Kourtney, I'm glad you're having a girl, but I don't understand voluntary enemas. Enlighten me on the next episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

One of my favorite “year off” activities is stalking websites like RueLaLa and GiltCity. A while back, Rue La La had a deal for acunpuncture so I signed myself up, seeing as I probably won’t be shelling out the $150 dollars acupuncture regularly costs in NYC. Fortunately, I’m also not afraid of needles — I’ve had plenty of classmates stick IVs in me.

Does this picture make anyone do a double take, too? Must be training arms for newbies.

If you’re looking for an explanation of how acupuncture and other Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapies work, I’m sorry, but I do not have them for you. Here are some things I do know about acupuncture and TCM:

1. TCM doctors look at your tongue. Some people say the eyes are the windows into someone’s soul. TCM people say it’s the tongue.

She said my tongue looked ok. And, it didn't deviate to one side so my cranial nerve XII is intact (#medschoolfun).

2. The needles do not hurt. If they do, you can ask the acupuncturist to reposition it for you.

3. Your body has meridians of….energy? I don’t know. Meridians. They’re there.

I surmise acupuncture helps to restore blood flow or something like that, but I can’t provide concrete evidence of that.

My one acupuncture session did seem to decrease some of the pain (or possible spasm) that is going on in my hip/glute muscles. It also lives you tingly and feeling good. You get nap time, too, as after the acunpuncturist puts the needles in, you get forced nap time. I could get used to that.

[Side note: I also got both SIs adjusted as they were out of whack and my right leg was being pulled shorter than the left - I felt much better after my adjustment.]

Suffice it to say, I’d get acupuncture again. I also want to get cupping, but mostly because Gwyneth Paltrow did (and it was in one of those celeb magazines).

If it's good enough for Gwyneth Paltrow, it's good enough for me.

Now, for the highlight of the day: MEGGIE GOES ELLIPTIGOING!

Ready for action and somewhat terrified I will crash and have a traumatic brain injury (hence, the helmet).

In action...

Me and my friend, Lady Liberty, wayyy back there.

The Elliptigo is like an elliptical on wheels, or something like that. When I accrue approximately $2500, I want one of these puppies. They even come in pink.

Or if one of you has one that you do not want, I will take it off of your hands.

I took the Elliptigo on an approximately 5 mile jaunt. It goes surprisingly fast, but is able to coast at a very slow speed well, which is key in New York where people are often in your path. The Elliptigo is also quite the conversation piece. I got about 300 comments (“What is that?!?”) and even had someone ask if they could take my picture while I was riding it.

I did my best to "smize" (smile with eyes) for them like Tyra taught me through America's Next Top Model.

Riding the Elliptigo doesn’t take too long to get used to, but I would wear a helmet if I were you. You’re up fairly high and can go fairly fast. For klutzy people like me, it could be a recipe for a head injury.

Elliptigo recently did a study comparing running versus cycling vs elliptigo-ing. To me, elliptigo-ing feels harder than a regular elliptical as you have wind resistance and such. Plus, it’s much more fun – you get too be outside! Fresh air! Sunshine! Vitamin D!

Needless to say, I’m a fan.

One final story for you. When I got to the acunpuncture place, it was all zen-like with relaxing music and scents and such. My initial thought, “OMG! All this tranquility and peace is freaking me out! Where is the energy? I have things to do and legs to heal!” It was then that I realized I’m a New Yorker. (Or maybe just my mother’s child.)

TELL ME: EVER GET ACUPUNCTURE? THOUGHTS ON THE ELLIPTIGO? REALIZATION THAT YOU’VE BECOME A “NEW YORKER” OR THE “-ER” VERSION OF WHERE YOU LIVE?

Also, go wish the RCF (running coach fiance), @bbjamin (Ben Bruce), good luck on twitter. He’s racing this weekend in the USA Indoor Track Championships (or something like that).

Until next time…

Also, at what point can I yell in frustration? My hip/leg is out of control. My adductor feels as if it might snap in half at any moment. WHEN WILL IT STOP?! I’ve basically given up on running normally again.

Alright, whining over.  Let’s get started.

1. GRAPEFRUIT CANDLE 

I found myself a grapefruit candle. Although it’s not the soul cycle candle, it is also not $42.

Smells pretty similar...

2. THIS IS WHY I’M BROKE WEBSITE: 

It’s like pinterest – you go there and lose hours of your life. My hair person, Mallory, told me about it.

