This is my RUNNING story.

Hi, I'm Andrea and this is my running story!!

It's April of 2009 - I am sitting in the waiting room getting an IV put in my hand.  Today, I have double jaw surgery scheduled.  I'm a nervous wreck, but I am trying super hard not to let my mom, who has come with me, know.

They wheel me in to surgery, lay me on the table, and ask me to start counting backwards from 10; I am not sure I got to 7.  I awake to two ladies asking me nicely to open my eyes - it felt like the most difficult task I had ever been asked to do.  Eventually, I was able to look in the mirror.  *gasp*

Before surgery I looked like:

I woke up to this:

Aren't my bruises pretty??





This face is after my upper jaw had been severed, bone removed, jaw moved up, four plates, and eight screws.  Then, lower jaw severed on each side, bone removed, jaw pushed back, and nine screws.  This procedure left me with a numb lower jaw; as in I couldn't feel my face from my bottom lip to the bottom of my chin.  Could not - as in you could stick a steak knife in my face and nothing.

This picture to the left here, is one week post surgery.  That is me smiling as big as I possibly could.  Yay!!

At my six week check up - I asked the doctor if I would ever get feeling back in my chin, and what I could do to expedite the process.  He stated that if I tried some cardio - eventually it would help.  At that point I did nothing with the information.  It hurt too much to do anything, and I really wasn't in the working out mood.  Also, I thought "certainly this will go away.  It's still early in the game."

Fast forward to September 2010 - still no feeling.  I call my friend (eventually my coach), and say "alright Joe, I am going to start running.  How do I even start?  What do I do?  What do I need?  Oh, and I think I want to run a marathon."

Joe laughed, was patient, and told me to head out to a field of grass and run for 20-30 minutes four days a week.  He told me to call him after I finished my first two weeks.  I'll admit - I was not an athlete.  Not only was I not an athlete - I had hardly worked out at all my entire life.  Sure, I had a gym membership - but I went sparingly.  I'm talking once, twice, a month.  I was a couch potato.

That first two weeks was so hard.  My legs felt like lead, my lungs screamed, and my heart damn near tried to beat out of my chest - but I kept running.  Over the next couple months the runs became a little more challenging, and a little more frequent, and eventually I was allowed to run on the pavement.  By that time, running was no longer about restoring feeling in my face, it was about healing my soul. 

I know, I know - that sounds terribly cliche, but that is exactly what happened.  With every step I took, with every mile I logged, with every set of 100 I completed - I began to believe in myself just a little more.  I was able to turn off my brain chatter, and enjoy the silence.  I felt grounded.  I felt at peace.  It was a mental transformation that I have a very hard time describing.  It was as though I was meant to do it, and I found myself asking why I hadn't been doing this all along.

On December 4, 2011 I completed my first full marathon. 

I have never been as proud of myself as I was crossing that finish line - that day.  I knew that all the sweat, tears, moments of clarity, moments of chaos, snowy runs, runs in the rain, perfect runs, blisters, lost toenails, tired muscles, hungry tummies, and moments of pure joy - had been worth it.  I knew that if I set my mind to anything - I was crazy enough to get it done.

This is me today.  I don't LOOK a ton different, but my insides have changed.

Today, I am a runner.

PS:  On 05/05/13 I finished my 3rd Marathon in 3:57:29 - now, I've got Boston in my sights..... just need to shave off those last pesky 23 minutes :)

My Christmas card to each of you.

Well, it happened - I forgot to send out Christmas cards.  I think about one in every ten years you get a free pass.  So, instead I invite you to watch the video below. It might be the happiest performance of a Christmas song EVER!!! How can you not help but smile, and dance, and grab the nearest object to help drum out a beat with the band??  That "band" by the way is Roots - great band, but let's just say this isn't their typical scene - but hey, when the world hands you a kazoo, you play.

So Merry Christmas!!! May the spirit catch you singing and dancing, may you celebrate with those near and dear, may you go easy on the eggnog and crazy with the love in your heart, and may your days be merry and bright.

and 1, and 2, and 3...

Did you not about die when the kids poked their heads up?  OMG I need a sock monkey hat!!!

New Year's is coming!!!!

It’s almost time!!!  It is almost New Year’s Day!!  You know what that means right??  PEOPLE!!!!! (and my birthday)

The nice quite noon time workouts will be hectic, the machines will all be taken, the weights will all be in use, the tracks will be full, the people will take to the streets in masses (well maybe not with all the snow), and your normal routine will be all jammed up.  *shaking fist*

I don’t normally get into New Year’s resolutions (of any real substance) – this year my resolution is going to be to learn to play the air guitar.  Yep, air guitar. 

