Father Knows Best.

For those who still read the blogs from time to time...

I have been doing my best to keep up the change in my nutritional content since I started training for Chicago. Like most, it is a battle everyday. Some days, it is a war. Others...I just fall to the floor and play dead until the guilt drifts past me. This weekend was one of the 'roll over and play dead' weekends.
My journey lasts about two hours. During that time, I am usually station-hopping on the radio to find a familiar song. Sometimes I will catch a preacher giving a sermon. Most days, I am aware that I need spiritual rejuvenation, so I listen with an open mind and heart. In recents months I feel that I am getting better at praying and having a relationship with God. So much so, that I find myself trying to justify things that I have yet to do but merely thought of...like getting a pint of ice cream once I reach the store on base. I fought with God, telling him that I would run Saturday afternoon and that I would eat moderately the whole weekend to make up for it. He said "No". What young (young in faith) child listens to their Father all the time?
Fastforward to Saturday evening. I ate modestly all day. I even ran the 'Random' option on the treadmill - not realizing that it had a good number of hills at a pretty steep incline. I didn't complain or change it; I ran the course and finished. I even did some weights. By the time I had finished my 'modest' dinner, I had made up my mind that I was going to get some ice cream at the store. (Mind you, I am lactose intolerant...but I love some ice cream. Especially the different flavored kinds like the Ben&Jerry's.)
I returned to my barracks room with my ice cream in tow and decided that I would wait on taking my shower right away and do my laundry first. (It's about 10 degrees colder in Meridian, so I figured since I was already adjusted to the cold, I'd wait before warming myself in the shower.) The barracks are actually guest accomodations - much like hotel rooms. The doors have electronic key cards. I had already started my load of laundry when I began to indulge myself while watching T.V.. A fourth of the way into my pint, I realize it's time to dry my clothes. I set down my ice cream, grab my key card and shove it in my pocket and head to the laundry room. While making the switch, a fellow Sailor shows up to do his laundry. We chat, he walks me down the hall and departs in the opposite direction of me. Rounding the corner, I retrieve my card and notice my ATM card was in my pocket too. 'Geez, I hope it didn't demagnitize my keycard. I reach my door - wet 'hang-dry' items in hand - and insert my card. Red light. 'Okay. Try again.' Swipe. Red light. 'Whattayamean RED LIGHT!?' Swipe. Swipe,swipe, swipe. 'I have ice cream in there waiting on me!' (The flavor was Chocolate Covered Cherries)
To make a lllloooooonnngggg story much shorter, I spent the first five minutes searching for a warm body that owned a car to take me to the billeting office to redo my key. I then spent the next hour going back and forth to the billeting office because none of the keys they gave me worked. Not even their master keycard. Did I mention that I had the heater on at 72 degrees, nice and toasty. It was during the manic tennis match of my room and the billeting office, with me as the ball, that I began to get the notion that something THIS extreme is rarely heard of. I am convinced that divine intervention kept my door locked so I couldn't finish that ice cream.
I was given another room down the corridor. Tired and annoyed, I had to wait another hour before I could sleep because when I had put my clothes in the dryer, I forgot to push the start button. An hour later I decided to go ahead and take a shower since, on the bright side, I had clean underwear...my Mother would have been proud. I finally got to bed around 11:30 p.m. A crank call from some pervert woke me at midnight. And then the billeting office called a 2 a.m. to tell me the maitenance guy was at my room now fixing the door and that he would let me in if I wanted to sleep in there. Groggily, I made my way to the original room. The red light came on for him too. He tried a few times with the same lights flashing and then... the door opened. I thanked him as he left and laid eyes on the foam content of the pint carton. 5 hours later. Had I gotten in there sooner, I probably would have tried to salvage the dessert by shoving it in the freezer like a fool. Oh well. I was good while it lasted.
So, the moral of this story...
Listen to your Father.

I Like Bread and Butter....I Like Toast and Jam....

Tuesday. November 8. 2005. Is it me or is time flying by? I must be having fun. Or my watch is wrong.

This is PMS week. He-he. I know, I shouldn't use it as an excuse but I do get those cravings, something awful. And not having to carb-load weekly is really tough on a girl. I can't wait until the half-marathon in Madison. I've already made reservations at Olive Garden. It's a good thing the banquet is on Friday or I couldn't justify my eating. I like food. Does it show? Don't answer that!

I am not sure what I'll be bringing to the banquet. To commit to something now would be a mistake. But I am taking requests. I would like to bring something hearty, but it's so hot outside that it screws up the whole 'winter wonderland' feel of cooking. I can't even wear my plaid skirt. (No I haven't gone shopping, I've had that skirt for two years and only wore it once)

On a different note, I learned this morning that I wasn't suppose to tell you all about T'Knesha's hangover, so disregard my last blog.

My hair is getting longer. I haven't decided if I want to wear it as a full fledge afro or slik it down. It'll be time for another haircut soon.

The library is closed Thursday and Friday, so if any changes are made to the banquet, one of you call me and let me know. I'd hate to show up to an empty clubhouse, all dressed up with no where to go.

Wild Horses While Hung Over...How else is there to run??

Afternoon and salutations!
Some of you may have heard about the Saturday run. Melissa, Hallie (with friend) and T'Knesha showed up to join me. Well, the first three showed up at 8, the latter showed up later. As it turns out, her "I'll be a few minutes late", turned out to be 30 minutes. When she arrived, a sheepish grin emerged on her face and she made her way towards. "I am never drinking again!" Yes, ladies and gents, T'knesha was hung over. After all that marathon training, T'Knesha became a lightweight when it comes to alcohol. Much to her chagrin, she dragged herself to meet me after a night of...wait for it...TWO margaritas! (Mind you, she did not eat before or after those two margaritas.) Sorry girl, I couldn't wait to tell someone, you had me so tickled.
Regardless of the prior night's indiscressions, she made it through the whole 7 miles...slowly. On the way back, a man in a truck slowed down to tell us to becareful going around the curve because some wild horses were loose and running in the street. At first I thought this was a joke. But he looked serious and T'Knesha took him for being serious because I kept trotting and notice she wasn't beside me anymore. She had fallen back to let me lead. Hung over and scared, T'Knesha cautiously followed. Taking our time, we made it around the curve and no horses. Apparently it was a joke, or not. Then I saw them. Four horses were across the street near a trailer home, wild-looking and free. I could only imagine moments earlier when all four horses stood at the division line of property and pavement, looking left to right as the cars passed by. The arrogant one coaxing the foal, "I dare you..." They all milled around the tree line, stealing glances as if to hide a wrong.
We finished our run and treated ourselves with some bagels a la Beagle Bagel. Kept T'Knesha from buying some Caramel cake...and myself from a cookie. It was a good morning to run. I may run again Saturday, but will have to do it earlier if I do.
Take care marathoners.

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes... - The Platters

The Basset Hounds of my life are finally behind me. Haven't seen that spooky white van in ages. Training for another marathon seems useless without something to be paranoid about. I successfully achieved my goal, but now there is no motivator, no instigator...no Basset Hound! What is a girl to do?
I have been running since the Marathon. Did the Fit to Lead 5K last Saturday. It seems that I am a slow runner in cold weather too. I think it's all the molecules in my thighs and hips. Upon acclimatizing to the colder temperature, they become rigid, stiff. They condense into these massive, abnormally-shaped blocks of dry ice. I use this analogy because with all the rubbing these legs were doing in the brisk morning air, I know I left a trail of smoke for the 5K walkers to follow. And as cold as it was, I'm sure I could have transported an organ or limb inside my tights, all the way to the hospital. Maybe I simply lost the hound in the smoke-screen trail or my stalker wasn't crazy like me to be up and out on a cold Saturday morning. Oh, well.
But as we all know, I do this not for the glory or a PR. I do it for the food. And they had some good grub. Pizza, cookies, fudge, Chik Fillet (sp?). Congrats to Mr. Shumate and Ms. Kossman for oustanding performances. I will have to wait until I am 50 before I start seriously competing. Right now there are too many active 30 - 34 yr olds in the metro area. So, for now, I'll just rely on the glow of my heat-sync thighs to lead me forward and the smoke-screen to confuse the competition in the rear, so I can get a better lead.
On a different note, I like some others, plan to venture out and try another marathon. Unlike T'Knesha, however; I do not plan to do 50 marathons by the time I'm 50. (Go, girl! More power to ya.) I do have a small list of marathons I would like to complete before I die. ('By the time I'm 50' seems so urgent to me.) I am gunning for the Marine Corps Marathon next year. Cool weather, sites, and who could forget... A Few Good Men, thank you. I'm a sucker for high and tights. (That's haircuts, you dirty girls!) And how can you resist the uniform? 8 years and it never gets old. Anyhoo...until then, I'll be doing small races here and there. Hopefully I'll develop a complex about something so it will keep me motivated to train. Training is no fun with it being a soap opera, right?
I'd like to thank my fellow Rockettes, Lisa and Hallie, for a much needed talk and more laughs than I have had in quite some time. I enjoyed our run/walk this morning. For anyone who wants to join me, I plan on doing a long (short) run on Saturday at the Rez. From the Y to the boatlaunch and back. You'll have to bring your own water, though. Start is 8 am. Be there or...don't be there, your pick. No pressure.
Take care everyone. Be safe and keep those smoke-screens to a mininmum this winter! Don't want to cause a pile-up, folks.

