Let's Talk Fashion

One more long run before the big day! I hope to make it 9 miles this weekend and then taper down to 6 next weekend, the final weekend before race day. Here is the outfit I have decided on for race day.
No, I'm not this skinny in it, but a girl can dream, can't she? I'm making sure to wear this on my weekend long runs to get used to it and make sure it's comfortable with minimal chaffing...some people make the mistake of buying a brand new outfit just for race day but I've seen what that can do to people and it ain't pretty.

I've got my white running cap to block out the sun and my pink Oakley's my husband got for me for my birthday last year. The capris are tight but I prefer that over loose shorts so nothing is rubbing where it shouldn't be. And, as for the pink shirt, I know it doesn't fit in the whole running4landon color scheme, but I couldn't find anything blue and yellow that was cute, my size, and appropriate for running. So, I settled on the bright pink, a complete contrast to the color of asphalt so that if I end up face down on the pavement, I'll be easy to spot.

I'll also be loaded down with my ipod, possibly gloves and ear cover (determined by weather), a hydration belt, a knee brace, a sports bra, special UnderArmour underwear (that have a tendency to give a wedgie on the right side only), and of course my trusty shoes and socks. Wait a second...is it me or does all this seem like a lot of crap to lug around 13.1 miles?.....

So if you dare come out that day, look for the bright pink shirt (my face will also be a similar shade of fuchsia). Happy New Year everybody!

8 Miles

Yesterday I ran 8 miles. The run itself went great. It's the aftermath that leaves me wondering why people do this to themselves.

Miles 1-4 yesterday went better than ever. The weather was perfect and I felt strong. At around mile 5 is when I started to feel fatigued. I really feel it in the hips and pelvis area more than anywhere else. I never actually started to breathe hard which meant I had a good handle on my breathing...I tried to keep my breaths slow, steady and shallow and even when I was done with 8, I still had never started breathing hard. I sure wish my body would catch up to my lungs. The body becomes so fatigued...all the muscles scream out in pain but I just kept pressing forward. I really had to push it miles 6-8 but the run surprisingly went by very quickly and before I knew it I was done!

Easy, right? Wrong! All day yesterday, I was completely out of commission. I couldn't move my legs and thought my hip was going to burst (time for my final cortisone shot...hooray!). I had to lay down all afternoon, then ended up falling asleep at 8:30 pm and I just woke up at 8:00 am this morning. I'm still amazed at just how much this takes out of me...it's completely draining, completely exhausting and I would by lying if I said I weren't ready for it to be over.

Now I have one more long run left and then the day will be here. Please keep me in your prayers!!!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas!

This week has been a whirlwind of fun and exciting things. I try to keep myself focused on these things to keep my mind off the fact that the half marathon is only 22 days away! I'm starting to panic and anxiety attacks are just around the corner.

Back to the fun stuff, it all started just a few days ago with my grandparents' 60th wedding anniversary. We celebrated, we ate, we drank, we laughed. It's hard to tell someone just how much their commitment to each other means to all of us. Without their union, our whole family wouldn't exist so to say we owe them a lot would be the understatement of the century.

December 23, 1949

December 23, 2009

How blessed! We love you Mama and Papa!

Next it was on to Christmas! This was my first Christmas with Landon (I missed his first one last year since we were out of town) so it gave me so much joy to see him open presents and enjoy this special holiday. He ran around in his Christmas pj's and his little hands worked so hard tearing paper and trying to pull off ribbons. He is such a total cutie!
It was such a wonderful day! I love my family so much and value all the time we spend together--another thing my words cannot fully express. I thank them for their giving hearts and endless love, not just at Christmas, but all the time...I am so, so lucky.

And now, this brings us to today and I find myself switching gears to another important day...my husband's birthday! Again, I'm at a loss for words to describe how lucky I am to have Scott as my husband and best friend. For five long years, I had a crush on this guy and dreamed about us one day being married...I had no idea God would actually let that come true for me and let me live my dream. So to my wonderful, loving husband, I wish you a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I love you so very much!
For now, it's time to celebrate but tomorrow will be back to training. I'm attempting 8 miles tomorrow but have been feeling another calf issue so I have no idea how far I'll get. I'm to the point now where I know if I can get to the start line without an injury, I could finish (slowly, but I could finish). We are 22 days out and I'm trying so hard not to be klutzy Laura-- running into doorways, jamming toes, tripping, etc., etc. It's really difficult but I'm in the home stretch and just trying to make it there!

7 Miles

Today, I conquered 7 miles. It was tough but not brutal which is good because this is only a little over halfway to 13.1. I think on race day, I am going to be completely spent when this is over. Right now, it's hard to walk and everything from the waist down puts a new meaning to the word "fatigued." Nothing is in pain, which is great and makes me ecstatic but I've never felt these levels of exhaustion before.

If/when I cross the finish, I will need help walking. I might vomit (today came close). I will need help getting back to the hotel, taking a shower, getting stuff downstairs, and packing up the car. It's going to be difficult, and I think that is an understatement.

The great news is that I know I can make it to 7 by getting through this run today. And now I'm going to go enjoy the fruits of my labor: A Cheddar's grilled chicken salad (my wonderful husband has lovingly gone to pick it up for me). And before you say "Oh, Laura, how healthy of you!," I must also add that there's a side of chips and queso with that salad. This will be the laziest afternoon I've had in quite a while.

T SHIRTS ARE HERE!

Want to be in on all the running4landon fun? Want to be as cute as everyone who already has one? Well, NOW'S YOUR CHANCE! Running4Landon t-shirts are here and they're only $10 each so get 'em while they're hot! They make GREAT stocking stuffers and will promote the cause without you having to say a word! Contact me at laura@running4landon.com if you're interested! Who can resist the adorable picture of Landon on the front with the humorous phrase, "She's no runner...but she's running for me!" The front also has running shoe footprints going across the shirt and the back has our website. Hurry, supplies are limited!

Now, onto other exciting news. I finished my SECOND 6-mile run this morning. I was able to run everything up to mile marker 5.6 because I thought I felt a tweak in my calf and I didn't want to chance it. So at the first sign of anything abnormal, I immediately stopped jogging, started walking, and finished the other .4 miles to complete 6. This one was MUCH easier than the first 6 miler last weekend, but I guess it will be a short-lived celebration because next weekend will be my attempt at seven miles! Yipes!

Diet-wise, well, it's the holidays and I don't have a lot of self-control. One special event this past week had me happily throw my diet rules out the window because my best friend graduated law school and we celebrated at a Brazilian restaurant afterward! First and foremost, congratulations Jenni! The graduation was at the amazing First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth:

Jen graciously agreed to be a part of Team Landon and run the half-marathon as well, so she's been going through the whole training process while in law school! How amazing!!

