Weekend Warrioring

First off, have you entered my giveaway?  Because you should – it ends tonight!

Secondly,  I just wanted to recap my adventurous weekend!  I forced myself to leave the safety of my troll bridge not once, but twice this weekend.  I met up with Bobbi to explore a new trail in Deer Grove.  I was impressed by how big it was, and pleased with the variety of terrain.  There were single track forest trails, as well as a giant paved bike path.  The transition was slightly awkward though, because you leave the cave-like safety of the trees very suddenly, and are spit onto a very open prairie like bike path.  It’s about as close to being on the Serengeti as I’m ever going to get (I think??)  We didn’t start out with a specific mileage in mind, but we ended up lost repeatedly, and made our way back to our cars almost 11 miles later.  I really think Bobbi and I should go on a road trip sometime, just to see what happens. 

So, Deer Grove is awesome, but bring a compass, or a trail of bread crumbs or something, because all the trail markers are labeled black.  That or I have gone color blind.

This map is useless.  They all say black.  Seriously.

Secondly, I bribed some of my friends to come all the way out to the suburbs for the All Night Flea Market!  I didn’t mention it on here, because I had never been, and I would hate to tell people to go do something and then it turns out to be horrible.  People would be like – don’t listen to Gingerfoxxx, she has the WORST ideas.  (wait a minute – people already say that!)

Luckily, it turned out to be awesome.  I mean, being drunk and haggling over fiestaware at two am while Hacksaw Jim Duggan signs autographs in the background, awesome.  I didn’t end up buying anything this time, but there is another one in October.  Plus, it’s a great excuse to get some use out of those headlamps that are stored away with our winter running gear!  (seriously, everyone was super prepared and wearing head lamps!

Matt met Chewbacca - look at the wonder in his eyes!

That was a lot of interaction for me for one day, so I spent most of Sunday binge-watching “Orange is the New Black” and it was divine.  Laura Prepon is a revelation.  And Kate Mulgrew ain’t bad either!

No seriously, it is.

I'm just really glad to have interacted with other human beings this weekend.  And to run with someone that isn't Matt or Waffles!  (no offense guys)  

Have you seen Orange is the New Black?

The stress fracture scare of 2013

I was a little lax on my blogging last week.  Two reasons:  

1.  Rachel and I put hella man hours into Team Run for HD.  I think its going to be a really awesome fundraising year for us, and we already have a few great events on the calendar!  So pumped!  (and exhausted!)

2.  I started having foot pain.  Not like "awwww, my feet are sore", but more of a "this spot feels broken" sort of pain.  Obviously, having just run two races i was severely undertrained for, my mind instantly jumps to stress fracture.  (for the record, i thought i had skin cancer the previous week, but it turned out to be melted chocolate.  Because thats normal too.) I think i jumped to that conclusion because that's the worst thing that could happen right now.  I am starting to feel great about running finally, because i am not stressed or beating myself up, and i am enjoying the shorter, faster runs without a marathon looming in the near future.

Don't fear, Ragnar teammates, it's most likely not a stress fracture.  But i do have a dilemma on my hands.  Between roller derby, running, and summer walking, my feet will only allow me two out of three.

The helmet is filling in for my skate because i am too lazy to walk down the street and get my skate out of the car

We all know running is hard on the feet.  And so is roller derby - you shove your feet in uncomfortable skates, and you stretch all those foot muscles as you try to stay standing.  And then summer sandals - don't get me started (or even worse - toms! so painful!).  I have a desk job, so it's not like i am on my feet all day, but i do spend a lot of time strolling the streets with waffles, and gladiator sandals do not provide the foot support you would assume they would with a name like gladiator sandals.

Which two would you choose?  I am naturally going to kiss my fashionable sandals goodbye.  But i am not happy about it.  What am i supposed to wear all summer?  Don't they make supportive sandals?  Like nurses shoes in sandals form??

Woe is me.

But seriously - what is on your feet this summer?  Or should i just make a statement and go barefoot everywhere?

a forwardish motion

True story - I started this post Sunday night.  Have you ever had one of those days that feels like your Monday is dragging, and lunch will never come, and then you realize it's actually Wednesday already?  Yeah.  That's what my week has been like

If you've reading my blog, first off, i'm sorry - because this blog is lame.  But you will have noticed that i have been having a bad time keeping my running and training on track.  I would love to say that now, post marathon, it is a new day, and i can start fresh, and blah blah blah blah.  But the truth is, we are still going through a lot of changes over here.  Matt is starting his new job, and we are going to have to move this summer.  Change is stalking me.  But i am proud that over the past few turbulant months, I have managed to keep up with about 20 miles a week.  Granted it should be more like 50, but sometimes that is just not in the cards.

