Discouragement. It really stinks.

You know those days where your running doesn't make sense to the training you've been doing? Even running 4 miles is a struggle when you did 10 with little problem? Well.. those training runs turned into a training week. After a few of those terrible runs, you get discouraged. It starts to wear on your mentality. You start to doubt yourself. And I don't like doubting myself. 

Then I reminded myself that Nick Saban harps on having "mental toughness" which he defines as: 

"I think mental toughness is a perseverance that you have when you can make yourself do something that you really don't feel like doing. In other words, you don't really feel like getting up, but you get up. You don't feel like practicing today, but you practice. You don't feel like focusing today, but you focus. And, even in difficult circumstances and difficult surrounds, you can stay focused on what you need to stay focused on. "

Nick always knows what to say. 

I also turn to Pinterest to help motivate me to go out and take my groove back. 

Source: None via Rachel on Pinterest

Source: google.ca via Rachel on Pinterest

I think you have to have those kind of training runs. The ones that hurt. That make you doubt what you are doing and why you are doing it. They may not make you physically stronger, but they make you mentally stronger. 

To me, mental strength is just as important as physical strength. Your mind will give out before your body will. You need the mental toughness to shut that voice down that says "you can't do this." 

So, I knew I had to pump myself up before my last double digit run for my Savannah training. 

For some reason, this series always pumps me up. 

Anyway, it helped. It got me out of my mental funk. Although, isn't it always 2 weeks before a race that you start to realize other things you should have been doing? Like cross training? Ouchies for my hip. I swear I'm going to start strength training for those.. if I could just figure out what will strengthen them. 

Random. I just found out that there is a half marathon in Birmingham 15 days after Savannah.. thoughts on should I run that or not? 

My Style Monday and Gameday!

It's another edition of Game Day My Style Monday!

I wore the strapless dress most of the day but the white cardigan when I got cold.

The dress that Hubs got me for our anniversary from "What a girl wants"

Cardigan is from F21

Boots: target

Necklace: Target

Earrings: Etc by Nikki

We got down to Tuscaloosa on Friday, to set up the tailgate.. and *gasp* someone had stolen our spot. Now, we may not own this spot, but it's been our for a while. 

 So, what did we do? We got as close as we could to the other tents. We are mature like that. 

They ended up moving their tents back.

 Late night Target shopping brought us upon this.. 

It's fun.. in da-middle. I am not sure why this was so funny to us. 

 I spied Big AL... and I had to get my pic with him.. even if he did mess up my hair. 

 I got some red sparkly nail polish at Sephora.. it's called "What's your Poison?" Get it.. like a poison apple??

I forgot to take pictures from once people actually showed up at the tailgate.. but it was a good time had by all, with lots of laughs that wouldn't be funny to you, since you weren't there. But.. you are invited!! 

I took this picture for Becca.. I realize the game was a nobody, but there was no sense in the woman next to me falling asleep. I mean, you could only cat nap with the 2 boys that got up at least 10 times a piece before halftime. 

 This picture got a little out of order.. whoops. 

One of the many reasons I love sitting in the zone.. besides real chairs, a locker, air conditioning, and all the Cherry Coke I can drink.. is the red velvet cupcakes. 

Also.. I have a complaint. The student section should NOT be this empty at halftime. It's not cool with me. 

Oh yeah... one more reason I love the one.. Cup holders.

There's only one way to celebrate a victory in my book. And it's doing the Cupid Shuffle in your tailgating neighbors tent. 

Now.. onto my running lately.

The plan was for me to get up Saturday morning before we left for the tailgate and go run my long run of 6 miles.. I mapped out my run only to be told my way in and out of Jay's weren't the best running ideas that I had. So, I decided to go with my safety over my run. The run went through a bad part of town and a busy section with no sidewalks, on top of the fact I forgot my Garmin.. so I decided to a) not get stabbed b) not get hit by a car and c) not get lost. 

I said, "Oh, I'll just do 8 on Sunday instead." So.. I set out to hit the treadmill. Sunday was one of those days where nothing went right. I took my iPad to the gym so I could watch Gossip Girl and found this beauty and thought my luck had turned around!

A PINK treadmill!! I knew my day was sure to pick up! But.. alas, technology hated me and I couldn't figure out how to get the Gossip Girl to play full episodes on the iPad. 

