BACK AT IT

Always late but worth the wait...one of my many life mottos. I laced up the sneaks today for a nice little 3 mile jaunt. Holy hell was I struggling after only half a mile. Guess the smoking and slacking I've been doing since the last race finally caught up with me.

I'm trying out a new supplement because I'm a total Wussie and need the quasi-crack cocaine boost. I usually drink BlackPowder and love it. But my big bro swears by Jack3d. Good stuff. Tastes like 10 day old elephant urine and I gag the whole time drinking it, but I was really liking the energy boost. Apparently it's supposed to help your muscles recover faster too. Guess we'll see if I can walk down stairs in the morning.

I'm running the Eugene half marathon on May 1st. Not. At. All. Prepared. I'm really hopping to get a better time than the last half, but that means really kicking it in the butt these next 2 months. I'm also going to run the Rock and Roll half marathon in Seattle for the 3rd time this year. Also training for the Portland full marathon in October. I said 2011 was going to be the year of running so game on.

I start my new career as a hair dresser on the 10th. So back to having no days off again between Phaze 2 and Bobs. Not too worried since I like money so much. I might have to give up the little pathetic social life I've been holding onto with a Kung Fu grip in order to get more running in. Not that I'm afraid of a little hard work ;)

Well...game on!

SWEET RELEASE!

Well, I did it. I signed up for the Rock and Roll half marathon in Seattle again this year! Needless to say...my training is lagging behind! UGH!



I'm off to Fairhaven today to run some hills. That should be entertaining for anyone on the trails.

"Look at that 30 year-old-wanna-be-runner crawling up that hill!"

"you call that a hill, more like a slight incline!"



I can hear their laughter loud and clear.



I will pay them no mind, and continue crawling/dying up the hill!



Wish me luck!

PUNCHING BABIES

Seriously...I would punch a baby for a soda right now! UGH!! Stupid goals, and stupid friends, and stupid February! I have gotten a headache every day since the first! HOLY HELL!!!

I'll be alright.

Seriously, I will feel better very soon.

Right after I down a soda, or main-line some heroin.

Not really.

I have been sleeping better since I don't rinse my mouth after brushing my teeth every night with Mt. Dew. Or wake up and crack a cold one...or warm one...I'm not picky! I'm sure I will get over the cravings, and the itching and hallucinations will stop.

GOALS, GOALS, GOALS

So, a few super sweet friends of mine have started a fun little challenge for the year 2010. I'm a little behind, so I'm starting mine in February. They make a new goal for themselves each month, and basically give something up for a whole month. My friend Erin wasn't allowed to buy herself any clothes for the month of January. Shocking...I know! So I'm jumping on her band wagon and along with our friend Bananas, we are giving up soda and desserts for the month of February.

Today was day one.


I have a HUGE headache!


I hate coffee, so soda is really the only place I get my caffeine. I drink, on average, at least 3 Mt. Dew's a day! Today was rough! I had my morning Mate' Latte from Woods, and that is loaded with caffeine, so I was pretty good, until like 2. Got some Excedrin for my headache with has caffeine in it, so I'm pretty good to go. But I have a feeling I'm gonna Be Princess Pissy tomorrow!!

Wish me luck, actually, wish everyone around me luck!

TIME TRAVEL

Nothing makes me feel better about getting what I want, but quickly realizing that I've grown...and I don't really want that anymore. Nothing makes me feel better than knowing everything happens for a reason, and that really...letting go is the best answer to my questions. Nothing makes me happier than knowing great friends trump an average boyfriend any day!! Nothing makes me happier than getting a text from one of my amazing friends that makes me laugh my ass off!! Nothing makes me happier than knowing I will obtain all my goals with a little hard work. Nothing makes me happier than this fall coming up, because school will be over and I will be well on my way to starting my forever. Nothing makes me happier knowing in fact, you did do me a favor, and I'm honestly better off. Nothing makes me happier than hearing our song on the radio, and it doesn't' affect me..at all...good or bad! Nothing makes me happier knowing that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to me, even if I'm impatient, and don't love it right now. Nothing makes me happier than what my future holds. I can't even WAIT for the FALL!!!

