Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

I just wrote this entire blog and then accidentally deleted it, so we are going to try it again.

Marathon training began again a couple of weeks ago, I have a new mantra for this season.  "Get comfortable with being uncomfortable"!! I would like to take credit for this inspirational thought, but I actually heard Jillian Michaels say it while doing one of her yoga workouts.  As I type this, I realize that doesn't fit for running but for life in general.   I recently started a new job that I have no experience in and am definitely not "comfortable", but it is fun and exciting to try something new and am enjoying it.

 Enough of that,  let see a few pictures from this weeks runs.

This is from a 25k progression run with Hillary on Sunday morning. It's about 7:15 here,  I don't care what anyone says about Oklahoma, you can not beat the sunrises and sunsets.

8 Miles Monday morning with Brigitte.  It was much too early for a sunrise.

I went crazy on fruit cutting and bagging for our lunches this week.

Apparently,  if you carry you iPhone in your pocket with you while you run or walk it tracks you steps.   During a 25k you take approximately 27,156 steps!!

Getting up super early for a 7 mile tempo run, so I must get ready for bed.   Gotta rest up for " Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable".

I promise I'll stop saying that now!

Back to Blogging

So, I just pulled up my blog to see how long it had been since I posted and it has been almost a year!! A YEAR!! One of my goals for the New Years is to get back to the blog world-- so here we go:)
Nothing much to keep up on- I"ve ran a few marathon's, one ultra, and changed careers-not much at all!  S0.. Let's get to it.

  I started an Advanced Marathon Training this last year- this is my second season, it is super great but also pretty intense.  Two weeks ago I was not in training and ran 12 miles all week, last week was the first week of AMT-- I ran 41 miles!! It is crazy but really fun.

This is mi amiga Hillary and me today on a 14 miles run in 67 degree weather.

I'm not going to lie- I am feeling really sore right now.  14 miles felt really good at the time, but not so great right now.
   
   Feeling kind of random tonight since I haven't posted in a while. Here's is picture of my big brother and me during Thanksgiving or something at my folks house.  All the kids think we look just alike-- I'm not sure I see it!  Ha

 One more great photo of a super early morning run with my girls-  You can't see Cindy because she is taking the photo( she takes incredible photos), but it is seriously one of my favorites.

 

All right- going to keep this one short and sweet, just a little practice to get back in the swing of thing and I'll see you all tomorrow!

The Big D

Had a girls weekend this last weekend in Dallas with Brigitte and Hillary.   While we were there we went ahead and ran the Big D marathon.   No biggie!!  We had a great trip...  Drove down on Saturday morning and picked up our packets. 

Then headed to the West end to the Holocaust museum 

Then to the Galleria for some shopping and some food.

We got up early Sunday morning and headed to the Fair Parks in Dallas for the marathon.   It's a relatively small marathon so there was no expo. However, they did have a lot of vendors at the actual marathon.  That was fun to have something to look at while you are waiting for the start, Right when it was time to start running it started pouring down rain.   

AND it rained pretty much the entire 5 hours.  SO..... It was not the most comfortable of marathons. However, all three of us set a personal record so it was for sure a success.    

Afterwards,we got into some dry clothes and headed straight to Get a burger. 

Animal style.!!!  I haven't had a burger in a long time and it was really, really good.  Let me tell you what was not good....... The ride home.  So apparently running 26.2 miles and getting in a car and driving 4 hours is not the greatest of ideas.  The conversation got a little crazy with delirioum ...

I tried to choke myself with a medal.. We Finally got home and I hit up my BFFs little girls first birthday party.  I was only 3.5 hours late( yes I know that is horrible) but, I got to say hi to Natalie before I headed home and got directly into bed.  Unfortunately, I was not able to sleep much so I am exhausted and extremely sore today.   Tomorrow will be better,  had a great weekend with the girls---can't wait to do it again.

Patience is a virtue!!

It has always been said that patience is a virtue- I guess that makes me the opposite of virtuous,becuse my patience level is at an all time low.  A new employee at work asked me where the lemons were this week and literally said--"YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE THE LEMONS ARE??? DID YOU PAY ATTENTION AT ALL DURING TRAINING!"   Yea- so a little extreme- but really- you don't know where the lemons are!!   Try the walk in dummy!!

Picture of our group run on Saturday!! It was 20 miles for me- with golf ball hill included. It was a great run, 1st marathon for the season is in less then two weeks and I feel ready! It was a very exciting run, we found a dog and called the owner, saw someones underwear and then their shirt.  Was expecting to see a naked person but luckily that never happened!!

