Kayaking in Clear Lake...FINALLY

Since 2011 was a crazy year of trying new things, of course, I wanted to try kayaking. Then, I saw the deal with Groupon. It was a 3 hour guided tour with All Points Sail Sailing School of Lakeside for only $30 some time in August. I immediately told Haley and with a twinkle in our eyes, we bought the deal. I was hoping to use it that very weekend, but they were booked up and then I had my first kayaking trip in Florida with Ashley. Months and months went by and we still hadn't used the deal. It was rescheduled so many times due to injuries, work, weather, and a misunderstanding. Then, I got a reminder via email saying that I needed to use my Groupon deal, because it expires in February. Well, I was having my ankle surgery at the end of January. So, weird and cold weather be damned, Haley and I were going. We got a good weekend in mind and called them to schedule our appointments.

So, on January 21, 2012, Haley and I turned our twinkle of visionary kayaking to the real thing. We tried to get there early, but it just didn't happen. The weather was nasty and drizzling and I wasn't even sure the day would actually happen. But as soon as we got there and filled out the required waivers, the rain stopped. There was a lot of confusion on what kayak to pick. Since Haley and I were one of the last sets of people to get there (total of 9 in the class), we got stuck with the tandem kayak. I have only been in a single kayak, but I was willing to try anything to get us in the water. I personally think that the young couple should have taken the tandem kayak like the other older couple, but I digress since it turned out to be better for Haley and I.

This is your before shot, Haley? For shame.

This is how you do it. I think I had a little captain in me.

We got in to the water roughly after 10 a.m. (apt time was 9:30 a.m.) and then it was a waiting game. Haley and I chose to use our time to learn how to tandem kayak. It's not as easy as it looks. I learned that I have a strong right. When I put my left oar in, we turned to the right pretty heavily. But once you get it, it's so much fun. And the best part, you get to have an actual conversation with your buddy, while paddling instead of ramming the kayak in to your friend when you just want to tell them about a turtle you saw. Sorry Ashley.

The perfect couple, because I make us look good. 

Haley practicing.

I let her paddle, while I sit back and enjoy the ride...or is it float?

Finally, we were able to get going with a few instructions from our two leaders (Katherine I believe was her name and Steve) on how to paddle. And then, the lady who didn't even know how to swim fell in the water. She stayed calm, but didn't continue with the group.

We got to the edge of the bay and Steve told us to go across it; we were ahead of everyone else, because we were THAT awesome. He told us to stay to the left and go to the flags. So, we started paddling across the huge bay and it was ... WOW...SO LARGE! We just paddled and paddled until we got to the other side. One of the other girls named Julia caught up to us and we got to know her pretty well. She was really nice.

Haley, Julia, and I waited for the rest of the group and when they finally made it to the other side, Steve talked to us about how to paddle. We needed to pick a point on the horizon like a flag and then use that as your line. It's very similar to tracking in skydiving, so, I got it. However, it wasn't easy to stay on target when you have a head in front of you.

We paddled along by the houses and fisherman. Steve talked about how the blue house was rumored to be Beyonce's house and the high rise condo has a lean to it, because someone built it like that to discourage future high rise condos. There was a really cool large bird that we were trying to spot...be very quiet. However, we never saw the bird. We did see this owl like bird, but Haley may have scared it away when she was shushing the younger couple tp be quiet (the girl wouldn't stop talking about Facebook). There were also oysters on the docks.

Haley in action.

This house was so cool, because of the lighthouse.

I didn't know oysters hung out like barnacles.

Finally, we got to the narrow passageways by the really nice houses. Katherine said it reminded her of Florida and I couldn't agree more. The only difference was no manatees and turtles. The houses were beautiful and we saw this interesting tree made of wine bottles. I wished I got a picture of it.

Down by the really nice houses, in.the canals. 

It's so pretty and serene.

The group in our wake.

We got out to Kemah where there were boats and "in to the current" paddling galore. It was crazy and hard and Haley and I had to work to stay to the left. They told us to paddle in to the wave, because you could easily tip over if you go in sideways. We finally made it back to the bay and boy howdy was that hard. There were so many boats, way more than last time. I guess since the sun came out, the boats came out, too.

I took a break to photograph this pelican just chillin'. 

Katherine said to Haley and I that if we wanted to go out some more with her, she would take a separate group down another canal. The rest of the group would go in with Steve. Of course, it was Julia, Haley, and I to keep on going like the strong women that we are. Katherine commented on how she thought Haley and I had done this before since we worked really well together. I responded with, "I'm not going to lie. We are pretty awesome." Well, we are! Actually, I was happy with our performance since that was only the second time that I had been in a kayak and Haley's first time.

When it was the turnaround point, I was happy. My arms and back were tired. I was ready to be done. We got back to the dock and easily got out of the kayaks. We had so much fun and I (believe Haley, too) can't wait to do that again. I'm completely hooked now. Afterwards, Haley and I had our celebratory beer at Boondocks.

Check out my shirt...that's right, I'm ready for the zombieapoclypse!

That was such a great experience to share with Haley. Katherine was awesome and so sweet (Gosh, I hope that was her name...don't judge me, it's been awhile and I had surgery). Yes, they could have been better with the beginning organization and having a big selection of kayaks to choose from (specifically, more single kayaks). But they were really great and I highly recommend them.

Was this experience better than Florida? No, but that's not fair. I mean, I saw manatees and turtles a plenty. However, it was so beautiful and serene to see the bay from a different view. Oh and after we were done, Haley and I's twinkle turned to learning how to sail. Will we ever stop? Nah. Why would we want to stop?

On a side note, I survived my surgery. I'm not in a boot after 10 days and can finally walk on it somewhat. It's been hard, but my parents and friends have really helped me out. Thank you mom and Jim, Jules, Haley, Susan, and Dan specifically.

