My Grand Illusions

My 3rd Half Marathon: FINISHER

5:40 AM came SO EARLY to get up and run the 3M Half Marathon. After the Las Vegas Half I was just burnt out on running and I was not looking forward to running 13.1 miles at all. I'm pretty sure if I would agreed to it Jennie would have sat at Starbucks with me sipping iced coffees and passing the morning away with little to no physical movement. I would have definitely done that except for the annoying fact that I paid for this race. (I know, I pay to run around like an insane person.)

So, back to 5:40 AM. The fantastic (and lovely and wonderful) Natalie warmed her car up and drove Jennie and I to our starting point where we met up with Jenand her husband Adam. It was dark and cold and I was so not feeling it. When people started moving toward the start line I made a mental note to push all those negative thoughts out of my head and just put one foot in front of the other. When you run any distance, be it 1 mile or 13 miles you really just have to concentrate on your feet and make sure they keep on moving. I started running with barely a days training in the last month and a half and I hoped for the best.

This race is supposed to be a mostly downhill race and it definitely had it's down hills but this elevation map absolutely cannot be right. As Jen said about the downhills touted in this race: LIES AND FALSEHOODS. Oh yes, they were big fat lies. It was  a relatively flat course but there were some inclines that I was definitely not expecting. Whoever made that elevation map needs to go back to school or something.

About mile 2 or so Jennie and I separated which I think gave us both the freedom to do our best at our own pace and I really appreciated that. I ended up walking more this half marathon than I have during the other 2 halves I've participated in. I had just gotten off a 65 hour workweek with little training and I was just tired and over it in so many ways. I felt really pretty good despite the tired and the sun that was glaring right in my eyes and I ran probably 80-85% of the race.

The best part of the whole race was having Duvain and my mom cheer me on while I ran. I always run with my iPhone for a few reasons. One reason is to listen to music and the other reason is to get those motivational texts and messages from my cheerleaders. It's probably really odd but it's so nice sending Duvain messages during the race and having him send me motivational messages right back. He and two of his little nephews recorded several messages and sent to me so I could listen to them cheering me on through my headphones. It was a lively little boost that I needed, especially toward the end.

When I saw that mile 9 and then 10 and then 11 and then 12 and then finally the mile 13 sign I knew I was kicking some serious ass. I was nearing the finish and I didn't really care much if I beat my previous PR, I just really wanted to finish and finish I did. When the results were published I was SHOCKED to see that I had, in fact, beat my PR! I finished the 3M Half in 2:44:44 which is exactly 2:10 less than my PR. It BLOWS MY MIND that I walked so much and beat my time. There's something to be said for conserving a little energy here and there so you can power through the running. I've seen the light and I may never run an entire race again.

After the race Jess picked me and Jennie up around the finish line and drove us to eat a hearty lunch at 24 Diner. It was delicious and exactly what I needed after expending so much energy. (Thank you Jess, you're one of the best Internet friends I've ever made!) Naps and snacks followed and then we headed home, not much more than 24 hours after we arrived. It was such a whirlwind trip!

I've got a shiny new medal, a new PR under my belt and some sore-ass legs. I'm glad it's over and glad I did it.

Half Marathons

I don't think I ever really wrote about the first half marathon I did in early2011. I know for a fact that I never wrote about the second half I did in December 2011. So, here I am writing about the half marathon I'm doing TOMORROW. (Please note, I am insane.)

My first half marathon I trained alone and with little time to prepare. I decided, with less than a month to go, to register and make that half my you-know-what. I was so nervous lining up with Natalie the morning of the race. I'd done as much as I felt like I could have done in that short amount of time and I ran my hear out. I ran all but perhaps 1/4 of a mile and it was tough. There were some big hills I hadn't trained for and I didn't realize there would be no food on the course and I ran out around mile 9. I was starving, tired and just beat down. When I crossed the finish line I cried and cried because HOLY SHIT I had just ran 13.1 miles and FINISHED. I was so proud of myself and Natalie. For nearly a year I kept my finisher's medal hanging in my office and talked to anyone about my race that asked. Finishing time was 2:47 and some change.

