20 for 20!

Who thought I would run 20 days straight? It hasn't been easy. Many, many days I had no desire to face the treadmill or bundle up to go outside, but once I dragged myself there I was able to follow through. Only 11 more days to go!

December Running Challenge by Tall Mom

Tall Mom saved my fitness routine today. I was sitting at my desk, realizing it was 4:30 and that even though I had packed my running gear to hit the gym after work, I really just wanted to go home, sit on the couch and watch Pretty Little Liars on Hulu. (You're right--my life is extremely interesting.)

BUT, then I read Mel's post about a December running challenge to run every day this month. You only need to do at least a mile each day. I knew this is exactly what I needed. So I will be hitting the gym in the next 30 minutes so I'm not shamed into quitting on the first day (hmm, really the first hour) of signing up for the challenge.

You can do it too: http://www.tallmomontherun.com/2011/12/winner-and-december.html

Thank you, Mel!

Tale of a 5K PR

You know how when you decide to start a blog and you are amped to write every day, but then every day becomes every week and before you know it you're updating your blog twice a year and always apologizing for it? Yeah, that's me, minus the apology. I've been told women apologize too often, so in that spirit, on with the blog.

Like most slow runners, I have dreams of being fast like everyone else. I spent the past four weeks doing speedwork and tempo runs. And lo and behold, that stuff works. I haven't run an actual 5K race since 2009 (In 2010 I focused on a 10K and in 2011 I did my first half), and that time was something around 34 minutes. In my defense, it was also 96 degrees that day and there was a hill that lasted about a 1/2 mile.

Anyway, so I do this speedwork for four weeks and last Sunday at the Giralda Farms 5k/10k, I finished in 31:26. I still am dying to break under 30, but I'll take what I can get.

I'm also deciding on my next race. Right now, I'm looking at the Shamrock Marathon in March in Va. Beach.

In the meantime, I am going to finish our 2011 still vying for that under 30-minute 5k.

Cheryl vs. Her First Half

It’s been a month since I ran my first half-marathon, but I am finally writing the race recap. Hopefully my brain remembers all the sensations I felt during those 2+ hours.

Race Arrival

I’m really bad with arriving to races on time. I just don’t like standing around pretending to stretch and watch people doing strides. I just don’t do prep. When I go running, I walk outside my house and just go, so I follow the same motto at races. I showed up about 8 a.m. (start time was 8, but I knew I wasn’t going to cross the start line for about 30 minutes). Lots of standing around. I thought I would meet my new running BFF, but I didn’t speak to anyone until about mile 8.

Miles 1-7

So stupidly, when I was doing all my standing around to cross the start line, I had to pee, but I was hesitant to get out of my corral because what if they left without me? So I waited until mile 2 when I saw porta potties without much of a line. I knew I was losing minutes off my time, but it’s not like I was about to win any medals here.

I can’t even believe I am typing these words, but miles 1-7 flew by and miles don’t ever fly by for me. I remember and feel each one. But I was running along and just enjoying it. I also saw my husband twice and he had made a sign (aww!).

Still smiling at mile 5

Miles 8-11

Around mile 8, my left knee started to hurt. And then the right one followed. I was forced to take walk breaks and stretch breaks to try to get a little relief. The course also started to suck at this point because we’re winding along a river trail and since there is basically no parking, there are really no spectators to cheer you on until you get much closer to the finish line.

This is the moment when someone finally spoke to me. A woman turned my way and told me she wanted to die. Not feeling particularly inspired by her energy, I took out a GU and trudged ahead.

By around mile 10, I was just annoyed at my knees. But suddenly all the clouds in my brain cleared and I realized as the 11 mile marker was in sight that I only had 2 miles left. The end was near.

Miles 11-12

These really just sucked. I knew I was near the end, but the pain was rough. I also saw an ambulance coming to pick up another runner, which is always scary.

Less smiling is involved at this point.

Mile 13

I was never so pleased to see a finish line in my life. I hobbled my way across, took my medal, and sat down to enjoy Bret Michaels. (sidebar—does he have hair or is that a bandana attached to a wig?)

Final time: 2:46. Not what I wanted. I was hoping for 2:30. But I learned a few things. One, don’t trust your Garmin. Mine had me finishing miles before they were marked. However, this could be because I don’t run very consistently and veer all over the course, so maybe I added distance on myself.

