Baby Sweat

Oh yeah – that’s right people. I ellipticalled for 20 minutes today and it was exhilarating. My little nucleus accumbens was firing like crazy I’m sure. What’s the nucleus accumbens you ask? It’s a little nucleus (think of it as an activity station) in your brain that is sometimes dubbed the “reward center.” This little guy also plays a crucial role in addiction. The neurobiology of addiction is actually fascinating.

Just so you can know where the nucleus accumbens is.

Ok, I’ll stop nerding out on you all.

Anyways, so I went back to Dr. Levine for some more ART and he says my IT band feels better. BUT NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO RUN TOMORROW.

His reasoning is as follows. Today was the first day that my leg has not hurt walking since I re-aggravated the ol’ IT band last Thursday. Since it appears the IT band is on the upswing (or so we hope), why would I want to run tomorrow and potentially mess up all the healing that’s taken place since last Thursday? A reasonable person wouldn’t want all that tortured rest period ”super-taper” going to waste, now would they?

Surely, you've haven't forgotten about super-taper, right?!?

The problem is I haven’t exactly been reasonable and rational lately, which is probably why Dr. Levine asked me, “So, why are you wearing running clothes right now?”

BECAUSE I WANT TO PRETEND I’M GOING TO RUN — THAT’S WHY.

Ok, lies – I was wearing running clothes because they’re more comfortable than real clothes and, as always, I want all the world to know I <3 Sweat.

20 minutes of sweat is better than no sweat, right? I'm sure Ali agrees.

So, I’m trying very hard to listen to what other people tell me to do and not to let the crazy person that has invaded my body take over, which result in me taking myself on a 6 mile run that could potentially deter me from MARATHON GREATNESS. And, we don’t want that, do we?!?

I mean, this is completely what I anticipate myself looking like all marathon long. You see the resemblance, right?

Seeing as I have to do something before I lose my mind (and 20 min on an elliptical isn’t going to cut), I’m going to go senior citizen tomorrow and aqua jogging. I’m just really upset I don’t have one of the following awesome swim caps for the occasion.

Exhibit A --- and these models do NOT look like senior citizens to me...

Exhibit B --- she also does not look like a senior citizen.

I know, you can’t win them all. The NYU one I got from my friend who is the assistant coach (shout out to Spenser Popeson) will have to do. However, cool swim cap or not, I have to do something to burn off my excess energy so I don’t take off at the start of the marathon like a kid running from house to house trick-or-treating.

Paperclip, Paperclip's Older Sister, and I

Well, at least that’s how Paperclip – excuse me – Buzz Lightyear trick-or-treated last night.

Quick Tangent: Speaking of Halloween, best trick-or-treater at our  house last night was the girl whose father said, “Well, she’s really enjoying this, but Daddy’s getting his cardio – whew!” I almost wanted to yell, “Sir, do not take your cardio for granted!”

See, I have seriously morphed into a legitimate crazy person.

In case I don’t write between now and the marathon, I want to give big good lucks to the following: Kelly, Susan, Lindsay, Emilia, Celia, Lauren, Shannon, Gia, Skinny Runner, Betsy, Katie and Mike. If I missed anyone, I’m really sorry!

If you’re watching the race, you need to cheer the loudest for Lauren (Fleshman). Yell something about Picky Bars or sparkly headbands or beer…or something like that. Or just your usual “Go Lauren!”, yet, I feel we can all get more creative than that.

If you watch the 5K the day before, you need to cheer very loudly for the newly engaged couple, Steph and Ben, who I usually refer to as “the RC” and “the RCF.” You can yell something like, “Oh my word, your ring is blinding me!” or “Is that the guy that can talk like Donald Duck?!?”

All three will be really skinny. I am sure this will help you distinguish them from all the other professional runners.

