Pac-Man Run

I know, I know, I haven't blogged in a couple days. I've been taking a little bit of 'me' time.

I've got some good news though. After my last post on Wednesday night, I woke up Thursday morning feeling super motivated. I jumped right out of bed eager to try out my new running shoes. I decided it would not be a long run, but a run where I tested my limits. During my runs over the past few weeks, I have allowed myself to stop for a few minutes here and there to catch my breathe, or stretch my extremely tight calves. On Thursdays run however, I wanted to push myself and I thought the best way to do that would be to not stop moving NO MATTER WHAT.

At every light, I changed direction and kept running. It made for a very interesting route - something Pac-Man would have enjoyed. Every time I wanted to stop, I reminded myself of my last blog post about pushing your limits. I want to thank everybody who's been reading my blog, because if it wasn't for you I would not have been worried about letting anyone down. The amount of views I've received since I started this blog is amazing (over 2,000) - and you guys hold me accountable. It's incredibly motivating.

Because I pushed my limits on that run, I made the best time I think I have so far - 4.5K in 25 minutes. I've set a new goal as a result. If I can run 5k in 20 minutes, then I could do 10k in 40 - which means I could do 20k in 1 hour and 20 minutes. I know that it may not work out that way, because we get more tired after more time running, and things can change along the way, but if I aim for the stars I can land on the moon, right?

Having support is really important. I neglected the blog for a couple of days and as a result I didn't run or train yesterday, and I don't plan to until tomorrow. I took the weekend off work and I am enjoying something called a 'Staycation' - its very trendy right now. So today is a day for R&R - but knowing that you guys are routing for me will get me back on my feet tomorrow.

Here is a sweaty picture of me after my last run. It's terribly unattractive - so maybe it'll give you a good laugh. Happy Saturday!

Check cheddar like a food inspector.

Can I tell you a secret?
Every time I think about going for run, there's a little voice in my head that says "you're not gonna make it homie". No joke, the voice in my head is a ride-till-you-die thug.

Seriously though, I know I will make it - regardless of how far I need to run, but there's always an asshole inside me tell me that I can't. I hate that little gangster. I posted this up on my fridge a while ago, before I even knew I was going to run a marathon, and I guess sub-consciously I knew I would need to look at it at some point to help me get/stay motivated.

That chick's arms are mental. Totes for real. 

There is definitely something to be said about raising the bar and pushing your limits. In anything that you do. Whether you run a marathon or knit a scarf or get a masters degree - most of us often only do what we have to. And while the bare minimum can suffice, it can also get boring. I'm guilty of it  - doing just enough to get by. What I'm learning through this challenge I've embarked on though, is that it's not necessarily about results. Pushing yourself because you CAN, and not because you HAVE TO, reaps a greater reward than an A+ or being first at the finish line. It's a golden slice of gratification only you can give yourself; it's pride, it's fulfillment, its satisfaction. And it makes you hella strong. 

You know what else is good? New shoes. No more shin splints, thank you very much. 

So tomorrow morning, I will lace up my new kicks, and I will push myself to raise the bar. And if I may, I suggest you do the same. Put on a pair of proverbial Nikes and kick ass at whatever you know you can kick ass at. Oh, and tell the little homie in your head that he/she couldn't bust a grape in a fruit fight. 

Ab Fab & The 75 Minute Run

I may be drinking a Diet Coke and watching So You Think You Can Dance right now instead of running, but that doesn't mean progress hasn't been made. I want to apologize for not posting yesterday, but in my defense I had a very busy day of training, and I just needed to crash at the end of it.

Yesterday was the day I was DREADING all week. In fact, I dreaded it so much that yesterday was actually supposed to happen on Sunday, but I flaked out because I couldn't commit. I'm talking about The 75 Minute Run. I began my day at the gym for some jump rope, incline running on the treadmill and an ab work out. It was too nice outside to not take advantage, so later in the day I went for a long bike ride. I napped for an hour around 8pm, woke up, downed a shake and met with Zoran for our first "long run". Long doesn't even begin to describe how that run felt.

When I ran a 10k last March, it took something like 58 minutes. That was the longest I had ever run, besides on a treadmill. Last night, with an almost perfect mix of Kasabian, Radiohead and Led Zeppelin on my iPod, the first 40 minutes felt fantastic. I thought to myself "hey! you're a runner! look at you go!" and then - my shins happened.

Now I don't know if it's normal to get shin splints from running for over an hour, or if I have particularly weak shins, or if my shoes are crap, but gosh darn-it THEY HURT. In any case, Zoran and I completed or 75 minute run (a total of 9.5K), and went to my place where he microwaved a slice of bacon and promptly ate it before I even saw it come out.

 Then we sat on my patio and had a cigarette. We're so smart.

