Smarts that sparkle.

Alright.  I've had it.  Yes,  I am talkin to you.  You, looking down your nose at me because I'm "girly."  By accusing me of this, I am assuming you mean that: I like to look nice, wear make-up, paint my fingernails, wear sparkles, and don't usually partake in activities that leave me covered in a fine layer of dirt.  I also, somehow, think you think I am less smart because of it... huh, would you like to read my thesis?  Because as they say, "I'll take calculus for $1000.00 Alex!!"

I think this all comes down to dangerous assumptions.  Don't underestimate the girls in sparkles, bows, and cute shoes.  I really don't feel the need to be in your face with my intelligence... you wouldn't get it if I was.  Believe me, I too, can use buzz words, but a word to the wise - you sound ridiculous.

So, go ahead be bitter, holier-than-thou, and all smug... and I'll be smilin' as I run past with a big ole bow in my hair!

May your day be filled with smarts that sparkle!!

Andrea

Oh, you crazy little wall.

The first time I encountered the “invisible wall” I was in my 10^th grade French class.  I got in trouble for coming in late, and breaking through the invisible wall.  You can imagine my surprise, confusion, exasperation… I really, thought I would never encounter this wall again.

Imagine my surprise when I met its older, meaner brother head on last weekend.  I had a 70 minute run, and didn’t think much of it.  That’s 8 miles – no biggie.  The weekend before I banged out 7 miles, easy. as. pie.

Mile One:  Whoo-hoo.

Mile Two:  Whoo-hoo.

Mile Three:  Whoo-hoo.

Mile Four:  Whoo-hoo.

Mile Five:  Yay.

Mile Six: Huh…

Mile Seven:  Wait a second….

Mile Eight: Dear God, What have I done!!

Hi, my name’s Andrea, and I was an idiot.  I admit – I didn’t eat right for this, and I paid dearly.  If I would have been carrying my cell phone I would have laid down on the trail, and called Karly to come get me in a little red wagon.

Bonking, Hitting the Wall – call it what you want… it sucks.  I don’t recommend it.  No amount of groovy tunes will pull you through. 

Fueling your body to run long distances is no joke.  I haven’t fully wrapped my brain around this, and so I have asked for help.  Thank goodness I am learning this when my long run is 8 miles, and not 18.

I have another 7+ mile run tomorrow, and you can bet your biscuits I will be preparing much differently.  Wish me luck!!

May your day be filled with premium fuel,

Andrea

The Other Man.

Well that got your attention didn't it, and really it isn't what you think.

Shiloh introduced us.  It was love at first sight.  He is sleek, and slender, and easy on the eyes.  He cuddles with me at night, or on the couch - and never ever, ever complains.

Everyone, meet "Ralph"  otherwise known as "the Kindle."  I had you there didn't I???

I have to admit it - I was so anti-Kindle before Ralph and I met.  I LOVE books. The look, the smell, the feel, and I was certain that nothing would ever make me put them down.  They were my comfort, my happy place.  Even when I took Ralph out of the box - I was a skeptic.  I plugged him in to charge, and kinda stared at him.  Sized him up if you will, and then went and got one of my books off the shelf to read. 

It just so happens that the book I was reading was part of a series, and I had book 1 and 3.  I REALLY wanted to read 2 - so I pulled the trigger and bought it on Ralph.  First, I was amazed at how quick it downloaded - it was faster than downloading one song on iTunes.  Second, is that a ticker I see at the bottom of the screen that allows me to know the percentage of book I have finished?!?  Oh my tweakiness is is HEAVEN!!!!

I can't say that I am cured from my book addiction, but I can say I love Ralph. I think we will have many happy years together. 

May your day be filled with pleasant surprises.

Andrea  

Happy New Year!!!

Good Morning Friends!!

I had one of the best New Year's Eves ever - followed by one of my very quickest runs ever.  I have a feeling that 2011 is gonna be fabulous.  I always say odd years are better than even years (even though I have no data to REALLY back that up.)

So to begin this wonderfully odd year - I bring you one of my favorite performers.  In fact, anytime I am having a rough day - I just watch one of these videos and BAM - better day already.   Ready.... GO!