One week from today I’m marrying my best friend.
{photo from this wedding}
Words can’t quite describe the emotions – excitement, adoration, hope, comfort, overwhelming love – but more than anything, I’m at ease. I’ve never been more certain of this decision.
Love you Mr.
{your future MF Mrs.}
It’s been a few weeks since I connected on the Milestones…
my intention was to donate the sales to my fundraising commitment for Pediatric Children’s Cancer Research at Children’s Hospital LA. Instead of putting it towards my own race fundraising goals, I’ve re-invested it in other Disney Tri-Team Members fundraising. Still Doing More Good and making an impact. PS – a few things are still for sale here and I’ll be adding more this week.Have you assessed where you are with your goals?
{MF Dre}
PS. Today is the last day to enter this giveaway!
PPS. Anyone run The Naked Foot 5k in Denver this weekend? You can still sign up for the below races and get $5 off your registration from ME using the code: RUNNAKED12
14 miles done! 8:40 pace! Funny thing is that RP and I (well me, really) let another runner go around us at one point because I said we were ‘dragging a**’. Apparently our slow pace is not so slow for a long run pace. Progress! Towards the tail end the sun was BLAZING – probably just some preparation for what’s next in my day…
LAX to LAS.
105*. Viva Las Vegas.
I just pulled my hot, sticky, disgusting self together to prepare for a night of mayhem in Vegas – double -bachelor party style.
These hot messes are getting hitched and it’s an all out party.
I’ve been warned – It will most certainly get ugly. Wild Ugly. Probably quite a bit different from the last time I was in Vegas
{and I pretty much cannot wait}
This lady – a fellow Hood to Coast teammate – inspired my pedicure. A perfect tribute to two of my favorite men.
Now it’s time to shove some bikinis and mini’s into the bag and dive head first into a pool of Vegas trouble.
What happens in Vegas…
{MF Dre}
Milestone Monday and I’ve hit a milestone training low.
I’m currently running the lowest weekly mileage I’ve run in months — and P.S. I am supposed to be training for Chicago Marathon.
whaaaaaat? how’s that working for you?
Truth is, I still am, but this time around, I’m trying something new.
Running Less and Running Faster.
When I trained for Los Angeles and Boston I ran all.the.time – like 6-7 days a week – and I LOVED it. I had some speedy days in the training cycle, but for the most part, my pace didn’t improve much at all over the course of my training – I built up a solid — but not totally bonk-proof — 26.2 mile endurance level.
As I gear up for my third full marathon, I have a sub-4 goal to hit. (One that I missed by 18 minutes in LA and one that was thrown out when Boston temperatures reached melt-down level). As I’ve re-evaluated what worked and what didn’t in those training plans, I recognize that I still have a lot to learn about Marathons and how I train. What I am starting to consider (albeit difficult to admit that I didn’t have it all right from the start…) is that perhaps I was running too much and on tired legs more often than rested legs – leaving me somewhat powerless to push on pace, tempos, hills and sprints.
I’m finally wising up to the idea that rest is just as important a part of my training as running — and with the proper rest, I can run faster. 4 runs a week, max. Case in point – last Tuesday I ran 3 miles in 22 minutes (7:29 pace). Wednesday I ran 5 miles with an average 8:16 pace and Sunday I ran 9 LSD (Long Slow Distance) miles at an easy pace of 8:51 (I’ll admit I had a pretty crappy run Friday morning). Yet, ALL of those times are 10s of seconds faster than the majority of the times I was putting up while training for LA and Boston.
By resting and running on fresh legs, I’m able to push my pace and coach myself to run stronger and faster.
I might be on to something. finally. I’m still keeping track of things over here on daily mile – feel free to follow along and see how I’m doing.
This week this girl is hosting virtual a 5k and 10k with a TON of great prizes. If you’re looking for a good reason to get out and run {and maybe test your pace a bit, sign up and join the group!
