OOOOOOOOOOOOklahoma!

Hey you guys, remember me?? It has been over a week since my last post... such a slacker, I am. It's amazing how much can happen in a week! Recap anyone??

So I didn't end up driving to Oklahoma in an un-air-conditioned vehicle to spend my Labor Day wknd with my OK family like we had discussed before. I know, I know... You're thinking I am such a pansy/prima donna. You may be right in some circumstances, but I do have an excuse this time. The forecast called for rain. I can't drive down the highway in the rain with my windows down and sunroof back. So I rented a car. 1 week and $190 later and I haven't seen a drop of rain yet... I'm sure it's coming, though. SURELY that weatherman wouldn't tell a lie! (smirk!)

In the meantime, I am not going to complain because I have never enjoyed an air conditioned car more than I did for that 8 hours in my life. I soaked it up. I also had an AMAZING TIME in Oklahoma. Always relaxing. Always care-free. Always comfortable. Always home. We went to the horse races on Saturday. I had never been to the horse races in my whole entire life. Can I just tell you, I loved it!! I am a big horse lover anyway... this was just incredible. I did some serious gambling.

It looks like I knew what I was doing didn't it? Eh? Ya, I lost every penny of that $20 bucks I threw down on those 9 races. But it was worth it. We sat in the clubhouse, got the best view, I hear the margaritas were great, we had the best service and had a blast.

The rest of the time we just hung out on the farm. Did I tell you my dad lives on a farm? He and Alison have a few hundred acres in Central Oklahoma. They love the Country Life. I don't blame them. In fact, lucky for you, I talked Alison into starting up her own blog so if you want to read more about their country life you can check out Alison's blog here.

Saturday I knew I had a long run scheduled that I could not skip. My family is so unbelievably supportive of my running habits (Probably because I inherited them from my Dad), so Saturday we all decided to throw on our gear and go for a country run. All 4 of us (Dad, Al, my cousin Kehley and my little sis, Maci). Self portrait by the way... that is talent ladies and gentlemen.

This is the beginning of our run... the long driveway leads out to the gravel road. This nice little country run soon became the dreaded run from hell because I didn't realize that throughout my entire training period, I have yet to incorporated hills into my runs.... until then. And let me tell you, running on graveled mini mountains is not easy. It's torture, simply put. Period. And the bad part about it is, my dad kept telling me... this isn't even the hilly route. We are going on the "hills" tomorrow. I said to myself, "THE HELL WE ARE!! What in the name of Vertical torture are you trying to do to me?!" I was breathing so hard I thought I was going to start coughing up a kidney. But I made it through. I didn't track my pace. My goal a quarter of the way in was to finish without ending up in a coffin. I succeeded.

Unfortunately, I became sick. I began coughing, wheezing, sneezing, hacking.... all I gotta say is it was not a pretty sight, folks. I would like to blame it on the run from hell taking so much out of me, but the truth is I started feeling this way on the drive up to Okla. Fortunately, I was able to skip the torturous hills-have-eyes run. I know what you're thinking.... you seasoned runners out there are going "Suck it up! You should never dread a run! Just do it!" But seriously, I am afraid that having not run hills at all... I should gradually incorporate them... for my shins sake! (Which I believe are doing much better by the way, for those of you who care. THANK YOU SAUCONY!)

I had to leave and come back home on Monday. It's always hard to leave. I know I will see my family again soon, we try to never go more than a few months without seeing each other. But I just miss my them so much. I'm sure some of you have family that you feel the same way about. Maci is growing up so fast right now... she just turned 5 and is at that age where she REALLY loves her big sis. I am hoping this is not a phase she is going through. I know girls start to think their moms aren't cool at a certain age, but do they have to feel this way about their big sisters?? That are 21 years older than them?? Before I go on, I just have to show this kid off... I know people are bias and maybe I am.... but honestly, is she not the most beautiful thing you have ever seen???

The drive home on Monday flew by. I wasn't able to run again until this morning. I am still coughing up crud and my ears pop every now and again due to the fluid in my head... but I am feeling much better. I ran 3.5 easy miles this morning before work. 10 minute pace. Felt great. I plan to do the same thing in the morning. I'll let you know how it goes...

Marvelous Miles to you all!!

My Love Affair with AC and Other Random Musings...