I have issues. I admit it. Some are of my own creation, others developed unconsciously. Allow me to explain.
I will subject myself to honesty at this moment, because it is too exhausting to lie or tell half-truths. I was slightly disappointed that I couldn't see my friend in Chicago. She had taken it upon herself to try and pick me up at the airport - all the way from Grand Rapids, Michigan. We were early, she was late. Trying to maneuver through the traffic to get to downtown was torture as she had her two toddlers in tow. So she forgoed seeing me to get them back home to eat dinner. I don't blame her, but I was disappointed. All through the run, I found myself searching the faces for any glimpse of her or maybe someone from my past that was there. I've encountered many people in my travels, but I doubt I met enough to know at least 1 out of every 40,000 strangers.
The music did help during the run, but I found it progressively hard to listen to the Rocky soundtrack. Not because it was getting old, but I hold a soft spot for that character and movie. All Rocky ever wanted to do was go the distance. I have experienced different things and learned how to overcome small obstacles, but none of it was for a solo victory. Every choice affected other people, in some form or fashion, but this marathon was only going to affect me. Whether I finished or not, I would be the one to live with the memory. I have watched Rocky enough to be able to tell you what scene is accompanied by which song. At mile 25, I heard the music. The exact moment of the music is the scene in which Rocky is fighting Apollo with everything he's got - blow for blow. The match is over and Rocky has done what he set out to do - finish. It took everything I had not to breakdown in tears on that straightaway. I tried very hard to mask the hyperventilating that was going on as my throat tightened, closing off the oxygen supply. I didn't want anyone to see me cry. (My Mother had told me not to let anyone see you cry because they'll feel pity for you. My Father said crying shows weakness. I guess it stuck.)
By the time I pushed back the tears the song had changed. I was still looking for familiar faces from my past. At the top of the hill I resigned to the fact that it was going to be just me. I am aware that I have aided in making my life this way. Ironically, most of the time I like being by myself. I have a loner nature. But for some reason, I wanted someone there. Someone who knew me before the Marathon venture, so I had documentation of another form. The finish was bittersweet, no offense Melissa.
It's just seems easier, most of the time, to keep a distance for when I decide to leave and move away. No close ties, no tears. I enjoyed being a part of something bigger than me. Some of you were like sisters, others like mothers - some were Really like mothers! I didn't mind.
I don't think I'll do another marathon with the group, but I will still run some more in the future. Thanks for letting me pour my heart out, rant and be crazy.

POST PARTUM DEPRESSION = 1 rack of ribs, pint of potato salad, chocolate - of course - and ice cream. Lots..of ice cream??!!!

Forgive me. As I have told Matt, I am currently in my Post Partum Depressive state. It began on mile 20 and progressed to this...bloated mass of unused energy. The funny thing is, I don't feel depressed. I feel like I need to be doing something. I just got through doing something Extra-0rdinary and now I am back in the mundane; but I KNOW I am capable of doing so much more!! Is it just me? Anyone feeling me out there? I know now to schedule my events closer together so there isn't much time to loll around and eat. Anyway...

Oct. 7 2005
Raced around Wal Mart at 7 a.m. to find iron-on letters for my "Sexy Mama" singlet. Still packing at 8 a.m. Craving eggs benedict, but will wait for post race gourging. Hallie and beau pick me up and wisk me off to meet the metallic bird that will get me another step closer to my destiny. Seated next to Lisa on the plane - noticed a very distressed "marathoner". After prodding and insistence the truth seeped out betwixt her trembling lips. "Claustrophoia". Chivralous as nature had intended me to be, I gave up my seat to accomodate the psychosis that could not and should not be cured in a two hour flight. Behold, sandwiched between two 'down-home' men of countrified manner. Between the hot breath on my left cheek and the incessant nurturing of an itchy balls - with reckless abandon, might I add - I wasn't sure if I should cry or laugh. I just prayed that the man on my right would not formally introduce himself.

I was excited to see that my name was on a poster amid the other 40,000 - give or take - runners displayed for all to see. My first thought was, 'Just like the Vietnam Memorial...' After describing the poster to a fellow marathoner and seeing the reaction I got from my reference, I hoped that I had not predicted my short future. 'Everyone's name is up there. Are they color coded for a reason? Is red good or bad? Wait, there are two Michelle Alexander's. Which one is me? Was the red good or bad? If red is bad, I'll just claim the black written one. No one will know...right?'

That's all I can write for now. Much happened and this is the abridged version. "Leave 'em wanting more" is what I say. I'll continue this later. Take care.

...I Want To Bang On The Drum All Day!

I have had a day to reflect on the past weekend and although many parts to this unknown life of mine remain a mystery, I did have a moment of clarity during my lunch break. But let me go back in time for a moment...

I wasn't nervous leading up to the race. Not even on race day, standing among 40,000 runners. I wondered how I would feel or how much I would miss of all the things to see. Despite being with fellow Makeover participants, I was in a surreal moment, like in the movies when the main character is in slow motion while the rest of the world is in real time. In a word, peace. And HOW COOL was it when the first song on the loud speaker was a Van Halen song? The very song I had quoted to you all on a prior blog, 'Right Now'. At that moment it was clear that it was meant to be.
Much similar to everyone else's statement, the first 13 miles for me was a breeze. I felt no pain, no worry. By mile 16, however, concern set in. At 19, I was worried. Mile Marker 21 met me with a furrowed brow and doubt. 'Never went past 20 before. Just 5 more to go.' Honestly, I hadn't felt that sense of struggle since I was in bootcamp. It never occurred to me to quit, but I was annoyed at how those last five miles were much longer than the first 5 miles.
OH! And I saw the HOUND! I saw his spy first. I believe the owners were unsure I was staring down their dog, but he knew why. He never barked or moved. His eyes followed me until I was past him. When I looked back, there were runners blocking the view. But as they drifted along, I noticed that he was still staring at me. That was at mile 9, I think. Still going strong. I later saw the Basset Hound. Huge! Wouldn't look me in the eye. VICTORY! How sweet. I am only glad he wasnt't there at the latter part, but I have a feeling all those dogs along the way were his cronies.
Anyway, I was thinking back to when I started all this. I had doubts, others had doubts. But regardless of those doubts, it just felt right. I wasn't suppose to be anywhere else doing anything else. That's how it felt at the start and finish of the marathon. I ran, I danced and I laughed...and it was all to the beat of my own drum. And it felt right. Whenever I followed it, things seem to fall in place. I cut my hair, again. Despite the winces and 'What were you thinking?' questions, I know what I did felt right. There were times when I've pissed people off for following my own beat... But it felt right. Maybe my drum isn't the right pitch or the beat is calypso, whatever the case, I gotta do what feels right. Right?! (If I have ever caused any feelings of unease or discontent with any one of you at any time, know that it wasn't personal - the drum beat was probably ringing in my ear). So, I am no longer going to subdue the resounding echo that beckons me to follow. Nor will I be sorry for it.

As for writing a book... I don't know if I've even 'lived' enough to write a book. I think while I can still move fast enough, I'll keep moving and living. When I can't move as fast anymore, then I'll sit and write about it all. By then, I may have more answers than I do questions. (Don't you love the feeling of suspense?)

Though it was sad to see everyone leave the airport one by one - much like graduation - we all knew it had to be that way. For several months, however, we all shared the same beat. How sweet was that? I am excited and proud to say I ran with all you Marathoners. Mark, Robin and Matt, thanks for doing this a second year - you helped me grow. And to the Reservoir Rockettes - you kept me honest and laughing and let me follow my own beat. I'll see you next week - kicking and screaming every step of the way. To the rest of you...Fare thee well and God Bless.

....pa rum pum pum pum...

AIN'T NOTHIN' GONNA BREAKA MY STRIDE, AIN'T NOTHIN' GONNA SLOW ME DOWN! OH NO! I'VE GOT TO KEEP ON MOVIN'!!!

HEY!
If I don't get to the library during this busy week, this will be my last blog. So without further ado... I now bring you the final excerpts from the book, The Looniness of the Long Distance Runner... An unfit Londoner's attempt to run the New York City Marathon from scratch.

...Half of us runners are wearing old jumble sale clothes which we intend to discard before the race, therest are dressed as giant Power Bars thanks to a complimentary hand-out of yellow binliners printed with the logo of this energy-boosting snack.
...An announcement on the public address system informs us that the pre-Marathon religious services are about to start. We have a choice of denomination: Christian, Jewish or Muslim. The Muslims probably find themselves better stretched for the race with all the bowing they do and the Jews get to wear little hats to keep out the cold, but sadly I am stuck with the nominal faith of C of E.
...An Episcopal priest in full running kit hops up on the podium and delivers a rousing sermon about the "inner running" he has been doing inpreparation for the Marathon. This, he tells us, involves prayer, meditation and relaxation. And I'm the mug who's been slogging round Hampstead in the rain, I think ruefully. The priest says a short prayer and ends with, "Go for it! Amen." (God) probably is grateful for anyone He can get - but surely He draws the line at 200 worshippers singing "How Great Thou Art" dressed as Power Bars?
...Now it's time for Communion featuring, no doubt, Energy Hosts supplied by Power Bars Inc, enabling worshippers to combine Absolution with Carb-loading. I decide to pass on this and slip off to search for the so-called Longest Urinal in the World.
...My bowels and bladder are now thoroughly evacuated and I don't know what to do next. It's too cold to sit down, but I don't want to tire myself by just walking round and round....I decide to go to the loo again. Now out of any physiological need but because with a cold Atlantic wind now blowing the loos are the cosiest place to sit, especially after they have been used a few dozen times and the warmth is rising from the open cesspit beneath. As I stand in line - now 15 deep - one guy runs along a row of 75 cubicles banging on each door and shouting urgently: "Come on! Come on!" Terrified occupants emerge, jogging pants awry, fearing they have missed the start of the race.
...And excitable man takes the microphone and informs us that, "This is the New York City Marathon." As if some of us might be in the wrong race and not yet have noticed. "I'm so sorry", we might say, picking our way through the 25,000 strong crowd. " I thought this was Boston."
...I know I am not going to win this race, literally or metaphorically, but someone (and I hope lots of people) will finish behind me. Not coming last: that's the point.
...We are running, tightly bunched, now and the first thing I discover is that the Longest Urinal in the World is not a 100 metre gutter - it is the Verranzano Narrows Bridge. To my amazement less than half a kilometer into the race, men are lined up along the iron parapet voiding nervous bladders into the bay.
...One man is running backwards. Please God, don't let him beat me. Another man in dark glasses, presumably blind, is holding hands with a hopefully sighted companion.
...As well as spectators, we also encounter our first drink station. I grab two cups of water, drink one and pour the other one over my head. I'm not particularly hot or dehydrated, this is just what real marathoners do.
...A marathon is like a pregnancy. It is a huge endeavor that people undertake sometimes by choice, sometimes , like me, by chance. Once embarked on it you experience joy, fear and pain in various degrees. But you know you have to go through with it and that in the long term you won't regret what you've done. Now I am in the finish chute i am about to reach the marathoning equivalent to post-natal depression.
...Running is something we just assume we know how to do. It doesn't occur to us that we should have any lessons or take any advice on it. We would never be so complacent if we were thinking of hang-gliding or pole-vaulting. Yet most of us probably haven't refined our running technique since we scampered round the playground as infants.
...I pass a bench where a couple of runners are seated blank-faced and uncommunicating like old people. This is exactly what I want to do, I think, and hobble over. I sit down. Sure enough it hurts. I wonder if I'll be able to get up again. I don't care. I don't want to think about anything else. I stop existing and sit there for probably quite a while.
...I force myself up from the bench before my leg joints stiffen in a permanent sitting position. My mother has my tracksuit and money so my first thought, sensibly, is to find her. I must strike a pathetic and woeful figure as I trudge along and a concerned steward asks me if I want the medical tent. I shake my head. What I actually want is to burst into tears and shout "I want my Mummy" but I realize this would be embarrassing and unproductive as they don't know where she is either.
...The week after a marathon is spent trying to draw people's attention to your achievement. This is not so hard really. The fact that your aching calves oblige you to descend staircases backwards is bound to provoke comment. Then there is your medal. Throughout December mine was deplayed on the top of my Christmas tree for maximum visibility.

