BOO!

I'm a Reader

1. Finger Lickin' Fifteen- Janet Evanovich
2. The Lace Reader- Brunonia Barry
3. Julia's Chocolates- Cathy Lamb
4. Knit the Season- Kate Jacobs
5. Garden Spells- Sarah Addison Allen
6. The Sugar Queen- Sarah Addison Allen
7. Full House- Janet Evanovich
8. Full Tilt- Janet Evanovich
9. The Help- Kathryn Stockett
10. Memoirs of a Shopping Addict- Avis Cardella
11. The Girl Who Chased the Moon- Sarah Addison Allen
12. Out of Eden- Beth Ciotta
13. Something Borrowed - Emily Giffin
14. Eat, Pray, Love- Elizabeth Gilbert
15. Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen- Christopher McDougall
16. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner- Stephanie Meyer
17. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo- Steig Larrson
18. My Fair Lazy: One Reality Television Addict's Attempt to Discover If Not Beinga Dumb Ass Is the New Black or a Culture-up Manifesto- Jen Lancaster

Wow, I didn't realize that I hadn't updated since early September. Since reading Born to Run, I flew through Bree Tanner. Found that enjoyable. It didn't read as well, in my opinion, compared to the other Twilight books, and it was my first novella in I don't know how long. But I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the characters and it was really interesting to read the same story from a different point of view.

Apres ca, came the much anticipated Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. I struggled to get into it, but roughly 75 pages in I was hooked. I couldn't get enough of the story and was spellbound through the entire thing. I've already been to the half price bookstore and picked up the third in the series while the 2nd is still on request from the library. I can't wait to read more about Lisbeth Salander and I'm wondering what she is doing playing with Fire.

Just yesterday I finished the newest installment in the memoirs of Jen Lancaster. Yet again she did not dissappoint. I laughed hysterically and out loud on many occassions, and was sad to see it end. I was recently informed as well that she will be releasing her first FICTION novel If You Were Here that is due out in May 2011. I can't wait to see how she transitions from Memoir and Bloggy style to fiction novel, but if her charming and hilarious storytelling ability shines through we should all be in for a real treat!

Up next on my reading list, aside from waiting for Girl Who Played With Fire and The Hunger Games from the library, is Last Chance Saloon by Marian Keyes. I picked this up last year and never got around to reading it. i think it's high time I picked it up off the shelf and read what it's all about.

PS- I ran for the first time since the marathon. 8 days post marathon and I was able to rock out an 11min mile. Just one. But one more than I ran all week so I'm happy. :)

Blustery Day

Photo from movieposter.com

Owl: This is just a mild spring zephyr compared to the big wind of '67. Or was it, uh, '76? Oh, well, no matter. Oh, I remember the big blow well.
Piglet: I'll remember this one, too.
Owl: It was the year my Aunt Clara went to visit her cousin. Now, her cousin was not only gifted on the glockenspiel, but being a screech owl, also sang soprano in the London Opera.
Winnie the Pooh: [muffled, with a honey pot in his face] Thank you, Piglet.
Owl: You see, her constant practicing so unnerved my aunt, that she laid a seagull egg by mistake. Whoooooooo!
[his dishes crash on him as his house crashes to earth]

Yeah

I'm alive.

But I'm tired.

Bloggy later.

Columbus Marathon: Part 2, The Race

After staying up later than I had wanted, and tossing and turning with nerves all night, my alarm went off at 5:30. Of course I can’t get by without a snooze so I reset but ended up getting up 5 minutes later because I just couldn’t lay there. I had layed out all my gear the night before and triple checked so everything was waiting for me.

Packed up all the stuff, woke the husband up, deflated the air mattress he slept on, and headed down for a bit of breakfast. I didn’t want to eat but knew I had to so I had half an apple with some peanut butter and some Powerade Zero. I’ll know next time to just stick with a piece of toast or bagel. Either the apple didn’t sit well, or I was so nervous I wanted to throw up because the drive to downtown I was nauseous the whole way.

