Accountability

I’m always up for a challenge AND I have to remind myself that I am running a full marathon in six weeks.

I took the liberty and signed up for PILE ON THE MILES for the month of November.

Yep, I need to be piling on the miles and NOT the second helping of mashed potatoes. I don’t know about your family but to us, holidays usually consisted of hours and hours of eating and drinking. It’s a fat kid’s heaven.

My goal for the month of November is 157 miles. Yep, that’s a pretty random number. You ask how in the world did I come up with that random number? I basically took my training plan and added the weekly miles and BOOM got 157. Genius I know.

How do you keep yourself accountable?

Need some help for November, head over to RUN EAT REPEAT and sign up for the challenge. I double dog dare you.

My delimma

I love me some Tuesdays (mainly because it's my 3rd day off). I take that back. I love me some productive Tuesdays. I'm all for lazy days...like a lot but last week I challenged myself with my diet and my runs. I'm happy to say, this little challenge is still going.

My runs last week weren't were I wanted them to be, only because this girl got the flu shot and shocker got sick. I know I got sick because of nasty daycare germs but it makes me feel better to blame it on the flu shot. I ran, but not everyday. I actually still have to stop running to blow my nose. It's really attractive.

My eating has been clean for the most part. I'm doing well with the carbs, sweets and booze. So you'd think the scale would reflect all of my hard work.

um, negative ghost rider.

I gained a pound! WTF You better believe the scale got the finger this morning. I blame it on the cough medicine. I'm sure that shit is loaded with calories. (ha, or the beers I had watching the cardinals loose)

So with that being said. M and I are starting the 10 day Adovcare Cleanse. I've heard great things about it, and we could BOTH use a little cleansing up in here!

I digress.

I'm happy to say, it's not even 8am and I've gotten my run in. I am a morning person to the max. staying up past 10pm is for the birds.

Here is my dilemma. I would love to get all of my running in before I go to work. It makes me eat better, I feel better and when I get home I can spend time with my DVR H & M.  My dilemma? I have to be at work by 6am. which means I leave my house at 5:15am, which thank GESUS I wear scrub so I get up at 4:30am. The problem, most of my runs are more than 3 miles. Which means I'd have to get up at 3:30. That means 5.5 hours of sleep for me.  Have you seen this girl with less than 6 hours of sleep? It aint pretty.

What's a girl to do?

I haven't tried the 3:30 wake up call,,  I just don't know how I could physically run at 3:30am
without hurting myself. On the flip side getting home at 5pm cooking dinner, dealing with H and THEN running blows too. I need a plan ASAP.

What about you? Do prefer to work out in the morning or evening?

Monday...

Well Monday, here we are again? What happened to the weekend?

Gesh, why does the weekend seem to fly by?

We didn't do much this past weekend. The weather called for rain, I'd be lying if I wasn't overly excited for a pajama day.

Friday, we watched the cardinals BEAT the cubs. I just love when that happens. I also took it upon myself to rearrange the living room and H’s room. I was FULL of energy. That will teach me to drink spark so late at night.

I got up bright and early and meet up with my running group. I hadn’t been in 2 weeks. When my feet hit the pavement I entered my happy place. It was dark, the moon was still out, and there was that morning crisp breeze. I was in my happy place. Ten miles in the books.

I was a little concerned about Saturday. September 28. Linda’s birthday. You can read all about her HERE. I just didn’t know how M would be. Would he cry? Would he want to talk about her? Do I buy a cake? Hell I don’t know, I’m not good with these things. I just took his lead. I did however make him his favorite oatmeal cookies, using Linda’s recipe. He loved him. I have re named them “Am I out of the dog house/I’m sorry cookies”

It was a nice relaxing day. H even fell asleep super early. M and I enjoy a little quiet time and then BOOM. H woke up. Saying she had a cough in her throat. “As in her dinner was about to make an appearance in liquid form. Sorry TMI”

Nasty city

We spend the night changing sheets, taking baths, and me dry heaving in the corner. I am so not good with that stuff.

So now we are all sick. All I want to do is crawl into bed with my remote and my fat girl pants. (and maybe a hot tottie…hold the tea)


Cheers to Tylenol PM

Thursday Thoughts

I'm proud to say I've gotten off my lazy butt and started running. EVERYDAY. I even get up in the mornings and take Manny for a walk. M says I'm a much nicer person when I run. Isn't he a Romeo? I do feel a lot better and somehow I've lost 3 pounds this week. Happy Days!

I've cleaned up my eating. No more Easter candy, no more rice, no carbs, no soda, and are you ready...NO DRINKING DURING THE WEEK. GASP!

