T-minus 3 days until Mobile, 5ks and Moon Pies! Also on the schedge for the weekend, long run on Friday (cause I'm doing the 5k on my normally scheduled long run day), then Going away dinner + movie for mi amigo, Shell (lucky bastard is breaking out of this jail I call Pensacola). Could be an awkward time, as it will be 8 married moms and...me. 

However, Saturday will be quite the opposite. A little mardi Gras fun. All kinds of parades this weekend and I even recieved my very first strand of official mardi gras beads today, because a couple guys in my office are part of Krewes and so they handed out krewe beads so that we were all sure to get some. So fun! I'm pretty excited. 

Krewe of Blues...Ha! So cute. Thats
a fedora...you know, beacuse it's
krewe of blues...

Then of course the 5k bright and early on Sunday. Should be an exciting weekend. 

Rest day today. I did 4 miles with my friend Shell yesterday, the same shell I'll be running the 5k with on Sunday. I really enjoy running with others, but I tend to forget that when I don't do it for a long time. Note to self, run with others more often. I had a bit of a messed up running schedule this week. 2 medium runs, 1 long run and 1 short run, But I didn't over do it and I still get all my runs in, so I'm satisfied. Instead of running I went to target and bought very cheap conversation hearts...best part of Valentines day, fo sho! 

Mmm, such a nutritous dinner. Not gonna lie, I ate a handful of those hearts and never wanted to see them again. I got a straight sugar hangover...with the quickness!

I spent my evening watching to much tv and wanting to vom from my sugar hangover. No complaints. 

Oh, yeah and I am still on my "This Book Will Change Your Life" journey, but I forgot to scan the pages today, so I'll post Day 3, 4 and 5 tomorrow. 

OH!!! AND I had my first wipeout on my bike today. I'm so proud! I feel like a real bike communter now. No broken bones but a good scrape on my hand and a group of Marines who think I'm insane, so a success all around! 

Things I'm working on:

1. Running with friends more often, because it's so much funner and it pushes me.

2. Getting excited about the long runs. I'm good at the medium runs, but I still get nervous about the longer runs and I would really love to get to a place where I'm genuinely excited and ready for them.

3. WATER!!!

Things I'm thankful for:

1. Post Valentines day Valetine candy. Even if it does make me sick... gives me the sense of sticking it the man...and by the man I mean St Valentine (all 14 of them).

2. Logic thinking and practical advice.

3. MOVING BACK TO ALASKA! Yayah!

Finding my soulmate

So, I started my 365 days of "This Book Will Change Your Life". Yesterday was just a warm-up so they had easy, non-threatning activities (as you can see by the list I had to choose from). So I did 4 of them. My life is not yet changed, but I have hope. 

I was also supposed to have a rest day yesterday, but was itching to run, and feel that, much like my creativity, my desire to run shouldn't be stifled. So, I went for a 4 mile run last night, turns out I should have only done 3. Other than hurricane force winds the weather was perfect...maybe a little to perfect and I was wishing I hadn't put on the extra layer by 5 minutes into my run. You see, all weekend and all day yesterday it was bitter cold and I assumed that it hadn't heated up in the few hours that I had been home from work. Wrong. As Florida weather often does, the temperature spiked by 15-20 degrees in the 4 hours between leaving work and stepping outside for my run. Oh, Florida, you fickle beast. 

Anyway, the run ended up being alright. I felt like I was dragging a 50 lbs weight behind me through 80% of my run, because the wind was so strong. I've provided you with a diagram so you may understand how strong the wind was. -------------------->

It may not be to scale, but you get the gist. 

I am doing my first 5k race this weekend (impromptu...my favorite kind) as follows: 

2012 Joe Cain Classic 5k, fun run and Moon Pie dash Canal Street and Broad Street Mobile, Ala. Sunday, February 19, 2012 @ 8:00 AM.

Very excited to get back out into the racing world. Hopefully the weather cooperates. 

Not running today. Pick training back up wednesday. 

