Boo-Fallo in Buffalo

I love Minnesota and its odd races.  This morning my roommate and I participated in the Boo-Fallo 5k in Buffalo...smarties those Buffalonians are, smarties.  Considering I've spent the last 2 weeks puking my guts out I didn't do too bad.  I came in at 34 min and 20 seconds.  I take that as a victory considering I walked more than half of it.

Since I last posted:

10 miles

Beaver Dams

Went on a run yesterday down the rail trail again and hadn't realized before how many beaver dams there were along the stream. So, I decided to count on my way back up the trail. I stopped after about a mile, partly because there were so many and partly because the stream diverged from the trail for a while. 17 beaver dams in less than a mile. That's a little crazy! Or, maybe I'm a little crazy for even counting.

Oct 28 = 7 miles

(11 miles to go!)

Main Street

Oct 26 = 4 miles

Grrrr

Oct 8-25 = 16 miles...and a whole lotta school work)

Rail Trail

Oct 24 = 7 miles

Finish by the end of Oct

Ok ladies,

I just realized that we only have 70 more miles to go. Easy peasy. Seriously. We should be able to finish this bad boy up by the end of the month if all 3 of us are willing to put in just ONE week of consistent runs every day. That's right, around a 5k for the next 7 days. Super easy... even for the ones that don't like running, which I think at this point may be all three of us.

I'm committed to wrapping this up by the end of the month. Are you ladies in?

And... here are some more miles

Nothing exciting... just miles to post since I'm too lazy to post more often.

22 miles

ummmmm..... yeah....

From whenever I posted last till today: 30 miles

I don't do any fun things like the mud run... I'm kind of jealous of APC and CLH.

So Far...

October 1-7:  10 miles

Shamed

I'm embarassed to even post this:

September 30 miles...my compadres do that in a few days.  I suck.

I Found My Dream Home

I went for a run last night, picked a random road to run up a canyon, and near my turn around point I found my dream home. It was nestled away in the canyon with a beautiful house surrounded by several out buildings, a pond, stream, barn, pasture, aspens and evergreens... it was perfect. I'm a little jealous of the people who live there.

September 19-26 = 29 miles

Move Along... These Aren't the Droids You are Looking For

I don't ever feel like there's anything really exciting to post. I've just been trying to run, and walk, and hike, and enjoy the beautiful weather and trees and mountains while I'm up here. Yesterday I did a fantastic 12 mile hike through the mountains above Park City. Now I want people to come visit me so I can take them up there. It was amazing, even through the short hail storm that came through while I was out on the trail. My poor hips were a little sore from the 1,400 foot elevation change but it was worth the round trip.

Sep 10-Sep 18 = 35 miles

Destination: Deer Valley

So, my lungs still burn but I somehow I know it isn't going to get better sitting on the couch so I make myself go out and run. Last night's destination was Deer Valley Resort (Snow Park lodge to be exact). It is an interesting phenomenon here; there are mountain bikers all over the place but I've only seen maybe 4 other runners on all the days I've been running. Apparently, unlike in Minnesota, where it seems like EVERYONE runs, no one here runs. I've even been honked and waved at and last night someone took out their phone to take a picture (The path was closed so I had to make a slight detour through the Main Street area). I'm sure it wasn't my pained face, inability to gulp oxygen into my lungs, or my brilliantly white legs that inspired him to pull out his phone to capture me running through the tourist zone.
September 8: 5 miles
September 7: 4 miles

PC Destination Run: McPolin Barn

Today's running destination (and my first run in Park City, UT): McPolin Farm, an iconic landmark barn outside of Park City.

The altitude combined with the fact that I'm not a good runner are not a good pair for keeping any type of pace. Really, the altitude is kicking my tush... or at least I'm using that as an excuse. But, it was a beautiful run. One that I'm sure I'll repeat more than once.

September 6 = 6 miles

Ragnar Part 2

Ok, so really I don't have anything to add to Carrie's post except for AMEN and... these few items that probably don't add anything and I don't remember if Carrie covered them in her post and I'm too lazy to go back and check.

• Take extra running socks, especially if you are a one pair of shoe runner like 90% of the rest of us. If you have a long leg and your socks get soaked, you'll want to change before you blister.
• I personally like running in a visor during the day. It keeps the sun off my face and my face tends to overheat fast, or at least that's where it all goes. I tried a running hat once but it kept more of the heat in than I thought it should and I thought I was going to die running an 8 mile leg in 98 degree weather.
  
• Dress for the weather. Somehow, every Ragnar I've been in has had much hotter than expected temps. I'm not one to love running in running shorts with my thighs flapping in the wind but the shorts and a tank helped keep me cool... or cooler than what I would have been in capris or running tights.
  
• Make sure you have plenty of water in your car. Big jugs of water are nice to refill water bottles.
• Even if you don't have team costumes, a coordinated shirt or something like that is nice.
  
• Make sure to decorate your van. The more creative it is, the more people will recognize and remember your team.

