Three Things Thursday

This kid has the WORST luck.
We went to #2's end of year vocal concert last night, and left Gabby with our neighbor, her BFF's mom. Somehow, Gabby managed to fall at the playground, and land on some mystery thing, gashing her leg open.

7 stitches later.... It looks like this. <- warning, that's kind of gross.

This poor kid, man. Karma owes her one.

On the bright side, at least she's well enough that she can run around a playground. It could always be worse.


Race  Schedule
Updated my Come Run With Me! page... Mojave Narrows Half... that was a questionable Scwaggle impulse buy. I'm not 100% sure I'll run, and for $22 I'm not super heartbroken over it.


I might have gone a teeeeeeeeny bit Disney crazy. It's not my fault. Wine and Dine is my Coast to Coast race this year. Goofy - that was a no brainer, it's the 20th anniversary of the Marathon, and if I'm running the Marathon, might as well do the whole weekend.... Tink, I plan on running every year to maintain legacy status. I'm not really sure how Disneyland ended up on there, but Becka's running, so OBVIOUSLY I am too.

Anyway. So 5 Disney races in 5 months. That's a lot of costuming pressure!! Flights look pretty ridiculous, too. I'm confident the Food and Wine Festival after party and 20th anniversary bling will be worth it, though.

Also, I added a tiny local 5K 10 days after I run Seattle.

What could possibly go wrong.


Counting Down....
2 days until I see Shannon at Wet n' Wild 5k!
9 days to Seattle....
28 days to Disney World...
45 days to San Francisco...

Zoinks.

Tinker Bell Half Weekend - The In Between's

Friday, I took off of work early, headed down to Huntington Beach to pick up Becka and A.

Me: Where are you?
B: Huntington Beach?
Me: Where in HB? Where should I park.
B: Just north of beach.
B: Twin dolphin.
Me: Cross street? I have no idea what twin dolphin is. {neither did my google map}
B: PCH.

Um. ALL of the beach is on PCH.

But I found her, and A, recovering from a ladybug attack.

Ran home, and found a ginormous display of fruit from our friend Ruth, who was supposed to join us, but couldn't last minute. Sad face.

We pretty much ravaged the fruit, and then ran to the expo, in our sparkle skirts.

Unfortunately, Team Sparkle had been swarmed, and they were all out of the swag bags. Sad face.

I placated myself with... sparkles.

Madison dared us to take a picture with Superman at the Hollywood Half booth....

but he was nowhere to be found. Luckily, she accepted Batgirl.

Home, Lasagna, Friends, Sleep.

Saturday, we woke up super early for the Kids' Races - recap here.

The H's sister was in town, so after the race, we all went across the street to breakfast. The place we went was okay. But it was... weird.

Not the kids. The place.

Need a book? It's in the lobby.

Afterwards, we headed back to the Expo, because a little birdie told us Sparkle Swag Bags were back... But alas, we were too late. Sad face again :(.

But, you know. This happened.

THEN, we headed back down to Irvine for Team So Much Cooler Online Serious Pants meetup!

{lifted from Pretty Fittie}
l-r: Madison, moi, ChaCha, Sandy from BIC Bands!, Becka, Pam, Pretty Fittie Ashley, Sarah, Danica, Julie, and Nicole.

After some cupcake eating, strategizing, and deciding who is in the stinky van, we disbanded and headed home briefly before running to dinner. Where our waiter was shocked at how much Becka can eat.

True, that happened. In his defense, she is deceptively small. I don't know where all that food possibly goes.

Becka, our very tall friend Mary, and Kat headed over to our hotel for the night (Crowne Plaza Anaheim, Priceline, $55 winning bid, $69 total. Winning!). Julie joined us at the hotel bar, where I drank a bottle of water and bailed within 15 minutes. Lame old lady with a cold. That's me. I was back at the room and in bed by 9, and sleeping by 10. I know at some point everyone else came back, and I mumbled something disparaging about effing Disney and their super early wake up calls. Alarm set for 3:38, and out.

