1st Annual Freeze Your Thorns Off 5K

Adam, of Boring Runner fame (whom I think we all know I am mildly obsessed with), threw a Virtual and not so virtual race yesterday. Since it's been a while since I really ran for time, I thought to myself why not sign up? Plus, Adam was going to give shit to people for running. Seemed like a win. Sometimes you just need some motivation.

So, after getting some errands done, I threw on some Nike capri running tights, my Nike jacket, my Nike gloves, my Train Like a Girl sports bra, my Nike socks and a race tee and got ready to head out. (Sidenote: if I say Nike enough, will they sponsor me? Or send me stuff to review? Or hire me as a consultant?) My Garmin worked on the first try (score!). It was a nice 42 degrees and I had carbo loaded with a jalapeno cheddar bagel. I was GOOD. TO. GO.

I picked a route I knew was 3.1 miles and also happened to be relatively flat. It's my first 5K since August when I ran with my Dad in the Sea Girt 5K and the Virtual 5K for Boobies (which got pushed to September if I remember correctly). This time, I wasn't hungover and it wasn't hot. So actually it was the opposite of the last 5K I ran.

And to make sure I could actually do what the race entailed, I didn't shave my legs all week. You know, so I had some thorns to freeze. Har har har, I'm so funny and disgusting at the same time.

Some thoughts from my race:

• In the first mile I determined where Falcon's player Tony Gonzalez lives after viewing a picture he tweeted on Friday. Homeboy lives around the corner from me but in a MUCH nicer building. Yes, I am a creeper. Yes, I will determine things no one should know utilizing the internet, my own gut and runs. Guess I know what building I'll be running past a lot more.
• Holy wind. What. The. Fuck. It was like someone had their hand on my chest pushing me back. Like when football players have to push around the tackling dummy or some shit. And I thought it would get better after I hit the 1.55 mile mark where I make the turn but in the opposite direction it was somehow fucking WORSE. I didn't even think it was possible for wind to blow in multiple directions at once but clearly it is.
• On the run back I realized I had totaled 3 minutes at stop lights or cross streets and altered my route a little. Thus making it a hilly 1.5 miles. Damnit. Piss poor planning.
• One whistle, three hey you! nice ass shouts and 5 honks. That was record setting considering the mileage.
• My current playlist blows any previous playlist out of the water. I just wanted to RUN FAST from the get go. Which scares me.
• My route ended at a park. Which meant I was still over a quarter of a mile from home and unable to just collapse in a pool of my own sweat on my hard wood floors. Instead, I had to just stop in the middle of the park and walk with my hands above my head. This garnered weird looks from people hanging out in the park. And also the attention of multiple dogs who decided I must be fun to play with since I run and they run too!

I hoped to hit the 30-31 minute time for my 5K since I have done very little running since moving into my new apartment (though as temps rise that is likely to change. that and my Christmas present). Also, I've been sick the past week so I was kind of nervous about this run. But Luau told me he beat Swine Flu running so I had to give it a shot. Imagine my surprise when I finished in 29.48! Not my fastest time but faster than what I was aiming for! Also, no pictures from this neck of the woods because I look like I feel like shit after being sick all week. Lo Siento little ones.

Don't Forget! You have mere hours to enter to win an iTunes gift card!

10/10/10 Jog for Joubert Virtual 10K

Today, I woke up with a massive headache that persisted throughout the day. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how you look at it, I had signed up for Laura B's 10x10 Jog for Joubert Virtual 10K. I spent the day hydrating (originally I had planned to run in the morning but I decided to wait and see if the headache took a hike. It didn't and still hasn't) and at 4 pm I took a nap. I woke up feeling slightly better but still dreading this run. Which makes me sad.

First, what is Joubert Syndrome? Why am I running for it? From the website, http://www.joubertfoundation.com/:

Joubert Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by decreased muscle tone, difficulties with coordination, abnormal eye movements, abnormal breathing pattern and cognitive impairment. These issues are due to abnormal brain development, resulting in decreased size of the cerebellar vermis and other brain abnormalities that appear as the "molar tooth sign" on a brain MRI. Although rare, several hundred individuals with Joubert Syndrome have been reported in the medical literature. Mutations in at least 10 genes cause Joubert Syndrome, accounting for ~50% of patients. Subsets of individuals with Joubert Syndrome can also have polydactyly (extra fingers or toes), as well as retinal, kidney and liver disease requiring medical intervention.