...I have now completed a marathon and thus have the right to call myself a runner...


I hope you enjoyed those as much as I did. I am trying to keep from laughing out loud in the library. I am not as nervous or excited yet. I may feel it the night before. I am just enjoying the carb-loading. I have faith that everyone will finish, even those that are doubting themselves. (Old habits die hard.) Just remember that you deserve good things and that if there were no challenges in life, how would you build your character? It takes a special calibre to embark on such a journey. We all embarked on this journey for a reason. You're not in this alone. Heck, you got 40,000 people stepping out on faith with you this Sunday. Yes, some have done it before, but each day is a new day...you never know. If you see someone struggling, give a word or hand. Positivity can be contagious if you let it be. So smile, pat yourself on the back and say "I've made it." One last run to complete the journey. If you give up now, you'll always wonder, 'what if'. And that is surely no way to live out the rest of your life.

Rockettes, I'll see you in the a.m. . To my fellow Marathoners, I'll see you Friday wearing a smile... and the rest of my clothes.

It's A Beautiful Life! - Ace of Base

Okay! A week and a half to go. And guess what I saw yesterday as I was driving into a parking spot at my apartment? TWO Beagles!! TWO!! They were spies, I am sure of it. The never looked me in the eye, but I knew what they were up to. They casually sauntered past me, never looking at me. (No, it just so happened that there wasn't any owner nearby.) I walked up the walkway to my apartment and at the last minute before turning out of sight, I looked back at the imposters. In an instant, the one looking at me quickly turned his head and continued as nonchalantly as he had passed me. You know what? I think that Basset Hound is scared. He knows I have been out there pounding the pavement, sucking wind and passing gas...don't act like you don't do that too!...and I think he realizes that I am not playing around.
So far, I have ear plugs and body glide on my list of things to pack. I might add some chiklets and some suspenders to round out the list after I'm all done.

I had a lady that works in my building ask me, "You've lost a little weight,haven't you? Yeah, I could tell your face has thinned out." I just smiled and nodded and thought, 'where have you been?' I don't consider 20 pounds little considering the reactions I've gotten. Then I remembered. In the year that I have been working there, she has lost about 60 lbs. 20 pounds doesn't seem so great. She didn't mean any harm...I don't think.

I had intended to shop for a new pair of running shorts to make up for the one my thunder thighs wore a whole through. They didn't have the kind I liked, but I did find these shirts with pockets in the back, so I don't have to buy those shorts with the pockets. Then I decided I needed to buy a pair of jeans. It's amazing how dellusions of grandeur are exposed in that narrow mirror in the dressing room. Still not the size I 'mentally' feel. That said, I calmly upped the size and dealt with the snug fit. I am trying to dress more my age and not like a fifteen year old. (At my guitar practice, a young girl was already there learning the piano from my teacher's wife. I sat, listening to her. Once she ended, she spoke about having such a busy schedule and how she had drama club and auditions and no time for a movies on the weekends. Then, without missing a beat, she turned to me and asked me what grade I was in. Mind you, it has been years since I had been asked that question. I must say, I was rather... charmed by this young girl's perceptiveness. Unfortunately there was a knowing witness in the room, so I confessed to 'having been out of school for quite some time.' I do hope she fairs well in all her endeavors...) After making a short story long; I bought an outfit for Chicago that I can't run in, but may look like a 30 year old in case I am carded at a restaurant.

One more short run and I will soon make this 'Marathoner' title official. I use to think that I had lived a boring life because I had not done anything that remotely defied death. Looking back now, I see it differently: I was born in a foreign land, lived in three different countries, visited three others - and hopefully more, carried the title of U.S. Marine and now a Navy Seabee, learned how to evacuate a plane in case of fire or crash landing, make a mean bloody mary or a skinny latte with extra foam, change a bed and bathe a person while they are still occupying it, and I've even handed out water to marathoners once. Now, I can create keepsakes for lifechanging events and by next weekend, add running a marathon to this list. My life has not been boring. Challenging, though I didn't always plan it that way. I can't complain. I won't complain.

I don't plan on having kids...not everyone is meant to be a parent...but after you read this, tell your kids you knew a person who did all these things and more by her 31st birthday and that she never gave up at learning or trying something new. And that the most important thing to remember through it all, is to believe in themselves. That alone can take them anywhere.

Every good woman needs a Marathon Man.

Two weeks to go. The invitations have been sent and received. Key persons have been contacted of times and where to be. No jitters, no worries. Actually, no 'anything'. Is this an abstract form of second thoughts? Wouldn't they be the first thoughts, since I really didn't think much about the final outcome when I first started all this. I must be going crazy.
In marathon months, this has been a long courtship. He's seen me at my slowest, damn-near fattest and palest I ever been and is still willing to have me. I guess it was good that I didn't ask too much of him either. 26.2 miles. Nothing more and nothing less. I looked for no flaws, no excuses to back out this time. I met him half-way, and he did the same for me. The growth of our relationship didn't explode like TNT, nor did the flame need coaxing or fanning to keep it aflame. We both grew to enjoy each others company. Whimsy grew to like. Like grew to respect. And respect grew to love. No sparks, no fillers. A simple love of 'being' is what kept our paths aligned.
Love of my life? I don't know. Love in my life? Absolutely. You see, Marathon wasn't the cutest, the nicest, or the easiest one I could have chosen. Nor was I the cutest, nicest or easiest one to step up. But somehow, we found each other and made it work. And I am all the more better because of him.

"JUAN VALDEZ. JUAN VALDEZ. YOU'RE NEEDED IN THE BREAK ROOM, ASAP!"

I'm sleepy and I'm tired. Ah, such is the pity...
I awoke at 4 -what-in-the-world-:30 this morning. Called T'knesha as usual. She said I didn't sound chipper. That's because I was thinking of not running. But I figured I'd go since I'm not running this weekend. Walked out the door - eewww. It was hot. Not as hot as before, but not cool like earlier this week. I've been spoiled.
Susan stayed indoors, the rest of us ran our prized trail. Carol had her speelunker light on her dome to light the way. Picture a light bug with the light at the wrong end. It was funny when she would talk to someone because she would look at them and momentarily rob them of the night vision. Me and Lisa giggled about that. Needless to say, she took it off when we started to run...I'm sure it didn't feel good on the head while running.
At the water stop, we witnessed a convoy of large trucks rolling in on our path. I believe they were getting ready to collect all the debris from the storm. We all stood on the side of the road, waving like a bunch of kids in a third world country and seeing the soldiers drive by. They politely waved back, probably wondering why women would be out that early to run in the dark.
A neurotic imbalance, maybe.
Anyway, T'knesha showed us pictures of some wedding dresses she tried on. I liked the one with the red sash at the top, but she already picked one out that she liked. Why ask if you already know what you want? I can't figure out women.
Now I am here blogging and planning on hitting the coffee shop for a cup of java. I know, but you see, I volunteered to work at the Broadmoor shelter in Madison tonight. 6 to midnight. Yeah, what was I thinking? I'm usually in bed by nine. Oh well. I plan to make up for it on Sunday.
Have a good run ladies and gents. Don't overdo it. That so called 'wall' may be plowed down in Chicago simply from the millions cheering for you and the wonderful Starbucks Shot stops along the way. Don't worry. Piece a-cake!

Every Breath You Take, I'll Be Watching You. -the stalker song by The Police

Good Evening. Just read some of the blogs.
Lisa. Who is Dave? I think I know who Dave is. It's your stalker. He's pretty bold. Even had a picture on the comment. He's apparently a more 'in-your-face' kind of stalker. Naples, Fl...right! How 'bout Just-up-the-block, Ms? Mine isn't that creative. Just sends miniture spy beagles everywhere I go to intimidate me; remind me he still lurks.
Anyway, I ran this morning with the Rockettes. Didn't want to. Sore from weights and pretty dehydrated. Called T'knesha as usual. She calls me back 15 min. later to say she isn't going because she's sore. I told her I'd see her there. She showed. I ran with Jan this morning. Only two breaks at the water. We ran it in 53 minutes. A course best, I'd say. She was excited. Of course we couldn't run that pace forever, but I think we got a good shot of doing it on the final fabulous five in Chicago. If we could do that with hills in the dark, we'll smoking the elite runners before they even knew what passed them. I hope the medals are made of chocolate.
I received my ticket. Had I known the pasta dinner was going to be IN the Hilton and not at the McCormack Plaza, I would have signed up. I know, but I could eat more than once that night, I'm sure. Heck, I do that now!
I'll be going now. If anyone is reading this and not with the marathon group, I don't live in Ridgeland like the screen says. I live in Pearl with a big dog, two shotguns and a cousin named Jethro...who ain't right if you know what I mean.
Take care to everyone else.

You're Cheatin Hearrrrt... by...some singer?

I gotta be quick. I'm on lunch and don't have much time. I was breezing through the blogs since I haven't read some in a long while or blogged myself for that matter. But lo and behold, could my eyes be deceiving me? Say it ain't so Sam, say it ain't so. I feel sooo used!
I read that Rick...has been...he's been....running some other girl's intervals! Oh, the horror. I've been kicked to the curb. I bet she's younger, isn't she Rick? They always go after the younger ones I heard, but I never believed them. I bet it's safe to say she's not built like a platypus, huh? Did the spy put you up to this? Or was it the Godfather himself, Basset Hound?
I will not let this distract me from the task at hand. I have a marathon to complete and I will complete it.
And tell your little floppy-earred friend, B.H., that he may have won the battle, but, so help me, I am going to win this war!!!

He-he. Love ya Rick!

Food for thought...and worry...and panic...and fretting...