Running that half was a big life accomplishment, one I never, ever thought I'd accomplish. I used to say I'd never run unless someone was chasing me with a sharp object. HAHA. How things have changed.

My second half marathon was in many ways different. I wasn't nearly as nervous because I'd done it before, the route was completely flat and I'd trained hard and for nearly 6 months with Jennie. We flew to Las Vegas for this half and although I was nervous about the higher elevation (2,000 feet more) it was really no big deal. I felt really, really good through the entire half, I know I could have kept running after we finished and been ok. I had a small occasion where my toes were feeling so painful but it only lasted a mile or two. I walked more this half marathon than the last and I was really OK with it, in fact I think it helped mentally and physically and I only finished 2 minutes later than my last time. I won't go into much detail about the disaster that was after the race was over but I can say with confidence that I won't run another Rock N Roll race again unless I'm assured there won't be issues like people passing out from the being stuck in the corral to leave the race. I enjoyed this half very much and I think if all races were like that I'd run them all the time.

As for this half tomorrow OMG, well, I've trained, uh not at all. I walked on the treadmill a few times and I did interval training twice last week and that's it. This course is mostly downhill which should make me feel OK about it but I've heard that downhill can be harder than uphill and I'm a wee nervous about my knees. I don't have knee problems but occasionally my knees bother me when going downhill, especially after I climbed Ben Nevis*. But in all honesty I just want to finish strong and within the 4 hour time frame. I've got nothing to prove to anyone but myself so if it takes me 3:30 then I'm OK with that. I'm just so darn proud that my little stubby legs and my former smoker's lungs can take me 13.1 miles that I've got so much to celebrate.

Here's to running (and walking) strong tomorrow and finishing strong!

:::::::::

*Ben Nevis. Climbing this mountain was THE HARDEST PHYSICAL THING I'VE EVER DONE IN MY LIFE. I'll blog about it soon, promise. I'll tell you all about how I wanted to cry at the end, how I fell twice and how I almost let that mountain beat me. In the meantime, here's a few pictures.

Two things

I've been reading this book like I've not read a book in a long time. It's fascinating and I can't wait to see what happens! Reading this book is only noteworthy because I bought it on vacation in CA over a year ago and I kept hearing such mixed reviews I just couldn't bring myself to start it. Now that I have it turns out that I sort of love it.

This past weekend Jackson and I visited one of my best friends, Melissa, and her family in Lubbock, TX. They are moving to Montana this week and I hadn't seen her in years so it was high-time we had some catching up in person. Jackson loved having her kids to play with for an entire weekend. Yesterday, before we left, we stopped at a local park I took this short little video of her daughter and Jackson... 

 

I lie! Three things! I leave to see my English beau in 68 days!

I'm back home, where it's a thousand degrees outside but I don't have to walk a thousand miles a day.

I'm back from NYC! It was a lovely week-long vacation filled with LOADS of walking, lots of great food, excellent company and not nearly enough sleep. I'm currently catching up on my sleep (and my DVR) as much as possible. I took a delicious nap yesterday that I really needed. Also, my feet are less mad at me for walking less now that I'm home. My feet, lordy, the poor things were ON FIRE until I bought a proper pair of tennis shoes. You'd think that since I've been to NYC two other times that I'd know better but nooooo, I had to bring a cute pair of shoes instead of shoes that functioned to keep my feet so I could walk without a limp and 97 blisters. Lesson learned.

   
(With The Naked Cowboy. He said to me "everything really is bigger in Texas" and I'm not sure if that was a compliment or if he's saying I'm fat.)

The hotel I ended up getting was in New Rochelle, about a 30 minute train ride into the city. I didn't mind it much except when the wait for the train was an hour long. I did manage to read two entire books thanks to public transportation so not all hope was lost. I wish I had public transit as an option, I'd totally use it just to read while traveling to and from places. Places like The Top of The Rock.

 

(A view from the top of The Rockefeller Center looking at the Empire State Building.)

