Take 3 Bites

When I was a camp counselor, we tried to encourage all of the campers to try 3 bites of everything. I think my parents also tried this on me for awhile, but then gave up as I was the pickiest eater alive. I didn’t eat a banana until age 17 and didn’t try mashed potatoes, broccoli, or guacamole until college. I almost tried an olive the other day, as I’ve never had one of those, but chickened out. I guess my picky past (and present, too) underlies my passion for Picky Bars.

The texture of this product has been approved by myself and my brother who is much pickier than I, if that's possible.

Side Note: I received an email from my mom this morning along the lines of “CRISIS! WE ARE OUT OF PICKY BARS.” I’m not sure how she wanted me to fix this problem seeing as I am a 12 hour car ride from her. Apparently, my brother has followed my picky passion.

Anyways, if you read this post, you’ll know I am a yoga skeptic. However, I’ve been to bikram twice this week and actually kind of like it. I guess you really do have to try 3 bites of something to make a decision.

I like bikram because its the same thing every time, so it becomes a game to me to see if I can do each pose better than the time before (ok, fine, all 2 times that I’ve been, but you do do each pose twice each time, so that makes it 4 times total). Fortunately, the place I’ve been to isn’t too serious. Its light and fun. When the yoga people get too zen and into the meditating stuff, they lose me.

I do quite enjoy the organized nap time though.

Unfortunately, I have been called out BOTH TIMES for not paying attention. I’m sorry yoga master, but sometimes I just like to zone out and think about when it will get cold enough for me to start wearing my patagonia fleece consistently.

Patagonia Synchilla -- my 2nd skin in the winter. Get yourself one ASAP.

I guess I’ve also liked bikram this week as its let me get my sweat on in a mah-jor way while I’m still on my running hiatus. And, I swear, it gets your heart rate up. I bet over 110 or 120 beats per minute. Maybe I should wear a heart rate monitor (if I had one). Experiment? Or maybe I’m just out of shape.

Let's learn! The point of maximal impulse for the heart (meaning where you can feel the heart beat best if you put your hand on your chest) is in the 5th intercostal space in the mid-clavicular line.

Also, I wore my BIC band all throughout yoga. It didn’t come off even when I was attempting some backward bending things and failing miserably. Unfortunately for me, I’m not afraid of falling over so I do that often. I like to think it provides entertainment for the others.

OK, THE MOMENT YOU’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR: Who gets the Picky Bars I promised?! I had to figure out how many stamps it would take to send, which is why it took me so long to choose.

The is me and the RC, one of the inventors of Picky Bars. I look so well fed next to her. Whenever I hear the word "inventor," I always think of "my father, the inventor of Toaster Strudel, would not be happy to hear about this." NAME THAT MOVIE.

MegMarie, AmandaVids, and Gina you are the lucky recipients. I’ll email you guys to get your mailing addresses. Also, it may get smushed in transit. I am sorry.

TELL ME: Anyone else a picky eater out there? Anyone else formerly not like something and then had a turn around?

True story: I hated running for the first 23 years of my life and have perfected ways of a) getting out of running or b) feigning like you did a whole run. I can give you my secrets if you wish. I can also give you my secrets for faking pushups, but it does require a long pony-tail.

Until next time…

Hitting the Reset Button

I’m a big fan of the “mental reset button.” In between sections of the MCAT and Step 1 of the USMLE Boards, I would close my eyes so as to hit a “reset” button to start the next section fresh, forgetting about what happened in the previous section. [I also thought it would help my eye rest from starting at a screen -- don't ask, I don't know why I thought that either.] Sometimes when I’m running, if it’s laps of Central Park or a track, I pretend each lap I hit a “reset” button to help me forget about the last lap and focus on the next one.

Tangent: Speaking of buttons, for a while I actually thought the Staples “Easy Button” was a real thing. I guess I thought you just had some standard order and when you hit the button it just ordered it for you through internet magic or something. Extreme blonde moment.

Apparently, this button is just a prop and of no real use.