And finally (I know Carrie covered this one)...

More Cow Bell!!!

Happy Running!

-Natalie

(and I've been a slacker since the moving extravaganza but here are my miles since I posted last: 12 miles. I'll pick it back up now that I've got nothing else to do.)

Ready for a Ragnar?

Someone requested that Natalie and I write a few things about prepping for a Ragnar (none running suggestions).  Here's my 2 cents:

1. You do not need two pairs of running shoes.  Unless you are planning on running through water on your first or second leg.  One pair of shoes will be sufficient.
2. Take a pair of comfy shoes to wear in between runs.  You do not want to wear your running shoes the entire time.  If you're not out pounding the pavement then sport your flip-flops
3. Take a change of clothes for each run if possible:  3 shirts, 3 shorts, 3 pairs of socks, 3 changes of underwear.  Now, I have gotten away with less but it never feels bad to start out in fresh clothes.
4. Take one of those uber large zip lock bags and throw your dirty smelly sweaty clothes in them after your done with each leg, it locks in the smell and keeps the rest of the van from having to smell you :D
5. Cut your toenails as short as you can before you run.  This is just a good idea to do in general.  Running makes your feet nasty, but keeping your nails uber short will help keep your tonails on your toes.
6. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!  Drink as much as you can before, during, and after the race.  I personally like to alternate between water and gatoraide.  But drink whatever will keep you hydrated.  This is especially important during the hot legs.  I stroked out during my first Ragnar while running my first leg.  It was a nightmare and I was not hydrated enough
7. If it's hot, run wet.  Have your teammates drench you in cold water before, during and after your legs.  I found this to be particularly helpful (I get hot super easily and anything to cool me off was greatly appreciated).
8. Food:
1. Sweet and salty.  It's amazing how much you don't eat and how much you eat all at the same time.  Things like trail mix, salami (one of my teammates was obsessed with this), sugar candy (jelly beans and gummy bears are great to eat while you're out running), chocolate, crackers, bananas, peanut butter, bagels, nutella, jam, whatever you like to eat.  It's personal preference but I always do better if I skip meals and just snack my way through the race. 
9. Things to do during the race:
1. cheer for all of the teams.  Every time you pass a runner give them a shout out and honk the car horn.  It's really helpful to have others cheer you on, even if you don't know them.
2. Support your runner.  Just because a leg says "no support" does not mean you cannot stop the van every mile or two and watch as your runner passes.  During our last Ragnar it was very hot, we were not allowed to support several of our runners during extremely hot legs, but we did manage to roll bottles of water across the road to them as they passed by (Natalie has mad water bowling skills).  I personally like it when my team meets me every couple of miles.  It gives me something to look forward to and we can all keep track of each other.
10. Things to pack:
1. Baby wipes.  Showers aren't always a possibility so wipe yourself down (and encourage the rest of your van to do the same)
2. Sunscreen.
3. Bug spray (a necessity in Minnesota)
4. Chap stick
5. Toothbrush and paste
6. Body glide (keep those parts that rub from rubbin' raw)
7. 2nd skin or moleskin (I've never had to use it but several of my teammates have)
8. Cowbell...your teammates and other teams will love it
9. Pillow and a blanket (or small sleeping bag), a tent if you have a small one (not necessary) or a tarp (also not necessary but we had a big on on our last race and all 6 of us slept under it while it rained.  It was perfect.
10. Personal things you may need like contact solution, glasses, medications, etc.

So that's basically all I can think of that isn't exactly in the race bible.

Remember, running is a 95% mental.  If you think you can do a Ragnar you can do a Ragnar.  Don't let it scare you.  Just go out, have fun and finish.

-Carrie

Rag-Tired

I'm up at 11pm and posting this instead of sleeping, and I even fell asleep today at work during an all-finance meeting. Needless to say, I am still exhausted from the Ragnar this weekend. When I finally get the pictures off my camera, I'll post one or two. After my first run, I told Carrie to remind me that I hated this and I would never run a Ragnar again. Running in the heat is torture and I hated nearly every step. But you know and I know. I probably will run another one. Masochism at its finest.

But, Carrie was right, I did kill my longest run (9.2 miles), which happened to be at 3am. Once I made it past the uphill dirt road, oh... and around the skunk that crossed the road right in front of me... I was golden.

Aug 15- Aug 20 = 34 miles

Ragnasty

A year ago I "ran" in a Ragnar and swore I'd never run again...365 days later I found myself as the team captain of "The Pace is Right"...sweetest Ragnar team ever.  I was THE slowest person on the team and was "killed"* by at least 100 people, BUT I didn't stroke out this year...although I am once again swearing I'll never run again.  It sucks.

Miles run in the last few hours:  17 miles (if I counted correctly...Natalie, please correct me if I'm wrong)

*Killed:  being passed by another runner

Busy Week

It's been a busy week. Unfortunately, it hasn't been busy with running. With the move gearing up, a 3-movie marathon Tuesday night with 4 Young Women (all 3 High School Musicals), and now 5 stitches in my mouth, I haven't been in much of a running mood. Once the move is over, I'm sure I'll have plenty of time to run since I won't have any friends around.