LIFE...I EFFING HEART YOU!!

Last of my finals tomorrow for Technical! Trying not to stress too much! Failing is NOT an option. I'm definitely ready for some more changes! Feels like life isn't normal unless I'm flying at a zillion miles an hour. I'm so excited to see what life has in store for me. Last year was fun, TONS of fun, with Lot's of lessons I could have done without learning. Right now I'm just really focusing on school, and getting everything just where it needs to be. Always taking one step forward, and two steps back.

Nothing makes me happier than Karma. Everything you do good and bad, comes back to you ten fold. I've seen a lot of people reap those benefits or consequences. People come and go, real true friends stay a while and hold your hair when your puking your guts out. I have met some truly amazing people in my life, some new great ones at school, and rekindled with a few old ones. Is it a coincidence when people keep coming back into your life? Are they there to teach you something? Are they there for more? Trying to stay positive and be open to all the fun little signs from the universe. Just working on Letting it be. Me and patience are NOT BFFS!

CHEERS!

So, over half way done with technical at school. Learning all about color, and perms and all that fun stuff! I'm loving every single minute of it! Making some amazing new friends, who make me laugh and smile all day long! Oh the joys of laughter. I'm truly right where I belong.

Everything in my world is falling perfectly into place. Letting go of drama and the past, and getting super duper excited for new adventures. Rekindling old friendships that could turn into more???? Setting out on a lot of super great new adventures, and living my life's motto to the fullest! I'm completely content in everything right now. I'm beyond excited about who I've become and all the lessons I've learned along the way.

I don't know why I continue to let people surprise me, but they do. And eventually, in time, everyone shows their true colors, and they are not always as good as first expected. All I know is that if you're true to yourself, and real with everyone around you, life is golden.

I'm doing the Rock and Roll half marathon again this year, and training starts this week. I haven't ran since the 15K in September. Life has just been WAY to busy. So I'm adding yet another "to do" to my list! I'm gonna rock the shit outta that half! Hoping to do another run in Eugene this year, seems I like being in that town...hmmmm.

So, Cheers to yet another amazing year gone by...no regrets...no setbacks! No LOOKING BACK! Just keep on swimming!

EMERALD CITY STATE OF MIND

Finals week!! Yup, I've made it through my first 6 weeks of design at Gene Juarez! It has been everything I've dreamed of and more. I Love every single minute of it. I love all the people in my class, and have made some super great friends!! Next week we start technical which is all the chemical stuff like perms, color, foils, and relaxers. SOOO PUMPED!

Just have to pass my finals now!

I'm loving being in Seattle 3 days a week. Honestly, I really want to be living there right now, but I need to be patient with it. Don't get me wrong, I love Bellingham, and enjoy all my people here, I just really feel it's time for a change. I've got lot's of options, and I'm just really keeping them all open.

Living up to my motto of "JUST LET IT BE" Life is truly what you make of it, and mine is going to be golden! I've chosen to take the path less traveled by like Robert Frost once said and it has made all the difference.

It's amazing all that I've learned about myself in the past 5 years. I'm truly content in the person I've become. I've learned to base my happiness on myself and no one else. I've learned to read the signs and let them guide me. I've learned that if you put good out to the universe, you will get good back. I'm beyond blessed in my life, and I'm thrilled to see all the fun new things this world has in store. Nothing holding me down, nothing stopping me either!

I'm truly living an Emerald City State of Mind!

PATIENCE IS NOT MY VIRTUE

This week will consist of getting all packed up! I'm moving out of my AMAZING condo...it's bittersweet. I'm moving in with my parents...I know...to save some $$$ until the big move to Seattle. I will save a lot, and they will be there to help with Isaiah and what not while I'm working and going to school. I just keep thinking "it's only for a little while"

I am NOT a patient person. I want what I want, when I want it, and that's usually now. I don't like waiting, and I hate when things happen that throw my plans off. I FINALLY have a nice little plan set in place, and it's been a while for me to get that. Someone once told me change only happens when the fear of staying the same exceeds the fear of acting on it. So true in my case.