We followed Josh and Brian downtown and Mr. Buckeye dropped me off about a block away from the starting line. We were early- about 6:30 but I left my coat in the car so I wouldn’t have to worry about it. (thank goodness too because the corrals were a mess!) I had butterflies and was giddy the entire walk to the area. Luckily there was a race photog on the corner who took our picture right away. Great shot of the 3 of us- especially considering it was about 40* and 6:30 in the morning!

The starting line was between a bunch of buildings and the corral area was a giant wind tunnel. We huddled near the state building to stay out of the wind and stretched and talked and people watched. Josh and Brian gave me some tips, told me where our crew would be along the race, and kept me calm. A little after 7 we decided to start heading to our corral, number 4, since it had gotten incredibly busy. Unfortunately we waited too long because it literally took us 20 minutes to go half a block. The corrals were fenced in, but there was a small entry point and it was kind of a wreck. We didn’t even make it to the drop off point so the poor guys had to run with their sweatshirts and swooshy pants in their arms until they reached the 3.5 mark to throw them at our crew. (good thing I left my jacket!)

The gun went off at 7:30 sharp and I didn’t cross till 7:38. The fireworks were really neat and I was just in awe the entire time. Just before crossing the start line I looked back at Josh and Brian, fist bumped and said “5 months. For this right here. Good luck!”

And we were off. I hung to the right side and started passing people. It wasn’t as bad as I thought. I told myself to keep it slow and keep my pace. Little did I realize but I was running faster than ever before (which would burn me later). But I passed people, they passed me, and all the while I was watching the spectators and trying to keep from crying. I don’t know what it was, but I literally had a pit in my stomach and teared up for the first 2 miles because I couldn’t believe I was actually doing in. Somewhere along mile 1.5 there were sirens and escorts coming through the right side back up broad… it was the lead hand cyclist! All the runners started cheering and yelling and clapping. It was a cool moment- he was FLYING! 

The first 5k kind of flew by. I almost didn’t go to the first water station since it was backed up but at the last minute ran over to grab Gatorade. BIG MISTAKE! I won’t do that again. For the next 2 miles I was burping and gagging Gatorade and it was highly uncomfortable.  I saw the crew for the first time around mile 3.5. I was so happy to see that they were cheering me on and smiling and waving and yelling. Britt even got up early and came down to cheer me on! It was so awesome seeing her there since I didn’t know if she would make it. Going through the Franklin Conservatory area was really nice, I don’t know I had ever been there while living in CBus. One point of hilarity: Shortly after seeing the crew, There was a huge section of trees along the park next to the porta-pottys and I couldn’t help but laugh at the row of GUYS sporadically placed in the trees using the restroom. I was funny and gross and unfair at the same time.

The 2^nd 5k was still going really well for me. I saw the crew again around mile 6.5 and I was still going strong. I made a point to grab water at the stations, walk quickly so I could drink without throwing it up my nose, and then continue to run. Later, I found out that I had a new PR for both the 5k and 10k. I think that means I can step up my training for the next one.  I saw a sign around mile 8 that made me laugh. It said "13.1 puts the F-U in fun!".

Shortly before mile 10 I started to hit a wall. A big brick wall. I saw one half of the crew and they caught me walking. But when I saw them it picked me back up. I was starting to get side cramps and my left shoulder was aching. I kept trying to stretch it out but it just would let loose. Mile 10 and 11 might have been the longest miles of the entire race. I had my phone and Britt let me know she would be waiting after the park in German Village. I saw the park, and was ecstatic to see that I was coming to the end… until the road turned and I was still running but no Britt. Then I came to the next end… and turned again! I didn’t realize that I was literally running AROUND the park to find her. But there she was smiling and cheering and clapping at the end, and right after her was the 11 mile mark. She let me know I was ALMOST THERE. (Uh…. 2 miles almost there!) I am so thankful that she came, and went above and beyond and saw me in GV. I’m not sure what would have happened had she not been there. It’s amazing what seeing a face you recognize will do to your motivation. I expected to see them the first 2 times, the 2^nd 2 were surprises.