Happy September!!

There is just something about the beginning of a new month. So much potential to just make it your own and turn it into a great big success. Forget where you went wrong last month and start fresh. There is bright opportunity to take full advantage of every day - Grow! Succeed! Am I being too cheezy right now? Are you gagging? Sorry..... I digress.

I have had a couple of things on my mind this week so far.... Let's discuss.....

1. So I have a little over 10 weeks until the San Antonio Rock 'n Roll (Half) Marathon. (Yelp!) I had a funny nervous emotion that crept over me today while I sat at my desk at work in realization of this. From here on out my mileage is going to increase BIG time..... for me, that is (The girl who has never run more than 6.2 miles in her life!) On October 3rd I have a 10 mile run scheduled. That is 4 weeks away. I know you can't tell... but it just took me about 2 full minutes of sitting here staring at my laptop screen to be able to fully grasp the last two sentences. The month of September I have 86 miles scheduled to run in all. (I realize many of you can knock most of that out in a week.. but remember, I'm just an amateur right now.) I am excited/scared/anxious/hopeful/worried/pumped all at the same time. Such a strange sensation. I'm kinda diggin' it :)

2. My car is sick :( My beautiful Acura TSX is having air conditioning issues and needs to go to the doctor. I have only had her for a little over a year, so why this is even occurring is beyond me. But regardless, even though fall is almost here and the weather should be cooling off in most places in the world, no AC in Southeast Texas is not an option in these parts. It is simply ludicrous. Torture. But the fact that my car is sick is not my biggest dilemma. My biggest dilemma in this situation is..... this weekend is Labor Day weekend!!! I, being one that loves to take full advantage of long weekends away from work, was planning on driving to Oklahoma to see my Dad and Step Mom and Maci (the little sis). Check them out below along with my little brother, Luke....

I have two options: (1.) Stay home and miss out on the long awaited fun-filled weekend with my dad, whom I have not seen since July 4th, my best-friend/step-mother, Alison and my precious little sister who is turning 5 tomorrow (not to mention who is growing up way too fast for me to keep up with!) as well as miss out on a long country run on Saturday with my Dad and lake time on the boat and a day at the horse races or (2.) Make the 8 hour drive circa-1950's style, sans-AC. [If you are wondering why I don't just fly.... well, it is because I am anticipating that extra funds for a plane ticket will be non-existent after spending all my money on repairing my damn car. (yes, that would be bitterness you are sensing right about now.)]

So I said to myself, "Self, people lived without air-conditioning for thousands and thousands of years. People even lived without air conditioners in their car for a while back in the day. When did western civilization become so dependant on Air Conditioning? You sweat on a daily basis because of your running addiction. No big deal. Is wearing a tank and some shorts and throwing back the sun roof for 8 hours (in the evening) going to kill you? Since when did you become such a Prima Donna?" So I have decided to make an adventure out of this and drive to Oklahoma on Friday with no AC, then drive back Monday and put my car in the shop on Tuesday. We'll see how this goes. I'll keep you posted.

3. I have another Girl's Night coming up on Thursday. This is an event that occurs about once a month. You can catch up on our last one here. I was in charge of coordinating this time.... This night will consist of me and about 17 other hot females abandoning their homes, husband's and offspring (or lack there of, in my case) for an evening filled with female companionship, food, festivities, wine and this time.... KARAOKE!! Can't wait to tell you all about it :)

Questions:

Is your love affair with Air Conditioning as solid as mine?

What are your Labor Day plans?

SALVATION!!

Please allow me to introduce you to my newest running companion... the healer of my shin splints... my holy grail of half-marathon success... my running salvation... my new Saucony Progrid Triumph 6 shoes!!! Yes.... applause is welcome... go right ahead.

The fine gentlemen at Luke's Locker recommended that I purchase these and said they would serve me well. I have complete faith in them.

Does anyone have an opinion on Saucony Shoes in general? I have never owned a pair before.

My workout schedule for this week:

Monday: 3 miles

Tuesday: 2.5 miles / P90X Ab-Ripper

Wednesday: Upper Body/P90X Ab-Ripper

Thursday: 3 miles

Friday: Upper Body/P90X Ab-Ripper

Saturday: 4 miles

Sunday: Rest

Next week, according to my training schedule, I am going to increase my mileage by at least 1-2 miles. We'll see how that goes.