So, looking ahead, i can promise you nothing more than a somewhat forwardish motion.  My next race on schedule is Ragnar, so at the very least - there will be double run days.  I actually enjoy doubling up on runs.  I just don't have time usually for an 8-10 mile midweek run unless i wake up at 4am, or stay up past my 10pm bedtime.  But, i can usually swing breaking it up into a morning and evening run.  I really need to focus on bringing my mileage up this summer, and improving the quality of the miles.  It doesn't help that summer is the worst time ever for me for training.  The heat, the sun, the pollen - blergh.

Just to prove i am still running, i have started forcing people to run with me as proof - I got to run with Bobbi on Saturday, and my newly-wed friend Eric on Sunday! Eric and i hit the trails down in Palos, where i stubbed my toe so bad i flew face first into a pile of leaves.  Now my good toe is also turning black.  Totally ready for this trail marathon in August.  TOTALLY.

And just to keep this as a running blog, (on a technicality) i ran last night.  And i saw a deer.  And the deer was eating a cake. I didn't have my phone, but here is a reenactment of the scene.


Did i mention the cake was on a pedastool wooden display thingy?



The Mental Marathon

On Monday night, i went to Universal Sole for a fun run and training seminar put on by CARA.  I am doing the half training program this summer in preparation for the ZOOMA half marathon in August.  Some of our ZOOMA ladies showed up, as well as our sponsor, muscle milk! It was a kick off for half marathon training.  So, if you are on the lakefront Saturday mornings - look for me!

Because I am me, i missed the training run because of my inability to emotionally handle parking downtown, and ended up sitting in a corner of Universal Sole stewing.  Luckily Katie and Lauren couldn't find parking either.  Eventually the runners returned, including Kelly and Sierra, and we got down to business.  

Stole ya pic, Kelly!  Thanks!

I have been to many of these seminars, so most of the information wasn't new to me (but super helpful if you are a newish runner!)  Things like stretching, nutrition, etc.  The one new element was that they had a sports psychologist talk to us.  First off, i didn't even know there was such a thing as sports psychology, and now i want to know more about it.  Secondly, she briefly went over coping with the Boston Marathon tragedy, but mostly went over the mental aspects of training and marathoning (or half-marathoning!)  I know a lot of people (myself included) that do not perform well in the marathon distance despite being very talented runners (myself excluded).  Most of us train every muscle in our body except our minds.  (Except me - i skip my core workouts also).  So our body is physically able to keep going, but our minds freak out and we end up walking, crying, puking, drinking bloody mary's, whatever our coping mechanism is.  So really, most of it is a mental battle.

It's something i want to learn more about, and obviously, she only had 10 minutes to talk about it.  One snippet of advice she shared was to have a "power song".  A song that no matter what, you will run to. Its almost like a subconscious message to focus and get back in the game!  I have always had a power song, and it's Freebird, by lynyrd skynyrd.

Press play if you can handle the awesome.

Something about the slow start and increasing tempo just gets me to run, no matter how tired or hurting i am.  And it doesn't hurt that its like a 10 minute song.  I wont lie, during really awful training runs, i have listened to it multiple times in a row.  

Do you have a "power song"?  Have you ever heard of sports psychology??

A look on the bright side?

I'm not going to lie - I am about this close from shunning technology and joining some commune in the middle of nowhere.

Too bad i love soap so, so much.

Honestly, it's been a pretty terrible week for all of us - the news has been a non-stop stream of death and destruction.  And thats the way it works.  One thing doesn't go wrong, EVERYTHING goes wrong.  But, these super dark days usually mean something good is right around the corner.  So here are some things i am excited about.

I can't wait to have a mini vay-cay next weekend.  Even if i have to run/walk/crawl/be dragged 26 miles, its worth it for a day off.  Also, i get really excited whenever i get to use the term vay-cay, even if it pisses most people off.

I now have lakefront property, some 30 years ahead of schedule in my life plan.  So round of applause for me!

And i STILL made it to work yesterday!  VERSA POWER!!