BUT – I’ve had a thought.  What if all of us come together?  What if we help those that are new (who are excited about trying), and give them support, and woot woots, and random high fives.  Let’s encourage all the new folks to keep going!!  You very well know it is so hard to take the first step in trying to make life changes, and I can imagine that it is even harder when you have a whole gym of experienced folks giving you the stink eye, or sighing deeply, or waiting for you to finish - hand on hip.

We finally get to be the cool kids (I don’t know – maybe you have always been cool), and we should make the most of it.  We should offer a hand, some help, some words of encouragement, a smile, a buddy, and maybe make a lifelong friend along the way.  Let’s turn this into a wonderful opportunity, and not a reason to be frustrated.

I challenge each of you, each one of you that may not be looking forward to the masses of resolution folks, to encourage one person to come with you, to run with you, to workout with you, to sign up for the local 5K.  If someone has a spark – then let’s fan the flames.

... and then magic happened.

I am a sucker for a flash mob.  I love them!!  They are my favorite.

Yesterday, a video was brought to my attention - it is now my favorite flash mob of all time.  Here let me share:

Now, this isn't my favorite because of the clever dance moves, or the great choice of music.  But it is my favorite because of the man who just believes that sometimes the world gives you dance parties.

That is me. 

You are walking along, thinking "today's a great day, but you know what would make it more awesome? A DANCE PARTY."  Then, BAM!  The world breaks into a dance, and you can no longer contain yourself.  You MUST participate.

My favorite part is when he takes off skipping through the middle of the group.  To me, he's saying, "here I go - this is my big moment" - and it's brilliant.

My wish for you is, that your life suddenly turns into a dance party, and you get your ass off the wall and DANCE!

Cranky Pants.

I am in a BAD mood today. 

Yesterday I suggested that we should all be a little kinder, a little more understanding, a little more awesome to each other - and I still believe that.  I really think it's time to quit USING SHOUTY CAPS, and questioning each others morals, and leaving rude comments to each other on facebook.  Is it really that hard to be nice??  Promote what you love, talk about the people that you care about, the causes that mean something to you.  Leave the bashing, the sarcastic asshole funny, the taking people down a notch, alone. 

Here, let's make this super simple.

Namaste.

Random Acts.

We've all had a lot of time to think.  To reflect.  To ponder.  To wonder.

I've been thinking a lot about the what ifs.  What if we were kinder to each other.  What if we changed our tone.  What if we tried to understand each other.  What if we promoted tolerance instead of fear.  What if we stopped fighting so hard to make others believe that our way is right, and theirs is wrong.  What if we promoted what we love instead of bashing what we hate.

I've decided to partake in random acts of kindness, this week, and next year.  It will be my goal to do something nice for strangers at least once a week: buy someone a coffee, tape a dollar to the vending machine, scrape a windshield, give out high fives, bake cookies for the students, foot the bill for the person behind me in the drive through. 

Because what if that's all it took.  Because what if someone pays it forward.  Because being kind is the easiest thing we can do; it's what we should do.

Sometimes you just need a song.

There are days when my words don't work.  When I've worked really hard, given it all I had, left everything on the track, or trail, or sidewalk, and I have nothing to say.  I've emptied my heart of all its heaviness, my problems have evaporated with my sweat, and rest will bring the only peace I need.

It is in times like these that I find music that says everything I could have hoped to.  It takes the words in my heart, puts them to a fancy beat, and blasts it out for the world to know. 

Here is that song today:

We NEED to talk about chickens.

 I like chicken.  Chicken is great, versatile, yummy, etc.  However, I have noticed a branding thing lately that is driving me CRAZY!!

"Anti-biotic, organic, vegetarian chicken."  The first one is great - we should probably not over medicate food that we intend to eat.  The second one - great, so we know that this chicken is a living thing and not plastic, hooray!!  The third is flat out bullshit.  Chickens, by their very nature, are not vegetarians.  This is not natural.

WHAT?!?!?!? 

Have you been to farm??  Have you seen a wild chicken??  They scratch the dirt for worms and grubs, not potatoes.  They eat bugs, not cornmeal. (I do realize that as birds they naturally eat a little bit of everything - that they aren't strictly carnivores).  Do I think that chickens should be fed chicken, or diseased animal by product - nope.  Do I think that they should be allowed to eat what chickens normally eat - sure do.  Will I be lured by marketing statements that are laced with tomfoolery - no way. 

We are smart people, and vegetarian chickens don't make sense!!!

I, for one, will be seeking out local chickens that have gotten to be chickens - bugs and all.

It's beginning to look a lot like....

Training!

It's beginning to look a lot like training.

I thought today could perhaps be a funny blog, but nope, not happening.  With training heading to full on crazy mode, it's all I can really think about.  Where am I going to run?  How far? What will the conditions be like?  Will I have to run 80 laps on the track?  So many variables!!