My lovely roommate, Jess, helped pass the train waiting time by listening to me talk about lemon squares from Mangolia Bakery (the cupcakes are blecky IMO), how much I adore my family in NY and a ton of random crap that I could find to talk about. Derick's dad came to get him on Sunday and I was so grateful that Jess missed her stand-by flight (twice!) so she could keep me company. If you need an excellent travel partner that goes with the flow, laughs at your stupid jokes and it just a lovely person to be with, get this woman!

(She's super cute also!) 

I coincided this trip to be around when BlogHer was going on even though I have little interest in participating in BlogHer itself. I did, however, want to see some of the people who'd be there. Success! I had the most delicious dinner with Jennie, Jess and a fellow Style Lush blogger, Maura. I got to see the gorgeously pregnant Katie and ate hotel chips with Kristin. I managed to meet a few other bloggers briefly and everyone was pleasant and lovely. I didn't attend any parties or get a swag bag but it's ok, it was really nice to see everyone.

(Seriously, are they not all just the most adorable ladies you've ever seen?)

Before Derick left to go back to his dad's house we squeezed in a few touristy things, time with our family and, to be honest, a few stressful moments. (Teenagers! They require tons of patience! There's your warning!) Derick and one of his cousin's hit it off and are already scheming a plan to get together next summer. This makes me immensely happy for so many reasons. The family members we saw are some of the best parts of my family and I was so happy to see them, spend time with them and make some memories with them.

 
(Me and Derick on the Brooklyn Bridge.)

I already have a mental list going of the places and things I need to do next time I'm in NYC. There are so many things to see, so many things to do and so many vegan and vegetarian places to eat at. I'd have to stay for years to do everything. I'd also have to stay for years to get the subways down. I managed ok for the most part but I'm directionally challenged so I think I only made it by the grace of my GPS on my iPhone.

Also, I have to express my disappointment that there's no free breakfast and coffee every morning here at home and that I can't just walk a few blocks to a locally owned restaurant that serves the best food I've ever tasted. Dallas/Fort Worth, can you get on those things please? Thanks.

The Blathering, version 2.0

Last year I attended The Blathering with a ton of ladies I feel privileged to call friends. It was a total blast and for sure one of the best trips I've ever taken in the history of trips. I mean, seriously. There was good food, cupcakes, free wine, tons of laughing and a gay bar. WHO COULD NOT LOVE THAT?!

The dates for The Blathering 2010 have been announced and you can get all the up-to-the-minute details here. I've sharpied in the dates and added a price tracker for flights to Chicago. The chance of spending a few days with these women (and hopefully more new women!) is so exciting, I can hardly stand it.

Say you'll come! PLEASE!

I'm back. With a tan. (And announcing a winner!)

So, I'm back from my vacation in the Bahamas. It was a lovely little get-away that I needed. I feel like I'm ready to take on this tax season full force. We had 5 days of lounging on the beach, eating way too much, talking a lot and just relaxing. I'd sort of like to say that we stayed up late and partied like rock stars but honestly we went to bed at a decent hour every night and the most I had to drink was 1 1/2 mojitos in South Beach that gave me the slightest little buzz, enough to make me tired.

All of the beaches we went to were blanketed with off-white sand that fed into brilliant, clear blue water. The warm sun on my skin was a nice departure from sweaters and scarves and shivering. I had never vacationed in the warm tropical weather during Christmas time. It was so disconcerting to be walking around in a bathing suit, layers of sunscreen applied to my limbs all while seeing plastic Santa's and 20 foot Christmas trees. Oh, but it was lovely.

While I was away I held a giveaway that a few people entered. (Where IS EVERYONE?!) I wanted to give away a fantastic travel journal/organizer that I used on my trip. Honestly, it was a great way to keep track of everything we did, things we liked and hated, places we'd come back to, food we ate and how proud I was that we actually brought our workout clothes and managed to squeeze in three really good workouts during our trip. I'm looking forward to looking back on my journaling and reading all about this vacation.

So! The winner! Using a random number selector who's-it, the winner is Natalie, from The Sweets Life. Natalie, please send me an e-mail by Friday to mygrandillusions [at] yahoo dot com and I'll get the awesome travel organizer/journal to you!

