a bust.

I got up at five (yes, a.m.. Ridiculous I know...) to lace up my running shoes and hit the pavement.

Guess who else got up at five?!

Morning run?

A total bust.

Cuddling with the little one?

Totally awesome.

Although it would be totally awesome a little later in the morning sweet girl. Just sayin'...

I think BG like the fact that we're rocking matching Buddha bellies right now.

Guess we'll try again tomorrow...

back on the fit train. ugh.

So pregnancy does some not so fun things to your body. And it is not okay.

I managed to gain 39 pounds while pregnant. That is a big old belly.

The day I went in to be induced




Yowzers.

I thought I made it through the whole ordeal pretty much stretch mark free until the last week when one little tiny one showed up on my right side.

Ha.

While I was in the hospital I managed to lose 21 pounds. Best. Diet. Ever. Just give birth to a healthy baby girl and then lose a TON of fluid and wa-la. However, I had acquired this scary flap of gushiness. I really can't think of a better way to describe it. It's like a scary skin flap. Ever see Click? Remember when Adam Sandler flaps his skin tongue? Yea. It's like that.

Well not that bad. But I was pretty horrified.

However, not even 1 week after I got home, I was back to my pre-pregnancy weight. Thirty-nine pounds gone. Thank you breast feeding.

But I am still left with a pooch and oh yea, stretch marks. All on my left side where she hung out most of the time and all way down low. Guess the bottom of my belly stretched more than I thought.

Boo.

I may be back to pre-preg weight but my clothes still don't fit right and I still don't feel right. I'm way flabbier and I swear my hips are in a new position. I may not be able to fix the hips but my skin flap is outta here.

I took Baby Girl running the other day and oh. my. gosh. Almost died.

I am so out of shape. And the whole time I was very aware of my hip joints and my suture area. And I also think I could feel my uterus bouncing around in there.

That last part probably didn't really happen but I swear something was going on in there.

This may be a long road.

*After our first run


When I got home I did a few weights and some crunches. Can someone please tell me where I put my abs?! I only knocked out a few sets and thought I saw the Light calling me home so I quit.

I am so out of shape.

The next day I felt like I got hit by a car. We rested that day.

I also signed up to play in my high school's alumni soccer game this Saturday.

Clearly I'm insane. I'm fixing to take my 6 weeks postpartum, 27 year old body out there and subject myself to 90 minutes of running with 17 year olds.

I wonder if I can call in sick to that....

Anyway. Here I am at 5 weeks post delivery.

Definite poochage going on.

I'm going to have to work this off because as I've stated before, I am not a dieter. A dieter wouldn't have consumed the dozen cookies I did today. At least I don't think there's a diet that allows that. If there is, then maybe I am a dieter.

Back on track. So here goes. I'm back on the fit train. I have to work in workout time and make sure I still have enough time for my girl. No going to the gym for hours at a time anymore. When I come home at work, I want it to be about her. So it looks like I'll be running with her. Which is fine. I just have to get re-motivated.

And get my hips to stop hurting. This should be as fun as a barrel o' monkeys. Here goes...

tidbits.

-How is it possible that my angel is going to be 4 weeks old on Saturday?! How is it possible that I ever lived without her?!









Her 3 week picture:


- I'm going to be buying my first ever one piece this year. This belly is not ready for the outside world! Thankfully I had my 3 week check up yesterday and am cleared to hit the pavement again. Now, I just need some energy to do so!

-We made our first road trip with Baby Girl yesterday. Recap to follow. It was quite interesting. We got ten minutes down the road and almost turned around and came home. Yep. But we made it.

-The weather down here is incredible. Oh how I love this time of year!

-The Marine will be home next month! I am out of my mind excited. I cannot wait for him to meet his little niece. They are going to adore one another!!

-I need to post nursery pics. I should have done that before we started using it!

Hope y'all are having an awesome week!

lazy.

Ok. I feel lazy. Before I got pregnant I was running daily, doing the gym thing, and Shredding it up. Now?

I eat.

I feel disgusting.

I get the whole I'm gaining weight for a good cause mumbo jumbo and all, and I'm ok with gaining the weight. I'm not ok with feeling lazy and gross.

I was giving very strict no running instructions at the beginning of my pregnancy. Now I've got to do something.

Moms out there, what are some exercises you did while pregnant? Walking is boring to me, but I plan on packing up the dogs and starting that soon. I just need to do something!!