M is in another wedding this summer. It's amazing. When we got married, I was told "Just wait and see all of M friends are going to fold". It's been a waterfall effect. Seriously 4 of M's closest friends have gotten married since we have. We've only been married 4 years. M has been in all the weddings. Which hasn't been bad. I'm really looking forward to the wedding this September in Destin. They are getting married on our anniversary, so I've somehow wiggled in a Romantic getaway. And by romantic I mean: adult conversation, wine, no Disney channel and sleeping without H's foot in my face. Jealous much?

M is hosting the bachelor party this weekend. When I get home tonight I totally expect to have 3-4 grown men in my living room huddled around the TV with beer cans all around the house oh and lets not forget the toilet seat left up. I'll walk in with a smile and not say a word. Nothing is going to steal my joy. I will have the house to myself until Sunday.

Yesterday, marked the anniversary of when M and I met. Cardinals home opener 4/10/06. Seven years, sometimes It feels like 70 I kid I kid I knew M wouldn't remember. I thought I'd be sweet and leave him a little something in his car. He called me freaking out because he forgot and thought it was our wedding anniversary. I said that's ok, Cash is fine

M is testing my patience. Like Bad. He's off today and keeping H. Why did he just call and I could totally tell he was in the car  and ask if it was ok if he brought H to my office while he ran a couple of errands? REALLY? It is beyond me how he can manage HUNDREDS of people at work but he can not run errands with our 2 year old. Bless him.

Happy Thursday!

It's just 13.1 miles

I keep telling myself:
"It's just 13.1 miles"
"You've done this before"
"You can totally entertain yourself for 2 hours (plus)"
"You'll be just fine"

What was I thinking? I'm scared sh!tless! Um training in the winter on a dreadmil is for the BIRDS!
I've got winter weight, and I've been hit with the lazy stick. This is going to be a disaster.

What was I thinking?

On the bright side, the temperature will be a blazing 47 degree's (AS THE HIGH) something tells me it's going to be a tad bit nippy at 7am.

At this point it is what it is. No stress, I just want to finish the dang thing.

Of course my goal is to finish under 2 hours. But lets just be honest.

I am so ready for warm outside running weather.  I'll be more prepared for my April race. I promise. Yes I am talking to myself.

This race may suck but at least I get a weekend with CIA!!

Tuesday Thoughts

Happy Tuesday Ya'll!

Can I just say how nice it was to have a three day weekend, cause it was nice. I defined laziness. True story. I had 302,633 things to completed and I finished 1/2 of one. I know, my house looks like an episode of Hoarders but what ev. I got in some good quality time with my wonderful hubs (who went to Jared's for Vday) and my sweet H.

Friday, I ran like it was my only way into heaven. 8 miles on the dreadmil. KILLED IT. Did  I mention the LR half is 2 weeks away.

Saturday, we got up bright and early and got our taxes done. I don't know why but I love finding out how much money we will be getting back. We weren't five steps from the door before the sentence " let's book our vacation" came out of my mouth. M laughs, he wants to save and put away for a rainy day. I want to splurge on a beach vacation and umbrella drinks. You only live once! I skipped my run Saturday.

Sunday, was absolutely gorgeous. We spend the day outside playing with neighbors, feeding the birds, and of  course bubbles. When we got bored with our house we went to the park. M played with H while I got my miles in. I felt very blessed that day.

Monday, I sat on my butt all day like it was my job. I had the house all to myself. I could watch my shows without re-winding it 30 times. It was beautiful and relaxing all at the same time. I skipped my run. I didn't want to over exert myself.

So, I have to share. H is 99.9% potty trained. I don't even want to say we haven't had accidents at night because I don't want to jinx myself (but we haven't) I really have to say she was really easy at potty training. Mostly because she was super excited about "princess panties" to match her "princess night gown" I mean we are all about "princess" these days. So we made a huge deal about H's pretty princess panties. (oh note: We have princesses aka Cinderella and Angelina the ballerina and we also have Barbie who is a princess, basically any girl that dances is referred to a "princess" in our home)
H loved having her princess panties on. I mean she was BIG TIME.

So, one night H picked  these panties for bedtime:

 

Well Mother of the year award, says "Don't potty on Princess" I noticed H gave me a confused look but I brushed it off. Well that night she fought and fought going to bed. Then she woke up screaming and trying to pull her panties off. It really didn't click until days later when she saw these panties in the laundry basket and she said " Don't potty on Princess, She's mean"

 

oh boy.

 

So then we had to have a talk about how there are only nice princess, she just doesn't want to be pottied on.