I'm beyond excited for my new adventure. I'm also beyond scared! Nothing like throwing caution into the wind, and saying F-It, let's get it done! But failure is not an option. It's not like I'm scared of a little hard work. I just don't want to look back and regret what I'm doing.

It's not as easy without you here cheering me on...

BIG CHANGES!!!

Yup, it's official! I will be starting school at Gene Juarez in Seattle on October 6!! Crazy huh?? Honestly, freaking out a little bit, Lot's of changes, Lot's of big changes...

I will be commuting 3 days a week with my friend Anna...for now. I would LOVE to move there, but I think I have to save up some $$ first you know?

Cheers to life...as crazy, beautiful and scary it is!!

OH HOLY HELL!

My legs are on fire! They are sooooo pissed at me for kicking some major A on the trails yesterday. I had a GREAT run, 3.6 miles, at a 9.36 pace. Not too freaking bad if I don't say so myself.

Pretty sure I'm still not ready for the 15k this weekend. But it's through Fairhaven, and the Bellingham waterfront, so it will be a nice route either way. I think I will be slowing down on the runs this next year. Oh, I will still run, but I don't think I'll be signing up for near as many. It's exhausting! Maybe I'll have a new romance to devote my attention too? Maybe I'll be too busy saving the world? Maybe I'll be walking a new path toward my goals?

Patience is NOT my strong point. I'll just throw that out there. I'm more of an impulsive person, act now, think later. Not always a good thing. But I have been mulling over some changes for some time now, and it's finally ALMOST here. I was pretty determined that I couldn't do things on my own, well, with a sudden monkey wrench thrown into my plan, I'm learning that I can, and will do things on my own.

I've recently learned how strong you are when strong is your only option!

Cross your fingers for Saturday!!!

UGH

So, big Fairhaven Waterfront 15K this weekend and I'm NOT READY AT ALL!! I've been such a slacker! It started with pretty much breaking my big toe on my left foot. (I dropped a drawer on it) it was painful, and crappy! But I think that's doing pretty well now.

Last weekend was Girls Camping Extravaganza at Lake Pearrygin in Winthrop! And because it freakin rained ALL WEEKEND, all we did was eat and drink, oh and play games. If there is a professional league for Mad Gab, I'm pretty sure I'd run that shit! =)

Today is Tuesday, and I am running tonight. I have to get in at least 4 miles or I'm going to be dying on Saturday! I figure if I get a few 3-5 mile jaunts in, I should be okay...right?

Oh well, not like I'm trying to break any records right?

Also, some really HUGE changes coming my way. I will know more this weekend after my Seattle trip! Looking like a new zip code, and a new profession. I'm excited and terrified at the same time!! This has been a long time coming, and really, I'm totally due for something new. And really, crossing my fingers for some really good things to come my way.

I think, when you put out good, you will get good back. I've been sacrificing myself for the sake of others far too much lately, and it's time to do what Erin wants! And I'm ready to do something a little selfish, and good for everyone around me in the long run. So, next week at this time, I will have some new and exciting news to share...HOPEFULLY!!!

LET IT BE

Yup, my life's motto keeps reminding me that it is such a good motto. Just let it be. There seem to be a zillion little reminders lately that I'm not in charge. That I need to be patient, and not push too hard. There are some very significant changes coming my way...

Everything is for the best. Everything happens for a reason. Sometimes things are taken from us to remind us to hold on loosely.

Fairhaven Waterfront 15K is looming ahead! September 12! I better get on it. I've been running, pretty progressively, and I'm still loving it. I'm loving the stress release for me, the weather, and the feeling of accomplishment. I'm just waiting not so patently for the runner's body to come with it.

NEW DOG...OLD TRICKS

Can I get an Amen for total slacking?

...NO?


Damn you!