Truth be told - I love this.  I am certainly a person that works much better under pressure.  The more complicated something is, the more I will enjoy it.  I kinda like that "I'm a badass" feeling you get from training.  I also really like to plan - which gets tricky during the days of weather unpredictability.

It's time.  It's time to drag out my serious gear, and prep food schedules, and find mid-run fuel, and create longer playlists, and make sure all my cold running pants are clean, and kick some booty.

Here's to training in below freezing temps, to long runs, to mile repeats, to stretching and sore hips, to carbo loads and electrolytes, to gear checks and re-checks, to being awake and running and living.

The Current Playlist

I just realized that I have failed to share my current playlist with you.  Either that, or I have forgotten that I did post it and this will be a recap.

I have found that once I find a good playlist it's really hard to make changes.  It's hard to move on from *perfect*.  (I know - you all are thinking, "perfect?  really?)  I have made some additions - mostly because my runs are becoming longer, and I think I have heard "Written in the Stars" over 150 times.  So, here you go:

*this is a running playlist, and I usually am looking for a certain beat*

Enter Sandman - Metallica
The Distance - Cake
Written in the Stars - Tinie Tempah
I'm So Excited - The Pointer Sisters
Dancing with Myself - Billy Idol
We Found Love - Rihanna
Otis - Jay-Z and Kanye
Untouched - Veronicas

That is a super solid 30 minute playlist.  Want Part Duex??

Feel So Close - Calvin Harris
Tightrope - Janelle Monae
Sandstorm - Darude
Kernkraft 400 - Zombie Nation (I wanted this song forever. Finally had to google "oh oh oh oh oh".  BAM!
Girl on Fire - Alicia Keys
50 Ways to Say Goodbye - Train
Hall of Fame - The Script
It's Time - Imagine Dragons
Anything Could Happen - Ellie Goulding

So, there you have it.  That is what is blasting through my ear buds.  Enjoy!!

In depth - rules.

I have already talked to you about rules.

You know that I love rules.  That I follow rules.  You don't ask questions - those are the RULES.

Here is where I am driven to the brink of insanity; when someone doesn't follow the rules - and doesn't get in huge amounts of trouble.  Don't make rules if you aren't going to follow through on shunning the rule breakers.

When you, as a race, say "no headphones" - I expect that those people running by me with earbuds in will be struck down by the race gods, and give a big, fat, DNF.  I've never seen that happen.  I've never so much as seen an official ask them to take them off.  SO WHY MAKE THE RULE!!!!!

I could go on and on with examples, but I'll just leave you with this.  For those that follow the rules - thank you.  You make my world a happy little place.  I appreciate your respect for the rules.

For those of you with blatant regard for rules... may your underwear ride high 65% of the year.

All the reasons not to.

My legs hurt, my hips are sore, I have asthma, the weather is terrible, it's raining, it's windy, it's too dark, the arthritis is my jaw is too painful, my shoulders ache, I'm tired, I'm busy, I have to work 12 hours today, I need to clean the house, I need to wash the laundry, I want to watch tv, I want to bake, my feet hurt, my toenail is coming off, I JUST DON'T WANT TO.

These are all the reasons that I have come up with lately for why I could "get out" of running.  Yes, I have all those ailments, those distractions, those obligations.

It's odd how that happens, right?  How something that you know you love to do, that brings you so much joy, can become nagging.  I find that most of the people make their lists of "why nots" and don't. 

But there are those of us that keep coming back to this:  I have to.  I need to.

... and that is what keeps me going.  The knowledge that I will be complete at the end of the run.  I will be whole.  I will remain sane.  For now.

Find and embrace the "I have to-s".

Namaste Y'all.

So, my cats hate Mardi Gras...

It's a fact.  They hate it.  Mainly, because the entire celebration taunts them - with feathers.

On my fridge (the freezer part) I had an awesome magnet.  It was of a Mardi Gras lady, with feathers in her hair.  Pretty.  Pink and Pretty.  Pretty and Pink and Sparkly.

And then, the cats exacted their revenge on the taunting magnet.  Some how they got it down (levitation is my best guess), broke it in half, and ripped the feathers off.  She never even had a fighting chance.

Hank and Pearl want you to know that they WILL NOT be allowing the good times to roll in their presence.  Not this year.

A letter to my younger self.

Ever have those moments where you think - dammit, if ONLY I would have known this when I was 16??  I have them all the time. There is so much that I wish I knew back then that I do know today.  So many frets I wouldn't have fretted.  So much heartache that I wouldn't have to endure. So, here is a glimpse at what I would have told her:

Dear Younger Andrea,

Let's get a few things out in the open - you need to hear this.  It's for your own good.

1.  Breathe - It's okay, slow down, take it one day at a time.  You have your whole life to figure things out.  Enjoy being a kid, and yes you are still a kid.  The process is where the magic happens.

