2012 Hot Undies Run Recap

On a rainy and muggy Saturday afternoon, 4 girls donned in red, white, and blue ascended on to Brian O'Neill's Irish pub, June 30, 2012, in the Village to run in their underwear and drink some beer for a good cause. The event...The 2012 Hot Undies Run. This is a 2 mile fun run during the middle of the day (HOT) around Rice Unversity in your underoos, which benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Undies for Everyone. You start at O'Neill's with a free beer, stop at a bar in the middle of Rice University for another free beer, and end at O'Neill's to claim your free beer if you didn't get it before the race.

You might remember, I ran this fun event last year with Amy and her fiancee, Brian. So, naturally, I couldn't wait to run it again this year. However, this time, I wanted to actually wear underwear and participate in a team costume for a chance to win some prize money or at least some more free beer. Once I found the girls (Kate, MaloRee, and Amy again), then it was time to come up with a theme. There were so many to choose from, but we decided (maybe me) that since it was close to one of the greatest days of American history (July 4th if you really must know...suck on that ENGLAND...yeah, that's right, I went there...love you, mean it), it would probably be easy to get American themed costumes/undies. And Team Maiden USA was born.

Myself, Kate, MaloRee, and Amy as Team Maiden USA. I just want to point out that Kate had just chugged her beer right before this picture was taken. We weren't the only ones drinking before the race.

All week, Houston has been hit with storms a plenty, all after 3 p.m. But not this day, nope. On the one time we need it not to rain, it pounded starting at 10 a.m. The race was at noon. We were either going to 1.) be up there mostly alone in our underwear, because everyone got scared to participate, 2.) be rained on the entire time making it somewhat of a miserable event, or 3.) start running right after the rain stopped, just in time to let out the heat and mosquitos (the squitors have been unbearable for the week). What do you think it was? It's Texas and anyone from Texas knows that it's option 3 almost every time.

But we didn't care. We worked on our costumes as soon as everyone got there, including ironing on the Maid in the USA. Kate of course bought a pink shirt instead of red. There is no pink in the American flag. So, I gave her my tank top and wore a sports bra with Mal. Kate and Amy looked alike and Mal and I looked alike. In a rather OCD way, we totally matched perfectly.

This took several attempts. I tried 3 times, at which point, I gave up, turned off the iron, and mumbled some curses to Hobby Lobby for selling us defective iron ons. It took Mal a couple more times to get it right.

Good job Mal for sticking it out and making that iron on actually work.

Mal and I looking super cute. I think this is going in a frame or something.

Finally, we were on our way to O'Neills. But wait, I forgot the 4 packages of unopened underwear to bring for donation. I would say just forget them, but what am I going to do with 9 year old undies for boys and girls. Yeah, I don't need that on my conscience. So, after we made a quick stop back at the apartment, we were really on our way this time.  The rain finally let up enough for a light light drizzle and even stopped right before the race.

I was wearing my rain jacket thingy. Yes, the stars spin while running.

Mal didn't want Amy to feel left out from all the picture taking.

When we got to the parking area, I saw a lot of women in boxers or shorts. I started to get an uneasy feeling about what I was wearing. I mean I was super exposed. I was now thinking that I shouldn't have given Kate my tank top so that I could wear it for myself. But then Amy reminded me that there were lots of women in underwear last year. That's when I started the mantra, "I'm wearing a bikini. I'm wearing a bikini." I mean to be honest, it's more material than my actual bikini...so I needed to get over it and be proud to wear underwear in public...for a good cause.

After we got our first free beer (had to medicate Kate), we walked around taking pictures and people watching. Really, I just handed the camera to Mal and she was off like a flash. She came back with some great photos. This is one event where people watching is just awesome, but you can't look like a creeper (uh hum...Mal).

Of course, we found the other America Proud team. These guys got in the top 10, but we didn't. Cue sad face now.

This was their motto.

But there was another group of all guys supporting America.

Bringing back Risky Business, although they should have worn whitey tightys like Tom Cruise.

Can't have underwear runs without the Justice League.

Superman and Wonder Woman stop saving the planet to run for the cause.

These were the Runaway Brides.

Team I've Got the Runs.

Mal didn't like the fact that the girl didn't have a crazy wig and kicked her out of the picture so she could be in it.

Super cute!

I'm not sure if you remember this gem of a song that came out of England. Look it up.

Wild Things were super adorable.

Someone has to support the Olympics.

Wow! Had to stop to take a picture with this very good looking male who I believe was with Team Magic Mike. Notice the hand...not mine.

The start was announced and everyone threw away their beers to push together as a big mass of cows. Finally, we were off to start our 1 mile run to beer (and literally what kept Kate going).

The 2012 Hot Undies Run on the go. The storms were all around us at this point.

What a goofy picture.

So, Mal screams out, "ENGLAND" and of course, the guy wearing the British flag underwear looks. We got a picture of him later.