Two, don’t doubt yourself. The week before the race I felt unprepared and wanted to drop out. I dragged myself there and ran 13 miles for the first time.

Didn't Die During the Half

I really need to write a run-recap. I've been planning on it, but just haven't done it yet. But I did finish! Update to come!

Still Alive, but Maybe Only Til Sunday

I don't think I've blogged in over a month. But hey, things got crazy--I got married, our huge work conference is coming up, and I have my first half-marathon on Sunday. I am EXTREMELY nervous about this race--I wanted to drop out last week and forget running. I haven't dropped out yet, but it's still in the back of my mind that 13 miles is no picnic and maybe I'm not really prepared to do this. I've done 12 miles, but I just don't feel ready.

At least Bret Michaels will be there. Don't try to tell me you didn't watch Rock of Love Bus.

So stay tuned. You'll either get a race recap next week or some excuse for why I didn't run the race at all.

Giving 10 Miles Another Go

The one good thing about thoroughly sucking at something the first time you do it is that you are almost guaranteed to do better the second time around. This was the case with my second 10-miler I completed Sunday. I shaved 17 minutes off my time! (You can write awesome stats like that when your initial time is so bad.)

I'm not sure why this run was easier.  Maybe because I varied my route a bit and ended up running through part of a SheRox Tri. Don't worry,  I stayed on the path and didn't get in their way. It was kinda nice to be running through a crowd and to have other people running around me. And I got to enjoy some of their music.

Or maybe because I had already done 10 and knew I could do it. Or because I dragged myself out the door at 7:30 a.m. so there was less heat.

They say third time's a charm--I'll find out this coming Sunday when I run 10 miles for the third time!

10 Miles is Tough

I can't even be original with this title--running 10 miles was hard. I had intentions to be out the door by 7 a.m. Sunday to beat the heat (it's pretty much 90+ every day, which I love, except when I have to run). That didn't exactly happen. I was out the door closer to 9, so it was already quite hot. I turned on This American Life on my ipod because I knew that a whole hour would be over by the time that podcast ended. Things were trucking along until about mile 6.5/7. I was tired. At mile 7, I took a Gatorade Prime. These are supposed to be for pre-workout, but whatever, I'm a rebel. These are funny little blocks. They taste pretty good, but they are covered in a communion-like wafer (I suppose for easy swallowing.).

I keep going and around mile 8, I spot my fiance coming from the other direction on the running path I was on. He had been hoping to catch up with me. I was really glad when he arrived because at mile 9, I wanted to quit more than anything. I was walking a lot and telling him I was done, I wasn't running ever again, that I was dropping out of my half in September and that he should go get the car and pick me up. But he pushed me to keep going and kept talking to keep me occupied. And eventually, I did complete 10 miles!

I have to do it again on Sunday, and hopefully each time it will be slightly less awful.

Best/Worst Idea Ever

Yikes, I need to get back into blogging! I have been running though--just not writing about it. This weekend will  be the first time I attempt to run 10 miles. I've done 9.25, but never more. Cross your fingers for me!

I also may have the best/worst idea ever. My first half is scheduled for Sept. 18. Over Labor Day weekend, I will be in Virginia Beach, where a half-marathon is taking place that Sunday. I already have to run 12 miles that day. Should I just register and run two halfs in a month?

The one thing (other than the running itself) that is holding me back from registration is the $110 price tag that comes with the Va. Beach half. Would it be really terrible of me to run rogue? Meaning, I wouldn't drink any of their water or take any GUs or anything--but I would run the race course. Will someone come kick me out if I attempt this? Am I being really cheap? Should I just map my own 12-miler and prep for the Philly half on Sept. 18 as planned?

So many questions and so few answers!

9 Miles Looming

Usually I can save my long runs for Sundays and sleep in on Saturdays. This Sunday I will be in NYC for the day checking out Alexander McQueen's exhibition Savage Beauty (eeeeee!!!!), so my run gets bumped to Saturday. I'm a little nervous. My 5-miler  on Thursday started out well for the first 3 miles. BUT, I had decided to give a protein powder a shot before the run. Worst.Idea.Ever. I won't get into details, but I had to walk the last two miles of it. I think the protein will be a post-run type of thing.

At least I know this run will most likely be better than the last!

