Fun Day Friday: Quick List Edition

I've got about 20 minutes to write this since I'm going to a big networking meeting today! Still on the job hunting wagon, but I'm hoping not much longer. So I can't be late. But I wanted to write because...let's face it...I always want to write.

So here it goes: My random thoughts on this Friday.

• 5K tomorrow. There is a possibility I will have make-up on since I put my "full face" on today for this meeting. But let me clarify...It will be the slept in make-up that makes an appearance at the 5K. Slept in, not fresh faced.
• I'm in the Baggo Throwdown this weekend, too. The 5K will be a cake walk compared to the baggo tournament. It doesn't seem like throwing bean bags would be difficult. And in reality, it's very easy to throw one. But I find it terribly hard to get my bean bags where I want them to go. This comes from years of watching boys play, and said boys would not let us girls play because we are girls. Dumbest thing ever. My partner has never played before. And we don't really know the rules. We are going out in the first round. Whatev.
• Foam rolling hurts like a bitch. There is no other way to get around saying that word because that is the only way to explain it. I will dedicate a whole post to foam rolling in the near future. But just so we're clear...It hurts like a bitch. And I've almost cried several times while foam rolling my quads.
• Did I say we are practicing for the baggo tournament tonight? Because we are. Don't ask me why (see two bullets above for explanation.) we are practicing. But I feel good about it. Maybe we will get some beginners luck.
• I need a haircut. The horse tail is out of control. Out of control. I'm teetering on the line of hippy. Really on the edge.
• My favorite month starts on Monday. OCTOBER is almost here. I love October. That's when the leaves start changing colors, and running outside is the most enjoyable.
• #FlashbackFriday: College Edition

This was taken right at the end of us singing "I'm on a Boat" at the top of our lungs. You're welcome.

Happy Friday!!!

Sharing the Love with Arkansas Outside

I'm over at Arkansas Outside today. I wrote a little ditty about Asher's 5K. So take a gander over there. I'm pretty sure it's some of my best work. I know it's some of my most heartfelt work.

Lisa and Joe have done an awesome job with the site, and they work hard to promote and cover outdoor events all across the state. So if you love to be outside and you live in Arkansas, the Web site is a perfect fit for you.

I met Lisa at the Arkansas Women Bloggers Conference. When she told me she and her husband travel all over the state writing about running, biking, kayaking, etc., you have to know I was drooling all over myself. Clearly, it's my dream job.

So show Arkansas Outside some love today. And show Joe and Lisa some love because they work really hard to provide us outdoor enthusiasts with amazing content. So follow them on twitter @arkansasoutside and like their Facebook page.

Questionable Choices

I don't think I've told you, but I enjoy an apple after every training run.

Today's apple is quite the delight since I made the questionable decision to run outside at noon while it's a ripe 88 degrees. I'm lucky I didn't burst into flames.

I'm not sure what compelled me to run at noon. Clearly it goes against my best judgment. Every experienced runner knows not to run at noon in temperatures above 70 degrees. Period. There is no arguing with that logic.

And not only did I decide to run at noon, but I also decided it would be a brilliant idea to do speed work. At noon. In the 88 degree heat. Again, not my best choice.

When I got to the trails, I should have known not to go through with it considering it was me and the crickets. Not a car or human in sight. (Seriously, rethinking it now as I write it makes it sound so much worse because it really is a dumb thing to do.)

As I'm stretching, beads of sweat rolled down my neck. Disgusting. Hadn't even moved yet. So I changed my plans of speed work to a 3 mile tempo run, and I took off.

Y'all, it's so hot the animals weren't even out. No deer. No snakes. No nothing. Just me, the crickets and the huge flying grasshoppers.

I spent mile one playing a game of dodge the huge man-eating grasshoppers. Seriously, why do they have scissors for legs? I think one cut me. By the time my walk break came, I was beyond hot, but I was keeping a steady pace.

So I kept going knowing that mile two would be more in the shade. For this mile, I played a game of don't vomit because the smell of pine trees intensifies due to the excessive heat. Pine is not my favorite smell. Definitely not even close.