Here is today's (Day 2) 365 days of "This Book Will Change Your Life." In case you can't read it, the description reads as follows: Day 2: The Love of Your Life. "Today, gaze at everyone wondering whether they might be the one true love of your life, the one destined for you and you alone and whether you may be passing them by forever... Act in consequence." Believe it or not I didn't pick this one because it's Valentines Day. It just so happened that Day 2 was about finding love and it happened to land on Valentines day. Maybe it's fate. My notes on how the day went are included but, again, in case you can't make out what it says it reads as follows: So, I'm sorry to say (or maybe relieved, I haven't decided which is the more prevalent emotion) I did not, in fact, find my soulmate. But god knows I tried. Maybe a little to hard, because I got more than one creeped out glare in return, but alas, no luck. Maybe I'm just not in the right city. I may need to return to this day when I move to Orlando." Or maybe not.

Things I'm working on: 

1. Sticking to the plan. As I've demonstrated, I throw my entire week off if I don't stick to the plan. Makes for hassle and headache.

2. Committing to races. I have races planned, but not many that I've actually signed up for. I need to make the commitment and really do this...like for reals.

Things I'm thankful for:

1. Good moods. I woke up in a horrible mood, because my jaw was killing me, but as soon as I got to work I just felt happy. I ended up getting a docs appointment this morning (that almost never happens... getting an appointment the same day you call), and it seems they are finally trying to figure out whats up with my jaw. Hurray for good days!

2. Pizza. Me and my co-worker, Emily, went to this amazing pizza place just outside the front gate. Always amazing food, and it's nice being able to eat loads of carbs with little guilt. 

Long runs equal productive days

My delightful lunch. Thats a whole-lotta-veggies!

Today wrapped up my first full week of training. I was itching to run this morning so I got up at 8, ate breakfast, strapped on my shoes and ipod and hit the pavement.

I did my first "long" run. I felt really good through the entire run. I had no intention of wearing my new shoes but at the last second I was compelled. I'm glad I did. I'm a serious underpronater, and my mizunos help...a lot! 

Im trying not to pay attention to my pace on long runs, but it's really hard not to. So, I kept time, but I'm not beating myself up over it. 

After my run I through some laundry in the washer and desided to get out of the house for a bit. I try very hard to avoid bookstores, because I am seriously a sucker for books. It is impossible for me to go into a book store without buying something. Today was no exception.

I bought a book called "This Book Will Change Your Life." It's 365 days of ridiculous things. The idea is to do something every day that forces you to step out of your comfort zone. It's pretty hilarious and I'm going to start it tomorrow, so I'll keep you all abreast of my progress. If not fun/ny it should at least be entertaining. 

Now I get to sit back and relax for the night. I made myself my absolute FAVORITE dessert; strawberries, chocolate mouse and whipped cream. Yummy! And was pleasantly surprised to turn on the boob-tube and find "The Adjustment Bureau" on HBO. SCORE! Good, productive day all around!

This picure doesn't exactly make this look appetizing,
but trust me when I say this is the most delightful
dessert EVER!

Life is good!

Things I'm working on:
1. Not caring about pace or time.
2. Positive self talk during runs. Not that I'm particularly negative, but when I hit my walls I think it would really help if I started giving myself pep-talks.
3. Drinking more water. Again, this is a biggy! I keep saying I'm going to do better, and I am for the most part (restalked the water jugs today, so they should keep for a bit), but I really need to do better!
Things I'm thankful for:
1. Strawberries, chocolate and whipped cream. Yum!
2. Pandora. Somehow Pandora knew I was on a long run and played everything I needed to hear. 
3. New books! Nothing better than a brand new book. I'm such a sucker.

The view I got to enjoy on my bike ride in to work. Usually I'm not
up early enough to witness the sunrise. What a treat.

I observed colors...a rare occasion when I don't actually have to
do colors, so I took advantage to snap some photos. 

Papers are Sent out on Friday. Tag, fold,
stack, send.

My co-worker, Mike, the associate editor of the paper
I work for. He's super happy it's Friday. My other co-
worker, Emily, refused to be a part of Photo Phriday.

My newest running swag. News shoes are great, but
I'm glad I wore them for the first time on a short run.
I've heard good things about the Clif Blocks, and I saw
them when I was picking up athletic tape, so I figured
I would try them on my first decent long run.

I FINALLY got my bite guard. I've been dealing with TMJ
(Jaw pain) for 2 1/2 months. Hopefully this helps!