Marvelous Miles to you all!!

Taggin'

I was tagged by my good blogging buddy Kristen over at Will Run For Wine, and I am FINALLY able to respond with my post! Yay! I gotta tell you... I didn't think this would be so much fun, but I have had a blast! Okay, here goes....

1.) Who is the hottest movie star?

Okay.... the undisputed hottest movie star in the world is, of course, Brad Pitt. Bottom Line. No doubt about it. Hands down. The jury is in... Brad is the hottest. Period.

But everybody knows that, and I want to be a little different and make note of some new (or not so new) comers that I believe deserve some attention. Call them the Runner's Up, if you will.

I am seriously crushing on Bradley Cooper lately... I don't know... something about his humor/attitude/sexiness in The Hangover really turned me on to him. You can't deny it: This guy is adorable!

Yes, the next person is a girl and no, I am not gay nor am I bisexual, but I can spot a hot chick from a mile away. So, though she is female, she still falls in the "hot" category. Rachel McAdams is the new Julia Roberts. I am a huge fan because she is an AMAZING actress. She plays in all my favorite movies. And yes.... she is smokin' hot. So I had to stick her in here as well. She deserves it. 2.) Apart from your house and car, what is the most expensive item you have ever purchased?

I bought a pair of Ostrich boots for my boyfriend last Christmas. Crazy expensive. Stupid expensive. I could have got a pair of Louboutin's!! Geeesh!

3.) What is your most treasured memory?

I have a little sister, Kara, that passed away 8 years ago in a car accident. We were 13 months apart. Any memory that I have with her throughout our 16 years together is a treasure that I want to remember for the rest of my life. My greatest fear is forgetting.

4.) What is the best gift you ever received as a child?

I have the two greatest parents anyone could ever ask for. I never once questioned their love for me and knew they would die for me in a second. They are my heroes. Growing up in a home filled with so much love, I have learned, is a blessing and a gift. There are so many children out there who have to live without. I was definitely not one of them. My parent's love for me was the greatest gift they could have ever given.

Here is a picture of my mom and I in Mexico.

And here is a picture of my dad and me with my little sister, Maci at my graduation party.

5.) What is the biggest mistake you ever made?

Hmmm... I have made quite a few mistakes in my life. "Make wise decisions" was a phrase my mom used often growing up that went in one ear and out the other with me several times throughout the years! But had it not been for those mistakes I would not be the person I am today. I learned from it all. I don't regret any of it.

Though if I had to pick something... maybe I would have gone to class more. The, maybe, it wouldn't have taken me so long to graduate!!

6.) Four words to describe yourself.

Funny, Sweet, Loyal, Talented

7.) What was the highlight and lowlight of your 2008?

Highlight: There are a few.... any time that I was able to spend with my little sister Maci, my Dad and stepmom, Alison in Oklahoma was a highlight! I try to see them as often as I can. Another would be finishing my first 10K. That was a great feeling. Graduating from College would be another highlight. It took FOREVER but I finally did it!

Lowlight: I went through a horrible horrible break up. Ugghhh. Not fun.

8.) What is your favorite film?

The Notebook. Although, the Time Traveler's Wife brought out some SERIOUS emotions lately. Wheeeewww! That may be a close second.

9.) Tell me one thing I don't know about you.

I have seen every Golden Girls episode ever made. Even the pilot. I have seen them so many times that I can even quote most of the episodes at one point or another. Love those crazy girls!

10.) If you were a comic book/strip cartoon character, who would you be?

No question: Wonder Woman. She got her own hit TV show, fun theme song and she looked like Lynda Carter. Come on.... which one of us would not kill to look like Lynda Carter in her glory days?

So now I am going to tag 4 awesome bloggers and I choose...... drum roll, please.......

Running Journal

Shut Up and Run

I Have Run

Runners Rambles

Marvelous Miles to you all!!!