Hey everybody!!!
Nice to see that while I was gone you all fared okay - from what I read on the forum. I have no time to read blogs. The library cut the computer times to 30 min and I have about six. So, I just wanted to announce that I have the water cooler for arrowhead water stop and that I will be running on Thursday, God-willing.
I just have one question. Why is it that during a crisis, whether I am involved in it or not, I eat like crazy? And I know it's not me. I see all of you with me at the grocery store buying up everything you really don't need to sustain life. Cookies, ho-ho's, Her-shey bars... the list goes on. Okay... this storm was a legit one due to power loss, but we don't act like this on Category 2 or 3 storms. It could be a simple thunderstorm. If it's on a Friday, we're in the grocery store stocking up. It's amazing the things we flock to when we are in worry mode. I think I've gained enough weight to be eligible for hibernation.
Anyway, I must go now. Take care everyone and don't eat too much junkfood, though, it was nice to HAVE to eat it. Well, maybe ya'll did, I never lost power so I was primarily eating out of sympathy. But I suffered with every bite...honest. He-he!

We ARE the Few and the Proud!

It's my lunch break. Would have blogged yesterday, but everyone was using the computers, so it wasn't meant to be. I'm starving, so I can't type long. I think its a red beans and rice day, how 'bout you? I love carb loading. I think that is the one thing that will keep me running, just so I can indulge on carbs. Anyway, I read Patti's blog about continuing to run 3 miles after the marathon. I was thinking that us ladies should keep in touch by running together. A 5k here, a 5k there, maybe even a half marathon over there. I plan on doing the 5k run in Flowood Oct 29. A short distance to get me back in the swing of things after the 26.2. If anyone wants to join me, let me know. I'll run with you. It'll give me more of incentive to go than just free food and a t-shirt. I must admit, though, that my heart skipped a beat at the USMC MARATHON forum entry. How I would love to do that run and see all those men in their uniforms and high and tight hair cuts. I'm a sucker for a Marine, what can I say. Ask anyone who joined the Corps why they joined, and the majority will tell you it's because of the Dress Blue uniform in the Recuiter's window.
Well, today has been leisurely slow. I am going on vacation next week so they don't give me too many jobs to do in that event. All in all, a stressless day. I will still run the usual schedule. Melissa, how about a girl's day on Wednesday. We'll start in the pool to work an appetite and go from there. Call me. If anyone else wants to join, the more the merrier.
Okay, gotta go. Take care everyone. If I don't see you Saturday, have a good one. For everyone else, tell your stalkers and hound dogs it's ON for Saturday at the Rez!

Nothin' Bout Love Makes Sense - Leann Rimes

I have been single now for approximately...counting....9 years. Yes, it seems like quite a long time, but they have gone by fast. The early years were filled with much resentment and bitterness. (I'll leave the names out) The middle were about accepting the facts that it-takes-two-to-tango and that I had screwed up the relationships just as much as they did. Once the denial was over, I moved onto the repairing and rewiring phase. I had to let go of a lot of negative talk and thoughts. (Many times people think they're being humble when they say self-deprecating comments about themselves, but those words are actually hurtful to one's self. ) I learned that being humble and confident in one's self was what I needed to achieve. No more saying "Sorry" for things beyond my control, no more thinking that I was 'not worth it', and definitely no more settling for second best if I didn't need or have to. Now...the last few years have been getting the inner confidence to reflect on the outside. I can have all the strength and power within, but to put it out there and show it was a challenge. What if someone challenged me? Would I cower away or stand up for myself? Would I revert back to my old ways? And so, nine years and counting. I think I've gotten myself to a steady platform of well-roundedness - not literally- as well as being comfortable with who I am and what I hope to be and reflect to others. Having said all that...
Melissa called me this morning to tell me that I had a 'sniffer'. "A what?", I asked. "A sniffer." She was referring to the lifeguard at the pool. He, apparently, is interested and had been asking about me. Well, I told her I wasn't interested, but she let me know that the past is the past, and I should start to let people in. Understood and quite right. My co-worker asked me about exercises that one could do to tone and raise the gluteus maximus. I told him what they were, to which he instructed that I do them because when that man comes along, he may want a firm backside on me. He has been trying to get me married off for a few months now. I said all that to say this...
I do have moments of daydreaming of a special someone in my life. I entertain ideas of long talks and laughing and the whole courtship thing. But I want the butterflies. I want the giggles for no reason. I want that unsure feeling when he walks in the room. Individuals that were happy in their relationships have consistently said 'they just knew'. They went with their gut feeling and asked no questions. That is what I want. I am waiting for that moment when I hear that voice that says, 'Yeah, he'll do.' I want the fantasy, more or less. I know, they don't exsist. But if someone is writing about them, they have the potential to come alive once in a blue moon, I believe. And if the fantasy never comes, so be it. That is what I have chose to wait for and I'll take what comes with it, good or bad. In the mean time, I am having a blast training for a marathon, taking guitar lessons and fixing jewelry.
But if any of you have had the notion to set me up with a possible sniffer, I'll tell you this now. I like atheletic guys that are well spoken and confident almost to a fault. If he asks a lot of questions of you and seems shy, I don't want him. I want a guy to compliment me, not mirror me. If he acts shy too, we'll probably get no where. Oh, and clean fingernails. And I'm big on hygiene. Okay, I've said enough. Going back to my soldering of necklaces. See you Rockettes tomorrow.

Get it On,Get it On... Bang a Gong!! - T-Rex

Okay, this blog is for those of you who rely on a jump-start from reading other blogs. I am on a lunch break and sped-read some of the blogs, so I have less time to write.
First of all, I'd like to say that I think diets make people crazy. Technically, the word 'diet' is to refer to the regular regimen of food you intake. ie. A dogs diet consists of dog food...or the occassional shoe. We, as worriers, have abused the word diet. Diets, as we know them, are not diets. They are visible moments of temporary insanity and paranoia. Changing one's diet is feesable, but not going on one. You are already on one. It may not be healthy, but admitting that is the first step.
Secondly, I don't think people should pay unGodly amounts of money to have a bell rung for each pound you lose. A woman at work has signed up to lose weight with L.A. Weight Loss. You have to pay for all the weeks they have scheduled you to show up and buy their snack bars. PPHHTTT!! She returned from one of her appointments saying she lost 3 pounds and they ring a bell for each pound. I must confess, in my head I am hearing the loud gong like on the Gong Show. (I just showed my age, didn't I) I can imagine people in the next room waiting for the gong and hearing nothing but air and excuses lingering in the atmosphere. That can be humiliating if you hit a plateau and everyone else gets a chime or gong or whatever.
Thirdly, the rapid loss of weight could lead to psychosis. Another lady at work is on the program. She has lost considerable amount in a very short time. And, it just so happens that she has a thing for men in uniform. There is one particular police officer that she is interested in. She hasn't made her move yet, but she has friends spying on him for her. When she loses a little more weight, she plans on stalking him. I told her that stalking was against the law, to which she replied with a big smile, "I knooow." Crazy!
So, for all you women out there trying to lose weight, don't start a diet. Change your diet. Cut out the stuff your body doesn't need. God made everything your body needs. If it doesn't grow on a vine or tree or from the ground, it's probably not good to indulge too much in that cuisine.
Junk food is okay, in moderation. You all have an advantage over the other ladies... you're already moving. If you haven't lost weight, don't worry. You're not any larger than you were and I don't recall anyone needing an 'I make wide turns' sign on their back.
We're Women, We're Curvy, Get Use To It!
After all I have said, if you still feel that you don't like what you see in the mirror, may I suggest turning off the lights and viewing by candlelight. (Have you noticed that Dove chocolate commercial has a woman in soft lighting...huh? Seeeee.)

Another week down!!! How is everyone? Hope you all had a good Saturday run. I ran on the treadmill briefly and did the elliptical for a short time. I must admit, there was a gentleman that was on the elliptical next to mine - kinda cute. Slightly older than I but that just means he's seasoned. I like them a little older than me. It was obvious he worked out regularly. I didn't see a ring, but I know I am not his type. But if any of you single ladies in the group want me to put in a good word, let me know. Anyway, my workout totaled an hour of sweat. Indoors. The heat was unbearable in Meridian. The index made it about 106. I was so glad for the a/c in the rooms. (I didn't have to pay that electric bill).
Slept in this morning. Funny, 6:30 a.m. is sleeping-in to me. I felt great. I was waking up at 4 or 5 everyday since Last Tuesday. If I didn't have the water jug, I'd probably try to sleep in again. Oh, the sacrifices we make for a little glory....
I can't think of anything witty to write, nor do I have an outrageous story to tell everyone. I did develop pics that turned out to be of me leaving Oklahoma. My hair was shoulder length and I was wearing it down. So Patti, if you are running this weekend, I'll bring the picture so you can see what I mean by wanting to find someone who can cut my hair right.

Matt, sorry to read that your date was a no go. Maybe you two are good for each other, just not right now. Then again, maybe she needs convincing. I have this vision of the kind of guy I would like to date, tall and muscular, yet; I keep dreaming of the opposite. It has been said that God talks to us in our dreams. You think it's possible that he and the angels are up in Heaven going,"Watch this...I'm gonna stick a short, stocky guy in her dream. That'll teach her to be picky." Oh well.

Mark, sorry to read about your possible fracture. What is a group without the leader of the pack? (I won't break into song) I'll pray that it's a misdiagnosis.

Melissa, don't feel down. Just get your chakras in line and breathe. If that doesn't work, wear palazzo pants. They're wide legged...no one will even know you have shankles. (That's when your shin merges into your ankle.)

Lynn, you said no leather bras or tattoos. But did you get leather chaps? I love those things.

Carol, start tapering NOW!. That way you can be well to do the full 26.2. I am not kidding. You've worked too hard not to be able to wog Chicago. Remember, less is more.

Well, I'll end this for now. Take care and see you Rockettes in the morning.

Lose the underwear and travel LITE!