I finally caved and bought new shoes.  A week before the marathon.  I absolutely couldn't run it in the shoes i had technically retired last november.  That, and they still smell like giardiniera, and there could be wolves up there in Amish country.

They even match the cute arm warmers i bought from Oiselle!  So as i crawl across the finish line in last place, have no fear - I will be the best dressed one there!

And lastly, i got a surprise last weekend, and got to see my old roommate, who was in town from Spain!  When your friends leave the country, you don't get to see or talk to them as much as you like, so getting to see her was definitely a highlight.  It didn't hurt that when i saw her, we were at an 80's themed house party.

Luckily, i dress like its 1983 on a regular basis.

Chin up folks - everything will soon be on an upswing! (at least it better be, this whole month as been stuck in suck town, and waffles and I are sick of it!)

What looks bright for you right now?

Gu Spew

Despite my running hiatus, i couldn't skip my long run on Saturday, even though it was supposed to be a 19 mile run.  I just couldn't.  Even if i don't make it to the start line (Highly likely) I look forward to the long run all week.  The started out really well- glorious even!  I'm so glad it is finally "less cold." For me, 40 degrees and light rain is basically ideal weather.  I had to run some of my miles before hand,   but didn't mind one bit.  Then i decided to have a Cherry Lime Roctane GU.  I do not know why i keep buying this flavor.  It does not taste like cherry, or lime, and actually tastes a little like rancid chocolate.

The run was nothing out the ordinary until about mile 16 - when i started seeing little spots.  Next thing i know, i told the group to leave me behind, and i felt that familiar gagging feeling in the back of my throat.  I ended up heaving down the lakefront path for a solid mile and a half.  If you have ever seen the show "It's always sunny in Philidelphia"  it was every bit as theatrical as Sweet Dee when she throws up.  I don't know if i should be offended that every assumed that i had drank too much the night before, or honored that they know me that well.  This time i hadn't drank at all though!  (I swear!)

Luckily, there was virtually nothing in my stomach, so it wasn't quite as embarrassing as it could have been.  The small group of people i was running with was nice enough to wait for me at water stops, but as i did not want to expose them to my body completely failing on me, i just kept screaming "Leave me behind!!"  I just wanted to be alone with my heaves!

I finally made it back to home base, where a friend was waiting for me (we carpooled). By this time, i was absolutely green, and could barely shuffle along.

By the time i got home, i just shouted at Matt to bring me ginger ale, and i laid in the bathroom for a little while.  I didn't even eat until that evening!  But when i did, i was voracious!

It was probably the sickest i have ever been on a run (DAMN YOU CHERRY LIME!!!!!)  But at least i ran 19.5 miles despite all of it!  So, victory dance for me - for the little things!!

Meat Free since '83

Ok, so thats not entirely true.  There were multiple occasions when my parents forced me to eat hot dogs, bologna, and chic nuggets.  It was against my will though.  But, while i have not been entirely meat free since '83, the Chicago Diner has!  My BFF and i went to the new Logan Square location last night, as its just a hop skip and a jump away from both of our apartments.

I indulged in the vegan reuben with sweet potato fries, and was not disappointed.  (It was a little messy though - luckily i was there with a very understanding date.

On our walk home (ok, lies.  we were walking to a bar to keep drinking)  We encountered a homeless gentleman who asked for our leftovers, so of course we obliged.  In the end, it worked out well, because i totally would have broken into that takeaway box at the bar - it's just how i roll.  So, the universe is doing a good job of stopping me from over eating when i'm not running enough to justify it. Thank you, universe!  It's actually the 30 year anniversary of the Chicago Diner, so they are having sweet giveaways all month - I highly recommend you check it out!  And call me if you do, as i am right around the corner.  

Why am still talking about food, and not talking about running?  Stretching is going well, but even if i wanted to run, my neighborhood is an obstacle course of 2 inches of ice covered in 7 inches of snow.  The city does not make it safe or easy to run in the winter.  I also have MY FIRST DAY OF WORK TODAY.  Needless to say, i have been up since 5am choosing an outfit.  Where is loop looks when you need her??

Either way, i promise to run soon.  As soon as time, biology, and mother nature stop horse-whipping me.

Hopefully i will have an interesting post for you tomorrow.  I'm trying people!  (Lies - I'm not.)

Me & Benny are outta here!

Today's a big day - It's the last day of work for me and Pope Benedict!