Mile three was a test of sheer will power. Mentally, I wanted to quit. The heat was extreme. The shade was no more. The smell of pine lingered in my nose. And just as I decided I would walk the last half mile, a girl in a hot pink top and matching shorts with full make-up jaunted right by me as if I was standing still.

Ahhhhhhh, hell no.

Something inside me died. And I think it was a touch of my sanity. Stupid make-up wearing sassy pants gave me the little extra something to push the pine smell and heat wave out of my mind. And somehow, only God knows how, I made it the whole three miles.

Here are my stats:

Time: 35:21
Distance: 3.0 miles
Best Pace: 9:18 (pretty sure it was due to sassy pants wearing the make-up or the pine smell don't vomit game)
Average Pace: 11:48 (much better)
Calories: 352

You can call me crazy, and that might be accurate. But I think my questionable decisions turned out for the best. At least they did today.

Tell me about your questionable decision that turned out alright. I love a good story.

From Long Run to Recovery

I've made it to what I would call a milestone this week. I ran 18 miles total for the week. I did two long runs this week due to rain. I'm pretty proud of myself. But Saturday I did a six mile long run. To date, six miles (really 6.1 miles) is the farthest I've ever ran.

It's a really great feeling to know I can still do it. And I'm even more pumped because all the long runs from now on will be milestones in my running life. Each distance will add a mile to the farthest I've ever ran. I'm in uncharted waters people, and I'm thrilled.

Here are my stats from this week's long run:
Distance: 6.0 miles
Time: 1:13:16
Best Pace: 9:13
Average Pace: 12:13
Calories: 693

This long run was super special to me. My mom came up to run with me. I love getting to spend time with her. But running with her is extra special. She is one of the reasons I started running. She is training for the full marathon, and this past week was her recovery week. So she only had to run eight miles.

I'm pleased to report I felt good running the six miles. I was in the zone. Ever since I ran my first 10K back in November, I've loved the distance. 6.1 miles is just enough. I'm not 100 percent sure, but I think I had a negative split on this run. I'm pretty sure I was faster on the last three miles than the first three. Negative splits are super awesome, and I'm pretty proud of that fact.

I'm starting week 4 of training, and it's my first recovery week. Basically I will run 3 miles for each run this week. So my long run will be a 5K. A very important 5K. Asher's race is this weekend. I'm super excited about it. I can't wait to see who all comes out to support her.

On a different note, I was reading a magazine, and I ran across this article.

So much is wrong with this. The article suggested wearing just a sports bra to show off your curves and neon tennis shoes to elongate the legs. I'm not even going to get into their thoughts on underwear. But I turned the page and got the biggest shock of all.

The only time you will find me working out with make-up on is if I run in the evening and I put make-up on that morning. There is no way in hell I would put make-up on before I went to run. No way. I mean that is just ridiculous. Plus waterproof mascara is bad for your lashes. Just saying.

I think the gym is one place where you can get a pass for not looking your best. I mean it's all about sweat. If you still look cute, you didn't work out hard enough. It's all about sweat. Not make-up.

On today's agenda:

• Foam rolling
• Grocery shopping
• Cleaning
• Laundry
• Writing
• Cooking something yummy for dinner

What's on your agenda?

How was your weekend?

Zoning Out

I did something kinda dumb the other day. I had to run 4 miles of speedwork. And I thought the temperature was going to stay in the mid 70s. Ummmm....Note to self: Check the weather.

I made the mistake of running in the heat of the day. Now it was nothing like the heat of summer. But still. It was hot. Four fast miles in the mid 80s is tough stuff. (I say fast, but we all know that is a relative term.)

Here are my stats:

Distance: 4 miles
Time: 48:35
Best Pace: 9:23 (no idea how that happened)
Average Pace: 12:09 (much more like normal)
Calories: 443

The miles felt good. Speedwork outside always seems to go by really quick. There are so many things to trick your brain into thinking it's not so bad. I change the pace every minute. I strive to hit 10:30 - 11:00 for one minute. Then slow down to 12:00 -12:30 pace for one minute. Then back up to 10:30 - 11:00 for one minute. Then I let myself walk fast for one minute. I did the three minute intervals for three miles.

I'm training myself to zone out. I want to trick my mind as much as I can for as long as I can. I think it will help me be mentally stronger toward the end of my race. I don't want to be mentally stressing at mile 4 on race day. Talk about a race day downer.