Ok, now for the question I will pose to you all – WHAT NAIL COLOR SHOULD I WEAR FOR THE MARATHON? Possibilities include:

• Smokin’ Hot by Essie (gunmetal color)
• Lapis of Luxury by Essie (which was “belief blue,” but its very summery)
• Carry On by Essie (a deep plum, but that’s the color the IT band injury happened with so I’m thinking no)
• black (because it’s fierce)
• orange (because it’s my lucky color)
• Rock the Croc by Essie (because its my favorite “fall red”)

If I can find it, I may go with the new “Baubing for Baubles” by Essie – which is a deep sapphire blue, so it can be the new “belief blue.”

I hope its not so new that I won't find it....

ALSO, TELL ME: What was the best Halloween costume you saw? And Kim K divorcing already? Glad I caught the wedding special before that happened!

I saw a Jamaican bobsled team. Very clever.

Until next time…

[P.S. I'm sorry if this post made no sense whatsoever.]

I’ve Become One Of “Those” People

Literally, people, this not running thing is for the birds. I never thought I’d be one of “those people” that goes crazy not running. Who am I?!?

I keep trying to think of IT band friendly activities that do not include shopping. Today, I resorted to “inversion therapy.”

Exhibit A:

It started to bother the ol’ leg after about 15 minutes and my back realized I’m not the young spring chicken I was just a few short years ago before I started running so much.

[The above was Aug 2009. I think I'd die trying that now.]

I did some arts and crafts:

Snaps for Katie who ran MCM today!!! (And Lauren, Christy, and everyone else!)

I went to visit Paperclip, who was playing hard to get. He knows he loves me.

Dressed to watch the game - GO VOLS! Or not, since they aren't doing so hot this year.

I researched way too much about Derek Dooley’s pants, which are awesome.

FEAR THE PANTS. I hope Dooley doesn't get fired, because I like his enthusiasm.

Ally and I got pedicures.

The flip flops go with my "Knoxville attire," which basically means I wear sweats all day and ridic shoes.

Yes, those are furry flip flops. Don’t lie to yourself. You want some. And, yes, that is a Halloween scene on my big toe. The lady asked if she could do it and I told her ,”Do whatever you want! Go to town!” I commend her dexterity.

Slightly tacky, yet awesome. Hey, you only live once and this will most likely get destroyed in a week.

I mean, if not now, when?

I went on a 2 mile walk with my mom. The leg felt “twingy,” which is a legit medical term, in case you were wondering. I was thinking of trying out some tennis this afternoon, but that walk made me think twice.

So, I’m back to lying supine and reading “The End of Normal” by Stephanie Madoff Mack.

Really easy and gossipy read. Dig it.

I keep trying to tell myself that is not always your situation, but how you look at the situation that really matters. All the work was done when my IT band decided to stage a mutiny against me. Instead of thinking this little hiatus will make me sluggish and slow, I must think that it’ll leave me fresh, excited, and ready to go in a week. If I think the former instead of the latter, I’ll lose it, big time.

Now, I’m off to do some more handstands.

Until next time…

What’s Rocking My World This Wednesday

The usual…

 

1. THE HEATED HUGGIE

Snuggie + Electric Blanket = Huggie

That’s right, everyone. Christmas has come early. Its like a snuggie, but heated. Believe it.

2. SUCCESSFUL FURNITURE ASSEMBLY

Not only did I put them together, they're still standing 3 days later.

I’m like a certified carpenter now. I put together two of these to hold my winter clothing as when I exchanged summer for winter clothes, I realized I needed more storage space. I have a clothing/shopping problem – I have a hard time getting rid of things.

Although said furniture assembly did give me a blister.

3. DISNEY WORLD

First, some pictures from my youth at Disney World:

Ally and I meeting Mickey Mouse. Don't lie to yourself - the character breakfasts rock.

 

The Big Bad Wolf terrifying Ally. Yes, we were frequently "matching, but different." My children will be as well.

 

Meeting Cinderella who I clearly thought was an actual celebrity. Don't ask about the crown - if anyone offered me one, I would always wear it.

