Half Marathon #3 Is In The Books!

A couple of weeks ago, I completed my 3rd half marathon.  Three times, I've run 13.1 miles and crossed the finish line with a smile (maybe more of a grimace) on my face.  And you know what?  As I have each race before....I loved it.  I'm already scouting out my next one.

ABJ's Mama and I signed up to run the Route 66 Half Marathon in Tulsa a couple of months ago.  My training plan was right on target--despite having to begin said plan in the heat and humidity of College Station and then trying to continue it in the frigid temperatures of the Texas Panhandle.  But then.....the wedding, the honeymoon, life as a newlywed....and well, I didn't stick to the plan.  She had similar struggles.  I think we both wanted to quit, but we kept each other going.  We headed into the race not really sure what to expect.  Our goal going in was to finish in less than 3 hours.

Starting line photo.

The weather was absolutely perfect on race day.  The atmosphere was great at the starting line--12,000 people all pumped up and ready to go.  When the race started, we settled into a pretty comfortable pace.  About 2 miles in, we both felt really good and, as has happened in both of my prior races as well, I realized that I really could do this.  So....we did.  We ran the first 10 miles with only stopping a couple of times for water and walking maybe 2 minutes total.  The last three miles were rough....we were tired, we hurt, we were hungry....that's probably where that extra training would have come in.  So we walked a bit more than we would have liked there, but all in all, we finished the race 18 minutes under our goal.  18 MINUTES.  We were so excited!

Finish line photo.

Every time I post pictures of a race, I always get the same question.  "Why would you ever run that far?"

It's something that you won't understand until you've done it.  When you cross that finish line, you feel like you can do anything.  Sure, it's hard.  Your whole body hurts, you are hot, you are hungry.....but you feel so empowered.  You realize that your mind imposed limits on you that just don't exist.  It's about so much more than running.

A Running Picture

Today I'm linking up with Ladie Okie for the monthly runner's link up.

When I saw that the theme for this month was "A Running Picture," I knew right away what photo I would be selecting.  There was really only one option.

Bay to Breakers 2010.  A day that will live in infamy.

Allow me to set the stage.  College Roomie and I wake up crazy early and ride the bus downtown.  You then stand in line with tens of thousands of people who are mostly dressed in crazy costumes and randomly throwing tortillas in the air.  Then when the gun goes off, you begin the 7.5 mile run from downtown San Francisco (the bay) to the ocean (the breakers).  Along the way there is a literal party in the streets.  People cheering and drinking at 7 am.  Folks hosting house parties and waiving from their balconies.  Many people doing multiple things that would be illegal on a normal Sunday morning.  But anything goes for Bay to Breakers.

Including nudity.

We were maybe a half mile into the race when it happened.  We saw our first naked person.  Old, hairy, yucky, naked person.  Who was ironically wearing a hat.  I screamed to College Roomie, "OMG, there's a naked person up ahead!"  She said, "Go, go get a picture, I will catch up."  At this point, I begin sprinting all out to get up close enough (but not too close because ewwww) to snap a photo.  And so I did.  I ran as fast as my little legs would carry me.

The photo itself is not blog appropriate.  But here is our reaction afterwards.

The best part of this whole scenario is that 7 miles later at the finish line, we had seen so many yucky naked people, that it just wasn't that exciting any more.  Turns out we didn't have to sprint off to catch that first guy because there would be many more just like him.  Old, hairy, yucky, naked people.  Fun fact for you:  It's never the guys you want to see naked that are running naked.

And so there you have it.  A race picture and a story.  And a recommendation that if you want to run what is absolutely, hands down, the most fun run of your life, sign up for Bay to Breakers 2015.  You won't regret it.  (To read my full blog on the event, click here.)

Runners Tell All: My Running Story

Today I am linking up with Runners Tell All to share my running story.

I always hated running.  No, y'all, seriously.  I constantly whined about having to run at basketball or volleyball practice.  I detested running the hill except for the fact that Mr. Franklin chasing people with scissors was pretty hilarious.  And I legitimately was threatened with failing PE my last 6 weeks of high school when I refused to run track (but one of the two best secretaries in the whole world, June May, told me to come be her assistant and not to worry about failing because she was in charge of grades) my senior year.
 

