What About Gus?

My lovable Garmin, Gus, was very jealous of my treadmill getting all the action the other day, so I decided to show him some love by going for a little run outside last night.  Ooo!  It was cold!  My awesome new Brooks long sleeve top kept me warm though.

I surprised myself by making it up the two giant hills without needing to walk, or gag, or puke.  In fact, I probably could have gone longer than 1.5 miles, but of course, I don't want to push that envelope.  The one peculiar thing that happened on this short run was a gas leak up the street from my house.  It smelled awful and it was BAD.  I'm sure if someone decided to light up a cig the neighborhood would've exploded.  Well, maybe not, but it sure did smell that way.  There were three energy vans working on the problem.  I decided to avoid that street on my way back, you know, just to be on the safe side.  I'll leave the giant explosions to the movies and The Lonely Island dudes.

Yo, Shoe Dog!

My little sister Liza has a really bad running confession...she's wearing my old running shoes...from high school.  Now people, I'm 27 years old, so these shoes are not only older than my nieces and nephews, but my relationship with Travis.  Oh Liza!

Big sister to the rescue!  Get the Shoe Dog!

For her belated birthday present, I wanted to have Liza get her feet analyzed at the local Road Runner Sports and help get her some new kicks.  Today was the day.

The in-store Shoe Dog experience starts with a foot measurement; Liza's feet are a little different in size, so the next size up was recommended.  Then, Liza stood on this mat that took the characteristics of her balance and pressure exerted by her feet.  According to the data shown on the screen, Liza puts more pressure on her heels than the rest of her foot (shown in red).  Also noted is how high/low her arches are, and they are definitely in the middle, so a Stability shoe was recommended.

The next step is a treadmill running analysis using video.  Liza jogged a little on the treadmill and then the sales rep showed us her gait on the playback.  It was funny to see Liza cringe when the sales dude paused the video when her foot was getting the most weight.

"I thought my ankle was going to snap!"

Not quite, but I understood her concern.  It did look quite odd, but you understand your running technique much better.  Another thing I noticed...Liza runs like me.  Her stride is similar and she forefoot strikes more than her heel.  Interesting.

A new part of the Shoe Dog experience is actually getting fitted orthotics made on-the-spot, without the obligation to buy (they run about $80).  I thought this was pretty neat, and the process was cool to see too.

Standing on the balance blocks getting ready for the orthotics to be molded

Liza then got to try some pretty rad colored socks for the shoe fitting.  The sales rep told her never to run in cotton socks again (and I totally agreed with that statement).

After trying on a variety of shoes by Puma, Nike, Saucony and Asics, Liza liked the feel and look of the Asics GT-2160.  

She also promises not to run in her jeans either. ;)

Overall, the trip was a success and Liza doesn't have to wear my jankity old running shoes on her teeny feet.  Hurray!!

My happy little sister, Liza!

TA DA!

AND...I'm BACK!

I RAN TONIGHT!!!!

WOO HOO!!!!

And this time Goober fell asleep watching me run. :)

Passed out Goob, facing the treadmill

Don't worry, I'm taking it very easy. Five minutes of a jog, then one minute walk, then jogged for a bit to reach a mile.  My body feels pretty good, but it's a little strange to have more--ahem--jiggle in places.  Hee hee.

Holiday Hangover

It's all over?  Really?  The holidays just rush by so quickly, especially now with a baby in the house.  I'm a little sleep-deprived because Goober has a cold and isn't sleeping too well at the moment...so I'll just share some pictures.

Sibling Zoolander pose: Kristal, Karrie, me, Liza, Ryan (pic missing Bria)
& Ryan's kids G and S

Yeah, we are "special": Bob, Kristal, Karrie, me, Liza, Ryan
G, Sharon, Dad, S

Goober with her new Moose, dubbed "Bruce"

Goober and Santa

Auntie Karrie and a sleepy Goob in her Christmas dress

My Dad and Oliver (my "brother" kitty)

Just a small sampling of the gifts at Dad's house, and the yearly gift of "Ryan's Cream" from my bro (Ryan) to us sisters (hahahaha! Yeah, we have demented minds...but it's hilarious!)

We didn't take as many pictures this year as we should have, but we did have a great Christmas with all of our family!  It was busy and well worth it.  Now, I have to go take care of the sick Goob.