Also.. it was brought to my attention that my treadmill running has been so easy since I don't do an incline, therefore my road races kick my booty because the road is harder to run on then the treadmill. So, I decided to start running on a 1 incline.. which, is taking some getting used to and makes me feel like I am the most out of shape person ever. Which really does a number on my mental toughness. I am extremely stressed right now, and I let all of the other things that I needed to be doing come crashing down on top on my run and I started to feel like I was drowning. I did something I have never done before. I quit. Yep. I stopped running and got off the treadmill. The whole time I was disgusted with myself but I knew what was coming. A mental breakdown. I could feel it coming last week. Being gone on vacation, running a business, 5 weekends in row being out of town-2 of which are out of state, gymnastics, school, laundry, cleaning the house, training, Ladies of the Houndstooth, photography assignments and projects, social networking... it's all so much. Because everything needs something from me. Right. NOW. I guess a good description of me right now is overwhelmed. Or over booked. Or not enough hours in a day.. Take your pick. 

So, instead of throwing a fit and crying and taking it all out on John, I decided to sit down and write out a list. And I delegated certain tasks for John and am trying to look at what is the most important for my mental health to get finished this week. I feel like a mature adult, acting like that! 

I will try to be around the Internets this week.. but I can't make any promises, as I need to drop a ball or two that I am currently juggling. 

See you on the Flip Side. 

I love you, Steve Jobs

I got a little surprise yesterday when I got home after my long afternoon of picking up kiddos, snacks, taking Addy to gymnastics and sitting there for 2 hours.. seriously. The child better be in the Olympics. 

Anyway, John and I had been talking about getting my a laptop for a while.. since, we have been discussing splitting the playroom into an office/playroom and getting my desk out of the dining room. 

Well, he surprised me with it tonight. What a sweetie. Now, let's be real for a second, I paid for half of it and the other half is my anniversary gift.

Addy digs it. 

 Me likey... with a text from Becca..

It's a beauty.. 13 in Macbook Air. They have this nifty little thing that I am going to use and love- AirDrop.. I can access my files from my desktop- photos, etc and pull them up on the laptop and load them to the blog.. or whatever. SO EXCITING. 

Yes, I have an iPad.. but it really doesn't like blogging or flash, so it's not great for blogging and photography related things. Plus, the girls play with that and they are banned from my laptop. :)

On a side note.. I went for my 5 mile run yesterday and I was running at a 10:00 min/mile pace, which is what I always run at, and my body was hurting.. like it was hurting at 10:45 pace. So I stepped it up to 9:30. It felt great. Although, I do have to accommodate it for a couple of runs by running 3 minutes and walking 1 minute.. it feels great. So, while I should be excited about speeding up, I think my body hates me and is making me run faster.. Dangit it for being more efficient. 

Also.. don't you want me to be Internet popular, so you can win free stuff?? Pimp me out, yo!!

Running Fool..

That's me. Running fool. I'm not sure how I am doing this, but it feels good, nothing hurts and I feel strong. Saturday, with John out of town, I was going to have Linda watch the girls so I could go get my 7 mile run in. I woke up, and my eye was swollen shut. I ended up having conjunctivitis and got some drops for it. Between gimpy eye ball and the fact my face is peeling like a potato from Retin-A cream and I decided to wear a hat.

Lately, my crush for Jason Bateman is growing and I was interested in finally watching Arrested Development.

Source: thehippiememoirs.blogspot.com via twolittlehands on Pinterest

And guess who won the lottery? This girl.. it was on Netflix instant watch so I decided that I would attempt to watch that while I ran on the treadmill.

It totally felt like cheating.

I ran 7 miles in 80 minutes, in which I did walk some and got off the treadmill to refill my water bottle and the girls at the desk told me to "have a nice day" umm... yeah. I've still got another 20 minutes, so back off.

I was literally laughing out loud, where people were staring at me watching my show.

I think they were just jealous that they didn't think of it first.

Anywho. I have realized that when I attempt a slower pace, say a 10:45 minute mile, it makes me tired and I stop more. But if I bump it up to a 10:00 minute pace, then I can continue longer.. weird, no?

I am concentrating on not hitting heel first and I can tell a real difference in how good my runs feel and how much better my body is accepting of the miles. I was hardly sore after Saturday! 

And.. I have a real calf muscle. Yep. Even John was impressed. Like, you can see it and not just feel it. 

So, I am pretty much obsessed with Arrested Development. Where have I been? This show is hilarious in awkwardness and one liners. 

Have you ever watched it?

 Who all is planning to run Savannah?? 

Also, anyone planning to run the Rock N Roll DC marathon/half marathon?

I'm on the Edge..

of Glory! 

Just like GaGa. 