But that all changed the summer of 2008 when I lived in San Francisco.  For some reason, I decided to take up running.  Maybe it was all of the fancy food and free booze that I was partaking in at the law firm where I was working and my fear of leaving weighing 200 pounds.  Maybe it was the breathtaking views of the Bay from my awesome neighborhood.  

Maybe it was just fate.  But whatever it was, I'm sure glad I got bit by the bug that summer.  I ran my very first race (the Progressive Marathon at the SF Marathon) on my last weekend in the City.  There is nothing like a race atmosphere--the excitement and energy and adrenaline.  I was hooked and haven't stopped since. 

Countless 5Ks, mud runs, Remember The Ten, Bay to Breakers, a marathon relay, and two half marathons (number three coming in April!) later and I have to admit, I still love it!

San Francisco Half Marathon - 2011

Bay to Breakers - 2010

St. Paddy's Day Run (Chicago) - 2013

Remember The Ten (Stillwater) - 2012

Hot Chocolate Run (Albuquerque) - 2012

OKC Half Marathon - 2013

Thoughts from an Outsider: Healthy Eating

So because it's the New Year and I've got some sort of death wish or something, I decided to join in with some friends on this fitness/health/wellness challenge.  We're almost 2 weeks into things and I thought I'd share a few thoughts and some things that I've found that work well for me (well and one that really doesn't fall into that category, but you'll see that soon enough).

1.  New running shoes are the best $100 I have spent in a long time.  Maybe ever.  No, that's not true, I bought a cow once that I liked more than these shoes.  And several show animals.  I wonder what my favorite show animal ever was, now that I'm thinking on this....  But anyway, the point here is that my runs have felt like I'm running on a cloud with my new shoes and it makes it SO much more fun.

2.  I struggle with eating yogurt.  I know it's good for me and I really want to like it, but I just don't.  Until I found Muller Fruit Up.  Seriously, y'all.  This is not regular yogurt.  It's goodness in a cup.  It has 140 calories, 7 grams of protein, and more sugar than it should probably have, but listen, you do what you can.

3.  If you don't put spinach in your smoothie, shame on you.  Seriously, it's amazing, you don't even taste it, and there's a whole serving of veggies right there.  Thank you magic bullet blender.

4.  When my sweet tooth comes calling (let's be honest, that's about all the time), I've discovered the amazing wonder that is instant, sugar free, chocolate pudding.  Some saint came up with this stuff, I'm telling you.  I usually add in some fat free cool whip and it's like a mousse.

5.  Some days....like one where you just can't take another night of flashcards and Commercial Paper essays made you cry and you just feel like you should probably quit this lawyer thing and go work at McDonalds.....you just have to throw your hands up and eat pizza and cookie dough for dinner.  That happens.

Oh, and for those inquiring minds that want to know, I'm officially down 8.2 pounds since the fall.  Of course, that was before the pizza/cookie dough binge mentioned in #5.....

A Lot of Things on a Tuesday

First and foremost, I'm gonna need the pray-ers in the group to join me in praying for my precious friend William today as he undergoes kidney surgery this morning.  He is just one of the sweetest, most adorable children in the entire world (he's been on my blog before) and I know that his family will greatly appreciate your prayers for a safe, successful surgery and a quick recovery.

*****

Next up, I've got to share a super exciting link up hosted by my friend Pharmer Girl.  You can get more details here, but the whole idea is for you to do an act of kindness this Christmas season, blog about it, and then share it with others.  You know that I do love me some random acts of kindness and I can't wait to read about every one else's acts!  The link up will be after Christmas, so you've got about 10 days to get on this!

*****

 

I'm gonna ask you for some more prayers and maybe for a little favor.  One of my dearest friends is going to be spending Christmas in jail.  I don't want to go into details or get onto my soapbox about what a freaking disaster our criminal justice system is, but what I do want you to know is that my friend is a good person with a great heart and I love him to death.  So, if you'd say a prayer for him, that would be great. 