More of the Same

I have nothing exciting to report in my running. I've been doing it, my times are getting a little better each time and that's about it. I do have my first 8-miler of 2011 on tap for this weekend, which will probably end up being Monday because nothing says Happy Fourth like sweating your butt off on some hills in the 'Burgh. Also mostly because I am attending 2 weddings in 2 days, which won't leave me any time for runs.

Hope everyone's running is going well!

Running Machine

Just after I told you last week that I was getting ready to renounce running as my preferred method of exercise, last week happened. Every run was good. Seriously, all four of them didn’t make me want to die, I enjoyed portions of them and I ran well! This never happens. It’s like running overheard me getting ready to cut it from my life and decided to rope me back in.

I can attribute this stellar week to two things:

• Every run was a morning run. Waking up early is not my thing, but I hauled myself out of bed around 6 on the weekdays and at 8 for my weekend run. I could definitely feel a temperature difference, so I think that was helpful. Interestingly, I don’t eat when I run in the morning—I just go. So I would have thought my runs would have been poor since my energy levels were quite low, but I surprised myself.
• I have stopped my warm-up walk. I would usually walk a few blocks/minutes to get warmed up. Now I just start running. 

This week I continue with four runs, all of them are pretty easy, I guess because last week was tougher. But I saw the following week my first 8-miler of the training will be on tap. Kinda odd because at no point have I done 7 miles. A bunch of 6-ers and 5-ers, but now we’re just moving into 8. But I can blow worrying about that off for a little less than 2 weeks.

On a totally unrelated note, today is exactly 2 months until my wedding!

In Love

I can’t decide if I can fully embrace morning runs. I had no choice but to wake up at 6:30 this morning to bang out a quick 3 miles before work. As I hauled myself out of bed and into running clothes, I counted the ways in which this run would suck.

BUT IT DIDN’T! The weather was cool and the sun was just starting to fully take over the sky and I ran the entire time.  No easing in with a walk for a block or two. Just full-on running and no stops (except at a light where traffic was steadily moving). I thoroughly had a good time!

Ironically, just last night I was asking my fiancé (who is a marathoner) if he’s having an awesome time while he’s running. He told me at some point in the run he always likes it. Sometimes not until halfway through, sometimes not until it’s over. I told him that maybe running isn’t for me—that maybe I would run this half-marathon in September and then switch to a different workout—like dancing, yoga or even a go at P90X or Insanity. Something I like more. Then today happened and I am in love with running again!

I may indeed try Insanity or P90X at some point, but perhaps when life is a little less hectic.

My First Race Recap!

For someone who has been trying to be a runner for quite some time, I don't race very often. So this will be my very first race recap!

My fiance and two friends ran the Warrior Dash in northern Pennsylvania on Saturday. It was one of the most fun things I have ever done!

Our wave of runners wasn't taking off until 12:30 p.m., so we took our time leaving Philly and stopped for McDonald's breakfast for the ride up (breakfast of champions? I actually ate fruit and a croissant from Whole Foods to make everyone else in the car feel guilty.) I was in one of my cutest outfits: a free shirt I received on spring break in 2003 that dubs me "official keg stand coordinator 69" and a pair of shorts circa 2002 with "Outer Banks" plastered across the butt.

We took our place at the start and some fire blasts signaled our start. The first mile was pretty uneventful. We ran through some mud and mostly just followed a trail. (Side note--I need to work at trail running. My vision feels off because I'm looking down but also ahead and I think it messes with my brain.) But then the mud got deeper and stickier. One of our friends lost his shoe and had to tug it out. A guy in the group behind us popped his ankle out of place and had to leave the course.

Then we hit a tunnel we had to crawl through in the dark. No biggie. The next obstacle freaked me out a bit. We had to walk across wooden beams that were angled up and down. I don't have an image of this, so I'll send you to another blog to check it out.

Next three obstacles were also not totally insane. We had to scale some hurdles and then slide under some others, crawl through a tube and make our way through a bunch of ropes strung like a giant spider web. The cool thing about this race was the sense of camaraderie. People were holding ropes for each other and just laughing and talking along the way.

We then made our way through waist-deep water, which was also surprisingly easy. But don't think I'm a stellar athlete yet. We then came to the great warrior wall. I couldn't do it. So I had to skip it. I didn't feel too bad because a good chunk of other people weren't making it either. 