I also wore my Injinji toe socks the other day. And I have to say I really like them when my shoes are on. They feel super weird without shoes. And right before I took this picture I thought people aren't gonna want to see my alien toes. Seriously, they are that long. Disgusting, I know. Don't rub it in.

But I had to show you the socks. Over the past year or so, I've gotten blisters on the tip of my second toe on my right foot. Random place to get a blister. But I've noticed when I wear these socks I don't get a blister or add to the callus on the tip of my toe. I also like the thickness of the socks and the fact that they wick away a lot of moisture, which was good since it was a sweat fest of a run.

Yesterday was my off day. So I didn't run. But I did get to see Boom Kinetic play outside in the middle of downtown Little Rock.

It was the perfect way to spend an off day. I'm super pumped for their new album to come out. "City Ocean" is my new favorite Boom Kinetic song. So if you are in the Northwest Arkansas area or the Little Rock area, be on the lookout for a Boom Kinetic show. The band is full of cool dudes who love to play great music. Definitely check them out. So. Much. Fun.

Who's running today?
This girl. Three miles. Long run tomorrow with my mom. Yippie.

Weekend plans?

Stories from the Treadmill

Do you know how difficult it is to take a picture while running on a treadmill?

I have no idea what that says. I can make out a 31:15 time, and I know I did a 5K. But I have no idea about the pace or any of that stuff. And I thought I was being so proactive by taking this photo. Schucks.

We've had a good bit of rain here in the Big City. So running outside has been non-existent. But that doesn't mean I haven't been running because I definitely have been.

I did a two mile fartlek (speedwork, which was really three miles) on the treadmill Saturday. I wore my blue Brooks Adrenaline 12s I bought in New Orleans at the race expo.

I usually wear my pink ones that look just the same. But for some reason I put on the blue ones. While they are the same make and model of the shoe, the pink and the blue ones feel completely different on my feet.

By the time I finished my speedwork, my left shin and right ankle were screaming in pain. I had noticeable aches and pains I never have after running three miles. It's the shoes. Blue is completely different. I came home and put one of the pink ones on to compare. I could be crazy, but I don't think so. The pink one just felt better.

On Monday, it was still raining. And I had to run five miles. I couldn't put it off any longer, or I would be behind on the runs for this week. So I went back to the ole treadmill that only stays on for 20 minutes. I set it on the 5K setting so I would have to worry about the distance, not the time.

I'm happy to report I ran five miles. I only walked for a minute or so (and I say or so because I had to take into account the instance my treadmill shut off after I finished 3.1 miles) in between each mile. It took me about an hour or so. I tried to keep my pace right at 12:00, but I ran mile 3 at an 11:30 pace. And I wore my pink shoes. They made all the difference.

I didn't start to feel the burn until I was running my fourth mile. And that is how it's suppose to be. I love knowing the training plan I'm following is working.

Adding a mile to the long run each week is the perfect way to add to your fitness. The final mile is the one that builds your strength and endurance. And honestly, it's not so bad...if you've been doing all your training runs during the week the way you should.

I am excited I don't have to spend anymore time on the treadmill this week. The weather is too good right now to not be running outside. So I'm going to take advantage of that this week.

I'm running today. Speedwork. Three miles, which really is four miles considering the half mile warm-up and cool down. And I love the fact that I can run any time today because the weather is just right to be outside.

I'm also thrilled to tell you I get to run with my mom this weekend. I have a six mile long run, and she has an eight mile long run (she's in her recovery week). I love getting to run with her. I can ask her 600 million questions about different things as we run. Get ready, Mom!

What's new with you?

Have you been taking advantage of this awesome weather?

I Make Omelets

I love to cook. It's basically my favorite hobby. Well, it goes hand in hand with running. I love them equally. But running is a love-hate relationship sometimes. Cooking is just a pure love relationship.

That having been said, making an omelet terrifies me. I attempted omelet making one time, and I ended up making the ugliest scrambled eggs ever. I'm embarrassed to even say that. But seriously they were the ugliest scrambled eggs I've ever seen in my life. Too much oil in the pan. Wet and gray in color. I'm gagging just thinking about it.