Pretty taped toes just before my run.
made a huge difference!

I found this on my last grocery excursion.
Dark chocolate is good, but white
chocolate is THE BEST! Post run snack.

Quatro

So, today was the first day where I wasn't excited about running. I knew it would catch me eventually, I was just hoping it would be months and not days..."but it doesn't matter," because I did it and couldn't be happier that I did. It was 4 miles today and felt pretty good for the first 2 miles, but a couple miles in a few toes started forming blisters. I'm going to have to start taping my "problem" toes. I really didn't think that would be necessary until longer runs...like, much longer...like 10 miles longer. But, it's no biggy. I just gotta pick up some athletic tape. Tomorrow is a rest day, and then 3 miles on Friday.  Redeeming factor: Other than my toes making for a rather obnoxious distraction, the run was easy and my body (minus those damn toes) held up nicely. I think it's time for me to commit to a race...lay down some money and throw caution to the wind. I think my hesitation to choose a marathon is hurting my mental training. So, that should help. 

Things I'm working on:

1. Forefoot landing...always and forever.

2. Mental "Jedi mind tricks." I've been light on the "come run with me" technique and I think I was really psyching myself out because it was a longer run today. I need to work on getting excited about the long runs. 

3. Drinking more water! This is a biggy! Florida tap water is repulsive, which means I buy water, and I have a bad habit of running out of jugged water and refusing to drink tap...has to stop...like today.

Things I'm thankful for:

1. Fellow runner/athelete bloggers! You guys seriously keep me motivated!

2. My bike. Even when I'm tired and haven't had the best day, once I strap on my helmet and hop on my bike all is right in the world.

3. Hot showers on sore muscles.

Chika, Chika, what!?

My bike ride home. A
beautiful leisurly ride.
Couldn't ask for better
weather!

I spent my lunch hour
scheduling races, reading
running blogs and
munching on soup and
crackers. Very productive
day!

Day numero uno of official training! I was itching to run all day! Actually, I was so excited about my first official training day, that as soon as I got off work I put on my running swag, through a load of laundry in the washer and hit the road running. Usually I prefer to run at night after dark, but it was such a beautiful day and I was so ready to run that I ended up going right after work at 3:30. At the start of my run I thought I had made a big mistake. It was really bright out, there were people all over the "quad" (which is where the beginning of my run took me by) and it was warmer than I was used to, but a couple miles in I hit my groove and felt really good! I ran 90% on forefoot striking. I'm aready getting used to it, which is great but also kind of a problem, because my old form feels weird, so when my calfs got sore it didn't feel right to heel strike so it was pretty awkward. My calfs are sore, which makes me happy. I ran just a smidge over 3 miles in 33 minutes. I'm pretty happy about that time (even though I'm not supposed to be keeping track of time), as I dropped 8 minutes from Sunday. Hurray! 

My reminder at work to stay positive,
not just during running, but in every
day life by using the "...but it
doesn't matter." Jedi Mind trick

Overall I'm really glad I ran early, because now I am enjoying a resful night after a long bath and a filling dinner and a little "Biggest Loser." Tomorrow will be Day 2 Week 1 (D2W1), and I'll be running 4 miles. This will be the farthest I've run in probably over a year. A little nervous, but ready to hit it and quit it. Still excited, still motivated. 

33 minutes of sweat...

Things I'm working on:                    1. Continuing my foot strike. I did about 90% forefoot today, and it was definitely easier than Sunday.                 2. Arm swing is also getting better, but continuing to work on that. Reminding myself to loosen up when I feel my arms creeping up.

3. Nutrition. I'm not counting calories, but I am contious about eating foods that are going to benefit my running and health. 

Things I am hankful for: 

1. The Biggest Loser, or really any tv show about fitness that can also keep my attention. It makes me want to get up and move. 

DANGER, DANGER! I seriously
can't get enough of this stuff!

2. Beautiful days that make me pat myself on the back for buying a bike and using it to communte between work and home. Great decition, Roz!

Watching Jon Stewart (Daily show)
while stretching after my run.

3. My job, because I get to be creative, work with cool people and still have time to read running blogs. Zero complains.