You see, I feel different this time in training and I have finally pinpointed what it is.

I've stopped competing with everyone around me and started competing only with myself. 

I started running to prove to everyone else I could do it and now I am proving to MYSELF just how far I can push it.

Do I still have days where I don't feel like running? Sure. But it's nothing like the last go 'round. I look forward to seeing if I can push myself. This week, I have 2 done things I am proud of in training. One is I ran 4 miles without stopping. I have NEVER done that before. I have always been stopping to catch my breath or stopping to have a drink of water. The second is, I ran 3.06 miles is 31 minutes. Something I have never done. It is a goal to break 30 min on a 5K and I can feel that it is so close. 

I feel that I have been doing an excellent job of re-training myself to not heel strike. No knee problems like before, my posture is better during the run so I feel like that has helped my breathing. No side stitches. And? The kicker? I can run faster. Yep. I carried a sub 10 minute mile for 2 miles today. For some, that's a slow day. For me, it's flying. 

I think I can proudly say that I love running. I am not running to get the pounds off or to prove to someone that I can do it. I am just starting to see how much and how far you can push your body. And guys? I am digging it. 

After my awesome 4 mile run, when I got home and got out of my car, my knee was hurting. I got scared. I ran today, and it didn't bother me. It seems to only hurt when I push down hard with my heel- which is weird. 

Source: honeywerehome.blogspot.com via Christina on Pinterest

Friday night, I am setting out to run the race that started this running bug. I always said I would run the midnight run and that is what I started training for and ended up with shin splints. 2 years later, I am signed up and ready to roll. 

Source: busybeingfabulous.typepad.com via Christina on Pinterest

Now, onto a lighter note..

I'm linking up with Neely and Amber this week for Hey, It's Okay! 

Hey, It's Okay 

*to do a mental happy dance and fist pump after completing your longest continuous run ever.

*to feel a little B.A. with an ace bandage wrapped around you leg during a run, just so you don't lose your bandage. 

* to tell the story to everyone that will listen about the girl who tried to workout in a wet bathing suit and couldn't figure out how to use the elliptical machine.

* to not understand the whole sensation of the fake feathers in your hair

* to judge girls who wear t-shirts with the arms cut off so I can totally see your sports bra and stomach

* to want to start another project before you completely finish one

* to be that girl who sweated all over the treadmill and not feel bad about it

* to be that girl who was on the treadmill running when you got there and to still be running when you leave 

* to be so ready to see one of your best friends babies, you can't hardly stand it (C'mon, Avery!) 

Now, go link up with Neely and Amber! 

The World Ain't Ready for Nothing Like Y-O-U.

 I could lie to you, but that title came just because I am slightly obsessed with Spotify and yep. I was listening to Travis Tritt. If we can't be honest with the Internets, then who can we be honest with? 

That's right. Mr and Mrs Smith and I are running the Rock N Roll Savannah 1/2 marathon on November 5th. I could lie and say that Philly was perfectly okay with this, but he was not. November 5th is also the day that the Crimson Tide battles the Bayou Bengals in Tuscaloosa. Yep. You guessed. I am missing an Alabama football game to torture myself for 13.1 miles. Not just ANY game. An SEC game. BIG DEAL, people who aren't from the South or who don't care about football! 

Anywho. 

We are super pumped and the lovely Tonia at Racing with Babes made me a training plan, so it started this week. But not without a new pair of shoes. I finally did my shoe fittings right. I went to Fleet Feet in Huntsville- they have the treadmill. (Side note. Don't go for a running shoe fitting in a dress.) Turns out, I pronate my right foot. B-A-D. Can you guess what knee I have trouble with? Yep. The right one. Amazing! There's the light bulb! 

So. I know I wanted a pair of the Frees-but the color was no where to be found and running store dude said no way, bad idea. So, I got some shoes that have some stability on the inside. The Brooks Ravennas. 

It's not a glitter stiletto, but it's close!


So.. Of course I had John take some pictures of me on my first week of training, complete with the new kicks- which I have been on a few runs in, and I LOVE them. No knee pain!!
And since J gets mad when I put weird face pictures of him on the Internets, This is just for you. 

It's a talent to be this pale. I keep hoping for Edward Cullen to come along...

What? A redheaded kid wants in my picture? NEVER!

I'm getting my majorette pose down..

And.. I'm going to punch this Half Marathon in the FACE!!! 

 Are there any of you planning to run RnR Savannah? If so, let's plan a blogger dinner? Anyone game? 