Needless to say, not my finest moment in the kitchen. So ever since then I've shied away from omelets. I thought too hard to make. Too much room for error. And considering my first attempt being a complete and utter failure, I just couldn't face the eggy treat again.

I'm a weirdo, and for some reason scrambled eggs don't appeal to me. I love a fried egg, poached egg, boil egg, but not plain ole scrambled eggs.

Over the past month or so, my mom has been making post-run omelets and sending me pictures. And they always look so dang good.

Since omelets have veggies and cheese in them, it's not a plain ole plate of scrambled eggs, and that seems like a delight in every bite. The problem is I always think back to the gray veggie scrambled eggs that almost made me vomit just looking at them.

Today I hit a milestone in the kitchen. I made an omelet. A legit omelet.

And it was flipping delicious.

What is in my omelet, you ask? Two eggs, orange bell pepper, purple onion, mushrooms, spinach, basil, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.

This omelet could be one of my best creations yet. And it turned out so gourmet. And did I mention it was delicious?

Talk about a veggie and protein packed breakfast. And I paired it with two cups of coffee. Can't beat that.

I'm shooting for a 5 mile long run tomorrow. And I have a feeling this will be my post-run delight. And when I say I'm shooting for a run tomorrow...I'm not sure if it will happen because of this.

The rain is coming. It rained steady last night. And it looks like the bottom could fall out at any minute. I am going to do my speedwork for this week today. I have to run, regardless if it rains or not. I may have to run more than three days next week, but that's fine. We must sacrifice for the training. It will be worth it.

I'm not sure if this positive attitude comes from the fabulous breakfast I made this morning, or if all the episodes of The Biggest Loser re-runs are starting to reprogram my brain. Who knows for sure?

Weekend plans? Tell me about 'em!

Fun Day Friday: Random Thoughts

First thing: Boulevard Bread Company has the best chocolate brioche, breakfast sandwiches and lattes on the planet. I was on breakfast duty this morning so I brought Susan a good spread of yummy treats.

When the Bit asked what I brought I told her chocolate brioche. She said, "Eewww, yuck. I don't want to eat chocolate britches."

I didn't even try to correct her. There is no sense in it. Plus it was funny. So I just went with it. Susan and I halved the chocolate britches.

Second thing: My oldest and dearest friend is coming to the Big City. I can't wait to see her and spend some quality time with her.

 



Good ole Shannon is coming to the city for a dental conference. And after that we are going to paint the town red. Or go out to eat somewhere. And maybe rent a movie. Because we're cool like that.

 

Third thing: I want tacos and guacamole again. These tacos and guacamole to be exact.



 

I dream about these tacos and guacamole all the time. I can't even describe how much I love them. Chipotle has figured it out. The winning combination. I would push someone down for this meal.

 

Fourth thing: The ole weather app on my phone has lightning bolts for the next three days. I have a five mile long run to do this weekend. And if it rains, I'm not sure I'll do a long run on a treadmill that only stays on for 20 minutes at a time. It just shuts off after 20 minutes. I will have to re-start it three to four times to get that long run finished. That will be interesting.

 

Fifth and final thing: Bit got a donor bone. And we are so thankful. There will be a post dedicated to this topic in the next few days. So hold your breath and wait patiently....I can't wait to tell you all about it. But the kid got a bone so we are totally kicking this cancer business. 



Hills Are Not What I Remember

Let's talk about hill work. Specifically the Big Dam Bridge. More like damn bridge. I think I was mentally more confident than I should have been. The mind is a powerful thing, but that bridge is more powerful.

Those dang inclines...I can't even begin to tell you how slow I was. I was trudging. Trudging up those inclines. At the pace that I usually walk. Can I even call it running? It's too close and too hard to say. There goes my self esteem. Trudging....Who does that? I have no excuse.

Here are my stats:

Distance: 3 miles over the Big Dam Bridge and back

Time: 37:19

Best Pace: 10:00

Average Pace: 12:27

Calories: 319

I felt really good about the run when I started. I knew I had eaten the right foods, and I was anxious to have a good run considering the terrible one I had on Sunday. But the first ascent up the mountainous bridge was very humbling. My calves were screaming at me. And while I felt like I was booking it right on up that hill, my watch was less impressed with me. I was in the 14s. So freaking slow.