The last 2.1 miles were kind of a blur for me. Somewhere along mile 13 there was a hill I believe. It was a small hill, but a hill nonetheless. And it pretty much looked like a mountain. I made the decision as I was running towards it that I would run till I reached a certain street sign and then power walk. I did that and made it through but it was really an emotional blow to me that I had been walking so much. I made it up to the half/full split and saw the flags and balloons. Adrenaline and joy in it’s purest form took over. As I was running faster and faster to the finish line I saw Mr. Buckeye with the camera. It lifted me even more and I ran as fast as I could to the line.

I did it.

2 hours, 40 minutes, and 9 seconds from when I started, I was a half marathoner.

Columbus Marathon: Part 1, The Pre-Race

I’m a half marathoner!

5 months of training and soreness and joy and sorrow all led up to Sunday. I’m so sad it’s over but I’m so empowered at my ability to have completed my journey that I’m already looking for more!

Pre-race:

I rode up to C-Bus with K to head to the expo so that our husbands could enjoy a round of golf before heading up to meet us. The expo was nice, not terribly large but since I didn’t know what to expect I was satisfied. Though the convention center was SWARMING with teeny bopper cheerleaders. It made me nostalgic and miss my days of competition cheerleading. I do have to say that there were MANY uniforms that I found to be wholly inappropriate for girls that young. And I’m not that conservative when it comes to that stuff!

We walked around, I got a mini massage- the back is still full of knots! I bought 2 BondiBands (Brie always raved so much that I was on the lookout and if I saw them I was definitely getting some!) a Pink 13.1 for race day and another plain black for everyday running and some CEP compression sleeves. I’ll do a product review later on both. I loved them so much! I was a little disappointed in the shirts and gear in the race shop so I decided not to buy any more and to just keep my tec shirt as my souvenir shirt.

We stayed for roughly 2 hours and headed back so that I could be dropped off. The night was spent making signs, watching the terrible Buckeyes loss- that caused me to go to bed late!- and laying out and checking my gear 15 times before satisfied I didn’t forget anything. Dinner consisted of Olive Garden, which we got carry out because it happened to be homecoming night and there was no way that 8 of us would get to eat and be back for the game. A cup of Gnocchi soup and some mushroom ravioli. I didn’t eat too much, just enough to be full. I had been working more carbs into the diet the whole week before because I didn’t want a brick of carbs in my belly the night before.

I tossed and turned most of the night, Nerves definitely were getting the best of me.

Part 2- Race Day coming tomorrow!

ready or not!

Game on. I've got my race bin. My tec tee and some swag from the expo. The last 5 months of my life have built up to tomorrow. I'm excited and nervous at the same time.

I can do this.

I believe.

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Fill in the Blank Friday

1.   Blogging is       a way for me to fulfill my childhood dreams of keeping a diary... only I was never good with the pen and paper version after a couple weeks. I think I do alright here.

2.  A current fashion trend I wish I was brave enough to wear is   leggings on a frequent basis. Actually I have 2 pairs but have only worn 1 once and it was on a weekend. I want to embrace the leggings because they are oh so comfortable! And Heelies. But I don't want to break my neck. oh, and I'm 27... might be awkward.

3.  My greatest accomplishment in life thus far is       finding my best friend and marrying him, establishing ourselves in our little corner of the world I'm right where I want to be.

4.  If I had to choose between a mountain or a beach vacation I'd choose    oh that's a tough call. Probably a mountain. It would be something different, I mean we have done the beach before but not really mountains, I don't think Hocking Hills really counts.