2.  It gets better.  I realize that in this moment this is all you have, all you know, all you understand.  But you will make new friends, you will find people just like you, you will fit in, you will be okay.

3.  It's perfectly fine to not be one of the *pretty* girls.  Beauty fades, but personality, that is something that you will take with you your entire life.  You can't get THAT at the drugstore.  Also, you ARE pretty - you are Andrea pretty.

4.  Listen to your grandparents.  They may seem ancient, but what they know and will share is extremely valuable.  You only get a limited time with them - pause and enjoy every second.

5.  Lighten up!  An A- in PE is not the end of the world.  Take risks, don't play it safe, don't color inside the lines, don't follow all the rules.  Dance like Hell to the beat of your own drummer.

6.  Finally, all your struggles will make you a better person.  You will come out the other side stronger, smarter, funnier, and more empathetic.  Don't forget where you came from, don't forget how it felt, don't forget that you were carried on the backs of others, and that you will be compelled to pay it forward. 

High Fives,

The Better Version.

BUSTED!!!

I have a problem.  BIG.  HUGE.  I am a sucker for inappropriate music.  Hip hop, yes.  Gangsta rap, yes. Can't help it.  It's like the beats infect my brain, and I can't. stop. listening.

Today, I was at the grocery store in Colfax just humming away (I can't stop doing that either).  I was in my own little world, and I got busted. 

Checker Lady:  Well, that sounds like a pretty song what is it.

Me: *deer in the headlights look* Huh?

Checker Lady:  You know, that song you were humming, what is it?

Me: *12 shades of red*  Oh, I don't know just some song I picked up somewhere...

Checker Lady  Well, it sounded like you knew it well.  You sure you don't know the name?

Me:  Uh, nope.

Lady, drop it!!  Because there is no way that, in this lifetime, I am going to tell you - "Oh, yes.  That little number, well it's Mystikal's Shake Ya Ass."  Not happening.

Here's to super secret inappropriate shenanigans.

Giving Thanks.

I have noticed a lot of folks are listing what they are thankful for, and I think that is great.  It's nice to be able to take some time to reflect on all the positives in our lives.  ALSO, it is a great way to celebrate that little holiday between Halloween and Christmas.  So, high fives to all of you.

Since I am not really spectacular at following directions I have a decided to do things my own way.  It's not a new thing; it's part of my DNA.

For your reading pleasure I'd like to share the first 15 things I am thankful for...

1. For Shiloh who continues to put up with my crazy time and time again; who allows me to be me every day, and loves me regardless; who is a willing participant in all my schemes and adventures; who continues to believe, and to love, and to laugh.  Thank you.

2. For My mother who, no matter how old I get, will always treat me like I am 12; who is so incredibly proud that often her enthusiasm makes me blush; who never fails to remind me that I am important, that I am special, and that she will always love me more than rainbows, and sunshine, and unicorns.  Who teaches me kindness, and thoughtfulness. Thank you.

3. For My brother who makes my work days 85% better; who knows I am ridiculously cranky pre-9:00 am, and always says a cheery "good morning" anyway; who continues to make me laugh; who has a heart of gold; who is the most authentic person I have ever met; who I admire.  Thank you.

4.  For Melinda, who loves me as though I am her daughter; who never passes judgment, and accepts with arms wide open; who teaches, and listens, and loves; who supports me in all I do. Thank you.

5. For My Sisters in Law, you have taken me on as a true sister.  I irritate the shit out of you, make you shake your head, and you love me anyway.  Cathryn - thank you for your immense patience and fast friendship.  I feel like we have been the greatest of friends our whole life.  Julie - thank you for believing, for cheering, for being my biggest fan.  Holly - thank you for your honesty, and clarity, and getting my sense of humor. Kami - thank you for being you, and always you, and for your beautiful spirit.  I love you all more than you will ever know.  Thank you.

6. For Beefer who participates in my shenanigans; who accepts late night phone calls; who would mortgage her house for bail money (if I ever need it); who reminds me that you can be smart, and pretty, and funny, and have amazing dance moves; who believes in strength, and intelligence, and doing the right thing. Thank you.

7. For Karly B who has been by my side since childhood; who always lends an ear, or a starburst, or a hug, or a special chat; who I don't get to see enough; who keeps me grounded; who shows me you can be strong and soft; who loves with ever fiber of her being.  Thank you.

8. For My Peeps, and don't act like you don't know who you are, who keep me going; who send me texts; who know the exact moment I am down and lift me up; who keep pushing me; who keep me laughing; who accept my lunch/coffee/fro-yo requests without a second thought; who I look forward to seeing (or IMing) every single week (or day in some cases); who have seen the crazy (lock it up, Andrea) and keep coming back; whose friendship is as important as air.  Thank you.