The Tink recap... that's coming. There are SO.MANY.PICTURES to sort through.....

Tinker Bell Half Weekend - Kids' Race Recap

RunDisney offers some great stuff.

Somehow, though... somehow, these Kids' Races seemed extra chaotic to me.

Maybe it was the super long line to get in the "super secret special" entrance in Down Town Disney.

Maybe it was shoving a billion small people AND their siblings AND their parents AND their strollers AND their grandparents AND AND AND into a pretty small space.

Maybe it was the 8am start time that was really a 9:15am start time.

I'm not sure.

But, $10 (for Gabby's 200m) and $25 (For #2's mile) included a medal, a shirt, and refreshments at the end. Can't argue that.

I ran with Gab, and #2 was supposed to run with Becka and A. #1 wasn't registered - she was too old for the kids' races, and the 5K was $99 and at 10:30pm - too much on both counts. Buuuut, she didn't want to be left out, so she bandited the course and ran with #2.

Don't worry, she didn't take water or a medal.

Anyway, I won't waste time complaining about the chaos that was the start to everything EXCEPT the mile. I didn't get to see 1 & 2 run, so imagine my enjoyment seeing these pictures on brightroom today....

#2's official time - 8:55.

Gab and I were supposed to run the 400m, but I got tired of waiting, Gab was tired of waiting, and we took off with the 4-6 yr olds in the 200m.

This actually turned out to be better; I'm not sure if Gab would have run through a 400m - her legs were already tired from the 200 (boooo chemo).

Powered by Sparkle.

FYTO5K Recap, and PFTW

First, Team Gab is only $326 away from 1st place fundraising team for Pediatric Cancer Research!!! I've gotten a TON of Virtual Race recaps sent in, so if I haven't replied to you already, I'm sorry, I've been super swamped the last week.

If you haven't joined yet, you can CLICK HERE to run the Team Gab Virtual Race Fundraiser for Pediatric Cancer Research. And, don't forget, BIC Bands will be donating a portion of their January and February proceeds to PCRF as well! I wore mine on Sunday at Tinker Bell, and sweartoheavens it is the first band to not fall off of my janky weird shaped head.
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Adam at The Boring Runner hosted the 2nd Annual Freeze Your Thorns Off Virtual Race. Last year, I missed the race because Gab was still in the hospital. This year, I dedicated my first 5K of the Tinker Bell Half Marathon to FYTO5K. Ironic, since it was a jillion thousand degrees yesterday.

I am not entirely sure how to do this recap, without spoiling the Tinker Bell recap, so for now, I'll say this.

This was the FUNNEST 5K I've ever run.

I love being matchy matchy.

It was very sparkly. I had no idea I could adore Team Sparkle more than I did before. But I do.

And it was almost as if we didn't even run......

Yep. Official 5K time, 1:08:40. I blacked out everything else, because that will be in the full recap.

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PFTW

Last week recap:
Tuesday: 6 miles outside with the new Garmin(!!!!!), 1:03:30 (yeah, that's less than the time FYTO5K took....)
Sunday: Tink, 13.68 miles (oops)

I skipped my speed work day (lame). I was tired, and getting this cold, and then I had too much going on and I'm a lame-o loser run skipper. Oh wells.

This week:
Monday: maaaaaaybe an easy 3 (or 4?).
Tuesday: 6 easy
Thursday: 6 miles speed work
Friday: 8 mile long run with BECKA! Didn't I JUST see her, you ask? Why yes, yes I did. And I'm going to Colorado this weekend to see her again. And my BFF Evan Dando. Yeah. That's right.

And there may be a 5K on Sunday. Possibly. If I don't die of frostbite or something first.

Plan for the Week, and weekend round up

Last week:
I did something new-to-me, and ran 4 days last week.

Shockingly, I didn't die. I KNOW, right?