More importantly.. what should I wear for the race? I was thinking.. something Bama inspired since it's game day. You know how I am about dressing up for games, right??

Cullman Rising 5K

It was a hot one. That's for sure. Robbie ran with me, and I didn't want to jinx it, but we were on pace to break a 30min 5K Mile 1 was 9:28; slowed it down a bit for mile 2 10:28; and mile 3 sort of fell apart at 12:07. 

I ran the course Thursday with Stacie, Nicole and Jennifer and I knew the hills were in the beginning, so when we were keeping that pace with the hills, I was feeling good. But it was unshaded and hot and humid, so I won't complain too much. 

The course weaved through where the tornado went through. A lot of stuff is starting to be demo-ed, so it's strange to see broken trees and dirt where houses used to stand. 

I will take my 33:55 time and run with it- and the day I break 30.. I will fist pump and dance across the finish line. :)

Addy says she wants to run the next one with me.. how do you train a 4 year old? Maybe we should just do the 1 mile fun "walk" or should we man up and do the 5K? It's July 23rd.

Runners Brain or Fashion Brain?

Guys, I am having a dilemma. While, my Karhu's have helped me knee problem, they are extremely heavy and I feel like I need a secondary running shoe. What I want, is to be faster. And to not have knee pain. I have been lusting over the Nike Free's for a while. They are light weight but I have heard bad things about distance running in them. 

I did a bad thing. I tried them on. They felt fantastic. I talked with the guy at Hibbett's- where I normally wouldn't buy running shoes, but I was browsing and he seemed extremely knowledgable. He flat out told me that with my heel strike, these shoes would be my worst nightmare, but he also told me about the Free technology that simulates barefoot running therefore it strengthens the ankle muscle and blah blah blah. He got me thinking though, he said that "natural" runners( those who hit more on the balls of their feet) have the shock of the strike in their muscles and not in their joints and cartilage like a heel striker does. 

I am afraid I am doing THE ONE thing that a runner isn't supposed to do and am choosing a shoe based on looks. He put a special insert in the shoe and I tried it on with my normal running sock and it felt fantastic. 

I am looking for this shoe as a secondary running shoe, not a primary. Something to start out with 1-2 mile runs to help improve my speed and hopefully my running "style"- is that the right word?

Anyway, so last night I went to run a mile- to help my speed and tried to stay conscious of how my foot was hitting and stayed more on the mid-foot area, and I could feel it working my calves more and different muscles in my feet. I felt much better and didn't get as tired as I normally would and ended up running almost 3 miles.

I am also still having a breathing problem... I am not sure if I just suck wind and therefore my mouth and throat get dry and so I stop to drink some water, but I am getting side stitches. How can I fix this? I think it might be becoming a mental block too.

So, my questions are.. Am I letting my fashion brain overtake my smart runners brain on a shoe purchase? I have enjoyed the Karhu's but would rather get back into my Vomero's and maybe a pair of Free's for shorter distances. What do you think?? Opinions, people!!

And what can I do to help my breathing techniques?

Back in the Saddle.. Again.

After the past few days of being totally stressed, Monday night, I came home, at 6pm, looked at John and said, "I'm going for a run." I put my clothes and headed to the gym. My goal for the summer is to be running 9 min miles.. something that is a little hard to accomplish if you aren't running. Which I haven't been. And I felt like I have let my blog down from my lack of running motivation. But you don't get the things you want, by wishing them to do you. Running demands blood, sweat and tears for it's glory. And I will pay my dues. 

The minute my feet hit that treadmill, the stress across my shoulders immediately eased. I felt like Forrest. I was running. I didn't want to over do it, and since I know me, and I can be a slacker, I have decided I don't get to add any distance until I can run a 9:30 mile. Which I almost did. I walked for 2 minutes, and I did have to break for water, but the mile took 11:00. I did my mile and got on the elliptical. The plan is to get back into running, and doing Jillian 2-3 times a week. I feel like she makes me strong and I like her dvds and the fact that it's only 20 minutes- you can definitely torture yourself for short of a time period. 

I also saw this morning where on June 25th, they are doing a Cullman Rising 5K Run. It will take the path of the tornado(haven't seen a course map yet). I imagine it will be an emotional run, but I am excited about it, and I may just have to come up a Black and Gold Running outfit. 

There are several half marathons that I want to do, and I need to get into shape for them. Rock N Roll Savannah is one- November 5th; The Mercedes Half which is in Birmingham is normally around Valentines Day; and of course, the Disney Princess is set for the end of February... not sure if it's possible to do those two so close together, but with proper training, it can be done.. right? 