Monday, I was not having a good day, so I decided to stop at Whole Foods for something special for dinner.I got a cheddar jalapeno salmon burger patty. While it sounds and looks delicious  it tasted remarkably like the tuna patties my mom made when we were kids.  However, I did get this...

It has changed my life. Since I have been "clean" eating, I have been struggling to find chocolate that fits in my diet but doesn't taste like bakers chocolate.  I have finally found it and it has made my week just that much better!!

These are my friends Phillip and Holly, they have been trying to use the pictured coupon for 3 years.  Everytime they would try and use it the restaurant would find a loophole and tells them no.  Well, Saturday night ther were finally able to use it and I was luck enough to be there for their joyous moment. Look how happy they are!

On that note, Larry finally got home last night- he's been gone for three weeks- so hopefully the next blog will be about the huge garden that we just planted. Weather willing!

Sod Farms and the smartest dog ever!!

Now, I know that many of you have heard stories about Shadow and the havoc that he wreaks around the house but, I always tell everyone that he is not just a big, dumb dog, but actually an evil genius that is able to manipulate both people and inanimate objects to get his way.  For example, his ability to get in and out of doors that are shut, the way he can somehow eat any item that is left out in the house no matter where it is stored.  The fact that he loves both bread and chocolate solidifies his intelligence with me,  but Tuesday night I think he has proven all his critics wrong.  Only a genius dog can put his own seatbelt on.   

Brad had taken him to Turkey Mountain and he said he looked over and his seatbelt was on.  Notice the concerned look on his face --it's probably Brad's driving, I feel that way when I ride in the car with him also.  

Yesterday, I met my friend Brigitte at 5 am for a 6.7 mile run.  We met at her house and ran in Bixby-- the different scenery was nice except they have ton of sod farms which I think is really dull farming.  If you don't know what a sod farm looks like--

There ya go--pretty exciting uh!!

Afterwards, I had lunch with my mom, son, nieces and nephew,  always a good time.  The kids are very entertaining togther.  My Mom just started a run/walk group-  I'm very excited for her, I have enjoyed my marathon training groups so much, I hope she feels the same about her new group.

Everyone is exhausted around here tonight,  I got up to run but couldnt get out of bed, unfortunately I didn't go back to sleep either.  The good news is that I ran this afternoon and the weather was PERFECT!!!  I forgot my phone so there are no pictures but trust me it was awesome.   I was going to share a recipe but I think I will put that off for a few days--  I'm afraid it's past my bedtime.

Running against the wind!!

What a great weekend I had.  

This is during our run on Saturday morning!! 11 miles at race pace, Brigitte and I did 3 extra before the group run for a total of 14.   It was supposed to rain,but held off until after our run, this explains why I am so overdressed!!!  I was regreting my clothing choice for most of the run.   I spend a lot of time worrying about what I should wear on long runs, much more time then I spend thinking about clothes for any other occasion.

After the run, I had breakfast with Hillary and Brigitte,  we are planning out our races for this spring.  Our goal is to become marathon maniacs- we shall see.  Right now we have the Big D, Oklahoma City and a trail ultra called 3 days to 100k, all within 60 days.  When we finish these we wll be MANIACS!!

Purim Party on Saturday night!! I spent the rest of Saturday making dough for hamentaschen, I had tried to make it earlier in the week but this guy kept eating the butter..

He is a very naughty dog. Obedience school is in his near future.

Picture from the Purim Party( which was REALLY fun), I was Nancy Drew, if I had my magnifying glass you would for sure be able to tell. 

Two last things that are unrelated. See this bird!! He keeps running into my bedroom window!! Every 30 seconds---in the morning, in the evening, pretty much all the time.  He is either crazy or dumb!!

Last but not least- I got up this morning to run with Brigitte,  the wind was so strong that my legs felt like a swam 20 miles all day.  It was a really tough run, it felt like I was..........running against the wind.

Back Again

So, I've been a little absent from the blogging, for a couple of reasons.  One being that I haven't felt like writing, I ghost write another blog and sometimes it's all I can do to get that done.  Two, because I have been going back and forth on using a different server/getting a new look.  Truth of the matter is that I keep putting it off and all I really need to do is to commit and write, so here goes.

Daylight savings has been doing a number on me.  I actually OVERSLEPT on Monday,  I never oversleep and it has put a big damper on my week.  Nothing like waking up at 715 on Monday morning and not knowing what day it is or where you are supposed to be. AARGHH    The upside is that spring is finally almost here, it was 80 degrees today!! BEAUTIFUL1!!  I ran yesterday afternoon and if felt like it was 100 degrees, I think my body was in shock.  Today was better, run was not nearly as painful.

I recentlly read an article that said that Oklahoma was one of the worst states to live in.