4. Peanut Butter & Co. Dark Chocolate peanut butter. Seriously obsessed. 

New shorts, the superbowl and Beatle tattos...

I may have waited a liiiittle too
long between laundry days...These
are clean, by the way.

I realize my first two posts were pretty long and I promise these posts will become less long-winded as I get further into training. Anyway, I had a really good productive day. Started with laundry, which was way over due...by like 2 weeks. Kind of disgusting, but it's done now and my closet is looking much more organized now that I don't have dirty laundry all over my floor. 

Mizuno Wave Creation 12, my
new running shoes. I ordered
them off Zappos on sale! Yay!

I made a trip to Running Wild (the one and only specialty running store and the only store that carries Newtons and Mizunos in Pensacola). I tried on Newtons, decided I wasn't a huge fan. It may be just because I'm not used to them, but I think I'm just not ready to take the plunge. It makes me nervous dropping a couple hundred dollars on shoes I'm not guaranteed to like or use. So, I tried on some Mizunos as well and found a pair I loved. I ended up ordering them online, because I can get them cheaper, and I found them on Zappos on sale. So in store they would have been $130 and I ended up paying $91. Good deal!

Two new pairs of Under Armor
Compression shorts. 

 After shoes, I went over to Sports Authority. I needed more running pants/shorts. I've wanted to try compression shorts for a while, so I ended up getting two pairs. I wore a pair for my run tonight, but more on that later. 

My newest piece of conforming
to n0n-conforming...The fab four

On my way home, fate struck...like lighting! No other way to explain it. I should probably mention I had made plans to go get a tattoo that I've had planned for a while. I called the place I was planning on getting it done and the guy I talked to was a total douche bag. Needless to say I did not go to that shop. So, I was going to wait and do a little research, call around to a few places this week and find a shop I was excited about, but on my way home from Sports Authority I ended up missing my turn. I was going to turn around when I spot this tattoo shop, it was actually the tattoo parlor I went to the last time I got a tattoo. I don't know why but I felt really compelled to stop. I literally slammed on my brakes and pull in. It turns out that this lady, Angie is her name, I had been looking at her work and really liked it, but I figured she would over charge. It turns out she was the only one not doing a tattoo when I went in and ended up charging me less that what I had budgeted for the piece. It was CRAZY! So I got my newest tattoo. I LOOOVE it. 

just before my run Super
excited about trying out my
new shorts. 

Got home, finished the last bit of laundry...checked the superbowl score. Cheered on the Pats, who happen to be winning. Put on my running clothes, and admired my new shorts. Last day of pre-training! I decided to run for distance instead of time tonight, so I did my first 3 mile run, instead of 30 minutes, which went well. I felt really good. I was excited about running all day, and my run didn't disappoint. I've got a new theme song that is rocking my world right now, We are Young by Fun., check it out if you get a chance. Compression shorts did everything they claimed to do. I am in love and it only took one run! Overall grade: A+, highly recommend!
Anyway, I take tomorrow off. Not so excited about that, but I'm being good and sticking to the schedule. Still motivated, still excited. Love telling people I'm training for a marathon! My first training day is Tuesday and I'll be running 3 miles which obviously, since thats what I did today, it's not going to be a problem. 
I've decided to add what I'm working on and what I'm thankful for at the end of each post. Keeps me focused and helps me appreciate the small things. So, here goes. 


Things I'm working on: What am I not working on at this point?
1.  The most prominent at the moment other than stamina is my foot positio when I land. I am bad heel striker and I'm trying to strike with the forefoot first. I did about 80% of tonights run using forefoot, but got lazy toward the end. My lower back calf is tight now, so I'm hoping thats a sign I was doing it right.
2. My arm swing. I tend to come across my body, which is inefficient and on long runs can add to fatigue, so I;m working on relaxing my shoulders, keeping my arms at a 90 degree angle and swinging forward instead of across.
Things I'm thankful for: A lot today, but my top three in no specific order:
1. I'm thankful for my body working exactly as it should and growing stronger by the day.
2. I'm thankful I am able to express myself in any form I choose. 
3. I am thankful for my friends and family and the support and love they continue to give me no matter what "scheme I'm up to this time."