A Weekend of Running

It's been awhile since I dedicated a whole weekend to running. After tweaking my ankle the day after my half marathon and then just being so unmotivated, I haven't ran all that much. I have taken Remi to Hermann Park a few times to run, but didn't feel it was necessary to write about it. There was nothing interesting that really happened. I have started doing planks (2 sets of 30 seconds) each morning to help with my walrus like tummy. I want to do ab work, but I have a pinched nerve in my neck right now preventing me from doing crunches. I swear, I feel like an old person where you just have constant things going wrong with your body inside and out. I sound like my mother, only not so dramatic.

So, this weekend and well this week, I decided to change all that, mainly because I have an all important ankle surgery that will take me out of exercising for awhile (well, at least running). I have decided that no matter what (while I'm down), I will do ab work as much as possible.

MEMORIAL PARK
Saturday was cold, but beautiful and the park was calling me towards it. I almost didn't go, but I said, "Screw it. I'm going running at Memorial Park." I haven't been there since I ran that epic 9 mile run right before I left for England (OMG! I just went through my posts and realized that I never posted about that run).

When I got there, I immediately noticed the construction. Part of the trail was closed, but that was okay. I parked and then got out to stretch using the tree. I got my ipod Nike + Sensor thing ready to play and then began to run. I selected the Distance:  5K, because I know this run is a 3 mile loop. My starting point was actually before the 3 mile marker, but a 5K is 3.1 miles anyway...so that would take me to the adult playground where I could finish with a good, strong workout.

My run started out pretty good. I was just poking along, not going too fast or too slow, just keeping a steady pace. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to shuffle the songs in my running playlist when you start it from the Nike app and I can't go straight to my ipod running playlist, because it will end my workout on the Nike app. If anyone knows how to do this, please let me know! So, I had to endure my playlist going in order and of course, the first 10 songs are all the songs that I have used in running for so many months now (kind of wanted something fresh to start the new year).

I ran all 3 miles without stopping and used my mindfulness of breathing to move me along the loop without getting too tired or antsy to finish. And every so often, I know I busted out a tune (which I'm sure sounded like a dying dog trying to speak human). The weather was just beautiful without a cloud in the sky and it wasn't too hot or too cold (just perfect as Goldilocks would say). Although, I forgot to put on sunscreen and therefore, my cheeks were burned when I got home. I finished my 3 mile run (it was more like 3.25) in less than 40 minutes, which is pretty good considering I haven't ran 3 miles in a long time. Hell, I have barely run at all.

So, now on to the bad and why I ran 3.25 miles. My Nike app told me that I had 400 km to go when I reached the spot that should have been 3.1 miles. When I got passed the 3.25 mile marker, I finally got to 100 km left to go. Oh and to top it off, my Nike app told me that I had a pace of 13 minutes per mile the entire time and I know I was no more than 11 minutes. Then, when I reached 400 km, I sped up. So, my Nike app told me that I was now increased to 14 minutes per mile. When I reached 100 km, I sped up even more and then it told me that I finished with 17-18 minutes per mile. I walked back to the adult playground and then stopped the workout, which I finished with 12 minutes per mile. Something is definitely wrong with my Nike app and reminds me of my Neptune altimeter I used for skydiving. Now, I have to figure out how to fix it or I can't use it.

At the adult playground, I did 2 sets of 20 situps, 2 sets of 30 second planks, and 2 sets of 25 scissor kicks. I tried to do crunches, but it hurt my neck. During my planks, I noticed this guy standing on the opposite of the playground, just smiling and watching me. It was really creepy, because he wasn't doing anything exercise wise. He was just standing there. I would say a serial killer, but they tend to not be noticed. He definitely stuck out like a sore thumb around all these fitness junkies. I moved to behind the signs so I could do my squats without knowing that he's watching me. When I got finished with my one set of 30 squats, the guy moved to the other side. Now, he was directly behind me watching me do my squats (a very butt infused exercise). I took that as a que to get out of there. So, very creepy.

But I was so happy with my run and can't wait to get on that track again. I missed Memorial Park even if it had some weird creepy guy just staring at me, smiling, laughing to himself.

HERMANN PARK
I don't know what happened this Sunday morning, but I got up before the sun peaked out (roughly 7 a.m.) with a desire to run. I knew it was cold outside, but I guess I didn't care. I knew that I wouldn't feel like running later on with the Texans playoff game at noon (so, sad that we lost and it wasn't the prettiest of games). So, I laced up my shoes and got Remi ready to head to the park. Did I mention it was cold? I didn't? Well, it was cold. Maybe for my Colorado or Canadian or English readers, it's not that cold to you guys, but it's cold for us tropical people. When I can see my breath, it's cold. But I remembered the mistake that Haley and I made last time about dressing too warm on runs and only brought my half marathon long shirt and a light sweater (can easily wrap around my waist if it gets too hot).

I set up the Nike +Sensor (giving it another try), but this time, I selected just the run...no distance or time. I also switched to a song later on in my playlist. Remi did his business and we walked to a starting point for the run. We were a go and then a stop and then a go and then a stop and then a go and so on. I have noticed in my early morning walks that my dogs like to sniff, eat, sniff, stop every few feet (sometimes less). This time was no different. And I didn't bring enough bags with me. Thankfully, I had a plastic grocery sack in my car and I found a paper bag on the ground (albeit wet, but useable) to pick up his second round. It was a struggle getting him to move and not eat something. Most of the time, he didn't do anything, but smell. This can be very annoying when you are just trying to run. He's typically not this bad during our evening runs.

We finally made it around the 1.98 mile loop in probably close to 30 minutes. We had one issue where 2 people ran by and he got confused when a second set immediately followed. He just kind of stopped in the middle looking around, not knowing what to do. Poor thing. And I think this is when I dropped the bag of poop. I had it tied to the leash and when I got to the last turn heading back to the car, I noticed it was gone. I didn't go back to find it and that's my bad. However, I will make up for it and clean up extra poop that's not from my dog or some trash.