The next set of obstacles were my favorite part. We had a cargo net to scale. Some guy behind me was apparently a little too close because he was able to tell me he liked my underwear (it was pretty cute). Stupid Outer Banks shorts.

Once you drop down the other side of the net, the finish was in sight. Between me and the finish was a set of tires--I don't know what this is called, but it looks like those drills football players do where you hop through tires--and then scale a bunch of junked-up cars.

Following this was fire to jump over--super cool! Then a giant mud pit you bust through and then eventually crawl through because there is barbed wire over you. My knees are still thanking me for that one--there were a lot of stones under the mud, so my knees are cut and bruised (warrior wounds).

Then you slither out of the mud and run to the finish! I was kind of a jerk once we hit the cargo net and beyond because I just got excited and completely ditched my group and finished without them.

We then got hosed down by a firetruck and openly stripped down in a field. It was that kinda weekend.
I officially retired as the keg stand coordinator (I was not taking that beat on shirt home, and those shorts, they can't even hide my underwear, so they also stayed at the dash.)

This is after we were hosed off:

 Andrew and me. A couple who gets muddy together stays together.

The rest of our race crew.

After this, we promptly got the free beers we were promised and set out to see what northern Pa. has to offer. We found the World's Largest General Store, which was indeed huge and full of odd things. Like these ducklings to pet:

And a dinosaur in the middle of the furniture section:

We capped the night off by seeing X-Men at the drive-in. I love drive-ins even though you have to worry about draining your car's battery, usually drop popcorn all over your car and end up kinda crammed into a weird position.

Not a Morning Person (or Runner)

I had high hopes last night of getting to bed early so I could wake up at 6 and do a 5-miler while it wasn't hot out. Well, the alarm went off, and I instantly thought, "This is stupid," and then I slept until 7ish. Now with the weather heating up (86 degrees or so) I am dreading this run after work. I'm going to push it til about 6:45 so I can get a little heat relief. Thursday promises to be 95+ degrees, so hopefully that will be my motivation for that wake-up call.

How do you manage in the heat? Do your drag yourselves out of bed in the morning or sweat it out later in the day? My sister points out I could run inside, but more than 3 miles on the treadmill is endless to me. Plus my work gym is weird.

Am I a Warrior?

I'll have the opportunity to find out if I am in just 9 days. A million years ago (or maybe January), my fiance signed us both up for Warrior Dash Pa. If you haven't heard of Warrior Dash, they do a series of runs all around the country. It's only a 3.5 mile run, but there are obstacles. Like fire to jump over, walls to scale, waist-deep water to wade through, etc.

After checking out some photos on Facebook, I wonder if I have bitten off more than I can chew.

Feeling Hot Hot Hot (and Annoyed)

Man, my running route last night was less than desirable. The pros were that I had a wide sidewalk and not many stoplights to slow me down. The cons were much more plentiful. At one point there was construction on both sides of the street, so I was running down the street between moving vehicles and parked vehicles and then an older woman decided she needed to suddenly cross the street and stroll right into my path. Thanks lady, that's just what I was hoping you'd do.

I continued running and then got to 2 blocks of just trash. I need to bring my camera on a run sometime just to take pictures of all the random junk on the ground--huge empty bottles of vodka, random pedals from bicycles, some rubber cords and then your typical trash. Gross. City-living and running at its finest in Philly.

It was also really hot last night, and I am still adjusting to running in heat so I was probably angrier than usual at little things that get in my way while running, but I wanted to scream when this couple ahead of me proceeded to take up the entire sidewalk. Luckily, since they were slow, my pace slowed and good ol' Garmin chimed at me to speed up. This chime scared the crap out of these people, and while they were stunned by technology I used that opportunity to speed past them. But seriously people, I don't care if you're walking or running--share the sidewalk. You don't need the whole thing. Trust me.

Dancing Is a Form of Cross-Training

Well, maybe dancing isn't quite cross-training, but let's pretend so I can feel extra athletic this week. Now actual dance classes where you sweat it out to some intense moves is indeed legit exercise, but the dance I speak of is ballroom. My fiance and I took our first wedding dance lesson last week and we have two on tap for this week. I truly have no idea how to dance with another person. I can manage on my own, but put someone else's hands in mine and I'm lost.