I’m at home for  long weekend and today was the perfect reset day. It was rainy, cold, dark, and gloomy. I got my hair highlighted and, yep, I got some hair feathers of a more autumnal variety. I mean, hello, I think it’s PERFECT for Thanksgiving. I’m sure the Native Americans at the first Thanksgiving put some turkey feathers in their hair after teaching the pilgrims how to harvest their crops and what not.

Feather head dress. Hair feathers. Totally similar.

I got some treatment (ultrasound, stim, ice) on the lower extremity that shall not be named and freaked out a bit there as the PT scared me into thinking 1) I was taking too much time off on my super taper and 2) that I might gain weight so I need to go do something. To be honest, the gaining weight thing is that last of my worries. In fact, it wasn’t even on my radar. In my opinion, I’d rather be 100% better in 8 days or so and a pound heavier than go run a lot tomorrow or something to prevent weight gain and re-exacerbate the lower extremity that shall not be named, preventing me from running in 8 days or so. Just my opinion. I am a tad worried about taking so much time off, though.

Super Taper's powers also include not worrying. Super Taper is working on this, it's not her best super power.

After I left the PT’s office, at the advice of a wise person, I determined I was spending too much time thinking about my damn leg and not enough time on if I was going to go to regular Target or Super Target. So, from this point forward, everyone in my world is not going to talk about the marathon or at least pretend its really far off.

Which brings me to — Reasons I love my family:

1) Interaction with my mom in the kitchen this morning:

Mummy (her self-dubbed October name, duh): “Meggie are you running that marathon of a run here this weekend?”

Me: “No, Mom, that’s next weekend in New York.”

Mummy: “Yeah, but there is like one here this weekend – the Buddy’s Race for Cancer or something.”

Me: “Mom, that’s a 5K.”

Mummy: “Yeah, I know, but all of your races sound so far to me that I call them all marathons.”

2) After telling my sister why I can’t run right now:

Ally: “Well, what did you expect running that much?”

Me: “I don’t run that much.”

Ally: “You run like 20 miles a day. Its insane.”

Me: “You wanna run the Turkey Trot with me at Thanksgiving.”

Ally: “No, running is terrible. It’s miserable.”

Side note: I’m still determined to get Ally to do the Turkey Trot with me.

So, if you’re entering Meggie World in the next few days, you know the rules.

Also, I’d like to introduce you to the lady of our house:

"The Lady" -- She has no name. Suggestions?

I’m not sure where my mom got her from, but when she first got her, she thought about sending her back. We then all quickly changed our opinion as, clearly, she is awesome. She is dressed up for every holiday. This is her Halloween costume this year. Last year, she had a mask.

My 2nd favorite Halloween decoration in our house.

TELL ME: IS YOUR FAMILY A RUNNING FAMILY? OR WHAT SPORT DOES YOUR FAMILY “REVOLVE” AROUND? THOUGHTS ON WHAT THE LADY SHOULD BE NEXT YEAR FOR HALLOWEEN? AND, DO YOU THINK SHOPPING AT TARGET CAN COUNT AS NEUROMUSCULAR STIMULATION?

Because deep water running sounds boring. Really boring.

My family definitely revolves around tennis. Of course, my family supports my running, but whether I run a marathon or not doesn’t really matter to them.

Also, A BIG SHOUT OUT to KATIE, CHRISTY, and LAUREN who are running the Marine Corps Marathon Sunday. Go wish them luck!  [I'm sorry if I missed someone.]

Until next time…

It’s Wednesday, People…

Typical…

FYI: I realize my homonym misusage has been awful lately. I’m sorry. I swear that I am educated.

1.  MEETING UP WITH GOOD COOKIES MOM

Follow @GoodCookiesMom and @Cookies4Kids

Remember that bake sale I held back in October? Well, today I met up with Liam’s mom, Gretchen, to talk about everything from pediatric cancer research to the benefit of NYC.

A particularly cute picture of Liam, who was made an honorary fireman by Engine 1, Ladder 24 of the FDNY.