When I got home, I took my shower and did my 2 sets of 30 second planks and have been doing that everyday since. Tomorrow, I leave for Grand Junction and plan to do hotel running again. I was just informed that it's below 0 there...so no outside running for me. Also, Haley and I are FINALLY going kayaking on Saturday. Let's hope it's not raining.

Goals for 2012, Looking Up

I have to say that I stole Up from another blog. It was just so good and it applied to what I wanted from this new year. It was a hard year and I had some awful things happen, but I also had some really great things happen. So, I want to look up for 2012 whether it's part of my professional or personal life. With that, I have some goals for this year (screw resolutions) even though some are not exercise related:

• Run a marathon (unless injury happens) possibly in November or December.
• Organize my personal life, including getting a new file cabinet and really fixing it up where I have my documents in one spot.
• Organize my professional life, because I have gotten lazy with document organization. I managed to organize my own folders on my computer, but not the company folders like I'm suppose to be doing.
• Make it to 2013 without an injury, PLEASE. Although, I am having a scope done on my ankle putting me out for a max 6 weeks, but that's an old injury.
• Make it to 2013 without losing a camera or other tool.
• Start my new Houston blog and really get it out there.
• Post my running blog everywhere instead of just to my family and friends.
• Run in the El Chupacabra race (hopefully with Sara and Kris).
• Join the Houston Hash (hopefully this Sunday with Sara and Kris).
• Drink all 200 beers at the Flying Saucer and get my plate.
• Pick up learning Spanish again.
• Travel somewhere new internationally. I'm so thankful for going to England (twice), because I learned to travel on my own and I met a special someone who also helped me check Ireland off my list of places to visit.
• Travel somewhere new domestically. My grandmother has wanted forever to go to Mt. Rushmore and this year, we are going to make that happen.
• Hike a bigger mountain with Ashley either in Colorado or in California, putting our books to good use.
• Kayak with Haley in Seabrook using the groupon deals, because they expire in February.
• See Hiroko's new baby girl, Emma. I see a pattern of going to California alot this year.
• Realize that I'm not at the dropzone and I can't just be dumping the f bomb anywhere I go now.
• Go back to the racetrack and get Franz up to high speeds.
• Learn to make a sushi roll.
• Learn to drink and possibly like wine. Yes, this was a big one for me and one I bragged about alot.

Does anybody have any goals for this year?

I will like to add that I have done three runs at Hermann Park with Remington. Most of them were good and I did the full loop at roughly 2 miles. However, my new ipod thinks it's almost 3 miles. I calibrated it finally and hopefully, that will fix the issue. They weren't the greatest of runs, because I have to stop for Remi, but I was out there running. And I'm a walrus right now. I need all the help I can get.

I have to mention one run, because I was given a compliment. I just got done picking up Remi's poop and this guy was yelling at me. He flagged me down and came over to thank me for cleaning up after my dog. He was so appreciative and I felt happy that a stranger noticed.

A Holiday Run

It's been awhile since my last run...the half marathon to be exact, not including the run in the airport from one gate to another gate located on the opposite end with 20 minutes to catch my flight. That airport run actually caused a tweak in my ankle and it's been tender ever since. So, I have stayed away from running or even exercise to let it heal (ballooned up as a consequence). I will say that it is healed, but I'm still having issues with my other bad ankle and going to the doctor tomorrow to look at my next steps (eek possibly surgery).

After a dismal weather Christmas weekend (and well, week) and a hard Christmas personally, Houston finally got a stop in the rain and even the sun made an appearance yesterday. I forgot what sunshine looked like. I was eager to put on my running shoes and try out my new Christmas present from Hiroko. It is the Nike sensor for your shoe and ipod that calculates your time, distance, calories, and type of run (much cheaper than the watch I really wanted). It also activates your running playlist through the application on your ipod.

My awesome gift from Hiroko. Love you and thanks so much.

My plan was to walk up to Hermann Park to warm up my muscles, run the 1.98 mile loop, and then walk back. It was cold and I needed the extra warmup. Plus, I wasn't sure how this run was going to go since I haven't done any running since December 4. I figured there would be some huffing and puffing and whining and screaming.

I laced up my shoes (adding my new cool sensor and blue pocket), plugged in the other piece to my ipod, stretched, and headed out (while trying to keep the dogs at bay from bumrushing the door as I opened it). I walked out of my apartment towards the main street that takes me to Hermann Park; I was already feeling the cold even though I had on my under armor shirt and a beanie hat. When I got to the street, I decided to just run. I wanted warmth. I ran the entire block around (1.5 mile loop). It felt good to get out there again. I tried to focus on my breathing. I swear when I am getting flustered from the heavy breathing and wanting to stop for a walk, I meditate my breathing like the book says. It calms me and I can run more. Breathe in...1...2...3...4, breathe out 1...2...3...4, but be mindful of what you are doing.

The one thing I forgot about was all the construction they were doing on the main main road. They have been laying pipe for months and chunks of the sidewalk periodically get taken out of commission. Since I haven't ran this loop in awhile, it completely slipped my mind. When I saw the missing sidewalk chunk, I ran over to the other side to use that sidewalk, but eventually, that side ran out of sidewalk. With the rain, I just didn't want to run on grass. In hindsight, I should have stayed on that side. I looked over to the side I'm used to running on and saw that the sidewalk was reopened even to the point where I have to turn to go home. What I didn't see was the mud. As I approached the last 30 ft, the piles and piles and piles of mud covered the sidewalk and the sides. Did I mention piles? I couldn't just run out on the street, because it's busy with people (shouldve done that anyways, but still had to cross the mudpit). I decided to just walk through it and hope for the best. When I got out of it, my shoes were caked with mud to the point where I couldn't even walk. I stopped to find a stick so that I could work on getting the mud off. It took awhile and my ipod stopped playing (controlled by the Nike app) when I was inactive for awhile. How cool was that? If I started running again, I can pick up where I left off.

