Labor Day Weekend Recap

Why couldn't every weekend be 3 days long? Better yet, how about 5 or 6?

After escaping the Hurricane Issac rains that pounded Southern Ohio all weekend, I started out my holiday weekend by conquering Puke Hill with RRB, on Saturday morning (Cleveland only got a little downpour late Saturday night).

RRB tricked me into wearing a water belt ("But you'll look badass!"  I'm such a sucker). I've never worn my water belt before, and one mile in I was already raw and bleeding at the hip. I pulled up my shorts Steve Urkel-style for some extra padding, but not before it left a pencil-erasure sized goudge in my hip. It looks pretty cool!

Nothing says badass like a water belt

We had a blast tackling Puke Hill and ran a total of 7 easy trail miles. It was so much fun being on the trail! Since we were both injured last summer, we hadn't run there since 2010 and it felt so good to be back! Just like old times!



We don't call it Puke Hill for nothing!

I'm not a big fan of down hills

On Monday, my mom and I mom-touraged on the path together. It was even more humid than Saturday and we were both struggling to breath (she even took a picture of steam coming off my sweaty head)! Also making it hard to breath- trying not to laugh at my mom's insane slap-happiness throughout the entire run. Suuure, easy for her to laugh as she cruises along on her bike. Hmph!

But have no fear! I got my chance to laugh! After our mile 8 water stop, my mom fell into the canal. That's right. She rode her bike right off the path, down the steep 8-10 foot drop right into the murky canal. She claims she lost control of her bike while avoiding another bike going by. Whatever the reason, watching her slllloowly ride down into the canal was one of the funniest things I've seen in my entire life!

After she'd wiped off a bit of the mud

Once I established that she wasn't mad and going to blame me ("Mooooooommm.....Is it ok to laugh?"), I about doubled over in hysterics on the path. Luckily, she joined in with me. And it all worked out to her benefit because she got to get her flirt on with a very nice man who helped pop the chain back on her bike, completely ruining his white tshirt in the process.

We finished up our run, and aside from looking like a swamp-thing, a scratch to the knee, and now-muddy newly purchased running shoes, my mom was just fine. And I ran my fastest run EVER! I think when it's humid and I feel like crap through the whole run, I push myself more thinking I must be going slow when I'm really not. Which is how I end up running a 7:13 pace, faster than I've ever run, even in a race! I'm still a little worried about how I'll do for the Half next Saturday, but I am so happy!

We stopped at my brother's on the way back home from the path and I ended up run/walking the 1.5 miles back to my mom's with my neice and nephew (the last .5 miles I walked with my niece on my back). When we got back to my mom's, I tossed them some of my old t-shirts and we finger-painted in the backyard.



My mini Picassos

It was a great weekend!

Back In The Groove (Knock on Wood!)

I'm finally starting to feel like I'm back in my groove after vacay. Of course, this definitely helped:

I was completely blown away when I saw my time after yesterday's run! I'd had two decent 9 milers on Monday and Wednesday last week, plus an 800 calorie-burn session at LA Fitness on the bike/eliptical (I'm branching out!) on Thursday.

Before Hawaii, I was really stressing out about how/what if a week off would set me back and unravel how far I've come. And with the USAF Half now less than a month away, I was concerned (beyond obsessing over it).

So, when my run on Monday wasn't the disaster I had worked up in my head, I got a little excited. But for yesterday's run to be this fast!!!! I couldn't be more ecstatic!......HURRAY!!!!!!! A happy dance was definitely had.

It helped that it was a mom-tourage run, too. True, due to some technical difficulties that included hypocondriac rantings and nearly flat bike tires, I ended up running 2/3 of it alone. Yes, I left my mom at the side of the road like a sack of potatoes when she couldn't keep up.

Now, before you snatch away my daughter of the year award, let me add that I knew it was because her tires were flat (and not her nonsense about heart attacks and old age). And if I hadn't left her, she never would have gotten her flirt on with 2 handsome park rangers who refilled her tires while I was gone. It was all a part of my plan I say!

And, the whole rest of the run I had to listen to her gushing about how easy it was and how she was barely pedaling....all while I was puffing away.

Just another day on the path!

Other than that, it was a super fun weekend filled with family, friends and the world's best cuddle muffin (Teddy the dog).



Isn't he delicious!

Big bro's birthday gifts from Moi, complete with newly painted graduation cap

I've been torturing the Turtle by peeling his sunburn all week. I can't be stopped.

I primed a canvas with gesso before I left, and now I'm ready to start work on a new painting that includes palm trees, silhouettes and running. Best. Painting. Idea. Ever!

Mom-Tourage

Everyone should run with a mom-tourage! There is just no other way!

With mom visiting this week to keep me company (and escape all her normal chores and housework back home), it's been oodles of fun. Lots of shopping, walking (more on that later) and of course, working out!

