I felt great on Sunday. What gives?
So, I'm going to drink more water. (I've been a water-guzzling champion since the run tonight). I'm also going to sleep a full night, though that really hasn't been an issue lately.
I'm also noticing a little pain in my lower back and my core muscles feel really week. As much as I hate core exercises, I may have to give in and do some fifty-fifties.
My folks and I had a most excellent dinner at the French cafe' tonight. They're pretty darn awesome!
And, just so you know, what follows is about the best version of "Hotel California" I have ever heard. It may just earn the title of "Liz's favorite song this week."
I love "Hotel California" all the time, but this version is especially good, I think. I never realized how many guitars you need to play that song right!
A+
Liz
Life has truly been an enigma lately.
I have found that I have been feeling great at the beginning of the day, very tired by the end and very moody and emotional in between. One minute I'm grumpy and stressed, then I just want a hug, then I just want to run but when I finally get on the road I don't have any get up and go. It's weird.
That's exactly how I felt today. I had way too much energy all day and I was very moody but when I got on the road for a run, my lower legs felt heavy, my breathing was heavy, and I was going pretty slow. The only two things I can think would be affecting this is the amount of coffee I've been ingesting since school started. (It's free, y'know.) and a serious lack of water, and, perhaps, that I'm not as recovered from the marathon as I think I should be. But I felt great on Sunday. What gives?
So, I'm going to drink more water. (I've been a water-guzzling champion since the run tonight). I'm also going to sleep a full night, though that really hasn't been an issue lately.
I'm also noticing a little pain in my lower back and my core muscles feel really week. As much as I hate core exercises, I may have to give in and do some fifty-fifties.
My folks and I had a most excellent dinner at the French cafe' tonight. They're pretty darn awesome!
And, just so you know, what follows is about the best version of "Hotel California" I have ever heard. It may just earn the title of "Liz's favorite song this week."
I love "Hotel California" all the time, but this version is especially good, I think. I never realized how many guitars you need to play that song right!
A+
Liz
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
So, I'm not as chubby as I thought I was
SO . . .today I had a weigh-in and, contrary to my prior beliefs, I haven't gained a pound since the marathon. Instead, I've actually lost a tiny bit of weight. (WEIRD!) Nonetheless, I am launching my new campaign to achieve a few weight-loss goals. They are as follows:
An 80% reduction in incidents of running wedgies -- I hate wedgies, and they seem to be more numerous during recent runs. I think a few pounds off my posterior could really reduce these, which would be great, because they're really annoying.
Callibration of my body with my new work pants -- The teacher next to me gave me these great black pants out of her closet in a size I have only recently been able to wear. Right now, they're a bit tight. I think 8 or 10 pounds could really take care of this.
Dream Goal: A 50-80% reduction in the need for thigh burn care -- I HATE thigh burn.
Dream Goal: A 50-80% reduction in running shorts bunch-up -- It's real annoying. Smaller thighs might make a difference.
Dream Goal: Monica's Hamstrings -- My body's version, of course. They're sweet!
So, those are the goals. As you can tell, I don't care much about how much I weigh. I just want to slim down and tone up.
Liz
An 80% reduction in incidents of running wedgies -- I hate wedgies, and they seem to be more numerous during recent runs. I think a few pounds off my posterior could really reduce these, which would be great, because they're really annoying.
Callibration of my body with my new work pants -- The teacher next to me gave me these great black pants out of her closet in a size I have only recently been able to wear. Right now, they're a bit tight. I think 8 or 10 pounds could really take care of this.
Dream Goal: A 50-80% reduction in the need for thigh burn care -- I HATE thigh burn.
Dream Goal: A 50-80% reduction in running shorts bunch-up -- It's real annoying. Smaller thighs might make a difference.
Dream Goal: Monica's Hamstrings -- My body's version, of course. They're sweet!
So, those are the goals. As you can tell, I don't care much about how much I weigh. I just want to slim down and tone up.
Liz
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
The Payette Lake Run
Greetings, Runners!
This weekend's Payette Lake Run was most spectacular. The view was pretty and the group did a FABULOUS job at the race. (Monica, Murali, Jenny, Brittney, Dave, and maybe somebody I can't remember all placed!) The biggest perks for me were a) I seemed to be the only member of the group not particularly bothered by the hills in the run, and b) I learned so much great stuff! Below is what I learned, both about my teammates and about myself:
Here are some photos from the event
This weekend's Payette Lake Run was most spectacular. The view was pretty and the group did a FABULOUS job at the race. (Monica, Murali, Jenny, Brittney, Dave, and maybe somebody I can't remember all placed!) The biggest perks for me were a) I seemed to be the only member of the group not particularly bothered by the hills in the run, and b) I learned so much great stuff! Below is what I learned, both about my teammates and about myself:
- Team Apex kicks ass!
- Monica is really funny when she's drunk! She's really cuddly, too, and it's really sweet.
- Kevin is going to kind of miss getting stalked when all this scariness is over.
- Put together on a team, Dave and I can kick anybody's butt at any game requiring knowledge of trivia or of the English language or music, writing, or just about anything else.
- Jenny Josephson needs to be around more.
- Scott's a very loyal and devoted friend.
- I have actually grown past the point where I freak out if left in the constant presence of lots of people without opportunity to leave.
- Murali is freakin' competitive.
- Jory makes great Costco carrot cake, too!
- Melissa didn't have the runs like I thought she did at the end of the race.
- Mikey's still my favorite!
- Beth is a great teammate, even if she can't tell when I have sped up!
- Kevin only likes people who are to his left.
- Brittney is solid muscle.
- Nobody snores!
- I don't get much sleep when I'm trying to sleep on the floor.
- Everybody likes pie.
Here are some photos from the event
As for me, I think the race went rather well. My lungs hurt just a tad at the end. But I ran through it, I was constant, I found a friend to run with, and she kept me going. My time was around 1:18, so I think I did around 9 1/2 minute miles. I think that's okay.
Also, I have gained my post-marathon poundage! I can tell from the pictures I took (which I will post here shortly) because my face is bigger and pants are tighter, etc. SO! I'm on a new mission. I can't exactly record what I ate today, since it consists of coffee, a breakfast burrito from that Pancake place, and a bowl of granola with fruit. (The granola is mostly nuts. It's homemade. My dad makes it with Splenda and it's TO DIE for!)
But I'll be drinking lots of water to the end of the day and start bright and early tomorrow, too!
Love you all! Write later!
Liz
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