9. For My Grandparents who carried me on their proverbial shoulders; who shaped my morals; who provided me character; who gave me a soft place to land; who believed in me even when I couldn't; who taught me to swear, and to be fabulous.  Thank you.

10.  For My Nieces and Nephews who make me so proud; whose company I cannot get enough; who give me hope for the future; who make my heart sing.  Thank you.

11.  For Running who has given me clarity; who provides me with an outlet for all my energy; who has shown me that I am not breakable, I am not weak, I do not give up in the face adversity; who provided me with energy and motivation and free t-shirts and medals for a lifetime.  Thank you.

12.  For Writing who had provided me a creative outlet; that has given me a platform to present my musings, my ponderings, my life in blips.  Thank you.

13.  For Reading who has shook me to my very core; who has allowed me to travel to far off places from the comfort of my couch; who allows me to live as another for a short period of time; with whom all things are possible.  Thank you.

14.  For My Job who allows me to meet wonderful people and see amazing places; who has found a perfect fit for my gift of gab; who takes care of me; who creates an environment where I can thrive; who makes each day seem less and less like work.  Thank you.

15.  For the Kindness of Strangers whose simple smiles make me happy; whose unassuming gestures make me believe in the good of humanity; whose willingness to help others that cannot help themselves restores my belief in the human spirit.  Thank you.

Insert Theme Music Here...

I think that sometimes I forget that I am not super hero material.  Before we start making assumptions that I think I'm all that and a pack of crackers, hear me out.

It's Sunday, I get to run the first long(ish) run (over four miles) since my 26.2.  I should be OVER THE MOON.  But, I am warm and comfortable and lacking motivation.  I don't want to go.  I want to sit in my chair, and drink my coffee, and watch crap television.

The little voice inside my brain begins to holler, well it starts as more of a whisper, "...get up, get.up., getupgetupgetup"  I attempt to tune it out with multiple games of songpop, but to no avail.  It starts again, "you need this.  YOU. NEED. TO. RUN -  I know you don't want to NOW, but in an hour - you'll be patting yourself on the back."  I pretend I can't hear it - but it starts eating at me. 

I always get so irritated when I lose my motivation.  I feel as though I should be Super Runner Girl; the girl with a cape, and a theme song, who is always over-enthusiastic about running.

But today, I'm just Andrea and, while I eventually went running anyway (and was glad I did) I just wanted to sit in my chair.  And you know what?  I am okay with that.

Adults are Boring.

It's true, being an adult serves a purpose.  There are certainly times and places where adult-like behavior is appropriate, and anything less is a bad judgement call.

But, do we have to be soooooo serious all the time??  I know that I refuse to be.  Laughter keeps you young, gives you perspective, stirs the soul, awakens the spirit.  I am pretty sure it's better for you than a multi-vitamin.

If you can't get down and be ridiculous every now and then - well I feel sorry for you.  You have become a cranky old person trapped in a younger adult body (or not so younger adult).  Sometimes, you just have to let the inner child out and give them free reign of the place.  It's a way of detoxing.

Life is far to short to sit around giving stink eye (old lady face) to everyone and anyone that maaaaaaay just be having a good time.  So what if someone has the giggles in the "stomach issues" section of the pharmacy.  As a wise woman once told me, "fart jokes are funny."

So, let's take a moment.  Watch this video.  And dance like an idiot - readysetgo!!

HEEEEYYYYY, sexy lady!!!!   ...and you're welcome.

(and no, I have no idea what he is saying, but I cannot get enough)

Cross Training or Torture....

If given the choice between the two I would really have to think hard.  Very hard.

A group of us have begun the journey to incorporate some cross training into our running/workout/fitness lives.  It'll be fun, they said.  It'll make you a stronger runner, they said.  How hard can it be, they said.

First, let me tell you that without my most wonderful group of ladies - Chrissy, Anna, and Cathryn - without you, I would have quit after the first day. You know, that day where I couldn't walk, and my whole body felt as though maybe I had been in a car accident - yeah that day.  But because of a little thing called peer pressure, I showed up for day two, and day three.  I even some how managed to keep up my running schedule.

By Thursday night, I found myself in the bathtub with no clear exit strategy.  It took me a good five minutes getting in there, and now with legs that won't work, a core that won't contract, and arms that felt like jello... I was screwed.  I thought about just staying in there for a couple days... the water was nice after all. 

It's now several days later (I did make my way out of the tub) things hurt less, and perspective has been gained.  I have a tendency to jump in with both feet - all in, or not at all.  Perhaps, this week I shall learn about moderation.  I'd like to work hard, and be sore - don't get me wrong.  But when you spend the next 4 days walking as though you may have a neurological disorder - you have gone too far. 

