Nail Obsessed

This won't really be running related.  But I am obsessed with nail polish.  I'm talking STALKERAZZI here.

When I know something new is coming out I will stalk stalk stalk all blogs, to see the swatches and then place orders or drool over pictures and plan out shopping trips.  I need some sort of program for withdrawals.  It's always "I'll stop buying once this launches"...and then...something new...and I wantwantwant.

But I'm currently on a buying ban, and I still want to buy.  Nope, I have to save for 'adult' items such as vacation or home improvement items.  BORING.  But necessary.

On to the running.  I did get my 30 miles last week.  Posted a nice 13.8 on Saturday in 35~ish weather.  I'm in my shorts, turtleneck, tshirt and head/hand cover and everyone else is bundled like it's 10 below.  No thanks...I will keep my legs free and easy.  I was happy to have the roads mostly to myself.  Minus the wayward smashed raccoon.  Poor guy...ick.

So race day is approaching...5 days from today.  The worst part?  They aren't allowing any packet pickup on Friday, which means we'll have to pick up our packet on Saturday morning.  STOOPID.

Whatever, I'm still gonna smoke it. I am not sure of my goal yet...I'll re-assess as the day gets closer.  Which makes my stomach flop.  Ish.

Whether Weather should affect your plans?

You like what I did there?  No.  Well, huh.

So...weather here in the midwest is a BIG topic of conversation.  This would be like the micro-brew conversation to Portlanders (I'm making this up and trying to be relevant and worldly---just go with it).  Yes, so weather is literally the opening and ending to most conversations.  Whether you're a stranger or a good friend.  WEATHER.  It is a four letter word here.

So in March we had some 80 degree days.  And now?  Now...it's cold a rainy.  I throw a big W.T.F. to that.  Whatever.  I will work with it.  But tomorrow, am, it will be a balmy 34 degrees.  I am one of those people that once I stop wearing running pants, I don't want to put them back on.  Yes, I still wear bottoms, but I want my legs freeeee.  I want to feel the wind on my parts...not those parts. 

So, I will most likely be THAT girl, with the cherry-red legs tomorrow, in shorts...while everyone else is wearing pants, and sweatshirts AND jackets.  And I'll be in shorts...because I am that hardheaded.  And dumb. 

The end. 

Sometimes I'm really an A$$hat

So, I'm emailing with a friend today, talking about how she should just up and run a 5k and how it shouldn't be that difficult. But she's coming back from an injury. That was just diagnosed. About 3 weeks ago. *ahem*

So who is the asshat? Yes, that would be me.

See, I don't understand how people have "couch to 5k" programs. I don't get it.

Wait...WAIT. Don't leave. Let me explain myself.

I have the stupid luxury of either being in great shape or completely delusional. "How is that?", you ask.
I'll just up and run 4 miles the first time out each year, if not more. I'll just lace up my shoes (probably too old), head out the door and run for 40 minutes. Yep, 40. So, really, either I'm completely moronic, OR I am just used to that level of pain. And obviously like it.

Do I think it's bad that people do "couch to 5k" programs? Absolutely not. I am excited whenever someone tells me they have found an appreciation for running, or if not...just trying it. It makes me happy. I love to share with people. I am not an elitist, I am just a sucker for over-exerting myself.

Need I remind you that I spent the better part of 8 months injured or at least in some amount of pain because I slammed myself into training for a Marathon? Nope.

I didn't think so.

On a more random note: I love Blistex "lip medex". Old school love right there. I have it slathered all over the bottom third of my face, like an overzealous kindergartner. Sexy, I know.

Running Update and more Randomosities

I made that word up...no not "running" but "randomosities". You can use it at will. You're welcome.

Currently I am at 16.7 miles this week. With the scheduled 1:50-55 run scheduled for Saturday that will put me close to 30 miles...for some sick reason now...I really want those 13.3. Because 30 seems so nice and tidy. And yes, I'm one of THOSE people. The ones that stare at their garmin and run up and down the block when it says ---.23 or ---.96. I have to have a nice ROUND number. Well, not HAVE, but would reallyreallyREALLY prefer.

Also, my first "race" is 4/28. I'm not sure I'm excited. Last year I PR'ed at 1:50 for this half. And it was with wild abandon. I ran without Garmin, with "feel" and just blew myself away. Blurgh. I don't know if it's that weird unspoken fear of "failure", but I'm afraid for next Saturday. YES. I don't know what is HAPPENING to me.