Oh, right...back to mud. So, I stood there for about 15 minutes just trying to get the mud off my shoes and decided to go home once I was done. I was so tired and frustrated, but at least I got a run in yesterday morning.

I tried to update my stuff online, but the directions do not follow what actually happens and I couldn't figure it out. But from what I remember, the loop was actually 1.9 miles, I burned almost 190 calories, and I did it in alittle over 18 minutes (some of this time was used on my stop). I didn't calibrate the results, which I found out later gives you even better results. I love my new Christmas gift. I just wish I could figure out how to track my progress like it said can easily be done. This is why they should hire Technical Writers to write their instructions.

Even though it wasn't my best run, I got out there again and it felt good. I can't wait to run again (probably today) and then, I will see if I have a long journey of exercise inactivity to fix my bad ankle.

And Finally...My First Half Marathon Done

On Sunday, December 4, 2011, I participated in the La Porte By the Bay Half Marathon with Haley. And on that cold and rainy day, Haley and I officially became Half Marathoners.

This race was the last event in the Texas Bridge series earning me an extra medal (or T-shirt, but the medal was WAY cooler). WHAT? WHAT? MORE BLING!!!! I was so nervous about this race, because I had only ran 9 miles before I left for England and I didn't do any running there (lots of walking though). Also, I only had a week to prepare for a half marathon when I came back from England without overdoing the training, which could lead to hurting myself. This was a big fear of mine, because I tore a ligament in my left ankle before the 2011 Chevron Half Marathon in January (supposed to be when I popped my half marathon cherry) forcing me to eat the registration.

To top it off, the weather was expected to be raining all day. Great, my first half marathon...on a bridge...in rain. Am I glutton for punishment or what?

On the Thursday before the big day, I went out to the Flying Saucer where I met up with some friends who also run. I was introduced to a guy who had done an obscene amount of marathons (concidentally, it was about the same number of plates he had on the walls at the Saucer) and he put my mind at ease. He reassured me that I was ready, because I ran 9 miles...I'm good to go and to not be nervous. Easier said than done. Okay, really, I felt less nervous and told Haley (also freaking out at this point) what the guy told me to calm her nerves. It worked...up until about as soon as I woke up the morning on the big day.

The night before, I was cleaning and putting up decorations doing everything to busy my mind about my impending death. I had a restless sleep when I finally went to bed, because I kept thinking I would miss my alarm (side effect from the Seinfeld episode). But I woke up at 5:20 a.m. when my first text from Jules came in saying she was headed my way (I enlisted her to drive me and support me). Haley texted shortly after to make sure I was awake. Then, I started to get texts from friends wishing me good luck. Mal went so far as to send me flowers and a balloon and posted on both Haley and I's facebook page. I felt the love.

I can't love this girl anymore than I already love her. She thought of me all the way from Grenada. Thank you Mal.

For breakfast, I had an English Muffin with peanut butter and LOTS of water. I could say that I had a marathon of water. Yup, pun intended. I went there. Don't judge me.

We found our way to La Porte. Now, I have driven through La Porte, but never actually stayed there or visited there or even really been there. I think I was asleep everytime I drove through or just drove fast. I wasn't exactly sure where we were going, but I knew it was at Sylvan Beach and luckily for us, there were signs guiding us everywhere. Jules parked at the school and we met up with Haley at the chip pick up table (we actually got our packets early this time...GO US!).

Haley and I in our standard before shot trying not to look nervous.

I saw a group of people just stretching away and I said, "Let's go join them" after Haley and I went to the bathroom. They were passed the good stretches and on to the let's raise our heartbeat. We took that time to stretch on our own; however, we rejoined the group at the end when they went back to stretching.

Haley and I having fun with our tandem stretch.

Then, we found out that we in fact crashed the Bay Area Fit Club warmup. I'm not sure if you need to be a part of them, but it was probably a good thing. The main guy huddled us all up and they started shouting "HOORAA" and "Bay Area Fit Club." We were kind of near the middle and couldn't really sneak out of there without notice.

After our crash, we went over to get some more pictures with the bay in the background.

Yeah, that's right...I busted out the guns. Whatchya gonna do, punk?

Finally, it was time to head over to the start line. And wouldn't you know it, that's when it started to rain on us runners. The whole time we were there waiting and waiting, the weather gave us a reprieve and false hope that it wouldn't rain. But then, I could distinctly here this evil laugh coming from the skies and what sounded like, "You stupid peons....I will rain upon thee." So, as we stood there in the rain, it got cold and I was wishing that I had brought Jules' windbreaker (although, I'm glad I didn't). One guy was supporting his wife by standing there holding an umbrella over her head so she wouldn't get wet. Now, everyone at the same time, "Ahhhhhhhhhh."

I was getting antsy, jumping around, wanting them to hurry up and just blow the whistle. I complained that this race started later than the other 2 bridge series races. If we had started earlier, we wouldn't be rained on while we were waiting. But instead rained on while we were running (much better).

Then, I heard them announce the La Porte high school glee club to sing the Star Spangled Banner. Finally!  Let the countdown begin...5...4...3...2...1...GO. It was time to start running...well, sort of, since we had to walk with the crowd before crossing the line.

I couldn't believe it. Haley and I were RUNNING OUR FIRST HALF MARATHON! Whoa! The song choice of course was I'm Sexy and I know it (video) and we sang that the entire run. I sang the Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle and she sang the Yeah. We had it down to a science.

Even with the cold drizzling rain (reminded me of England for some reason), it was hot. After awhile, I took off my under shirt. Before we reached the first mile marker, this loud group of guys started chanting Haley. They were Haley's friends and coworkers. She was so surprised to see them and just started running faster. In fact, every time she saw them, she got faster. They showed up throughout the course and were just awesome singing and chanting and yelling. They even had me tear up a little, especially when they finally learned my name and started chanting for me, too.