But, I couldn't just let her simply relax and enjoy her visit, she had to earn her keep! So we filled up the water bottles, loaded up the bike and headed off to the  path for a sun-soaked 9-miler.

another reason Target trips are necessary: Water bottle bags!

I knew it wouldn't be the best run in the world, since my body's not used to the faster pace I run when outdoors...so there were some quick water breaks (thanks, mom!). Plus, the bandaid I had on my Achilles kept scrunching up until I finally gave up and ripped it off (and then had to rip off my sock that had gotten stuck into my now oozing blister. So cool). I now have a matching set of Achille's blisters, one for each foot.

It was so nice having someone to talk to while I ran. Much more entertaining than the same old songs I listen to on my iPod!

After the run (7:36/min pace!), we headed over to the Base to lift weights. Much to my horror, there was a sign up saying the gym will be closed the week of July 4th. NOOOOOOO! But, it will be for the best, because they're closing it to install 3 giant fans to try to keep our tin can gym from getting up to 100 degrees this summer. There are 2 other gyms on Base that I can use, so I'll just have to figure out where those are that week. I hate changes to my routine!!!

The Beaver statues, sprinkled all over the City like Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame guitars in Cleveland

Smooth

It was a lot hotter than I thought

Last night, Mom and I went for out 3rd walk to Target (there just always seems to be a reason to go there!). It's about 3/4 of a mile from my house, complete with a goose-dropping obstacle course. Today, after I ride the bike, I think I'm going to wash all my stinky sweat off in our development's pool! Mwahahahaha!

We never really think thru the fact we have to carry back however much we buy

New painting coming soon!

Mommy's Here!

My mommy came to visit!

Even though I've been living in the Twilight Zone for about a year and a half now, I still get homesick and always love when my mom comes to visit. Not only do I get a gym partner and a Dancing With the Stars buddy, but for a few days it feels like I'm home (minus my cuddly Teddy...damn this stupid No Dogs Allowed apartment rule!).

How could you say no to this face?

On Monday, I got a 9 miler in before mom came in. Monday's run had some interesting events. First, some idiot cut me off at the turn and I almost took out the fire extinguisher hanging on the wall. Normally, the people at the gym run like they drive, and never look behind them before they change lanes. But this guy did! He totally looked back saw me barreling down and decided he couldn't wait and had to get in front of me.  THEN, the Gum-Chewer, who has always had a big issue with me passing him, showed up. I saw that wild look in his eye when he turned and saw me coming and predictably, he sped up to drag out the inevitable. One of these days I swear I'm going to ask him if its worth it.

So, I did what any normal runner who'd nearly taken out a fire extinguisher would do...I decided to make his life a living hell :-) . You don't want me to pass you? YOU GOT IT! I got into predator mode and quickly matched his speed juuuuuust enough so I was breathing down his neck. I could see his sweat trickling down from exertion. Mwahahahaha! I think he learned his lesson. He gave up his charade after 3/4 of a lap.

Tuesday, mom arrived and our marathon shopping day began. We visited all the stores you can't find in Cleveland (Kroger, Meijer, Home Goods, oh my!). Which we rounded out with the requisite walk to Target (I loooove living within walking distance to the bullseye!) and then heckled Brook Burke on the DWTS Results Show (really, she serves no purpose!).

Can't take her anywhere!

Wednesday was gym time again! I dropped mom off at the stationary bike and headed upstairs for the track. Best run in weeks! My speed came back and I felt like I was back to flying! I'd been a little nervous about how I'd do running two 9 milers with only one day apart. It's the first time I've done this since the reinjury! But, the hip only gave a half-hearted protest when I first started out, and then each time I'd start out after a water break..... And I happily ignored it :-)

Thursday, mom and I rode the stationaries together. The gym was stifling and I had forgotten to switch out my fan batteries! I watched in horror as the little blades slowly crept to a stop. Despite having mom to talk to, it felt like the longest bike ride ever, and my sweat lake under the bike had turned into a small ocean. Ewwwwww.

Trying to out-wit bike solitaire

Now, it's finally the weekend! Hurray! Mom is safely back in Cleveland and I am blearily typing this blog as I wait for the clock to strike 6am so I can make my dining reservations for our next trip to Disney World! Yes, that's right.. I got up before the sun on a Saturday so I could make reservations for a dinner 6 months from now. The things you'll do to have warm, scrumptious pretzel bread and the chocolatey goodness of the 'Smores dessert at Le Cellier in Epcot. Mmmmmmm......

I just drooled on the keyboard

Next week is supposed to be warmer, so I may have to run outside. Not thrilled about that since it means running in a strong head wind half the time, and zero shade. Ah well, at least my running farmer's tan will get worked on!

Into the Oven

After a sweltering run last summer

So, despite better judgement, I ran 9 miles yesterday.