I have had some sort of evolution. From 2004 in my "I love running and no matter the pace" of 10 min/mile running. To last year's 7:40-8:15 feels good to me...what? I hate that. I totally ruined myself. I have raised my expectations and I am RUINED. You hear me? RUINEEED. *clutching hair and moaning*

But. I will run. And I will conquer. So my goal...to meet last year's PR. And run without a garmin...but sadly I want my splits...I want to know. And this isn't a highly timed course. No mats every mile or 5k. *sigh*

My life is so difficult.

Random Musings

I have to reevaluate my last post, not the fact that it was nearly 2 months ago, but the fact that about 2 bars into that box of Protein bars, I changed my mind. Durrr. I do like those stupid things.

But I didn't actually post something to alert anyone to the fact that Nature Valley DOES indeed make a tasty protein bar. Nope.

I wanted to link anyone who reads this or just me to this woman's page. http://www.jensjourney.com/

HOLY crap. Back when I joined Sparkpeople in 2008, I remember collecting friends like some people collect well...collectibles (smrt). I remember jen. She had started her journey the year previous or maybe 2 years...but she looked AMAZING. And she was endlessly positive.

Now, I followed ANOTHER sparkpeople "friend" onto FB and she was a friend of Jen's, and I found her blog again today. WHAT. She's lost even MORE weight, still eats so very well and still has that positive outlook that captivates my attention.

So basically, this is just a shout out to positivity.

Also...I need to do a challenge to myself to blog more than 3 times a month or year...or whatever. Ugh. Sick.

Product Review

Being a lover of Protein and trying to get as much into my diet as palatably possible, *Oh, I like that Alliteration* I wanted to check out the NEW!!!! Nature Valley Protein bars. Now, I am a fan of the chewy ones and especially the crunchy granola bars by Nature Valley, so I figured theses would be a win-win.

They were on sale at Target for $2.99, so I figured that was a nominal fee to try a new bar. With 10 g of protein and 5 g of fiber in a bar with 190 calories, I was thinking it would be a great way to to "treat" myself with good benefits.

Not so. The bar seemed dry, even though it was chewy. Such a weird texture, almost powdery and just not tasty at all. I failed to read the box and was amazed by the "with chocolate FLAVORED chips". The wording is theirs, the capitalization is my own. Chocolate FLAVORED!?! What.

Either way, I think there are better options out there, especially for 190 calories. You can get the Market Pantry version of the Zone bars for $3.99. But they pack 14 g. of protein in there and are much tastier options. PAASSS.

On the running front: 5.7 miles done last night. That puts me over 10 miles this week, and I'm well on my way to my unspoken goal of 20 miles for the week. WHEEE!

(wo)MAN on the run

I got home last night and made sure to get dressed ASAP for a run, and ran I did. Now, it wasn't anything spectacular like busting out 7min. miles, but I did run for 40 minutes, and I made it 4.7 miles. So I am happy with that. My foot is STILL bothering me at times, but I try to just keep a good pace, make sure my form stays secure and I don't compensate or limp.

I finished my run with a nice hot shower, lumpy hot coffee/protein mix and some stretching. Reminder: if you mix coffee with the protein, do the mix + milk and then add hot coffee. Not smart. I had to scoop out the lumps, ate them (blech!) and then gave up altogether and dumped that rancid-ass garbage. *shrug*

Which brings me to review said protein mix. I got two coupons (1 manufacturer and 1 store) that I could use together for the new EAS Lean protein mix.

It is definitely good for being 100 calories with 15 g protein, but I still get bored with just chocolate, so I add flavorings or milk if I need the carbs. The purchase price was $19.99, but with my two coupons, it brought it down to close to $10 for that tub. SCORE! I would recommend if you can find a coupon.

Skinnyrunner really pushes her CLICK protein powders and I'm thinking I'll try those the next time I'm in the market.

What is on the agenda for tonight? Legs...I'm trying to incorporate lifting into two days a week. So I'm thinking Legs, Back and Shoulders (day 1) and Arms, Chest and Calves (day 2). I don't think there is anything I'm missing, but I need to write up a spreadsheet, I am just so lazy sometimes.

*sigh* White girl problems...