Strolling with Gretchen through Central Park reaffirmed why I was so passionate about raising money for this charity. First, if you notice, the charity is not named “The Liam Witt Foundation.” This is intentional, as Gretchen wanted anyone involved to be able to do so in honor of whomever they want, whether it be Liam, their child, or all pediatric cancer patients.

In addition, the aim of the charity is transparent. Cookies For Kids’ Cancer has partnered with 5 of the top pediatric research institutions in the country (Dana Farber, St. Jude’s, Texas Children’s, CHOP, and MSKCC). Research groups from each of these distinguished institutions then applies and the medical advisory board for Cookies, which is essentially a brain trust of the top mind’s in the pediatric cancer world, decides which ideas will go most quickly from laboratory to clinic and, further, which show the most promise to affect difference in outcomes. Research discoveries from these 5 institutions then, in essence, “trickle down” to all patients being treated at any hospital in the US, seeing as the medical community is so electronically connected and free flow of ideas and communication is, in turn, easier.

I could go on, but let’s just say I scheming ways to make more money for Cookies…

2. PAPERCLIP THINKING HE IS ACTUALLY BUZZ LIGHTYEAR

To Infinity and Beyond!

That’s right. My favorite 3 year old is going to be Buzz Lightyear for Halloween. The problem is that when he dons the actual costume, he thinks he is actually Buzz, meaning he will try to jump off things thinking he will start flying. His mom had to sit him down and tell him the harsh reality – the costume does not make you fly like Buzz.

3. BATH AND BODY WORKS BLACK HOLE

I swear that every time I go in that store, I don’t come out for another half hour, at the very least, and get sucked into buying God knows what, but usually copious amounts of themed hand sanitizer.

I already had the Halloween ones, but now I have the ENTIRE holiday season from October to December covered, including one of those hand sanitizer holders with Jingle Bells. I mean, how could I NOT buy that – its bananas.

100% necessary purchase. Hello, I can't get sick. Must sanitize.

4. GOING HOME THIS WEEKEND

I haven’t seen my sister since July. I think this is one of the longest times we’ve been separated since she emerged from the womb in 1988.

Mere days after Ally became my BFF.

She's always loved me...PS - that Little Mermaid pillow is bomb.

Of course, I’m excited to hang with the rest of my fam, too.

5. DR. STEVEN D. LEVINE, CHIROPRACTOR EXTRAORDINAIRE

Homeslice is the rock in my emotionally volatile world lately, meaning that when I see ads for the marathon I want to rip them down and when the security guard of my work building asked me, “When’s the big run?”, I almost wanted to cry (PS- No idea how he knew I was running it, but I love him and we chat everyday so I know he was trying to be nice; PPS – No idea if there is supposed to be a comma after the question mark, but go with it.) Facebook updates and tweets about the marathon make me want to deactivate both accounts as they make me sad for some reason. I don’t know why I’m being so hypersensitive about it.

I went back in today for some manual torture and the man with the magically strong hands reassured me that everything is going to be alright come November 6th.

Today’s ART associated anatomy lesson! When the gluteus maximus is reflected away, lo and behold, there are a million other muscles beneath there that the medical/chiropractic/physical therapy/etc student must memorize, not to mention their innervation, origin and insertion, and function! My personal fave are the gemelli muscles – there is an inferior gemellus and superior gemellus, each flanking the obdurator internus. They are called “gemelli” because that means “twin” in Italian, I think – could be Latin. The piriformis is the one that is a pain in the butt to a lot of runners – pun intended.

Ok, I’ll stop boring you.

Anyways, if you wondering where I stand, as I’m sure you all are just DYING to know (kidding), I ran for 30 min today and it was better than Saturday, but not 100%, meaning there wasn’t a sharp pain, but something was there. Sometimes I describe that kind of pain that its dull or sharp as “the absence of nothing,” but I’m not sure that entirely makes sense to anyone but me. I ran all 30 min pretty slow and anytime I sped up the tightness got worse.

MORE ANATOMY - YES!!!

I got more ART after this today and Dr. Levine assures me that everything feels alright and it will all be ok.