Things I’m asking for next Christmas include the Magic Wand Remote Control and Shark Sleeping Bag.

Don't tell me this isn't awesome...

Also, if you’re a triathlete, you need these:

The Secret to Biking Success

3. PILLOW TALK SEMI CREEPY PILLOW

If you’re in a long distance relationship, you can get these pillows. One pillow lights up when your partner lays on it AND even pulses with their heartbeat. Mallory (hair person) also told me about this one.

But if you're in completely different time zones, it would light up at odd times for the other person...

4. CHRISSIE WELLINGTON ARTICLE ON CNN.COM

Go read this article. It’s fantastic. The basic premise is that you must train your mind as much as you train your body. Reminded me a lot of the idea behind the Believe I Am products.

I’m not the best with the whole mental game thing, but I will share this one story that I think about a lot. When I was a junior in college, I went into this one particular singles match thinking, “Yeah, this girl looks pretty good, I might lose.” At 4-4, I had the sudden realization of, “Hey! I’m kind of in this match.” I ended up winning 6-4,6-0.

Mid-match or mid-race mindset changes may not always lead to the desired result, but I feel like I’ve had most of my mental breakthroughs in a competition setting.

Specifically with running, anytime I’ve used a mental technique to not think about time or result, I’ve done better. Thinking of negative thoughts as a balloon or thinking of one thing per mile has helped me in the past.

Anyways, go read the article. I’m going to print one out and put it in my Believe I  Am  training journal.

5. FAMILY

I got to visit my family this weekend. I’m glad I was born into a good one. I just wish I lived closer to home!

1997. Look at Ally and I's sweet "matching, but different" GapKids outfits...

2007. My mom will probably make me take this picture down.

CHIME IN: TELL ME WHAT’S ROCKING YOUR SHORT WORK WEEK. THOUGHTS ON TRAINING YOUR MIND?

Until next time…

What I should've baked this weekend was a king cake!

Tomorrow is the beginning of Lent. Although we Presbyterians/Methodists aren’t as serious about Lent as other denominations, some years I’ve given something up for those 40 days (or tried to give something up).

My friends growing up did this, too, so it was fun to take a poll at school to see who was giving up what.

Usual suspects included ice cream and soft drinks.

FYI: In the South, we refer to soft drinks as "Coke," meaning you ask a guest, "Do you want a coke?" They then respond, "Yes, what do you have?" Then, you say, "Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite..." It makes complete sense.

Unusual suspects included pillows (my friend’s sister once gave up her pillow — I didn’t quite get it).

Unusual Lenten sacrifice....

My college doubles partner gave up chocolate one year. She split sets once during the Lenten period, and we had to run around to find her an energy bar that did not contain chocolate (we succeeded and she won her match, too).

This year I think I might try to give something up.

Non-negotiable items include: coffee, Soul Cycle, the RC, chocolate, my pillow, and Just Salad.

Negotiable items include: mani/pedis, Diet Coke, ice cream, cookies.

I’m thinking mani/pedis might be a good one.

BUT I LOVE TRYING ALL OF THE NEW ESSIE NAIL POLISHES...

SO, I AM TAKING A POLL: ARE YOU GIVING UP SOMETHING FOR LENT? HAVE YOU EVER GIVEN SOMETHING UP FOR LENT? IF SO, WHAT?

Until next time…

I just want eggs.

Another great mystery of life: how do I get cupcakes out of this cupcake maker…

Greatest invention....

My solution to not completely burning my fingers...

The black surrounding the cupcake slots is all burning hot. I’m sure there is a logical solution to this, but the only thing I  my mom and I could think of was using tongs…

I used this recipe for chocolate cupcakes.

1 box yellow cake mix

1 box instant chocolate pudding (3.9 oz)

1/2 cup sugar

3/4 vegetable oil (I subbed apple sauce)

3/4 cup water

4 eggs (no idea which kind I ended up buying or using)

8 oz sour cream (I used the low fat kind)

6 oz chocolate chips (I always add more — probably about 8 oz this time)

I frosted them with a peppermint buttercream (from Williams-Sonoma).

Here is my beautiful sister with one of the cupcakes. She looks a little like Reese Witherspoon, in my opinion. She looked like an Olsen twin in her youth.