Joubert Syndrome is one of a growing group of disorders called "ciliopathies," caused by dysfunction of a part of the cell called the cilium. The cilium functions as an antenna for many cell types, allowing cells to communicate with each other and sense their environment during the development and function of many organs. In fact, cilia are required to sense light in the eye, odors in the nose and fluid flow in the kidneys and liver. Disruption of cilium function likely explains the incidence of eye, kidney and liver problems in individuals with Joubert Syndrome.

Personally, I don't know anyone who suffers from this disease (although a cousin of mine has a disease similar in nature to it) but Laura has an excellent blog and is a very supportive gal in the running community. I haven't been able to afford race entry fees and I haven't been running so I decided I would donate $10 (in keeping with the theme) and hit the pavement.

I have no pictures because all of them turned out funny since I live by myself (go ahead, feel sorry for me. Or jealous. Either way) and my printer ran out of ink while printing my race bib so no one even knew why I was running. Sigh. I knew, you know and I guess that will have to do for now.

First, I had to map a course. I opted for one in my hood which meant LOTS of hills. And traffic so a good number of stops at red lights but whatever. I threw on my UGA gear (heyyyyy we finally got a win yesterday and I could wear it with pride!) and turned on my running mix and I was ready to go. The weather was great for the run- the sun was just starting to dip, it was not humid, slight breeze and temps in the high 60s.

Unfortunately, my calves were not as ready as I was. I ran the first mile before thinking I will finish the 10K but there will have to be walk breaks. I don't have a garmin or a stop watch so I tend to use the song method. I run the length of a song or two or three then walk the length of ONE song. So that is what I did. The whole time I had to remind myself that children who suffer from Joubert's can't go out and run every day like I can. It pushed me to finish with a less than stellar time but my headache had dissapated and I felt good for doing this. It was an awesome end to my weekend!

Be sure to check out Laura's blog and the Joubert Foundation. Laura's archives have some GREAT posts about kids who suffer from the illness and they are simply adorable kids. If you have the money to donate, definitely consider doing so!

Final time: 1:10.47

MY Virtual 5K for Boobies Race Report!

So I ran my Virtual 5 K Friday morning at 5 am. I wore my bright pink shorts and light pink tank top (you know, because pink is the color of breast cancer awareness). The weather was BEAUTIFUL. Nice and cool out, light breeze which was helpful during the first part but the second part it was pushing back at me. I chose an easy out and back route from my apt to the mall which had some small, small, small inclines. Things about this run:

• Ihop was hopping- people latenighting in the parking lot at 5 am while I was out running. Clearly Thursday night had some parties that were raging! They all looked at me like I had 10 heads. If I were that drunk and saw some homegirl huffing up and down Peachtree I'd be thinking she was crazy too.
• Ran through an unexpected puddle. Okay, expected because it was in front of the church which had sprinklers going. Unexpected because it was DEEP. So my right leg was covered in water for most of the run. The shoe squeaking might have been more annoying than the moisture.
• Had an old man on a bench yell out hey gorgeous not once but twice. And the guy stank to high heaven. You could smell him a block before you saw him. On my way back, I thought he had left the bench but then I smelled him and realized I had gotten excited before I'd reached the bench he was on.
• Time was 29:40. Not my best time but considering I haven't raced since the first week of August, I thought it went pretty well!
• While on the run, I decided since we had so few contestants I was going to change everything up. So if you donated, be sure to send me your address (even if you didn't run) so I can get each of you a little sumpin sumpin. If you did run, don't forget to email your race reports to fromfat2fab2009@gmail.com!

Five Things Friday

This won't be a normal thing. I'm just doing it because...well, because I want to use bullets damnit. The end.

• Stress is making me want to eat my feelings. This does not bode well for the 100 day challenge (which I haven't updated in a week so I will do that today).
• I've been doing well on my workouts this week. This morning I ran my Virtual 5k For Boobies. Did you do yours yet?!?!
• My mom is getting me a Garmin for Christmas. I can finally be a REAL runner. I'm gonna be so damn confused.
• I love Trader Joes. I walked there from my apt last night and spent 13 bucks on two bottles of wine, hummus, pita chips, and flaxseed chips. I briefly considered dark chocolate as well but I reined myself in. And I said I had no self control!
• I am running the first run with Team Challenge this Saturday! I'm not fundraising this time but I thought I would use them for motivation AND maybe show them some moral support. And love as I just covered them for my Charity Writing!