August 8 = 5 miles
August 11 = 7 miles
August 13 = 1 mile

New Running Shorts

I hate the thought of my thighs flapping in the wind, but I now hate even more the thought of running in the heat in something other than running shorts. So, I finally broke down yesterday and bought two new pairs of running shorts to go with the one that I already own. I'm pretty sure heat stroke will still be the malady of the day(s) for the Ragnar, but at least I'm still willing to run 20+ miles for my team.

August 3 = 6 miles

August 5 = 4 miles

August 6 = 6 miles

The PNW Works Wonders

I actually like running here.

August 6th:  5 miles

5 Down...

500 more to go before I complete my share of these miles (at least it feels that way).

August 3rd:  5 miles

Pizza + Running = :(

I'm pretty sure I know better, but trying to eat pizza, even a low-cal one, less than 30 min before you try to run is bad news. Now, in my defense, I've eaten lots of different types of cuisine right before I've run, without similar side effects, so I didn't think this pizza would be different. I will freely admit that I WAS WRONG. I thought I was going to die before I even made it 2 miles and then I forced myself to walk, in pain, for the last 3. I thought the pizza was good while I was eating it, but while I was attempting to run, I realized I hated it. I guess I'm not going to eat the Green Mill pizza again.

August 2 = 5 miles

Slug

I'm not sure how many miles I actually ran in July, but I'm pretty sure it was less than what Angenette and Natalie ran during most weeks.  August has to be better...

July 31:  4 miles
August 1:  5 miles

I've Just Been Lazy

Apparently I need to get my trash in gear because APC is kicking my trash in the miles department. Granted, I did spend all last week at Girls Camp - meetings started at 7:30am and I went to bed sometime between 11pm and 1am. HOWEVER, that isn't a great excuse to not run. Let's be honest, I've just been lazy.

July 20-Aug 1 = 28 miles

The Pool

I got into a swimsuit tonight for a YM/YW pool party. Only after one of the YM hounded me to get into the pool and I kept saying that I'd get in (and never did), he surprised me while I was talking to some other adults and picked me up to throw me in. After finally promising I'd get in, did he put me down. Poor kid, I'm probably twice his size. I realized I should be running 20 miles a night. Oh, and kick the sugar habit. That's the hard one.

July 11-19 = 25 miles

Sad Monster

I have been drowning in deep-ression for several weeks now.  It's been sucking all of the life, energy, drive, and tenacity right on out of me.  When I'm in deep-ression the last thing I want to do is break out my shoes and run, or walk for that matter.  So I've totally slacked off and haven't done much this month.  It's shameful really. 

But today I did 5 miles and only went 2 minutes over my goal time...let's see if I can do it again tomorrow.

July 1-12:  12 miles

I can't believe it's already July

Nothing amazingly exciting to report for last week's running except for I have somehow resurrected my favorite treadmill in the gym downstairs - bringing it back to life since it's been on the fritz for the last few weeks. But, it only will start after a few trys and a light touch. And, since I don't like running outside anymore due to afore-mentioned birds, I tend to get my TV time in while running. However, tonight I am going to drag Carrie out for a jog either before or after she attempts to use her neti pot for the first time. And then.... on to watch the train wreck known as The Bachelorette. It's so bad I can't tear myself away.

July 6 = 6

July 7 = 5 (I should have kept the pattern going)

July 9 = 8

Silver Falls 1/2 Marathon

Here's the race I was talking about in the comments to APC's post - Silver Falls Half Marathon. It is through a state park in Oregon and it is beautiful. And even more beautiful, the race only costs $25. And we can stay at my parents place if you girls want to run it.

Post-Race Slacker

Yes, that's me. Knee problems + lack of motivation to run = few miles.

July 5 = 9 miles

June 30 = 3 miles

June 28 = 1 mile

June 27 = 3 miles

1/2 Over

I ran more miles this month than I've done in any other months...I was feeling awesome about that until I did the math and realized that Natalie basically ran my monthly totally over the course of 1 week this month.  Sometimes I think I need less amazing friends.

The last part of June = 14 miles

Grandma's Marathon

Yes, I'm finally posting mileage more than a week later. I will blame my lack of motivation to get the pictures off the camera since I really wanted to post some pictures on this one. Anyway, without further ado, here are some sweet pics from Grandma's marathon last weekend.

Carrie and I showing off our sweet running gear for the race, half of which we bought that night at the local Target in Superior, WI. What you can't really see are the sweet arm warmers I have on that we made from socks. They were grey with yellow polka-dots, and they were amazing. Carrie also bought some amazing tie-died tights to wear in the race. The other sweet part of the pictures is that we are in a dorm at the UofWisconsin-Superior. Yes, the dorms. It was cheaper and better than staying in a seedy hotel room that was drenched in smoke.