Mentally, I’m trying to hold down the fort, but its not always so easy to not get upset and then chastise myself for getting upset over something that really doesn’t matter, even though its something I’ve put a lot of time into and care a lot about. I am living, healthy, and leading a very charmed life overall, thus far. I am focusing on today and that is it. Tonight I am better than I was this morning because homeslice broke up more adhesions for me and my sacrum + lumbar spine is readjusted. And, today I am better than yesterday because I ran.

TELL ME: WHAT’S ROCKING YOUR WORLD THIS WEEK? 

Until next time…

At Least The Weather Was Nice…

*Warning: This post is whiny and negative. Read ahead at your own risk.*

Tonight marks what could possibly have been the worst, most boring, and what felt like the longest 15 miles of my entire life. What frustrates me is that it should not have been. I was completely well-rested from my hurricane weekend inside lounging + not running much at the end of last week, it was a gorgeous night outside (everyone and their brother was on the Hudson River Path), and my friend Katie and I were running it together. Don’t worry, Katie totally agrees it was the longest and most boring long run. At points, we swore my Garmin was lying to us as each mile seemed painstakingly long.

I swear this was lying to me.

My lungs/cardiovascular system weren’t tired the entire run. It was my legs. I swear someone switched my legs with that of a 70 year old in my sleep last night. It felt like someone took some lightening bolts, shot them from my hips down and feet up and those lightening bolts met in the middle and exploded somewhere around my hamstrings every single step. To top it off, my right foot was throbbing (the ball of my foot and near the ankle if we want to be precise). On my walk home from the subway, I noticed I was pigeon toe walking like I do after a marathon along with the semi-limp I sport after races. Like I said, at least the weather was nice.

Listen, I know I’m being melodramatic. I’ve also self medicated after this run with diet root beer and ice cream – fake sugar and sugar, remedy for any bad run. Its my blog and I’ll whine if I want to. (Please listen to Lesley Gore’s 1960s “Its My Party” as you read my whiny-ness.)

What most frustrates me about this run is that I can’t explain why it happened. I can deal with the runs that you know will be bad because you know you just don’t feel great that day. But, I have a hard time dealing with those bad days I can’t explain.

It kind of reminds me of the one and only time I cried on the tennis court (and I’m not proud of it) ever. It was when I was a senior in college and we were playing a school in Boston that shall not be named. I think it was the last match of the regular season and, therefore, my tennis days were winding down. Team Smith (my doubles partner and I both had the last name Smith and got shirts that said “Team Smith: No Relation Just Domination”) dominated doubles and then I was up in my singles match 4-1. Then, it started raining, we went inside, the courts were a lot faster, and I went from being on fire to not being able to hit the side of a barn. I was completely blindsided by my newfound apparent inability to do anything right and was so frustrated I couldn’t make anything work that I just started crying. Unbeknownst to me, the same thing was happening to my teammates and I think every single one of us ended up in tears, leaving our coach with 8 sobbing girls begging for Panera to cure it all (seriously).

For some reason, Panera is what we went crazy for on our ventures out to suburbia for matches - along with Wegman's and Cheesecake Factory.

Oh well, you can’t win them all.

To end this on a positive note, I’ll tell you why this week and running itself is still awesome in my book: 1) At least I succeeded in my tempo run last week; 2) the US Open started today, meaning I will glued whatever channel the matches are on the next two weeks (For the record, I want Wozniacki and Federer to win, for now); 3) My family is coming up here this weekend (well, New Haven technically, but I will be joining them); 4) 3 day weekend next week; 5) The weather is fantastic post-Irene; 6) I still have some cookies and cream ice cream left.

TELL ME: Has anyone else had this happen to them? You’re not tired, but your legs are rebelling?

Or is it just me…(and does this substantiate my theory that I am not anatomically made for running…)

Or you can just tell me who you want to win the US Open.

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…

Thankful Things Thursday

Ali @ aliontherun (naturally) does a “Thankful Things Thursday” post every week. I like lists, I like reflecting on things I’m thankful for at times other than Thanksgiving, and I like remembering how lucky I truly am. So, here you go….

