Sprung A Leak

by Nicole on March 10, 2010

I have a huge announcement to make at the end of this post so make sure that you read it all the way through!

So, first thing this morning I attempted my 16 mile run. About 1/2 mile in, I noticed that my back was soaking wet. Now, I have admitted that I sweat more than the hubs, but this was not the case especially in 25 degree weather. I took off my camelback and realized that it was leaking and my camera and phone were soaked AGAIN! When I went to the gym last week, I thought it was just a fluke that my camelback was leaking, but I guess I really do have a leak! So, I grabbed my phone and camera out of the soaking wet storage compartment and stuffed them in my pockets and ran home with my arms stretched out holding my camelback out in front of me! I’m sure that I must have looked like a freak to my mom’s neighbors! hahaDSC06164.JPG

As soon as I got home, I tore my sweatshirt off, threw it in the dryer, and took apart my camera and phone so they could dry. Instead of my 16 miler, I did an 8 miler instead. I was pissed especially because I had missed a run yesterday to get the gels that I needed for a long run today, but I think that it is important to be flexible with my workout schedule. Hopefully, I will have time for the 16 miler on Friday.

So, on to the 8 miler. Yeah. So running in Albuquerque is a lot different than running in Germany. By this I mean, the elevation is a lot higher here. Where my parents live, it is about 5200-5300 feet above sea level. Germany is about 800 feet. A big difference, eh? Oh, and you better believe that I felt it today. After my sweatshirt was dry (I didn’t think I was gonna even need to wear a sweatshirt here, so I didn’t bring any moisture wicking jackets doh!), I made my way outside again.

The first two miles were pretty brutal and reminded me why elite runners come to train here. My lungs felt like they were on fire trying to work in a lower oxygen environment than what they were used to. Extreme nausea took over as I focused on breathing and trying not to puke up my organic raisin bran with bananas all over the pretty little snow covered cacti blanketing the landscape. Prairie dogs were out and about running from the roadrunners. Taking in nature, I slowly started to feel better. I was still working hard, don’t get me wrong. I started getting that metallic taste in my mouth. I haven’t had that in quite a while! I looked down at my watch and realized that I was going at a 10:05 pace. Yikes! Taking 4 days off and running in high altitude sucks!

After the turnaround, my pace was an 8:45. Hmm, I guess that I forgot about that false flat going out from my mom’s. :) It was quite horrendous, no wonder I attempted to block it out of my mind. I got home in one piece, happy to be alive even though my lungs were burning like that crazy! It was a great to run in my hometown again. I truly love it here. I miss it a lot! I know the next run I do is going to be fairly similar though!

Now, time for the big announcement: I must have been leaking something from my brain last night as well because I registered for the Grand Columbian Half Iron Triathlon scheduled for mid September of this year! I am so scared!! Ahhhh! That means that I will be swimming 1.2 miles, biking 56 miles, and running 13.1 miles!!!! I am scared out of my mind, but I do things that scare the living day lights out of me all the time. I usually never regret them! I have anxiety issues from time to time, and this usually includes being worried about being eaten by things in lakes and rivers, but I will just not think about that now.

While I was chatting with my husband last night, and by chatting I mean emailing back and forth, about which one I should do and if I’m ready to do a half Ironman, he was incredibly supportive. He said that he would drive me wherever I wanted to go, be my sherpa (carry all my crap), and cheer me on as long as there was beer somewhere! Awesome! He also said he would be there to nudge me into getting to the gym when I was tired and didn’t want to workout (mean coach!). I’m so lucky to have this much support in my life! Thanks, babe!

Now, I just have to work on calming my stomach down when I think about it!

Done anything you were scared of lately?

P.S. There is a roundtable discussion over at Frayed Laces about women balancing training with grad school that I helped contribute to!

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Wedding Weekend!

by Nicole on March 8, 2010

This weekend was absolutely crazy! Our dear friends, Helen and John got married this weekend, and it was busy, busy, busy! We started off a bachelorlette party on Thursday night. No pics sorry. But it was fun and relaxed! Then, a rehearsal dinner Friday night at a great little Spanish restaurant that I can’t seem to remember the name of now. This dress is the result of shopping in London! I love it!

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It is like business in the front and party in the back. Sort of like a mullet, but way more attractive!

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The night was filled with many sangrias and saying very awkward things in front of Steve’s parents. Lovely. That is my life! Thank goodness they love me anyway!