On the bus on the way to the race start. We were ready for rain the whole race. The rain stopped just as we got to the start line. Tender mercies.

Walking back to the car after the race, I decided I'd better get a picture.

And.... here's the the catch-up on my mileage:

June 14-26: 50

Running Sucks

It totally does.  It's become one of my biggest enemies.  Natalie and I participated in Grandma's Marathon Saturday in Duluth MN.  It's a spectacular race, absolutely beautiful road that follows along the North Shore of Lake Superior.  It really doesn't get much better.  Except it rained, and there was a cold wind and flags posted all over warning runners about a risk of hypothermia.

Natalie, of course, was miles ahead of me, but I was feeling pretty great about things until mile 7, when I felt totally and completely exhausted.  I wanted to curl up on the side of the road and take a snooze.  Then around mile 9 I started to get the dizzy feeling I usually don't get until mile 20.  Things cleared up around mile 11 but then in mile 12 I felt a pop in my foot and pain and I knew I had to pull out...ye ol stress fracture hasn't really bothered me in weeks.  I was so upset that I started crying.  I hate not finishing a race.  HATE IT.  So it looks like I'll be signing up to run that one again next year...sans injured foot.

Here are some lessons I learned with this race:
1.  don't start calorie restricting the week before the race.  I did and I could tell by the fact that I had zero energy.
2.  get plenty of sleep prior to the run.  I didn't and I could tell by the fact that I had zero energy.

So, including the half marathon I ran on Saturday I've done 31 more miles this month

June 4-20 = 31 miles

My Spring Running Phobia

This is why I don't like running outside:




I'm pretty sure I have full-blown PTDS from being dive bombed by birds. Friday I was dive bombed again... within the first mile of my run... so I cut it short. I hate birds.

June 6 = 8 miles
June 9 = 5 miles
June 10 = 2 miles
June 13 = 5 miles

HALF WAY THERE!!!

Ladies,
We have officially passed our half way point! You two are rockstars. Ok... all of us are rockstars.
Love,
Lulu Godiva

I've Decided I Don't Like Running in the Heat

I need to post more often because I find myself having to actually remember what I've run for the last week. I don't even remember what I ate or wore last week so remembering how far I ran can sometimes be a challenge.
Last weekend I spent time in the Outer Banks of North Carolina with my brother and some friends. I ate way too much and ran way too little. I should have reversed them. Really I was just lazy and relaxing, but I decided that I really don't like running in the heat. Throwing on the humidity is just a double whammy.

May 26 = 3 miles
May 30 = 7 miles
June 1 = 6 miles
June 2 = 5 miles
June 3 = 7 miles
June 4 = 10 miles

I'm Baaaaaaaack

The foot is doing great and I'm back in the game...although the foot was an excellent guilt free excuse to not run.  But alas, my girls need me to pull my weight!

Miles I didn't share in May:  22
June 4th:  15 (and I HURT)

I know you all wanted to know...

... that I finally lost the toe nail that I bruised during the Ragnar. Oddly enough, losing a toe nail isn't such a big deal anymore.

May 23 = 9 miles
May 24 = 5 miles
May 25 = 8 miles

I should have stayed home and run instead of going on the date

May 20 = 3
May 18 = 7
May 17 = 6
May 16 = 3

CPR

Saturday, when I finished up a long run on the treadmill, a girl who was cleaning her equipment at the same time (who had run 1/2 mile and then did some light weights) commented that she thought there were times at the end of my run she might have to perform CPR... on me. She shut up when I told her I'd just finished 20 miles and I was a little tired.

May 14 = 20 miles
May 12 = 7 miles

Catch up

I'd better post before I forget what I've run the last week and a half.

May 3 = 4
May 4 = 3
May 5 = 6
May 7 = 9
May 9 = 5
May 10 = 8

April Showers Bring May....

stress fractures. Yea!

May 1-10: 4 miles (and that may be all I get done this month)

April's Missing Miles

I just added up the number of miles I posted about and the number of miles I actually ran and it looks like I'm off by 10...

So sometime during the month of April I did 10 more miles :)

Lost: Fire

Ladies - somehow it seems we've all lost the fire for this challenge, me included. I'm not really fond of running right now. At all. What I really want to do is take running and shove it into not so nice a place. Which I would do if I had a death wish for Grandma's Marathon in June. After today's 17 miles, I probably have a death wish anyway I look at it. Let's keep it moving.... or let us keep moving.

April 25 = 6 miles
April 26 = 4 miles
April 27 = 6 miles
April 28 = 5 miles
April 29 = 3 miles
April 30 = 17 miles

Post-Ragnar Recovery

I only ran 6 miles last week after the Ragnar. My knee is thanking me.

April 18 = 6 miles

?

I'm not very good at keeping track of these lately.