I have been feeding off the sheer joy of getting back to running and it feels fantastic. Sometimes, you need a break though. And I was definitely starting to get burned out. Maybe not training properly for things makes you burn out? What are your thoughts?

Also, it's In Real Life BFF Brooke's B'day and her new blog just went live!! You should stop by and say hello and wish her Happy Birthday!! 

Kara Goucher's Running for Women

 This book was so inspiring. Even though I don't run marathons, there was a TON of advice for training for halfs or even 5K's. I always love hearing how people got started in running and her story didn't disappoint me. 

She talks of her struggles with injury and it's inspiring to know how HARD she works for what she does. It isn't easy, but because she loves running so much, she works for what she has. 

She has an awesome support system, as well. I really cannot say enough about this book. It is a breath of fresh air when maybe you are having some struggles with running. 

She even said something that has really stuck with me personally. She talks about how people will comment to runners about how hard it is on your knees and joints.

" The fact is, running is good for your bones and joints- including your knees! Research has shown that among other things, regular movement such as running speeds the rate at which your body naturally replaces cartilidge, which makes it stronger."

I got the idea from someone's blog ( if you know the answer, please let me know and I will credit them!) to send a book that you read and loved to someone who would love to read it and then when they are done with it, they send it to someone who would love to read it, and you create this circle. 

I thought it was a fantastic idea, so that's what I am doing. I bought the book and have sent it to Lindsey to read and she will send it to someone. All I ask is that, you write your blog name and your blog address in the inside cover. That way, we will know who has read it! 

I jiggle- Week 3

Thank you all so much for the birthday wishes! While I am not digging getting older, I still do love my birthday. 

I ended up with the cutest travel coffee mug from my friend Ashley- I love travel coffee mugs! The girls got me lots of dollars on iTunes to buy some books and music and I got two bottles of wine from the wine tasting the other night and a new running outfit- it's Alabama style people. Can I just say how much I love my new WHITE running skirt! After seeing Racing with Babes Boston inspired outfit, I knew I had to have a Bama one. Philly heard my cries and somehow got a Running Skirt here after pronouncing on Monday that he couldn't find it on the website. 

So, onto week 3! I am loving everyone coming together and giving motivation to each other for this challenge. 

While, I didn't get on the scales this morning after my birthday dinner, I can attest that I have been staying strong at 130.  I can't tell you how awesome it makes me feel to have everyone tell me how skinny I look. I promise that never gets old! 

I have decided that I will most likely try to stay around 130 and just tone up my body. My friend Jana has started her second week of Jillian's Ripped in 30 Days- she says it's tough but she is already seeing results. So much that her husband has commented on it. I will be ordering that and doing it in conjunction with running/elliptical. I really want to concentrate on getting my pace under 10 minutes, so I will be working on my speed for a 5K. I am around 10:20 a mile for my 5K pace and I want to get that down to 9:00. 

I can't wait to hear about how everyone is doing this week! 

Reunited and it feels so good..

Since I am 1.5 lbs off my original goal of 130, I have decided to push myself to lose 6 lbs to get down to 125. I want to concentrate on blasting the fat and building the muscle. I would be fine with the number on the scales today, if I felt like I looked toned. But I don't feel that way. So, I challenged Lindsey at Mrs and Mrs Smith to lose our last 6 lbs in a competition. Whoever gets to their goal first receives a prize from the "loser". We also decided to open up our competition to anyone who wants to do it. We will do it as an 8 week challenge and whoever loses the most at the end of 8 weeks will receive a prize from the two of us. You do not have to post your weight. If you are interested in joining the challenge, let us know. 

I have gotten so much encouragement over the internets from y'all and I would like to give something back to those going down the same weight loss journey. Y'all.. bikini season is right around the corner- let's rock it! 

In other news...

I have finally been reunited with a great run. I have decided to scrap distance and go for time and to feel good. I had intentions of doing some machines, but my run felt great and I did a little speed work- just testing to see what felt good. I did 2.2 miles and then chatted with the brother-in-law and went to go get the girls from Lindas and ran a few errands, came home and did some Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred.. I was able to keep it in between Natalie and Anita-- but keep up more with Natalie, which I was way impressed with- I guess the endurance sports helps. :) 

Let's punch these last 6 lbs in the face. 

Update on the shoes.. and other things.