P.s.  I got two new Running Skirts from Liz and E!  I'm SO READY to put them to use soon!!

Merry Christmas!

Hope everyone had a great day!

Goober is getting ready to start the new year off running! She's got brand new sneakers (Jordans! Haha!) and even though they are a bit big, she loves them! Thanks Coach Fish!

A Visit from Tall Mom

My fave pic I took of Mel in February

Mel stopped by my house yesterday and we got to chat for an hour or so.  She held Goober most of the time, so it was a nice break for my arms (I swear, babies are great weight training equipment!).  We talked about running and goals for the new year, and I told her I'd be back to being her running buddy soon.  My health is still not in tip top shape, and so I haven't got the go-ahead to start training again...

Oh goodness, I can't WAIT to start running again for so many reasons.  My Newtons are dying to be used and go fast!  My Garmin Gus is feeling really neglected.  I miss my Bald Eagle buddy, Sam, on the trail.  I need to run off the stress and just have some "me" time.  I haven't "raced" since last year (ugh!).  There's a new Brooks long sleeve top that is itching to be worn for the first time (thanks, Mel!).  And I want to feel strong again.

Plus, I miss my running buddies!
Ah, soon.

Shout out to Coach Fish...it was his birthday yesterday!  Woot!  Happy Birthday, Uncle!

Earning Extra Moolah

So, it's the holidays and we all know what that means...our bank accounts and wallets are maxed out.  How about a little extra cash to get you going into the New Year?

I've participated in PTC (pay-to-click) sites before and I've actually made some money on the side.  This was years ago, and so I've found a new site called InboxDollars that is pretty good when it comes to earning some easy cash.  It doesn't cost a dime and you get paid for reading e-mails (targeted to your interests), taking surveys, completing free offers, cashback shopping with partners (like Target.com, Overstock.com, Walmart.com, to name a few) and completing easy web tasks for cash.  Plus, there's an automatic $5 added to your account just for signing up.  Easy as pie.  Mmmm, pie...

What can you do with this money?
How about put it towards race fees...

Get a super reflective running vest...

Buy antlers for your dog...

Or, you can be financially savvy and pay off those holiday bills.

Shameless plug: 

Please sign up.  

It's so easy.  

If not for yourself, then do it for Goober.  

Awww, see?  Goober's so cute.  I know you can't resist!

Now, here's a cheesy banner to start.

Edited to add: 
What you make is pretty much up to you.  The e-mails come on occasion and don't flood your inbox.  I have done some of the cash tasks, which don't make much and take a little time.  Some of the offers are fun, and can make a couple bucks just for registering for something (note: you will get some spam, so I have a separate email account just for this sort of thing).  Plus, I did some of my Christmas shopping using the "Cash Shopping" partners links for cashback.  The surveys are pretty easy and vary with how much they pay out.  Overall, this is not a job at all, more of a "hey, I have a little free time, I'll do a survey" kind of thing.  :)  Check it out for more ideas on how much you can make. 

Hold On a Moment

Even though I started lightly walking on my treadmill a little while ago, I think I am doing too much too soon.  :(  Oh well.  I really want to be getting back into exercise and running, but I guess I'm not ready yet. 

In the meantime, while taking care of Miss Goober, I'm trying to find ways to earn some income.  Any ideas?  I was officially "let go" from my job because the little company was struggling, and I had a feeling it would be that way.  Sure, it's nice because I can take care of Goober longer without having to worry about daycare yet, but I still want to pull my own weight for our family.  I'm not used to "not working."  It's weird already.  Money just plain sucks.

Goober has been projectile vomiting more often lately and I feel so awful.  I wish I knew what was wrong. She's pretty gassy, and I've tried the Mylicon baby drops, but I don't know if they work.  Poor baby.  She's still amazing and beautiful though.

She's the Princess of eyebrow expressions

Day 18 with Miss Goober

Sleeping with Mommy

She's a doll!  I love her so much!  I'm getting used to the little amount of sleep I get, and the crazy schedule of feeding, changing, bathing, holding and hugging little miss Goober.  She really loves to be on the move. If she gets fussy, then Travis and I walk her around the house or dance with her and she mellows out.

Just an hour old...look at those runner legs!