Last week: 10 miles

So Cal Ragnar

Last week I ran in the 2011 So Cal Ragnar. 12 runners, 200 miles from Huntington Beach to San Diego. My first leg was 8 miles in 96 degrees, the first four miles uphill. I thought I was going to die. Literally. I ended up with heat exhaustion (which then made me sick to my stomach), and one toe nail down. However, the next two legs were fantastic.

April 11 = 6 miles
April 12 = 3 miles
April 15/16 = 20 miles

Weak Week

I seem to be getting worse at this:

April 11-15th = 4 miles
April 16 = 6 miles

And my knees, ankles, butt, and feet all hurt. It's like I'm getting worse.

Here it is...

April 9 = 6 miles
April 7 = 5 miles
April 6 = 6 miles
April 4 = 5 miles

Grrrr

Today I hate running so bad that I chose to do statistics for three hours instead of running earlier...why did I sign up for a marathon? This one is going to be worse than the last one!

April 6-April 8: 6 miles
April 9: 3 miles (I may add to this by the end of the day...we shall see)

Stats Hangover

After stats class I needed to work something other than my brain:

April 4: 3 miles

Carrie Loved It (Maybe)

I'm pretty sure I don't remember having Carrie chained to my waist dragging her along the run. It was a fantastic day to be outside though on a jaunt around Medicine Lake. I even took my bike out for a ride after Sat Afternoon session of conference and then hit the treadmill to make up the extra (plus some) to even out the miles.

April 2 = 10 miles

Natalie Dragged Me

7.6 miles were sponsered by Natalie, the other .4 were compliments of me walking to the grocery store to buy hotdogs for my post-run meal. Yep, that's how I roll.

April 2: 8 miles

March Roundup

This has been a hard running week for me. I know, Carrie, my running totals really weren't that bad. But, it was still hard for me. I'm worried I'll have to walk the whole marathon.

March 31 = 3
March 30 = 5
March 29 = 5
March 28 = 3
Natalie March Total - 122

Blah

I totally bombed out this month...it's pathetic to even say it, but over the last week I've only managed to rack up 5 measly miles.

March something thru March somthing: 5 miles

I Ran Through History

Saturday I spent my morning running through DC. It was cold but amazing. I tried to pay attention to all the places I was running by but after about mile 8, I zoned out and just focused on running. As a side bonus, the cherry blossoms were out. Beautiful!
March 26 = 13 miles
March 23 = 3 miles
March 22 = 6 miles
March 21 = 5 miles

I FINALLY Made it Outside

Unlike Carrie, it felt great... except for some odd reason I always feel really winded the first 1/2 mile or so until my lungs and heart catch up with the rest of my body. But, no knee pain. Yay! And, unlike Carrie, I didn't run 12 miles. But in the 6 I did run, it felt so great to be outside again breathing fresh air. Just as a side note, I'm SOOOOO excited the snirt is finally melting off!

March 19 - 6 miles

I HURT

Twelve miles on my first outdoor run of the season was a bit ambitious...serious, serious pain.

March 15 = 3 miles
March 19 = 12 miles

Luck o' the Irish

Apparently the Luck o' the Irish is not the Luck o' my knee. I'm starting to get knee pain every time I run. I need my knee to last me through at least the marathon in June... oh and the Ragnar in August. Let's be honest. Really I want it to last forever. I'm hoping it is just a symptom of being confined to a treadmill for a gazillion years rather than suffering severe hypothermia and frostbite venturing outside and the pain will go away after I'm willing to concede it is warm enough to go run in the fresh air. Minnesota is a little sneaky. Sun does not always equal nice outside.

March 17 = 6 miles
March 16 = 3 miles

The Gym

There was a cute boy in the gym tonight when I went to run... then his girlfriend walked in. But, his TV show of choice while he was working out? America's Funniest Videos. Yeah, I know. I gave him a hard time too.

March 15 = 3 miles
March 14 = 12 miles

Spring Break Day 1

I hate running almost as much as I hate daylight savings time.

March 14: 5 miles

1500 to go

Ladies, we've kicked out over 500 miles in 2.5 months with only 1500 more to go!

March 10 = 6 miles
March 12 = 6 miles

Man With No Face

I spent my run time tonight flipping between American Idol and TLC with a documentary on this man: Jose Mestre - the Man With No Face.

11 pound tumor... or... some kids singing on a stage. The tumor won out. To be honest, Idol was boring. This was much more fascinating to watch the surgery of the tumor removal and the reconstructive surgery.

March 9 = 8 miles

March 8 = 6 miles

UGH

I was so dizzy I almost fell off of the treadmill today...that would have made my Ash Wednesday extra special.

March 7th = 2 miles
March 9th = 3 miles

No-Candy Lent

For Natalie-style Lent (which I started at the beginning of the month), I gave up candy. For me, that's a HUGE sacrifice because I'm a stress eater and I nearly always go for carbs. I think the 5 days sans-candy has impacted my running because today was a really hard run.