I have had 5 workouts with the new shoes. There are super comfy and my knees haven't been bothering me. Here is the downside. My socks don't like them. I wear the thorlo pads and these two aren't meshing. Also, my feet get hot. I can't stand when my feet get hot. Thirdly, I think they are a little heavy for running shoes. I have been thinking my legs felt like lead but now I am thinking it's the heaviness of the shoes. I can only assume that since the shoes a little heavier that they are the reason that my calves are sore. Not that I am complaining. My calves could use a work out.

I also discovered that I can't run Nashville. No babysitters. It's really not a big deal to me. My heart wasn't in that race anyway. But I wanted to look for a 10K to run. It seems like a good distance for me. I found two. One on the day of A-Day and the other is the day we leave for Vegas. So.. no can do. I'm a little ticked about it.

Since I am a person that needs goals, I have decided to really work on bringing my 5K time down. I really want to run a sub 30 min 5K. I am just not sure how to go about concentrating on speed work. How often should this be done? Can it be done on a treadmill?

I am thinking I need a running partner too. I really do enjoy running outside. I don't know many runners, so I either need to find some runner friends/runner group or make the friends I already have, run. Any takers? (yes, Jana- I, too, wish we lived closer together because we could be awesome running buddies.)

On a side note, I want to get toned. I am trying to figure out the best way to go about it. Start working with weights? Run more? Do The Shred? I had my body fat analyzed this morning. This is how is breaks down... 23.1 body fat and my muscle mass is 23.3- basically I am half muscle, half fat. 14-20% is the athletic area of body fat, and I am in the fitness area. I'm not trying to unload my body image issues on here, but basically, I hate my inner thighs, second butt, and my arms. So, anything to help me there would be greatly appreciated.

To answer the anonymous question that was posted in my comments- We are still unsure if we are done having kids or not. We are happy with the way the things are right now. If we do try again, I think we would both be happy either way it went. Boy or another girl- it wouldn't matter to me! :)

I got some new shoes on...

"Hey, I got some new shoes on and suddenly everything is bright..." 

Yesterday I went and got re-fitted for some shoes. The more I thought about my previous fitting, the more it disturbs me. The girl told me she didn't run and she was quite uninterested in helping me with my shoes. Lesson learned. 

I have been hearing some good things about The Trak Shak in Homewood, so we went over there. The guy was super helpful. And his running knowledge was immense. He actually told me he doesn't bother with races he can't win. Whoa. I just run to finish. 

I told him about my knee pain and he agreed it was most likely from my shoes and spouted off some reasoning. I just nodded. Whatever. Fix me, dude. 

He started raving about these Karhu running shoes. I thought they were way ugly. They apparently have two colors in stock. Neon Green and Glow in the dark Orange. I was leary to say the least. I tried my hardest to like the Mizuno better, but I had to think of my knee and not fashion and brought home these babies. 

I went for my first run in them. First comment from a lady in the locker room.. "Wow! Those sure are bright and orange! Are you an Auburn fan?" I replied with a no, I wasn't and thats why I didn't want to buy them, but they are crazy comfy. 

I ran 2 miles-- not a lot but I did some speed work and knee pain? Gone. It felt good to run. I would loved to have gone further, but apparently the gym didn't change their clocks with DST and I thought it was almost 11 and needed to get the girls some lunch.. ugh. Yeah, it was only 10. Boo. 

Anyway, I definitely looked like a skittle today with my green running shirt, purple,pink, and green shorts and my orange and yellow running shoes.

I'm not gonna lie, they did make me want to run a little faster! 

Debbie Downer Post

Hi. I am on the verge of a mental running breakdown. Every time I have run since Disney, my knee hurts and I am getting side stitches. Since I like to overanalyze everything, here is my breakdown. My knee is hurting because I need new shoes. Because my knee hurts, I change my running gait and hunch therefore inhibiting my breathing ability while running. Makes sense? Totally nonsense? You be the judge.

I told John that I don't think I should run until I am able to go get re-fitted and get some new shoes. Now, let's just find the $$ and time to head up to the Huntsville to Fleet Feet Sports. 

Not running and having bad runs kinda makes me a little crazy in the head. It makes me stress about it, and that runs over into my daily life. And doesn't help my attitude with my sassy princesses. And honestly? It makes me a little depressed. I REALLY want to run Nashville, I have yet to sign up due to the fact that I am scared I am really injured and I want to mentally be ready for this race and I don't feel like I am right now. And then I get mad about it. You see why I am a little bit of a crazy person, right now? 

Any advice, words of wisdom, slaps in the face are always welcome. 

