I've Got a Knotty Butt

Oh hi!  Remember me?  I'm back from an impromptu hiatus from the blogging world.  Life just got a little hectic, and I needed some space from the computer.  But I'm back!  And I've got a BUNCH of stuff that needs to be shared, including some reviews, giveaways, and of course updates.

My running has taken a little backseat this past week or two, which wasn't intentional, but it felt good to take a little break.  I've had the worst knots in my upper back and in my butt muscles.  Seriously, my butt has knots.  Didn't think it was possible?  Me neither.  Apparently the hills in San Francisco did a number to my booty, as well as my sunburnt hands and my feet...

Why yes, my toes are nasty.  And no, that is not dark nail polish...those are some fantastic black toes!  Argh!  Many thanks to the hills of San Francisco and the 18.2 miler with Kerrie.  Ouch.  Just counting the days until I lose those three toenails, as the the second toe on the right foot has already succumbed to the dreaded blacktoenailitis.  *sigh*

Ok, that's enough of the grossness that is my feet...

How about some cuteness to counteract what you just saw?  I present to you, Miss Goober.

The bib is appropriate, don't you think? :)

Goober started eating solid food, and it's pretty funny.  She is more interested in the spoon and shoving it in her mouth than the actual food that's on it.  It's cute though.  She gets really excited: waves her arms and kicks her legs when the spoon is coming near. 

So, I'm working on some reviews and giveaways...and I'll be posting those soon.  

Thank you, loyal RZR readers!  You ROCK my world!

The Crap Crusader

Quick little post to say....I DID IT!!!!  I made that sign!  You know, the one for the person/people that leave their dog crap bags on the side of the road?  AH HA HA HA!

Take THAT, nasty dog owner!

I'm sure that this will do absolutely nothing, but at least the person/people know that someone is noticing their nastiness.  Plus, I included the word "please," being the normally polite person that I am.  Maybe next time I'll actually use a more vulgar word for crap...like doodoo or poopy. ;)

In other news, I actually ran outside in just shorts (and a tee, and running shoes, of course). Legs were exposed!  EGADS!  The pure crazy bright reflection off my pale limbs was, I'm sure, excruciating for the neighbors to behold...but I didn't care.  It was this pretty outside.  Ahhhhh.

And then, the next day I ran with Goober in just a Running Skirt!  WOAH.  My eyes!!!

More later...

SO PROUD

Just a quick note to say that I'm around!  I've been watching/stalking all the Boston Marathoners that I know running and I must say....I'm SO PROUD!  You all did amazing!!!!  Cannot wait to hear everyone's recaps. :)

And man, WHAT A RACE at the end for Desi, huh????  She's got some killer form!

Anyway, I'll be back to blogging in a bit.  Goober's pretty sick, and so I've been up at all hours of the night and on a weird schedule during the day.

Coming Home

We've had a great trip, but I know I'm ready to be home again. Goober has been a great traveller so far and has made some friends! Plus, my butt and shins are screaming at me after yesterday's hills. I'll be figuring out my mileage later tonight. :)

More later!

Greetings from San Francisco

We've been doing a lot of walking and exploring. Goob's an excellent traveller! She hates being cooped up in the hotel and rejoices when we go out. I'm so proud of her. I'm not necessarily running, but carrying/pushing Goob up these giant hills is great cross-training! :)
Check out the neon photobomb in one of these pics....haha! More later!

M.I.A. & a Winnah

Apologies for the delayed announcement of the Road ID winner!  Without further delay, after randomizing the list of entries the winner is #231:

Congrats TMB of Racing with Babes!

I'll be away from real blogging for the next couple of days, but I'll be back with some adventure stories at the end of the week.

18.2 Mile Slug Run

Just like my longest run to date today --  18.2 miles  -- this could be a long post.  But I won't bore you with minor details.  Ok, maybe a little...or else it wouldn't be that fun now, would it?

18! Word.

I'm pretty much following whatever plan Kerrie has because we are running the same marathon, and when today called for 18, I was on board.  Crap!  I was nervous last night as I carbo-loaded with some whole grain pasta and maybe a glass of wine.  However, my nerves weren't messing me up when I was driving to the Cedar River Trail.  Thank goodness.  Kerrie wanted to reinstate the run 5 minutes, walk 1 minute Jeff Galloway method, and I wasn't complaining.  Whatever helped and didn't get us injured again was a good plan.

The weather called for rain, and lots of it.  Of course I was stupid and colored my hair a reddish hue yesterday.  Non-permanent hair dye= possibility of runnage.  Needless to say, I didn't wear a light colored top because it would've looked like someone was trying to slay me if my hair color did run.  A polka dot Bondi Band and my kickass Punk Rock Racing hat concealed the 'do.  And thankfully I didn't look a hot mess once the run was over.  *phew*

The first few miles felt pretty good.  We were able to hold a conversation, which was based on the number of slugs we were dodging on the trail.  Holy cow there were a lot!  They were in these massive piles and just chillin' in the middle of the walkway.  They were like slug orgies or something.  Slorgies.  It was disgusting.  We did manage to pose with one that Kerrie was brave enough to pick up.  Evidence that long runs make us a wee bit loopy/crazy.

Kerrie looks surprisingly at ease...

I, on the other hand, do NOT. ;)

The rain never really got out of hand!  No elbow puddles for Kerrie.  Very grateful that the Pacific NW weather cooperated.  The second half of the run was a little less talking and more listening to our own music.  Of course, there was the occasional sing-out-loud moment and Kerrie even busted out a mini showtune type dance.  We were just in the groove, groovin' out.  The music definitely helped keep us up to a great pace!  In fact, our last mile was without any walking and it was an 8:55.  There was energy to spare!  Barely.  

Halfway--stretch time

For my personal reference, I had my Nathan Hydration belt with water and a little bit of Crystal Light Pure Fitness in each bottle.  Breakfast consisted of a PB&J and an Espresso GU right before getting to the trail.  Ate an entire package of Black Cherry Shot Bloks (yum), and carried a mini Clif Bar with me just in case (didn't need it).  Stomach felt fine!  Even after the run!

When I was done with the run, I texted Trav (see pic on left)....iPhone autocorrect didn't work.  Ha ha!

Then, I stopped at the local Starbucks to pick up Coffee for Trav and I.  The drive-thru line was really long and I ended up waiting for over 15 minutes in one spot.  Once the cars started moving, they were MOVING.  I mean, I barely had time to get my gift card out when the barista at the window said "Sorry for the long wait, your drinks are on us today."  Oh goodness!  Awesome!  Thank you Starbucks!  That was pretty sweet. 

At home I made myself take an ice bath and I really really really think it helped.  Plus, Kerrie's idea of putting bubbles in the bath make it seem less icy (?).  My mind tricks my body into thinking, 'hey, this is a nice, warm bubble bath!'  Syke!  Oh well, I made it 12 minutes this time.  

In all honesty, after the 18.2, another 8 miles doesn't seem that bad!  Bring it, Marathon! :)

BTW: Random.org was bugging out on me and I lost my progress in adding all the entries to the Road ID giveaway into the list randomizer.  I'll redo it tomorrow.  Sorry for the delay.