March 5 = 10 miles
March 3 = 8 miles

One Hungry Carrie

Running makes me hungry...well maybe life makes me hungry. Because I didn't do a lot of running this week but I sure did a lot of eating. At some point I'll start being consistent in my running...but don't hold your breath.

March 1: 2 miles
March 5: 10 miles

-Carrie

Mind Over Bladder

I have learned over time that in many ways running is a mental sport. Tonight it was mind over bladder. After mile 1, I had to go sooooo bad. But miraculously, I made it to mile 5 before I thought I was going to burst. Literally. 4 miles of mind over bladder. It really works.

March 1 = 5 miles

Closing out Feb

Feb 28 - 7 miles

Natalie Feb Total: 111
(unless I failed again in Math this month)

In the Zone

I know I'm either watching something I'm totally engrossed in while running or I've completely zoned out when the following happens, and it happened to me while running yesterday:

In my zoned in (or zoned out) state, I don't notice someone opened the gym door...the gym door proceeds to slam shut (because that's just what the gym door does)...I'm quickly startled out of my zoned state... and nearly trip on the treadmill... which, if I went down, would not be a very pretty sight. Luckily for me (and the person who just entered the gym), I've always managed to keep my feet under me. Let's hope I keep up my lucky zoned streak or I might not be running many more miles this year while recovering from treadmill rash.

Feb 26 = 6 miles
Feb 25 = 3 miles

OUCH!

I should have worn a more supportive bra.

February 26: 10.5 miles

Toddlers and Tiaras Redefines Hillbilly

It's amazing what wonderful tidbits of information you can learn in wholesome shows like Toddlers and Tiaras. The show has reconfirmed my burning passion that NONE of my future daughters will EVER participate in pageants. EVER. They will be diva enough without becoming super drama queens in the pageant world. So, on to the latest tidbit of information the show has imparted... all about hillbillies. Apparently, people who live in a mobile home, out in the middle of nowhere West Virginia, are missing some teeth, and go mud bogging for fun DO NOT qualify as a hillbilly. I repeat, this combination of attributes DOES NOT qualify as a hillbilly. I wish they had defined for me what DOES qualify as a hillbilly because they have refuted every concept of hillbilly I had.

Feb 23 = 9 miles
Feb 24 = 6 miles

Red Cross

Tonight I was at a training for the Red Cross Disaster Action Team and by the time I got home tonight from the training, the gym was already locked. :( I really needed/wanted to run off the handful of chocolate and the handful of wheat thins I ate for my dinner. I know, delicious AND nutritious dinner. But, I did run yesterday.

Feb 21 - 6 miles

I Love Snow

I don't really love running...but I swear that this week WILL be better than last week:

February 21:  3.5 miles (no worries Angenette, I will make up that .5 miles later this week)

Missing: Wild Hockey Game; Found: Juicy Lucy

Friday night I was supposed to go to my very first Minnesota Wild hockey game, rounding out my professional sports experience in the state - Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves... just missing the Wild. Oh, I even went to a WNBA game once, but I don't really count that as professional sports. So, since I was supposed to head to a game Friday right after work, I knew I wasn't going to get in a run. That is until I got home and had an email waiting for me telling me he had been fired that afternoon and so we weren't going to the game. huh... I guess that gave me time to run.... and then go out for a Juicy Lucy to consume 5-times the calories I had just run off. It was good but the grilled buffalo chicken sandwich was better. (Carrie and I did half-sies on our dinners so both of us could have a Juicy Lucy but not have to eat a whole one)

Feb 15 = 4
Feb 17 = 5
Feb 18 = 6
Feb 19 = 10

:(

Not a good week on multiple levels:

The week that ends today February 19: 6 miles

Lucky #7 for Love

Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm #7 of the kids in my family, which should be a lucky number. Today I'm:

1. Lucky that I have an amazing family
2. Lucky that I have amazing friends (and ones that will run 2011 miles with me!)
3. Lucky that I got a rose from Firestone today when I had the oil changed in my car
4. Lucky that I was able to help decorate cookies in an assisted living facility today during work
5. Lucky that Minneapolis is in the balmy 30's today
6. Lucky that I haven't yet gone crazy this winter in MN
7. And.... Lucky that I can run = 7 miles

Love is a Winding Road... or at Least Around the Lake

Carrie already posted about the race, so I just get to post the pictures. Yes, we were cool enough to wear V-Day knee-hi socks, not only during the race, but to the Nordic Ware factory store afterwards too.


Feb 9 = 4

Feb 10 = 3

Feb 11 = 4

Feb 12 = 3

Gnomeo & Juliet & Carrie & Natalie

Natalie & I ran the Twin Cities' Valentine's Day 5k today.  It was sponsored by a potato chip company and Gnomeo & Juliet.  I won a sweet gnome t-shirt and Natalie scored a hat, AND the best prize of all:  it was over 30 degrees!!!!  In fact it got above freezing today!  First time since November!  Then after the race we went to the Viking Wear outlet and bought all sorts of fun baking pans...so I could come home and make oodles of nasty treats.