In other news, I am headed to Hartselle today with Becca so she can get fitted for her bridesmaids dress for her brothers wedding-- did I mention that I am the wedding photographer? Holy cow. I am. I am so pumped. And then tonight, pizza dinner and play date with Lee and Alana and their kiddos. Super excited about what today holds. 

Guess it's time to get out of the jammies and put some real people clothes on. 

P.S. Did you watch the Bachelor? So glad he picked Emily. Loved her hair on the After the Final Rose- but that was the most awkward show ever. Brad has a temper? Must be bad-- why didn't she have the ring and he gave it back on the show? That's just strange. I would love to know what happened... Because I am just nosey. :) 

P.P.S. I am not a fan of the scales this week- I had gotten down to 131.5- I could taste the glory of 130- and guess who's hormonal and has a monthly visitor and back up to 135?? So, I refuse to input my weight on My Fitness Pal this week. 

Back in the Saddle.. Again.

I'm glad everyone seemed to enjoy my race playlist and that I could give you some good ideas. 

I finally had my post race run. You see, these things scare me. I never know what to expect out of them. And the fact that I had been a little more than depressed last week bothered me. Does everyone else get the post race blues? John dragged me out of the house Friday night- I didn't really want to go, but after a g-chat with my girl, Jana, I took a shower, put on a cute outfit, and some make-up. Just to try to lift my spirits. We went to Huntsville and I had a gift card to Old Navy and DSW. I got some new Wedding/Easter shoes... and got a new ruffle tank from Old Navy. The shoes cost me less than $15 with the gift card. Thanks, Jay for the DSW gift card! I wanted something to get me out of my funk. Something to get me out of my running funk. But just signing up for one race wasn't going to cut it. Then, I found out about Half Fanatics. It really lifted my spirits. Got me right out of the funk. You can join by running either 2 1/2 marathons within 16 days of each other, or 3 within 90 days. I spent some time looking up races around here, but in the end decided they were all too close to the half I want to run, but have yet to sign up for, at the end of April. I'm afraid 3 weeks isn't enough recovery time. But it was enough to get me out of the funk. 

I thought I might get a run in Saturday, after my photo session, but it started raining and I didn't. And then Sunday, it didn't happen either. I had good intentions for Monday, but by the time Claire woke up from her nap, it would be 4 by the time I got to the gym, and it's too busy for me. 

So, Tuesday was the day. I told myself that I would 5 miles out of the deal, but I would stop before then if I felt that I needed to. I wanted to take it easy. Nice and easy. No sprints, just slow and steady. Side stitches started ailing me early on and by 2.5 miles, I felt like I could puke if I went much more. How weird is that? I ran 13.1 miles a week ago and wasn't doing less than 5 mile runs and all the sudden, I can't even run 3 miles? I guess that just goes to show how quickly running can turn on you. 

Anyway, it felt good on the treadmill. I missed the running. I wanted to go faster, but knew I didn't need to and that my body probably couldn't handle it. I proudly wore my Disney race shirt and even got a nod from the Spin Nazi who works out all the time and is in amazing shape. I guess I impressed her with my ability for a half. 

In other news.. Mr. and Mrs. Smith blogged about this amazing app and website My Fitness Pal and how she is counting calories. This thing is amazing!! It's free and so much easier than Weight Watchers. I am obsessed with it. I have already lost 2.5 lbs on it. I really want to meet my original goal of 130... and I am about 3 lbs from it. I also want to incorporate some weights and get some toning in with the running. I was looking at some different Jillian DVD's- but can't decide. $10 is a HUGE commitment. (sarcasm) I am really just indecisive about it. I have the Shred, but it's more cardio than I am looking for. 

I am still deciding on the run for today.. it's crazy stormy outside, so I am not sure I want to get out in it. Our yard has a river in it. I am not joking. 

As always, the first week is hard on the calorie counting. I haven't thought about cupcakes or chocolate or cream cheese icing in weeks and now? It's in thought bubbles all around my head. I can't stop thinking about it. But, you get more calories when you workout, so yay! Yesterday was the first day that I was actually under my calorie goal. 

Happy Wednesday, Folks!

2011 Disney Princess Half Marathon Re-Cap

I decided to go ahead and just do the actual Race Re-cap before I went through the entire trip.. I must warn you, if you hate pictures, running, or Disney then you will hate this post.

Disney really does a race right. Except for the fact they start so dang early. The alarm went off at 3:00. I was on a bus by 3:30, and made it to the Media tent- which was awesome. We stayed there for a little bit, and I got to use a line-free bathroom! Win! Snapped a pic of the outfit before hand- had to wear the flash mob gloves and ended up adding a houndstooth ribbon to the pony since Natalie couldn't believe I didn't have anything Bama in my outfit. 