 

Shout-out to my mom who smocked these Ariel dresses. Shout-out to my dad who willing wore some necklace from the Polynesian Luau I'm sure my sister and I insisted he wear.

Ok, while I am going to Orlando early next week for a conference, its not a Disney World. However, I’m thinking that I will need to either make a stop by the Happiest Place On Earth or, better yet, THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER.

Hogsmeade! Butter Beer! Chocolate Frogs!

It might be too much for me to handle though.

4. RUNDIES

People, I am so disappointed in myself. Normally, I am so on top of my online shopping and get those must-have items that everyone wants. However, I was a bit delinquent in placing an order and BOOM! Oiselle sold out of these bad boys.

Let's get out the violins for this missed opportunity.

However, I think they are making more, in which case I already have my credit card memorized to order asap/pronto/stat.

5. SOPHIA GRACE BROWNLEE + HER COUSIN 

I’m sure some parents around the world are up in arms over this little girl belting out “”scuse me your a hell of a guy” and things like that, but this kid is adorable and amazing. In her Ellen interview today she even says she has no idea what the song is about. Just wait ’til she gets to the chorus…

First, I mean the outfits and the choreography are fantastic. They get my vote in any talent competition based on that alone.

They were on “The Ellen Show” today and got surprised my Nicki Minaj. The whole thing was adorable. I predict Sophia Grace will be the girl version of Justin Bieber, who was also discovered on YouTube.

You should also go watch the video of their interview before, because its amazing.

Also, I think I’ve found my Halloween costume this year – pink fluffy dress and a crown. Perfect.

The usual – TELL ME what’s rocking your week!

Until next time…

Orange Is My New Lucky Color

Elle Woods was so wrong. Whoever said orange was the new pink was right. Not that I don’t love pink, too.

Orange was Prince Liam the Brave’s favorite color (remember – Liam is Gretchen’s son, the found of Cookies For Kids’ Cancer). When I picked up my bib Friday from NYRR for Saturday morning’s little half marathon, guess was color it was? ORANGE. Guess what color a lot of Oiselle’s stuff is? ORANGE.

Liam would've liked this. I thought my orange bib was a sign that Liam wanted me to have a good time.

Thursday night I did have my usual pre-race “I am putting so much pressure on myself and I don’t know why I do this to myself” moment. Friday I ran around like a crazy person. Saturday I felt surprisingly calm and ready to carpe diem. And I had quite a bit to carpe this diem.

Saint Megan said she’d run the race with me. Yes, Megan is, indeed, a saint as she ran the ENTIRE half with me, was the watchbearer (and if you’ve ready any of my posts you know about my relationship with watches and Garmins), and helped me plan the race as we ran it (I term this “intuitive running”) and PR by 2 min! (1:4856 –> 1:46:47 for any numbers people)

Better yet, Megan and I met up with Kelly at the start who was in the midst of a twenty mile run. So, we chatted away the first four miles, and we even ran into Betsy on Harlem Hill (mile 3-ish, I think). And, to top it all off, we saw Ali two times during the race complete with jazz hands and screams of “all my favorite people, you’re going to win!” If you see me during the marathon, please do jazz hands.

I was having such a good time running that, at first, it weirded me out and I was like “why am I having so much fun — races typically aren’t that fun until they’re over.” And, then I remembered this little guy in my awesome training journal:

In the journal, the stems say "I am" and another flower says "ful" -- "I am Joyful." Oh, and look - MORE ORANGE.

Lauren and Ro (the Believe I Am peeps) wrote something next to it about people doing best when they are enjoying themselves (they write it more eloquently than that) so I decided to stick with my “this race is my Saturday morning coffee talk session” race plan.