5.  A talent I wish I had is      the natural ability to run. Yes, I run. But I have to work for it, and a lot of the time it isn't fun. I have experienced the "joy" of running once but I'm still searching for it again and again.

6.  A talent I do have is        being crafty. I can knit, sew, crochet, etc. It's a talent that I take advantage of daily and it's also my hobby .

7.  This week       is going to be over in less than 9 hours. It's been a roller coaster of emotions but in a good way. I'm anticipating the weekend because, you already know this if you read the blog, I'm running my first Half Marathon on Sunday! .

------------------------------------------------

I'll be running the Columbus Half Marathon on Sunday morning at 7:30am.

You can follow along with me on Twitter - my times will be tweeted via TweetMyTime.

Words of encouragement are highly appreciated!

Last Run

Well, yesterday I decided to go forward with my plans for a 5k. My last run before the big day.

It was... an experience.

I picked K up after work and we drove to the happy place. Have I shown you the happy place?

Here it is. It really is a happy place. Except for yesterday.

While driving to the happy place, we got a phone call from Mr. Buckeye with a warning that we were going to get wet. Yeah, a little water won't hurt us, so we continued on. Starting off, sure it was sprinkling but we figured we drove all the way out there and come rain or shine we had to do what we needed to do.

The happy place? Not so happy.

This picture was taken approximately .75 miles into running, approximately 10 minutes before the monsoon came. I've never seen so much rain in my life. But we were already out a mile and a half and had no choice but to keep going. That is, until we literally couldn't see. I was guarding my phone, trying to see, and K was trying to hold her pants up that were now soaked to the bone and incredibly heavy. We laughed it off and decided to walk the mile back to the car.

And wouldn't you know... as we got about a quarter mile from the car... it stopped raining. But just long enough for us to drive down the road into the second downpour that was coming our way.

It's a bummer that my last run didn't go so well, but I've got high spirirts and find it rather funny.

Now the leg needs rest. It's slightly worrying me that it doesn't feel better and I feel as though I'm walking with a gimp but the run wasn't too bad. Walking hurts more than running oddly enough.

less than 3 days till go time!

5k and a FO!

I packed my gym bag and had planned to run 5k during lunch. I ALMOST succeeded. I packed everything except my sportband and the treadmill decided to crap out on me 2.5 miles in. Literally. It just stopped working. Luckily it came back on and I was able to finish my 5k though I have no idea the time and can't log it on Nike+. Bummer. I did have to walk about .25 miles. The hip/thigh is still out of whack and I'm hoping that taking it easy this week along with some ice and stretching will set me up for success on Sunday.

Knit night resulted in an FO! (That's finished object for you non-knitter folk) The socks I cast on back in April are now on my feet keeping my toes toasty! Too bad it's still around 70* out right now so wool socks are a bit much. But they are finished and woven in and I'm a happy girl.

Final Countdown

So I am less than a week away from the Columbus Half Marathon and I'm starting to flip out. I went out for my last long run on Saturday- went to the happy place- which was gorgeous as usual and managed to have an absolutely awful time. I managed to run the first 5k but had to stop and stretch at pretty much every half mile. After the run on Thursday where we went to a cross country trail, My right hip has hurt tremendously. Stretching and more stretching but the recovery is very slow. It's feeling a little better now, but not 100%. Of the 7.5 miles on Saturday I walked a solid 2 miles but figured it was better than pushing it and getting hurt worse, or even worse than that- not finishing at all. I've got 2 runs this week on my schedule and I'm determined to just let loose and have fun with it. I'm running this race for me. No one else. Just me.

Luckily, yesterday/this weekend was a big race weekend and I got to see many folks succeed in reaching their goals.

My high school buddy Mike ran the Dayton Half Marathon
Brie over at Brie-Fit is officially a marathoner! She ran the Chicago Marathon- such a rockstar!
Kelly from Rav also ran the Chicago Marathon this weekend!
Toria from Rav ran a 5k Saturday with her adorable dog Craig
Jay from Rav ran the Marine Corps Half in Albany, NY

and I'm sure there are so many more that I missed.