I'm recovering nicely.  Since I ended up needing a c-section, a lot of rest was in the cards.  I'm feeling pretty good with little to no pain, but I want to give my body time to really heal.  Yesterday I went for a very very slow walk on the treadmill for 10 minutes.  Of course it felt amazing!  I can't wait for the Doc to give me the go ahead to run again.    I've got Goober's jogging stroller all set!  Soon soon.

You know, I've missed the blogging world.  And since I'll be a stay-at-home-mom for an indefinite amount of time, hopefully I'll get back to my blog more.  Missed you all!

All Turkey'd out for Thanksgiving

She loves to make the Zoolander "Blue Steel" face

Hanging out with Daddy

I'm a Mommy!

Goober is here!! She arrived at 2:19pm today, on her due date. She is 6 lbs, 10 ounces & 19.5 inches long. Full head of brown hair! She hasn't cried at all yet, and is a sweet baby so far. :) Travis and I are in love with her! She's got some gangly arms/legs and looks to be a future runner. More pictures later!

The Magical Number 39

Today marks 39 weeks...
I'm still around.  Goober's still baking.  Although I think we are BOTH getting restless. ;)  Went for a 2 mile walk the other day and it was great to just be outside in the fall weather.  I'm just ready for Goober to be in a stroller and enjoying walks/runs with me from the outside.  The red and orange leaves are gorgeous!  Plus, I'm looking forward to bonding with my daughter...wow, that's really strange to say!

One of the many funny magnets I got from my little sister, Liza

This kind of sucks

I'm losing followers. :(

I can't run.

I can't focus.

I can't seem to write anything of value.

I hope this changes soon.

Guess when Goober will be here!

Be sure to make a guess in Goober's birthday pool!  Everyone is saying November...and even though her due date is November 9th, man, I want her to be here sooner. Gah!  Tomorrow marks 37 weeks and I'm so uncomfortable.  But, it'll be worth it.  Right?  Right.

Just going up and down my stairs is tough.  I should count it as a workout. ;)

I'm behind on blogging and reading blogs because I have Goober on the brain.  So much to think about and so little time left.

Sunsets and SIGG Bottles

This evening I went for a two mile walk with Trav around the neighborhood. The sunset was gorgeous and I just needed to get outside after an annoying day.  Physical exercise is definitely not getting any easier, so a walk was just what I needed.

Of course I had to take some photos along the way.

Hey, I forgot to mention that Cafepress contacted me a few weeks ago and offered a new SIGG water bottle. I got it really quickly and even though I messed up my design, I love it!  My other I <3 Running SIGG that I got from a friend months ago started leaking from the cap because I use it so much...so I'm glad I have a new one. Not only SIGG bottles, but a wide spectrum of custom hoodies, 2011 yearly calendars and personalized gifts can be found at CafePress for any interest, brand or topic!  Check 'em out!

I'm still working on my YGG 10K recap. So late!

Neil's *10-10* Virtual Race

Today I completed a virtual race in honor of Barefoot Neil's birthday!  

Distance: 1 mile

Time: 13:00

And guess what?  I actually jogged it on the treadmill!  Big 36 week belly and all. ;)

Hope everyone running Portland, Chicago and all other races are having a great day!  And happy 10/10/10 people!

Plane Ticket Winnah!

First of all, I'd like to thank everyone who donated to the MISS Foundation:

Kerrie

Amanda

Veronica

April

Stacie

Ginny

Thank you sooo much!  You ladies are amazing!  $100 was raised for this great cause. :)

My assistant, Murphy, helping pick a winner

Woot!

A Tourist in My Own City

Hello Seattle!

Yesterday I had the privilege to show TMB and Katye the lovely sites of Seattle, along with Jill.  There was a lot of walking, laughing, picture taking, more laughing, and cupcakes. :)  Crazy conversations about running, random people we saw along the "tour," balls (you decide), apps, food, running shoes, race stories and cupcakes.  Everything ended with cupcakes.  Delicious ones, too.

I would love to show you a lot of pictures, but I don't want to spoil TMB's and Katye's recaps entirely.  So I have one that I will show...Space Needle tourist pic!  Woo hoo!

Katye, TMB, Me/Miss Goober

I'll give the rundown of the events later.  I'm tired and the You Go Girl 10K is tomorrow AM!  Yay!