So what is it now? 7 weeks? 42 days? Someone tell the butterflies to land, I can't take it when they flutter all at once. My shoes say I've logged in about 100 miles now. This is only from the beginning of July. It's over 200, I'm sure, since I started in February. As I was marking my shoe after this morning's run, which by the way, was quite fun. I ran with Miss Cathy Chapman. We talked, walked and ran. I informed her of the Amazing Race audition and she briefed me on the 'Chosen Frozen'. It was quite entertaining. I think everyone should get out of their normal pace groups and run or even walk with someone different in the group. I've gotten to know Melissa and Lisa and Cathy to name a few and am glad I did. So all you fast runners, take a day off from the speed and get to know a fellow runner.
Now, back to the original broadcast:
As I was marking my shoe with another tic-mark, annotating my 5 miles, I got to thinking. I remember Melissa and Robin discussing about what to wear and what to bring to the Marathon. Do what? I need to start a plan for this? I don't even know what clothes I am going to wear for work until I get out of the shower that morning. I just figured I'd wear my usual blue shorts - the ones that get the cars honking - and all the usual other accoutrements I need to complete the 26 mile trek; which isn't much. I usually pack a day or two before I go anywhere and if I think of something before hand, I'll write it down and lay it on the suitcase until I do pack. I am all about 'packing lite'. If I don't need it I won't take it. A friend of mine once packed for a week in Washington. There was a shirt for every night and a shirt to replace that shirt, should it become dirty. Two jackets, four pairs of shoes, five sets of pajamas and several pairs of pants. ( The suitcase was full and we hadn't even got to the underwear or toiletries.)
Jan, from TNT, had mentioned to make sure one takes: Ibuprofen, Pepto Bismal, Gu, water bottle(s), glide, and maybe some wetwipes(you never know). This is on your person as you navigate the race. Carrying all the things I might need could total a few extra pounds. I've gotten use to running with the weight I currently have, I don't need a reminder of what it use to feel like running with extra weight. What am willing to carry: Energy gels... without caffeine. Caffeine will give me the runs, so if I take those I have to carry wetwipes which could be a good 6 oz. right there. (Yes, I know what some of you are thinking. I will have dropped double the weight by the time I've used and discarded the wipes, but who wants to maneuvar through 10, 000 of the 40,000 to get to a Port-a-jon and find it Occupado by some other caffeine-sensitive first-timer?) Glide - already applied, a double coating. Good socks - worn with extra foot powder. The shoes that got me to 20. My Chicago hat - so that it's obvious...I'm a tourist. The Marathon Makeover shirt, of course. My fave sports bra with car key - why break a habit if it doesn't hurt or smell. It could be worse, like lucky, unwashed socks. And lastly - a portable camera, 'cause no one's gonna believe this one! (Notice I didn't list underwear?) I learned that lesson on the 15 miler. Ouch!
Well, I must go now. They're shutting computers down all around me. I guess that is my cue. I'll be in doing the military thing this weekend so enjoy your group run. I'll see you for the long run. Take care and take it easy.

CATCH THAT MAGIC MOMENT...RIGHT NOW!!!

Yes, I have been lacking in motivation lately. Yes, I had a little bit of an issue with being disenchanted by others aaaannnnd an incredibly wonderful date with Mr. Hershey - (he's rich you know...something about an heir to some multi-million dollar dessert company, who knows?)
But I am now declaring that, "The buck stops here!" After much thought and wincing, I have come to acknowledge that zero hour will soon be upon us. The time to act is NOW. And now, in the immortal vocal stylings of Miss Nancy on the Romper Room, I will look through my broken mirror and say, "I see T'knesha and Chris and Susan, Hallie and Sally. I see Lisa and Phaedra and Carol. Rick and Dawn andMelissa too." ( I know there are a few in triage, we have not forgotten our sisters who are wounded.) But as for the rest of you, where are you? If it's work or a responsibility, no problem. But if you just blew us off, well I'm hurt. I don't expect anyone to run sprints up and down the Spillway, nor do I have no compassion. But if you're fudging, you're hurting yourself! The great people you admire didn't become great by fudging. (You know, fudge sounds really good right about now... ugh! Focus!)
You're probably wondering what happened to me to get me riled up again. I'll tell you in two simple words...Van Halen. Some of you know them, they are a rock group that was really big in the 80's. I heard one of their songs this morning. (I like them better with Sammy Hagar singing) Have you ever found yourself liking a song, but never really paying attention to the words? I have and this particular song was one of those. The song is called RIGHT NOW.

RIGHT NOW!
There's no tomorrow.
RIGHT NOW!
Means everything.
RIGHT NOW!
Catch that magic moment
Do it Right here and now...it means everything.

Again, I had a thought. (You're probably thinking, 'she thinks waay too much'.) We're on borrowed time. I believe we are all here to do great things. Achieve great things. Not just for ourselves but for others. You may be out there walking 15 miles to achieve a bit of greatness for yourself, but you don't realize that you're motivating everyone else ahead of you and behind you. For those at the tail end, you inspire as well. You could easily bow out and no one would see. It's not easy being in the back, but you don't give up and you finish what you started and for that I thank you. ( I thank you because you're an example to me of what I can be at 40 and 50. If you won't quit, neither will I. ) Yes, rest is good, I agree. But remember, there is no guarantee of tomorrow. If you're putting it off until tomorrow, whatever it is, be prepared in the event tomorrow never comes. The what-ifs and shoulda, woulda, coulda senarios can be exhausting. I know you know someone who is like this. Now is your chance to be the example they need if nothing else. God, I believe, has given us many blessing and abilities, more than we are aware of. Have the faith to be the very best you can. If you wake up one morning and all you can do is walk a mile, so be it. If that was your very best, no one could ask for anything more.
Lastly, I want to say that I believe in the power of prayer. (Reading all those installments of the Left Behind series can really boost one's confidence in prayer) There is less than two months left to the marathon. For all those who wish to, pray. Pray for all those suffering ailments and setbacks. If you don't pray, just think kindly of them and wish them well. I look forward to seeing all of you in Chicago. Don't quit and you will see that greatness will be achieved on October 9, 2005.

A Change Will Do You Good - Sheryl Crow

The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25

Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds.
Hebrews 10:24

How has everyone been? I've gotten complaints in the past days that I have not blogged enough for those who rely on blogs to sustain, so I thought I would oblige. Last I blogged was on Thursday, I believe. Since then...let's see... Ran at the Rez with 5 other marathoners. We ran an easy 8, telling stories to entertain one another. We enjoyed ourselves which I think is nice when you running doesn't feel like a chore.
And obviously, I attended the BBQ later that day. I was in full effect in my "chef" mode when Melissa called to say she was parked outside my apartment waiting for me. (Since it was hot in the kitchen, I opted to cook sans clothes, so in my frantic state of trying to finish baking and wrapping the food, I almost forgot to run and get dressed. "Pants!!" Talk about dinner and a show! Saw the kittens, had a little margarita, ate everything, sweated and discussed with Patty how she thinks my hair should be cut.
I said all that to segway into my next topic: change. There was much pleasant surprise to see people in casual attire, makeup, hair down. (It's mainly the women - who knew how rough we looked.) I was pretty much the same except for more clothing but the outer appearance was a change. "A nice change", someone said. That got me thinking. Change. Lifechange. Marathon Makeover.
Makeover: to be made anew.
So, I ask you all, "What did you expect to change from this experience?" The ability to run 26.2 miles under your own power, non-stop, and in one day is obvious. But what else? did you plan to change your size? Your shape? Your way of life? Or maybe an alteration that wasn't so much physical but rather behavioral. Were you hoping to open your mind to new things? Open your heart to let others in; maybe accept others regardless of their flaws. How about complementing one's weakness with your strength? By doing so, were you able to learn that we are all alike, yet different? Perhaps the change you sought was to prevent. Prevent yourself from 'never completing anything you started' - like myself. Prevent yourself from taking the easy road, being lazy or in denial. Preventive maintenance, some call it.
I joined this group with the simple intention of running a marathon. As time progressed, I found myself opening up to people. Befriending people. Sharing. I've not honed my skills of networking, but I am getting better. I am no longer hiding away in my apartment thinking the world has the problem, not me. I've also learned my flaws are quite accessible. They emerge when I am judging people or being mean-hearted out of spite, I realize. (The old habits sneak up on me sometimes) I'm working on it. Admitting is half the battle. All in all, the change has been welcomed. And no matter where I run or who I am running with, I know that it is the Marathon Makeover that started it all.
For those of us who aren't experiencing problems and setbacks, let's be sensitive to those who are and not shun them because of it. It can be hard to be a part of a 'family' when the love you receive is 'tough love'. I say we start Christmas early this year so we don't have to wait to be giving and nice to others. I gues what I am trying to say is, whatever change you expected from this experience, let it begin in your heart. The change on the inside shows on the outside.

HETEROSEXUAL ANGRY CHEF SEEKS THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE TO GIVE ENDLESS HOURS OF INTENSELY-HIGH GLUCOSE PLEASURE.

Two months left. I can't wait. I'm getting burned-out just being excited. I peaked waaay to soon. Now people inquire of me when the marathon is being held. I, somewhat unenthusiastically but with a smile, say,"October", and let the awkward silence carry me into the next inquiry or a peaceful daydream. Somehow my internal clock or chemistry has shifted. One would surmise from all the characteristics that I am displaying that I am pregnant. Hah. Thankfully that is not the case, for an amoeba I am not. (Amoebas are a-sexual, able to reproduce without a partner, in case anyone was wondering) Seriously, my mental process has shifted.
Food. I daydream more about food, or rather, what I will eat later. I even have dillusions of granduer sometimes that I am a chef on a t.v. show like Emeril, with my own catchy one-liner. I'm brought down from my momentary psychosis when I either burn myself or something is boiling over. Honestly, I have only wanted to eat salsa and chips for the past week. Nothing else. Of course, I know better than to do that, but if I wasn't training, it would be Tex-Mex in the Alexander residence for the next week.
Anger. Not necessarily anger, but I am just now realizing that I am disliking a number of people that I know. Names are withheld to protect the innocent. It's not their fault. Most things I can simply ignore or let roll off my back, but lately, I have succumbed to a ton of mental complaining. "What is wrong with such&such?" "Why do I have to deal with this person today?" "The next time such&such says something to me...." I, luckily, have a buffer that syphons these particular thoughts away from the throat region and recycles back to the brain. Regardless, I think my rose colored glasses are losing their tint. I have been able to catch small glimpses of these people that, for the moment, are unattractive. But who am I to judge? I know I probably have an enormous amount of traits that unduly ride the nerves of many people. Probably the same people that I have taken a disliking to. I wonder if the heat is finally affecting me. I don't get road rage, but I do get tempted to teach a few people a lesson when they're riding my tail. I have done well to get rid of about 80% of my cynical and sarcastic mouth, but I now work among two cynics. One will bleed a cynical joke to the last drop, exhausting every which way possible to either make you feel bad or until enough people have joined in on his side. The other argues just to argue so you'll get riled up and irritated. No wonder I have no energy. I'm sure it isn't something chocolate couldn't cure.
Take care. I have a date with a fella. You might know him. His last name is Hershey.