What are 5 things you are feeling good/bad/indifferent about?!?!

Virtual Race for Boobies- EXTENDED AGAIN!

Okay, 4 people (not including me) have signed up. Right now, the men seemed more concerned with tittays than the women (weird, right?). Since I had a concussion and have been unable to run, I decided to extend the virtual race ONE MORE TIME. Also, it seemed silly to end it on a Tuesday when there is a nice long weekend in which I will be sitting around doing nothing because my company just told me I can't do contract work anymore. The upside of this is I won't be able to afford food so the pounds should just fall the fuck off. Add in the stress of looking for a new job that will pay the bills and I'll be slim in no time!**

To reiterate, for those too lazy to click the link to the Virtual Race for Boobies, here are the deets.
When: Anytime between NOW and September 5
What: Virtual 5K for boobies
How to enter: Donate to Lauren's Race for a Cure page and then email me to let me know you've done so. Then run. Then email me and tell me how you did and send photos if you wanna.
Prizes: Fastest 5K gets a $20 iTunes card. If some women sign up I will do a men's and women's category (bitches, I'm starving to give you money for music. The least you can do is sign up to run mileage you're already planning to run. I'm just saying). Also, any donations over $5 are entered into a raffle for a goodie bag of...well, goodies. Design a bib and enter it into the contest for most creative bib. I won't be deciding the best one- you will. Because I'm awesome like that.

Any questions? Email me at fromfat2fab2009@gmail.com.

**I'm only half joking/half serious about starving myself. It's not a choice I'm consciously making.

1st Virtual 5K for Boobies Race Report!

Andrew just completed his Virtual 5K from CANADA! If that's not a reason for you Americans to enter this race. I really don't know what is. No offense to Andrew or our neighbors to the North, but I want America to win ALL.THE.TIME. The end.

Andrew's Results:
Sex: Male
Race-Day Age: 44
City: Mississauga, ON, Canada
Location: Applewood Acres, Mississauga

Start Time: 7:13 a.m. Eastern TZ, Friday August 27, 2010
Watch Time at 5k Split: 36:23


You can read Andrew's race report on his blog by clicking here! Big thanks to him for his race report and shout out on the ol blog. Everyone start following him! And remember it's not too late to enter as it ends on Tuesday :)

Why Sign Up For A Virtual Race?

1. Because I said so. Hey, if it works for moms, it ought to work for me.
2. Prizes. Whoooo! For instance, some prizes are things like iTunes giftcards, Gu sample packs, compression socks. Etc, etc, etc.
3. It's for a good cause! Many times people host a virtual race in order to fundraise for things like Team Challenge, Team in Training, and other awesome charities.
4. Competition is good for you. I tried to be all scientific about this but when I google I just keep getting shit that doesn't relate. Suffice to say, competition will push you to do your best.
5. You need motivation- virtual races provide it
6. Opportunity to race against people all over the country! People you follow in the bloggy world but may never meet in every day life.
7. It's flexible with your schedule!
8. You get to pick your own course! The worst part about races is the course is already designed. You might think to yourself, I wonder what is down that way? Well, now you can find out!
9. Race reports are fun. You need more in your life
10. Because I am flat out BEGGING YOU for your help.

Look peeps, I don't know what it will take to get you to sign up for my Virtual 5K for Boobies but just tell me and I will attempt to make it happen. I have 64 followers who WILLINGLY admit to the world that they read my blog and yet only 2 people have signed up. Just think, if all 64 signed up, we would raise $320 for the Susan G Komen Race for a Cure! So, please just consider signing up for the 3.2 mile run between now and August 31st. Entrance fee is $5. If you design your own bib, you can enter the competition for best/most creative bib (which I will let the readers pick!) and get a prize. Plus anyone who goes above and beyond the $5 donation is entered into a raffle. Fastest time gets a $20 iTunes giftcard. All you have to do is donate to Lauren's page and then email me at fromfat2fab2009@gmail.com so I can get you your number. Then just run your 3.2 miles between now and August 31st. I will post race reports and photos and announce winners that weekend following (to give you time to get your stuff in).