There is no way that a place this pretty an really be that miserable to live in. People need to get outside and enjoy the scenery more often.

Randomness

All day today I thought it was Wednesday--
All day yesterday I thought it was Tuesday--
All day Sunday I thought it was Monday--

I am clearly confused with what is going on-- so just a few bits of randomness while I am waiting for the Mandlebrot for Shalomfest to cool.

Me and mis amigas a couple of weeks ago.  It had rained during our entire run and we were soaked!   Anytime we have a particularly difficult run we like to document how crappy we look afterwards.  

My oldest niece Savannah turns 16 tomorrow! We had a little celebration at my parents this weekend. She is an awesome kid, I am proud to be her aunt.  However, I would reccomend that the drivers in the OKC area watch out, this kid will have her license soon.

Another photo from the festive event, the candle lighting was a very difficult process.

Last but not least,  a photo of the girls from our Young Kehilah event at Magoo's on Saturday night.  It confirmed the fact that I suck at pool, but nonetheless a good time was had by all.

Ran 4 miles yesterday with Brigitte and then speed training this afternoon.  1 mile warm up and 8x 400m with 200m walk in between and 1 mile cool down.  Speed training is not fun, it was raining this morning when I had planned to go with Jen so I went at 4 in the afternoon.  The weather said it was cool but it did not feel cool at all.    Running with my friend Brooke G and her little one tomorrow.Looking forward to catching up.

ok- last bit of randomness--my dog loves baked goods. I have been beating him off the mandlebrot all night.

Just another Tuesday and other stuff!

  It's my first day back to work and boy is that a bummer.  Why is it always so tough to go back to work,  I didn't want to get up this morning so I had to run after work.  It's not as hot as normal but 87 is still not  a fun temperature to run in.

However, I got in a few miles, did a Jillian Michaels DVD, and finished up with 8 minute abs.  Spent some time in the garden,  everything is literally growing faster then I can pick them.  I think I'll try and can some tomatoes this weekend but we will see.  

 This was ready today----

So, I cooked it with my salmon filet--

It was for sure one hot mamba jamba!!!!  I drank 3 glasses of water after eating it!!

     So, It was just another Tuesday- but it's not- it's a yartzeit.  Sundown today marks 3 years since my husband Marcelino died. It's seems like yesterday but yet a lifetime ago at the same time.  This is the first year that I feel I am able to objectively look back at the time in my life and make clear judgements about it. Here is what I have learned--

a. Never underestimated the love and support of your family and friends-. I can never say how grateful I am to the people that were there for the long haul.

(you know who you are)

b. Life is short--LIVE it-- but in a good way- 

c. Work, money, cars, etc.  are not important-People are- I know you hear this all the time but you don't realize it until someone is gone.

d. No matter what happens, you gotta get up and keep going.  The mother of a childhood friend who died in an accident when he was 19, she  told me this.  Believe it or not, as simplistic as it sounds it is simultaneously the best and most difficult advice I received.  When she told me this, I figured if anyone knew, it was her, so I better listen.

There are many more things but I will keep it short and leave it at that.

Lake Taneycomo

Had a great weekend and I am sad that it is over.  Friday night we welcomed the new Rabbi's at Temple with a wine and cheese kiddush after services.  It was nice to see everyone and I loved that services started at 630!!  I was home by 8:30 and ready for bed, which is great because I met my amigas Bridgitte and Hillary and 5:30 on Saturday morning and we ran 4 miles before meeting up with our group at 6:30 to do 6 more miles.  I'm in a new group this time around and it was fun to get to know some new people on the run. This group is faster, which was fine this week, but we only went 6 miles. I'll see how it goes when we get up to 20.
        After the run, I rushed home, took a shower, got Bradley and headed to Lake Taneycomo in Branson.  It takes about 4 hours to get there but I stopped in Springfield to pick up Larry ( he was working there) and we drove the last hour  to Branson to meet my mom and dad, my brother, and my brothers 3 kids.  We had one of those cabins that fit a whole bunch of people, and we were defintely a whole bunch of people. Lake Taneycomo is one of those places where is water is always cold, so cold that you don't even swim in the lake it is stricly for trout fishing.
        We spent the day Saturday relaxing, cooking, and getting acquainted with the area. Suday morning my Mom ( G_d bless her) took all 4 kids to Silver Dollar City.  I went shopping and to the pool, Dad contintued on with his relaxation and Brent and Larry went fishing on the lake.

Hard to see but that is Larry and Brent, they were out for like 6 hours fishing!!  Eventually, Dad and I got a pontoon boat and spent a couple of hours on the lake ourselves and that was fun.  When the kids finally got back we took everyone out on the boat...I made Bradley drive !! 