You have 2 hours left to enter the raffle/giveaway for plane tickets! 

Cars, Tickets & The Goob

I never really appreciated having two cars until now.  Woah.  I've been having my coworker pick me up on the way to work, which is nice for me, but a little out of the way for him.  Plus, not having two cars hasn't allowed me to go to the gym at all this week. :(  I'm in need of a swim!  Argh!  The good news is Travis found a car and tested it out this afternoon...so we may be back to two cars soon enough.

As you can see, the car situation has dwindled my exercise to a minimum this week.  But hopefully I'll be getting a lot this weekend with You Go Girl just around the corner.

Please don't forget to enter the raffle/giveaway of the AirTran plane tickets.  Only 3 days left to enter!  

Side note:  The reason I can't just give these tickets away is because they were donated to A Small Victory for an auction we held last year.  Since A Small Victory is not taking donations at the moment, the next best organization is the MISS Foundation.  Ultimately, these tickets are not mine to just give away.  Thanks for understanding!

Also, check out Goober's Birthday Pool with the link to the right.  Make a guess on when she'll be here!

The Murphy & Goober stare down...

Busy? NAH.

I've been a little M.I.A. lately since my recap of the Iron Girl.  It's been quite the week.  Not only did I celebrate my 27th birthday yesterday (woohoo!), but I also attended two weddings in different parts of the lovely Northwest.  Oh boy.  It was BUSY.  Since my actual birthday was full of wedding celebrations, I got to celebrate with my in-laws and my family on Friday and Saturday.  However, Friday night after a great dinner with the in-laws, Trav got into a little car accident and one of our cars is now totaled. :(  And it was the safer of our two cars. Double boo.  So now we are looking for two new (used) cars.  Saturday was hang-out-with-my-family day at my Dad's house.  It was a lazy/fun day.  I always have fun with my bro and sisters. :)

And now this week is going to be busy too...how am I getting to work when Trav's using my car?  Man, I wish I could run!!

This weekend is the You Go Girl event on Sunday...and that means two awesome bloggers from the East are coming into town: TMB from Racing With Babes and Katye from Long Legs on the Loose!  I can't wait to meet them!  It should be a great weekend. :)

I leave you with a pic of my handsome hubby at the venue from last night's wedding.  It had a gorgeous view!

Iron Girl 5K Recap

This was one of my favorite races last year, and I was pumped to run it again...but then I got preggers.  So, I was intending on jogging the course with my little sister Liza, but then she had her appendix removed the day before.  Looks like I'm on my own on this one!

I recruited Travis to go with me, but he was not in the best mood to wake up at 7am on a Sunday.  Oh great.  We got to Greenlake and I jumped out the car and headed for the packet pick-up.  I decided that Liza deserved her shirt and bib number too, and picked up both of ours.  AND, I actually had my choice of shirt sizes this year!

Goober's 7th race

Since I thought Travis was going to meet me at the start to take my bag, I was frustrated to find out that he parked a mile away and did not want to meet me.  Grrrrrrrr.  Luckily this year they had a bag check.  So, in my hurry to check my bag and get my race bib on, I totally forgot to put Gus on my wrist.  I felt so naked!  Poor Gus.  This was a first. :(

Because of my ligament issue, I intended on walking the course.  HAHAHAHAHA!  Riiiiight, Zoe.  As soon as the Aflac Duck signaled the start, I was jogging along.  Sure, it wasn't the greatest feeling, but I was determined not to walk the entire way.  My competitive side came out.  But, I was taking it very easy and walked when I felt like I needed to.  All in all, I did a decent job jogging and walking.  It was really fun seeing all the Mother/Daughter teams running together, some in matching gear.  A part of me was thinking "Hey! I'm actually running with my daughter too!" :)

Trav actually met me at the finish and saw my "kick" at the end.  He asked "What was that??" because he thought I was walking.  "I couldn't WALK to the finish line." Duh.

While waiting to pick up my bag from gear check, I met Emily from Travel With Emily!  It was so cool to meet another local blogger/runner.  Big shout out to Miss Emily!  Woot! :)

Final Stats:

Mileage - 3.1

Time - 39:02

Overall - 740 out of  1369
Division Place - 133 out of 220 (F25-29)
Sex Place - 740 out of 1369 (no men)
Pace - 12:35

Don't forget to enter the plane ticket raffle/giveaway!  