 

I am in a training nightmare

True Hollywood story

Nightmare

I can't get it together.

I have 25 days until LR half marathon.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?

I blame it on the weather, shark week, my horrible play list, wardrobe malfunction, you name it I used it as an excuse.

Let's just take yesterday for example. Monday new day, forget about my 2 horrible weekend runs. I get home change, EAT: nachos, spaghetti 4 donut holes and then proceeded to down a lemonade which may or may not of had vodka in it. (hint: it did) I was in fat kid heaven. Mid drink I talked myself out of running. After my food settled I was sitting around in my running clothes and figured what the heck get on that dreadmill. So I did. I pumped that sucker up to 8.5 and ran and ran and stopped at 2 miles.

TWO MILES.Really Amie? Two miles.

I've come to the conclusion that the treadmill is false advertisement. I can run fast but I can't run far on that dumb thing. Last time I check I have to run 13.1 miles and not 2.

So, with that being said, my treadmill training days are over. I will be running outside rain or shine. Well minus the rain. duh I'm black. I'm just going to suck it up and DO IT. just like Nike says to do. I need to find my mojo. As in M needs to book us a beach trip so I get motivated to run. I digress

I have a race in March and April coming up(and possible June). It's time to get serious.

Has anyone ran Hospital Hill Run? I'm 98.5% sure I've talked Marcia to run with me. I'm have another victim in mind, who happens to live in KC, so I feel like she should join in on all the pain fun. Samantha...

Here's to unplugging that damn treadmill! Here's to running like a real runner! Here's to no more vodka lemonades (damn) Here's to getting my mojo back! Here's to a beach vacation (a girl can dream)!

MLK

Happy MLK/Inauguration day!!

How shall I spend my day? hmmm? How about on the couch with a cup of wine, running errands, cleaning hanging with my girl.

I almost sent her to the sitter, then Mommy guilt set in. It's would be different if I had something to do but I don't. Plus there is something about being here alone that is starting to freak  with my imagination. Note to self: STOP WATCHING ID CHANNEL.

So today H and I will be celebration MLK and NOT watching the inauguration by oh I don't know...shopping, lunch, and ice cream. Then when she's all jacked up on sugar we'll head over to dance class tonight.

Yesterday, M and I actually went out ALONE for lunch, drinks and a movie. We tried this new restaurant called Local Lime The margarita's and the guacamole was to DIE for. nom nom. Then we went and saw: Dark Thirty Zero or whatever the hell it's called. M's pick not mine.

It was just ok in my book.

So my lovely husband thought he should move my treadmill in the house from the garage...that was  7 days ago.

Well, the dang thing wouldn't fit through the bedroom door.
So M started taking it apart. Piece by Piece

 GASP, I instantly started hyperventilating but I couldn't let M see the doubt in my eyes as he started taking my treadmill apart.

I just kept saying, "let's just leave in the garage", "it's ok, I sort of love it in the garage" When I wanted to yell "STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE!" "Put that wrench down and put my treadmill back together and put it BACK in the garage"

Taking a girl's treadmill apart when she is training is grounds for separation.

So now my treadmill is back in the garage...in 2 pieces... I swear if that thing isn't put back together. M's toothbrush will be dipped in the toilet.

God love 'em

Monday Musings

I've been waiting a month of Monday's to steal this title from Marty (did anyone else know this is her nickname?) But I didn't have anything to ramble about. and apparently I still don't. womp womp

We've been sick in the Lassen house. Puke, snot, coughing, germs the whole nine yards. Its been a real treat.
Now that I have Lysol the house, open some window's thank you Friday 70 degree weather
We are well and back to our regular scheduled program.

Sick means no running, which means I was all Shaniqua these last few days.

Whose idea was it to run the LR Marathon in March? Training in the winter BLOWS. I did put my big girl panties on and went for a run with M last night. It was FREEZING. I ran just shy of 4.5 miles. I couldn't feel my legs or any part of my face. More importantly I ran out of places to wipe my forever runny nose.  So I took my snot nose self home.(TMI?)

So, I'm loving all the new trash T.V shows: Shameless, Girls, Deception and my new all time fave Vanderpump Rules Don't judge


and just because she's so dang cute and growing too dang fast... I leave you with my pride and joy!



sing it girl! We like to say "she's making a joyful noise unto the Lord" She can't help that she can't carry a tune in a bucket. She gets that from me!

 

 

Oh side adorable convo: Me to H "Where is MaMaw?" H: "With Chese-us" a.k.a Jesus

Love me some her.

Turkey Trot 2012

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.