Strip

What a great week! Work has finally slowed down, workouts have been great, I'm injury free, and Christmas is almost here...hooray!

Yesterday I did a very comfortable 4 miler faster than I have ever done and had no soreness or pain. I think 4 miles is becoming my new comfort distance. This weekend I'll either do 6 or 7 with some walking mixed in. I've got to increase fast...we only have about a month left!!

I've still maintained my weight at the 35 lb. mark and finally had to break down and buy a new bra. Apparently clothes aren't the only thing you have to buy when you lose weight. I used to dread bra shopping. Going to Victoria's Secret, not having a clue what size I actually was, and then having to see larger-than-life posters of VS models up on the walls everywhere was not the best experience. But this time was better, thanks to the dressing room. I actually got fitted which I highly recommend to all you ladies out there because the bra I had on at the time was 2 sizes too big!

Now, back to the dressing room. If you any of you have any connections to VS, let me know because next time they remodel their stores, I must get my hands on one of the dressing room mirrors! Who wouldn't want a floor to ceiling framed mirror, propped up on the floor and backlit with flattering lighting and donning a pink, neon sign on top that spells out STRIP???

Now I know this sounds tacky but next time you're at the mall, swing in there and check out what I'm saying. The light is flattering. The angle of the mirror makes you look skinny. Runway music is blasting. And there's a pink neon sign that makes you feel anything but self-conscious.

So after help from the nice lady and being wooed by the dressing room, I think I walked out with three news bras (one of those is Heidi Klum's favorite so I had to have it of course). The moral of the story is: go out and buy something nice for yourself that makes you feel good about yourself. Whether it's a bra or a mirror with a giant neon sign on top (which is totally on my Christmas list now).

And who knows, maybe I'll grace the runway at the VS fashion show next year. Heidi. Giselle. Alessandra. Laura.

Ha!

RETRACTION!!

Sorry folks! I don't know if anyone caught the last post but after reading it a day later, I just realized it TOTALLY did not turn out the way I intended!! There were some phrases in there that, well, let's just say I meant one thing but they sounded like another.

I will paraphrase for those of you that missed it. And for those of you that didn't miss it...my sincere apologies.

---Paraphrase of Yesterdays' Post---
I completed a 6 mile run. I ran the whole thing. It was very difficult and today I am very sore. I reached a milestone. Hooray!

Time to Buckle Down

We are reaching the final 6 weeks until the half, and now it's crunch time! To my friends and family...please don't be offended these next several weeks if you ask me if I want to do something fun and I decline. I've been semi-serious for the last 9 months but now I have to get super-duper serious. I have two days a week that I will not be training, so if you do want to do something fun with me, perhaps we can work it in those two days.

Okay, that's tacky, you all know I always have time for you! But seriously, please try to take pity on me until January 17th. If you see me, you could offer me a neck/shoulder rub or a foot massage. I'm just saying...

Just finished a 4.5 miler and it was great! People driving by slowed down to do double takes of me in my shorts and short-sleeve shirt in 30 degree temperatures. I'm all about keeping the extremities warm so I did have gloves and ear cover on. Tomorrow I'm scheduled for 6 miles. I have never seen 6 miles. These runs always frighten me. If I can finish it, I will have completed almost half of a half marathon.

Holy schnikees.

Giving Thanks

Happy belated turkey day! Hope you all had a great one! I am still trying to grasp the fact that tomorrow marks the first day of December! I really need everything to slow down a little, but time...that funny creature...is going to continue to tick tock away!

I spent Thanksgiving day at work (bleh) while one of the things I am most thankful for, my family, was patient and kind enough to postpone our celebration until the day after Thanksgiving. And when it finally did roll around, it was glorious. Time spent with everyone, the smells of a home cooked feast, football on in the background...everything Thanksgiving should be and more.

I gained two pounds. I ran 5 miles to burn it off. My calf didn't hurt. I was thankful for that alone.

It was also a special day because I got to spend it with my buddy Landon. Until now, I haven't been 100 percent convinced that he knows who I am or that we are related. But this day, we played on the floor for what seemed like hours. He was totally immersed in what we were doing and I was surprised he seemed to like me. He laughed, he squealed, we played chase. I love his sense of wonder and curiosity. It was like we were in our own little world and I loved watching him study every toy and every movement we made. You could actually see him learning as we played with shapes and colors. Amazing.

Look at that face so focused...I wish I could read his mind!

Thank you to my wonderful family for the willingness to celebrate such a special day a day late! I know it's not the same but I love all of you for doing it for me. And to me, it felt just like Thanksgiving, no matter what day it was!

Yeesh

Yes, yeesh. After that 5-miler on Monday, the pain definitely creeped back into my lower calf and I once again had to say off it all week. This time I'm going to let it heal completely, I promise! In the meantime I have been cycling like a mad-woman at the gym. I did a really rigorous 40-minute cycle yesterday and my legs felt like jello, which is always a good sign. I guess cycling doesn't work the calves too hard because it didn't bother me one bit. I've been keeping it wrapped, iced and elevated and now I just wait until I can get back out there again (hopefully this week). I plan on doing some indoor swimming this week and I'm really excited about that! I haven't trained in a pool since my triathlon-training days a year and a half ago!

You may be thinking I am sounding awfully calm about this whole thing and I've come to the sort of calm place before the storm. Right now I feel like I could do 13 miles (slowly of course). Granted, it would be really tough but I think I'm in the kind of shape now where I could finish if I absolutely had to. After these 5 mile runs, I have felt like I could do much more if it weren't for the little injuries that crop up. The plan on race day is to ignore these injuries when they crop up and continue on to the finish line. I usually stop when I feel the slightest twinge of anything but I'm sure I could press on to finish and just have to suck up the damage I'm going to do 24 hours after the race is over. Exciting, huh?!

Some more exciting news...I've reached my 35 lb. weight loss mark and am 2 lbs. away from my original goal! I think I'm changing that goal though, because even if I lost 2 more lbs. I would still look and feel overweight. So I'm thinking of trying to drop another 20 but we'll see how that goes. Right now I'm excited because I got rid of all my fat clothes this weekend and am pulling out stuff from college which was 4 sizes smaller than what I was wearing before all this started! Hooray! It feels so great to get back into my Banana Republic pants...I've missed you!!!

No, this isn't me modeling the pants, but they are so fabulous, they deserve a shout out!

I'm Back! Hopefully...

Just finished 5 miles and am typing this in between breaths and stretching. I felt like I finally returned to where I was before that annoying little calf injury. This run was awesome! I tried to let my calf heal for the last week and wrapped it up good and tight tonight. It's currently being iced so I can't feel anything but here's to hoping no pain returns in the morning!