Week(end) Wrap-Up

I think my whole week last week kind of ended up blurring together. Could be because I spent it in a food coma.

My aunt ASC and uncle DC came into town last weekend from the great state of Texas. So my grandmother outdid herself with food, desserts, drinks, everything. Seriously, you can look at my waistline for proof. It has expanded.

I spent the week getting off work and heading to the g-parents for food. Ok and good company, but you know... I loved getting to hang out with ASC. She's my dad's younger sister and truly isn't that much older than me so we have a ton in common. Her new husband, DC, is awesome and really brings out such a joy in her that I haven't seen in a while. He gets my vote.

What a cute couple =)


Mr. Perfect and I after dinner one night


DC has a daughter from his first marriage who was in town as well. She spent most of the week spending time with her mom, but Friday she came out to the house for dinner. Well, and her Sweet Sixteen party and presents.

I'm so excited about EC (DC's daughter) joining the family too. The Marine and I do not have any cousins on our Dad's side, so we'll take her. Better late than never right? I got EC a scarf from Forever 21 and some necklaces and such. I had no idea what she liked (I'd never met her), but I figure you can't go wrong with giving a girl accessories! The Marine made it into town on Friday to see ASC and DC before they left. Of course we rolled out the red carpet for the chosen child's return.

I kid. =)

Kind of.

EC and her cake


After cake and ice-cream (insert waistline expanding), we dragged everyone outside for some family pictures. Never an easy task.

The Marine and I with our grand's.


family.


cousins. yay!


They told us to take a ridiculous picture. This is all we've got.


EC & I. She's a mess. All week long I heard how much she reminded everyone of me at that age. Her poor parents. They should call mine for some advice.


Saturday was spent trying to recover from our insane week. I did some housecleaning and Mr. Perfect worked in the yard. Saturday night we curled up and watched "Confessions of a Shopaholic" (not impressed) and "The Kingdom" (I actually really liked). Sunday I wasn't feeling well, my new medication is killing my stomach, so we slept late and missed church. Oops. Mr. Perfect invited my g-parents over for dinner to thank them for cooking for us all week. I have mentioned that I have the best guy ever right?!

Sunday night, I took Duke and Lacy for a run. I hadn't ran all week so I was kind of dreading it, but it was awesome. I didn't time myself, we just hit the pavement and ran. The wind was blowing, sun was shining, and both my pups were happy as can be. It was one of those runs that reminds me why I love running. Ahh... bliss.

We spent the rest of the night watching Season 1 of True Blood. We're almost done. I'm reading the books at the same time and keep getting confused between where I'm at with the two. But I LOVE the books! Good call Kate and MM! I am so glad I listened to you ladies!!

Now I'm sucked into watching this trainwreck better known as the Bachelorette finale. Is it weird that I never watch any of the episodes from this crazy franchise except for the finales?! I freakin' love them. I'm chalking it up to morbid curiosity, but I can't stop watching! Who are you ladies pulling for?

because bullets are all that will do right now.

1. Blogger can be a nasty little minx. Especially when they don't post your scheduled post or save it. Not cool. I'll have to go back through and rewrite that one because I need some serious home decor help.

2. My in-laws are coming today for lunch. They don't stay long so we won't get to spend much time with them, but it's always nice to see them for a few minutes.

3. I started a new medication a few days ago to help with all things baby. Medication number 6. I am starting to not even feel like myself. Plus it's making me crazy. Seriously, you should have seen me yesterday. Snakes coming out of head.

4. We were supposed to try for baby this month. Then I showed up insulin resistant so we had to start meds for that. Then found out my kidney function wasn't up to par so we have to deal with that. Pregnancy trial is pushed back another 6 weeks at the earliest. I'm starting to think someone is trying to tell us something.

5. I have this really strong desire to go back to school. It's been at the back of my head for a while now, but it's getting more and more persistent in my mind. It doesn't make sense to go back to school and try to get pregnant. Thoughts on table...

6. I think I want to go back to school because work is stressing me out right now. That's all I'm going to say about that.

7. I'm wearing my really bright scrubs to work today in an attempt to wake my butt up. Not working so far.

8. I got back on the running train yesterday. Finally.

9. That's all I've got.

Weekend Wrap-up

Eventually I'm going to have to join back in the world of the productive on the weekends, but until then, I sure am going to enjoy my lazy ones.