If you want to know the nitty gritty details, the first mile was 8:55, the second 8:45. Miles 3-5 were 8:15-8:20. Mile 6 was 7:53 — when Megan calculated that, I thought that was probably too fast so we intentionally slowed down a bit to make sure I felt strong at the end. Miles 7-9 were about 8 min. Mile 10 was like 8:05 or something, I’m not really sure…maybe it was 8:10 because of the hills. Anyways, 11 was 8:02 and the last two were both 7:43. I guess I can call this race/long run/gossip sesh “progressive.”

I felt really good throughout, even on all the big hills (and the “fake hill” leading up to the reservoir, which I despise). I felt really strong. I had a great time. I did not feel like I was going to throw up at any point.

I felt like this on Saturday - can you see the word? Sorry, Believe I Am people for stealing all of your images.

My finish time was 1:46:47, which is 8:10/mile. Now, I could let this freak me out, because 8:10ish is marathon pace — its technically 8:12 for a 3:35 marathon, but that sounds so odd being like “my marathon pace is 8:12…8:13 far too slow, 8:11 far too fast.” So, I round to whole numbers. I could freak out that thinking “I have to do that twice in like 5 weeks or something if I want to acheive my ‘A’ goal?”

As Saint Megan reminded me 1) I will have tapered for the marathon, 2) I will have another month of long runs and workouts in me, 3) it won’t be as humid, and 4) I won’t be having a gossip sesh for the first several miles. Megan is so wise. Snaps for Megan (name that movie)!

So, I think this race gets too confidence up arrows, maybe three. You decide.

I then ran to shower and head down to the ol’ bake sale, which I will save for tomorrow so as to save you all from reading a short novel.

Here’s a sneak peak:

Me with T and M -- some of my favorite girls in the under 7 set.

So, yep, orange is my new lucky color and I think I had a little angel named Liam watching over me all day Saturday. Unfortunately, I’m not in the orange corral for NYC (can I write them and request a switch? ha! I’m serious though), but I will be wearing something orange, that’s for sure.

TELL ME: What is your lucky color, number, stuffed animal, thing? Any superstitions? Things you must do for races, tests, etc?

I definitely have lucky foods, shorts (my Oiselle Lori shorts now), rubber bands, socks…some what out of control.

Until next time…

Flight of the Bumblebee

If you want to know what my brain sounds like right now, just imagine “Flight of the Bumblebee.” Its a pretty accurate description.

I’m also pretty sure come Sunday, I’m going to need to sleep a bit or else I will get sick. I kind of already feel like I may be getting sick.

Stop by! Tell your friends and frenemies - basically, tell anyone you know.

So, the ol’ bake sale is tomorrow. Of course, the forecast is rain which sent me into panic mode and I have wasted tons of nervous energy thinking about rain. Meggie Smith is not one to be stopped so, naturally, I emailed the Vice President of Student Affairs of NYU (Marc Wais – really nice guy actually) telling him my predicament and within a half hour he called me on my cell. Pretty good VP of student affairs of a large university, don’t you think? He gets two thumbs of from me. And a high five.

Marc Wais - THANK YOU KIND MAN who is easing my anxiety right now. You are like Zoloft for me today.

Basically, my theoretical rain plan is to set up under the awnings of Bobst (the library, my 2nd home in college). I figured I could go about this two ways – ask for permission or beg for forgiveness. Seeing as I’m doing this for a charity that I’m representing, I figured I’d go with the former.

See nice awnings - perfect for a bake sale. And, it midterms time = lots of students in library.

Of course, I will be bringing my student ID, my park permit, and Marc Wais’ personal cell phone number in my armament against any NYU security guards who try to stop me. I’m not opposed to also using tears and telling them how much I have paid in tuition the past 7 years to them so I can get my way.

And, if worst comes to worst, I will be standing out there with my umbrella and rainboots. By myself if need be. Don’t worry I will be out there.

Its not really about “getting my way” as I wrote above. I really just want to do good by Gretchen, who works so tirelessly to raise awareness about the lack of funding for pediatric cancer. As you may know from my previous blog, Gretchen lost her beautiful son Liam this past year to neuroblastoma.