Fingers crossed!!

Lessons Learned

2 months left until the half-marathon. Many lessons have been learned and I learned a very important one this week: Never purchase the official half-marathon merchandise until you actually complete the half-marathon.

This past week started off not-so-great. I did my usual Tuesday evening run (3.5 miles) and it went horribly wrong. It was hot and muggy out, my food hadn't digested well enough so I got the horrible side cramp, I wasn't hydrated, and all these things combined contributed in some capacity to a strained calf muscle. Little things like this are starting to pop up more often, probably because I'm taking my body to a whole new realm its never seen before. And it's making me panic. I had to stay off the leg for a couple of days and went out and did an easy 2-miler on Friday thinking it was all better. It wasn't and now I've got to stay off it another couple of days to get it healed properly. In my mind, all I can think is, I don't have time for this! I've really got to keep consistent and on track with my training and I've allotted a little wiggle room, but that is running out quickly!

And just as a little icing on the cake....mmmmmm, cake....I received a package in the mail yesterday and I turned into Debbie Downer immediately upon opening it. You see, back in July when I registered for the half, I was given the option at check-out to pre-purchase the official merchandise since they usually sell out quickly. Well I just HAD to have the beautiful blue fleece jacket with the official half-marathon logo on it! And this was soooo NOT the week they should have shipped it to me! To have the doubts of not finishing set in and then receive the half-marathon jacket in the mail made me depressed to say the least. I don't even have the heart to try it on because to wear it, I should earn it...and I am far from that now.

All week I've been in panic mode, wondering if I will even make it to the start line...they say getting to the start line on race day is half the battle and just accomplishing that is a feat in itself. Now I understand this statement with complete clarity. I just need to get there. If I can get to race day injury free, I'll do anything to cross the finish line. But I can't start a race with a pulled muscle or anything of the sorts.

So please pray for me and pray hard. I have so many reasons to finish and now I have another...I really want to wear the jacket:

Hurts So Good...

Yes, this is the actual needle that penetrated my skin, went into my hip and injected my inflamed bursa with the magical stuff I call Cortisone. Sure, the Good Doc and Good Nurse thought I was a complete weirdo for asking if I could take a picture of this ginormous needle but after telling them about my blog, they were happy to oblige. The Good Nurse even held it against the light wall so the metallic luster of the needle would really show well. They are so good to me there.

I had looked forward to this moment for the last 2 weeks. I could tell the benefits of the first shot were wearing off and I could not wait to get the relief this one would be providing. There's just one catch...and one that I had forgotten about: The pain.

I was cheerfully yapping to the Good Doc and Nurse about my training progress and how I could not believe I had done five miles. As I began to lay down on my left side I happily went on about why I was wearing knee high, bright red reindeer Christmas socks (I'm sure they also found me a complete weirdo for that one but they're the only ones that go up high enough with my knee high boots so I have to wear them).

Before I knew it, the Good Nurse yanked my pants down on the right side and covered me with one of those paper sterile cloths. Hmmm, I don't remember this part, I remember thinking. I also didn't recall the sterile wipes cause I don't recall there being any blood last time.

So I'm caught mid-sentence by the Good Doctor saying, "Small stick," after which I felt a small stick. And just as I was thinking, Oh, that was just a small little stick, I then felt the needle slide through my bursa sack and begin to fill it with the medication that's supposed to hurt worse before it gives any relief. If I had to describe it, I'd say it felt like sticking a needle into a water balloon. Only the water balloon is an irritated, inflamed, angry balloon from which all leg pain radiates from that single, pinpoint area. And then one finds that exact, bruised, irritated area and jams a sharp needle into it.

The pain radiated all throughout my hip, thigh, leg, and butt. There was blood. It's like I wanted to punch the Good Doctor in the face but I also wanted to hug him cause I knew it was going to feel SO good later. All I could do was squeeze my eyes closed, make a fist, and bang it down next to me on the padded table. I had to lay there and take it until he was done moving it around inside my hip to cover all the areas. This was Friday and I spent the rest of the night Friday and all day Saturday limping around the house with strict instructions to take it easy.

Today (Sunday) I got back on schedule and got to the gym for a 40-minute cycle workout. This put absolutely no stress on the hip so it was perfect for getting in my cardio and my mandatory cross-training. I'm feeling much better today but will still be taking my anti-inflammatory meds before my runs this week.

More to come later! Hope I didn't gross you guys out too much!

YANKEES WIN!

O happy day, the Yanks win the World Series!!!

Just had to say it.

Channeling NYC

Another Halloween has come and gone...Around our house, Thanksgiving colors replace the glitter skulls and other morose things I consider "fun" Halloween decor. This weekend was not just filled with ghosts and goblins. It was not just about the Aggies whipping some tail at Kyle Field (thank goodness). It was also about me. Jogging 5 miles. The entire thing without stopping to walk.

---angels sing here---

Yeah, I don't know how it happened. I awoke at 5:30 a.m. Sunday morning and was refreshed by my early bedtime the night before and the extra hour of sleep (thank you, Mr. Daylight Savings man!). I checked the temperature outside: 47 degrees. Naturally, I put on my spandex shorts and a short sleeve running t-shirt. I chose to forgo the jacket and it's a good thing because after about 2 minutes I would have taken it off anyway.

Miles 1 and 2 are always the most difficult but at the end of mile two, I suddenly remembered something: today was the New York City Marathon. Then it hit me as I glanced at my watch: they are running right now just like me.

Now most of you might be saying, "Yeah, I don't give a flying flip about New York," but there's just something about that city that I love. I first went to the Big Apple at age 15 and instantly felt at home. It's a city of magic, a city of fun, a city of love--all the things that captivate me and my hopeless romantic imagination...I forever am indebted to it--it will always be the city that brought my husband and me together.

As I'm running I'm thinking about all of these things and started to imagine what it was like to be there..running in the mecca of all marathons. I kind of pretended I was there. The air was cold, just like I knew it was in New York. Instead of still houses and lifeless streets where I was running, I imagined Central Park with people cheering me on to the finish.

We all know good and well I will never complete a marathon (and for good reason) but that one simple visualization kept me going, foot in front of foot until...Shazaam! 5 miles done and I wasn't even out of breath! The hip is another story but I don't want to ruin a good thing here so we'll just forget about that for now.

Never in a million years did I think I'd be able to run 5 miles. And as I walked into my house to stretch when it was over I walked in the door and had to smile at what I saw:
The New York City skyline framed by an autumn branch in our living room. Hey, I may never run the NYC Marathon, but these little goals make me feel just as good as crossing that finish line in Central Park. I challenge you to set a goal for yourself and work hard to reach it...nothing is impossible!