Last night after all the excitement the kids were a little wound up and this happened--

My nephew, Preston,  he's a funny guy- that Larry's fake Duck Dynasty beard and my sunglasses, he looks remarkably like Phil. Anyway, we got up early this morning and came home, Shadow was so happy to see me he almost threw up....literally.   We had a great weekend making good memories with the fam!!

Just for fun, here is a picture of Shadow and Larry from the weekend before at Greenleaf Lake!

My dog is an idiot or and evil genius, not sure which-  also a picture to show you what I picked from the garden this morning!

Possum or Opposum!!

 Do you spell it Possum or Opossum?  It really doesn't matter which one it is I dislike the creature however you spell it.  I have had a deep seeded hatred for possums/opossums since I was a kid and through various incidents throughout my life, the hatred has only festered and grown.  I swear that I have a point-- I saw THIS walking accross my neighbors yard Saturday morning__

Now, I understand that you can't see it very well but, it is one the largest possums/opossums I have ever seen-. I am now devising a way to capture and rid the neighborhood of this disgusting beast.  I will keep up updated on how it goes.  

    ok- on to the rest of the weekend!  Ran on riverside and it was HOT-  however the river is up for the first time in a few years and that was nice to see.  Oklahoma has been in a severe drought for the last few years and up until a few weeks ago you could literally almost walk completly accross the river.  This weekend it looked like this

I realize that it looks like a big muddy river but to me it looks like a big muddy end of a drought! 

Finishing the run on Riverside! First week of marathon training, I wanted to get 24 miles in but only got 18.  Goal for next week is 25 miles so I'm going to really focus on getting those done, the problem is that it is 95 degrees when I get off work so I have to get up at 530 just to get a few miles in.   So, this week goals are early to bed, early to rise, and early to run!  I get up early anyway, I just really like to sit and drink coffee for an hour or so before work.  Must break that habit.

Oh yeah I was on Great Day Green Country this morning,  talking about the Diablo Dash that is coming up on Saturday, that was pretty exciting.  I can't believe how many people were getting interviewed today.  I'm not sure I would like to have that job at all. 

Anyway let me know if anyone has a good idea on catching a possum/opossum-I know how to do it, just want to see if anyone has any new ideas:)

Social Security Office

I took Michael to the Social Security office this week.  Have you been there lately- it looks like this

 20 minutes before it is even open.  Do you see the really tall black man-- that is Mike.  We had quite an experience, there were people with mismatched shoes, screaming children, no places to sit, oh and a two hour wait.  When it was finally our turn the lady calls his name and the only thing Michael could say is that he couldn't believe how beautifully she pronounced his name!!

I got a new dishwasher and I love it.  It is the best thing I have ever gotten, who knew that you didn't have to wash your dishes before you put the in the dishwasher. 

It has rained and rained and rained here, so the gardens look fantastic! 

If you look closely you can see a purple bell pepper.  I had never heard of these until this year and I can't wait to see what it tastes like.  It looks really weird, so I am highly interested.

Last but not least, I have started training for Chicago this week and am hoping for a mild summer for training.- will finish the week at 24 miles-thats not bad for week one.

One more thing and this is it.  I bought this necklace this week- 100% of proceeds go to help the victims of the OKC tornadoes, it's made by a local small business called "The Vintage Pearl"  They have a ton of cool stuff and can customize anything.  I have several friends that have 26.2 necklaces from here.... If anyone ever wants to get me something, I'd love a 26.2 necklace:)

I HEART OKLAHOMA!

Dishwashers and Water Towers

I haven't been sleeping well this week so, my apologies if I am complaining a little on this blog.  It's been three night in a row with only a couple of hours sleep, but I have high hopes for a good sleep tonight.  
Complaint number 1-- My dishwasher has recently turned into a drying rack.  It does such a poor job at washing the dishes that I have simply turned it into a drying rack.

Yep- I hand washed these dishes and the put them into my non working dishwasher to let them dry.  
I've been telling this guy that its not working but he is not concerned.  He just wants you to notice how small the water tower looks from the top of a cell phone tower.

All of my appliances seem to be slowly but surely dying!  

Complaint #2-  It's getting hot-- Too hot to run in the evening--  I planned on running 4 miles today, had two super awesome miles and two super crappy miles- I have to get used to the heat again and that is not fun.  I think I might just switch to morning runs and evening strength training.  Oh and I need new running shoes- Anybody want to get me a pair for Mothers day??  I like Brooks Pure Flow:)

Complaint #3- Check out this hat

If you worked in a kitchen would you wear this hat?? Do I look French? I hope not.   

OK- I'm done complaining- the hat makes me laugh but really is this a kitchen employee hat?