It wasn't pleasant. Oh where do I begin...

I knew they'd do PT Testing on the outdoor track, so at least for starters I'd have to run inside. But, how hot could it really be in there? They have a fan blowing on the track at each turn and halfway down each side. Sure, I'll start my run up there, but since I'll already be there, I'll just do the whole thing. It can't be that hot.

Holy crap. As I climbed up the sweltering staircase, I told myself it would get better once I got upstairs. It just feels like 8,000 degrees because the staircase is enclosed, that's it. I opened the door to get on the track and....

nope, still hotter than an oven. Well once I get going on the track and the fans are blowing and I'm making my own breeze, it'll be just fine.

Ha.

I was stopping every 5-8 laps. First, after 8, then after 6, then every 5. No sooner had I drunken water (warm of course) from the fountain, my mouth dried right back up. My usual go-to cool down method of dunking my head under the water fountain was also foiled by the warm temperature of the sickly water (not that I didn't try). Every step felt like a lifetime. And the idiots had forgotten to change the direction of the track, so it was counter-clockwise again! Curses, you bloody bastards! My hip will not be sending you a Christmas card!

When I thought I could go on no more, I looked out the window and saw the beautiful, wonderful sea of yellow and green PT vests returning from testing. Faster than you can say 'I'm out!' my scrap of a t-shirt was off and I was on the outdoor track.

What's that wonderful thing I feel? Oh, is that wind? I love you wind!

I finished up the remaining 6 miles, and went back to the 95 degree gym (I'm not kidding, that's what the thermometer said) to do weights.

The hip hurt throughout and was hampering my speed. So I think I'm going to have to stick to the bike for the next week or 2 so I can once again, nip this stupid thing in the bud....until the next time.

My scenic view from the bike

Which leads me to my dilemma. The gym was 95 degrees. And that was only when it was 81 outside. I cannot keep riding the recumbent bike at the gym if it gets any hotter. So what to do. I knew this day was coming, I just didn't think it would come this early! Luckily, if I can sweat it out Wednesday and Thursday, the temps should be in the more reasonable 60s range next week. But what to do this summer?

After failing to convince the Turtle to buy me my own recumbent bike..

"There's no room!" he scoffs

"We don't need a kitchen table!!" I reasoned.

We decided that I will get a by-the-month membership to LA Fitness for the summer. Its right by the house (and conveniently right next to Target), and I'm hoping it'll be a place where they won't make me honor any '30 minute per cardio machine' rule. It's also the same gym that Dave Chappell works out at (or at least smokes outside of and than goes in to bs with friends), so that's a plus. I'll have to take a tour and make sure it fits my needs.

But I'm torn. I'm going to miss all of my seniors at the gym. My posse of septuagenarians has grown quite large, and I will miss them all (and no, GymJim, I am not referring to you as one of these AARP members, so don't get huffy)! So I think I'm still going to do weights at the gym, just so I can keep up with their shenanigans and keep them in line...Oh ok fine. Because I hate change, particularly when it comes to changing my ab machines. Its only for the summer, afterall.. and hopefully I'll heal up and will only have to use LA for my once a week bike and no more. And hopefully, summer will go away until mid-June, where it belongs!

The Day the Music Died

Another iPod bites the dust. What is this, 2 or 3 that I've killed now? I swear, all I did was sit down on the bike, plug in my headphones and..........nothing. Well, actually, I think I heard a tiny computery voice go "F it, I'm out!, but I could be wrong.

So what's a girl to do with 800 calories worth of biking to do with no tunes? Study the weird specimens that habitate the gym, of course! Here are some of the species and their descriptions from my day of field research:

- Tattooed Mid-Life Crisis Man - Sports a gray buzz cut, freshly inked barbed-wire bicep tattoos and has the annoying tendency of getting on his cellphone every single time he sits down on the crunch machine. Every. Single. Time.

- Male Swan - A 20-something who probably spent a lot of high school lunches sitting alone with his acne and Texas Instrument, and now spends his breakfasts, lunches, dinners and all the time in between, lifting, chugging whey protein and frantically looking to see who's checking him out....whenever he can manage to peel his eyes away from the mirror, that is.  

- Exhausted Man - A disheveled middle-aged man who shuffles to the gym every day in his slippers (yes, his slippers) and rides the bike next to mine every Thursday. He leans his head back, eyes closed and hands folded as if in a prayer as he barely gets the pedals around a full 360. (still in his slippers)

- Perfume Girl - A college girl who really took the 'The gym's a great place to meet someone!' theory to heart. Matching workout outfit, full make-up and drowned in Victoria's Secret Angel Perfume, she manages to be at the gym longer than the Male Swan, while accomplishing nothing aerobic or anaerobic, as she flits around the gym, wafting her scent coquettishly in the direction of the other Male Swans.