I'm emotional and excited and scared and elated at the idea that this time next week I will be able to say I ran my first half marathon!

incredible!

The husband and I got new cell phones for our anniversary.

We have joined the rest of the world with smartphones. I can blog from my phone now?!? There is a wonderful world of apps I'm discovering!

How did I ever live without you, Droid Incredible?

What are some of your fav apps???

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Fill in the Blank Friday

1.   The first thing I do in the morning to start my day is       hit the sniize roughly 8 times. To actually start? Restroom break and shower!

2.  Today I wish I was   at home with the husband. He's been gone for 5 days and he got back last night.

3.  If I had an extra $100 in my bank account today I'd       probably go by the DSLR camera I've been eyeballing for over 6 months now. I have another gift card and a bunch of rewards at best buy but not enough for me to pull the trigger yet.

4.  Tomorrow    I will be running 7-8 miles in the morning followed up with Buckeye football watching and I'm sure a night out with the husband.

5.  Two things that don't go together are     Uggs and mini skirts. Pick a look and stick with it. Winter? or summer? ONE. Pick. ONE.

6.  Something I can never pass up at the grocery store is        chips. I'm pretty sure I buy at the very least a snack size bag while I'm there. It's an addiction. an illness. I love my chips!

7.  The last time I tried something new was        5 months ago when I decided to embark on a half marathon training schedule. It hasn't been fun every day but knowing that it is all going to pay off in 9 DAYS! makes it all worth it.

Happy Friday!

Three

3 years ago today I walked down the aisle to marry my best friend.

Happy Anniversary!

Randomness

Fall is officially here and I couldn’t be happier! The weather has finally chilled to a crisp 60*, the clouds have come out to stay, and the leaves are falling faster than they can change color. (though I wish they would stay on the trees for at least a little bit so I can marvel at the beauty)

A lot has happened on the running front. I have completed my training and am now in taper mode. I successfully completed my 12 mile run on Saturday. I must say, I did not enjoy it. I’m just hoping and praying that I get a little bit of that joy I felt during my 10 miler. It was absolutely amazing and knowing that I am not feeling the same way during each run is just heartbreaking. I’m officially 12 days away from running my first half marathon . I feel like a manic-depressant… One minute I’m over the roof elated and so excited to know that I am so close, then the next minute I’m in a sweaty panic thinking OMG What the hell am I thinking?! It’s been a journey- that’s for sure. But hopefully in 2 weeks, I’ll be able to give a full race report as a half-marathoner! It will definitely be an experience to never forget.

On the knit front, of course I have started some new projects. The socks I began back in April have returned and I’m now on the foot. Hopefully not too much longer and I can be wearing them officially without needles poking me. There is also a gorgeous set of mittens that I started using the new wool I bought from A Wool Gathering. They are proving to be a challenge with the teeny tiny charts and twisted rib the entire way. But they will be awesome once they are finished.

On the sewing front, I finally completed my first ever quilt. It was washed without issue (ie it didn’t fall apart!) and gifted to it’s rightful new owner. (rather it’s new owners future mommy) I lost my camera the day of the shower so I’m waiting on the pics I took with her DSLR (Totally jealous!) Along with the quilt I whipped up 2 adorable baby bibs using the leftover fabric and some towels. I hope little William gets lots of use out of them! I also managed to dissect and recreate an interchangeable needle case. I found an amazing case that I absolutely loved but didn’t want to spend the $$ on and figured I could try to make a worthy imposter. It turned out fantastic if I do say so myself. Obviously it’s imperfect and I could make a few adjustments, but my KnitPicks Harmonies are loving their new home!

More tomorrow. I’ve got to get back on a blogging schedule. I prefer organized- topic focused posts and lately it’s been a hot mess.

At least I get to go to Ma’s tonight for some spaghetti!