So in an effort to have our wedding not feel like a middle school dance (anyone else do the 7th grade sway--hands barely touching partner and rocking back and forth?), we are learning the rumba, hustle, swing and something I forget. And we have finally chosen our first dance song!

Tonight I've got to hit a dance lesson at 5:30 and then run 4 miles since my trip to Atlanta this weekend really threw off my running schedule.

Running, running, running

So I haven't  blogged much lately and that usually means I haven't been running, but not this time! I've been trucking along--4 miles on Saturday, 5 miles on Sunday and 3 miles yesterday. I've also got 3 miles on tap for tonight and then 4 on Thursday. I don't usually like to stack so many runs in a row, but I'm going to be visiting my sister in Atlanta this weekend so I don't want to have to worry about getting a run in while I'm there. Plus I'm not quite prepared to run in 80 degrees and lots of humidity yet. I still have about 3-4 weeks of normal temps before summer hits Philadelphia.

Speedwork, Kinda

I was reading a guest post on Lauren's Team Giles blog yesterday by Jessica at Racing to Thirty and was really inspired by how she pushed herself to do those speed workouts and how it really paid off for her. So I thought that with the 3-miler I had on tap for Tuesday I would attempt to do the same. I warmed up for a mile and pushed for a mile and cooled down for another. It wasn't easy--I was definitely panting like a dog,  but my overall pace for the "fast" mile was 10:35. I know that's a slow, easy run for more experienced runners, but I generally run an 11/11:30 minute mile, so it felt faster for me. Plus I was running a sub-10 pace for part of that mile, but I'm not sure how far (I really don't know how to use my Garmin. I just figured out last night I needed to push "lap" when I finished a mile so I could break my time down. Seriously, if anyone can give me any tips on how to use this thing--please do!)

My other two miles were kinda slow--the warm-up was something like 11:40 and the cooldown was like 11:50 with a bit of walking thrown into both of those miles. But I think I'll do it again! I have a tempo run on tap for Thursday (which will actually be Friday because my fiance is graduating from business school tomorrow so my whole day is pretty tied up).

Oh, and in other news, I did some biking on Monday night. Five miles up and down a bridge that is basically an ascent for a mile and a descent for a mile and then you turn around and come back. I run that bridge and honestly biking it was tougher. Too bad you can't coast uphill:)

New Shoes Needed

Tonight I am planning on going to an actual running store and getting running shoes that are the right fit for me. I'm told I overpronate (I can't see the back of myself, so I can't confirm this), but I do know when I bought my last pair of shoes I selected ones for overpronators and my fiance told me it helped my form. (Why is he always looking at me from behind? Hmmm.)

Anyway, this store comes highly rated from my running fiend co-worker, so we'll see what happens. Hopefully my running will be faster and unfortunately my wallet will be a little lighter in a few hours.

Finally, a Decent Run

I may have had a running epiphany yesterday. After last week’s mediocre runs, I wasn’t too sure how this was going to pan out. I only needed to log 3 miles and the weather was perfect. Not too hot, a light breeze, a little bit of sun. I started out slowly as usual, but then I kinda thought, “I’m just going to run this thing and let it feel natural. If I go out too fast and need to walk, that’s OK.”

Guess what? I didn’t walk and I actually felt better going faster! I honestly think I was expending energy to slow down (if that makes any sense). So I think I did 3 miles in 33 odd minutes, which is not bad considering in the first mile I walked for the first couple of blocks and then also ran that mile slowly. I have to plug in my Garmin for more pace details.

I need to make sure this isn’t a fluke. I’m going to do the same run tonight and see what happens. Am I totally crazy or is it possible that making myself run slow has been the issuing plaguing my progress?

Consistent Running, Yo-Yo Progress

Does anyone else ever feel like they were on a roll with their running--building mileage, getting a little faster, running more often--but then a few runs come along that just suck? That sentence pretty much sums up my running life. Last year I built up to running 9 miles. I would go out on a Sunday, in the summer, mind you, and bang out 8 miles pretty consistently. I ran my first 10k in November and didn't walk at all. I was quite pleased with this. I fell a little off the wagon in the winter, but then I got back on and hit the treadmill after work and felt like I was really getting faster.

But then this week happened. I struggled to complete 3 and 4 mile runs. Yesterday I ran in a park on a nice little paved trail and where it was relatively flat. I couldn't get it together. My breathing was fine, but legs were just tired. It's like I couldn't make them go. I walked, maybe 3 times. Granted, I walk for 30 seconds (45 max), but it really makes me mad! And my time was just slloooowwwww.