Friday night, it was my friend Jen's birthday, so a group of us headed downtown. I did some serious shopping before I went, so of course I missed dinner, but my finds were totally worth it. I ended up meeting them down at our favorite piano bar and we had a blast! Mr. Perfect couldn't make it. Apparently some people have to work on Saturday mornings. Boo.

My bff, Turstal, and I.



Jen (in the white skirt) up on stage doing the Hokey-Pokey.


Jen, Turstal, & I


Turstal's husband, J, usually hates being in pictures, but we managed to get him to take one on Friday.


On Saturday, we hung out at the grandparents all day. My aunt and uncle are in town from Texas spending the week here, so we spent all day with them. We went out in the boat, did some swimming, a lot of eating, and a lot of back porch sitting. Do weekends really get any better?!

Aunt and Uncle


Mr. Perfect and I


Sunday was a lot of the same. I couldn't sleep Saturday (a story deserving of it's own post), so we missed Sunday School. It's actually amazing I got up at all on Sunday... I digress.

I've kind of fallen off the workout wagon recently so I did almost no exercise all weekend. I started a new medication just recently and am not adjusting to it very well at all. I did the Shred all weekend but no running. Slacker. I had every intention of running tonight when I got home, but Mother Nature had other plans. Mother Nature needs to send another way to shrink my thighs on down if she's going to make me stay inside. Just saying.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

oops.

I'm going to let you in on a little secret.

I have the tendency to be quite flaky.

Rats. It's not something I aspired to be, it's just something that I deal with. I am ridiculously organized about most things. My bills are paid on time, I never miss work, I can find anything in my house in less than 2 seconds, my closet is sick organized by color, fabric, and sleeve length... But 9 times out of 10 I can't find my keys. Or my cell phone. I forget to lock doors or I flake out on something I was supposed to go do.

I have to write everything down. I live by my day planner. Yes, I still have an old school planner and I will not give it up. I will never make it anywhere if I don't write it down.

Last night I took Lacy running. We went to a neighborhood about 2 miles from our house where it's a bit safer for us to run and not get hit by a car. Important right? I took my key (which is this huge, monstrosity of a thing) and clipped it to Lacy's collar. I do this every time. I don't like having to hold things while I run. So we finish our 3 miles and get back to the car. I bend down to get the key off her collar and it's not there.

Crap.

So we start walking a little bit back to look for it. By this point, I'm basically dragging Lacy to keep her moving. Why don't I just call Mr. Perfect to come get us?

Because I forgot my freaking phone.

Crap.

Mr. Perfect is HUGE on taking your phone with you wherever you go. Or maybe he's just huge on me taking my phone wherever I go since I seem to have the ability to get into "situations".

What to do?!

My poor dog is giving me these huge puppy dog eyes basically begging me to let her lie down. Well she shouldn't have lost my key.

Yep. Blame the dog. Real mature.

So we had to walk the 2 miles home. On one of the busiest, narrowest streets in town. We would sprint down the road when there were no cars coming and then have to jump on to the shoulder when there were cars coming. It. Was. Not. Fun.

I should write a letter to our city about the condition of the side of the roads. I don't know how we didn't get bit by a snake.

Finally, we made it home. What do I see the minute I walk in the kitchen? My phone, on the counter. Mr. Perfect was furious. I was mad he didn't come looking for us.

I have this incredible gift of turning my irrational anger on someone else. Lacy got it the whole way home. Mr. Perfect got it when I got home. See how none of this was my fault?!?

Yea. I know. I really wish things like this weren't the norm for me, but... It should be no surprise that I'm terrified I will completely lose my mind when I get older.

I don't think Lacy will go running with me again for a while. Sorry Lacy. I also think Mr. Perfect will tie my phone on me next time. Poor boy.. I don't know how he deals with me.

Toad - 1, Imperfects - 0

Our dog, Lacy, is usually quite the toad (frog?) hunter. If they make their way too close to the house, she's on it.

She missed one.

That one little frog (toad?) sat outside our bedroom window and made dying cow noises croaked all night long.

"I'm going to fire a round at that thing in a minute" Mr. Perfect claimed while getting ready for bed.

"But hon, how will you know where to shoot?"

"I'm going to fire so many *rounds one will get him!"

*Edited for family content.

No shooting was had and the frog eventually quieted down. After he almost made us move to the guest room for the night.

Maybe Lacy didn't hunt him because she ran face first into a road sign and a brick mailbox on our run. Can't decide if she was just too tired to move, or if she's possibly as flaky as her mom... I'm going with the latter.

lack of sticktoitofness.