Fabulous day

February 12th:  3 miles

Conundrum

Why is it some days it's easy to run 5 miles and other days it's like pulling teeth to pound out 3?

Today was  3 mile day.

February 11: 3 miles

It hurt

It may have been the fact I ate cereal and a banana an hour before I attempted a run, but I was nothing but a knot of side cramps...ewwwww.

January 9:  3 miles

I don't even want to post my miles anymore...

... because I'll get a lecture about being exercise obsessed. However, last night's miles were to prove to myself that I could run a half faster than I ever have before. Not because I'm obsessed. Granted, it was on a treadmill since I refrain from running in sub-freezing temperatures, but even then, I cut about 20 min off my half time. now... if only I can do that in a race...

Feb 7 = 13(.1) miles

Despite All My Rage...

I'm still just a rat in a cage...or a gerbil on a treadmill

February 5: 5 miles

Not Obsessed

Feb 4 = 3
Feb 5 = 2

Mind Games

Running is 10% physical and 90% mental...today my mind was weak....rargh

February 4th:  4 miserable miles

Something I can do

I will never look like this... (a guy I dated in Grad school dumped me to date... and marry... her. If I were him I would have too. Look at her.)

BUT...
I can put one foot in front of the other and move.

Feb 1 = 4 miles
Feb 3 = 6 miles

I Heart February

February 2:  6 miles

Gym = A+, Math = D-

When it comes to running, we did fantastic. We weren't so hot in calculating our miles on the side. I went through the blog added up everyone's totals and came up with... not 216 miles. So, with my miles yesterday, we have a January total mileage of... 208. I'm pretty sure it was my remedial math skills that caused it.

Jan 31 = 3 miles

Carrie's January Total

I was the slow poke of the group...I ran 42 miles this month.  About 13 shy of the minimum I needed to do.  But I didn't run for the first week.  I'll make up for it in February...or at least I say I will.

January 31:  4 miles

My Weekend

Because I'm single and have no life...

Jan 28 - 6 miles
Jan 29 - 10 miles

But, I did have an interesting chat during the first three miles tonight with an MD that lives in my building about medical school and being a doctor (he was walking on the other treadmill).

High Expectations, Low Results

January 27:  2 miles
January 29:  3 miles

I also signed up for a marathon in June...I should probably start running more than a couple miles a day.

The Runs

Literally. I need to stop going out to eat right before I run.

Jan 27 = 6 miles

This Week is Killing Me

That's my excuse for not running the first two days of the week.


January 26th:  5 miles

I've also officially gained 2.5 pound since this running thing started...I'm feeling highly irritated.

Apocalypse Island

This morning I learned all about some Mayan island off the coast of Peru. Apparently if you want to witness the end of the world (per the Mayan calendar) - the epicenter will be there in 2012. You didn't know when the end of the world would be, but the History channel does. Book your ticket now.

Jan 26 = 4 miles
Jan 25 = 3 miles

Post Indian Food Running

I'm not sure how my stomach is holding up running so soon after eating ethnic food, but I'm not complaining.

Jan 24 = 6 miles

Carrie Bo Berry

I walked a mile...in the cold...uphill

January 24th = 1 super dooper mile

South Beach

Bienvenidos a Miami. I MISS THE SUN! I miss the heat. I miss the non-snow. I am NOT a fan of the winter. So, while in Miami this weekend, I was able to revel in actually being able to run outside. I know! Outside. In January. That's unheard of in Minnesota. I won't be able to run outside here for at least 2 more months. Anywho... It was a refreshing morning to run down the boardwalk in South Beach, bums and all.

Jan 22 = 5 miles (Running)

What I really want to know is, can I count all the miles I walked around Miami Beach/South Beach on Saturday? If so, I can probably quadruple those miles.

------
Jan 22 = 13 miles (walking - I know... a little ridiculous)

My goal was 10

I made it 4 before I got sick and stopped...maybe I'll pound out a few more later

January 22:  4 Miles

Carrie: Why I Hate Morning Exercise...

It makes me TIRED!

This morning I rolled out of bed, stuffed a Ding-Dong in my mouth, and put on my running shoes.  By 8:30 I had done 4 miles...now all I want to do is to go back to bed. 

How do you morning people do this?


January 19th = 4 Miles

Brrrrrrrr

January 18 = 1 mile

Go ahead, mock me.  But it was 8 degrees outside.

Baby It's Cold Outside

The boy and I came to a consensus.

June 17:  3 Miles...uphill, with snowshoes.

Politically Correct Running

All in the name of diversity...

Jan 17 = 12 miles

Fell asleep on the couch instead of running...

But, I cleaned someone else's toilet today. I'm thinking that should count for some mileage.

Jan 13 = 2 miles

Jan 14 = 5 miles

Carrie: Making it even

January 14th:  3.75 miles

Catch Us if You Can

Looks like Run 2011 in 20 Eleven has some competition:  http://2011copycats.blogspot.com/

My friend Derek, his brother and roommate love our 2011 running goal so much they've decided to also set up a website and start racking up 2011 miles.