1. I am thankful for hills. I know I’ve spent a lot of posts whining about the hills here in TN, but every time I go back to NYC from TN, I appreciate these ol’ hills. Its like I get a two-for-one every time I come home – I get to run on a softer surface than the road and I get stronger legs on hills (or so I think). Central Park seems like I breeze compared to home.

Thank you tectonic plates for creating the Smoky Mountains that, in turn, made the foothills I get to run on.

2. I am thankful for my sock tan. That’s right, I embrace the sock tan. I’ve had a sock tan for pretty much my entire life and I wear it like a badge of honor. It reminds me of all the hard work I put in on the roads (and, in my former life, on the court) and that I do something more with my summer days than laying around (not that I don’t also embrace laying around.) But, you catch my drift.

Own it people!

3. I am thankful for encouragement and nice people. I’ve been fortunate enough to have a lot of support in most of the things I do – from school, to tennis, to running, to….life. The advice and encouragement I’ve received from mentors, family, and friends means more to me than those people probably know. So, thanks nice people!

4. I am thankful for my mom baking cookies today and saving me cookie dough while I was out for my run.  Seriously, my mom saved aside cookie dough (she was baking while I was running)…how awesome is that? Thanks, Mom!

Don't worry, I definitely got this post-run snack in 30 min post-run!

5. I am thankful for my AWESOME FAMILY. I lucked out in the family department. I got a pretty good one and consider my family among my best friends. I talk to my mom and my sister almost every day (and, if I don’t, I get emails asking if I’m alive). And, now, lots of pics of me and my kinfolk.

Harry and I playing tennis today - this shirt was soaked in 30 min!Hugs with Harry in 1995!

Hugs with Harry in 1995!

Look! I got a sister and a new best friend in 1995! (*Edit-1988!)

Still best friends in 2011.

First day of school, 1994.

Dad with his girls at Disney World.

My mom did not want to be included in pics because of “80s and 90s hair — not a good look.” And, because my mom is awesome, I honored her wishes.

Ok, Thursday is almost up…tell me what you’re thankful for! (Or you can tell me on Friday, totally fine, too…or Sat or Sun or Mon..)

What’s Up Wednesday: Target Edition

I know its not quite Wednesday, yet, but its almost Wednesday…so deal with it.

I went to Target today. I swear, every time I go to Target, its like a religious experience. Target could make anyone turn to Jesus. And, if not, Bloomingdale’s would definitely do the trick. 40 Carrots frozen yogurt at Bloomies = heaven in a cup.

I went to Target to get a card and left Target with the card + some other things I didn’t need, but, at the same time, desperately had to have.

1. Neon Pink Running Shorts: You will not get lost in a crowd with these. What more did I need than another pair of obnoxiously vibrant running shorts?

Not Nike Tempos, but still pretty fantastic.

2. $1 makeup: That’s right, loyal readership, ONE DOLLAR. Its like they were practically giving it to me! My go-to Stila bronzer cost $28. My Starbucks in the am costs more than this bronzer. You can see why I desperately needed this. Here’s hoping it doesn’t make me look like a whore.

ONE DOLLAR -- believe it.

3. Makeup Organizer: For the record, this is my sister’s makeup and she has more than I do, but you get the picture. I’m bringing one of these bad boys back to my NYC shoebox to rock my makeup drawer. Cleanliness, organization, order — that’s what gets me up in the morning.

Ally's pride and joy this afternoon!

4. Bedazzled Stapler: Do you think I could get this past airport security? If not, it will have to stay here in TN, but I saw this and, for $3.99, SOMEONE in my family needed to have this.

A glam slam

5. Organize-HER: It took all my willpower not to buy these organizational/calendar-ey things that I was trying to convince myself I need. Remember, I ordered my new planner from Korea.

I probably wouldn't use this, right?

I think this is meant more for moms....with families to organize...

So, that + some Disney princess body wash = my trip to Target. This trip involved no clothes (besides the shorts)…usually I rock the Target clothes, shoes, and jewelry section pretty hard. I just don’t think I have any more room in my shoebox in NYC for more clothes, shoes, and jewelry.