My heart goes out to Gretchen. Liam was made an honorary fireman as often hung out with the men of engine1/ladder 24.

If I lost a child, I’d probably have to take a leave of absence from life. Not Gretchen. Gretchen has been spreading the word about Cookies, wrote “Best Bake Sale Cookbook” where all the proceeds go to Cookies, travels around the country doing interviews on behalf of Cookies — all while raising her beautiful daughter, Ella, and working full time for OXO.

So, I really want to do well for not only Gretchen and Liam, but also for my parents and my brother. My parents never took a “leave of absence” from life when my brother was sick or after he died. In fact, I don’t even remember my parents being gone during that time which, they have told me, they were as my brother was treated at a hospital 2 hours away from our home.

So, yes, I really want this to be a success for Gretchen, Liam, my parents, my brother, and Janie B Sharp (my friend’s sister who died from cancer when we were juniors in high school).

Gretchen and Liam

Thus far, I have baked two dozen gluten free peanut butter chocolate cookies and three dozen [non GF] chocolate chip. Big shout out to Susan for helping me last night! You should also go over to her blog and wish her GOOD LUCK in her marathon on Sunday!

Finished product.

Speaking of running, did I mention I’m running a half tomorrow morning before the bake sale? Yep, I am. I can’t even think about it because I have so many doubts about it — am I strong enough to run 13.1 miles fast? If I can’t, how on earth do I think I can run 26.2 miles in my goal time? What happens if it goes poorly? Can I use the bake sale as an excuse? I really want it to go well so I get a lot of confidence from it. But, am I stretching myself too thin right now?

See – FLIGHT OF THE BUMBLEBEE BRAIN.

I’m having to throw all those thoughts out the window. I am going to turn them into good ones like “I had a really good workout on Tuesday so tomorrow is going to go equally as well. And I will repeat some mantras and affirmations to myself all day that I had to write down last night…in my training journal, no less.

Or something like that.

Anyways, people, please do an anti-rain dance. Thanks.

Until next time.

A True Baller

First of all, for those of you who used the terms NBI or BI in your comments, I love you. I want to make them catch on like Gretchen tried to make “fetch” happen in Mean Girls.

Second, I’m sorry I have been whiny lately. I guess I’ve just been in a whiny running mood lately, but I write how I feel. And, whiny/frustrated/not satisfied is how I’ve feeling this week.

I’m snapping myself out of it because I have a race on Saturday! Racing in a whiny running mood = no fun. And the whole point of races is to have fun (well, after the fact, generally not that pleasant during) AND to eat whatever you want the rest of the day! Right? Yes!

Also, your comments helped me snap out of my comparison funk…so, thank you!

So, you know by now my general quest in running is to be a baller. But, let me show you someone who’s actually a baller:

Homeboy LOST HIS LEG TO CANCER and look at him! Doing a standing back (flip)! That’s hard on two legs…

Its not really the fact that Adam, whoever he is, can do a standing back on one leg, its the attitude that got him there. I don’t know this person, but I think losing a limb would give one a very easy out to be a couch potato for the rest of your life. It takes a special sort of perseverance and resilience to get back out there, flipping around like its no problem on one leg.

Think about it….first, you’d have to deal with the fact that whatever local therapy (radiation I presume) didn’t work. Then, you’re faced with an amputation, protheses, probably chemotherapy if you have metastases. Let’s not even talk about metastases or recurrences. That’s a lot to deal with, especially at a young age.

So, thanks, Adam, wherever you are, for making me a little more thankful for what I have today and amazing me with your baller-ness.

Now, two things:

1) Watch this video, you will smile:

Adorable. I’ve watched this at least 5 times already. How fun would it be to be Miss Kimberly or Miss Ashley?!?

2) Race on Saturday – let’s all hope for low humidity, some sun (but not too much sun) and fast legs.