As of today, I'm the only one who has donated to the MISS Foundation...and I can't even use the plane tickets!


Like my Baby Runner on Board Tank top? You can purchase it HERE.

...And it's already been quite the day

9/11.  It's hard to believe nine years have passed.  We will always remember.

Photo by Thomas E. Franklin

So, I woke up early this morning to a text message from my brother saying that our littlest sister is in the hospital getting her appendix removed.  After trying to call her room at the hospital to no answer, I'm just a worried big sister.  I know she'll be fine, but I just hate the thought of her in pain and having any kind of surgery.  She's not the biggest fan of hospitals either.  But I'll be going up to visit her soon.

On a brighter note, there is a winner of the CSN gift card...

A big CONGRATS to Angel Jacklyn, entry #61!

Remember to enter my giveaway/raffle/fundraiser for the AirTran plane tickets (someone needs to use them before December 31st of this year!!).  It's only $5 an entry, which is like skipping a latte at Starbucks, or a footlong ham sandwich, or 4 GU's.  AND, it is tax deductible...

Now, I'm off to go visit my baby sister.

My HUGE Giveaway!...

...is for two (2) round-trip plane tickets from AirTran!

Here's the thing though: the travel must be completed by 12/31/10 and there are restrictions on dates (holidays).   PLUS, this is going to be a raffle/giveaway to benefit the M.I.S.S. Foundation. But hey, it's a pair of plane tickets, yo!

You see, I was a board member & volunteer for a small local nonprofit that my bro/sis-in-law started called A Small Victory.  Last year the organization did really well, but it grew too much for just a small group of people to manage, and it closed its doors for a while.  Since A Small Victory was started because my dear little niece--Janell Victory--was stillborn, this cause is still very close to my heart.  It is an unfortunate part of life that some babies don't make it, and these organizations help those families who have lost little ones.  Yes, it is extremely sad.  But YES, it does happen all too often to people around you.
And little Goober wants to do something in memory of her cousin...

About the M.I.S.S. Foundation: 
"The MISS Foundation is a 501 (c) 3, volunteer based organization committed to providing crisis support and long term aid to families after the death of a child from any cause. MISS also participates in legislative and advocacy issues, community engagement and volunteerism, and culturally competent, multidisciplinary, education opportunities."

Here's your chance to help these families (and get a chance to win plane tickets in the process)!

For every $5 you donate to the M.I.S.S. Foundation, you will receive 1 entry into the raffle.  

So:  1 entry = $5, 2 entries = $10, 3 entries = $15, and so on...

In order to be entered to win you must do TWO things:

1. You must be a follower of this blog--as you will want to know if you win, right?
2. Donate the minimum of $5 for one entry HERE.  You must either send me a screenshot of your confirmation of donation (see mine below, from my iPhone), or forward your confirmation e-mail regarding your donation to zoe @ runzoerun.com.  

Since I will be personally mailing the ticket vouchers to the winner, I will be needing a mailing address.  I will not use/sell/exploit your address at all.  You have my word.  I'd hate if someone did that to me, so I won't do that to you.  Please e-mail me if you have any questions!

This raffle/giveaway will end at midnight September 25th (the date of my niece's birthday, and the day her little sister was born).  Winner will be selected via Random.org and announced on Sunday the 26th.  

Thank you everyone!  Your generosity is greatly appreciated by families all around the world. 

31 Weeks?

Wow.  Getting closer.  It's still strange to think that I'm going to be a mom.  Whaaa?

One of my favorite races is this Sunday, the Iron Girl 5K.  Since I signed up for it light years ago I will be running walking it, of course. :)  It's such a fun race!  Last year I PR'd my 5K time, so next year, I hope to be even better.

Water aerobics and swimming are fun, but I still can't stop thinking about running.  One of my inspirations for running while prego, Cindy of RunningSkirts.com, is expecting again...and she just won a 5K at Disneyland last weekend!  I totally wish the pain would all of a sudden disappear and I could just run these last two months...but alas, whatever Goob wants, Goob gets right now.  Oh, and I totally think she's going to be gangly like me.  All arms/legs.