Happy Halloween!

Okay, so I'm a day early, but due to the fact that Aggie football does not rest on holidays and requires me to work said days, I must jump the gun and post early. So just pretend it's Halloween, if you will.

My first 5-mile workout will be this weekend so I'm a little nervous. This is a very, very long way for me. I probably won't run the whole thing but I think I can finish with some walking and a water bottle strapped around my waist (I tend to suck down fluids like a camel).

And, while I have managed to stay away from all the tempting Halloween candy, I have not managed to stay away from all the last-minute Halloween deals. Take this for example...I have no interest in voodoo, sorcery or ghosts but I could not for the life of me turn down this sparkly glitter skull from Pottery Barn (it's sparklier in person):

I do love all things Halloween. And I do love my Landon. And Landon loves his sock monkey:

So wouldn't it be natural for him to dress up like one for Halloween?

And run around collecting all the candy he can get his little fingers on (hey buddy, please don't offer any to Aunt Laura, okay? It'll go straight to my hiney!)Oh, and Landon...Halloween is such a magical time with memories that will stay with you, even when you are all grown up. Always let a little piece of you be the kid in the sock monkey outfit.

The End

The Training Schedule

Good morning! I just finished my second 4-mile jaunt and am proud to say I ran the whole thing. I think from my blog posts, my training seems pretty random and sporadic so if you want to see my exact training schedule you can click here. I'm already on week 2!

This looks like a grueling training schedule...it's got me doing something 5-6 days out of the week but I kind of loosely interpret this since I know I'm not going to be a distance runner anytime soon. The four miles this morning has left me a little sore and a little spent. I was aware of my hip the whole time but tried to ignore it and push on. I go back in a week and a half for another cortisone shot into the bursa sack (gosh, that sounds so fun!). After my follow up appointment with the doc this past week, we've decided I will have two more shots to get me through training and race day and oddly enough, I'm looking forward to them because of the instant relief they bring! Hooray for steroids!

It's been a wonderful weekend so far...great family time yesterday (happy belated birthday, Dad!), wonderful weather and a photo shoot of a certain someone in his Halloween Costume...Now, I don't want to give away the full details until my special, spooky Halloween day post, but...is that?...could it be?...yes...that's a runaway sock monkey I see!

Mwa ah ah! Happy almost Halloween!!!

Picture Perfect

What an amazing weekend! Notice it's Monday as I say this. That's because I had today off and it was fabulous!

Saturday I did an easy three miles (when did running 3 miles become easy?!) and then got to meet my wonderful friend Meghan for a ritual that is to go untouched for the rest of time...eating at Cheddar's. Meghan lives far, far away in the land of Tennessee but still visits Texas and I snatch her up when I hear she is coming this way. We always go to Cheddar's (don't ask me why but I'm sure it has something to do with the queso), and we stay there chatting for hours until the waitress gives us the evil eye and we are forced to relinquish our booth. She is the best...so encouraging, hilarious, smart, and not to mention a very faithful reader of my blog...so here's your shout out, Meg!! I miss you girl and I will be dreaming of our queso until we meet again!

Sunday brought another fun day. Scott and I drove to Austin with gorgeous weather all around us and did an outdoor photo shoot with 11 little kids. That's right, I said ELEVEN! Now, I've done shoots with small children before but this was totally new for me...and well worth the experience! My cousin Jessica and her hubby Keri have two cutie-pie little girls, Avery and Grace. They have tons of cutie-pie neighborhood friends that have grown together through the years and I had the pleasure of shooting their yearly group photo:
To make things even more exciting, these beautiful moms all pitched in and made a generous donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation which I will be posting through running4landon.com soon! Thank you all so very much for your support!

We had a few tears yesterday but nothing a few red balloons couldn't cure...

Ahhhhh, the magic of childhood!!

Before and Almost-After

So what does 30 pounds look like? Yeesh, I can't believe I'm about to post the most heinous picture EVER of me that exists but for documentation purposes, I really need to get it in my head what a difference 30 pounds can make...

October 2009

About 20 more lbs. to go before I reach my goal! I wonder if I'll ever be self-confident enough to dance around in my underwear like this handsome young fellow. I sure hope so!

Huh??!!!!???!!!

Today is a milestone.
I don't know if it was the temperature outside, the light rain/drizzle falling from the sky or the music from my ipod. I don't know how it happened but somehow, today, I ran 4.2 miles straight without slowing down or walking. And it seemed easy. That's 1/3 of the half-marathon and I am bewildered.

A lot had to do with the fact that I look 3 Advil one hour before jogging to nix the hip pain. Probably not the best thing for me but I've got to wing it until January and it works. Nonetheless, I started out just like any other workout before. The neighborhood was quiet and no one was out due to the cold and the rain. Mile 1 went by really fast and before I knew it, I was at the end of Mile 2 and wondering why I wasn't out of breath or ready to stop like I usually am. My goal had been 3 miles but about halfway through 3, I realized I still wasn't tired or out of breath so I continued on. Okay, we'll go for four and see what happens. Mile 4 came and went and I looked at my watch: 54:33. Had I really run for almost an hour and I'm not out of breath?? What on earth is going on?

Now, this is not the fastest time, but it's within the time limit for race day and I just didn't get what was happening. I had finished my 4 mile route and then I didn't know what to do (I hadn't planned for this scenario) so I jogged the rest of the way back to our house, still not breathing hard or ready to quit. A total of 4.2 miles. I strolled into the house, immediately got ice on my hip per the good doctor's recommendation and started my stretching routine. After that I just kind of sat there scratching my head trying to figure out what was going on. That's not supposed to be easy. Why was that easy?

It's hours later and I still don't have the answer but I'll take it with no complaints! I am grateful because today, for the first time since I started this endeavor in February, I feel like a runner. I haven't felt like a runner this whole time (and I may not ever again) but today I do and to say it felt wonderful doesn't begin to describe it! Guess we'll have to see what this week's workouts bring!

My Top 10

FINALLY! A great workout! Just got done with 3 miles...I'm slowly but surely working back up again. I can feel the hip but I wouldn't say I'm in pain...just kind of a nagging feeling but today I plowed through it, stretched like I was supposed to and am now enjoying some homemade guacamole with organic avocado, tomato, onion, hot sauce, lemon juice, and low-fat sour cream...yum!

And a quick shout-out to my mom, the birthday girl. Well, okay her birthday was last week but we just celebrated and she got a new ipod--I promise I will help you download some songs mom!
Here's my "top ten" on my ipod...some of these are part of the reason I stay motivated to run...music helps!