Dooon't Forget Your Second Winnnnd! - Billy Joel

Ladies! Gentlemen! Marathoners! Lend me your ears...er...eyes!!!! He-he!
How is everyone? A week is much to long to be away. Melissa said I needed to visit another library if this was going to happen again. I would, but during the week is impossible. Anyway...
Ran about 20 miles Saturday. Woooo! I feel tapped out. I enjoyed aquiring the bragging rights, but my thighs are sore. I don't think I'll go any farther in distance until the race day. Thanks Lynn for running with me. I was running alone from the beginning, so to finish with someone was great.
Today, however, I must admit, I don't feel like running. My get-up-and-go feels like it got-up-and-went. (For you Aerosmith fans) I may just walk tomorrow just for the sake of walking. Walking has always been given a bad rap by other sports, and unfoundedly too. I would much rather run as fast as I can than walk at a fast pace. If anyone has done the latter for an extended period of time you will agree with me when I say that the soreness is astounding afterward. Walking is not for the weak. I get shin splints from speedwalking, but not running. Go figure. To all you walkers, I may pay homage to you tomorrow morning. I'll even wear my blue shorts so I can get a few honks. (It's the shorts, I believe. It does something to the drivers when they pass by. Their horn is like a magnet to their hand. I am modest though. I simply wave back with a winning smile and an easy trot. That is until they pass, then I'm gasping again, barely able to maintain composure.)
I must get going now. Ice awaits my purchase and I am without raisins at home. Before I go, I have a few questions: First, does anyone know the mileage limit to a pair of running shoes? Is it 500 miles? I have been rotating two pairs since the end of June and one of my pairs reads 80 miles. (I leave tic-marks for every 5 miles I've run.) Let me know so I can buy a new pair now, to break them in in time for Chicago. Secondly, is anyone interested in taking scissors to my hair at the momentous event of my finishing the marathon? Lastly, does anyone know where I can get a new body incase this one breaks down before October? My joints are becoming anxiety-ridden like the rest of me. That's all folks! P.S. Melissa, if you're going Wednesday, I'll see you there.

Last day to blog!
The library closes for a week starting Monday. Someone will have to call me on Thurs or Fri and tell me what and where for the Saturday run.
Today's run was quite nice. I decided to run with Melissa. She wanted to do her 13 miler since she rode the Goat Milk, and she wanted to continue to increase her mileage. I was her coach. We ran from light pole to light pole. A car flashed it's headlights in our direction and Melissa, as friendly as she is, started waving like she knew them. I asked if she knew who that was, to which she claimed it was probably her man. Once we got closer, she realized she didn't recognize that car, and just as we reached the end of the causeway, the car was pulling out of it's spot as if to meet us at the corner. "Now you've done it!", I said. "You went and got yourself a stalker. He probably was waiting and thinking, 'The first one to wave will be my target.' I tried to see who was in the car, but the windows were tinted as the stalker drove away. Why does my stalker have a beat-up old Econoline van and hers has a shiny, clean sedan? I know... Miss Georgia Peach gets stalked in style!!! He-he! Anyway, we finished Fannin Landing with Cathy, who turned back, and we kept going to Fox Bay. Light pole to light pole. The talks helped propel us through the mileage. Sorry we missed everyone at the end. My back is still acting up and I slowed down at the end. I'm going to have to do the heating pad and stretch thing more often, now that we're two months away. Matt, you're so sweet for sending the search party with chocolates. Either I am just predictable or you have been paying attention. Carol...VRROOMMM! VRROOMM! You belong in a convertible. The glare on the windshield kept me from seeing who was stopping ahead for us. I thought is was some rich men lending their kind support, but a JAP with chocolates is just as good to me! Thanks Donna for the Gatorade, that was kind of you. I thank everyone that attended - even those who couldn't. You all motivate me when I see you out and about at OH-MY-GOSH-thirty in the morning, ready to run when nothing is chasing you. We all do it for various reason: health, life change, enjoyment. But let's be honest. What it really boils down to; what we all want from the experience most of all.... Bragging Rights!! "Yeah, that's right; I ran 18 miles today. I could have run 20, but I didn't feel like it." "Oh, what? You mean this scar on my elbow? Oh that's nothing, just a pound of flesh for the price of glory!" (unfortunately, most scars look better on men) God-willing, I hope we all get to brag come October 9.

Now for something completely different. Ladies, I am afraid that Aug 6 is probably a bad day to eat out. Melissa and T'knesha informed me that that day is the 22 miler. I thought is was going to be another short run - must have looked at a different schedule. Sooo, ixnay on unchlay. Sorry. We'll just use Matt's party to bond, if that's okay with Matt.

No bird-baths at the water stops, please!

Been busy this week, which is why I don't blog as much anymore. Next week the library is closed for 7 days, so you won't be hearing from me unless you see me in-person. Tuesday morning was with the Rockettes. Tuesday evening I swam at Jan's house. Wednesday, deep-water running with Melissa; evening, guitar lesson. Thursday was another Rockette morning. I ran with Lisa today. We talked and talked and talked. It made the running less painful. We hardly stopped for a walk break on the way back. I am tired right now, though. Four days out of the week, I am getting up at 4:30 a.m.. Sunday I am sleeping as much as possible...maybe.

I haven't eaten as well as last week. Last week I ate mostly veggies and fruit with some starches. I ate only some meat. I guess that showed in my running. This week, I am craving more protein. I am still trying to find the happy medium for my body. Unfortunately, tomorrow is the monthly luncheon. I am testing out some of the greek dishes on the co-workers. If they return Monday - it's safe. Just kidding. I've had food poisioning 3 times in my life. Trust me when I say "No one has had to go all the way to the hospital after I've cooked. " Honestly, I have been the only one to ever get sick from my cooking - poetic justice I guess.

Speaking of food, does anyone have a problem with the Ladies get together next Saturday, the 6th of August, I believe? Melissa suggested a mid-afternoon/early evening type outing, which I am all for. The venue is still up in the air. I was thinking something like Up the Creek, maybe. If you have a better idea I am open to suggestions. I'd like for everyone to come - even those that haven't been running with the group for a while. If your name is on the blog list - come on! Just the ladies though. We'll have to catch the guys on a later date.

Well, I'm ending this blog before I fall asleep. Yeah, I get to sleep in tomorrow. I know it sounds crazy, but 6:30 a.m. is sleeping in for me. See you all Saturday...at 5! Whoooo!!

P.S. I've been doing the weekly water stops for the Rockettes this week. Don't worry. I've finally got the water/ice ratio down to a splendid science. Unless you guys and gals are taking baths in between intervals, there should be enough refreshment for everyone-sans Team In Training.
Take care!!

Secondhand Tiger among some First-rate Marathoners.

Greetings!
How has everyone recovered? My thighs are a little sore, but otherwise I am feeling pretty good. I think I lost about 5 lbs of water weight Saturday because I was literally wringing my shorts dry during the run. I put on an old pair of jeans that were snug in some area before but, aren't now. I am all about these long runs for weight loss. You don't have to go fast, just go and go and go.
I spent my weekend chipping away at the numerous projects I have floating above my head. I kind of do them in a round-robin fashion. An hour or two on each, then on to the next one. I am currently reading a book: Desecration, part of the Left Behind series. If you believe, I highly recommend it. Once I start, I can't put it down. I also have my guitar lessons. My teacher says, "You shouldn't have to practice. You should enjoy playing. If anything, you should be limiting the space between you and your guitar." So, I limited the space a few times this weekend. Another project is a secret, but trust me, all of you may see it in August when I finish. (This project requires tons of limited space, so I hope I finish in time.)
I'll make this short, I am starting to get hungry again. By the way, have any of you seen Secondhand Lions? I saw it this weekend and thought it was great. You're never too old to live and be adventurous. Tomorrow is another Rockette revival. I think we should get some matching t-shirts with sequins or something. Relax, it's just a thought...a possible project...hhmm...
Anway, to all my fellow marathoners....Limit the Space!!

What a morning!!
Up and at 'em at the crack of dawn. Not too concerned with the mileage, just waiting to get it over with. I stepped out of my door and felt the humidity. Oh boy, it was going to be a hot one.
I hadn't considered whether I would run with someone or not. By the time I had arrived I had decided that I wanted to see what it was like in the front. So I took off at the beginning. Slow pace, but it felt different being first if only for a moment. My plan: to stop at the waterstops and only if I needed to. I now know I can run 15 miles straight at a very slow pace. That took three hours. I am guessing with some walk break, cooler weather, I can do the 26 in 5 hours or less.
(And now for a brief tangent)
In bootcamp, they have a series of obstacles that one must complete for the sake of their platoon to have bragging rights. First, imagine three obstacles in succession that look like doorways make of logs. They are in ascending order. You climb one to jump onto the next and so on until you jump off the highest one and thus complete the task. The strategy is to jump at the vertical logs so you have a place to dig-in with your feet. By the way, this obstacle is called 'The Dirty Name'. Most recruits are puzzled at it's name until they make the first attempt or slam their knees into the vertical log. You grow up fast after hearing the all those names... and in different languages. Anyway, that's how I had injured my knee - so I am cautious of it now, but it's been a champ for me during this training.
Another obstacle we faced is the familiar 'Obstacle course'. About 5 obstacles of varying difficulty. (It's the one you see, I believe, in Full Metal Jacket.) To make a long story short, if that is possible; the second obstacle was always my downfall. First, you must climb on a log elevated about two feet high. Standing, you face a horizontal bar about a foot and a half above you but also about the same distance away from you. That bar is connected to a series of series of thinner bars. (Picture the rack in your oven, the straight edge with the tines extending to the next edge.) This "rack" is on a slant - downward and the objective is to jump, grab a hold of the horizontal bar and swing your legs up to meet one of the "tines". Then you slide down hand over hand with legs criss-crossed over the thinner bar. There is more to this obstacle, but you see, I rarely made it to the next phase because for some reason my timing was always off. By the time my hands met the horizontal bar and my feet swung upward, my hands would loose contact and down I fell approximatey 8 feet to the ground. I remember falling three times like that at various times in my short career, but it never ceased to amaze me. Anyway - having said all that, when I started out to run mile 16, my lower back spoke in a quiet but all too familiar twinge. Like a husband who has been married to his wife for more years than he can count, I simply nodded and obeyed. Turned around and walked back to my car. Twice I had ignored that 'twinge' and twice I was unable to walk or sit without pain for three weeks. With age does come wisdom...and twinges, and some moments of lost short term memory.