The boys cheering on Haley.

Jules standing by the boys as we came around close to the first mile.

Our goal was to stop for a walk at the 4 mile marker (or see how we felt), but we had a quick stop at the 3 mile marker so that Haley could fix her knee brace (it was quick...I swear). We ran mostly with this group of three ladies. They ran what seemed like 5 minutes and walked 1 minute. Even though we kept running, they were keeping up with our pace. At one point, we tried to follow them, but they stopped too much. This may have been our downfall in the end when they beat us at the finish line.

Everytime we reached a mile marker, I said, "1 down, 12 more to go." "2 down, 11 more to go." And of course Haley would sing, "I'm sexy and I know it." We had a system.

The rain was pretty much start and stop, but it was never really heavy. I was so thankful that Haley suggested we wear our hats to keep the rain out of our eyes. It was just drizzly enough to make the ground slick. I think that is why my toes started hurting really bad at 6 miles. I never had that issue before at 6 miles and my theory is that I was putting too much pressure on my feet so I wouldn't fall.

Finally, we made it to the bridge and it was really an awesome sight since the top of the bridge was covered by the clouds. 

The top of the Hartman Bridge covered in clouds.

Haley looking like a bad ass as we approach the incline.

We ran the level area until we got to the incline where we walked to the halfway point before we picked up the run again. This is the time when we had goal points of when we would walk. However, Haley would get fast everytime she saw the boys and I would have to tell her to slow it down, bring it back. We made it to the turnaround point, which was roughly between the 6 and 7 mile marker. We weren't dead yet and in fact, feeling okay.

A viewpoint of what we just ran over from the turnaround point.

Seriously, I love these guys and want to adopt them as my friends.

I thought this was cool seeing Santa at the turnaround point. They asked if we wanted to stop to take a picture and I said, "No, gotta keep moving."

As we made our way back on the bridge, I still felt good, but my legs were hurting. My toes were hurting. It took a lot just to get to the incline so we could walk again. Finally, we made it off the bridge. 

On our way back down the Hartman Bridge.

  

Our other goal was to smile everytime we saw the photographers. Although, I contend that they didn't have many actually taking pictures. A lot of them were slacking.

When we got to 10 miles, I screamed out, "Milestone. Longest I've ever run. Oh and 10 down, 3 more to go." When we got to 11 miles, Haley and I pretty much pittered out of steam and energy. My toes were hurting so bad at this point. We would set a goal to run to a certain location in the distance, but we would stop a couple feet away. Haley kept saying, "I just want to get this done" and my response was, "So do I, but I can't get my legs to cooperate." For the rest of the 13.1 miles, we pretty much complained about our legs and feet. In hindsight, was that healthy or motivational? Um...no, but we did it anyways.

What's crazy is that we lost the 3 girls a LONG time ago, way before the first crossing of the bridge. Yeah, they caught up to us and passed us by, but we followed them on when they stopped and started. Actually, at the end, everyone in our group that had been with us for the last 3-4 miles were pretty much on the same thing of when to stop running and when to start. The only anamoly was this girl who sang and danced her way on the runs; she had a different start/stop then us, but still kept in our group.

Finally, we hit the 13 mile marker flag and it was so glorious to see. We still had 0.1 mile left to go and we ran. Then, we saw the guys and they saw us, which started a flurry of chanting. Haley and I picked it up and just sprinted in to the finish line. I'm sure to the bystanders it looked like a fast jog done by mental ward patient, but to us, it was a full on Olympic marathon sprint to take Gold. I'm not even sure where I got the energy from or even the muscle to do it, but it happened and I'm betting it had to do with seeing the boys running and screaming with us on the sidelines. Our time was 2 hours, 45 minutes, and 22 seconds (full results here). Haley and I got the exact same time. How cool is that?

Afterwards, I saw Jules and begin stretching, drinking my water. She kept saying how proud she was of me and asking if I was okay. My first response was that I may puke or cry and I don't know which one will happen. I honestly didn't know if any or both or one would happen. My body and mind pretty much shut down at this point. I walked over to the guys and they flooded us with awesome comments. I really do love those guys.

Look at those smiles. I think I was hallucinating at this point.

I went over to get my Texas Bridge Series Medal and it was awesome and loud and heavy and I loved it.

Me and my bling. What an accomplishment to finish not only a half marathon, but all 3 bridge races.

I got in line for pizza, but I had to wait on a new delivery. I got a sausage on a stick, but so NOT what I wanted. In fact, sausage on a stick is just not right after the race. Too greasy. I did end up getting my pizza, but I thought I was going to collapse. In fact, a guy did collapse, while I was waiting on my pizza. Haley and I said our goodbyes and I thanked those guys for being awesome. Jules drove me home where I was flooded with text messages of my survival. Jules got me home and pretty much took care of me and the dogs.

I want to take the time to thank Haley for going on this crazy adventure with me. I'm glad I found someone just as stupid as I am to share this journey. Without her, I don't think I would have survived. We pushed eachother to get this done and we accomplished what few have considered and completed. I'm so proud of us in so many ways that it's hard to find the right words. Jules...you are awesome. I love you. Thank you for everything that you did that day. I don't think I could have made it home or anything had you not been there to nurse me back to life. Thanks to the guys for being there cheering us (mostly Haley, I know) on throughout the entire race. Seriously, you guys were the best ever! And thanks to everyone that sent me messages of good luck and how proud they were of me.

The guys made this for us after the race. How freaking cool are they? And the best shot ever!

And Jules made us a video of our run. I have the best people in my life.

Haley and I plan to do one more half marathon (maybe 2) and then we start training for the marathon in possibly November. Yes, we are THAT stupid.