Here's a little photo of me and my nap buddy, Murphy.  He likes to be close. 

Still working on the details of my next HUGE giveaway.  As a teaser, it has something to do with transportation...
I'll let that last thought marinate. ;)

Toe Juice Winnah!

There were a total of 33 entries in the Toe Juice giveaway, and Random.org chose #27....

Congrats to Running With A Baby On Board!

Send me an e-mail to zoe @ runzoerun.com with your address and your prize will be shipped! :)

Big props to Alanna and Lindsey for sending in their foot pics for extra entries!

I'm off to a wedding now, and the dress I have does not make me look like I'm wearing a giant sack like the last wedding two weeks ago.  This one is much more flattering!  

ALSO, be sure to stay tuned as I have a HUGE, and I mean HUGE, giveaway coming up...

In Case You Didn't Win Elsewhere: $40 CSN Stores Gift Card Giveaway!

Who's up for a CSN Stores giveaway?  I know you've heard of them, and now you have a chance to win $40 towards anything listed on their site.  You could put it towards a dining table, a hammock, a sweet new bed for Fido, a new pair of running shoes, or even a pony!  Wait, sorry, apparently they are all sold out of ponies at the moment.* 

In all honesty, there really isn't anything you can't find on their website.  I mean, they have:

Canvas wall art

Easy as pie to find the right decor for your home...

Hand/Foot portable cycles

This should be under my desk right now...

AND, my fave right now:

Ju Ju Be diaper bags!

So cool, even Trav would rock this.

That's quite the selection of goods!  So, who's up for winning a $40 gift card???

*I kid, I kid. You can't buy a pony from the site.  Sorry folks. 

Here's the scoop on how to win:

(1 comment = 1 entry) 

• Visit the CSN Stores site and tell me what you would get your best friend w/ the $40 (1 entry)
•  Become a follower of my site and let me know in a comment (1 entry)
• Link to this giveaway on your blog, Twitter (include @RunZoeRun), or Facebook.  Let me know in a comment (1 entry each)
• "Like" Run, Zoe, Run! on Facebook and comment on the wall (1 entry)
• "Like" CSN Stores on Facebook (1 entry)

The giveaway will end Friday 9/10, with the winner picked via Random.org & announced on Saturday the 11th.

**Note: Gift card giveaway provided courtesy of CSN Stores.**

An Award with Cupcakes!

I was a lucky gal to receive this award from Stephanie at Girls Just Wanna Go Run and Erika from Chasing My Monkeys 1 Mile at a Time.  But of course, being the prego chick that I am, all I saw was...cupcakes!  Yum!  Oh great.  I'll be right back...

...ok, back now withalittlefrostingonmyupperlip. 

This is how the award works:

#1. Answer this question: If you had the chance to go back and change one thing in your life, would you and what would it be?

#2. Pick 6 people and give them this award. Then inform them that they received an award.

#3. Thank the person who gave this award to you!

1.  I consider myself to be lucky and to have a pretty normal, low-key childhood.  The only "fighting" was between us three younger sisters, but that wasn't a big deal...it's normal.  My grades were good and I was plenty busy with extracurricular activities.  Never did any kind of illegal drug.  Was probably a goody-two-shoes and a nerd, but that's ok by me.  BUT, there is only one thing that I really do regret and I've always wondered if it could've changed anything...I wish that I would have gone back to the hospital the night my mum died.  I had planned on it, but I ended up falling asleep with her pillow (it was about 2am when I got home).  For some reason, I just regret not being there.  It probably wouldn't have changed the outcome, but it was something I've always wondered about.  
Sorry, this isn't meant to be a downer.  I just can't think of anything else I'd truly want to change from my past. (Aside from maybe that guy I kissed in high school with braces...)


2.  Now, I pass this award to:

H Love @ Keep On Keeping On

Holly @ Run Like the Wind (or Shuffle Like an Old Lady)

Liz @ Writing Mommy

Karrie @ Hello*Pretty

Genesis @ More Than Your Average Runner

Jeri @ JerBear Shares

3.  Thank you so much for thinking of me, Stephanie!  You are totally going to ROCK the Chicago Marathon next month! :)

And Erika, keep up your excellent training and you will no doubt be amazing at your first marathon in Long Beach!  :)

Now, I have to go find some real cupcakes...