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Some more of our really good friends who took me under their wing since Steve was gone!

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Saturday morning, I needed to go to the beach! Notice I said “needed.” I hadn’t gone yet since I had been in St. Pete for a week, and this was the nicest day so far– 64 degrees. Steve’s parents sat in lawn chairs bundled up in jackets and jeans while I was laying out in a string bikini. I was lovin’ it! I need a tan bad and I was desperate to get one! Living in Germany also warps ones perception on what is cold is well!

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I wanted to go check out the water, and it was really cold! Notice my biking tan from last year! Yes, it still looks like I still have thigh highs on! Sexy!

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After getting home from the beach, we got ready to go to the wedding! I found this fabulous dress a Cache. I LOVE that store. It is expensive as hell, but I love their dresses! And no one, but me was wearing this dress!

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Which was different from my shoes! I ended up wearing the same strappy gold heels as one of the bridesmaids AND one of Steve’s ex-girlfriends from high school who I also met for the first time at the wedding! Can you say AWKWARD?!! Well, it ended up being a nice ice breaker. I ended up going up to her and introducing myself and added, “Nice shoes! Great minds think alike!” She actually ended up being really nice! And beautiful! My husband has great taste in women, what can I say! hehe

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The ceremony was the same church that Steve was baptized at 35 years ago. I love being able to peek into his past like that! It was beautiful!

Then, the reception was at the St. Pete Fine Arts Museum! There was artwork everywhere! It was beautiful! This piece of artwork was of a red blood cell with cancer.

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Since Steve is deployed, the groom had a cardboard cutout of him made for the wedding. When I saw it at first, it actually made me sick to my stomach. Then, people wanted me to take pictures next to it, and I tried my best to smile and have a good time.

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Then, I broke down and started crying. The pictures stopped! I needed a drink pretty badly at this point.

We were let into the reception area after cocktails, and it looked like some swanky New York event. Considering the bride danced in NY, I wasn’t surprised. It was absolutely gorgeous.

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Five glasses of wine later, a big group of us left the wedding and headed downtown to the bars. I ended up sitting next to Steve’s ex and chatted it up. Unfortunately, it got awkward again when we went to the bathroom, and I mentioned that I didn’t have any underwear on. AWKWARD! I think she laughed, but I was drunk and can’t remember her response. Now, she will probably think of me as Steve’s slutty pantyless wife. Oh god. The things you wish you could take back once you are sober! For the record, all of the underwear that I brought with me were not a good fit for the dress. Unfortunately, I have a big mouth about those things!

After that bar, everyone else went home and my brother and sister in-laws decided to go dancing. We tore it up! Of course, we were a little overdressed for the club, but we had such a good time! On our way back to the car, we hit up a huge rock that everyone (and by everyone, I mean little kids) rock climbs on. Yes, we were up there in our dresses. Classy!

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I had a great time in Florida, and I was sad to leave! But I’m on my way to Albuquerque to see my side of the family, and I am ecstatic! Beans, fresh tortillas, and green chili, here I come! And maybe some more drunkin’ rock climbing, awkward nights will take place, who knows?!

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Dear Backwards Hat Guy

by Nicole on March 5, 2010

Dear Backwards Hat Guy,

Don’t think that I didn’t notice you looking me up and down when you stepped on the treadmill next to me. I have had a horrible morning with one of my spin classes getting cancelled in Germany, and I really don’t need to be mentally undressed by anyone but my husband right now.

And, I also noticed you checking out my speed on my treadmill screen. You are not going to catch me today. I really needed this speed work to get out some frustrations with stupid people. Don’t even try to get up to my speed because your backwards cap suggests you care more about looking in the mirror and looking emo/preppy than you do getting a serious workout in. Pulllease! And your shoes? You look like you can afford a decent pair of “walking” shoes because that is all you are doing, but you chose to wear designer “workout” shoes that look ridiculous! Don’t even get me started about your tribal tatoo around your arm!

Oh no. You want to start ramping up the treadmill to match me. This could end badly for you. Trust me, I know. Okay, now you are looking over at me amazed/shocked that I’ve been running at the same pace for 4 miles, and you can’t keep up. I told you! Maybe it is your shoes? Or maybe your cap is obstructing your view. Oh nevermind, you have a cap on indoors and you have it on backwards. It can’t be that!