I feel like I constantly read about runners who just started and who are building up massive mileage and slicing minutes off their race times, and I feel like I'm Paula Abdul in "Opposites Attract" (2 steps forward, 2 steps back). I think running isn't a natural thing for me.

Sorry for all the whining, but this has truly bugged me this week. On the upside--it's Friday! I'm so happy I could scream.

Hello 80 Degrees

Living in the Northeast, I forget every year about what it's finally like when it's warm outside. We've been having some 80+ degree days lately, which has been awesome in general, but I was in for quite a shock when I went for a 3-mile jaunt yesterday. I was dripping in sweat and just felt all around HOT. I ended up having to walk. Twice. But never for more than a block. I never got in the zone, so to speak. My zone is when a half mile or mile goes by and I don't even realize how it happened. Let's just say that yesterday, I knew when every .10 mile was happening.

Despite this, I am returning for another 3 mile run tonight. It's also 80+ degrees, but today it's cloudy, so that buys me a little coolness.

Registering is Half the Battle

After talking, talking, talking about running my first half-marathon, I have officially registered for it! The Rock & Roll Half in Philadelphia on Sept. 18. I know that's so far away, but summer is hot and I have this little thing called my wedding in August, which is sucking up a lot of my free time.

I've heard mixed reviews about Rock & Rolls--I know they're super crowded, but I just needed something local and after August 20, and this fit the bill. I printed out this insane training program from Runners World. Not insane as in "difficult" or "tough" but insane in that it's a 25 week training program (hey, I like to be prepared) and I've actually already in week 5.

I would love to hear other people's first half experiences and thoughts on Rock & Roll races in general.

Gone for a Run Giveaway by Tall Mom

I'm sure many of you read Tall Mom on the Run's blog--she was one of the first running blogs I ever started reading! (Yay for a fellow tall woman!)

She has an amazing giveaway going on for some Gone for a Run products. I just checked out a bunch of their gear and I am obsessed with the road I.D. wristband. I have been saying I need an I.D. for about a year now but I keep forgetting to get one. (And since I gave up shopping for Lent, I totally have an excuse for not buying one for 40 days.)

Check out Tall Mom's giveaway and be sure to enter!

30 for 30 Still Kicking

So I know this should have been finished by now, or at least be close to being finished, but I can't seem to keep on track. Today's topic: a place I'd like to move or visit.

So many places come to mind. One thing I've learned lately is that it isn't so much where I'm going to be living, but it's who I'm near. I miss being close to my mom and sister so much, and we've got a 5-year plan to all by in the same city, or at least within a 2-hour drive. Right now my mom is back in Pittsburgh, my sister is in Atlanta and I'm out in the City of Brotherly Love.
My fiance is in the final round of interviews for a job that could place him in Philly, Atlanta, Chicago or Palo Alto. I am up for any of those, but California would be amazing! (Cue O.C. theme song) My sister is planning to move there when her job rotation is up in Atlanta (end of summer) so then we'd just need to get my mom out to the West Coast. Lots of people have told me I'm an East Coast girl and I wouldn't like it anywhere else, but I beg to differ. I've only ever lived in the Northeast so of course I don't if I would embrace another pace of life fully, but I think I am more than open to it.

So I can move anywhere--I just want my family with me. In terms of travel, I want to go everywhere! You name it, I'm willing to visit it. Top on my current list is Australia, Galapagos Islands and Nova Scotia.

A Run and a Ride

Sunday was one of the most athletic days I've had in awhile. I ran 3 miles, but I was slow. I walked twice and felt kinda lame. Then I had my first dog encounter on a run. It was a small dog that was ignoring me but as I passed it, the dog jumped on me while barking and dug its claws into my leg leaving me with a cut and a bruise (bruit? cruise?). Luckily it's claws didn't pierce my new running capris or I might have flipped out on its owner. But I will say that I have noted that people cop out of training small dogs quite often  because they assume they are small and don't cause damage. Not true--train your pets, people. If you're too lazy to do so, then you shouldn't own an animal. (Rant over.)

The best part of the day was the 8.5 mile bike ride my fiance and I did along the River Trail where we live. We both recently got  bikes, so this was our first time debuting them. Biking doesn't even feel like a workout--it's so much fun!