{MF Dre}
Sunday was a perfectly gorgeous Southern California day. After Volleyball and 22 Miles, we decided to take the Homies out for a little exercise and headed down to Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach. Rosie’s is the only off-leash dog beach in LA County and spans about 3 acres. There are a few dog parks and off-leash hiking trails like Westridge Canyon that we take them to regularly, but we hadn’t ever had a “legal” beach date with the Homsters.
And.they.loved.it.
Homie #2 is a bit of a runner – one taste of leash-less freedom in an unenclosed area would mean one of us would be running another 22 to catch him so we ran him on leash.
Homie #1 got humbled by a few waves but kept going back asking for more.
Best part about this dog beach, besides the obvious that it’s fun, No.Snotty.Dog.Owners. Seriously after going to Rosie’s, it confirmed for me that Westside dog owners need to relax. It was refreshing being around a group of dogs and owners who didn’t care about their designer jeans getting dirty, taking important business calls and their perfect dogs who never do anything wrong.
The dogs were asleep for at least 6 hours after we got home and bathed.
Guess it was a perfect day for them too.
Do you have any great leash-less parks?
Are dog owners snotty in your neighborhood?
{MF Dre}
If you recall, one of my goals for 2012 was to be
wait for it…
the MF Biebs.
and since we all know I’m well on my way to that goal, let’s see which other goals I’m knocking back.
Running:
Creating:
Make an Impact:
And if you didn’t already figure it out Spoiler Alert: in next week’s Milestone Monday, I will be a Marathon Finisher.
Boom.
{MF Dre}
Over the last few weeks, I’ve done a few virtual runs – dedicating my personal run towards a cause, a charity or a person. They have some pro’s and con’s, but I like the motivation to get out and put the blood, sweat and tears towards something. Typically my run is the blue screen of death for the oft-crazed voice in my head . I completely zone out to the tune of I.am.running.to.BryanAdams.and.I.don’t.even.know.it, but sometimes it’s a nice place to have a focus and use the space to reflect, think, plan, meditate, etc. and CHASE. THE. GOOD.
A few weeks back, I dedicated a long Saturday run to Gabby and helped to raise money for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. Originally Heather, had organized a group of local bloggers to meet up to picnic and run, but when SoCal served us an 85 degree weekend in January we bailed and quickly reverted to plan b. do it like you know it. Your time, Your turf, Your rules. But Do It.
So I got up early to beat the heat and did my thing hitting my second 20 miler training run – this time dedicated to Gabby and PCRF. I went without my iPod and as I logged the miles, I tried to stay present in my thoughts, thinking about Heather, her family and all of the other families out there struggling with a child that has been unjustly diagnosed with Cancer at such a young age. Making matters worse, children don’t have access to early and new treatment options. Cancer is a sick and twisted disease and it touches each of our lives directly and indirectly each and every day. As I began to fatigue about 3/4 of the way in, I reminded myself that Gabby and PCRF were bigger-than-my-body and for all the suffering that this girl has gone through, she’s been her smiley, charming, beautiful self to all of the Dr’s and Nurses along the way.
So I put a HUGE grin on and chased the miles down for Gabby.
Last weekend, I participated in the Virtual Run for Sherry Arnold. For those following the story, you may have read in the news today what happened to Sherry in greater detail. The information is devastating. Last Saturday tens of thousands of people across the country ran, walked, hopped, skipped and jumped for Sherry. Sherry’s cousin Beth of SUAR organized the virtual race and the World got behind Sherry. Runners in China, Germany, Canada, US and beyond.
I ran 20 for Sherry last weekend and I ran my heart out. As I pounded the pavement, I stomped on the men sick enough to do this to her. As I ran the hills of the neighborhood I was reminded of her courage and strength during the struggle and the fight she probably put up. And as I ran along the ocean, I hoped and prayed she was in peace and that her family would one day find peace again.
The Lightbulb in my head never dimmed during these runs. Even though they were virtual and I didn’t run with Heather or Beth in person, I didn’t forget my purpose or my plight. Both Gabby and Sherry remind me of the power that I have to give back and give more – putting my passions towards the greater good and using my running to fight the greater fight.
With that, I move on to Boston where I’ve raised over $4k. so far for Fred’s Team. Time to do more good.