1. "I Gotta Feelin'" by The Black Eyed Peas (this song just makes me happy cause it's got a good, positive vibe)
2. "My Way" by Limp Bizkit (this is my nod to old school! Yes, it's older than dirt but I still want to bust out dancing in the street when it comes on)
3. "She Wolf" by Shakira (I really don't want to like this song. I am not a Shakira fan. Never have been. But something about this song gets my feet off the pavement)
4. "Ice Cream Paint Job" by Dorrough (just because somewhere, deep down inside of me, I am a rapper)
5. "Not Enough" by Our Lady Peace (one of my favorite songs of all time...this is good stuff)
6. "Violin Theme from Schindler's List" by Itzhak Pearlman (I saw him play this in person from about 20 feet away and have rarely been moved by music like I was then. Plus, it helps slow down my breathing)
7. "Good Girls Go Bad" by Cobra Starship (the lead singer of this now-popular band used to be in a smaller band that I adored in college. My friend Cas and I used to hang with them. And now he's uber-famous)
8. "Shake It" by Metro Station (well, because it makes me feel okay about things shakin' when I run)
9. "You are My Joy" by Reindeer Section (one of those little-known songs that no one's ever heard of but is just so great)
10. "Keeps Gettin' Better" by Christina Aguilera (because I really need to get better and better!)

Any suggestions? What do YOU think I should download to make these workouts a little more fun?

Can I Get an 'Amen'?

Another morning, another weigh in....
And I've finally reached 30 lbs.!!!!
That sounds like so much weight to me but I still don't feel like I look 30 lbs. lighter. Oh, well, I'll take it anyway. Now I get to make that massage appointment for the spa. Let me tell you people, if you need a good weight loss plan, go on the "for every ten pounds I lose, I get an hour massage at the spa" plan...it's worked wonders for me because the incentive of the massage alone is worth losing weight for!
I will have a dandy day with this exciting news....I hope all of you have one, too!

Back to the Gym

Honestly speaking, I haven't been to the gym in forever! I started more of a running program a couple of months ago and gave the wallet a break with the personal training (no offense Bergernator but personal training does get pricey). Now that my running program is temporarily on hold due to my little "setback" I've had to scramble to come up with something new to keep me in shape while I'm giving the leg a rest.

Last week proved to be a really rough week for me...all this news about my injury, work was crazy, I was super bummed and really considered switching over to the 5k race instead of the half. Don't worry, I didn't.

I had to work yesterday (Saturday) and was exhausted but I came home and my super sweet husband whisked me off to the movies...which is one of my favorite things to do so it really got my mind off things. On our way home I told him all of my frustrations, fears and doubts about all of this and he was so encouraging. When I told him I was scared I would have to walk the whole thing and they would shut down the course around me, he said, "Who cares? Let them...you'll walk on the sidewalk." When I told him I wouldn't make it under the time limit of four hours he said, "Who cares? You'll finish and that's all that matters." And when I told him I would come in dead last across the finish line he said, "Don't worry. I'll come back and and find you and we'll do it together."

I don't think he saw me cry (it was dark) but I did. Scott has always been there for me, cheering me on no matter how hard it is to believe in myself.
Which brings me back to today and a way more positive outlook on things. The first thing Scott and I decided to do was to get back to the gym and focus on everything I could do. I can cycle, I can do weights, I can row...I need to do all the things right now to keep my stamina up and not lose too much of what I've worked up to. We'll see what the week brings but today I did a 30-minute hard cycle and felt no pain in the hip which was awesome. It actually felt good to sweat!

Please continue to pray for me...you all have been so supportive and your thoughts, kind words and encouragement are what's keeping me going (not to mention a little retail therapy once in a while, too)! Thank you so very much! I love you all!!

The Good Doctor

Yesterday I went and saw the good doctor about my hip. He was awesome and specializes in sports medicine and knew exactly what he was talking about. After an x-ray, some poking, prodding, and stretching, he told me what I knew all along: Laura, you have hip bursitis. Actually, I blurted it out before he could and he was impressed with my self-diagnosis. Dang it, I should have gone to med school.

He proceeded to give me a pamphlet full of stretches that I will need to do to heal the area. In the meantime, I could take an anti-inflammatory and he could also give me a cortisone shot to the hip to mask the pain for the next month or so and then I could go back for another one before the run. I have a pretty high pain threshold (I hear those things hurt) so I said, "Give it to me doc."

The nurse pulled out a 4" needle on a huge syringe filled with white stuff and the good doctor put it right into my hip, and instantly I could feel the exact area that the pain radiated from. It was like having a huge bruise and someone was pressing their finger smack dab into the middle of it. But I didn't care...anything to ease the pain and let me run again.

After that was over he said the words that still I don't know if I should laugh or cry over. When he asked how far up I was on my mileage and I said 4 miles, he looked concerned and shook his head. His exact words were, "Laura, I'm going to be honest and realistic with you. You are not going to be able to run a half-marathon...not this one, not any half-marathon. Some people can distance run, some people can't, and you can't. I don't want you to have any false expectations."

Wow. He said it out loud. I can't do it. I've known all along I would be walking a big portion of the half, but I don't know if hearing him say that should be a relief so that any pressure I've had on myself is taken off, or if I should cry because now I'm really going to come in dead last on race day and might be in some serious pain when it's over.

The good doctor told me that he would do everything in his power to get me across the finish line and he re-vamped some of my training to include more walking and less running in my workouts.

Now I'm left with the realization that this half-marathon will without a doubt be the hardest physical thing I've ever done in my life. I will be in pain. My knees and ankles are going to start to bother me next (says the doc), and if I do finish, it's not going to be a pretty picture. I hope you can all come out on race day...not so much to cheer me on anymore, but to carry me out of there if I can cross that line.

So what do you think? Should I feel relieved or terrified?

I Stink.

No, really. I literally stink. I just finished my best run yet...2.5 miles straight without stopping to walk AND I came in under the time limit (usually I walk parts of my 3-4 mile workouts so not walking on this one was huge for me!).

This awesome workout meant that I sweated a lot. A whole lot. It was gross. I don't like the smell of anyone's sweat, let alone my own and it made me want to barf.

That is all. You may call me Stinky Girl.

Oh, and 4 MONTHS exactly until the big day!!!

Running in the Rain

This entire training process has been a real learning experience. I've come to the realization today that pretty much every week I'm doing something for the first time...I ran 2 minutes straight for the first time, then 5, then 10, then my first mile. I ran 2 and 3 miles for the first time. And today was a new first...Today I ran for the first time in the rain.