Well, running is still commencing, just at a less consistant rate. Boooo me! I could go on and on about all my awesome excuses, but those hold no water. Point being. I suck ass.

I feel like I'm training all over again. I've been working on my speed, which currently is a little less than snails pace. I still feel like a total moron when I run, and the visual of Pheobe on Freinds is still pretty fitting. But my speed is getting way better! I did an awesome (for me) 9 minute mile (best time ever) last week. But I can really only keep that pace for ONE MILE!

I've learned that I am just WAY too busy to run at night. With the tempatures being in the effing 90's (not complaining, I freakin loved it) last week I couldn't really run at night without getting heat stroke. My answer to this conundrum is to run in the morning. I'm talking like getting up at 5:30 a.m. (on purpose) to lace up my sneaks and run. I did managae to do it once this week. I am planning on doing in again tomorrow morning. And now that I posted it in writing, I HAVE TO do it!

My great friend Melissa is holding me accountable. =) We are doing some 5Ks in August which will be super fun...trust me running is fun!

GLUTTON FOR PUNISHMENT

So, since I am a glutton for punishment, I signed up for another run. This one sounds SUPER fun to me. It's the Fairhaven 15K. It starts at Boulevard Park (one of my favorite places in the world) and goes to downtown Bellingham and back. It's 9.3 miles, which kinda seems like a cake walk to me... hee hee. Not even a little. It will still be challenging but do-able. Info and sign up for this run are at www.fairhavenrunners.com. I'd love the company!

I've taken a little week long hiatus from running as last week was kinda crappy out. I need to get out there this week and pound some pavement! I'm currently working on my speed. I've got a little of the endurance down, so now I have to work on running like a runner, and not some social derelict who is "attempting" to look like a runner.

I'm currently reading The Complete Book of Running for Women By Claire Kowalchick. I'm LOVING this book. Not too far into it, but it's full of tips.

I just finished Runner's World Complete Book of Women's Running by Dagny Scott Barrios. Pretty good book. Informative and what not. It has a few different training schedules, and illustrations of stretches and some strength training moves.

I also LOVED The Non-Runners Marathon Guide for Women: Get Off Your Butt and On With Your Training by Dawn Dais. This book was super funny. She has a very dry, and cynical sense of humor with totally resonated with me.

So, if you need some great reading and training tips all of these books are great reads!

FIRST HALF MATATHON 2:46:38

Well, Alayna and I completed our first Half Marathon in Seattle on June 27, 2009! We were blessed to be apart of the Inaugural Rock and Roll Half Marathon! 13.1 miles. Yes, we are slightly crazy, and gluttons for punishment. But now I can mark that goal off of my "to do before 30" list.
My time wasn't as good as I wanted it to be, but let's just say I was ill prepared for the hills. The down hill of about 5 city blocks killed my right knee, which has given me problems in the past. But all bitching aside, I DID IT!!! Today is the first day that I can walk normal, I'm no longer aching all over. I was a little surprised at how sore my entire body was. But, I will do another one. I'd love to do the Rock and Roll one again next year. I'm still planning on the Run Wild 5K at Northwest Trek with my friend Melissa in September. That will be a fun one=) And a 5K might seem like a cake walk for me now=)

LITTLE LIFE SAVERS!

These are the Cliffs Shot Bloks! My little mile 5 life savers! I tried the orange ones with the Caffeine yesterday on my 8 mile run. AWESOME! I had such great energy, and the weather was just perfect (not too hot, not too cold) I felt like I could go forever. That is until mile 6.5 when my knee really started hurting. I think I need to ease into the longer runs.

New shoes are totally KICK ASS!! LOVE THEM! And they are super cute and orange and all aero dynamic and stuff.

Also, I start every run with an Emergen-C, either on my way home from work in the car, or a quick shot before lacing up the sneaks. I truly think they work wonders. Even on those days when I'm totally draggin ass, they are the perfect pick me up.

I've ordered 2 new running books. I'd like to learn what I'm supposed to eat for best results before and after the race. You know, the important stuff. Also, hoping to get a few more races in this year. There is a big one in Bellingham that I'd like to do, I think it's 12 miles. And I'm going to the the NW Trek Run Wild in September! If you know of any more races, let me know.