In addition to cupcake baking, it has been a fabulous Monday. I set an alarm for Soul Cycle class sign ups and successful got into the Soul Survivor (60 min) class on Sunday with Danny as well as the community ride (ie free) on Friday.

Dreams can come true.

TELL ME: DO YOU HAVE A CELEB DOPPLEGANGER LIKE MY SISTER? FAVE KIND OF CUPCAKE? ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR HOW TO RETRIEVE CUPCAKES FROM CUPCAKE MAKER WITHOUT BURNING ONE’S HAND OFF?

I’m partial to yellow cake with chocolate frosting and have always been angry I don’t have a doppleganger, to my knowledge.

And, in case any of you were curious, I went back with the “My Little Pony” look – 3 pieces of hair tinsel and a pink hair extension.

Until next time…

The grande doesn’t do the same for me. I usually need an afternoon coffee if I only have a grande in the morning.

I probably drink too much coffee.

Anyways, while I was going through stuff and re-organizing my room, I found this:

I was thinking about asking the Easter Bunny for a Rolls Royce...

They must have gotten me confused with that other blonde Nashville resident, Taylor Swift, who can probably actually afford a Maserati.

Unfortunately, they never play T.Swift at Soul Cycle...

I’ve determined the groundhog was a liar. I just did the first of my two 15 minute runs today in a tank top and shorts. In February. Seeing myself in a tank and shorts again also reminded me how desperately I need a spray tan.

Now, I gotta go foam roll and such before I go get my hair did. Difficult decision of the day = if I’m going to get hair accessories (hair tinsel, colored extensions, feathers) or not and, if so, which ones I will get.

POLL: HOW MUCH COFFEE DO YOU DRINK? OPINIONS ON THE HAIR ACCESSORIES?

Until next time…

I spent about 3 min clicking back and forth between “casual” and “serious” runner. WHICH ONE AM I?!? I spent about 2 min too long thinking about that question. And, now, I can’t even remember which one I went with.

#1 Picky Bar Fan...

I think it was “serious.” I think my reasoning was that having an RC makes me somewhat serious.

Anyways, so how is that running thing going?

Well, I’m still kind of in running purgatory.

Purgatory...

I run for about 15 to 20 min at a time, sometimes once in the morning and once at night. The first 10 min is usually ok, no pain. After 10 min, it can get twingy or a tad painful, but nothing horrible like it was back in October. Sitting is the worst and makes my hip/back feel worse.

I still ice, use voltaren gel, take an oral anti-inflammatory, get treatment, and [sometimes, not always] do my PT exercises.

Yesterday I had the best 15 min run (pain-wise), yet. It was after a Soul Cycle sesh, which may have loosened things up a bit. Whatever twinginess was left at the end of my run was pretty responsive to foam rolling. This makes me hopeful that any twinginess (that’s a medical term) isn’t anything serious and I’m well on my way back.

My mood and outlook are pretty good at the moment. Finding spinning/Soul Cycle has given me a new outlet to channel my energy into – whether its pushing it on another interval or figuring out how I can get a spot in Danny’s class (they’re hard to get).

Love myself some Soul Cycle

It’s no secret that I spent a lot of November and December in a bit of a funk. One of the key things that turned my frown upside (besides Dance Moms) was focusing on being grateful for what I could do and not what was missing in my life (which included things beyond the scope of running).

And, while I didn’t necessarily give up on running, I stopped thinking of time lines about when I wanted to be back and achieve certain things. Maybe that’s giving up. I’m not sure. Maybe I’ve told you all of this before, too.

When I think about how long it’s been since I’ve done a workout or long run, I do still get pretty frustrated (and I write it in my Believe I Am training journal, which I’ve found very helpful throughout my injury, too). I thought surely I’d be back to running as usual by FEBRUARY.

Last long run...

I still feel like part of it may be taking that “listening to your body” thing a tad too far and I should just ignore said twinginess. I feel bad still telling the RC, “That run was ok, but…” and I even emailed my buddy JB to ask if he had any suggestions. His response, “Seriously?!? Not running, yet?!” Sorry, JB. I still really feel like a whiner.

And, don’t you worry, I’ve considered every medical option I can think of. Yesterday, I even thought, “Maybe it’s just some muscle spasms and if we inject some Botox it will stop.”

It is weird to me that she is smiling...

Yes, Botox is always the answer.

So, that’s where I stand.