From last week’s version of this post, my BelieveIAm.com shirts came in and those, too, are pretty freaking awesome. So awesome, in fact, my sister is stealing one of mine. Which clearly means I’ll have to order more.

Can you find the hidden word? Its like hidden pictures from Highlights mag!

 

3 words in this one. The first letter of each actually spells out my initials...

Ignore the post-tennis clinic look. (For the record, I broke out the swinging volley and drop shot today – it was very satisfying.) Ally is stealing the grey one (and sharing it with my mom).

They’re really comfortably, which works well with my “living the dream” lifestyle. Goes well with Nike tempos or pajama bottoms…

The tag is kind of cute, too. I would be into tags.

I think the tag is a sticker, but I haven't tried to peel it off, yet.

And, the last thing that’s rocking my world this week is Taylor Swift. I listened to “Sparks Fly” on repeat through an entire 4 mile run the other day.

Don’t judge.

Please, do tell me — what’s rocking your world this week?!? 

Also, can you see the words in the shirts?! NO CHEATING.

Allison, my sis, gives a shout out to the blog and the following message: “The makeup organizer was life changing today. $7.99. Buy it. Everyone needs to watch Teen Mom…also life changing.”

My sister, Allison (or Ally), on the left.

A Run Inside My Mind

Ok, before I bore you all with my running talk, a little “then and now” picture of me with one of my best friends, the bride to be.

Looking hot in 1997.

 

Bridal Shower 2011

 

MB (the bride, her name’s initials) and I were in the same homeroom in 6th grade and I told my mom that MB was the only “refined” person in my homeroom. Apparently, I was a snob at 11. MB and I share the same initials so I told her if she has any “MBS” stuff left after her nuptials, she knows who to give it to – ha! MB is having a fab beach wedding in Sept and I can’t wait…so excited for her and her beau.

Anyways, today was the run in hell. I won’t say it was the run “from” hell because with the heat and humidity, it felt like I was in hell. I know I whine a lot about the heat and humidity and I should just suck it up and get up super early and run, but I just enjoy sleeping.

I didn’t do my supposed “long run” on Sunday because I got distracted watching the men’s Wimbledon final and then went to the lake. I squeezed in 4 miles Sun and told myself I’ll just bust out a patriotic pair of Nike tempo shorts (I am a collector of tempo shorts) and do my long run Mon. I wanted to at least do 10, hopefully 12.

I actually don't have this pair in my collection - TRAGIC.

Well, after I got up, drank my coffee, leisurely did the crossword/jumble, talked tennis with my brother and mom…it was 11 am. 85 degrees out. 90% humidity. I don’t know why I thought attempting a long run was a good idea.

So, I set out and about 2.5 miles I was already completed drenched, pining for water, and feeling pretty TERRIBLE. I SHOULD have just turned around and called it a day at 5 miles and done some core or strength or something. But, because I am psycho and heaven forbid I did not complete all 10 miles which I apparently deemed in my head as some magic number, in my head I was saying:

“You whiney baby, suck it up, it is not that hot, you have played tennis in 100 degrees, this is not that bad, continue on soldier! And btw I cannot believe you are walking up the hills, that is so lame. Plus, you need to run after all you ate yesterday.”

Ok, maybe not the soldier part, but you get the picture.

After about 5 miles, I was stopping to walk up most of the hills (read: all of the hills), stopping for water like every half mile, and feeling somewhat lightheaded. Still, I continued with the insane crazy talk in my head and made myself keep running for that magic 10 miles.

At 9 miles I was back to my car. ALL LOGICAL PEOPLE would stop there. But, no, I didn’t. I do not know what possessed me to think I needed that extra mile. Actually, I do.

You see, this sports psychologist at this tennis place in Florida once gave me a good description of the “stories we make up” in our head that seem so real when you’re out on the court (eg: “My opponent hates me! And I hate her! She’s cheating me because she hates me.” — not a good example, but you get the picture). So, the story I made up in my head today was that if I didn’t run all 10 miles, then this would be detrimental in my build up towards the marathon and I better suck it up and do all 10 or I else I should not be upset when I suck it up in the [NYC] marathon because I totally sabotaged it back on that run in July.