New Week... New Start

Yesterday I went to an Astros game in Houston, so while there I FINALLY was able to run by Luke's Locker.... YEAH!!! I was fitted for shoes and found that I have a neutral foot and that I have good running form (whatever). I tried on several pairs of shoes and could not make up my mind as to which ones to get. Plus they were closing, so I decided that the pressure was too great for my eternally indecisive self and I need to go back when I have lots more time to shop. I am also a big fan of research, so now that I know what type of foot I have I want to find out everything there is to know about neutral shoes. I fell in love with Luke's Locker and I decided that I need clothes, fuel, maybe a new running watch, etc. Soooo.... I'm hitting it up on Saturday to make my purchases. SO STOKED!

Questions:

How do you feel about Saucony Running Shoes v. Mizunos?

How do you feel about the new Nike Lunarglides?

What type of foot do you have and what is your favorite running shoe?

So today was my short run. My plan was to wake up at 5am and hit the road but I could not make it out of bed when the alarm went off so I vowed to run when I got off work today. Thank God we had a slight cool front come through so the temp was in low 90's around 6pm. Not too bad. My friend Diana wanted me to come over to her house tonight and watch The Uninvited with her so I decided to just pack up and head to her house early and get my run on in her hood. About 15 minutes before my run I popped some Ibuprofen and a Vanilla Bean Gu (I was exhausted after work, but running was non-negotiable.... so you gotta do what you gotta do!) Not a bad run in the beginning but soon my calfs began to burn and my shins began to ache and I was cursing myself for not making up my damn mind at Luke's Locker. Why do I need to make a whole other trip up there this coming weekend? Do I REALLY need all that extra stuff? (YES!) But after I finished I stretched and felt much better.
I can certainly tell that my muscles are strengthening because my run was over about an hour ago and my calfs are still burning. I can't wait until my legs are rock hard, defined, and sexy... I just love sexy legs. Are any of you proud of your legs? If you are... I thoroughly recommend you post a picture of just your legs... show those babies off!!
On another note... Saturday night I went to the movie theatre with my friends Amy and Brent to see The Time Traveler's Wife. Oh. My. Gosh.
Okay... the movie is over. Credits are rolling. Lights are coming up. And I am having to tell myself silently, "Katie, get a hold of yourself. Stop this! You have got to quit crying. The theatre is pretty much empty with the exception of the two people you came here with who are waiting for you (awkwardly) to stop your cry-fest!" Wow.
It is an amazing movie and I loved every second of it.... but word to the wise, bring some tissue. You will cry.

So here is my Running Schedule for the week of 8/24 - 8/30:

Monday - 2 miles

Tuesday - 3 miles/Core Workout

Wednesday - 30 min. Elliptical/Upper Body Workout/Core Workout

Thursday - 2 miles

Friday - Upper Body Workout/Core Workout

Saturday - 4 miles/ Core Workout

Sunday - Rest

Hopefully I can stick to it and get it all in. We shall see....

Marvelous miles to all of you!

While I'm Waiting

As I have told you before, I am a big fan of music. All kinds. I'm very eclectic when it comes to music. I'm also big on lyrics. Listening to them and taking them in. Many times applying them to my current or past circumstances. On my way to work in the mornings, I like to listen to "The Message" on XM Radio. It is my time to gather myself for the day and the lyrics to most of the songs on The Message usually have a very hopeful and positive tone. So it helps me to start my work days off fresh and welcoming. This morning, I heard a song that I have heard many times before. But this morning, it was as if I had heard it for the first time. The lyrics sang a whole new song to me, and I was a bit overwhelmed. The song is "While I'm Waiting" by John Waller. The song is about living your life bold and confident, completely oblivious to what is before you, but simply being hopeful and secure in what the Lord has coming your way. As I look back on my life, no other time do I feel I can relate to these words than right now. In SO many ways and on SO many levels.

Allow me to share them with you...

1. Of course, there is my current situation... I am training for a half marathon and suffering from shin splints. (I'm sure you're like... ENOUGH ABOUT THE SHIN SPLINTS ALREADY!!) I have no idea if I am doing the right thing by continuing to train, but I don't care. I am doing it anyway. It is painful and it is not easy... but I am just going to continue to work on it and wait for what the Lord has in store for me. Will I be able to run the whole way? Will I be able to finish in a decent time frame? Will my legs fall off in training because I am pushing myself too much? I don't know... I'm just going to wait and see.