TELL ME: WHAT’S HELPED YOU THROUGH AN INJURY? KEEP TRACK OF YOUR WORKOUTS EVEN WHEN INJURED? PLANS FOR THE LONG WEEKEND? ANYONE GOT ANY GOOD BAKING RECIPES I CAN TRY WITH MY SISTER THIS WEEKEND?

I plan on going to Target, one of the greatest suburban pleasures there is. I’m going to try to not buy anything so I can save money for Soul Cycle, unless Target has a grapefruit scented candle to mimic the Soul Cycle candle.

Until next time…

How was your Valentine’s Day? I went to a bake sale and got diabetes. Then, I taught some young minds biochemistry and explained to them why high fructose corn syrup is going to kill us all (synopsis: fructose metabolism isn’t regulated like glucose metabolism). Then, I babysat for a co-worker so she and her husband could enjoy five minutes peace.

I'll take one of each, please...

Anyways, let’s get down to business…

1. SMOOTH CAFFEINATOR PICKY BAR:

There aren’t many things I love in life more than coffee and Picky Bars. And, now coffee and Picky Bars are intertwined in marital bar bliss. As Martha would say, “It’s a good thing.”

Taken from Picky Bars website...

I’m still angry it wasn’t me who came up with the name, but I’ll succeed one of these days…

2. SOUL CYCLE GEAR

I don’t own this attire…yet….

#obsessed

Note the skull and cross bones on the capris.

3. DOCTOR JOB DESCRIPTION PICTURE:

Pretty accurate…

Love this...

…except I can’t study on the floor.

4. CANDLES

I’m on this candle kick lately, mostly because I’m trying to find a candle that smells exactly like the Soul Cycle candle. They sell the Soul Cycle candle, but it’s $42. That’s more than a Soul Cycle class. For a candle.

#addicted

5. THE RC

I consider myself pretty lucky to have my RC be my RC.

This is the RC (in pink) making Picky Bars (with Lauren) with her bare hands. I hope she washed them. Side note: What on earth is that silver crank thing and what does one use it for beyond picky bar making....the thinks I think....

The RC is wonderful for many reasons, but her positivity is pretty much second to none.

It is her positivity that helped me guess her college major, as I realized I never asked her (so I asked her and she wondered if I could guess). My only hint was, “It’s something we talk about a lot on the phone.” Last I checked, majoring in running didn’t exist so I guessed psychology — BINGO!

I love getting things right!

So, it’s very helpful that my RC is my RC so that when I get all super-dramatic (“my hip is fatally flawed! It’s never getting better!” or “tempo runs are the devil and I can’t do them! Let’s boycott them!”) she can infuse her positivity into me. Sort of. Basically, by the time we’re done talking, I’m convinced that my body is fine and I think tempo runs are good for me and request more of them.

So, thank you, RC.

By the way, the phrasing “RC” is going to catch on, just like fetch in Mean Girls.

Also, I wonder if anyone at the RC’s wedding will need a babysitter. THIS COULD BE MY CHANCE TO MEET A HOT, MALE RUNNER. I mean, she’s marrying another runner. You know there will be lots of them there. Maybe I’ll start becoming a NYC wedding crasher in my spare time, come to think of it.

TELL ME: WHAT’S ROCKING YOUR VALENTINE’S WEEK?

Even though I’m single, I still love Valentine’s Day because it seems everyone is a little nicer to each other.

Until next time…

This year, I’m switching up the color scheme a little bit and going with orange. Prince Liam’s (Witt, Cookies For Kids’ Cancer inspiration) memorial service was held on Valentine’s Day last year. The Witts chose this day as they felt their little boy’s all too short six years were guided by love, and they wanted to celebrate his life on the day of love.

So, tomorrow, I will don some orange, possibly in the form of this tee:

Love Like Liam

Or maybe this bracelet:

Stopped wearing this. I should put it back on. Thoughts? (It says "Believe, Joy, Strong."

I’ll probably eat some cookies, too.

In fact, if you live or work in the midtown area, stop by L’Oreal Headquarters (575 5th Avenue @ 47th street) tomorrow! They are hosting a bake sale from 11:30 to 3:30.  As always, all proceeds go to Cookies For Kids’ Cancer.

Gretchen Witt won L'Oreal Woman of Worth this year.

Also, today I got a massage from the guy who apparently works with all the pros NYRR brings in. Cool, huh? Yeah, well, check out this little sequence of pics…a little game of “one of these things is not like the others,” shall we say:

Ryan Hall in big boots...