Also, it wouldn't be a proper I'M BACK post without a few pictures...

Me and my big hair posing on the ships deck with smoggy Miami in the background.

 
 Oh Internet, here I am in a bathing suit. Granted it's not a regular one, it totally has a skirt attached to it and I'm ok with that. I felt better than if I had pranced around in a "regular" suit. Momma's got thighs. The water was really THIS blue and THIS gorgeous.

Oh Christmas tree....Here I am in a swimsuit cover-up and flip flops in front of a Christmas tree. The irony was not lost on me. Or my tan (which I know is hard to see, my Italian roots are not showing themselves.)

 
 I wish I was back here RIGHT NOW.

There are a TON MORE photos here. You can see my gorgeous friend and her enviable hot self in her bikini and me in my skirted swimsuit. I am so lame! Ha!

While I'm away...You could win!

So, I've set this to auto-post because, my friends, I'm away on a short 4 day cruise to the Bahamas and a one night stay in South Beach Miami in an adorable hotel that's literally steps from the ocean with one of my girlfriends. We're probably lounging by the cruise ship pool or soaking up the sun (with a proper amount of sunblock on) at the beach. It's my last hoorah for the year before the crazy hours of tax season set in.

I'm especially excited to travel with the person I'm traveling with. Her name is Chandler and I've known her for years. We went to elementary school together, liked the same boys and rode many a school bus together. We lost contact for quite a few years so I'm especially glad to have reconnected with her.

While I'm traveling I've got a new way to record memories from my trip. I posted about this over at Style Lush, go check it out! I bought the most awesome little travel journal/organizerthat I HIGHLY recommend if you are traveling anywhere, really. It's jam packed with information, inspiration and a ton of space to journal about your travels. I fully intend on getting one for each vacation I take from now on.

I love this little travel journal so much that I'm going to give away one for free! Leave me a comment telling me what your favorite way is to keep track of your travels. I'll pick a winner when I come back and announce who wins on Monday!

Until then, hold down the Internet, please!

Vegas, take two

Oh Las Vegas, I'm still tired from you. I woke this morning at 8 AM and I was all "What the HELL, it's 10 AM Texas time, why can't I shake the tired?" and then I remembered I wasn't in a hotel bed in Vegas and that my breakfast would not be an all-you-can-eat buffet and there would be no bottomless champagne. I had successfully made it back to my own bed in my own state without bottomless champagne and then the tired was replaced with the sad. It was such a fun time that I am now mourning being home. 

This was my second time to Las Vegas and this time around it was so different:

• This time around I was with a group of people. I have to say that being with a group of people is infinitely better than being with just one other person. We had basically three groups of people all there at the same time and it was nice to know that everyone could do their own thing. The gamblers hung out with the gamblers, the drinkers hung out with the drinkers, etc.
• We didn't rent a car which meant we did a lot of walking. I really did like having a car last time around because we got to leave the city and see Lake Mead and Hoover Damn. Not having a car meant we met lots of cab drivers and did a lot of site seeing via foot. Next time I'd rent a car but make sure I did a fair amount of walking.
• I had infinitely more money this trip. I didn't spend money like crazy but I also didn't stress that I had spent too much and couldn't afford to pay my mortgage when I got home.
• I didn't have a mortgage last time. Or another kid.
• I flirted with men this time! Obviously it didn't make a hill of beans of difference but it was fun. I have a "one that got away" story.
• I made a new friend on this trip. An Internet friend! Hi, Maura!
• One of the biggest differences is the amount of alcohol I drank. Now I know what college bing drinking is like. I'm still sweating out the tequila shots.

Me, Mike (the birthday boy), and Jennie getting the party started early at the airport. 

 

 
 
   Our first Las Vegas beer. There were many more to come.

 

 

The Girl Scout cookie shot. It tasted EXACTLY like a thin mint.

 

 

My favorite thing in Vegas is the ceiling at the Bellagio.

 

 

It was definitely time for some other clear liquids on the last day.

The rest of the photos are here. Basically you'll see lots of funny faces and photos that no one really reembers being taken.