I was the Little Engine that could. I think I can. I think I can.

I told myself on the way back that my last mile would be faster. And I set a goal to finish in under 40 minutes. Seriously, the hills were a bit too much. I ended up finishing under my goal, and I know I can only get better from there.

When I finished I was greeted with the best sunset I've seen in a long time.

The picture doesn't really do it justice. But I had to show you.

I also stuffed my face with apple slice on my way home so I wouldn't have another episode.

Being a reactive hypoglycemic really has its downfalls. But the apple was just the right choice for a post run snack. It was cool and juicy. I've been loving the Envy apples lately. You should get some. They're pretty tasty.

On a completely random note, I babysat Asher yesterday. And right before nap time, she wanted me to read her this book.

I feel like this book, especially the kid on the cover, should induce nightmares. He is creepy. And what kid wants to read about body parts as a pre-nap time treat? I'll tell ya again. That kid is an old soul in a little kid's body.

She starts chemo again today. Round 6. Keep her in your prayers. We need a smooth visit.

Tell me something good.

Reactive Hypoglycemia and Running

Back in June, I found out I am a reactive hypoglycemic. And the way I found out was super scary. The experience included me passing out in a public place, vomiting on a super cute guy who smelled like an angel (yes, that was necessary to tell you), hitting my head on the concrete floor and making my mom drive to Little Rock at 2:30 in the morning. Could I be any more dramatic?

Y'all I can't make this up. It was scary. We had no idea what was going with me. And then I sat through the longest blood glucose test, almost puked on a nurse, cried my eyes out, and then went home and took a four hour nap. Yep, it happened.

After my diagnosis, I felt better because I knew I could control it somewhat. It's the type of hypoglycemia that is controlled by diet. So I moved from 2-3 meals a day to 5-7 small meals a day. And it worked. I feel good. I do.

But half marathon training has changed my body once again. I am now burning more calories because I am running regularly again. More running means more food. And I proved this to myself last night after my weekly long run.

I ran 4 miles last night. I've done it before and felt fine. But yesterday was strange.

Here are my stats (which I wasn't too excited about):
Distance: 4.0 miles
Time: 51:14
Best Pace: 10:14
Average Pace: 12:49
Calories: 407

The first two miles were golden. No pain. Nothing out of the ordinary. The last two miles were mentally and physically terrible. And I couldn't really pinpoint why.

I noticed my vision seemed a little watery, but I didn't think anything of it because it's that time of year for minor allergies. So I ran on. When I finished I felt some shortness of breath, but I thought it was just because I'd lost a lot of fitness.

I called my mom on my way home to lament over my terrible time. I use to be so much faster. I couldn't believe that this was the time I use to run 5 miles. How did I lose one whole mile?

Instead of going straight home, I went to Kroger to get some stuff to make a veggie pizza. When I was checking out I noticed I was having a hard time focusing on the stickers on my produce. It took a lot of concentration to get those typed into the register. (I always self check out....just easier.)

By the time I got home, the peripheral vision in my right eye was blurry and looked a lot like the black and white fuzzy screen on a TV. And that was when I realized I was having a hypoglycemic episode.

So I drank a small glass of milk. And within five minutes my vision was fine. But I knew I had to eat something fast. The whole time I prepared my pizza was a mental battle. I couldn't focus. It was like I knew what I needed to do, but I had to concentrate so hard to do it.

I had a 10 minute wait for my pizza to cook. So I ate some chips and drank some water. Then suddenly a severe headache took over. Sharp, stingy pains. I ate half of my pizza. Drank more water. Felt super sick. Like I was going to throw up. My head and stomach ached, and I was freezing.

I ran a hot bath. And just laid in the tub. I had no energy. And I was super sleepy. Just felt like blah.

And then I started to feel better.

All of this happened over the course of an hour. The onset of symptoms, the meal and recovery time took one excruciatingly painful hour. By 10 p.m. I was completely back to normal. No vision problems. No nausea. No headache. No stomach pains. No lack of concentration. Still tired, but basically normal.

Life Lesson Learned: Eat more before a long run. Eat something right after a long run. Eat a well-balance dinner after the post run snack. Always wear that dang ID bracelet (which I forgot to put on before the run).