It's been a kind of surreal week, resulting in me doing less and less each day.  Yesterday, i went out for a two hour lunch of beer drinking.  Tomorrow, i don't even think I'll get out of bed.  Yesterday i was suffering from a terrible case of "graduation goggles" and was getting all mopey about everyone i am leaving behind - thinking maybe things weren't so bad here.  Then i spent two hours in traffic and remembered.  Oh, did i remember.  Luckily i found a pint (yes, a pint!) of candy hearts leftover from V-day to hold me over.

So it's been a very weird week.  I guess because i can't put a thought together, i will just give you the topline:

The weather sucked to drive in.

But was awesome to dance in.

I ate a falafel sandwich that had pickles and french fries on it, and it was the best decision ever

And i keep getting text messages from what appears to be a bored 15 year old boy.

Yeah, it's been a weird week.  But thus is life, and change is good -right?  I am also excited to explore running on the the southwest side, and i hope to find some nifty trails by my new job to keep me entertained.  

Come on, Benny!  It's time to ease on down the road!

et tu?

I was going to write a whiney post about how my mom is slightly bonkers and went off on me yesterday on facebook post for no legitimate reason, but i had the honor of going for a run with Kim and Anne, and honestly, it diffused all my ginger anger, and i really don't even feel like ranting any more.

Cheaper than therapy!

At least about anything serious.

Things i will rant about?

:(  I just can't get on board with this pattern/color combo.

The new Mizuno Wave Elixir 8's.

I know that as runners, our primary focus is having shoes that will protect our feet, and appearance shouldn't really matter, but i am super shallow and vain and appearance matters a lot to me!
My wave elixir 7's were so darn cute, and i ran a great and pain free marathon in them!  Why ya gonna go and change to this?  I know shoe companies need to revamp the shoe every year to boost sales, but i do not like this pattern.  Now, i am going to end up scouring the interwebs and snapping up all the wave elixir 7's like a survivalist, because this psychedelic pattern is giving me seizures.  I wish companies would consult me before they change something that i really, really like!  

Have you ever loved a shoe but disliked it's new design?  Am i just being a shallow bitch about shoe patterns?  

(Either way, i still love you Mizuno.  But seriously.  Elixir 7 hoarding starts now.)

Lame duckin'

Since i handed in my resignation at my job, i am somewhat of a lame duck.  I can't really start any new projects, but i still need to be here just incase shit blows up on any recent work.  (which it won't.  because i'm awesome.)

So, i am spending a lot of time at my desk day dreaming.  So far, i have found Matt and I's dream loft with walk in closets, a fireplace, and a rooftop garden.  I also found the perfect dress i will wear to Oscar night.  (where i will be there, with all by bff's receiving an award for just existing.)  I found a plot of land to start my goat farm in Wisconsin.  I was asked to be the new young sassy american maid for Maggie Smith in Downton Abbey.  Willy Wonka is REAL and he wants me to be the professional taster.  I'm a naturally graceful and not clumsy or awkward at all prima ballerina!  And lastly, i planned out my dream vacation to take a road trip that explores route 66 in entirety!

I'm not gonna lie, my head has been completely in the clouds this week.  
But these are all totally legit things that could happen.

Shut up, they totally could....
What are you day-dreaming about??

Oh Captain, my Captain!

Recently, i have taken on not one, but two very special ambassador roles!

I am running/ambassadoring the Espirit de She race come July!

Its a 5k & 10k in Lincoln Park on July 18th (a thursday) and it means two very important things.  
1.  Its an evening race.  I don't run many, but i know that i love them.  I am an evening runner.  This is going to be awesome.  (I am running the 10k, fyi, if you want to run along side me)  
2.  Why would you ever want to run along side me?  Because it will be my birthday race!!  This will be my very last race in the 25-29 age group, as my big 3-0 will be the Saturday after the race!

So, come run with me - i will be more than happy the share a summary of my 25-29 life, as i am sure i will have plenty of time, being the slow runner i am.  Plus Athleta is one of the sponsors, so you know the gear will be awesome.  Winning!

If you want to read the details, check out their website: http://www.espritdeshe.com/

They also have a triathlon on June 9th, for you BAMF's.  I am trying to volunteer for that event, so if you do want to run a triathlon not only will you know you are way awesomer than myself who will never ever run one, but you might get to see my gross hungover face handing you water (It's the day after Ragnar!)   