Its 5 miles. I’m a little undecided on a goal. I think my main goal will be 40 min (~8 min/mile), if I’m feeling a little better then maybe 39 min, and I’m feeling truly baller then 38:30ish.

Regardless, finishing = ICE CREAM. Or ice cream sandwich. Or cupcakes. Or cookies….the possibilities are endless, people.

I hope you had a great day!

Until next time…

Making Peace With Tempo Runs

So, if you read this post, you know me and tempo runs don’t mix so well.

I’ve asked all the “good runners” I know and, apparently, there is no way you can train for a marathon without doing tempo runs. Upsetting. In fact, one person told me “the marathon is just like one big tempo run.” Awesome. After the desired physiologic effects were explained to me, I get it. I need to do them.

I went and chased down a bunch of Kenyans and asked them about tempo runs. Hah- just kidding. I'm sure they'd look at me as this whiny, American prima donna. And I don't know any Kenyans.

So, being the overthinker that I am who has more time on her hands these days to contemplate such things, I’ve tried to figure out why I don’t like them.

I think its primarily two things: 1) I still don’t get how I’m supposed to always feel 2) I get too caught up in time/splits/details. Me? Details? Nooooo….

The RC is going to kill me if she reads this (which she won’t, but if she did) because she has explained tempo runs to me like a thousand times. I get its supposed to be like faster than your marathon pace, around 10K pace-ish, an 7/10ish on discomfort level. Problem is that’s kind of how I think about races, too — remember my cliff? That I think of it as uncomfortable, but not dying. I guess thats how I think about tempo runs, too. So, I associate tempo runs with race like pain, which is why I dread them and, in turn, sabotage them with my easily-gives-up attitude that I approach tempo runs with.

So, I guess I need to find a new cliff of uncomfortable that is not as uncomfortable as races, but still uncomfortable. I need to create my own Oucher scale of uncomfortable-ness when running.

The real Oucher scale to rate pain. On a scale of 1-10, how much pain are you in reading this post?

Second, if you read that other post, what basically happened was I freaked when I wasn’t exactly, to the T on the pace the RC had set forth for me. First of all, WHO DOES THAT?!? (stopping in the middle of a run). Second, I think they call this “giving up too easily.”

It was explained to me by one of said “good runners” that if, for example, you want to average 8 min pace, you could start out slower than that, say 8:20, and then speed up as the run continues. And that’s actually the way its supposed to be done.

So, because I’m sure the RC (who I should probably ask if she doesn’t mind being called the RC in the blogosphere) will be scheduling more tempo runs, I am developing a plan of attack as to how I will conquer them.

First, I will don medieval knight attire in preparation for battle:

My horse will not be coming with me.

Only joking. My medieval knight attire is stored at home, anyways.

Second, unless the RC does not approve, I will not be bringing my watch.

Bye-bye watch.

Third, I will warm up adequately, do some strides (are you supposed to do this before tempo runs? yes? no?), and not run too much the day before.

Fourth, I need to find some mantra or some phrase to repeat to myself to get me though it. And, I will embrace the pain, know that it is mentally and physically callousing me, and that’s what I want.

And I should probably just calm down and “let it happen” — whatever “it” is that day.

So, that’s what I’ll do.

I’ll let you know how it goes, if any of you care.

So, people, I need your input, again — what do you think about to get yourself to tough runs?

Maybe, I should think about this:

Thank you card from two adorable girls I babysit. And you know how much I love thank-you cards and handwritten notes.

Until next time…

What’s Up Wednesday

Here’s what rocking my world this week or what rocks my world in general and I’m just choosing to tell you about it this week.

1. My planner that I ordered from Korea. OBSESSED. So much room to write, graph paper so you can write in nice straight lines. It is the ultimate of planners. Sometimes I just take it out and look at how beautiful it is.

Last week. Look so much room to write and organize your life!