I'm diagnosing myself with a lack of sticktoitofness. I feel blah. I went to the gym yesterday to hit the dreadmill since it was raining out. I. Could. Not. Do. It. I think I hate the gym. The smell, the funny people in spandex, the lack of good music. I could go on for days. Add to this that the tv's in front of the treadmills don't work and I still don't have an ipod and I just can't do it.

I got off and left.

I did decide while driving home to just stop being a lardbutt and just go run. So I did. I hammered out 3 miles in the rain.

Tonight? Nada.

I ran for 20 minutes, the humidity had me drenched in sweat and I decided reading blogs sounded more fun than hitting the pavement.

I was right.

Gah. I need some motivation. Like Eric Bana running one mile ahead of me. I could run then.

It's not even the running that bothers me. It's the a.d.d. and the fact that I don't have anything to distract me. Of course if I was too distracted I could get hit by a car. That would suck.

rain makes me lazy.

I have not ran since Saturday. I am so lazy.

In my defense, it's raining cats and dogs outside and I spent a good portion of my day at the doctor's office. After not eating all morning. Have you seen me when I've skipped a meal?! Think snakes.. coming out of my head.

I'm Southern. I like my food.

My glucose experience was not as bad as it could be. I got there pretty early, just about 4 or 5 people ahead of me. They all got in and out pretty quickly. Except for these 2 young women and a little boy. Who almost didn't live to see another day.

You know the kid. The one screaming and running around Will Ferrell style.


*I think I just wanted a reason to watch that clip*

Seriously though, this kid was throwing himself over chairs, climbing in peoples faces, and the women just watched.

He approached me once. Remember, snakes.....

I did almost lose it after drinking that orange crap (you can't even call it juice, because that's not fair to all the juices out there). But the lady told me if I did *ahem puke, that I'd have to start all over.

Give me that junk lady. I was not staying a second longer with Will.

I managed to "work" the rest of the day. Well really I watched the MJ memorial all day. Not even touching that subject, except that his daughter about made me break down. It really comes down to the fact that those kids lost their father.. A complete heart break.

Even though I'm not convinced those are her kids. Have you seen them?!?

This is all over the place because I'm tired. Heading to a funeral tomorrow for D's grandmother. Then hitting the road running. Literally. I've got to stop being so lazy.

pedometer = FAIL

I couldn't figure out why my run on Monday almost killed me.

Literally.

I get that it was hot outside (105 to be exact), I get that I was tired from being on my feet all day, but 3 miles almost killing me?!? Not cool.

It also took me 45 minutes to do. Huh?!

I chalked it up to a crappy day. I tried out some new neighborhoods and stuff because I had a handy little pedometer with me that enabled me to go off my regularly scheduled route. I enjoyed the first 3/4 of the run, but I was dying by the time I got home.

Last nite I was on the treadmill doing my run* but also had my pedometer on as well. At the end of my 3 miles (per t-mill) the pedometer said I had ran .7 miles. Are. You. Kidding. Me.
*Twitter and the MJ story almost got me killed yesterday. Details to follow.

I decided to take the car out and get some idea of how far I had actually ran on Monday. It was almost 5 miles. My pedometer tried to kill me.

I have got to get my little Garmin buddy fixed. The pedometer is great for measuring steps during the day, but I just don't think it can distinguish a serious run for distance between walking around all day. Is that right? Or is my pedometer just not working right?

Weekend Wrap-Up

Unproductive weekend numero dos has come and gone.

May I please have one more?!?

It has reached ridiculous hot here in Coastal Town, GA. We couldn't even muster up the desire to try and go do anything and you would break a sweat getting ready, so no point actually. Saturday nite we went and got Subway and watched tv. Whoa.. slow down on the activity kiddos.

I watched Season 1 of True Blood most of the weekend. I am determined to finish the rest of it before next week's episode. I've heard such great things about this so this is one bandwagon I'm jumping on. What did everyone think of last nite's episode?

Sunday afternoon after church, we took the two boy dogs to my grandparents to go swimming. Lacy isn't a huge fan so we left her at the house.

I'm still waiting to see what she chews up for that move of ours.

It was ridiculous hot but the boys (mostly) loved swimming! Of course we couldn't slow Duke down. We'd pull him back up on the dock and before we could stand up he'd be back in the water. Cash wasn't a huge fan. Could be because the Mr. decided to just toss him in. I was not happy. Neither was Cash. He sat at the top of the deck for the rest of the time and just watched us. I had to jump in eventually. It was either that or melt into a puddle.