I must say, it was sure motivating to see everyone this morning. Lynn, thank you for the compliment on my derrier and allowing me to be apart of your after run prayer. That was delightfully unexpected. I usually do my 'thank you' prayers while I'm running. I do wish I could run as fast as you and Ed, but I know - just enjoy being out there. My competitive side is always in motion. To the waterstop ladies, I give my utmost appreciation. Without you I wouldn't have been able to run as far. To all the participants, thanks for the encouraging words, or head nods and eyebrow lifts - I get too winded to speak sometimes too. It's all good. And to the two blue jays that 'leap-frogged' every other tree as I ran, you helped keep my mind off the run. (I know that sounds wierd to thank birds, but I always notice bluebirds flying ahead of me when I run the long runs. It's a mystery to me.)

Lastly, I'd like to try this 'girls night out' thing again. Now, besides the weekend of Aug 20/21, I am available to do whatever. I know that you with kids and husbands must coordinate your schedules and that is why I am bringing it up now. This will give us time to plan so we can eat and chit-chat without being stinky and sweaty and tired. I am game for anything that involves food. i don't mind if you have to bring the kiddies either. But you all need to let me know, since I am the one with least obligations. ( Not rubbing it in, just stating a fact.)

Take care everyone. Go to Olive Garden before the next big run - did wonders for me. He-he!

HE-HE!

Wheeeeeennnnnnn the moon hits your eye
Like a big pizza pie
Thaaaat's Amore!!!!!

I Looooove Olive Garden!! Breadsticks and more breadsticks. I call it my 'carb-loading' for Saturday. He-he. Okay, the tiramisu was extra, but I only ate half, my cohort ate the other half. It was MMM-MMM GOOD! He-He! Can anyone tell I'm still on my carb-high? He-He!

Woke up kicking to the Rockette beat this morning. 'Humid Gel' is what was actual hovering in the atmosphere. Luckily Susan went inside of the Y, she would have panted the whole way today. Ran Jan's interval today: Stop when necessary. I stopped at the water stop, but ran the whole way. Besides the humidity, I felt okay. Thought about catching Jan - she passed me at the waterstop (she brought her tool belt of refreshments). About halfway on the return trip I remembered I had a long run Saturday - 'What the hell was I thinking?' Slow down, Woman!
I should only be running that fast if there is a fine looking man ahead of me carrying chocolates or a rabid dog chasing me that's mistaken my thighs for hamhocks. He-He!

I am not worried about Saturday. I know I could do it since I ran the 18. Humidity doesn't worry me, I just pray my knees hold up while trying to carry all that bouncing and jiggling the goes on above them. But I do have nice ankles, I think. At least they look nice before the run. He-He!

To answer Patti's question, I did see the moon this morning. It was cool! I knew it was a good day then. Then, I heard 'Ride Like the Wind' by Christopher Cross, an oldie but goodie from the 80's. One of my favorite songs. I definitely knew it was going to be a good day. Then, I had my review. They gave me a raise! But I have to produce more work by September. I see A LOT of carb-loading in my future, He-He! Now I can afford to adopt that llama!!!!!
Just kidding, He-He!

Anyway, I must go now. I have managed to start too many projects and now I have put myself in a time crunch to get them all done. I do it everytime. Take care everyone! Ice and rest and drink a lot of water. And eat some fiber tonight, so you can run faster for Saturday. I'm all about jet propulsion. "Back-blast area all clear?!" He-He!
Run on. He-He!

Get out your demons, come on get happy! Get ready for the wedding day!

Hi Guys and Gals!
I've been reading the new blog entries. It could be me alone, but I am starting to notice that some of you are experiencing a sense of feeling overwhelmed and not all of it has to do with running. I'd suggest eating some chocolate, but dammit if the heat doesn't melt it before I can get a good bite. I believe the trick is to figure out a way around, over, under or through the obstacle. Don't get me wrong. I am currently having an ongoing moment of overwhelming proportions. That pesky hound dog!
The last long run we did... the loop around campfire circle... a beagle howled at me. (Yes, I know, but the beagles are in the hound family. It still counts.) Then, later that week, during a Rockette run, the same beagle, but up close so I could see his face. No threat was made...but our eyes met. The message was clear; The Basset Hound had sent him. Then I kept hearing people around me talking about 'their' Basset Hound. I think Hallie said she has one and my supervisor just revealed that she owns one as well. On the radio, as I am getting ready for work, whichever station has the Pet Parade announced the a lost basset hound had been found. He's clever, that hound. The most compelling part of this story is that each of these moments occurred right when I started to feel tired or unmotivated, entertaining negative thoughts. I believe that there are lessons to be learned in small moments of our lives if we just pay attention long enough. My very first 5K race, in March; I pushed myself to go the distance so that The Basset Hound wouldn't beat me to the finish line. I am three months away from my second race - the race of my life, and I can hear that leash jingling behind me. But there is NO WAY I am letting that Basset Hound ruin my walk down the aisle! I have a date with destiny. And if there is anything I see at the end of the race I expect it to be a Stallion! wink, wink!

We all have our demons, mine is just in the shape of a basset hound. I am aware that some of our marathoners that are feeling overwhelmed. And sometimes that quicksand can feel like cement, but it all starts with you. If you can see yourself at the start, if you can see yourself waving to all the cheering spectators, if you can see yourself at the finish line...and if you can see yourself eating cheesecake after!....then you can achieve it. Don't give up! All you gotta do is show up, we'll be there with you. And whatever is heavy on your heart, we're more than willing to listen. The whole point of all this was to make a positive change - however great or small. If a positive change occurred, then none of this was for naught. Just remember, you have got to do this for you and no one else. You deserve great things. We all do. Forget the past, forget what was. You can't change it and it does no good to ruminate over old wounds. You have the power to change the future by acting in the present. And I expect to see you guys at my wedding at the finish line. (For those of who are behind in reading or can't remember, I am speaking about the marraige of my 'old- self' to the 'new- self' when I complete that marathon.)

I'll stop preaching now. I just wanted to get that off my chest. I hope to see my ladies on Thursday and the rest of you on Saturday. Live, Laugh and Love!

'Accelerate your Life'...In the Navy! (Among other things...)

Boy, I am glad to be back from Little Rock!!! It's hotter there than it is here...and Susan, this humidity is nothing compared to what I sucked in the past 5 days.
Luckily, I didn't have to sleep under the stars like they had told us we were. We got to stay in open-bay barracks (like on the movies when they depict bootcamp, everyone sleeps on double-rack bunks with wall-lockers in between) Hadn't slept in one of those in a while. Ah, the memories.
Anyway, after eating MREs, Meals Ready to Eat, I am on a crash course to clean out my system again. One MRE literally plugs me up for a week, which is what they are designed to do. Each package can come with several elements consisting of the main meal, snacks, desserts and drink mixes. They average about 1200 calories a package. Yes, 1200 cal a meal! We are issued three of these a day. I had packed small easy-to-open cans of veggies and pork'n'beans along with more healthful snacks. I only ate two hole MREs for the five days. The other ladies ate theirs heartliy. When it was time to leave, they noticed that the jeans they had on when they arrived seemed to have shrunk. One rationalized that the humidity just made her thighs swell. Unfortunately, I can't use that one in the winter. And so, it is now veggies and fruits until this Saturday. Mostly, anyway.
I havent' run since last Tuesday. I take that back, I ran for about 2/3 the length of a football field when I was in Little Rock. Torrential (sp?) down pours were occurring every 5 to 30 minutes. At one point there was a break, and I had to make it back to the barracks. You guessed it, I decided to book it back to the squadbay. An easy trot along side a fellow Seabee down the center line of the road. The steam rising from the asphalt felt like I was killing two birds with one stone: Exercise and cleansing my pores. At about the 50 yard mark I noticed a slight burning sensation... in my legs. Particularly my shins. My shins don't usually hurt on my weekly or long runs. A few more steps revealed that I was panting like a dog. 'What is going on? I haven't even gone that far or that fast!' A few more steps and I understood why I was struggling to jog. Running in boots is much harder to do than running in sneakers. Furthermore, running in Steel-Toe boots is twice as hard to do than running in regular boots. On average, the sneaker can weigh .5 lbs. A boot can weigh approx. 1 lbs. A steel-toe boot averages about 2 lbs + or - some ounces. My ego told me that the"' barracks were just up the road'". My body said...well it would have said "Stop it!", it was too out of breath to even fight. Needlesstosay, I motioned for the other girl to save herself and that I would hold off the snipers for as long as I could. Her pity slowed to a stop and shadowed me the rest of the way as I quietly tried to catch my breath. Do you know how hard that is to do without grimacing or doubling over to search for your composure that most surely had sunken down near your ankles? I fought the urge to just curl up in fetal position in the middle of the hot street until the depletion of oxygen had been restored. Shame? Not at all - she didn't have steel-toes on...and I'm sure my thighs had swelled from all the rising steam.

Tomorrow I shall return to my weekly runs with the Rockettes. I missed not being able to run on Thursday and Saturday. Hopefully it's not too humid!

Not only the Corps needs a Few Good Men. The Reservoir Rockettes want you too!

HI!
I have a few minutes left, so I'll try to make this quick. (No, I haven't done the Blogspot-thing to see who wrote new entries, I still do it the hard way.)
But I do want to comment on Dawn's recent blog. Now Dawn, we haven't talked about this, but the topic about some men running sans shirt to make the run more pleasent.... I Do Concur!!!
I have often fantasized about half naked men while I run. Of course, they are chasing me, but it's my fantasy. I'd prefer a whole slew of them, actually. Oh, how I do miss the Corps. They issue these small, flimsy shorts - running shorts....men just...everywhere..cute...tan and sweaty. All shapes and sizes...........good times, good times.
Well, this will be my last blog until next week. I have to go play Navy in the woods.
Everyone take care and run one for me on Saturday.
Especially the Lady Rockettes ... "Kicking and screaming all the way to the finish!"

Yeah... I just did an easy 18. It's all good.