Today is technically my rest day, but I may take the bike out again since it's 84 degrees!

My Day in Bullets

For this 30 for 30, I'm going to list my entire day. I'm sure this will be endlessly fascinating.

• Wake up at 7:20 a.m.; nudge annoying cats to side for 5 more minutes of sleep
• Feed said annoying cats
• Get ready for work (drink coffee, put on make-up, fix hair, get dressed)
• Arrive at work, eat breakfast at my desk while doing social media posts for day (for work, not personally)
• Boss gives me birthday flowers since she is off tomorrow and I find a vase and place them on my desk.
• Work on creating documents for speakers bureau we are developing
• Meeting from 11-noon
• Eat lunch at my desk while grading papers for my teaching gig
• Working on communications team we are creating
• Update work website
• Cupcake and fruit birthday party given by co-workers
• Explain to co-workers why I don't want to turn 30
• Hang birthday card covered in cats on office door (they know me too well)
• Work on constant contact stuff
• See if Modcloth has gotten the scarf I want back in stock (Whoa, this blog post is really showing me for the crazy cat lady I am.)
• Debate purchasing other scarf I want and then see it's out of stock until May 2.
• Write this blog entry now because I am afraid I otherwise won't

So the following bullets have not occured yet, but I assure you they finish out my day:

• Drive home from work
• Feed cats dinner
• Change into cleaning clothes
• Wash running clothes
• Clean bathrooms, kitchen and vacuum (Fiancee was charged with doing the rest of the cleaning this afternoon)
• Grade papers I didn't get to this afternoon
• Shower
• Cry over my last day of being a 20-something.

Back in the Swing of Things

As usual, I have been a bad blogger but I have also been a bad runner. Work has really had me burning the midnight oil, and I've basically been using that as an excuse for not running. Today I told myself excuses were for wimps and that I needed to make running a priority again. I have a plan to run a half marathon in the fall (postponed from an initial spring plan) and I feel good about it.
Training is back on!
Also back on 30 for 30. (It may be like 30 for 60 at this rate.) This entry calls for me to put my ipod on shuffle and list the songs that pop up:


Heal the World by Michael Jackson (Haha, I can see people swaying and singing in my mind.)
Tilt Ya Head Back by Christina Aguilera and Nelly
She Shook Me All Night Long by ACDC
Two Words by Kanye West
Most Girls by Pink
Blue by Eiffel 65 (Why did I download this and continue to store it on my ipod???)
Another Day from the musical Rent
Lord Only Knows by Beck
It Feels Like Christmas from The Muppet Christmas Carol (Best version of the film ever!)
You Spin Me Right Round by Billy Idol

Man, my ipod is hilarious.

Boys, Boys, Boys

I'd like to say I ran today, but I would be lying and no one likes a liar. I packed my stuff for the gym, but when the work day ended and it became time for me to go, I wasn't feeling it. I couldn't even convince myself to change into workout gear. I will do my little arm workout while I watch Thursday night TV (side note: why is 30 Rock on so late? I just space out through the other shows until it's 10 p.m.).

OK, onto 30 for 30. Today I get to tell you about how I am basically a loser when it comes to love. The post calls for me to write about my first kiss and first love. Technically my first kiss from a boyfriend came from my first grade boyfriend He had his ear pierced and most of our conversations consisted of deciding which earring he would wear the following day. He only had 3 so you would think this conversation was limiting. In the land of 6-year-olds, it wasn't.

You may be thinking, whoa, Cheryl is on the fast-track with boys. Not so much. I didn't have another legit kiss until I was 18. No high school boyfriend to speak of. (I'm not making excuses now--I was kinda gangly and shy--but our boy selection wasn't so great either.) But in senior year I finally gained some weight and was making better clothing and hair choices.

For love, I cannot say I was actually in love with someone until I was 20 and I have only been in love twice. I wanted to be in love, but I also knew I didn't want to kid myself or force a feeling that wasn't real.

It's funny--when I wasn't dating guys or falling in love, I always felt self-conscious about it. Like there must have been something wrong with me. But now, many years wiser, I feel OK with sharing these feelings and I'm kinda glad I was such a wallflower and didn't lose my virginity with some skeezy kid I didn't even like in his parents' basement freshman year or dated any old dude just to say I had a boyfriend.