If you'd like to do more and would be willing to send him a little note in the mail--just a note or a Christmas card or whatever--let me know and I will get you his address.  I think that it would really help to lift his spirits if we could flood him with cards and notes from people he does not even know.

*****

If you want to watch something to put you in the holiday spirit, look no farther than right here.  Amazing.

*****

There was an interesting post written by my blog friend (except for one day out of the year when her dang Sooners play my Cowboys) Arkansassy discussing the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and people's reaction to it.  I found her blog quite interesting.  Several years ago, College Roomie said something to me about being sick of people talking trash on skinny people and that really resonated with me.  We're all so busy comparing and judging that we forget to accept and support.  Some women have curves, some don't.  Some have husbands, some don't.  Some have careers outside the house, some stay home with the babies.  Some cook 5 course dinners and some spend all day on a tractor.  And none of these things are right or wrong.  As my favorite quote says, "Don't question the story that God is writing for you and don't discount the one he is writing for your neighbor." 

*****

 

Last but not least, I'm extending an invitation to everyone to join Loud Oklahoma Girl, ABJ's Mama, and me to run the Oklahoma City Half Marathon on April 27, 2014!  You might recall that LOKG and I ran it last year and loved it!  Not only is it a great course, but more importantly, it's for a great cause.  The race benefits the OKC Bombing Memorial and you run in memory of the people who were killed there in 1999.  It's some powerful stuff.  Anyway, we're getting a training plan put together and we would love to share it with anyone who wants to join in.....party in OKC!!  And pancakes after the race!  You can register here....prices go up on January 2!

 

 

 



What I'm Loving Wednesday

I'm loving lots of things this first Wednesday in December!!


(1)  All of you who linked up with our Virtual Turkey Trot.  Here are a couple of additional reports I got in yesterday.

Texas

 

My Fellow OSU in Aggieland friend ran her 5K while she was in Canyon for the holidays.  Turns out, she ran it up and down the hills in Palo Duro Canyon, which was beautiful, but probably a major work out.  Way to go!

OSU in Aggieland and her dog Addie

 

Illinois

 

Hometown Friend was our Illinois representative and ran her 5K on Friday at the University of Illinois in Champaign.  Just looking at this picture makes me want to go put on gloves and a scarf.

 

 

Arizona

 

Mrs. Arizona did her run at the Turkey Trot held at the Phoenician in Phoenix.  A bit warmer than poor Hometown friend in Illinois.  And no, they did not run in black tie attire.  She forgot to take a picture but had this one from the weekend before.  She classes things up a bit!

Texas, Wyoming, Oklahoma, Iowa, Arkansas, Washington, Colorado, Illinois, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Utah.  For those of you counting....that's 12 states!  WOO HOO!  The donations will be made to the Salvation Army and Toys for Tots this week.  Thank you so much for participating! 

(2)  The fact that this time next week I will be on a plane to Vegas to meet up with my parents and The Boy from Texas at the National Finals Rodeo.  My dad and I have wanted to go for years and we're making it happen!

(3)  This blog by my friend Little Miss.  She wrote about the best advice she ever received from someone that you all know well from this blog, Mrs. Hepburn.  It's worth reading and worth thinking about!

(4)  This article about the 5 most annoying ways to post you are engaged on Facebook cracked me up.  (If you read this, do not pay attention to the fact that I bragged on my boyfriend buying me flowers in #2 above, which is made fun of in #5 of the article...)  I laughed for like 10 minutes.  My favorite line was the one about it being the Jager talking.  Ha!  I was relieved, however, to know that my plan to get a billboard was not deemed annoying.  Phew.  A girl has to keep her options open.

Virtual Turkey Trot Link Up!

Okay kids.....it's time to link up and report on your Turkey Trot!  Remember, if we get participants from 10 states or more, we will be donating to the Salvation Army!  (Right now as of 7:00 am on Monday morning we're at 6....)  So head on over to Almost Gypsy Soul and link up!

Here is a report on Turkey Trot participants in Texas, Oklahoma, and Iowa!