Trying to get Duke to chill out for a minute. It so didn't work.


Drying them off with a quick game of fetch.


Perfect Sunday afternoon. Hanging out on my grandparents back porch is one of my Top 5 Happy Places. There is truly nothing better than a bit of "back porch sittin'".

I had a BAD run this afternoon when I got home from work. This was my long day where I'm literally on my feet for 10 hours. I have horrible knees so I'm always hurting by the time I leave. But I came home and headed out. It was still 96 degrees here at seven o' clock tonite and I could hardly breathe. I was miserable for the entire 3 miles. My legs hurt, I was drenched in sweat, and I literally felt like I was trying to swallow air. But, I did it. I guess I was due for a horrible run.

I have a little wish list for my runs. I need to get a charger so I can get my little Garmin buddy up and running. I've had this thing for years, but haven't used it since the last time I was running seriously 3 years ago. I also must have (these are a necessity Mr. Perfect!) a new pair of running shoes. Mine are about shot and are giving me zero support.

I also want a new Ipod. Mine hasn't worked right since it quit on me during my first race. Yep, I've been running without one. I have no idea how you do it jlc! I can run without it but I seriously need some distracting. I truly think the music helps me run better.

I also want (geez I'm like a child) some new running clothes. These I'm making myself earn. I bought a couple of nice running shorts when I hit 3 months of solid running so I guess I'll buy some more in a few more weeks. I'm sucking it up and getting the shoes first. Do any of you runners out there have any shoe suggestions? I have very long, medium width feet with VERY high arches. I also have HORRIBLE joints from years of sports injuries so that's all got to be considered. Any suggestions would be fab.

That's it folks. My bed is seriously calling my name.

Fit Train Friday

Ok. All honesty here right?

I have started a serious running training program. I have been inspired by my favorite runner, Chicrunner, and I am determined to stick with this.

My long term goal is to be able to run a marathon.

Quit laughing. I am serious.

I'm starting at the very beginning. Like 2 mile distance beginning. So Monday and Wednesday I did my 2 miles. Tuesday and Thursday were "rest" days. Tuesday I headed to the gym and did the stairmaster for 10 minutes and the elliptical for thirty-five. Yesterday my friend Donner and I did the stairmaster for 50 minutes. 1665 steps. Know what that is?

Yep. We climbed to the top of the Eiffel Tower. We're in training for our (totally hypothetical) trip to Paris.

Clearly I'm not good at "resting".

Tonite is another 2 miles or 45 minutes of running. If I don't have a heat stroke doing this I will totally keep you updated on my progress.

Wish me luck. I totally need it.

odds and ends.

Getting up in the morning to do the Shred lasted one day. One measly, freakin' day. I chose a half hour more of sleep over getting up to hang out with Jillian.

I'd be hard pressed to find someone that blames me for that.

I put in another 2 miles this afternoon. Other than having to basically carry my dog the last 1/4 mile, it was pretty uneventful. I had to call the hubs after the run and make sure he'd have water for her as soon as we walked in the door. He got her water; didn't think to have any waiting for me!

Priorities....

In other news, thank you so much to Sassy Engineer and Enginerd for bestowing this lovely award on me!


I'm supposed to pass this on to 5 bloggers that I know I could be friends with in real life. Choosing 5 sucks because I feel like I know all of y'all but.. rules are rules. =)

1. Megan at In This Wonderful Life. I LOVE her! She's quickly become a real friend through blogging and email and she so needs to come visit the South and come see me (and bring me some of her dresses because the girl's got STYLE!). Plus she's been a huge support to me through all this crazy female stuff and that's been amazing.. Here's hoping to August bellies girlie!

2. JLC at French Kiss. She is the nicest person I think I've ever "met". She's always got something to say and it usually cracks me up and makes my day! I love her comments! Now I just need to get up to NYC and see her.. =)

3. Lindsey over at Learning to Be A Wife. Because she is the sweetest blogger out there and how could you not want to be her friend?! She's always quick to comment and has the sweetest things to say!

4. Megan over at Tales of the Trees. Hands down hilarious. And I do like a funny gal! I just know we'd laugh and carry on for days together!! I think I should head to the Midwest since 2 of my favorite Megan's are out there!! Plus she has fabulous hair. Who doesn't want friends with fabulous hair?!?

and...