Sincerely,

Fellow (female) runner who kicked your emo a$$ today on the treadmill

Okay, so maybe I’m a little moody today! And you know what I got for thinking all of those negative thoughts about that poor guy on the treadmill next to me? When I got off the treadmill, I picked up my camelback, and it was dripping all over the floor. It had sprung a leak somewhere, and leaked all over my cell phone, money, and weightlifting mini notebook. Oh well. I don’t regret it! ;)

I had a huge rant post in my head from the happenings of this morning, but I decided against posting it…for now. Instead, I started contemplating about whether it would be less than classy to post a rant that deals with my volunteer employer in a negative light. I would love to say many not so nice things about him, but I will just say that he did not handle a manner with class and respect regarding an issue with the gym and me.

I was pissed and needed to workout! The nearest gym is about a mile and a half away from my in-law’s house so I decided to run over there instead of getting one of them to drop me off. Plus, they were busy with work. I loaded up my camelback up with essentials: free gym trial pass that I printed off online, driver’s license, $5, my bank card just in case, and of course, chapstick. When I got there, I did 4 miles at 8:06 pace, cooled down, weight lifted, then ran 1.5 miles back home. By the time I got home I was starving! A green monster with peanut butter and a good beating at the gym does wonders for the angry, skin crawling, livid, want to scream out loud and punch somebody soul. ;)

Do you choose to rant about private matters on your blog?

Oh, and the rest of today should be great especially after my great workout!  And it is rehearsal dinner time tonight!

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Scenic 20-Miler

by Nicole on March 3, 2010

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I woke up Monday actually ecstatic for my run ahead of me.  I was not tossing and turning with nervous energy and had slept a solid 7 hours the night before thanks to some melatonin.  Yay!

Since I forgot to bring my Clif Bloks from Germany with me, and I didn’t have time to stop off to get any here in Florida, I resorted to filling my camelback up with 1/3 Gatorade and 2/3 water and packing a hammergel that I had found in the bottom of my suitcase.  I had no idea of how old that thing was, but desperate times call for desperate measures.  I was so excited to run outside that I only put sunscreen on my face (I put that on everyday) and not anywhere else on my body.  I forgot about the UV index being about 8-10 in Florida while Germany is 0 or 1 for this time of year!  This came back to bite me on the a$$!

I took off down the residential street, then followed it to a major street.  I felt so good!  What a change from every other long run that I have gone on with little sleep due to my anxiety before long runs!  I thought to myself that I am definitely going to take some melatonin before my next long run!  It works!

At 1.5 miles in, warm salty sweat ran down my flushed cheeks and dripped into my mouth.  This is going to be a great runWhat a change from running in 20 degrees to 65!  This is going to be a sweaty run! My feet were quick, and I started to effortlessly dance over the cracks and uneven pavement.  I smiled.  I ignored the loud, fast traffic to my right, and just focused on remembering the street name that my mother-in-law had given me to turn on.

Making a left at the stoplight, I looked down at my garmin and noted my pace.  Whoops, going about a minute faster than I’m supposed to be.  Need to take it easier if I’m going to make it to the end! I was so excited to be out in the sun!  I passed some construction workers who looked up from their work to follow me with their eyes and heads. I made my way down another busy street to the residential/harbor area.   An elderly man caught up with me on his bike, and stayed along side of me for a couple of minutes.  He just looked forward, and I watched him out of the corner of my eye.  We hit another downhill (slight, come on, this is Florida :) ), and he peddled off- my only workout partner for the day!   DSC06037

I finally made it to the water.  I took out my camera and stopped like a crazy tourist for pictures! DSC06040

I didn’t even notice that sign behind me.  I took a bunch of pics of me here, but this was the only nonblurry one.  I swear, I’m happy at least at this point. ;) DSC06044

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My music was enough to keep me company on this run so far.  I was in awe of the tropical paradise that I was in.  DSC06047

BAM!  I ran into a palm tree!  I didn’t run into it face on, but I hit it with my arm.  Well, that is what I get for looking around. haha. I laughed to myself, and shook my head.  Welcome to my life.  Then, I looked around to see if anyone saw it.  Nobody around, all is good. ;)

DSC06049 I crossed a bridge that lead me over to a very affluent neighborhood.  More and more runners/walkers started coming out.  They were all dressed in sweatpants and jackets.  I was sweating buckets in my shorts and tanktop.  That is what living in a colder climate will do to you!  I was ready to strip down and lay out on the beach, and these people were bundled up!