{MF Dre}
Lately it feels like the days are turning into weeks, the weeks into months and it’s hard to believe how quickly time is flying. Life has become the art of juggling and I was starting to feel like I was getting quite good at it until I realized I was focused on so many things that I was actually focused on none. { cue oranges and apples to now tumble to the floor}
What’s that expression – Jack of all Trades, Master of None? Something like that.
I’ve been dreaming about work (or dreaming that my arms are Dinosaur Bones – thanks to a certain someone and his obsession with American Pickers) , working to live, running to train (and escape my own head)…and that is just the start of it. I’m burning the candle on both ends as most of us do during the Holiday season. And the sad part about it is that I haven’t even started any of my Holiday things… le sigh.
As far as I can personally justify it, most of it is worth it and I am having a great time, but at the same time, my head is spinning. Feels like I’m winning and losing my own game of cerebral ping-pong.
And what I’ve realized – with some help – is that its time to reconnect. To check in, and to check out. I used to think multitasking was where it’s at. (and still sort of do – hello Energizer Bunny), but there are times when I need to Check In to where I am and what I’m working on and then Check Out to Check In to the next thing.
Simple as it sounds, we all know it’s challenging. We take on too much, commit to too many events and deadlines and are constantly re-prioritizing the myriad of things on our plate.
The first thing I’m doing is checking back in to my relationship. {Hello Mr.} 
While I haven’t really been gone, I’ve been semi-present. You’ve been juggled {and I promise you’re not the bruised apple on the floor – caught you}
When you live with someone, it is easy to take your time together for granted. You can be in the same room together, but totally separate working away on computers, TV etc. While some of this comes with juggling work and life, one of the things we’ve found is that it is important that we carve the time out for our date nights like last Saturday night because they are an important part of our time together. We make an effort to try new spots, spend time “just us” doing new things, exploring our own city and “projecting” together. It doesn’t always mean spending money, in fact given the fact that we’re starting a new business and just bought ourselves a pretty awesome Christmas present (more to come on both of those), the budget is tight, so sometimes it just involves a long walk with the dogs to get Ice Cream at Sweet Rose or an evening hike.
We’ve got a few weeks to go while things continue to flurry around us/me, but lucky for you Mr., I’m taking about a bazillion and a half days off around the holidays, so there will be no shortage of “free” time. Can’t wait to help with the business, have our first holiday party together and head to San Francisco for New Years!
{MF Dre}
To Black Friday or to Not Black Friday?
I used to do it all the time, but without my Parter-in-Crime-Shopping Sister, it is just not the same.
And there is no fun in trying to shop online together 3000 miles apart.
So, I think I’ll stay in my PJ’s, thank you. (Bonus: my Post-Race Legs weren’t really planning on moving anyway).
Yesterday’s Turkey Trot might as well have been called a Turkey Trample. 2 miles into 9, I felt like I’d been trampled on. The first two miles were about a 60% grade – no nice flat warmup or rolling hills to ease you in. Straight.Up.Hard.Core. I honestly think I underestimated trail running. It was SO tough.
I headed up to Topanga State Park bright and early. The parking situation was minimal and confused so I wanted to have enough time to park and catch the shuttle to the start. Well, seems like everyone had a problem with this because there was only one shuttle and it was a bus that could barely clear the steep, windy roads. FAIL.
Race started 30 minutes late because no one could get up the hill on time.
There were actually 3 Races – 5k, 10k. 15k. Why didn’t I pick the 5k?
So the first two miles were pure hell. And I only give 10% of the blame to the 2 Martini & Truffle Fries dinner the night before.
Miles 3-5 veered off the main trail into a single track called the Garapito Loop. The Upper Rustic Garapito Loop Trail is an adventurous course on poorly marked trails through one of the most rugged areas of the Santa Monica Mountains. Three pieces of advice on this trail:
1. Low Hanging Branches, specifically the Second Low Hanging Branch beyond the first one you’ll duck. It’s the second branch that will get you.