Another Run in the Park with Remi

So, alot has happened in the last couple of weeks. I ran 9 miles by myself on Sunday, November 13, at Memorial Park. This was monumental for me since it was the longest that I have ever ran before. I ran 3 loops (3 miles each) for the first time ever and 6 miles (2 loops) without stopping. I kept up a decent pace, but yes, it could have been better. The craziest thing that happened that day was a man running with his dog, tripped. He tried to catch himself and didn't fall, but he tripped for at least 20 ft pulling a muscle in the process. It would have been better if he went down. After the run, I did a mini workout at the adult playground, which included ab work. I wanted to write about my run, but I didn't have time. I was packing for my trip to England (yes, I went back), but I also had to go to California at last minute for work. Consequently, my monumental run didn't get written.

While I was in California, I ran 2 miles a day on the treadmill, with some ab work at the end of each run. I was not familiar with the area and it was dark, so I felt safer working out at the hotel gym. I don't know if it was the time difference or what, but they weren't pretty runs. In fact, it took me 30 minutes at least to run 2 miles. I'm used to running 3 miles within 35 minutes.
While I was in England, I didn't run at all. Yes, I know. I wanted to take that long run down a road with picturesque England countryside views, writing about how the scenery inspired me or something, but it didn't happen. We had way too much to do and it got super dark early there...like at 5 p.m. However, I did walk. In fact, I walked so much in Ireland (spent a day in Dublin...beautiful) and England, that my bad ankle swelled up alot and caused me pain. I'm so getting this thing checked out again.

Since I got back from England, I have ran a couple of times at Hermann Park with Remington. On Sunday, I ran the full 1.98 loop. On Tuesday, I ran half of that loop, because I was running out of time and daylight. And on Wednesday, I ran the full 1.98 loop around. I felt sluggish on my runs, but that could be due to all the traveling I have done in the last couple of weeks and taking a week off of running. It could also be that my dog stops too much causing me to get tired early from all the starting and stopping. I'm still running majority of the loop without stopping (okay, just mini stops for Remi...oh and 1 fix for my ipod), but it's not the best. My breathing is all over the place, but I am noticing that whenever I get a cramp, I used meditative breathing to stop it.

I write about this run in particular, because of something that happened. Remington and I were running by and I see 3 people coming from the golf course. At this time, it's getting pretty dark and you don't know if they are punk kids just smoking some pot, people just taking a shortcut, or geniune criminals ready for action. With a history like Hermann Park, you tend to think as a woman that they were geniune criminals ready for some sexually forced action. I didn't have my mace on me, but I was alert. However, when they stepped over the fence, it was 2 cops and a kid handcuffed. I had seen the police lights and heard the sirens earlier, but I just assumed it was a car accident. Nope, it was a police chase. And as I'm running by, my dog's German Shepherd police dog heritage came out. He really wanted to help and I had to force him to move along sir, nothing to see here. So, that was weird and crazy.

This run really made me think about running with Remintong. Now, it's been a pain in the toosh to have to take my dogs out separately and bring Remi on my weekday runs (no time otherwise since it gets dark early). I no longer have long runs, because he doesn't last long and he's constantly stopping. But it's good that he was there. I know that Remi would attack, maim, kill anyone or anything that would try to hurt me. He would probably die trying. It makes me feel safe having him on my arm (even though it's rough trying to keep him at bay from other dogs or some runners). The other positive is that I HAVE to run. I almost talked myself out of running on Tuesday, because I had such a bad day. But I had to get Remi out of the house. It was a great motivator to force me to go and just get it done. Was it a good run? Nope, but I still did it. And I need all the help I can get right now since my half marathon is on Sunday...eeek ggaddss!

So, my next post should be about that, but I might have some other blog writeups in the next day or so. We shall see and wish me luck!

World Running Day, November 6, 2011

World Running Day was on November 6, 2011. I remembered running for National Running Day in June at Memorial Park with my old running partner. But this was WORLD RUNNING DAY. Thankfully, I did run, because that's alot of pressure to not run on the World Running Day.

I was supposed to do my big 8 mile run that day with Haley, but she got ... er...um...sick from the previous night out. Instead, I spent all day FINALLY fixing my running playlist on my ipod so that I can run alone. I just didn't think it would take me all day to do it. On a side note, I found out that I really do like my ipad once I learned how to use it. Somewhere around 2, I was preparing to run. Okay, really, I was sitting on the couch, loving my body molded to the couch and wrestling with whether I should or shouldn't run. I pretty much counted out trying to do a long run since I had to be at my brother's house for dinner at 5. After about 30 minutes of being lazy and wishy washy, I finally said, "I'm going!" I just decided that I will go for a quick 1.98 mile around the loop that I'm used to running. However, I will run it at a faster pace so that I can work on increasing my overall speed.

I grabbed Remington and headed to the park (driving, of course). I did a quick stretch, got my ipod up and running, and then let him do his bathroom business. We walked for about 50ft before we picked up the run. It didn't start out so well since Remi kept stopping to sniff or pee, but finally we got in to a rhythm. However, the constant stopping and starting made me sluggish. Plus, I was still feeling out of it from my 5 mile run on Saturday and being sick.

Even though there were stops a plenty in the beginning, we did manage to run the rest of the way around. My ipod played alot of the rock songs, which I was more in the mood for the hip hop/pop songs. But then...Eye of the Tiger came blasting on my earphone. I pictured myself as Rocky running in the snow ready to defeat the Russian in the name of America. I kept on pushing and pushing, not allowing myself to stop even though I was arguing in my head to stop and Remi was certainly getting slower and slower. Then, the Rocky training montage came on and I felt invincible. I picked up the pace, dragged Remi, and headed back to the starting point. It was not the best of runs (having alot of those lately), but it was something.

I did some minor stretching, but I need more. When I got done with this run, I noticed that my calf muscles were hurting. In fact, they are still hurting. It's like shin splits, but for the calves. I don't know what's going on, but I hope this doesn't get worse.

I hope everyone marks this date on their calendars for next year. Lace up those sneakers and get to running!