2. If nothing else, I know my training has given me a sense of self that I have never had before. I am proud of myself for my accomplishments and the accomplishments that I know will be soon to come. I know that this race is only the beginning because I am not about to let this feeling that running gives me die. What is in store for me? Where can this sense of pride take me? I don't know... I'm just going to wait and see.

3. My life is general is currently sitting in transition mode. I have traveled far and wide, graduated from college, I have a wonderful job that I love. I have a beautiful apartment and I am completely self-sufficient. But what next? I know there is a whole other chapter of my life that is HUGE and I have no idea what is in it. It's hard to be patient... but I have no choice, so I am. Hopefully patient. (Is that an oxymoron?) Where am i going? I don't know. I know that running will help me to get there because of how it has helped me to believe in myself. I know that no one else is in control of my life but God. I will go where he wants me... not where anyone else thinks I should go. So..... we'll just wait and see.

In the meantime, you guys should download the song I am referring to. The lyrics are below but you really need to listen to the song to get the full effect. Maybe it speaks to you as well....

"While I'm Waiting" - John Waller

I'm Waiting.

I'm waiting on you Lord.

And I am hopeful.

I'm waiting on you Lord.

Though it is painful,

but patiently, I will wait.

I will move ahead bold and confident.

Taking every step in obedience.

While I'm waiting, I will serve you.

While I'm waiting, I will worship.

While I'm waiting, I will not faint.

I'll be running the race, even while I wait.

I'm waiting.

I'm waiting on you Lord.

And I am peaceful.

I'm waiting on you Lord,

though it's not easy.

But faithfully, I will wait.

Marvelous Miles to you all!

VENT SESSION

Disclaimer: If you have a problem with Debbie Downer, discontinue reading at this point.

I have been M.I.A. for a while because, honestly, I have nothing positive to blog about when it comes to my running career lately. I try to be one of those if-you-can't-say-anything-nice-yadayadayada girls and so therefore I have been keeping to myself lately. But I can't take it anymore and quite frankly, I miss my blog and all my blogging friends. So I have decided to fill you in on the saga of my running life lately.

Shin Splints SUCK. Can I just say that? They suck. I am so trying to break up with them... but they wont leave me alone.

Because of them, my training is W A Y behind schedule. My days of taking obnoxious amounts of Ibuprofen have officially began as well as my days of icing my shins after every run. Also, my mileage increase is pretty much non-existent. I have 13 weeks to go from 4 miles to 13.... or at least 11. (I believe adrenaline can probably carry me through the last two miles the day of the race.) All because of shin splints.

I know this is so common. Many runners fall prey to the dreaded shin splints at some point in their life. I just happened to be attacked in mid training for my first half marathon... when time is money! Ughh! But I am one of those people that believes in expressing themselves and letting it all out when one is upset. So I'm just going to whine for a minute and then I'll get over it.

Anyways, I know what I need to do about it. (Thanks to much needed help from my blogger buddies... hugshugskisskiss) I need to be professionally fitted, first and foremost, for shoes at a place besides Foot Locker and Champs in the mall. Unfortunately, I live in Beaumont, Texas, USA. A professional running store where people can actually fit my foot and know what they're talking about is non-existent. The closest place would be Luke's Locker in Houston (I believe). Which is an hour away. So I have to wait until I have time to drive up there for a visit.... which, as the Marketing and Public Relations rep for 2 major hospitals in Southeast Texas, is kind of hard to do. Yesterday, for instance, I was at work at 7am and didn't get off until 9pm. I don't do that everyday... but my job is pretty demanding, nonetheless. So as soon as I figure out a time (maybe this weekend) when I can head up there I will be on a fresh start to healthy shins!


My run this morning was pretty pleasant. LOVE morning runs. I woke at 5am, got dressed, ate a banana, took my dog out, swallowed some meds and hit the road. I've been hearing all kinds of stories about female runners being abducted/raped lately, so I have been trying to run in familiar neighborhoods where lots of people live as opposed to parks or trails or tracks that are more secluded. I ran 3 miles in my grandparents neighborhood and felt great afterwards. After 3/4 a mile into the run my shins were fine. Afterwards I stretched and drank a large glass of chocolate milk because a friend of mine told me that was a great re-fueler after a run. Is this true??

See... I feel so much better. Thanks for letting me get it all out. My rebound mechanism is in full swing today :) Good to know...

Magnificent Miles to you all!