My alarm went off at an early 6:30 am this Saturday morning but I didn't roll out of bed until 20 minutes later. I could hear the rain pounding on the roof and as I lay there listening for thunder and watching for lightening through the window, they never came. Just the rain, hard and steady. Of course I debated going back to sleep but without thunder or lightening I knew I had no excuse to get out there and start my 4-miler.

From then until I headed out the door, it was a blur. I don't think I actually woke up until I closed the front door and stepped into the street and started to jog. Within about 2 minutes, I was drenched but oddly, I liked it. It was cool and refreshing. I had a cap on so I didn't have to worry about my eyes or face. The wind wasn't blowing...it was just a cool, quiet rain. I had the entire neighborhood to myself, as no walkers or joggers would be stupid enough to voluntarily run in the rain when they could be sleeping. There weren't even any cars out so I took the liberty of running in the street to get a feel for what race day would be like (minus the bajillion people).

Miles one and two were great. Mile three I felt a pain come back in my right thigh and hip area that has been bugging me for a while on my long runs. By mile 3.75 I had to call it quits as the nagging pain turned into a burning, scorching, seering pain that made me feel like the joint where my hip and pelvis meet was going to come apart inside my body.

On one hand I was really bummed that I missed my goal by a quarter of a mile but on the other hand I was really excited because if it hadn't have been for the little injury, I felt like I could have gone forever. My breathing felt great and the rest of my body felt like it could have run all 4 miles. Dang that stupid leg pain!!

On another bright side, a lot of rain always brings a really cool rainbow. And, no, there wasn't a pot of gold at our house despite it being at the end of the rainbow...

Wooooo hoooooo!

I don't like to post useless, meaningless posts but today it's necessary...It's Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Woo hooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hope you all have a great weekend! I'll be doing a 4-miler so keep me in your thoughts!

-Laura

Check Him Out...

Okay, so I totally thought Twitter would be the most useless tool I could ever use, but it has put the community of Cystic Fibrosis supporters right at my fingertips...I follow their tweets about new and interesting CF-related stories and they follow mine (which I am trying to make more positive and less "Ugh, I'm a fattyboombalatty and I'm never going to be a runner").

During my tweet searching, I ran across the most fascinating person. He is my age. He is training for a half-marathon. He loves his girlfriend and his dog. He has an amazing sense of humor and positive attitude. He is upbeat about any and all of his training progress (which I am also working on). His name is Ronnie and he has CF.

He and his girlfriend have created a website/blog to honestly talk about his life and what it's like on a daily basis...the good, the bad, and everything in between. I find it fascinating (and humorous, as they also post videos of themselves singing karaoke in the car with the dog chillaxing in the back seat).

Check it out...what an inspiration!!! http://runsickboyrun.com/

I Never Thought I'd Say This...

...but you can now find me on Twitter!

http://twitter.com/CFRunner
Check me out...I have followers, and am following, some great and interesting people!

Just finished an awesome 2-mile run...This is my first time to run later in the evening and I really like it (morning is too scary and I'm constantly looking over my shoulder, right after work it's too hot...this is just perfect!).

Still holding steady at the 24 lb. mark. I seem to have been at this plateau forever! Any suggestions?

And on a totally random note, happy Aggie football season! Whoop!

Garage Sale Mania!

Well, we did it! Lots of donations, love, and time were put into the ultimate garage sale this past weekend at my house! I can't thank everyone enough for coming out to help, donating their time, donating their things, and doing it all so selflessly!

It was a crazy morning and we were swamped with tons of people!

The work crew (don't be fooled...the little chihuahua riding on the man's shoulder didn't do anything to help...lazy bum)

I'm not sure what was so funny but I love this picture...

Cas is the best...she came all the way in from San Antonio to help out! What a trooper--I sooo owe her big time! She even helped count all the cash...we get to send over $600 to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation!!!

It was only suiting to celebrate by doing our usual ritual...cooking! This time it was the famous bruschetta from the movie "Julie and Julia." A little bread in some olive oil....

And voila! Just like the movie...
DELICIOUS!

Say It Isn't So!!!

Here's the deal: THE SPRINKLES CUPCAKE AFTER PARTY IS OFF! Boo hoo! It was my strong hope that after completing this 13.1 mile mayhem, anyone and everyone who wanted to celebrate would gather round the table at Sprinkles Cupcakes which was supposed to have been open by now in the galleria area.

I just received the news that construction has been delayed 9 months which means no Sprinkles Cupcake store will exist in Houston by January. Oh, say it isn't so! All night long, dreams fill my head of me, having just completed a half-marathon, lounging back to enjoy a nice tall glass of ice cold skim milk and a Sprinkles peanut butter chocolate cupcake (yes, that really exists...see picture above).

Is this an omen that I have romanticized this notion a little too far? I think reality is telling me this could be a good thing because I'm going to be teaching myself to re-walk after the half-marathon anyway, and that won't leave much time for eating cupcakes. Oh well, here's some little slices of heaven for us all to salivate over (aren't they so chic?!):

Klutz-o-rific

Just got done with a 3-miler and it was awesome! It has been the first run in a while where I really felt good and strong. I ran the first two miles, powerwalked a couple of laps and then finished the 3 with a jog so I felt pretty good. Even though I have a long way to go, whenever I get frustrated, I just think back to when I never thought I'd be able to even run a mile at one time!

Today I think I only tripped two times versus my usual four or five. Seriously folks, I have got to be the klutziest person on the face of the earth and that's probably not a good thing when you're trying to run 13.1 miles. But I am what I am, and so I have to accept that I will continue to run into walls, doorways, furniture, etc. I will continue to trip when walking and running, so let's remain optimistic and just hope I don't face plant into the ground.

In other workout news, I've lost 24 pounds total now (which some days I feel like it and some days I don't) and this brings me to over halfway to my goal of 40 lbs. total....come on, fat, melt away already! I would love to be at my goal weight when I run in January, but not just because I want to look good in spandex. I think it would help my running so much more if I was carrying around less junk in the trunk.

So that's the word around here. I've got my first 5-mile workout coming up soon...please pray for me!

Oh, and here's the picture of the week. Isn't Landon getting SO big? He looks like a little boy in this picture! Which, he IS a little boy, so that makes perfect sense...but what happened to that little baby?? He's such a cutie, don't you think?! What's more precious: the little hand waving, the "duck duck moose" onesie, or the sippie cup in the background?

Under the Knife

Hello blogworld! I'm back!

It's only been a week, I know, but I hope to blog more often than I have the last month or so. Life gets crazy and this training schedule of mine keeps me busy every minute of the day it seems.