Seriously, I. AM. BEGGING. YOU.

Lauren is currently at 49% of her goal and I would love if we all helped her get over 50%!!!!!

And if there is something else I could do to persuade you...let me know. Unless it involves whoring myself out. That ship sailed when I graduated friends.

Run Courtney Run's 100 Day Challenge!

Just got in from a GRUELING 5.14 mile run. I'm lucky to have lived through the whole thing. I was happy to be home and hop in the shower :) Afterwards, I made myself an omelet with hot pepper cheese and pico de gallo. DELICIOUS! I sat down to eat it and scrolled through the blogs and came across Run Courtney Run's 100 Day Challenge. So I'm joining it.

Why?

Well, I've lost 25 lbs and kept 22 of them off but I still have a ways to go. Since I moved from the gym and can only go twice a week (to see Cassandra the devil) I'm struggling to find the motivation to keep it in high gear. I'm hoping this will help! So, head over to Courtney's page and check out the 100 days challenge that starts Monday!

Speaking of starts. Today marks the start of my Virtual 5K for Boobies! So far, I have a scant 2 people entered. Three if you include me. Come on people! The race ends August 31st and you can complete the 5K anywhere, anytime (from today to the 31st that is). Just donate to Lauren's race for a cure and I'll send you your race number. Categories for prizes include fastest time as well as most creative bib and a raffle for all donations over $5!

And, last, but not least. Training with Cassandra started back up this week. She worked me HARD. So, Cassandra's move of the week is back:

You'll need an assisted squat machine (a 15 lb bar attached to the machine- it's basically a spotter for when you don't have one). Lower the bar to the first or second rung and slide under it on the ground. Keep your legs straight out in front of you and your body in a straight line resting on your heels. Place your hands in the pullup position and pull up. It should work your back, chest and shoulders (as well as your forearms some). Keep the grip loose, otherwise you're using your arms to lift. The higher the bar is placed, the easier this should be for you. I did 3 rounds of 15 with Cassandra on Thursday and I am feeling it!

Virtual 5K for Boobies Update

Due to the underwhelming response, Lauren and I talked and decided we would extend the 5K. You can now run it from tomorrow, August 20 through August 30th. We will announce winners of the raffle, most creative bib and overall winner on September 1st. So, get on over to this page for details and get running for boobies :)

First AM Run Outdoors!

Okay, mentally I'm not all here so BEAR with me. I have a couple things I want to try to get out there today and I'm struggling (lack of sleep):

• Funny Story: My new upstairs neighbor is never around (or I never hear her) until it's time for bed. I usually play some sleep-inducing tunes prior to bedtime and she seems to have just moved in as well. I think she actually moved in the day after me and I was in Gwinnett so I missed seeing all that go down. Anyway, for the past week at around 10 or 11 she starts hanging or putting together furniture or whatever. In my opinion, you can start that shit at 10 am and should be done with it by 8 pm (you don't know if your neighbor has kids which is why I say 8). And it always sounds like she is dropping shit. Well, last night, I decided I had enough. When the best sleep you get is the one hour nap your eyes forced upon you at 3 pm, then its time to make some changes. So I stood there for 10 minutes listening just to be sure she was going to be doing this for some time. Then, I walked up there and knocked on the door. She opened it with a cat in her arms (hence the sounds of shit dropping all the time) and immediately said she just looked at the clock. I explained to her that I understood as I was moving as well but that I generally get up at 4:30 am to go to the gym. Her mouth literally dropped open. I don't know if it was because she looked at me and thought "no way this bitch works out" or if she thought to herself "WTF are you going to the gym this early for?" Either way, she stopped building the bookshelf she was building.
• I went on my first 5 am run in the new hood. Which was actually 5:15 am cause I hit snooze. It was nice and I saw a couple of other runners out there as well. All three of them were young, had killer bodies and were shirtless. I think I may readjust my thinking on living in Atlanta if I get to wake up to that every day. Sweaty men, yum (except you Adam. You're just a freak of nature).
• This past week, I've been wearing my running skirt (yes, I only have one. Yes, I wash it in between wearings). You see, I had only worn it to run the Skirtchaser 5K because they gave it to me. Skirts seem to cost a pretty penny. And I am broke. I love my Nike Tempo shorts (and I get a great deal on them) but I could easily become a running skirt convert. My *free* Skirt Sports skirt was comfy. I initially felt weird in it but I got comfortable quickly. The built in compression shorts eliminate the need for BodyGlide in that area which is awesome. They don't slip around and you don't spend time thinking about what you are wearing because its moving around or you have to adjust it. The only complaint on the version they give you for free is there is one pocket. It's on the leg of the compression shorts on the back and it doesn't hold stuff very well. I wouldn't recommend putting an ID or cell phone there because they will fall out. They have lots of cool options that have addressed this issue though so check them out over at www.skirtsports.com/ if you're looking for feminine but durable clothing.
• Last, but MOST IMPORTANT, big thanks to Adam and Courtney who were the FIRST TWO registrants for the Virtual 5K for Boobies which is THIS WEEKEND. Adam will get some sweet gift yet to be determined. This race is open to MEN AND WOMEN. All you have to do is make a $5 donation to Lauren's site and let me know you've done so. Then I will give you your race number and you have this weekend to run it. Prizes given for a few different things so being fastest isn't the most important thing! Please consider signing up or spreading the word for me!