ON A MISSION, AND I'M WISHIN', SOMEONE COULD CURE THIS LONELY CONDITION

These are the totally kick ass new sneaks I picked up from Fairhaven Runners today! Let me tell you, if you need running or walking shoes, this is the place to go! The awesome Marisa had me walk across the store, and she watched my walk, how I placed my foot, and the arches. She said I was "pretty normal" (told you guys!!!) She then asked what I'd be using the shoes for, (marathon running) and asked what shoes I currenlty own. Nike air+ Bowerman series (which I LOVE). She picked out 5 pairs for me to try. I got to run around on the sidewalk outside. (felt a little funny in my work clothes, and "sensable shoes") And I fell in love with these. I'm going to give them a whirl tonight with a little 8 mile jaunt.

I also picked up some Cliffs Shot Bloks. These fun little pieces of gummy goodness are electrolyte chews with caffeine that are supposed to give you a little boost on longer runs. I will also try out these bad boys tonight and let you know the verdict. Picked up some sweet socks too-trust me, VERY IMPORTANT!

So, T-minus 12 days and counting till the big Run. 13.1 miles from Tukwila to Seattle. I get to run on I-90 without having my car break down! That's exciting. Me and Alayna might be dragging each other across the finish line. And let me tell you, we are going to celebrate like ROCK STARS that night!

YOUR ANSWER IS THREEVE...SUCK IT TREBECK

Running is going along swimmingly. I've been keeping up (for the most part) with my weekly jaunts. I have to do 7-8 miles on Saturday, kinda freaking out about that one, but I'm sure I'll be fine. I'm still borrowing my friend Wade's running mantra "Not dying, Can't quit" which seems to be working out pretty well for me. I've also learned that running on streets where people I know might drive by, makes me run harder and faster, and longer. I mean, how dorky would it be to be walking and/or crawling down the road if someone I knew was passing by? answer: TOTALLY DORKY!

Now that the running and exercise seem to be in place, I HAVE to get better about my eating habits. The weight isn't "falling" off like it first did. And low and behold, a good 15 lbs of the first 25 have crept back on. DAMN IT! Totally my fault. I got cocky and thought I could just eat what ever I wanted to and as long as I ran a few miles, it wouldn't even count. I've also learned that 'calorie free' means "here, have a bunch of calories...for free!!"

So, today, my buddy Debbie and I have stated that we would help each other. I always need someone to hold me accountable. So, after today (one last hurrah) I will be starting a food journal and writing down EVERY SINGLE THING I put in my mouth. I will be logging how often I run and or exercise in general. I'm hoping this will jump start some more lbs falling off.

WISH ME LUCK!! Also, any tips you may have are greatly appreciated!!

T-MINUS 19 DAYS AND COUNTING

Soooo....19 days till the Rock and Roll Half Marathon! Really feeling the pressure. I have been a total slacker lately! BOOOO. I've been busy, tired, busy, working, being a mom, being a freind! I know...Melissa would say "this is the worlds smallest violin playing just for you!" I'm done whinning and making excuses now.

Work is slower this week (both jobs) so I will have more time after work to lace up the sneaks. Which reminds me, I really have to get into Fairhaven Runners and get me some new ones. Mine are getting a little sad, and my knees are really feeling it.

I can tell how the lack of running has affected my mood lately. I tend to get a little bitchy when I don't get my "ME" time. Running is that time for me lately. Nothing beats the runners high, and the awesome feeling of accomplishment when I beat my time, or run farther than I had planned on. I love the wind, the sun, the rain, and my super sweet running mix my awesome boyfriend put on my I-Pod!

There are some great new and exciting things coming my way. Can't really get into much detail right now...but stay tuned. Things are just really starting to fall into place. I might have to be a little patient for the next year...but things are looking good=)

Oh, and PS. I've been a total blog slacker lately too. I promoise to be more dilligent.