I had a minor setback last week that only allowed me to workout once! Last Sunday, I did a 4.1 mile workout and felt pretty good. Tuesday I had to go in for a minor medical procedure (don't panic blog fans, it was no biggie and everything turned out fine) but I was left with about 15 stitches in two different places...and that is SO not conducive for working out! So, I took it easy Tuesday through Sunday and let myself heal. Sunday afternoon I headed to the gym thinking I had lost everything I had trained for and felt doomed to start over. But I had a great 2 mile "intro back into running" workout and it totally put my mind at ease that my body didn't forget what it's taken 6 months to learn!

Today around lunchtime I went in to have my stitches removed and everything went great. I was so pumped about going to jog after work and so excited that my body was back to normal and healed and able to run. I changed my clothes and just as the positive thoughts flowed through my mind, I went to pick up my gym back and pop! I heard the pop ring through my head internally and then felt the weird feeling. The feeling of a wound being open that was not supposed to be open. And boy was it open.

So, here I am, at home blogging about the whole thing instead of being at the gym working out like I need to be. A coworker told me there was no way I could go do a workout...the risk of sweating and getting all that bacteria in an open wound was the worst thing I could do. All that's left to do is wait to call the doc in the morning. Thankfully there's no blood involved, so I guess I've healed to a certain point.

Ew, this is getting gross. In happier running4landon news, I'm just now starting to get the word out about my site. I have emails and letters yet to send, candy and pens yet to give out, advertising yet to do and it's all going to keep me busy for a while. But, the most fun thing I'd have to say are the CAR DECALS which I couldn't wait to get on the vehicles! I've never had a personalized decal before:

Look, a big one for the big car...

...and a little one for the little car!

Yes, I get way too excited about things like this, but it's the little things that are exciting and fun!
More to come soon!

Holdin' Steady

I'm not in denial anymore...I've reached a plateau. I lost 22 lbs as of a couple of weeks ago and not one ounce since then. Still holding steady on the weight but I will have to try some workouts to shock my body back into a weight loss cycle (boy that sure does sound like I know what I'm doing, huh?).

This morning I was up at 6:00 am for a 4.2 miler. I only did 4.1 cause I was d-o-n-e when I got that far. Miles one and two went really well. I jogged them both in good time and felt pretty good. The sun started to rise and the air was still and humid so I power walked miles 3 and 4. I kid you not, I can practically power walk just as fast as I can jog. My indoor gym didn't open until noon today and I knew I had to get this done before that...so I braved the outdoors and almost melted into a pile of fatty goo on the sidewalk.

Saturday I got to see one of my favorite people in the world...my friend from college, Michelle. She makes me laugh and she makes me laugh hard. She and her wonderful husband donated a ton of cool stuff for my garage sale (August 29th people...mark your calendars!) so I'm giving them a shout-out. And thanks for the healthy lunch, too (Michelle can really rock it out in the kitchen).

Speaking of food, if you are on a diet, don't go see the movie Julie & Julia. They cook a lot of delicious food in the movie and they use a ton of butter which made me salivate through the whole thing.

Update from the CF Foundation

Today, I received the following email from the CF Foundation. It sounds so promising and I ask for your prayers that it can be the drug to cure the thousands of people living with CF!

"Dear Friend,

We’ve reached an exciting milestone in the search for a cure.
One of our most promising potential therapies, VX-770, is moving forward in clinical trials. This compound has the potential to be one of the first drugs ever to treat the basic genetic defect in cystic fibrosis.

VX-770 (developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals) is already being tested in adults. This week, for the first time, Vertex initiated a clinical trial in patients aged 6 to 11. Once the studies are complete, the FDA will determine if VX-770 is safe, effective and acceptable for approval. To find out more about VX-770, read the full story. You can also read a very exciting article in today's Xconomy, quoting CF researcher Bonnie Ramsey and highlighting the work of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation."

Emotional Wreck

I admit it...I am an emotional wreck. On one hand, workouts are great, I'm doing more and more with each run I do and couldn't be happier about that. The Bergernator has been in Argentina on vacation and I've surprisingly done well without someone forcing me to workout until the verge of passing out--now I just do it on my own!

The diet is going....eh.....just okay. I did just get home from a trip to Baskin Robbins, but a girl has to have a Baskin Robbins (kids scoop mind you!) at some points during a summer heat wave! It was chocolate and it was bliss, and if I really ever needed ice cream, today was the day.

I don't know if I can talk about this but I'll try. Here goes. Here's the reason I'm an emotional mess:

I got rid of my car.
I got rid of a hooptie...but she was my hooptie. She was a 12-year old 4Runner with 180,000 miles, superglue holding on certain parts, duct tape holding together other parts. The antenna snapped off long ago in a car wash, the clock wouldn't work if the A/C was on, and the interior was covered in Golden Retriever fur and snot (I always thought the snot looked like love notes my dog had written to me on the window, but whatever).

And now she's gone. I didn't plan on getting rid of her...the Cash 4 Clunkers deal loomed over our heads and there was a beautiful Highlander calling our names on the lot. I was swept up in lust and passion and next thing I know, we're signing and shaking hands and taking this picture:
But then reality set in and someone told me I had to clean out my car and say goodbye.
What?! Say goodbye? Like for good???
"Yes," replied our sales guy. "We're going to drill a hole through the engine and then another through the transmission and then it's going to be demolished in a junkyard."

They were going to kill her.

It was then that I started to bawl. Scott and the sales guy were looking at me as if I'd lost my mind. As I went through the nooks and crannies of my beautiful baby, memories flooded back. This car had been with me through so much of my life and she felt like a friend that I knew I'd never see again. I felt like such a traitor! I apologized, kissed the steering wheel and thanked her for always carrying me safely, even when I may not have been the world's best driver.
Scott, being the wonderful guy he is, took me to our favorite Mexican food joint to cheer me up and I cried there. Then I called my mom and she probably thought something was terribly wrong when she heard me blubbering on the other end of the line. I cried to her. I cried in the shower the next morning. And I'm crying now as I write this. Don't get me wrong, I feel so lucky and grateful to have a beautiful (and safe!) new car to hold all the new memories in my life (and boy does it smell good inside!). It's still hard to say goodbye though.

So that explains the Baskin Robbins. I'm sorry I broke down but you can understand, right?

I Heart the Rec

Okay, so I don't do this Texas heat so well. The other night it took all I had to do a run outside. It was 8:00 pm, still 100 degrees, humid, and still. Ick. Within the first 15 seconds of jogging, I started sweating profusely.

Which is why I am now a proud owner of a guest pass to the Rec Center on campus! Let me just tell you...it's the best of both worlds! There's an indoor track (I prefer that over treadmills any day...treadmills get boring) AND it's air conditioned! How can you beat that?! I have been to my fair share of Houston Marathons (strictly as a spectator) and every year it is colder than all get out. So, don't think of my A/C requirement as lazy or anything...I'm just trying to train in the most similar conditions to those of race day. Ha!