Well, that's it. Thanks for bearing with me!

I'm baaaaaackkkkkk

Okay, life has been hectic lately but now that I am getting settled into the new apartment, I have GOT TO START BACK ON THE HEALTHY LIVING TRAIN. I'm back up to 155 after this weekend's shenanigans. I have wedding related stuff all month but that is no excuse to just let myself go completely.

With that in mind, I hit the grocery store last night (it helps that I finally have a little money in the bank). The Kroger I went to is INCREDIBLE. It was so nice! And I love, love, love a store that has sushi and a salad bar. I want to move into the Kroger. Of course, everything took longer because I don't know the layout of the store yet but WOW. So much to choose from! So, here is what I picked up to add to my empty fridge (and pantry. and freezer):

• Pirate's Booty White Cheddar (it's like crack. But on sale for 3 for $5)
• Green Grapes
• Romaine lettuce
• Crumbled Tomato Basil Feta Cheese
• Tomato
• Back to Nature Granola (which is my favorite!)
• Hot Pepper cheese
• Diet Coke (aspartame be damned)
• Eggs
• 100 calorie bread thingies (the receipt isn't helping and I'm blanking on what they are called)
• Organic Chicken

That's all my meager paycheck could afford this time around. But slowly I will build the kitchen back up! Next up, tackling my workouts!

In other news, my boys over in Toms River, NJ will be playing tonight for a chance to head to the Little League World Series. They lost to the team they are playing once so I'm looking for a little revenge. You can catch them at 8 pm on ESPN2.

And don't forget to sign up for the Virtual Race for Boobies! I might even give out a little sumpin to the first person to sign up!

It's a Virtual Race for Boobies!

Hey Adam, now that I've got your attention....

Anyway, my high school and college friend, Lauren is doing the Susan G Komen Race for a Cure and has been looking for fundraising ideas. I've been strapped for cash but I always want to help friends out and I thought this might be the PERFECT time to give the virtual race thing a shot. SOOOO, I am hosting a virtual race to raise money for Lauren's run!

The details (I almost put deets but I cannot STAND abbreviations 95% of the time so I thought it might be hypocritical. Whatevs):

Date: August 21-31
Time: Whenever you fit the thing in
Where: Location of your choosing
Distance: 5K
To sign up: Head over to Lauren's donation site and donate $5 or more as your sign up fee for the 5 K. Then email me at fromfat2fab2009@gmail.com that you've done so. I'll verify it with Lauren and set you up with your race number.
What's up for grabs: Fastest 5K gets a $20 iTunes giftcard. Prize will also be given for most creative race bib. Anyone who donates over $5 will be entered into a raffle to win a mystery prize. After you run your 5 k, email me with a picture or file of your bib (if you want to be entered into that contest) plus your finishing time.
Other things: Feel free to email me links to race reports you've posted on your blog to be posted here, also a photo of yourself plus your finish time to be included on my own race report. I will try to have it up by Tuesday at the latest PLUS I'll announce winners AND total amount raised!

Any questions or want to donate a prize for the raffle? Email me at fromfat2fab2009@gmail.com!