 

Seriously Thanksgiving? Where does the time go?

 

Before I gorged myself in Thanksgiving Yummies. I got my ass up and ran a 10k with Marcia

 

When I was on my “I can’t stop signing up for runs” high. I convinced myself that I needed to be like the other 1,000 people in Webster Groves, Mo and run a 10k on Thanksgiving. I'm so glad I did.

 

I got up around 5am and quietly rumbled through all of my 3 suitcases for my running gear. I so should have laid everything out the night before but I was too busy chatting it up with my family. (I LOVE being in STL) Even though I slacked on my weekly runs, I ran on Tuesday but only a light run. I was still nursing my hip. I felt pretty good about my run.

 

 

After I searched around for my outfit. I ate a lunar bar and drank some water. I’m still working on my pre-run nutrition. I’m just not that hungry before runs. PLUS I don’t want  be running and end up having a moment. “YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT”S GOING TO HIT YA”  What? TMI?

 

So anyways, I headed down to pick up my bestie Marcia. Who has recently declared her independence and moved to a new place on her own. So I wanted to get there with plenty of time to snoop look around her place. Which is ADORABLE! Totally sex in the city Webster Grove's style.

 

We headed to downtown Webster. Chatting the entire way like high school girls.

It was pretty dang cold outside. I totally was not prepared for the artic.

 

Marcia looked adorable in her XL-T-shirt made into a Pocahontas costume.

 

 

 

It was adorable. I however can’t follow directions and JACKED my costume up. I think the words were “I look like I’ve been attached by Edward scissor hands"

 

 

 HORRIBLE.

I was able to borrow an old costume from a co-worker but It ended up not working.

 

So I stuck with just the headband. We did get plenty of “you guys look adorable” comments.

 

After our trips to the nasty port-a potties we headed for the start line. We had planned on running together. But she gave me energy gels and I swear it was like crack. I took off. Then I looked to myself and didn’t see Marcia so I slowed my roll and found her. Then I looked back and she was gone again. I looked back again and she gave me a little “it’s ok” and I kept running. I thought maybe I’d look at my pace and I was at 8:23. WHAT?! Say HUH? What were in those things? SO then it turned into a personal goal. Stay under 9minutes. (sorry Marcia, I’ve got problems) And I did. I ran my little heart out. It did help that my hip was in check and by in check I mean I could run like I was 31 (ouch that hurt to write) and not 81.

 

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Webster groves. It’s such a small friendly community. You should have seen the crowd that was out there cheering people on. One kid even had donuts. (which I seriously considered stopping and shoving the entire plate down my throat) oh, and the scenery was beautiful too.

 

All in all it was a nice run. I PR’d! 53 minutes! I’ll take it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I absolutely cannot wait to get to Memphis Saturday and drink it up with my girls on Beale Street- I mean run my half marathon

I ran 10 miles today

I think I've lost my mind. I should have stuck to the plan.

 

This past week I did really well with my training.

I ran every day and I didn't drink one drop of alcohol.

ok that's a lie.

I drank alcohol just a little tiny bit...

ok that's a lie too i drank it almost everyday

 BUT in moderation everything is ok... right?

I swear I'm not an alcoholic

I have a drink at night for every one's safety  I mean to calm my nerves I do it because it taste good.

So with that being said I drank this week. BUT I also ran everyday.

Friday was rest day, which worked out because we had plans Friday evening. I normally run on Friday because I usually skip at least one run during the week and I use Friday to make it up. BUT not this week. Girlfriend was on it. Ran everyday like a dedicated runner.

Saturday I got up early to run before we headed to the razorback game. It was a good plan in my head until I stepped outside. It was a tad bit nippy. Too cold for my bones. I had 4 shirts on and a hoodie to cover my ears (note to self buy a cute head band that covers my ears).

 

 I looked like WHO DONE IT.

 

I'm sure the neighbors thought I was about to rob somebody.

I tried to fight through it...I mean really tried.

I kept telling myself that the half was in December which meant cold temperatures.

So I ran...and I ran...and the cold air felt like needles on my face...I looked down at the garmin and read 1.82.

SHOOT ME PLEASE!

I was like...eh...good enough and walked my happy ass home.

 

 FAIL.

So I was suppose to run 7 miles Saturday and 3 miles Sunday. The wheels started turning. Why not combine those miles and just pound the pavement.

 

Hi my name is amie and I know my long runs are usually around 6 miles but today I've lost my mind

Today after church and the pumpkin patch, I was ready and somewhat eager to run. I had done so well this week. Why stop now. So with that in mind I said I was running 10 miles today.