Today was 4 miles and I did it!!! Again, lots of power walking but it took me right at an hour which was my goal. This body has never, and I mean never, seen 4 miles in one workout so I've reached a new threshold. I totally felt like I was going to collapse when it was over but that's to be expected. My bum is super sore already so I can't wait to see how it's going to feel tomorrow.

In other exciting news, I've designed the official Running4Landon t-shirts and they are being printed this week!! So if you've already signed up for one (or made a donation of $100 to get it free!), I should have them in hand by the end of next week. Woo hoo!

Speaking of the cutie-pie himself, isn't this picture adorable?
Geez, I could use his energy on race day!!
www.running4landon.com

Let the Fundraising Begin!

Here we go! Check out my race website and please forward to everyone you know!

www.running4landon.com

Just Beat It

Okay, that's a cheesy ode to Michael Jackson, sorry. What the post title should say is "just beat ME!" I just got back from a 3.8 miler and I am beat! This is the farthest distance I've gone in a single workout and next week will be 4.2 miles so that's making me a little nervous.

It went well though...I did 3.8 in about 51 minutes which puts me right at the time limit (you have to do the first 9 miles of the half at a 13:45 pace). And let me tell you...it ain't gonna get much faster than that. There was quite a bit of power walking today but it got the job done so I was pleased. The only part I wasn't pleased with was the way I look when I power walk, but when I'm in the moment, I really couldn't give a darn. Thinking back, it must look pretty funny...My arms are like propellers and my rear has to shake to get the right momentum going. If I could see it on tape, I imagine it would look something like an ostrich flapping its wings, attempting to take flight. It's interesting how when you reach a certain amount of exhaustion, though, you really don't care what you look like in the least bit. This makes me very excited to see how the professional pictures (taken by photographers placed strategically on the course) of the half-marathon turn out.

In other news, I'm about ready to release my official fundraising website!!! Get excited, people--there's going to be t-shirts, goody bags, the chance to run a 5k and more, so I'll be posting the site soon!!!

And a special thanks to my bff Jenni for doing a workout with me this week! I like to call her skinny-jenni or mini-jenni but I can't hold it against her for being thin! She is going to rock this half-marathon's ass! Thanks for running with me Jen...I still can't believe we actually ran together. In all the years we've been friends, we've never done a run together! It was a blast girl!

Endurance.

This past Sunday, my husband and I decided to go out for lunch. As we left our house, we noticed a dog in the neighborhood that was loose, and being the dog lover that I am, can never just drive by and ignore an animal that my get hurt if I choose to ignore it.

The dog had no tags, a beautiful brown face, and he was so scared. Then I saw how skinny he was and I knew he hadn't eaten (and possibly not had anything to drink) in a very long time. He came up to me, tail between his legs and then got spooked and started to run down the street, coming to rest underneath a shaded truck in a driveway. Scott went to get a bowl of water since it was so hot outside and I called animal control because I knew food, water, and air conditioning at the animal shelter was better than what this dog was enduring.

It took them about 20 minutes to arrive and during that time I sat in the driveway watching this incredible animal. As we sat in the searing heat, he panted, lost fluid from his mouth, and seemed to look at me begging for help. I imagined what this dog had been through in the last day, the last week, the last month. I could see his ribs and his hips and yet he still had the resilience to go on.

Do not fear, the story has a happy ending. A lovely young lady from animal control came and rescued this dog from under the truck. We gave it food and water right then and there and the look of gratitude on the dog's face is something I will never forget (I think there were even some tail wags!). I hope he will make someone very happy someday soon...he is a very special dog.

And come January, when I am in the middle of this crazy half-marathon and I want to give up, I will think of that dog. I will think of the endurance and resilience that one animal had to make it through a very tough, and probably painful time--and know that he made it. Though he was hungry, thirsty, hot, scared, and exhausted, he hadn't yet given up...it was the hardest thing to witness, but his endurance level amazed me and he will inspire me to press onward every step of the way.

Thank you, sweet doggie.

20 lbs. Baby!!

Oh yeah, that's right! 20 lbs gone and I'm almost halfway to my goal of 50!!

And you know what that means...another 10 lb. loss, another massage! Woo hoo!!!

It's Official!

It's official. Today, at 5:00 a.m. this morning, I signed up for the Houston Half-Marathon on January 17, 2010.

Holy cow.

I was so sleepy and bleary-eyed that while filling out my information, I mistook the section for personal donations for the section where you sign up for Run for a Reason (which is what I want to do). So, I selected the CF Foundation, typed in my goal of $3,000 and the next thing I know it's asking me to confirm that $3,065.00 will be charged to my credit card ($65 for the entry fee).

WHAT?!!! Oopsie. Guess I didn't read carefully that the Run for a Reason signup was on a separate page and what I was filling out was if I wanted to give a one-time donation.
I totally almost hit "Finish" instead of "Edit" but I caught myself just in time and can spare my husband the risk of passing out from me telling him I just charged $3,000 to our credit card. On the bright side, it would have gotten me to my goal!

Lesson to be learned here: You should never do anything important at 5:00 a.m. Ever.

Garage Sales: Good. Vomit: Bad

Okay, we'll start with the good news first:
My first garage sale made $150!!! Woo hoo!! This wasn't even THE garage sale so if you have any crap, still feel free to call me (the real garage sale will be in September/Octoberish). This was the most impromptu, ill-prepared garage sale I've ever had. Nothing was organized. Nothing was priced. I just threw the stuff out on the driveway and bargained with people left and right. And, kazaaaam: $150 smackeroos for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation! It was an early morning, but well worth 3 hours of work! Hooray! I was sold out by 9:00 a.m. which is great because it started to get h-o-t outside!


Later that evening was my Class of 1999 10-year reunion! We had a blast! It was so fun seeing everyone and catching up!!
And to top of the rest of the good news, Scott and I celebrated our 5th anniversary this weekend. He took me to Christopher's which is special to us because it's where we had one of our first dates as well as the rehearsal dinner before our wedding.

We even got a special treat from the chef:

Happy 5th babe...I love you so much! And, yes, I wore the same cardigan to the reunion. What can I say, this girl likes a good cardigan!

Now for the bad news. For the first time ever, in my entire life, I totally vomited today during my workout. I won't go into details but it was bad. The Bergernator was actually kind of happy and proud as if I'd reached some rite of passage. When I told him about the incident, he smiled and said, "Oh, yeah, people throw up all the time. I've thrown up 5 or 6 times and my clients do too." To which I replied, "Seriously???!!!"
Hooray for vomit.