Run in the Park Recap...I'm Sexy and I Know It

On November 5, 2011, Haley and I participated in the Run in the Park held at Hermann Park. This event was created to raise money for the park. The best part was that we could walk up there from my apartment; however, we drove up there due to the temperatures and not knowing how we would feel about walking after running a 5 mile run. We also layered up, too, which in hindsight was not the best of ideas.

This was a cool running experience for me, because it forced me to run on the other side of Hermann Park. I've actually never ventured to the other side, not because I was scared that it was the dark side or anything (I'm all for Darth Vader), but more because I just got set in my ways and knew my running track. And it's a shame, because this part of the track is really quite beautiful and reminds me of Washington D.C. or something. With the cold temperatures, it really reminded me of D.C.

Haley and I got there 30 minutes before the race started. That was our opportunity to stretch out good, warm up, and take some pictures (okay, me).

Haley is the new 2011 Hermann Park Heisman Winner.

To warmup, I was running in place...this is the outcome.

And now, I have added high kicks.

Isn't this so beautiful?

Our standard before shot.

This race was also special, because they were debuting a new running/walking trail called The Hermann Park Trail.

Dedication ceremony of the new Hermann Park Trail.

They played the National Anthem, which I still wasn't sure if it was sung live or by recording. It was really cool, because these flock of birds just circled the flag and flew off at the end of the song. Some say it was beautiful, others might say it was a magical moment. Finally, the race started and we ran at a nice pace. Every so often, I would get caught up in the speed of the crowd and Haley would tell me to slow it down. After a while, I said, "Does it seem like we are getting passed alot?" Then, we hit the 1 mile marker...10:46 minutes. Haley said, "That's why we are getting passed." So, we were kindof slow this race. I know it had a lot to do with me being sick all week; my chest was tight, my nose was stuffed, and I just didn't have the energy to move fast. We basically had a 10-11 minute mile for the entire run (maybe we got faster on the last mile). There was this one girl that cheered us on loudly and happily. The other supporters were just blah, no emotion, didn't care why they were there. Haley even told her that she was her favorite.

Haley and I didn't stop and just kept on going. I would tell her that I needed to slow it down, but we didn't stop. We didn't even get any water. The park was really quite lovely, but I wore too many layers. My thermal shirt had a death grip on my arm, which was causing me to get tingles in my fingers. I kept having to wiggle my hands and thought I was going to have to stop to fix the shirt when Haley (my hero) fixed it for me. I'm guessing it was due to the sickness, but I just felt out of my element, uncomfortable. Even my hat was starting to bother me. So, I tried to focus on my breathing and controlling it.

Sometimes, Haley would sing out her favorite running song, "I'm sexy and I know it" by LMFAO (not the official video, but where you can hear the song), which is now our theme song. So, we just kept singing that to take our minds off of the run. Here is a link to the official video, because it is freaking hilarious. Wiggle! Wiggle! Wiggle! Wiggle! However, I throw caution to the wind...do NOT watch if you get offended easily. It's graphic for sure, but tastelessly funny. I constantly hear that in my head now when I run...thank you Haley.

We were coming up on the last 2 miles and I was now feeling it. I didn't think I had anything left in me and that's when Haley springs the news on me...we are going to push it for the last mile to make up some time. WHAT? I'm pretty sure I have whined this whole time about losing steam yadda yadda yadda. And then THEY showed up...the talkers. Normally, runners are encouraged to talk to their running partners, especially when gauging your speed and how it's affecting your body. If you can't hold a conversation, then you are going to fast. But these 2 people talked incessantly and loudly. I don't think they even took breaths. She had this deep southern LOUD twang and he was just a loud talker. They talked about the most annoying stuff ever. Unfortunately, we couldn't leave them for a mile. Finally, at the 1.5 mile spot, I had had enough. I started to speed up to at least clear some distance. Yeah...you could still hear them talking and we were away from them. I was beginning to worry that I was using too much of my already limited energy to get away from them and I wouldn't have anything left for the last mile. However, once the last mile came, Haley and I just picked up the pace even more. I know it had a lot to do with the fact that we could still hear the guy talking, but we finally got away from them. Thank you secret stored energy from an unknown place.

Our favorite cheerer was coming up and she just said, "Okay, 6 more minutes." NOOOO....we need distance, not time. But she was so excited that we truly didn't care. Finally, we were on the home stretch, that last hoo-rah. Haley asked me if it was okay if she picked up speed and I didn't mind at all. In fact, I stayed with her for awhile until the final turn. I increased too soon and sputtered out early. She sped ahead and I held back letting all those people I passed now pass me. At the last 0.15 mile, I dug deep to increase the speed. I could see my time on the clock and I didn't want it to go to the next minute. I crossed the finish line at 57 minutes, but my official time was 57:06.5. Haley's time was 56:58.6. Full race results are here.

This was not my best run, but it was my best PR for a 5-mile run (who cares that I haven't done an official 5-mile run before). If we would have kept this pace for a 10K, then I would have been under 1 hour, 10 minutes. That is my goal people. So, I'm still happy with the results.

Haley and I taking our post-run shot.

Afterwards, we decided to get the complimentary massage and stretch and it was sooooo worth it. I'm going to do that as much as I can after each race. We also finally tried the Muscle Milk, Honey Chocolate and it was really good. It had less sugar than regular chocolate milk and lots more protein. I think I'm going to add it to my list of things to start drinking. I also got a compliment about my shirt and lots of stares (I'm guessing the girls weren't staring at my chest).

That's me getting an awesome stretch.

Haley and I feeling good after our complimentary massage and stretch.

The rest of the day was a busy one for both of us, so we didn't have much time to chill out after the race. Overall, I need to get better so that I can survive the half marathon...which is coming up VERY SOON. EEK!

The Most Epic Run...EVER

The conversation went something like this with MaloRee at the beginning of the week (paraphrasing, of course, because I don't remember the exact words used)...