Oklahoma

 

Loud Oklahoma Girl and ABJ's Mama participated in the Owasso Hog Jog, which is a 5k benefitting the local food bank.  They report that it was early and cold, but that they were able to finish the run in 35 minutes!  Good job, girls!!

 

Pre-Race Photo (love the OSU headband, LOKG!)

The Finish Line!!

Iowa

 

I am excited to report on a Virtual Turkey Trot participant in Iowa!  IOWA!  That's not close to me or Almost Gypsy Soul.....we've got pull in non-bordering states!  WOO HOO!  So this is KG, who I met over the summer at Chicken Plucker's wedding when she was the Maid of Honor (and got to wear the cutest dress ever!)  Anyhow....she did her Turkey Trot in the Iowa cold wearing an OSU orange hat, no less!  Go Pokes!! 

 

Before photo...excited face (loving the hat!!)

Some inappropriate Christmas décor...

Headed for home!

Finished!

 Texas

 

Well I had every intention of running on Thanksgiving with the Boy from Texas.  And the same story on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  But ya know, I'm lazy and didn't get it done.  So I got up at the crack of dawn this morning and knocked out 3.1 miles in the cold, dark, Texas morning.  But it did reward me with a sun rise that looked like this.  Not bad!  I failed to get any pictures of myself (but trust me, you didn't want to see my crazy, sweaty hair and red cheeks anyway!)

 



 

Thank you to everyone who participated.....looking forward to seeing all the link ups!

Virtual Turkey Trot!

"Run, Forrest, run!" ~Jenny

I'm sure most of y'all have heard of a Turkey Trot.  In a lot of cool places (read: bigger cities!) they have a 5K run on Thanksgiving Day so that people can go burn off some of that turkey (and potatoes and gravy and stuffing and corn and pie and more pie...) that they plan to eat later in the day. 

 

Well, some of us don't live in big cities but still want to run.  So my friend Jen and I have come up with a solution.....a Virtual Turkey Trot! 

<center> <a href="www.almostgypsysoul.blogspot.com"><img border="0" src="http://i1276.photobucket.com/albums/y467/jendutton5/2013TurkeyTrotbutton2_zps4e17e791.jpg"/></a></center>

 

You just go out wherever you are and run (or jog or walk) a 5K sometime between Thanksgiving Day and the following Sunday (November 28 - December 1).  If your town has an official Turkey Trot and you want to do that, go for it and that counts too! 

Then we'll host a link up the following week and those of you with blogs can blog about the run and share your link.  If you don't have a blog, you can send your pictures/story to me or Jen and we'll include you in our recap.  Easy peasy.

 

And to provide some incentive and to do some good, if Jen and I can get participation from people in 10 states, we will both make a generous donation to the Salvation Army to kick off the Holiday Season!  So.....all you readers out there....get this on your calendar.

 

College Roomie, this means you, even though you'll whine that "this is NOT fun" all the way.  Loud Oklahoma Girl, this means you since you now have a blog!  (Go here to follow her!)  Make AB's Mama come with you!  Pharmer Girl, I know for a fact you have pretty new running shoes that need to be included.  Miss Livin It Right, you've been working out with a trainer and know you want to do this in our happy little hometown.  Mrs. Robertson, we need someone to represent in the Northeast!  The Hepburns, I think that a family run is in order down your dirt road!  Arkansassy, this will let you check a goal off your November list.  Chicken Plucker, you can eat some carbs with dinner if you do this!  Georgia Boy, your rock star wife can do a 5K in her sleep, have her do it for you.  Nomad, what else do you have to do on an island all day anyway?   Super Mom, your boys would love this and burn off lots of energy in the process! 

And the most excited person of all?  The Boy from Texas, who will have the pleasure of running down the gravel road amongst the wheat fields with me on Thanksgiving morning.  He can't wait.

   

2013 Mud Run

"Family life is a bit like a runny peach pie — not perfect but who's complaining?" ~Robert Brault

After the smash success and fun of last year's Mud Run, my family congregated on Dallas again last weekend for the second annual Dirty Girl Mud Run.  It was a blast.  We ate a lot, "ran" a little, watched football, laughed an insane amount, and just generally had a great time (even though I just about froze to death--what are the odds of a cold front moving in two years in a row on the same day in Dallas?!)  Anyway, here are a few photos from the big event.