I went against the ONE piece of advice I always give people who are starting to run.  Start slow, finish with a little gas in the tank, so that the next day you look forward to the run.  If you give it all you have the first day, you lose the joy and feeling of accomplishment.  Instead, you feel defeated and out of shape.  Manageable goals, Andrea....

To the group of ladies that keep me coming back - bless your hearts.  I appreciate you more than you ever know.  I *also* hope that you were just as miserable. 

lace up, double knots, high-fives. 

My Morning Smoothie!!

I am sorry I don't have a picture for you, but I drank it already.

For the past three years, I have turned my nose up at smoothies.  Being on a liquid diet for 6 weeks will do that to you.  Also, I am not all that hungry in the morning - and because of my mess of a jaw (17 screws and 4 plates) it takes awhile for things to get loosened up enough to want to chew. 

However, I have created a really yummy breakfast that doesn't have a TON of calories, that keeps me full, and that I can tolerate.  Want my secret??  Of course you do!!!

Andrea's Morning Smoothie.

1 cup frozen fruit, whatever kind
1 small banana
1 container of Greek 0% yogurt
1/3 cup quick oats
a pinch of chia seeds, and a pinch of flax seed (totally optional)
About a cup and a half of plain ole coconut water (more or less depending on how you like it).

Blend all that up, and enjoy.  Now, you can add protein powder if you wish - or remove the oatmeal if you aren't fond of thick drinks.  Make it your own really.

I usually let mine sit for a bit - mainly because it is too cold right away.  And with all that metal in my face, cold is a killer.

Bottoms up!!

... and now for a glimpse at serious Andrea.

I travel a lot for work, and while it may sound all fancy and whatnot - it can be, at times, incredibly lonely.

Usually the fourth night of travel, when I am exhausted, and tired, and sore from sleeping in a strange bed, I begin to reflect.

It's been an interesting couple of years for me.  I find that whenever you become extremely passionate about something you run into people who want to strip that away from you.  They want to make you feel like your euphoria and love are unfounded and fake. 

I am not a huge fan of writing other people's stories.  I believe that to understand someone you have to greet them with an open heart and a clear head.  Listen to them, learn from them, accept them for who they are. Just because you have no similarities doesn't make them wrong, or make their actions or feelings any less valid.  Let them be them, and as they say on the shore, you do you.

We all have flaws - each and every one of us.  To consistently pick at other people does nothing to define them - it defines you.  It shows your ugly.

This all leads me to the photo you see on the right.  It's time to forgive, and be kind, and succeed, and be honest and sincere, and build, and be happy, and do good, and give your best.  This life is for you - it's not a contest, you don't get any trophies at the end of it, there is no ultimate prize package to be had. 

So, I leave you with this, live your best life, worry about you and yours, and as Bill and Ted most poignantly stated, "be excellent to each other."

TO THE RIGHT!!!! THE RIGHT!!!

Nope, not politics. 

However, I do suffer from a little bit of road rage.  The ultimate way to get me to shake my everlovin' fist at you... drive slow in the left lane.

Nothing will make me more angry - faster, and let me explain.  When you choose to drive slow in the left, this is what you are saying, "I am so damn important that I can do whatever I want.  *I* don't possibly have to obey traffic laws - I am Fancy Pants McGee.  I don't give two shits if you want to pass me, you'll do so on my time and my time is soooo much more important than anyone else.  Cause I am a total jackwagon stupid stick, and I would love for someone to ram my damn car because I LOOOOVE blocking people in.  It's my thing - do whatcha wanna do."

To these people I ask, "Did your mother never teach you a damn thing??"  Follow the freaking rules.  If you are done passing - get your boo-tay over into the right lane.  Why??  Because it's the damn law.  Also, there will be a time when my car has batman lasers, and if you don't get over I WILL BLOW YOUR SHIT UP.

That is all. 

Gettin' Fancy!!

I was inspired last weekend!!

Lately I have been geeking out on running big time.  Following blogs, pages, posts, races... geek, geek, geek.  So, I decided that I should start my own running page to inspire other runners to geek out.  What's better than that!!

Thus, Scrambled Legs Running was born as a Facebook page (come find me and like me).  I am hoping that it becomes this awesome forum where beginners and experts can co-mingle and celebrate the run.  Where people become inspired, and become inspirations.  Where we, as perfect strangers, can wave our signs, and ring our bells, and give our woot woots to runners we have never met. 

To celebrate our heroes, from Prefontaine to your neighbor, from 5Ks to Ultras, from walking to running.

I am soooooo excited to see where the page goes.  SO. EXCITED!!

A Halloween Treat.

I love love love love Halloween.  I love all the spooky decorations, and the costumes, and the excitement, and the TREATS!!!  This year, I have delayed the purchasing of candy as to delay Andrea's candy binge. So far, so good!!  By this time every year, I have hit up the Rosauers 13 hour candy sale, and purchased no less than 6 bags of treats.  Might I mention we have averaged 1 trick or treater per year in the nine years we have lived here, but 6 bags it is!!  Not this year.