This is the video I took... iMovie was hating me this morning and wouldn't let me add pictures, so there are no pictures.. sorry. Kind of makes it a crappy video. 

Mile Marker 1.. yes, every mile is marked with these.. no I didn't take pictures of every one of them. Just most. 

 The Princes'.. didn't want to wait in that line.

 Running through the toll area of the Magic Kingdom

 The Nascar Experience- didn't stop there either.

 

I'm proud to say, I ran up this hill.. but it was about the only one. 

 Beautiful sunrise!!!! This is also where I tripped up some girl by accident.. sorry lady. Yes, I did hear you complaining about me to your friend. Get over it.

 Ahh... yes! This is was so crowded.. you couldn't even run.

 What up, Buzz???

 Yes, I waited in a long line for Alice.. and I paused my Garmin while I did it.

 

 Also waited in line for Jesse.. and look like I am doing the pee pee dance.

 

 

My Fairy Godmothers.. You better believe I stood in this line!

Golf Course... took this just for Pa Bill!

 I would like to say, that the first half of this race was incredible. I was running, only walking to take a picture or wait in line. Coming through the Magic Kingdom was an amazing feeling to still feel so freaking good. It started to go downhill on the backside of the course. It was crowded and we were down to one lane of runners. It was difficult to pass people and I was pretty much at the mercy of the runner in front of me. My hips started feeling achy and I tried to stop and stretch them, but honestly couldn't figure out a good stretch for them, as they don't normally hurt. 

Fire Fighters... just for me!

Twizzler.. also just for me. It happens to be my favorite candy. 

I feel bad for the randoms in all my mile marker pictures.. but, what are you gonna do?

  

 

 Goofy!

 Not sure if you can see the sea of woman running down the two line. Just glad all those women are behind me!

 Coming up the entrance ramp and the incline and curve really made my knee starting talking to me. It started cramping on the backside, not really hamstring or calf, but somewhere in between, and that minicus area started hurting pretty bad. Like, I was hobbling at points through the race.

Victories within the mile...

 John, Addison and Claire met me before the entrance of Epcot to give me a kiss and it was a great mental boost and what probably helped contribute to me not collapsing.

 As we started out of Epcot, I honestly thought I was going to collapse. That my legs were just going to give out on me and I would end up on the ground. I just hoped that I wouldn't break my phone if it happened. The band singing GaGa didn't help me. Nor did the Gospel Choir, which I was looking forward to. I turned up my music to drown out all sounds and concentrated on the words. I found it very fitting that my last song was "Til I Collapse" by Eminem. As I rounded the last corner and saw the finish line, I gave it everything I had in me. I sprinted. Not a fast paced run. I was hauling a** across the finish line, weaving in and out of people. My chest started hurting but I didn't care, the faster I ran, the sooner I could get to the medical tent. I was so out of it after I crossed the finish line, I almost forget my freaking medal.

Luckily, my MIL snapped some pics of me crossing... I am in some serious freaking pain and I think you can tell. 

 After getting my knees wrapped in ice and telling John I was headed to medical, which I think kind of freaked him out, I headed back to the Media tent... a nice Mimosa was what greeted me. Probably not the best first drink after 13.1 miles, but I definitely thought I deserved it.

 I stopped and chatted with my fellow Princess Media runners, but split so I could head back to the room to lay down and try to rest my body. I was done. I could hardly celebrate with the fam. I was exhausted, mentally and physically.

 I haven't ever felt like I did Sunday after a race. Like I couldn't have taken another step if my life depended on it. And, I was mad, people. I tried to conserve my energy for the back half of the course so I took it easy in the beginning. Which, hindsight- I would've pushed myself more in the beginning, because my body started falling apart on me on the back half and wouldn't go any faster. I was slightly depressed Sunday afternoon. I couldn't be happy about crossing the finish line. I had to analyze what I did and what I could do to improve it.

Anyway, I am better today. But I am looking at another half at the end of April.. I gotta get a redemption race in! This race just doesn't settle with me and I have got to erase it. It ticks me off to have a horrible second half of a race in a magical place like Disney. I guess I have officially been sucked into competition with myself.

I cannot say enough about how organized and generally awesome Disney is with their races. This is my second one and they really pull out some stops. It didn't hurt to be a part of the Media group and get some special treatment, but I will tell you more about that later-- trust me, you will be jealous!