5. Erin at Blue-Eyed Bride. Once again, so freakin' nice and so funny. I'm still disappointed I missed her when she was in town!! boo. I love her take on just about everything; from babies to music, she's pretty much always right on! We could totally hang out and drink our sweet tea vodka's and be the sweet, little southern gals we are! =)

That was hard. I hate being selective. I love all you ladies!!

And since I love you.. I'm going to let you in on some rockin' little secrets. Muffy is giving away a sweet pair of Fitz and Fannie earrings on her page and Legallyblondemel is giving away a copy of the book "Pretty in Plaid" so check both those out. And don't say I never hooked you up with anything!

Pretty crazy weekend in store. My best friend from college is actually getting ready to move this way, so she's coming into town this weekend to look at apartments and will be staying with us. It's also my friend Turstal's birthday so we'll be having a grand 'ol girls nite for that tomorrow nite. Then Saturday the Mr. and I are headed to Charleston for my goddaughter's 2nd birthday. So much to do, but I lurve it. Hope you guys all have a great weekend!

back on the fit train.

I've had a hard time getting back into exercising as hard core as I was before my surgery. At first it was because it hurt so darn bad. Now... hmmmm.

I got back into running almost immediately. Then I managed to twist my ankle something fierce. I think I bragged on here about how the ligaments in my ankle are so loose that I've never had a sprained ankle. Consider that streak broken.

So I took some time off from running to let that recover. I still don't think it's quite there yet, but it's close enough.

I also cannot drag my butt to the gym! And if I do, I manage to last about 45 minutes. No where near the 2 hours I was at before! I blame this on summertime. Being in the hot, smelly gym when it's gorgeous outside is as close to prison as I can imagine. Not. A. Fan. So not as much gym time.

Luckily, the Shred came into my life and I'm having a serious love/hate relationship with 'ol Jillian. Unfortunately, I suck at time management and miss some days. Have no fear though.. I will do 30 days in a row, even if it takes me 6 months to do it! I do have to give Jillian credit though; I am seeing serious results from the Shred. So even though I cuss her out like crazy get a little tired of her, I'm definitely sticking with it. This morning I got up and did the Shred before work. While I don't think it gave me any more energy or anything, it was nice to just be able to do my run tonite and come home and not have to worry about the workout. We'll see how long doing it in the am lasts.

All this to say, I'm putting in my miles on the pavement again. And oh how I've missed it!

One problem- I've managed to pick up a few running partners that I am NOT a fan of. Some call them horseflies. I personally call them Little Minions of Satan and I hate them. I think it's the buzzing but they manage to put this intense fear in me like no other. Lately these little buggars (not the b word I wanted!) have been chasing me for my entire run and while I'm putting in good times, I am miserable the entire run.

They are also the reason I twisted my ankle.

So tonite, I packed up Lace and we decided to hit up a new part of town. Oh goodness. Our run started off great. Nice breeze, new scenery, minimal traffic. Then I almost stepped on a 10 foot, venomous snake.

Ok. It was like a 12 inch grass snake, but I saw fangs. Seriously.

We almost had to go back for me to change clothes. Deathly afraid. Lacy didn't even notice. She did notice the cat she tried to pull my arm out of the socket for. Stupid dog. Then on the way back we took a little detour. I was doing everything in my power to avoid that stupid snake. So we're running along and I notice on the house coming up that there's a busted out window. "Odd" I think, since the rest of the house is so well taken care of. Then I notice him. There is an old man sitting in the dark with a telescope lens staring straight at me. Uh. Weird. So we book on past him. We had to go back by his house one more time and now he's standing in the yard, just staring at me. Right when I get to his house, I notice it's not a telescope after all but a camera. And he's straight clicking away as we go by!! Are you kidding me?!?

We will not be running back down that street. Nuh uh.

All that in 2 miles. What will I encounter when I actually have some distance built up again?!

5k..

Welp.. I'm still alive to write this, which means I survived my first 5k. Technically, Lacy (the pup) and I both survived since she got to run it with me.

So what did I learn....

Regardless of what the scale tells me, I've clearly lost a bit of weight. Why else would I have had to hold my pants up half the race?

My MP3 player does not fit into an Ipod sport case. And even if you manage to squeeze it in, it will most likely not work correctly.

I cannot run without an ipod.

My dog is a bit of a snob.

Here's how it all went down. Nite before the race, I decide that I need to head to the gym just to run. I was freaking out that I wouldn't be able to do the 5k. And I do mean freaking out. So I climb on the dreadmill and do 3.6 miles in about 40 minutes. Stupid.