- Rico Suave - A friendly middle-aged man who salsas in between his sets. Ole!

and my personal favorite

- Oxygen Tank Couple - A supersweet elderly couple, made up of a very nice husband who dutifully carries his wife's oxygen tank as they totter around the track. Everyone should have someone in their life willing to carry their oxygen tank around when they get old.

These are only a small sampling of the oddities that frequent my gym. What about you? Have you witnessed any strange characters at your gym?

Some of Us Worked Today

Nothing like dragging yourself to work at the crack of dawn while your husband's snores come drifting down the stairs.  Brings back not so fond memories of driving thru the frozen tundra of East Cleveland to man the Toys section of Target on Black Friday while all my friends and family were snuggled tight in their beds. Man, going to work sucks when you know everyone else is off! But thank you Veterans for all you do!

Unloading trucks at 3am during my Internship with Target

This week I've worked on entries for 2 upcoming contests/auctions. One is the 'Postcards From The Edge' auction for VisualAIDS, in NYC this January. Since those crazy giraffes were so popular, I made a slightly different version. I know it probably seems like I'm a one trick pony right now, but I'm really trying to get noticed, and since so many people liked the giraffe here, I'm sure those chic New Yorkers might like it too.

The coolest part about the auction is that if someone buys your postcard, they will send you the information of the person who did! The girl who told me about it said her friend's husband's piece was bought by the editor of Better Homes & Gardens last year! I've already determined that Leonardo DiCaprio will buy mine and I will become the artist to the stars.



'The Elephant' for Postcards From the Edge


I'm also entering a Works on Paper contest at the Rosewood Gallery. The contest is in February and I can submit 3 entries. So far, I'm submitting 'The Cheetah' and have 2 more ideas to come up with. This weekend I'll start working on painting a waterfall from Maui that I saw on my Honeymoon.

In running news, my hips still bugging me, though much better than last week. I'm so frustrated! I know it's only been 1 1/2 weeks since my last run, but I'm going crazy! It seemed  like everyone and their brother was out running this week, taking advantage of the last warm days. I wanted to kick them. But, as Frank keeps telling me 'Real runners have real injuries.' I'm trying to think positive and just be grateful that I can still use the bike without pain. I'm going to try running again on Monday and I seriously can't wait. The guy at the gym said 'Yeah, sometimes those things take awhile to heal.' To which I stared at him, unblinking, and said 'I don't have awhile.'

Yes. I take pics of my bike screen. I need photographic proof that I've done the exact equivalent of my 9 mile run and I don't trust myself to remember it right! The bike only lets you enter 60 min at a time, so before I reset it and start again, I take a pic so I can't question myself later and throw in an extra 10 min. just to be sure.  Damn that OCD!

Sangria, Sweaters and Ice

Everyone have a nice weekend? I adore my 3 days off from working out. Doing a 2 in-a-row at the gym for Wed. and Thurs. is rough, but it is so worth it when Friday after work I can simply go home. Priceless. However, those who know me know I never truly take a day off from working out. Besides my endless amount of crunches, pushups and weights at the gym on workout days, every morning I do 75-100 ab rolls on my ab wheel (After breaking my 7^th Ab Roller, I’ve switched to the Ab Wheel. So much better!). And on my non-running days (or lately, non-biking days) I do 5 minutes of the hula.

That’s right. I do the hula. It’s completely embarrassing and I forbid anyone from watching my hip-swiveling display (well, except the neighbors up at 6 am because I hardly ever shut the drapes. I have no shame with strangers).



With my collection of broken ab rollers



I'm fairly certain I can't break this one



TMI, I know! Anyway, it was a nice weekend full of new sweaters, Sangria (practice for the Hoop Dee Doo Review in Disney this January), and some painting. I even squeezed in a nice 3 mile walk into hurricane winds on base and some icing of my hip/thigh. I feel some definite improvements!



So worth dismantling the mannequin for!



After reading up on hip flexor strains (thanks, Morgan!), I am fairly certain that that is my problem. The good news is I only have the Level 1 severity. I’m frustrated that I’m still a little sore from last week (only a little though!), but I’m really hoping that its just because I tried to do too much, too soon, too fast. 



So, even though I feel well enough that I could probably do all 9 miles today, I’m going to play it smart and ride the bike. It kills me because it’s so gorgeous out and probably the last semi-warm day of the season. But, I’d rather not set myself back anymore and just get this over with. I may try to run at a slooow pace on the gym’s indoor track Wed. or Thurs.

I think my return to running is going to be a lot more gradual than I had anticipated. Maybe 1 slow-paced 9 miler with 2 bike days a week, then increase from there. I’m afraid of ultimately losing my super-fairy speed, but try to keep thinking that I’d rather be able to run period, than not run at all. And my 7:28/mi pace after 3 weeks off gives me some hope.