Tuesday: 6 miles, random hill program, 1:05:12, 10:52 avg pace.
Thursday: 5 miles, 3x1600 at 9:21 (actual 9:17, 9:14, 9:10), 800 RI. Skipped my cool down, since someone was eyeballing my treadmill.
Saturday: 9 miles, last 3 at half goal pace (10:41). 1:37:40, avg pace 10:52. Actual splits: 11:23, 11:23, 11:13, 11:19, 10:54, 10:56, 10:32, 10:21, 9:49. Oops.**
Sunday: Had an extra day of 3 easy that I was supposed to do Friday, but I was (a) lazy, and (b) planning to watch Top Chef Saturday, so I pushed this to Sunday and called it recovery. This was my first excursion with my new Garmin, so I learned that I need to push the lap button at each mile to get my actual splits. Lesson, taken. I also learned that I can't pace myself for isht. I'm all over the place crazy. Anyway, 4 miles 43:20, 10:50 avg pace.

DONE.

And this week...

Saturday: Eat pizza, drink beer, and bunk up with internet strangers in Anaheim.
Sunday: Tinker Bell Half

Oh, I'll also run this week too.
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Saturday, after my 9 miler, I took kid #1 to a local bakery, 85*C. The chain originated in Taipei, and has locations all over Asia, and what looks like 2 store fronts in the US. One of these happens to be down the street from me. So the goods are decidedly Asian, and it's all delicious. I don't think I've ever gotten anything there that I don't like.

The set up is kinda weird, because it's insanely popular, and there are fire codes obviously restricting the number of people who are allowed in at one time. So there's a queue, outside, and a dude standing guard at the door, asking how many in your party, and letting you in when they're ready.

It's like Disney, but with no ride.

So you go in, pick up a tray, and some tongs, and walk through the shelves, trays, baskets of baked goodies, and grab what you want, collecting it all on your tray, before heading to the checkout queue.

The checkout line gives you plenty of time to review their cold-case desserts (tons thereof), and drink menu. All of which I didn't take a picture of, sorry. But I promise, they have delicious salted iced coffee. DELICOUS.

This thing was devoured on the way home - some baked ham and cheese stick. So good.

I can't imagine how I don't just drop those 12 lbs...

Next on our agenda, was a failed attempt at making dinner. We don't eat out tons, but unfortunately, what we planned to make for dinner wasn't happening (frozen chicken is remarkably hard to cook, take note). Buuut, lucky for me, The H opens my mail and this had arrived a few days earlier.

Success!

So the Chili's Lighter Choices Menu schtick is that everything is under 750 calories and 25 grams of fat.

The bad thing about this, is the menu is pretty... meh.

I dunno. There are tons of ways to produce healthy choices that aren't boring, but I suppose that's a harder task when you're mass producing food. So, whatever. It is what it is, and at least there are choices to be had.

I tried the 110 calorie skinny margarita...

and holy ishtballs, no WONDER it's 110 calories, I sweartogoodness it's straight Patron.

It's been a lot of years since I drank straight Patron. Lord.

I ordered the chicken wrap, with steamed broccoli.

So, yeah. There's that. I'm not sure what the barbecue sauce is doing there, either.

I asked the dude about my broccoli (I seriously adore french fries, Chili's, why would you make me do this?!), and he says, "Oh. Do you want the broccoli?"

Um.

Also missing was the low-fat ranch, which is an abomination anyway, so good riddance. Full fat, or go home!

Anyway. Unimpressed, and bummed that I wasted a night out on meh food, too much tequila, and wasting french fries. I guess the lesson here is, accept Chili's for what it is, and don't ask it to do something outside of that box. Normally I adore Chili's, so now I know.

Sunday, Kid #2 and I headed down to spectate the Carlsbad Marathon. Of which I took zero pictures. I know, blogger of the week award here.

But, I saw Skinny Runner PR, and ChaCha KILL her previous PR by, like, 35 minutes or something INSANE (which, incidentally, is about equivalent to the amount of time it took me to get out of the parking lot, holy traffic).