This week. Plasticy thing is the insert to mark what week you're at.

Yes, I write lame affirmations to myself and put the BelieveIAm tag/sticker thing in the plastic insert all as reminders to myself for my now-15.5 week campaign for positive attitude, self belief, pretending I’m a bad-ass campaign. Don’t judge. I think it works, maybe… talk to me in November.

2. Erika’s Post-Boston Picture. This is my favorite post-race picture of all time. A big thanks to Erika for sending and allowing me to post it.

So many possibilities for captions...where to begin?

I think this picture captures the true essence of how you feel after 26.2 miles. Like “what just happened to me and why is this guy telling me to open my foil and where is the nearest Cinnabon for calorie replenishment?” To all those people who can smile and wave, I envy you because I cannot — I look very similar to this and, after both marathons I’ve run, have felt like I may never walk normally again (I tried to upload the video I have of my post-marathon walk in which I’m basically moaning and asking for a wheelchair, but can’t figure out how to…sorry).

3. My “Strong” Tank. I feel strong when I wear it. Like its rubbing strongness off on me  because it says it on there. I know…another one of my irrational beliefs. Hey, whatever makes my boat float, right?

I wish I were as skinny as this girl. I wouldve posted a pic of me in, but this girl makes it look better. WHY MUST I HAVE A DESSERT ADDICTION?

PS – its super soft so I’d put it in the category of “hanging out clothes,” a category my mom invented. I love it so much, I may wear it to work on Friday. Ok, fine, here’s me in it…I already posted the picture anyways.

Don't worry, I won't wear it with tempo shorts to work. Although I would if I could.

4. Stylemint.com. Tshirts picked out by Mary Kate and Ashley just for you. What more can I want in life considering I’m obsessed with MK and A minus the drug addictions, eating disorders, and smoking habits? What can I say – I grew up on the MK and A videos (we’re the exact same age) and may or may not have applied to NYU for undergrad initially because they were going there (don’t worry my decision was based on real things, not Olsen Twins). I got alerted to this by the Zoe Report today, the daily newsletter from Rachel Zoe. Ba-na-nas!

5. My 3 year old friend, “Paperclip.” Paperclip is his alias in case any pedophiles or rapists read this so they won’t know his name to allure him in a mall (I watch too much Nancy Grace). Paperclip is my multi-talented, 3 year old neighbor that my sister and I have been babysitting since he was born (his family is good family friends of ours). His repertoire of talents include, but are not limited to:

GUITAR

Paperclip serenading me.

 KARATE/GYMNASTICS

No one taught him that --- talent I tell you!

And, finally, his new obsession:

TENNIS

Yes, that is tournagrip on his 3 year old sized racquet. This budding prodigy won't just use any overgrip!

Ready for DOMINATION!

Paperclip first saw tennis at my house when my brother was hitting with his coach and was entranced and told us “he wanted to play dis basketball, too!”. (He thought it was basketball because there was also a goal on the court.) So, my tennis-obsessed family has taken it upon ourselves to turn this tennis enthusiast into the next Lleyton Hewitt minus the bad attitude. Training currently consists of making his swing less of baseball swing and more of an actual forehand.

So, that’s what’s rocking my world.

Ok, I must go to bed so I can wake up and run before it becomes 3000F outside and I get running nausea again. I’m supposed to 2-3 miles of my run tomorrow at 10 sec/mile faster than MP. When I first read that I was all like “oh, I totally go this” and now I’m kind of thinking “I so don’t got that.” And, I’m probably going to blame the heat when I’m running and think “I so don’t got this” instead of recognizing that I actually “so don’t got this.” Right now, at least.

You see why I have to write little notes to myself. I am a chronic doubter. WHY CANT I JUST RUN LIKE A NORMAL PERSON AND ACTUALLY THINK I CAN DO “XX:XX” TIME? Story of my life.

So, TELL ME – what’s rocking you world this week and do you have to write little “I can do it” notes to yourself?