I've been nursing a sore hamstring since last Sundays soccer game. Well it woke up Saturday morning in a rip roaring mood. I stretched out pretty good before I left the house, ate a quick breakfast, and got Lacy ready to go.



Forgive me for the scary picture but I had only been awake about 30 minutes.

We got there, got registered, let Lacy make her mark in the yard.. ahem... Got stretched out, and got ready to go. I managed to get my MP3 player into an Ipod sports case to wear on my arm. It was working out pretty well before the race. They let all the people running without their dogs start first, then us running with dogs started 5 minutes after, then those walking started five minutes after us. My friend, TW, was running her two dogs with Lacy and I, and another friend, LS, was running without a pup ahead of us.

Of course you had your typical can't act right dogs trying to cause trouble. Here we are all jumbled into a group waiting to start, and this dumb old Pomeranian is going up to rando dogs nipping at them. That's right little one.. bite the Pitbull. Then there's this other dog with a Hannibal Lecter type muzzle on literally dragging the kid trying to hold him all over the place. Come on kids dad! Can you spell liability?!

Whatevs.

So the race starts. I find out quickly that my Ipod is not working. You've got to be kidding me. Somehow, stuffing it into a too tight case made it get stuck on FM radio. And not even a legitimate station! I was irate. I finally managed to pull it out and stick it into my tank top.

It took us a good half a mile for Lacy to realize she wasn't going to be able to pull me the whole way. She finally got her pace and settled right in. I however, never found my pace. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say how dumb it was to run the nite before. My legs were killing me. I seriously felt like I head dead legs. They felt like they each weighed about 30 pounds. Never got my stride. Add to that my falling down pants and I was dying.

We stopped for about 5 milliseconds at the halfway point for Lacy to grab a sip of water. We went maybe another 1/8th of a mile and disaster struck.

My Ipod broke. Absolutely just quit working.

Freakin' awesome. I cannot run without my Ipod. I can't find my rhythm and I just hate not having it. It pumps me up. So we finished half the race with no Ipod.

All honesty on this blog right? We stopped once. I was so frustrated with how things were going that I had to have a quick collect myself moment.

Then we picked it back up and brought it on home.



I was so disappointed in myself. I had two goals for this race; 1) to not stop and 2) to finish in under 35:00.

Well, we stopped and we finished in 35:23.

Boo.

But then I got over myself. Plus, my pup did so good!! She didn't stop once to go to the bathroom (she usually always stops on any run!) and she kept right beside me the whole time. One other runner even remarked on how disciplined she was. Of course the minute he spoke to her she went all A.D.D on him and I'm sure he wished he could take it back.

So not exactly what I would've hoped for, but most def a learning experience. Plus, I've got the racing bug now. I can't wait for the next one!!

Afterwards they had this huge pool or all the dogs to drink out of. Do you think my dog would drink out of the same one as all the others? Uh no. I had to go get her a bottle of water and let her drink out of my hand. She's also clearly not a "dog" dog. She doesn't really care for other ones. She's not mean, but she's not very social. There was this group of dogs, including my friend TW's two, and then there's Lace. Off laying by herself watching the kids on the playground.



But she's just so cute. =)

LS, TW, the pups, and I after the race.



Lace & I


KJ, A, the pups and I



On the way home, I took Lacy to PetSmart to pick out a treat for doing so good. We pick out this $6 bone. She gets in the car and won't touch it. We went through the ChickFila line where she received a free milk bone. Gone in 2 seconds. Along with half my chicken sandwich.

Even though she clearly wasn't interested in the nice bone, she's been laid up in the guest room with it for 2 days. She wouldn't even eat dinner.

My dogs a nut.

Tidbits

Today is Friday and tonite is..

Date Nite with the Hubs!!!

I am super excited. I do love a nite out with my man!

I told Mr. Perfect I had to sneak in a run before we hit the movies and he said, "Well that's cool but just make sure there's plenty of time for dinner."

Well, duh. We don't skip meals in this house.

Tomorrow morning is my first 5k. I might throw up. It doesn't help that I've been sick all week. Plus I'm running it with the pup and I haven't taken her out in months except for a mile the other nite. Eeek. Oh well, I'm sure we'll be fine.

Or not. Whatever.