I figure it's been a little over a week since I began the blog with a SCANDALOUS photo of my non-existent abs, so here is a follow up progress report in the form of iPhone photo:

I know you can't see them but I'm pretty sure there are muscles in my stomach somewhere. I felt one the other day, for a second. 

It's time for my beauty sleep. Which means I'm going to yell at my T.V for a little while and likely cry at some toilet paper commercials. 'Cause that's how I get down, yo. 

Moti-gay-tion

I usually spend my Sunday lazing around, getting my nails and feet pampered, eating unhealthy/delicious food, and ending it with a few pints of Blanche de Chambly. So you can understand my lack of enthusiasm at the prospect of eating salads and running. I will admit right away that I did not do my long run today. I DID run though.

My best friend, aka my gay boyfriend Zoran, came over around 845 to peel me off my couch after the numerous texts I sent him expressing how much I did NOT want to go for a run. But he showed up in a silly little hat and a pair of running tights - how do you say no to that? It's a little something we like to call Moti-gay-tion.

The truth is I did not partake in shakes today. I ate real food - muffins, Mexican, and cake. So the run had to happen whether I liked it or not. We ran 4K in about 30min and decided tomorrow night would be long run night. By the time we stopped for a break in Little Korea, Zoran's head was steaming like a pot. See below:

See the steam? Coming out of his little hat? HILARITY. I also wore a funny outfit, which includes but is not limited to my favorite hot pink cut off Las Vegas sweatshirt. 

Well that's it. That's all I've got for you tonight. I'm pooped (that's right, POOPED) - and Breaking Amish is on t.v. So I gotta go. 

xox 

6.67K

I'm fighting my sick with Immunity FX, rest, OJ, and lots of agua. 

This morning when I woke up I felt pretty strong - then I saw Gwen Stefani on the cover of a magazine and thought to myself "man, she looks tough". So I got dressed in my coolest running outfit and did some sit ups while watching Knocked Up. 

See pictorial evidence here: 

I look just like her right? Remember when my hair was bleach blonde like that and I had that funny little top knot on top of my head? Seems as though Miss Stefani is biting my style, just a bit. 

After almost borrowing the strangest looking pair of headphones from my hilarious neighbor, I set off on my run. I decided that following the "Discovery Walk" path through the park near my house was the best route to bring me to my intended destination. It hadn't occurred to me, of course, that I really had no idea where the "Discovery Walk" takes you. I soon discovered that I was lost. Turns out I went in the complete opposite direction of where I wanted to go - but you know what? It added an extra 10 minutes to my run, and that's just great. 

For those of you who would like to track times, today I ran 6.67K, in about 40min. Not amazing. I know I can go faster, I just have to smoke less. Tomorrow I will do my first "long run" (that's runners' talk, just so you know) and it will be SEVENTY FIVE MINUTES. It's daunting, to say the least. 

Stay tuned, and I'll let you know whether or not I survive. Oh, and no more Discovery Walks. 

Oh and don't forget! I'd really love to raise some money for the cause (BESIDES MY INNER THIGHS) I'm running for - The Renascent Foundation. If you would like to make a donation to our team, please click here. 

Swimsuit picture!!!!

Let me be honest. It's raining, I'm sick, and I haven't done laundry in a month.
Today was supposed to be a big day of hot yoga and running, but I've traded in my Saturday rest day for today. Also, I needed clean underwear.

Training for a marathon seems like it could be a full time job. Now I understand why celebrities and athletes look incredible all the time - training is all they do! If I could hire someone to clean my apartment, do my laundry, do my homework and write this blog - I'd look just like Bar Rafaeli. I'd grow six inches and my eye color would change too, I'm sure of it.

Here is a picture of Bar Rafaeli in place of a picture of me today. Trust me, I'm doing you a favor.

Tomorrow I PROMISE to have a more interesting post. I just need a day off for rest and personal hygiene. K?

I'm not getting sick.

I'm not.
Really, I didn't spend the day sleeping. I wasn't in a cold sweat for the entirety of my class this afternoon. I will be fine bartending for most of the evening. I feel great.

Note: All of the above are lies. Straight up, lies.

It makes perfect sense doesn't it? Murphy's Law or something or other? What a terrible law. It's funny how when you spend a whole month going out and partying and eating crappy food, you don't get sick. And then the moment you smarten up and start being healthy again, you're body's like "Yeah? Now you want to treat me right? I'll show you!"

So, I might be getting sick. I still managed to go to the gym today and skipped rope for 20 minutes on and off between ab work outs. I had big ideas about coming home and posting gratuitous ab pictures for you all - but alas, my bed was seducing me in the sweetest way.

I need your help folks - if I am getting sick then please tell me how to continue training for this marathon without making it worse. I've got a month till showtime and I don't think I really have any time to spare. Suggestions are very much welcome.


I'll be at Betty's tending bar tonight if you want to come by for a pint. I promise to smile, and not get you sick.