THIS IS COMPLETELY INSANE. IT IS JULY. THE MARATHON IS IN NOVEMBER.

So, I ran about a quarter mile from my car at which point I started to feel nauseous and like I might throw up. Thankfully, I had enough sense to turn around and head back to my car to make it 9.5 miles. And after sitting in my car for a few minutes, I even considered getting back up to run that last half mile to make it that magic 10 miles. WHO DOES THAT? [fyi: I started feeling nauseous again so I bailed.]

I mean, let’s be honest, is a mile or two REALLY going to make a difference at this point. Probably not. And what good was it to do this walk/run business for most of the 2nd half? Probably actually more detrimental than helpful. But, irrational running Meggie operates upon fear of failure so, I was finishing all 10 miles if I could.

Now, so you all don’t think I’m completely insane, most of my runs aren’t like this….I’d say about 1/10, maybe less. So, I’m not always this…. irrational. Most of the time I just zone out and listen to GLEE or Taylor Swift.

I’m blaming the heat for my irrational nature today. Or the extra weight from those 3 new hair feathers I got. Yes, clearly, that was it.

So, there you have it, my run in hell. I went home, put water + ice in a jug, and pretty much did not move for the rest of the day. Except to go to Sonic Happy Hour, of course.

Diet Coke with Cherry + Vanilla for the WIN. Every time.

I know diet coke is probably killing me, but its just so. freaking. good.

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.

 

What’s Up Wednesday

Well, at least I’ll tell you what’s rocking my world this June 22.

1. Frosted Mini Wheats Touch of Fruit. I’m sure these are full of sugar and actually terrible for you. To alleviate my guilt, when I eat cereal, which is almost every day, I do half of frosted mini wheats and half of regular mini wheats. Win-win, right? I’m sure some nutritionist is cringing out there with me thinking this sugar bomb is ok for me to eat [alot].

I'm SURE that is real fruit in there. Not.

2. Hair Feathers. My kick ass hair person in Knoxville (seriously, she is hilarious and awesome) is always up on the latest and greatest in hair adornments. Hair tinsel? She’s got it. Hair feathers? Check. Tinsel seemed a little winter party-ish for me, so I went for the feathers. I got three: pink, white, and a black and white one. I was a little reticent about the pink, but my kind sister, who is much more adventuresome than I, (read: she would jump in a pool, I would take the steps) said, “You’re so getting the pink.” She was totally right. I feel complete with my 3 feathers. Get yourself some.

I bet Willow had this in my mind when singing "Whip My Hair" because they make me want to whip my hair so I can see them in all their glory.

3. Wimbledon on TV all morning. I had to run in the am this morning because it was going to storm in the afternoon (which it did). Thankfully, our cable was out from the storm the night before so I didn’t have to pull myself from the TV, which would’ve been really hard and I may not have the strength to have done that! Anyways, cable is back on now. You better believe I’ll be watching. Thankfully, I’m at home right now so when I get the itch to go hit the crap out of the ball watching tennis, I can!

Be sure to bow to the Royal Box!

4. Sonic Happy Hour. I know I’m just pumping fake sugar into my body. And, I have the good intentions to stop drinking diet coke, I really do….when I go back to NYC in July. Sonic Happy Hour just brings me so much…happiness. How can I pass up diet coke with cherry and vanilla?!? If you can come up with a good reason for me, please do. My body will thank you. For now, I’ll keep poisoning it with fake sugar. Such an addiction.

Suburban pleasures.

5. My family. I’m home for 3 weeks. I love being with my family. And I love having a family I love to be with.

Christmas 1988. My sister and I. Not sure how my mom got this pic!Tired tourists at the Vatican. Whisper headsets are HOT!

So, that is what’s up in my world this Wednesday. Unhealthy, fake or sugar-laden food, hair accessories, 2 weeks of incredible tennis, and my fam.

What’s rocking your world these days?