Leaving the house for the fun...

It's an inside joke, but if you know the story, it's hilarious.

Aunt Delta Dawn seriously said, "Hey, hey guys?  Is this twirking?" 
Um....no.  Funniest part of the day!

All nice and clean in the before photo

The whole crew.

Kevin LOVES holding hands.

Me and this cute water boy I found.

The Aunts and the boys.

Cousin Kevin and Cousin Mim striking a pose.

A little pre-race Zumba to get everyone pumped up.

The first obstacle--high knees.

And the after photo--one obstacle left!

Up the cargo net we go.

Aunt Delta Dawn takes off.

Official post-race muddy photo.

A fun day with some of my favorite people!

My Answers (Part II)

We're back today with Part II of my answers to your questions.  If you missed Part I, just click here.

As to New Mexico..

Besides family and friends (obvi answer), what do you miss most about your home state?  Dry heat.  And green chile. God Bless New Mexico!

When am I ever going to see you now that you are at College Station?  Well, you know that I can't miss the NM State Fair, so I'll be making an appearance.  And you are welcome to come to a football game here anytime!!

As to running...

I stupidly made the goal to "learn to love to run" so, from one fat girl at heart to another, how did you motivate yourself to start running (and running long stinkin' distance I might add)?  I appreciate you calling me a fat girl at heart.  Because I am.  Totally.  I'm trying hard not to be a fat girl in real life.  Ha!  Three major tips I would give you:  (1) Sign up for a race.  Seriously, when you are a type-A personality, knowing that you have something you have to be ready for, something you are working towards, some goal time you want to beat, that's what will get you through it.  (2)  Just keep running.  I know there are real runners who disagree with me, but for me the key is to just keep running.  If you have to slow down, fine.  But don't stop until you get your distance in.  The honest truth is that the first 2 miles are the worst part of any run.  Seriously.  I always want to stop during the first 2 miles.  So, I made a rule.  No stopping until I've gone at least 2.25.  At that point, I usually don't need to stop anymore because I'm used to it.  Your breathing will regulate, your legs kinda go numb, and you can just run.  That's the fun part, you just have to get there!  (3)  Get good shoes.  It's well worth it if you are going to do any distance running.  I had worn Nike for years, but then went into a running store where they watched me run and suggested Brooks.  I swear, it was like running on a cloud.  Total game changer.

As to my childhood...

As a kid, you grew up showing.  What is your favorite fair-related memory or story that keeps getting retold?    I love this question!  Showing was a huge part of my life, so it's hard for me to pick one moment or one story.  I think my favorite "in the ring" moment was winning our County Fair for the third year in a row.  Everyone thought I was going down since I had champion cross, but not champion black.  Getting to pull off the upset was awesome.  I remember coming out of the ring to hug my dad and Mr. Franklin and all of us being a little choked up.  (Second best was winning a class at State Fair with a lamb we raised my senior year, which was a goal I set for myself at 9 years old.)  As for out of the ring, my favorite part was just the people.  Everyone sitting around the showbox talking--adults, ag teachers, kids, little bitty kids, just everyone hanging out.  It really was like being part of a whole other family and I loved every minute of it.

What's the most important thing you learned being a Quay County Girl (note the caps - it's an honor)?  I loved growing up in Quay County and honestly can't think of a better place to raise kids.  For me, hands down the most important thing I learned was what it meant to be a neighbor.  Whether it was everyone being part of the volunteer fire department, or going to help someone cut hay when their swather broke down, or people bringing enchilada casseroles when someone died, or just stopping by for a visit on a Saturday afternoon, everyone cared about everyone else.  We were all part of each other's lives.  I have said it before, but it really did take more than a village to raise me, and the people in Quay County, from kids way younger than me to my grandparents friends who are way older than me and everyone in between, were a huge part of that.

As to life....

When you are my age (52), what's the thing you want to look back on with most pride?  Oh wow.....another good one.  I'd like to look back and see that I've made a difference to other people.  Whether it be a card or a kind word or something bigger.  I would want to look back and know that because of something I did, or because of who I am, someone else's life was better.