Meb Keflezighi in boots as big as him....

Really tall guy in one boot...

ME IN BOOTS!

I know, my hair looks a little squirrel dog. It was early. Don’t worry, I brushed it after this picture.

My first thought? Ultimate DVT Protection #nerdalert

After I was done, nice masseuse to the pros said I could hang out in the boots. So, I did. I am sure that with my new diet of bacon cheeseburgers between two gluten free donuts and these boots that I will be back on top of my game ASAP.

[fyi: I have new gluten free thoughts after I found out the African runners eat this corn meal-y stuff called Ugali, but I won't bore you.]

I think these boots were originally developed for lymphedema patients, but don’t quote me on that.

TELL ME: ANY VALENTINE’S PLANS? DO YOU PLAN TO EAT TOO MUCH CHOCOLATE OR TOO MANY COOKIES? EVER SEEN THESE BOOTS? 

Happy Valentine’s Day and Love Like Liam!

Until next time…

It is two fold.

1. We’re all going gluten free because that’s what all the good runners do.

2. Bacon is going to become a dietary staple.

In essence, your new go-to meal is a bacon cheeseburger with no bun. Or a BLT sans bread.

Or just a plate of bacon.

I played tour guide for the RC yesterday. She wanted to go to babycakes (a celiac and/or food allergy friendly bakery on the Lower East Side) as well as the request to “find bacon.”

"You teach me to run fast and I'll find you bacon."

Not only did we accomplish both, but she got to see the trials and tribulations of NYC public transportation with me trying to navigate a subway line I rarely take (the J, M, Z), saying “where is the train?!?” about 1600 times, and, when realized we’d gotten on the train in the wrong direction, yell in frustration”we’re taking a cab!”

The schlep to Babycakes was more than worth it as I had never seen the RC so happy (which made me happy because the RC is so nice). I thought she might cry. We tried several things (a cupcake top, a mini brownie, and donuts) and the donuts were the clear winner.

Next Christmas, I'm getting this for the RC.

Steph’s first reaction to amazing GF donut = “Not bad for missing, like, 3 main donut ingredients!”

My first reaction to same amazing GF donut = “No butter and stuff? This is practically a health food!”

When I googled "babycakes," this came up. Is this cake frightening to anyone else? Or just me.

I met one of the RC’s pro-runner friends and she has gluten intolerance. It seems to me a lot of the American pro-runners have celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or are going gluten free for various reasons.

And I want to know why.

In my head, I separate the gluten free-ers into celiac disease and gluten intolerance/sensitivity as those are two different pathophysiologies, I presume. (Which I know well for celiac disease, an autoimmune disease, but not so much for gluten intolerance.) I’m not so interested in the celiacs (unless gluten intolerance also involves developing an autoantibody)…sorry RC.

Now, first, I want to know if this is just an American thing or are the East African pro-runners are going gluten free, too? I’m not sure how I’ll find this out because I don’t know any East African pro-runners besides the time I swooned over Sally Kipyego in a hotel lobby.

My interaction with SK was more one-sided as I was the one screaming, "OMG!!! I saw your interview on flotrack! You are awesome."

I also wonder if there is some sort of genetic predisposition to being a talented runner and developing gluten intolerance.

Or is it that running at such a high volume causes them to be predisposed to develop gluten intolerance…

SO MANY QUESTIONS!!!

In the mean time, I’m going to keep eating bacon cheeseburgers between two gluten free donuts and see how it affects my running. I’m sure it’s going to help, right? I know at least Paula Deen would approve.

Type 2 Diabetes Newest Spokesperson

Not that I need to start running a lot and training hard to be really fast, right?

WEIGH IN: ANY THOUGHTS ON THE RUNNER-GLUTEN FREE THING? EAT GLUTEN FREE? TRIED A GLUTEN FREE DONUT? IF NOT, YOU SHOULD.

Until next time…

P.S. Thanks, RC, for letting me hang out with you and your pro-runner-ness.

1. I spend too much time thinking about nail polish. And, sometimes, picking a color for myself is overwhelming. So much pressure. So much committment. However, if you need a nail polish recommendation. I am your girl.

Not my nails...

#1 Picky Loser...or #1 fan? Customer emeritus? You decide.

Conversational running in a race!

Oprah. Kelly Ripa. I'd be either.

Dance age 2.5? 3?