{Figure out how to duck with your eyes looking up}
2. Muddy Hair-Pin Turns. Listen for the person in front of you to call out Hair-Pin Left or Hair-Pin Right. If you’re not listening, you’re running right into Poison Oak.
{But if you finish the course and shower within an hour, you can wash it off successfully, so run fast}
3. On a single track trail, there is not a lot of room to pass. If the person behind you is kicking your heels, find a place to step aside, and let them pass.
{Drop your ego and the urge to kick dirt in their face.}
Surprisingly, this part of the race was actually pretty fun – the Amazing Race jungle journey I never did. (and now don’t need to). Orange and Grey man was the guy didn’t fail me with the Hair-Pin Right signal Once. Good Runner Man.
Miles 5-7 were Hell. Again. Straight Up Hill. Unfortunately the volunteers at the water station coming out of Garapito told us it was all downhill from there, so I was a little dismayed when the molehill we were on coming out of the loop turned into another Everest-like peak. I may have walked a little. Not going to lie. Saving Grace was that it was really pretty. Cloud-covered, mountain trail kind of pretty.
Downhill...FINALLY
The last two miles delivered on that forgotten promise. All downhill. And it was Fast. I think I clocked the last two miles at 6:47 and 6:52. Crossing the finish I was Dead. Dead. Dead. The I just got hit by an 18 wheeler dead feeling.
Thank God they had Breakfast. Thanksgiving-Sized Breakfast. Muffins, Croissants, Fruit, Scrambled Eggs, Juice and Coffee. What? Post-Race Fuel is more than a half a banana and a mini cliff bar? It was like they knew I’d been duped by the course and it was payback time. Thank you. I’ll eat. and eat again.
I have mixed feelings about the race. Probably because running up Mt. Kilimanjaro is not quite my thing. I had moments of agony, moments of adventure and moments of freedom (downhill) during the 9.3 miles. The one branch-two branch duck, then jump over a crag, avoiding the rocks when you land, and don’t forget, listen for the hair-pin was not for me.
I don’t run to create stress.
But the XTERRA team were super nice, there was plenty of fuel and water on the course and despite not having the most organized parking situation and the blatant lie about the “all downhill from here” piece, they did serve a kick-ass breakfast at the end which kind of made you forget that you hated your life so much for the last hour and a half.
Glad I did it. Glad its over. Next year I’ll be thankful for Trotting vs. getting Trampled.
{MF Dre}
I’m not sure how it works out this way, but I seriously have too much energy. I don’t know how to sit still. The other night the Mr. and I tried to watch Forks Over Knives and my left leg started having agita. Seriously I got Kicked.Off.The.Couch. No biggie, I got to do dishes, clean the kitchen, walk the dogs – all of which sounded 1,000x better than sitting still on the couch.
Forks Over Knives examines the claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting animal-based and processed foods. Honestly I’m no scientist, but I do know that a lack of reliance on Bacon, Red Meat and Doritos in favor of a cleaner diet probably does something to contribute to this energy situation. It wasn’t a bad movie, I just couldn’t sit still. Finding that to be the case A.LOT. lately.
MF Dre. Bunny
“Ever since you started running like crazy, You are on FIRE all day long. What’s up with that? Shouldn’t you be tired?” — Mr.
{Why No. Thank Goodness. I Think}
Here’s What’s on Today’s List:
Fresh Cranberries, Sugar and Cranberry Juice
Dried Figs
Gingersnap Crust
Salted Caramel Cheesecake - Pre Oven
With all that done, I’m hoping the Mr. will come home soon and volunteer to Vacuum. It is the One chore I just can’t seem to bring myself to do. Energy or Not.
Thinking it might be time to start the Holiday Shopping – like today. Black Friday has come early. Wednesday, Friday… same thing. If you liked these pants from Saint Grace, you just might be able to snatch up some during their sale. Get an early start on your Holiday Shopping – 50% off select items and Free Ground shipping on orders over $75!
And for you local Runners, Front Runners is having a sale too. Passing this along with a plea to you: PLEASE DO NOT BUY THOSE UGLY GORILLA FEET SHOES. THEY ARE HIDEOUS.
kthx.
{MF Dre}