The weather was perfect as in too cold for snakes, I just made a new play list.. list it was a runners dream.

Miles 1-8 were beautiful.

I managed to get myself lost in a near by neighborhood with hills.  Which surprisingly were not terrible.

Miles 8-10. I was contemplating suicide. 

 

around mile 8 this kid was out raking leaves. Well I didn't see him and he scared the holy day lights out of me. Like I screamed out loud like he was chasing me with a chainsaw. When I jumped I somehow twisted my knee. (apparently 31 is the new 85...seriously I'm getting old) but I kept pushing and pushing...KEEP RUNNING.

I started my pace really slow. Probably slower than I should. I really felt like I could have ran 13.1 today if it wasn't for my knee. The last half mile...was horrible. But I finished it.

 

I came home and tried to take an Ice bath...minus the ice... I lasted only a few minutes...I really hope I can walk tomorrow.

Today's Motivation

Before I bore talk about my run...can I just say.....

GO CARDINALS!!!!!!

Amazeballs!!!

I have to be honest I watched the first half like a true fan. I mean no iPhone and laptop. Mike and I watched it and drank beer (whoops on the beer part) It was a nice indoor date night. Then the score went to 0-7. I couldn't handle it. And we were out of beer. So I dozed off just a little tiny bit on the couch.

I heard...YEAH BUDDY!! and Mike was up and moving. SO I get up and go to bed. At this point it was 11pm. H was having a break down and I was beyond tired...and we were out of beer (damn you dry county) I was deep into my DVR watching TEEN MOM: Amber behind bars (wow...sad..I know) When Mike " my almost 40yr old husband" comes SKIPPING into the bedroom cheering...I could not stop laughing...Then I hear him in the living room... YEAH...Mutha F**kers!"

I died...in tears laughing...

NOTE TO SELF: Get BEER skinny girl COSMO for tomorrows game.

So, I get my lazy butt out of bed this morning totally dreading my run. I just wanted it over. I had to run..I've been shackalacking. PLUS my bestie Marcia texts me last night (as I was mid motion of guzzling beer...she always knows when I'm skipping a run...How does she do that?) so she texts me her time on her awesome run for the day. That girl is killing it. She has come a far way in such a little time.

So I get my happy ass on the treadmill. Instantly I start with the excuses.. my shorts are riding, my ankle hurts...get off and stretch more...what time is it...open the garage door it's too hot.. are there snakes coming in the garage...is Freddy Kruger roaming the streets of Benton...I'd rather be shopping...it that rain..is my hair getting wet..when is mom going to be here...maybe I should call her...how long have I ran so far (.25) .25 that's it? F***. Stay focused Amie

So I tell my mind to shut up and just run...

run...don't look at the time...run...you're strong....You want a beer now? I bet you stop drinking beer don't you...RUN..

 

OK run faster...

 

I want to stop, I want to stop...then Shoop comes on..and I sing...loud and with the recommendations of Marcia I start using hand motions... I realize all the people coming to the neighbors yard sale are looking at me dancing in my garage on the dreadmill..oh well...

 

I'm sure if Freddy Kruger was rooming the streets of Benton...he would pass me by..

 

Finally done: 6 miles 49:34

 

Now get off this DREADMILL and go shopping! Today's MOTIVATION

So I got off the crazy train...

That was a fast uneventful train ride. What was I smoking trying to run all those miles.? It's good to have goals. 

I made myself a more rasonable monthly running goal.

I'm glad that train ride is over.

The new running/training plan is COUCH-TO-13.1

It's a little more my style. Of course I had to tweak it a bit. Monday's are "Cross Train" days. That's probably not going to happen. Monday is the busiest day of the week. I've changed Monday's to "REST" day.

Today I ran 3.02 miles 27:16 PACE 9:02.

It was the first time in a long time that I ran with no music.

I only ran fast because it was getting dark...and I am dying to finish the last two episodes of Season Once of Homeland.

Tuesday Run

I don't know what it is about Tuesdays... but Tuesdays are my best running day.

 

 Maybe it's because Sunday's & Monday's are my rest days.

 

 Maybe it's because there is no alcohol in my system.

 

Maybe it's because after 2 days of no running I feel like a total bum and MAKE myself run like a boss.

 

Whatever the case I killed it today.

 

I do have to say it helped having my dad riding his bike by my side with Hannah. It kept my mind occupied.

 

6.16 Miles

57:40 Time

667 Calories

9:22 Pace

 

 

BOOM!!

 

and I got a bug in my eye and I kept running...and my IPOD died about 4 miles in..