All I can say is, "good luck guys, we'll be waiting for you at the finish line"

Public Apology

Apparently I'm dumb and I offend one of my two friends in MN... and the other one doesn't talk to me anyway.

Carrie - I'M SORRY! My comment was completely insensitive. Maybe someday you'll forgive me and run with me again.

That being said, Carrie kicked my trash at pole dancing tonight. I could barely get my feet off the ground.

Jan 12 = 6 painful miles

Carrie: The loser of the pack

Ok, my sisters from other misters are kicking my trash in the mile department...so be it.

January 12= 3.25 miles

Working from Home is a Beautiful Thing

Because of the snow on the road I decided to work from home instead of the office yesterday. So, I got both a short morning and evening run in.

Jan 11 = 7 miles

Hoarders

Tonight I watched an episode of Hoarders while I ran on the trusty treadmill. This man was living with nearly 2,500 rats in his house. Yes, my friends, 2,500 RATS. It was gross. It was mesmerizing. It kept me running.

Jan 10 = 8 miles

Carrie: I Hate Running Already

8 miles into the new year and I already hate this goal


Jan 8 = 3 uber slow miles

Nada

Nothing unusually witty or sassy to say today (not that this is different from any other day) so I'll keep this catch-up post short and sweet.

Jan 6 - 3 miles
Jan 7 - 3 miles (right before I left to drive girls to a youth retreat which solidified my dislike of driving in MN in the winter as I spent 3.5 hours on what should have been a 2 hour drive - ice = PTSD. It also left me wondering if I really acted like that when I was 12/13. I probably did and have tried to erase my memory.)
Jan 8 - 5 miles (went running with Carrie at the gym and the guy next to me was hauling at 8.8 miles/hour. I felt a little wimpy. Or a lot. I also wasn't so excited that guys in the gym were already watching the Seahawks/Saints wildcard game. But the last 10 min we watched I guess weren't too bad given APC lives in Tacoma.)

Carrie: One Hawt Mess

Happy New Year!  I made the executive decision a couple of days ago that MY 2011 would start a week late.  I've been rather ill since mid December and the thought of being 18 miles behind in my 2011 running goal was pretty depressing.  Especially since Angenette and Natalie have turned into Kenyans and just keep racking up the miles with reckless abandon.

So, today I woke up (uh, 2 hours late), pulled my favorite running tights out of the dirty laundry, threw on my Ragnar shirt and a pair of socks I got in a marathon swag bag and headed to the gym....I figured that wearing all of those race reminders would at least make me look like I was a runner (WAS being the key word here).

Fortunately I was the only one at the gym.  So I picked my favorite treadmill and started watching a History Channel special on Hell....oh, the irony.  Right after mile one I got the dreaded tell-tale gurgle in my stomach that every one who has ever run dreads because it only leads to one thing:  the runner's runs.  Thank GOODNESS I was at the gym and NOT out on a trail.  After a short break I was back on the treadmill, learning about Hell and ignoring my hacking cough....but then....

Right before mile 4 I felt something unusually uncomfortable slithering down my leg.  Runner's runs part two?  Nope.  It took another tenth of a mile for me to figure out that I pulled out, and on, more than just my running tights out of the dirty laundry.  Yes folks...I had an extra pair of underwear, under there.  The sad part is that it took me FOUR miles to realize I had an extra bunch balled up around my butt...FOUR MILES.

Maybe I should start my year over tomorrow...in clean clothes.

January 7th:  5 miles

Blisters and Trains

I should have listened to Carrie - she told me that 5 miles was enough. But I knew that I wouldn't be able to run today (Wed) and I felt great at 5 so kept going. Of course I ended up with 2 big blisters on the sides of my big toes and woke up feeling like I was run over by a train.

Jan 4 = 10 miles

I Weigh, Therefore I Run

I knew I was leading a life of reckless eating abandon in the days leading up to and following my 35th birthday. That's what stress and knowing you're 35, single, and can't do anything about it will do to me. AND Christmas and New Years too. I just didn't realize the damage until I weighed myself yesterday for my family weight loss challenge. Luckily, all my clothes still fit, but I guess the extra weight will make it a little easier to lose 10% of my body weight for the family weight loss challenge. BUT, I was still REALLY sad when I saw what the scale told me. So, even with shin splints for the first 3 miles...

Jan 3 = 8 miles

12 miles behind and counting

So, I was totally stoked to try and live up to Angenette's assumptions about my running ability.  Then I got a sinus infection.  Then I got pink eye.  Now I have a horrible cough.  So it's January 4th an I'm 12 miles behind my running goal for the year 2011.  Angenette may think this is a hot mess, but in the end:  "2011 = 3 + 7 Which is what we're going to be...perfect 10s"!!!

Carrie Total Miles = 0