What would you say is your biggest accomplishment to date?  Oh geez, this is tough.  I'm not sure.  As far as like "something to hang on the wall" type accomplishment, I think I'd go with the law degree and finishing two half marathons.  Both of them were things that I doubted my ability to do--I was pretty sure my first semester that I'd totally lose my scholarship to law school and I never, never, never thought I could run a half marathon.  I think it's a good thing in life to prove to yourself that you are capable of more than you think.

What is a skill or talent that you wish you had?  Oh man, there are so many!  I wish I could sing.  Sew.  Cook.  Make cute, crafty things.  Speak Spanish.  Play the piano.  The list could go on and on.

What inspires you?  Lots of things I suppose, but I think most of all it's the people in my life.  My friends and family are seriously phenomenal people who do amazing things every day.  They are kind and compassionate and fun and adventurous and faithful....they inspire me.

Things I'm Thankful For...

“To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything He has given us - and He has given us everything." ~Thomas Merton

I was just thinking about all the things I'm thankful for and thought I'd jot a few down to share with ya'll this Thursday!

- SoulMate Friend started a blog.  SHE STARTED A BLOG!  I seriously just about screamed in my office when I found out, and, of course, rushed right over to read it.  You should too.  Here's the link.  She's brilliant.  And the sweetest person ever.  And an amazing writer.  And one of my favorite people.  If I were you, I'd read her blog instead of mine.  No, seriously.  I would.  Now go.

Me and SoulMate Friend - Homecoming -  2008

-  The ability to run.  I've been complaining to anyone who will listen about how flippin' hot and humid it is here in this new home of mine.  I'm talking, you go running at 5:30 am and are still soaking wet and your glasses fog up kind of hot and humid.  And yesterday my legs were so sore I had to swap out my usual heels for flats.  But then I saw a woman in a wheelchair when I was driving home from the gym.  And I was reminded that instead of moaning and groaning, I should just be thankful.

OKC Half Marathon 2013

-  The kindness of strangers.  Last week, after a particularly stressful Tuesday, I found a loaf of homemade banana bread on my door with a note from a sweet woman who is part of the "bread baking team" at the church I attended on Sunday.  God speaks to us through kind strangers and carbs, I was reminded.

-  A loving family.  Sometimes, my family can stress me out.  You've never seen a bunch of people who are so up in each other's business all the time.  Basically like that tv show Brothers and Sisters except that we're conservatives, we're country, and we don't have money like that.  We're frankly complete insanity.  But you know what?  Those crazy people love me no matter what.  And that makes all the rest just fine by me.

Family Thanksgiving 2012

- Chocolate.  It just makes me feel better.  That's really all there is to it.

- College Roomie.  The professional wedding photographer snapped this shot and it just makes my heart happy.  That's what a photo of "best friends" looks like folks.

College Roomie's Wedding - May 2013

-  Airplanes.  Which are going to allow me to be back in God's country for Cousin Whitney's wedding in about half the time it would take to drive.  And I can sleep while getting there.  Score!

-  ND Friend.  Who is a rock star.  And did her first sprint triathlon last weekend.  Which has convinced me that I need to sign up for my own.  Please check out how cute she is AFTER completing a swim, bike and run.  Her hair looks perfect, her face is not flushed, not a drop of sweat on her.  Then she probably went home and made cookies for orphans or something.  I love that girl!

ND Friend is the one in the black.
You'll also recognized the male in the group as Tiny Dancer.

-  The ideas that Meg shared in this blog.  Here is my favorite part...

"but here’s the thing, and this is a relatively new thought for me, i wouldn’t trade my life for anyone else’s. because not everyone gets to have this experience. and maybe it’s lucky that i do. and others may live their lives better–but not with my peculiar flavor and music.  this is my lot and i’ll be damned if i don’t figure it out. and frankly i’d like to see how it all plays out. which is to say, i’m invested in the story. i’m invested in the story of my own life. which, i think, is not a bad place too be at twenty-seven."