Additional notes: Always tell someone where you are going to run. I called my mom and the roommate. I always tell the roommate, but now it's even more important that she knows where I choose to run if she's not there with me. If I had had a full hypoglycemic episode, I couldn't have told her where I was.

This is serious stuff. And I am taking it serious. It's so crazy how my body reacts to stuff now. And it's scary how fast it can happen.

I kind of hate it. I wish my body would burn sugar like a normal person. It's one of those things I have to be constantly watching. I don't have to take my blood sugar, which is a good thing because I'd pass out every time I had to prick my own finger. But it's still super frustrating.

If you are like me and need some support, please let me know. I would love to talk to you about it.

And for my family who is reading this and probably freaking the eff out, please try not to worry. My number one goal is to be healthy and smart about running. I love running and want to run this half marathon. And I will do it. I just have to be smart about what I eat and when I eat.

Little Rock friends/runners, who wants to run with me?

Has anything like this ever happened to you? Tell me about it.

The Day I Lost The Book

I don't know about you, but I have a book where I write things down. Most people would call it a planner or a date book. I call it The Book.

The Book is vital to my daily life. I use it all the time. It keeps me organized. Yesterday my good friend called to ask what I was doing next weekend. I said I'd have to check The Book. I started looking for it, but I couldn't find it.

You wanna talk about a panic attack. Well I'm pretty sure I had one. I frantically searched for the book while trying to talk to her on the phone. I bound down the stairs and out to my car. No book. The book was nowhere to be found. Which was weird because I had used it that day.

Then I realized I left it sitting on my old desk when I went to visit my fabulous co-workers. And I basically had another panic attack. What if someone took it? Who would take a very used day planner? Y'all, I was terrified.

See...it's not just any ole day planner. It brown and cream giraffe print with a green trim. Very cute. Who wouldn't want it? Especially for free...

I was seriously sweatin' over this dang planner. I guess I'm just sentimental. I've had it since college. And you just take out the planner when the year ends and put in a new one. But the cover remained the same. I mean it's my book.

How pathetic is that? I was basically mourning the loss of my book. I called all my co-workers and asked them to look for it on my old desk. And at 7 a.m. I got the best text message saying that the book was safe and sound. The sky opened, angels sang and beams of light from heaven shined down on my book.

I think part of my paranoia came from my late night run and inability to fall asleep. Hoot owls got nothing on me. Ain't even funny. At 2 a.m. I was convinced I could break into my old office and get my book before the cops could get there. Hello, crazy!!!!!! (Although I did set the alarm off once when I worked there and the cops never came.)

Day 3 of half marathon training:

A three mile tempo run.

Here are my stats:
Distance: 3.0 miles
Time: 37:45
Best Pace: 11:00
Average Pace: 12:35
Calories: 321

This run looks a lot like my speedwork from Tuesday. So I think that means I need to set it up and kick my butt a little bit more that I did this week.

The three miles went by a bit slower than Tuesday's run. I felt sloshy. Seriously. My stomach made sloshy noises. Probably from the six tons of water I drank in preparation. Note to self: Sloshy stomach makes for an uncomfortable run.

I'm super thankful today is my off day. I am going to the Gallery of Hope to support the Bit. And after that, it's Boom Kinetic time.

Full Boom recap tomorrow....if you haven't been before you should definitely check them out. Too much fun. Too much good music. Party on!

Four mile long run tomorrow....who's in? Pretty soon they will be much longer than four miles....so run with me in these early days, please!!!!!

Ting's Mom wrote an awesome post about Asher!!! THANK YOU KAREN!!!!! If you haven't checked out Karen's blog, definitely pay her a visit. She is pretty amazing!!!!

Hope you peeps have a fabulous weekend!!! Party on!

Speedwork Distractions

Tuesday night it was 96 degrees when I got out of my car to do some speedwork. I think 96 degrees and speedwork should never be used in the same sentence...ever.

Going into the run I had a pretty solid plan on how it would. And lucky for me this time it actually did go as planned.

Day Two of half marathon training: Two mile fartlek.