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I loved this house.  It was by far, my favorite!  DSC06052

After getting lost in the neighborhoods for a while, I turned back on the main stretch and headed for the pier.  I didn’t freak out over being lost like I usually do.  I figured that I had 15 miles at that point to burn.  You see the pier off in the distance?  DSC06053

The water looked so inviting.  More people started appearing with their bikes and power walking groups.  The elderly were sitting on the benches cuddling, enjoying the view and the sun warming their skin.  DSC06056

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The running route took me around to a more traffic oriented area, and I passed the wedding reception venue for Saturday night!DSC06059

At mile 9, I ran past these gorgeous public restrooms.  I was surprised that I still did not have to use the restroom especially after this weekend’s incident, but I wasn’t complaining. DSC06060

I don’t know why, but I got a kick out of the fact that they called it a “comfort station.”  Of course, I was probably delirious at this point and slightly bored from having to talk to myself for the run.  This place looked like it should have been selling beers instead of being a public restroom!DSC06061

I saw tons of birds and started stalking them.  This one did NOT like it!  See what boredom does to you?DSC06062

At 10.5 miles, I ran down to the pier, and the security guard commented on how wonderful the weather was for a run!  I agreed with him and waved goodbye.  I felt like I was in some old 1940’s movie where people were dancing in the streets and singing their conversations back and forth to each other.  The birds were chirping, and it was a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day in the neighborhood, would you… Okay, I’ll stop, but you get the point!DSC06064

Following the path back, at around 14.5, I changed my tune.  My quads started feeling like someone had them at both ends and were stretching them out!  They so tight.  My pace slowed considerably.  I had to concentrate extremely hard on picking my feet up because it felt better to just shuffle along the sidewalk.  My knees started killing me.  My feet started hurting.  In all of this pain, I was still thinking to myself how lucky I was to be outside and running.  I thanked my legs for being strong enough even taking me this far.

I passed a restaurant who was seating people outside and had a big colorful sign offering margaritas for buy one, get one half off.  I have ten bucks in my bag, I could stop and get one!  No, no.  You don’t want to puke, do you?  Or be too drunk to remember your way home, do you?  No, no.  Get home, get home, get home. I reached up at my forehead to scratch it, and felt a cakey layer of salt on my fingertips after scratching.  Eww!  (but really cool at the same time!).  Yes, I’m sick like that!

Finally, I turned on to the residential street that I know so well.  I concentrated on lifting one foot and putting it in front of the other.  My quads ached, but I was NOT going to walk.  If I started walking, I don’t think I would be able to start running again.  I neared the house and peeked at my garmin.  1/5 of a mile short.  Keep running.  You aren’t done yet. Trust me, I wanted nothing more than to stop at the house at 19.8 miles, but it would have eaten me up for the rest of the day because I didn’t technically run 20 miles.  I’m a psycho like that.

After I got home, I stretched, jumped in the shower because I was shaking from being cold from the sweat, then made a green monster. That run went so much better than the 18 miler from hell a week and a half ago.  I probably went at the same pace, but I was in a much better place mentally.  This time, I wasn’t struggling with my breathing, it was my legs that were the limiting factor.  That might also be jetlag related, but I will take it.

Answer from Sunday: No one guessed #1!  Yes, I used to be completely blond like Carrie from Sex in the City!  I appreciate these peeps picking #4 that I was a cheerleader and coordinated and limber enough to do the job though, but that was my sis!  She was a varsity cheerleader in h.s. (and a cheerleader in middle school), and I was in the marching band.  Kinda like that Taylor Swift song!  I’m not flexible at all, but I actually can move my hips and dance salsa pretty well.  I haven’t won any contests though.  Thanks for guessing everyone!

How is your week going on the workout front?

P.S. This is later that night after eating my weight in sushi with some family friends trying to forget about my dumb mistake with the sunscreen!IMG00276

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Dancing in Florida

March 1, 2010

This is my friend who’s wedding I’m also attending next weekend.  We went to one of her performances this afternoon, and it was beautiful!  Just beautiful!  She owns her own dance company, and frequently dances in New York!  She studied at Juilliard.  She was featured in her own show, and it was packed.  Every [...]

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Back In the States!!!

February 27, 2010

After a long flight to Charleston, SC with a stop for a couple of hours in Gander, New Foundland (around where the Titanic went down.  It is also a Canadian province.), I finally made it home on U.S. soil!  I flew Space A, and if you don’t know what that is, check out my last [...]

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