If you are looking to make some Halloween treats, and just buy a big candy bar for the one trick or treater you get, might I suggest the following:  Crazy Oreo Cake. 

First you need:

Devil’s food cake mix
1 egg
1 stick softened butter

Now, mush that all together.  At some point you'll have to end up using your hands, and that should be just fine.

Next you take the dough, and smoosh it all over a baking pan.  I would recommend lining this pan with some parchment paper, thus you'll be able to shovel it into your face faster, later

And now you will need about 14-16 crumbled up oreo cookies to slather all over your mix.  It should look something like this.

Get your 14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk and pour it evenly over the top of your cookie fabulousness.                                                                                                                                                                                                            

... and now take a few chocolate chips (cause why not) and sprinkle them over the top.  Put this bad boy in the oven at 350 for 23-25 minutes.  Please let them cool before you stuff them into your face.  They are gonna be hot, hot, hot!!

On behalf of ghouls and goblins everywhere.  Enjoy!!!

In the Mind of a Marathoner.

My friend Katie showed me this video this summer, and I should have shared it sooner.

You get a lot of questions as a distance runner, a lot, and I LOVE questions.  If you ask me a question about running I'll jump in with both feet, and leave the conversation thinking "wow, that was so great to talk about running" and you'll leave thinking "why in the world did I even ask." 

One question is, "what do you think about when your running that far."  The answer is everything and nothing at the same time.  All summed up in this nice little video:

Whooo Hoooo!!  Second Wind BABY!!!

Just When You Think You'll Have Cinnamon Rolls For Breakfast.

Or, the Life and Times of my Assholes Cats, part deux.  Look at this picture: 

Notice how one of the cinnamon rolls has lots less frosting than the other???

That is because my asshole cat has a sweet tooth.

Pearl.  Pearl not only ate all my frosting, but then went batshit crazy on some leaves, and got all poofed up like a raccoon.  Anyone want to babysit???

The Life and Times of My Asshole Cats

Well, that is often what I feel I should change the title of my blog to, The Life and Times of My Asshole Cats.  One minute they are snugly, fluffy, little balls of love, and then BAM!  assholes.

Let me elaborate with a story, the story of the missing corn cob.

I had been traveling and found a road side stand that sold corn on the cob - success!!  I brought said corn home, and put it on the counter in the kitchen. I went about my merry way (or probably somewhere to do laundry), and when I came back into the kitchen I saw this:

Evidence Photo Number One.  Corn kernels all over my carpet.

               Evidence Photo Number Two.  Corn husks with kitty scratches.

No corn cob has yet to be found, and I have looked everywhere.  I suspect the dog was also in on this little ruse, but she seemed to be napping in her bed while the other two, well they looked like this:

Pretty guilty don't you think??  I am fairly certain that they aren't even sorry.  Assholes.

City of Trees Marathon. A Full 26.2



Thanks photographer Teresa for capturing my new pose.



If you are wanting to run a full or half marathon that is beautiful, well supported, and not very chaotic - have I got the race for you!!  The City of Trees Marathon was wonderful!!! From the people, to the scenery, to the race, to the support - there was nothing lacking.  Nothing at all.

The day before the race I went to pick up my number.  Lucky number 3.  I've never been such a low number before, those are usually reserved for the elite runners, but in Boise - you too, can be a low number and rock the single digits.  Go me!!

I had researched the course and knew that there would be roughly 550 feet of elevation gain.  That scared me a little.  I hate hills.  hate!!  I am not bad at them, but they give me heart palpitations, and make me super nervous.  The hills on this course didn't stand in my way at all!!  In fact, all the hills were in the first seven miles, and as I crossed the halfway mark (clocking in at my fastest half ever) I celebrated those hills.



Jazz Hands for Everybody!!!



The second half of the marathon was brutal.  I seem to forget that at around 19 miles your body decides to scream at you.  STOP. STOP RIGHT NOW.  QUIT RUNNING. THIS IS DUUUUUMB.  WALK YOU BASTARD. WAAAAAAAALK!!!!!!  I had found out that morning that my uncle had passed away, and while we weren't close - I still mourned the loss and it hit me incredibly hard at mile 19.  It took me a couple minutes to get my shit back together, and I never was able to recover fully - from that point forward everything made me teary.

The four year old passing out water, and yelling "go, runner, go" - teary.

Passing the woman that looked like a *runner* and that she should kick my ass - teary.

The golfers that wouldn't get out of the way, that made me run extra hard around them - teary.