AND,

I have been selected as the ambassador for the state of Illinois for the Huntington's Disease Society of America!  I am going to Washington DC next month to crack some skulls make some senators understand how important it is to pass the Huntington's Disease Parity Act.  As far as the US government is concerned (specifically the Social Security department) HD does not warrant disability coverage.  As someone who has been directly affected by this, i am now going to make them understand how devastating it is, especially when you're terminally ill, have a family to support, and don't qualify for disability.  They have been sitting on this bill for TWO YEARS.  So i am gonna go get it done!  FOR AMERICA!!

Boom!  Ambassadoring.

C-C-C-C-C-C-Changes

On Wednesday, I snuck in a run at lunch.  This week has again been a struggle to accomplish anything,  and i just needed to move my feet for sanity's sake.  The weather was unseasonably warm (40 and sunny!)  and i had to take advantage of that perfect temperature where i can wear just a base layer of clothes, and not be hot or cold.  Thats true joy right there, folks.

Anyway, i went to my favorite path by work, the North branch trail.  But when i got there, i saw this:

All the snow (which was apparently significantly more than we got in the city!) Had melted, refrozen, melted again and formed a treacherous sheet of ice covered in slush.  If i was smart i would have abandoned the mission.  Based on this view, i had no idea how that path would be a few miles in.  I hate not knowing whats coming.  But ultimately, i decided to go for it.

In life, and in running, i choose the path that is less traveled.  Also, paths that could potentially kill me.  I do that a lot.  Either way, it was a slow, but awesome run that brought me clarity.  And an awesome core workout trying to stay upright.

All of this gobbledy-gook is basically just a lead up to the fact that i put in my two weeks notice at work.  I am quitting my job so i can focus on the blog fulltime.

I'm just kidding.  I am going to do the exact same thing i do now, just for a different company.  It was a really hard decision, especially because by leaving my job, it will directly affect people that i work with and consider friends.  But ultimately, i had to make the decision that was best for me.  As a type A nut case, it terrifies me not knowing whats going to happen, and i will constantly question if i made the right decision.  But the icy run on Wednesday looked scary, and ended up being something that was really good for me, so hopefully this scenario will play out the same way.  

It's time for me to grow.

Happy Zombie Day!

You're probably a little confused right now.  The way i see it, there are two different camps of people when it comes to Valentines day.  Those who love it, and those who hate it.  I don't fit into either group.  I am completely indifferent, and i find it a somewhat irrelevant and confusing day.  It's like this religious holiday for a brutally martyred saint, but then we throw in cupid from roman mythology, only the cupid is a weird little baby that flies.  And shoots you?  I don't get it at all.

Either way, I don't like pre-fixe meals, or chocolate, or roses, but i am also not an angry single gal.  Thus Zombie Day was born!!

Zombie day started 5 years ago.  When it comes down to it, I love my friends.  And i love Zombie movies!!  So every February 14th, we all come together to watch zombie movies, and drink bloody marys.  I think it is every bit as nice as romance.  

This year (ok, every year) we are watching "Wild Zero,"  The cult classic japanese greaser punk zombie movie.  There is a drinking game that goes along with it, and it always ends up being a crowd pleaser.

It's gonna be awesome.

Feel free to have your own satellite zombie day parties - All you have to do is watch a zombie movie and drink booze!  Easiest.  holiday.  ever.

So, happy zombie day to all, and to all, "BRAINSSSSSSSSSSSSSS"

The worst blogger ever, and celebrity sightings!

I feel like i owe everyone an apology, because this week has been a fail at both blogging and marathon training.  I have been participating in this workshop through work on how to be a better presenter using drama and improv techniques.  Its really fun, and effective (i hope)  but being a better presenter is making me a much worse blogger and runner.  Yesterdays session was over 14 hours long!  Needless to say, i wake up, go to the seminar, and then come home and sleep.  The real bummer is that it is a technology free space.  No computer, no phone.  I snuck away for like two minutes to try to post something, but then a tray of delicious mini cakes went by, and i lost all my focus.

In fact, this morning was the first time i have even gotten to say to words to Matt!  Luckily, those two words were "Happy Birthday!" Matt's only desire for his birthday is to have the best chicken wings in Chicago.  Sadly, i have no clue where that would be.  So if anyone has any great chicken wing recommendations...