Whew!
For some reason Goat Milk didn't seem as long, granted we are running further, but it wasn't a struggle as the last two long runs. Sorry to everyone at the tail end in the beginning part of the run. That was my first time putting out water and I didn't know the pitfalls of the ice not melting as fast as I had willed it to. I know better for next time.
I started off with Susan, but at about mile 2 she was feeling the effects of the humidity. She stopped at the gas station for a break and willed me to run on - which I did. I gu'ed at the Lakeshore park water stop and felt it kick in on the causeway. I ran the full length without stopping - just to see if I could do it. I did, and boy was I tired. I pushed myself to jog/walk to the Fannin Landing water stop. It is so much shorter when you drive the length, don't you think? The faster group passed us - still smiling and some pep in their step. I welcomed the gatorade, although, Patti said that I drank out of a used cup that was in the cooler. But by 10 miles with 91% humidity, who is thinking 'cooties'? I gu'ed again because due to my shortcut at the curve going to Fannin Landing, I didn't see Melissa's water stop, and figured that it was going to be a long time before I see the Fox Bay cooler. Regardless of gel, I was pooped. I remembered how long it was to get to Fox Bay so I decided to run with Shawn, Sunny and Patti to pace myself. Patti was feeling the effects of the weather and run as well. A cyclist pedaled by with a smile and words of encouragement. Patti just sneered and made a not-so-nice suggestion about the way that we could thank her. RRRrrrrrrr. I started to wonder what pedometer was used to map that length out because we kept saying, "just over the next hill". Sunny was cussing us all out, mentally. I could tell. I'm not mad at you, I get that way too. Ronnie was behind us for much of the way. At each water stop, he repeatedly said, "Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh." All I could do was nod in agreeance. Chris would make it to the check points first, but never looked tired.
I was thankful for the overcast. Oh, and we got honked at on the causeway! Whoohoo! At about a mile out, I was so eager to get to the finish line that I just kept on running. I didn't take a walk break. My last two gels kicked in. My legs were so tight - not in pain, just stiff. My feet were aching too. I'll keep moving today, but tomorrow I'm going to be extremely lazy. (My inner hound awaits - it doesn't see the sense in all this running when nothing is chasing me.)
It was funning running up here, I hope you all enjoyed it. No car- dodging. A few dead foul and lizards, but no one seemed to give up and throw themselves in front of on-coming traffic; so I think it was a good day. And we just missed the rain too.
Rest up marathoners - two more months to go.

My inner bassett hound yearns to be a Rockette.

Hey All!
Been busy this week. Tuesday I had a swim lesson with Jan (one of the Reservoir Rockettes); thank goodness she has a small pool. Wednesdays are my guitar lessons, so I am unable to blog then. So it looks like Thursdays and Saturdays are my free days - besides the running.
My stomach is still doing the 'uneasy burn' everytime I think of the Amazing Race. I told work that I had "an appointment". In this instance the military rule applies - They didn't ask, so I didn't tell. If Channel 12 shows me in line at Miskelley's, well..... I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. Another bridge I am going to have to consider is the Reserve thing. For right now, this is only an official entry, so if and when we get called to do an interview, I'll worry about that then. Ordinarily I don't have these thoughts, but for some reason I keep thinking,'What should I wear?' 'How should I wear my hear?' I know, how 'bout a ponytail? I'll just wear one high up - instant facelift. If I pull it tight enough, I won't even be able to blink. Kind of like the Runaway Bride pic. Talk about 'deer-in-headlights' look. Luckily that was just a reaction to the flash.

Annnyway, I ran with the Rockettes this morning. (Hope you don't mind ladies. I like to fantasize that I have legs like a Rockette and since it does start with an R, well... . We don't kick as high, but we're still alive and kicking by the next run, so I think that counts just as well.)
Susan wasn't feeling well and T'knesha didn't show either. But we did have the Birthday girl - Sally, Carol, Lisa, Hallie, Jan and Chris. It was nice and cool this morning. Jan and I ran a slow pace this time with minimal stops. We gauged ourselves off her heart monitor. If her pulse was too high or too slow, we adjusted. I opted to run with her to keep myself from chasing after Chris. I think I am part hound or something. Whenever Chris or someone else passes me on a run, it's all I can do not to lunge forward at a break-neck pace to catch or pass them. There is nothing in it for me, just the thrill of the chase. Lord knows what I would do if they wore red and had a siren. You're probably laughing now picturing me as a bassett hound chasing after one of our own marathoners but, if I can't beat 'em...

My swimming lesson went well. I'm still here. After much scrutinizing of the olympic swimmers, I managed to act like one in the pool. Now all I have to do is kick, paddle, relax, turn and breath all at the same time, without stopping. Since I lost some weight, my butt isn't as bouyant as it use to be. I don't know if I should be happy or sad considering. But my bathing suit fit still, so that was in all a good day. Jan has 6 dogs. One of them is a Korgi, I think. He's old and almost blind, but became my self-appointed coach. He would sit at the side of the pool right next to me as Jan instructed me. Whenever I did something wrong, he would bark an order. Once I got the hang of it, Jan had me swim from one side to the other. The dog- Max, I believe, would trot around to the otherside and be there when I got there. Look me over to see if I was okay and then wait til I went again. Then he would trot back to the opposite side to meet me. Best coach I ever had. We bonded. It is possible that he sensed my inner hound.

A group of us were thinking of running our long run in Clinton this Saturday. If any of you want to join us.... just kidding. I shall see you all on Saturday for the mere 18 miles. Nurses! Did you save up those I.V.'s . I think we're going to need 'em. Hopefully it rains, it'll take my mind off the 18. Especially since I wear glasses - that fog up and no windshield wipers to boot. Can one of the nurses bring a walking stick for the blind, I may need it.

Run on you Rockers and Rockettes!!

Angina, Anxiety....AAGGHHH!!! What a week ahead!!

Hello Marathoners!
I'm on lunch at this time - I have plans for after work so I have to type fast.
Ran this morning with "The Group". I say that because I have noticed in the other blogs we have become either Reservoir Rats, Reservoir Rebels, Reservoir Racers... why can't we be something larger than life? The Resilients, The Resounding Ten, The Really Beautiful Reservoir Marathon Runners. It is probably best if we just not have a name.
Anyway, the run this morning was not bad. Decided to take less breaks and work on endurance and stamina. Was a little tired from doing yoga yesterday - hadn't done that in a while, certain muscles are making themselves known.
Hadn't filled out the application for the Amazing Race yet. Waiting for Matt to return so we could talk. He isn't leaving me much time on a collaboration for a concept. He better be speaking fluent Spanish by the time he comes home, for all the brainstorming I've been doing alone. It's no fun to have an anxiety attack alone. I can be calm when the other person is having one, but since he's not here, I think I subconsciously am panic-stricken for both of us. Matt when you read this, get with Susan to get my number since these blogs are not secure.
Then there is the 18 miler this weekend. Oh...oh, I think that's my angina flaring up.
I must return to the grindstone. Afterwork, Jan is teaching me how to swim. If I don't blog tomorrow, I've gone to swim with the fishes... or algae - she has an outdoor pool.

Oops.

I just read the forum. I apologize Mark. I never intended to split the group up. It was an idea out convenience, for one run. Hadn't even considered doing it on a regular basis. I understand the importance of the 'group' runs. I guess I took it for granted since others miss, for whatever reason, that we weren't hurting anything since we would be running too. Forgive me.

As far as the weekend goes, I'll be staying cool as much as possible.
Hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable weekend.
Take care

To Infinity and Be-... hey? Anyone seen my cape?

Okay, I'm on my lunch break. I have less than 25 min to blog, so here goes.
I sat down at this computer starting to feel hungry. But after seeing Matt's blog, I'm a little nauseated. Don't get me wrong, I am interested in doing the Amazing Race, but I just figured you filled out the application, sent a video and then they give you a call. Never expected that they would show up in Mississippi. I wish you could have heard my jaw drop when I read his blog. I think God is calling me on one of my prayers. Once the nauseum settles, it'll be replaced with giddy excitement. But does it really take three months? If it does, I'm glad I had all those different jobs in years past in the event I have to quit my job. Wonders never cease...
I guess the hassle of not getting my passport in time to work as a flight attendant may just have been a blessing. Pray Matt and I get on the show, we'll send shout outs.
Okay, gotta go, I'm starved.

Duh?

In case any of you were wondering about the unfinished title to the last blog.
I had intended to write,
My inner Toyota is saying, "Oh, what a feeling." but my pinky hit the enter button before I could do anything. So there you have "The rest of the story."

My inner Toyota is saying,

Evenin' Everybody!
My Tuesday started off pretty well. Slept through most of the night. Awoke right on time and called T'knesha as programmed, who called Dawn, as programmed. Much to my delight, I was highly pleased to blast the car radio this morning when the Commodores began singing to me. "Lady! You bring me up when I'm down." Lionel, Lionel, Lionel... they don't make singers like they use to. Anyway, made it to the Y earlier and noticed what would constitute as an imminent drive-by about to happen. It was Chris, unsure if she was in the right place for our group run. I love how our group is growing. Even Jan returned from her adventure race. When I'm 51 I hope to be a white water riding, mountain biking, hiking and bushwacking fool like Jan. She even had some cool battle scars to show. (For those of you who don't remember me talking about Jan, she is the lady T'knesha introduced to our group.)
We commenced our run around 5:30...did the usual 4:1 routine to the halfway point. It must have been the cool water Susan set out, because after that break, I set out to burn rubber. With little regard for the black cat that taunted me, Chris and Susan about 20 yards out as it started to cross, stopped, then made its way perpendicular to our path. "It's only superstition if you believe it" I said. "Plus, it's feet were white." I stopped twice on the way back. One stop was to chit chat with Miss Melissa. I like talking to you Melissa. You don't tell me what I want to hear, you tell me what I need to hear. Thanks. With words of confidence I strode off again to the finish. I think I was honked at at the the Spillway/Fanning intersection, but it may have been residual effect of last nights dinner as I exerted myself up the quick incline. I had figured just after the water break that if I don't start pushing myself during the weekly runs, even a little, I may never break new ground and improve. My weekly runs should challenge me so that the Sunday runs are a leisurely stroll in the park, not a struggle like Saturdays last three. I know beginners shouldn't worry about the time element, but I can actually see myself crossing the finish in 5 hours or less. So, I'm gonna try. Don't worry Susan, you're not holding me back, I'm just gonna change things up a bit... for myself. I can hear your intensity through the terminal. Just kidding.

I was thinking of having brunch at Deja Vu's on Saturday after the long (short) run. It opens at 11 a.m. If any of you want to join me, you're more than welcome. Or if you have a better suggestion, let me know. I'm there if there is food, you know me.
I must end this blog now, for I am starving.
Take care Marathoners.

P.S. We miss you at the weekly runs, Carol. Get better soon.