Yesterday after work I was so tired I could barely form sentences. So I skipped the gym in leiu of laying on the couch watching DVR'd shows. But then I felt bad, so I grabbed the pup and took off running. I lost interest about 1 mile in. I told you I was tired!! But then I felt slack so I headed up to the gym. I ran another 2 miles and then did the stairmaster for a bit. I was then sufficiently sweaty so I headed on home.

Oh!! Last nite, I'm trucking along on the treadmill with the Ipod blaring when I hear this loud "thud". Heard it over the Ipod. So I turn and look and this guy like 5 treadmills over from me is picking himself up off the floor! His treadmill is still steady running. He flew off that joker!

I didn't laugh. Ok, I didn't laugh much. But it was hi-larious!! He's ok, don't worry. Oh dear gym.. you sure do keep me entertained.

Blisters on my Toes...

When I was in college all my toe nails fell off. No joke. Too much time either running or being in cleats on the soccer field killed them all. They turned black and fell off.

Now they are raised up off the skin and break if they get too long. And with this new running kick, they daggum hurt. Did I mention I am getting huge blisters on my 2nd toe on each foot. My freakishly long 2nd toe.

I have ugly feet. It's g-ross.

Monday after work I drove to the gym, got out of my car, walked into the gym, then turned around and walked out. It was such a beautiful day I just couldn't make myself get on that treadmill. But when I got home I laced up my Nikes and went for a run.

Yay!!

I ran 3.3 miles in 50 minutes. Not great. But I'm okay with it. I didn't stop at all. I ran the last 3/10 of the mile holding my side because of the worst cramp ever to show it's face. I think I need to eat better. Four cookies all day does not a well balanced meal make!! Wednesday I hit the gym for a quick 30 minutes on the elliptical before I headed out to dinner with the besties. Tonite I hit up the gym for 20 minutes on the elliptical followed by 20 minutes on the treadmill and some upper body weight lifting.

Awkward moment of the day: the ex best friend was at the gym today. I have not run into her in public since I saw her last June. We didn't speak. I was booking it on the treadmill and she was in and out so quick. I know she saw me. It's kind of sad we're like that. I don't want to talk about it because it's sad... Oh well.

The scale is not budging. But I will not let this get me down!!

I need to do a weekend update with some pics, but I can't get to my computer!! I'm using Norm's netbook right now so I don't have to do any mountain climbing.

Headed to DC this weekend to see the parents. Super excited!!

Have You Been Outside?!?!

I love this weather!! It's about 78 degrees here, sunny, with a breeze off the ocean!!

Ohmygosh!! I love my town!

I love spring!!

Such a good mood. This time of year does this to me. I've been able to drive to work with the windows down, the sunroof open, with my radio blaring. Good for the girl that leaves for work with her hair still soaking wet. True story.

I feel like spring is God's little gift to me for surviving winter. =) I know, I know. I don't even get a winter here in the Deep South, but it's cold to me!!

I had to go to work super early this morning and ended up staying late for an emergency. Stupid sock eating dogs. I kid. He was sweet but he kept me cooped up indoors til 1. After that I decided to go for a run outside.

Ok. I haven't blogged about this because I don't want to be held accountable. All honesty here baby. I've been working out like a mad man and I want to get back into running again. I have been a runner my whole life, but after hurting both knees a total of 6 times all together, it hasn't been very important to me. I played college soccer and was in kick butt shape all through college. However, that is no longer the case.

So as one of my New Years Resolutions, I joined a gym. And I'm still going. I don't diet (as I've stated time and time again!), but with this gym going I'm also having to figure out how to eat. I'm always hungry but I need to start eating better to get more energy. I signed up for my first race at the end of the month. It's actually sponsored by the animal shelter here in town so I'll get to run with my Lacy girl. It's a 5k (I almost typed only but then remembered how it kills me!). I've been running that in about 38 minutes on the treadmill. I can't believe I just typed that. All honesty.... That's without stopping. I'm actually proud of that. I try to switch up my workouts so I'm not on the treadmill everyday. Yay for my athletic training classes in college and for college sports teaching me how to work out!

So anyway. Today I ran outside. Wind in my face I did a mile and a half in 20 minutes. Still not great, but I've never ran that whole track here in my town without stopping. And I did today!! Yay! I'm super excited. I love how accomplished I feel when I'm done. And I love how it's changing my body already.

I'm sick of being out of shape. So wish me luck on my continuing endeavor!!

Hope you're all having a great weekend! The Marine is in town again so we're having a family dinner tonite. Always a good time!