As a part of this workshop, we got to grab a quick bite at Goose Island, and then take in a comedy show!  While at goose island, i ran into celebrity number one - Lauren!  Apparently her Triathlon group meets there once a month.  Monthly beer outings almost make me want to learn to swim.  Almost.

After stuffing my face with beer and appetizers, we went next door to IO for some improv, to inspire us.  But, aside from being so hilarious i was crying at one point, there was a second celebrity sighting!  Jack Mcbrayer!  (The actor who played Kenneth the paige on 30rock!)  I was so excited i snapped many terrible and awkward photos of him.  He was performing with one of the improv troops.  Apparently, a lot of big alums of comedy will come back once in a while, just for a refresher of improv.  I'm just glad it wasn't Tina Fey, as i would have probably peed myself with excitement, and awkwardly walked out.  

Just because i have an iphone, doesn't mean i know how to take pictures with it!

Today is my last day of the workshop, so i will gladly be reunited with the interwebs tomorrow.  I feel like i have no idea what's going on in the world!!!

Have you ever spotted a celeb, and then took creepy spy photos like mine?  Where ARE the best chicken wings in Chicago??

A week of fretting.

Are you a fretter? 

Synonyms 
1. fume, rage. 6. worry, harass, goad, tease. 7. erode, gnaw, corrode, abrade, grind, rub, rust. 10.harassment, agitation, worry.

When i start to worry about something, it takes over my life.  I've been this way every since i was a little, and as a 6 year old, i would express concern over the way my parents were managing the household.  I was that kid.  Some people have perfected the art of "going with the flow" but not me.

Neither the weather or I can get our shit together this week....

I might be looking at some major changes on the horizon, (or maybe i won't? I'm just fretting after all!)  But regardless, worrying about potential change is eating at my insides.  And any possibility for change in my routine has my whole week out of sorts.  Normally i have all my meals prepared so i can just grab them and go, my running bag is packed, my blog posts are typed.  This week?  No.  I am running in wool socks and eating stale jelly beans for breakfast.

What is the most horrible feeling your feet have ever experienced?  Because until you try running on a treadmill in thick wool walking socks, you do not know pain....

As i was running out my door this morning, late, disheveled, and shooting reddi-wip into my mouth justifying it as breakfast (it's like the cousin of yogurt, right??) It occurred to me that i might not be the only one who falls apart in the face of change.

So, before my car keys end up in the freezer, and my feet end up chafing down to the bone, Do you also worry needlessly??  How do you snap yourself out of it?

Why i love Honey Boo Boo, and you should too!

This little rant is brought to you in response to a bitchy west coast healthy living blogger (who shall remain nameless) that said some truly hateful and evil things about Honey Boo Boo and her family.  Seriously?  She's a seven year old.  Back off.  I know that show doesn't embrace a healthy lifestyle, but the whole world doesn't revolve around calorie restriction, believe it or not.  Not to take on even more responsibility, but i now consider myself the defender of Alana, and if you want to talk smack about a little girl and what she eats, i will snap your emaciated body in TWO.  

If you are unfamiliar with Honey Boo Boo, its a TLC reality show.  I am fairly certain most of it is exaggerated for TV.  They definitely play up the redneck aspect of the show, but growing up in a redneck family, i find it endearing.  They are working class, and enjoy a southern diet.  The mom is overweight, but if you watch the show, it is obvious that she truly loves her children and would do anything for them.  

Are we seriously going to wish death on people just because they eat spaghetti with butter and ketchup on it?  Some people eat primarily canned and processed foods because thats all they can afford.  Seriously. It's not just one crazy family in Alabama.  Its actually a big chunk of America.  Having access, and the financial means, to feed a family of six an organic super-healthy diet is actually really expensive!

And for the record, eating a processed food based diet does not condemn you to a life of obesity.  It sometimes allows you to survive childhood without starving to death, so that you can grow up and decide to eat however you want.

You know who was raised on canned green beans, saltine crackers with butter, and american cheese slices?

THIS GIRL.

 And, for the record, i have had spaghetti with ketchup.  I personally don't like it.  But if you seriously have nothing else to eat, you will eat it, god dammit.  Anyone sticking their nose up has maybe never been truly hungry.  Be grateful.

So, let she among us who was a 7 year old organic paleo gluten-free vegan yoga enthusiast cast the first stone.

I think your awesome Alana, and here are some reasons why!

(in response to her sister's baby being born with a deformity)

Samesies.  Optimism rules.