{photo lifted from SR}

Afterwards, we headed down to Longboarders in Oceanside and I have no idea why #2 is being a creeper. ChaCha is obviously still riding high.

And, that's a wrap. I ran, I ate, I spectated. The end.

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**of note on my long run - I always do long runs with a run/walk interval - always have. Just for kicks, I tried running without. And I didn't die. I know, I was surprised too. In FACT, dare I say, I felt good. ALSO of note, this is the first long run I've done with sub-11 average pace. Fascinating. And yes, I totally understand this is probably on fascinating to me, so that's cool. I am not offended by your non-interest.

Three Things Thursday!

Workout Tuesday - ran 6 miles, steady, 10:42 pace. Easy peasy.

Hey, have you joined Team Tough Chik yet? Only a few days left! Click HERE for more info!

1. Any locals running the So Cal Half Marathon this weekend?? Let me know, I'll cheer for you! (But no, really, my house is on the course - I might be in pajamas and drinking coffee still, but I promise I'll be enthusiastic).

2. Tinker Bell bib numbers were released! Only three more weeks!

3. Huffington Post had a great article by Marcus Samuelsson (if you know who that is, we can be friends) on eating healthy without breaking the bank. Link HERE. One argument I hear a LOT is how expensive it is to eat healthy foods. I admit, I'm spoiled living in the land of abundant, cheap produce....

but almost all of the items in this article can be found in your local grocer, and are easily accessible. Supplement them with in season or FROZEN fruits and veggies, and you have a great, simple, economical foundation for eating healthy.

Like anything else, eating healthy is a matter of priority. If it's a priority, you find a way to make it happen.

If it's NOT a priority for you to eat healthy and exercise, that's 100% fine. That's absolutely YOUR prerogative, and I wouldn't judge you for making that choice. But don't pretty up your inability to stick to a workout schedule or spend an extra 10 minutes making a healthy dinner instead of drive through, by saying you can't.

I mean. You can try saying things like, "It's too expensive", or "I don't have the time", but... I'd probably look at you all side eyed.

Just do it. No excuses.

“A question that sometimes drives me hazy: am I or are the others crazy?”

I actually completed TEN races in 2011: 2 5K's, 2 10K's, and 5 half marathons.

Crazy, since I didn't run a single mile until October 2010.

I was going to say that 2012 would be a bit mellower, but.... let's be real.

Races already registered and/or committed to:
Tinker Bell Half Marathon, Jan. 29.

Mermaid Half Marathon, Feb. 12.

Race on the Base 10K, Feb. 25.

RAGNAR!, Apr. 20-21

PCRF Cinco de Mayo Half May 6, with Team Gab

Corona del Mar Scenic 5K June 2. *

RnR Seattle FULL MARATHON, June 23 -- did you know that's 26.2 miles????? WHO DOES THAT?

San Francisco FULL MARATHON July 29 *---no, but really. WHO DOES THIS TWICE?


Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon, Sept. 30 (?) *

Holiday Half Marathon, Dec. 12* ----I want that damn snowflake

Phew.

But that's not all.

Potential races, that I'd like to do, but I'm not committed to yet, or that I am planning on fitting in....

Orangeman Running Series 10K at Caspers Wilderness Park, 3/25.

And... IF the weather looks good, I plan on registering at the expo... Long Beach. Full? Half? Undecided. Oct. 7.


Things I'm DEFINITELY NOT RUNNING, but plan on spectating....

Operation Jack, 12/26 - I'll be volunteering at the 2.5 mile water stop! If you haven't already registered, sorry 'bout your luck. It sold out!


The Southern California Half Marathon, Jan. 7. This runs literally 20 feet from my house, so if you'll be there, I'll be there cheering you on!


Carlsbad Marathon, Jan 22

If you will be at any of these (and, seriously, HOW COULD YOU NOT I'M AT ALL OF THE RACES EVERYWHERE), let me know!

*still need to register