Running through the chutes, and having perfect strangers (who owed me nothing) cheering, and yelling, and ringing their bells - teary. 
Crossing the finish line and having Teresa there, cheering me on, giving me hugs, and taking photos - teary.

I love this sport so much.  I love that these races are so pure and full of excitement for everyone.  How (and I realize there can be rivalries) it's basically you against yourself.  There are no judges to win over, no refs to make mistakes, no competitors who feel robbed by bad decisions.  It is just you, and your shoes, and a clock that keeps ticking, and high fives from people you'll never meet again, and cheers from the families of others, and sweaty hugs from your own personal cheerleader. 

I'd like to thank the academy.

I would encourage every person I know to at least walk a 5K and experience this.  To know that people, all people, are wishing you the very best - and are willing to yell "looking good" even when you know you look like death.  I think I need to volunteer at one of these races!!

That is why I smile all race long.  Because it feels like the world is rooting for you, and for that one moment: they are.

To Teresa and Pete, my people, thank you!!  Your cheers meant the world to me.  And Teresa, I'll keep the "Go, Farmer, Go" shirt for eternity. 

Out of 26 ladies in my age group, I came in 8th.

Out of 86 ladies overall, I came in 26th.

Much love to everyone.  Next full you ask???  Avenue of the Giants 05/05/13.

But before that - an 18 miler in Sacramento - 02/02.

2 Years and Counting.

Two years and one month to be correct.

That is how long I've been running.  That's it.  Before that - I was just your average person that was too busy to workout, too uncoordinated to go to classes, too uninterested to play sports. I wasn't athletic, I was small, but not athletic.  (don't believe me - ask anyone I went to high school with)

I think that is why it is truly hard to believe.  I have finished two marathons, and only been at this two years.  Which brings me to my next point - if I can do it, anyone can do it.  Endurance sports, while training is important for obvious reasons, is all about the strength of your mind and the fullness of your heart.  You have to *will* your body to do things it is screaming, begging, for you to stop.  You must reach the point of exhaustion, and go further.  You have to explore parts of your inner workings you may not be able to handle, and you know what - you survive.

Two years, one month, two fulls, three halves, one 15K, three 10Ks, four 5Ks, and two relays.

... and to the academy...

and all the people who have supported me, texted/emailed/facebooked/called with words of encouragement, who taught me new tricks, who showed up and cheered me on, who sent good thoughts my way, who shook their heads in "dear God what is this girl up to" disbelief and cheered when I crossed the finish line, who met me with sweaty hugs, yes all you people (and you know who each and every one of you are) - you ride on my shoulders, keep me going, and make my heart sing.

I have new chapters to write; new goals to accomplish; new paths to cross and people to meet; new hardware to add to the drawer of accomplishments, new irritations and frustrations to endure; new PRs to smash - and I can't wait to get started.

Anyone else want to join???? 

Runner, or Not??

Yes, I know.  I will still recap the marathon, but I needed to post this first.

Before I ran the second marathon I was having a huge identity crisis.  Am I actually a runner?  When do I get to say I'm a runner?  How do I know when I get to call myself that?  Is there a committee that decides?  What if I say I'm a runner then someone says I'm not???  Are all people who run, runners?  Is there a super secret, Harry Potter like, owl that lets me know??

I found this, and everything cleared right on up for me:

I AM A RUNNER

I AM A RUNNER because my runs have names. I do tempo runs and threshold runs and fartlek runs. I do long, slow runs and track workouts. My runs are defined, even if my abs are not.

I AM A RUNNER because my shoes are training equipment, not a fashion statement. The best shoe for me is the one that makes me a better runner. I choose the shoe that goes with my running mechanics, not my running outfit.

I AM A RUNNER because I don't have running outfits. I have technical shirts and shorts and socks. I have apparel that enhances the experience of running by allowing me to run comfortably. I can say "Coolmax" and "Gore-Tex" in the same sentence and know which does what.

I AM A RUNNER because I know what effort feels like, and I embrace it. I know when I'm pushing the limits of my comfort and why I'm doing it. I know that heavy breathing and an accelerated heart rate--things I once avoided--are necessary if I want to be a better runner.

I AM A RUNNER because I value and respect my body. It will whisper to me when I've done too much. And if I choose to listen to that whisper, my body won't have to scream in pain later on.

I AM A RUNNER because I am willing to lay it all on the line. I know that every finish line has the potential to lift my spirits to new highs or devastate me, yet I line up anyway.

I AM A RUNNER because I know that despite my best efforts, I will always want more from myself. I will always want to know my limits so that I can exceed them.

I AM A RUNNER because I run. Not because I run fast. Not because I run far.

I AM A RUNNER because I say I am. And no one can tell me I'm not.

- John Bingham

... and that, ladies and gents, has answered all my questions.  I am a runner, and I run.

lace up, double knots, high fives - on our way!!