If only the whole world was as tolerant as you.  You're so wise, little one.

All women could take a page out of your book!

But seriously, even if you don't like the show (and honestly, reality TV is not everyone's cup of tea.  It's totally mine though)  If you look past the antics of the show, you see a family that loves and supports each other unconditionally.  Yeah, they don't eat healthy.  But, seeing as how momma June is putting all the money they make from the show into college funds for each of the girls, they will have the opportunity to maybe pick up some nutritional guidance down the road.  

Either way, i think you are one of the most normal people out there, and it really makes me sad that grown women are saying such (frighteningly!) horrible things about you.  Because, when all is said and done...

...you're a seven year old.  

Safety first!

I just thought i would use this beautiful Friday morning to remind everyone to BE CAREFUL OUT THERE.  Running in the winter is the best, because only the BAMF's (bad ass mother f***ers) are out there doing it.  The path is empty, the neighborhoods are quiet, and it is generally peaceful.  The down side to this is that it is dark all time, are you are usually completely alone if you don't run in the group.  Unlike summer, there aren't dozens of people out meandering around in the warm sunlight.  While less people should equate to more safety, that isn't quite true.

The main reason for this rant is that someone was mugged at gunpoint right in front of my apartment last weekend.  At a totally reasonable hour, that i would potentially be out, running around the neighborhood, by myself.  I would like to point out that even though i live in the city, it is not a bad neighborhood.  I know most of my neighbors, and it's a lot of very nice families.  We specifically chose to live in this neighborhood because it was safe and quiet.  

Just because our neighborhood seemed safe, doesn't mean we shouldn't be careful.  Obviously in a perfect world, we would just run with a posse at all times.  Or at very least, a body guard.  But, some of us just can't swing that.  So here are a few reminders, because you never know.

1.  Always be super diligent of your surroundings.  Whether you are on a city street, suburban neighborhood, lakefront path, or a remote trail.  If something seems out of place - trust your instincts.

2.  Know how to defend yourself.  I will be carrying pepper-spray from now on - even to walk the dog.  We also had a mandatory "anti-rape" class in high school where we were taught to gouge an attackers eyes with our car keys.  Just be ready.

3.  Don't argue.  If they want money, just give it to them.  It's just money.

4.  If they try to force you into a car or building, run for your god damn life.  Even if they shoot you, it will most likely not be a fatal shot.  If they get you into their murder van though, you are not coming back out.   

5. Never just sneak out for a run.  Always make sure that someone knows when you are running, how long you are running, and where you run.  That way if anything does happen, people will know immediately if something isn't right.

So be safe and diligent out there, kiddos!  Even the safest neighborhoods have muggers and crazies.

Safe and stylish.  And so much more compact than the machete.

I have an infogram addiction.

I totally blame Kim.... :)

2012 - The Year of the Foxxx | Create infographics

Farewell, old friends.

Tis the season to get your ducks in a row for all the gear you might need for your next race.  Usually that means replacing your shoes if they need replacing.  Depending on the shoes and the runner, a good pair of shoes should usually last you the 18 weeks of marathon training, followed by the marathon.  After that, you have usually reached 500 miles, and they are ready to retire.  (Of course some of the thinner minimal shoes wear out much faster.)

As i am no speedster, i wear pretty average shoes, and usually say goodbye to them once i finish whatever marathon i bought them for.  That usually puts them around 550.  Luckily, since i seem to run fairly evenly, there usually isn't severe wear and tear, and the only indicator that they are dying is some minor knee pain when i run in them.  For my last marathon i ran in my Mizuno Elixirs.  I hadn't trained with them the whole time, so they probably could have handled at least another 100 miles.  Then IT happened.

My lunch popped open and spilled giardiniera all over my running shoes.  I'm talking a fine shellac of super spicy oil and chopped peppers.  A tragedy, as you can imagine.  

I cleaned them up, and have even run with them a few times since, but i just can't get over the fact that i smell like an italian beef sandwich every time i run (especially indoors where there is less ventilation!).  The oil also never completely washed out and keeps staining my socks.  Life is so hard.

So, with that, i bid you farewell dear friends.  Like a candle in the wind, you have been extinguished too soon, all because of my love of spicy, oil-based condiments.   You will be missed...

Have you ever had to say goodbye to running gear before it's time?  
Are you accident prone like me?  
Should i get better tupperware?  
Isn't giardiniera AWESOME??