KW:  I'm alittle worried because I haven't ran over 6 miles and I have that half marathon coming up December 4.
Mal:  Kristi (in a scolding voice like my mother does), you need to start getting on this.
KW:  I know.
Mal:  You need to run 10 miles this week.
KW:  I know I do (sticking out my tongue to the phone).

So, I set out on a mission to at least run 7 miles this week, because I really didn't think I was up to running 10 miles.  It's not good for the body when you push it from 6 miles to 10 miles in a couple of days with little training. I enlisted Haley to run since she's running the half marathon with me and could use the extra miles, as well. I'm pretty sure she hasn't ran 7 miles either. After a few debates, our destination was decided; we would use the NASA track on Sunday for our big 7 mile run. How cool is that? I mean, it's no skydiving in to NASA, which I have done, but it's still cool. However, Sunday came. Due to my excessive fun time in to the wee hours at a Halloween party (thank you Nick and Melissa), I didn't get my car until after 1 p.m. on Sunday. 

Everytime I look at this picture, I crack up. It's the last picture in a series of this particular shot. And yes, that's Waldo in the background...sans hat.

By then, Haley decided to come over to my house on the condition that I run the entire 7 miles (whining, screaming, and hitting was allowed); I can do the slow slow slow jog instead of walking. I also would come to NASA on Thursday evening and Sunday to run. The feeling is that Haley comes over to my area to run alot and I don't go there. I thought I would be nice and return the favor; however, I think I'm getting screwed on this deal.

The plan was to run the 1.8 miles up to Hermann Park...yes, that's right, I said run. Then, we would run around the "3 mile" loop around the park (which is only half the park). I put that in quotes, because we learned that it wasn't 3 miles at all, but really 1.98 miles. After our first loop around, we realized that it was probably close to 2 miles (and that's what we used to calculate how many loops we needed to run) even though I was sure it was 2.5 miles. We would do the 2 loops or adjust where we needed and then run back.

Haley got there and I was in a cleaning frenzy. So, I had her help me take out the trash. Then, we stretched and started walking for our warmup. I realized that I hadn't eaten since 9 a.m. and questioned whether I should go back to eat a quick PB&J. Of course, logical reasoning was totally thrown out the window so that we could get this day (run) started. Hey, at least I wasn't running with a hangover, but I probably could have drank a little more water. Okay, I could have drank a lot more water.

As soon as we got out of the apartment complex, we started running. It was so cool outside, but totally sunny. Thankfully, I had my hat on since I lost my new running glasses (found them btw, in case you cared). We ran passed a construction zone and got hollered at for being cute. I waved and thanked him for the compliment. Finally, we got to the park and started running around. We just kept a steady pace and every so often, I would tell Haley to slow it down or bring it back. I'm not sure what all we discussed, but it was a lot since it kept my mind distracted. Once we got near the zoo, it got a little crazy with traffic and kids and kids in costumes (Annual Zoo Boo was happening). Some guy yelled out the car window, "RUN." I assumed he was talking to us since we were the only ones running. I wanted to give him a 1 finger salute, but there were kids around. So, I thanked him and waved back. At this point, I mentioned why I like running in Memorial Park better, because everyone is there to exercise. You don't get yahoos yelling out the window at you or barking at my dog (which they have done to Remi). We ran in to this couple looking for the golf clubhouse, which I vaguely pointed them in the right direction with a shortcut. Later on, we ran in to them and he gave us a "nice shortcut." I thought he was being nice and Haley thought he was being rude. After I thought about it, I think he was being rude, but hey, it wasn't my fault his wife wore high boots to a walkathon at the zoo and dressed your baby up in a hot, brown velvet pantsuit. I sent the golf club employee over there to show them where to go. Haley told us to speak of it no more, because we have done what we can.

Haley and I still kept up the pace even on the second time around and I was actually feeling good. We just kept on running without a stop. However, I was still telling her to slow it down, bring it back. When we were passing the pagoda, Haley wanted some water and I was right there with her, but the fountain wasn't for awhile. So, we did pick up the pace and had our only stop at the fountain (can't drink and move like that successfully), but it was short, very short. I don't consider that a stop at all.

We got back on the path and all of sudden, we heard this loud bird noise coming from the trees to our right. It sounded like a hawk and then we saw this majestic bird swoop over to the tree and start a fight with another hawk (I said mating, but whatever). It was loud and crazy and then the hawk left. I was dumbfounded. I turned to Haley, "Was that a hawk? I mean, that was a hawk, right? I'm not crazy that I just saw that, am I?" She said that it was a hawk. How cool was that to see hawks on your run in downtown Houston?  I think it's totally cool.

As we were getting close to the point where you head back home or do another lap, we decided to just run home. I think in hindsight, we should have ran around 1 more time and then walked home, but whatever. We still kept the pace and I stupidly mentioned how I was feeling good even though we did a lot. And at that point, my left knee started hurting. I was already missing the running path and how good it feels on your knees and legs. We kept on running all the way to the street by my apartment where we had our one and only true stop to walk. All in all, we ran 7.1 total miles without stopping, but 7.6 miles total of everything. This was a huge accomplishment for me since this is the most that I have ever ran before in my life. But this isn't the only first for this epic run. It was the first time that I ran to the park and back (normally, I walk up there to run and here lately, I've been driving) and it was the longest that I have ever ran without stopping. The only thing I can say is that I need to rest for a walk much sooner, because my knee is still killing me after 2 days.

When we made it back to the apartment, Haley and I stretched good for several minutes before we went inside. And this is where I started to get sick...oh and I could barely move or stand up straight. I ate to eat, because I needed something in my system, but I felt nauseas. I almost puked a couple of times. After a couple of hours, the feeling subsided and I ate pizza rolls. I know they aren't healthy, but I needed something quick for my ravenous appetite. Haley tried to eat everything in my pantry.

Next up, we are going to go for 8 miles on Thursday and if not, for sure on Sunday. I think I'm finally getting less nervous about the half marathon.