Here are my stats:
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 37:22
Best Pace: 9:49 (probably when I ran by a snake...it happened.)
Average Pace: 12:28
Calories: 321

I thought for sure this run was going to be terrible because of the heat and my out-of-shapeness that has happened over the summer. But I was pleasantly surprised.

I had to watch the time because my pace would change every minute. I had to watch the pace so I remained consistent on the speeds I was aiming for each minute. And I had to watch the distance so I'd know when to cool down. Lots of bright and shiny things in the run to keep my mind occupied.

Distractions are a good way to keep your mind off the pain that comes with running fast and slowing down and speeding up again. It could have been a complete disaster, but it wasn't. Thank the good Lord.

Today's run is a 3 mile tempo run. I still haven't decided what that means for me yet. I need to converse with running guru aka my mom. She wrote my plan, and I'm not exactly sure what she wants me to do on this tempo run. I feel so brand new. Eekk.

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Switching gears:

• The Stuttgart Daily Leader wrote a great article about Asher's upcoming fundraiser. If you want to read it, go here. If you need a registration form, comment below with your e-mail address.
• The Gallery of Hope is Friday. I hope you got a ticket. I will be there. It's going to be a good time.
• Boom Kinetic is also happening Friday at the Rev Room. Please, if you haven't gone before, go and have the time of your life. It really is the most fun ever. Good people. Good music. Good times.

What are your plans for the weekend?

Who wants to run with me?

St. Jude, Here I Come

Happy September, Friends!!!

I hope everyone tries to get involved with some local efforts to raise awareness for childhood cancer. September is the month to do this. If you want ways to get involved, feel free to ask me. I know plenty of ways to get plugged in.

I went for a run last night. Three easy miles. But it was different than a normal three mile run because it was the first run of my half marathon training plan. Can you believe it's already time to start training? Y'all I have to get my mind right and wrapped around this.

Here are my stats:

Distance: 3 miles

Time: 38:48

Best pace: 11:04

Average pace: 12:56

Calories: 283

Now let me explain these stats. This three mile easy run was suppose to be my long run for the weekend. So long runs can be at whatever pace you feel comfortable so can get through the miles. Don't worry there will be plenty of speedwork and hill work in this training plan.

But last night it was 97 degrees when I got out of my car to stretch at 7 p.m. I guess I haven't been taking advantage of these cooler warm days the last few weeks. 97 degrees when the sun is setting. Wow. But I had to run.

A half mile into my run my legs felt like lead. Heavy. Not fun to pick up and put back down. Then I started to loosen up. I felt good. Nearing mile 1 I thought maybe I should keep going and run to 1.5 before taking a one-minute walk break. Something said don't over do it. So I took the break at mile one.

At the turn around point (mile 1.5), I felt good. Hot, but good. I turned around and headed back toward my car.

I need to mention I start all runs running away from the sun as it's setting so I can run in the cooler, less hot sun on the way back when I'm more tired. It's a very good theory. Really.

So I turned around at 1.5 miles to face the sun. My usual tactic. There was no breeze. The sun was relentless. At mile 2, I took my last one-minute walk break. I felt too hot. But I was determined to not quite on this silly 3 miler I'd run so many times before. How pitiful would it have been to quit a run on the first day of half marathon training? So pathetic.

The last mile was terrible, mentally terrible. My body felt good. Stride was good. Breathing felt normal. Not gasping for breath. But my brain was messing with me something fierce. And did I mention the heat. My head literally got so hot. At one point I thought it may explode from the unbelievable hotness that was put off from the shining ball of lava in the sky.

Lesson from the run: Stop being a pansy. I need to become mentally tougher. And the only way to do that is more running. Which I see a lot of in my future.

All in all, I'd call it a victory in the running books. I didn't stop, aside from my two one-minute walk breaks at each mile. And I worked through the lead legs and mental meltdown.

Tomorrow (Tuesday, September 4) I will run a two mile fartlek. Fartlek is just a fancy word for speedwork. Not at all to be misconstrued with passing gas or bowel problems of any kind. My plan is one minute fast jog, one minute slow jog, one minute fast jog, one minute walk over the course of two miles.

I have a feeling it's going to be another hot one. And I don't think running in the morning or evening will really matter. Hot is hot.

Tell me about your weekend?