Until next time…

Should’ve Asked for Guitar Lessons

Instead of begging for gymnastics lessons at 2 years old or the newest Anna Kournikova tennis outfit at 16, I SHOULD’VE ASKED for guitar and singing lessons so I could be a rock star.

WRONG STRINGS TO ASK FOR

Like, honestly, med school? WHAT WAS I THINKING?!? Wrong childhood ambitions, Meggie, just wrong.

Ally (my sis) and I went to the Taylor Swift concert and, seriously, I want to have the power that if I just look in one direction a bajillion people start screaming for me. I want to wear 10 sparkly dresses a night and have sparkly, bedazzled guitars and have thousands of screaming fans singing lyrics that I wrote. I want people to write 13 on their hands and lyrics down their arm just because I do.

Note the sparkly guitar...with the black, sparkly dress. WHY NOT ME?

Ok, maybe I’m just a tad jealous. For the record, Ally and I did NOT put 13 on our hands or write lyrics on our arms (although that is something I would typically do).

The Taylor Swift concert was A++ so, if you have the chance and you’re into country, highly recommend. Homegirl plays like 4 instruments (at least during the show she played the guitar, banjo,piano, and ukelele) and I was going to be seriously impressed if she busted out a 5th (ok, 4 is still pretty impressive).

A family friend we babysit for all the time was at the concert with her best friend (they’re 9, first concert, too cute). We helped them tie dye tshirts last weekend and each wore blue nail polish (T. Swift’s fave color), blue eyeshadow, and, obviously, wrote 13 on their hands along with lyrics down their arm. Taylor actually squeezed their hand during the concert…obviously, the highlight of their young lives, thus far.

Me, Ally, and our 9 year old buds (the little blond we've babysat for since....she was born!)

Ally and I tie-dyed those shirts...TALENT.

On another note, I got 3 more hair feathers – white, yellow, and pink. Love myself some hair feathers.

Changing subject again. The nail places here in TN are not up on Essie like NYC ones so my plan to get light blue was foiled. I went with purple, which I was very pleased with. A contrast to the light pink a lot of people were rocking at the shower today.

Nails against dress...kind of looks like I'm pointing to appendicitis pain or something ("Oh, my right lower quadrant! Sharp pain to McBurney's point!")

I guess my phone apeture (sp?) was fuzzy and Momsicle got me before I was ready. You get the picture.

And, final change of subject, I plan to do a little long runsies tomorrow. Anyone want to help me decide how far to run? Min 10 Max 13. Thanks, homies.

Back to Teen Mom and semi-napping.

 

Thumbs Up, Everybody!

If you’re in need of a little inspiration before starting this work week (or school week or just week), look no further than this cutie who just learned to ride his bike.

I’m gonna need some inspiration this week to get myself in gear to study for my surgery exam (June 17) as well as this end of the year oral exam (June 18). You better believe I will be celebrating on June 19th.

If anyone reads this, I want guesses on what I will run the mini 10K this weekend. To aid in you guesstimation, I will give you a little Meggie 10K history:

June 2009; Mini 10K; 1:00:11

Dec 2009; Joe Kleinerman; 55:22

April 2010; Scotland 10K; 55:05 (which is basically the same as above)

Dec 2010; Joe Kleinerman; 49:52

If you need some extra help, my last 5K (in March) was 23:58 and my marathon (May) was 3:48:03.

Bust out those TI-83s and get crackin’….

On a totally unrelated note, I literally ran into the Big Gay Ice Cream Truck this week. Consider it a sign from God if you do. Its like Mr. Softee, but better. I got the Salty Pimp, which is vanilla Softee with caramel + sea salt + dipped in chocolate. It will be the best $5 you will spend. So, I suggest you seek him out.

Thinking of getting up at 5 am to run a quick 4 miles (not actually fast). Have to be in a 6:50. I just don’t know if I can drag myself out of bed that early…