And then Mal screams out, "HANDS ON BUTT!"  She took off sprinting to get this picture.

Elmer Fudd and the Pink Bunnies (not exactly the name) won 2nd place and concidentally, Sara's old team.

This was such a great shot.

Kate made it about half a mile before she started to talk about walking. I kept her running for a little bit, but then told the other 2 girls to just go. I stayed with Kate to keep her going, otherwise, she would have walked the whole darn thing and maybe never finished. So, we walked a lot and I set up goal points for her just like in the Sprint for Life 5K. This is when it started to lightly rain again, which meant that your sweat was mixed with the water. It wasn't a great combo. I was still proud of Kate for going as much as she did. And boy howdy, when you say that beer is literally just around the corner, that girl fired on all 4 cylinders for a strong finish to the halfway beer point. I have chosen to not include the photos of us sprinting in, because I look awful running. I don't care what you think, it's my blog and I'll post pics if I want to. Okay, tantrum ended.

Waiting in line for our beer.

This costume was just hilarious. He was the other half of bride and groom (will see them both later).

They wanted to see if Mal's stars spin...they do.

Olympians Costa Rica, China, and Great Britian stopped touching the stars to take a picture.

We finally got our beer and a much needed break.

I'm not sure what is going on here, but I have a feeling that sweat was stinging my eye.

This is for Jim.

Funny story. Mal and I bought these garter thingys (okay, really they are baby headbands) at Hobby Lobby. They were the last 2 ones. This lady got another one.

Team America wanted to take a picture with us and you can only guess what we were screaming out.

After we finished our beers, we started the run again. Mal and Amy were faster than Kate and I, but that's okay. Again, we let them go on and this is when Kate complained of pains. I told her that I thought it could be Appendicitis or Kidney Infection, but really, I thought it was just running cramps after stopping for beer. It turned out it was her kidneys and she had to go to the hospital on Sunday. She called herself an Athlete (eating Luna bars and being sore after Sprint for Life), but now she was one. I'm glad she is okay and back at work.

The Devil and the Angel telling us to run or walk.

But back to the run. It was still raining and Kate and I just kept on going. We kept pace with the Mad Hatter chick and her boyfriend who I think Kate mentioned that he must be funny for her to be with him.

Kate and I passed this guy and his son. It was too funny, because the kid was trying to be polite and look away, but he was a pre-teen boy trying not to look at girls running in their underwear. He had a very distinct smile on his face that showed he was looking. It made Kate and I laugh out loud at the same time.

And then it was the final stretch. The sidewalk was too narrow for me to run with Kate, but I kept yelling at her to go. I wasn't sure where the finish line was, because by then, people were partying. There was no time clock, so who knows when we finished. Now, for beer and food and to find out if we won or got close.

Kate and I waiting to hear Team Maiden USA get announced.

Team Magic Mike and a very cool feature that my camera did.

Team Wang, yup appropriately name. This was another great shot.

Team Bride and Groom. What a great concept and I thought for sure would place.

 I felt that USA should be represented in the Olympics.

Unfortunately, we didn't win the costume contest. We didn't even get in the top 10. It turns out, that you need to do something to really stand out when they call your name. Not only were we in the wrong place like the other teams, but we also didn't have a skit. The other USA team got picked, because they started firing up the crowd with USA! USA! USA! Some girls poured pitchers of water on to them; they got in in the top 10 and their costumes weren't all that great. Team Magic Mike won it and rightfully so. They looked good.

We tucked our tail between our legs and went to have a celebratory beer and food. Well, technically, we had food. Mal had to wait 3 times before eating, meaning they came with food 3 times before serving her the right plate and it still wasn't right. Kate came up with a fabulous idea for next year that includes a guy. Any volunteers? You won't have to put on a dress...promise.

Team Maiden USA happy with our run, our outfits, and our beer.

Because it's us, we had to have a crazy photo. Amy didn't get the memo about us.

I AM AN ATHLETE!

Yes! I FINALLY GET TO EAT!!!

Mal and Kate's first pic together. Me:  "Amy, should we take one?" Amy:  "We already took one together and I think we have documented this day enough."

I just want to thank Kate, Mal, and Amy for joining me on this awesome costume running adventure. This was my first time to ever do that for an event. I had so much fun and can't wait for next year. I want to thank Mal for taking camera duties even though you were the creeper of the event. Kate was worried about creepy men being there to take pictures of the girls like a photo she saw on the website of last year (and apparently, there was a midget). It turnes out she had to be worried about the creeper in our group...Mal. In fact, I couldn't put majority of the photos on this blog, because they were inappropriate. I also want to thank Debs and Ricardo for coming out to see us and hang out. I really wanted to put that picture of all of us up here, but it's not a great photo. See comments above. Here are some pictures from ABC News.

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/gallery?section=resources/lifestyle_community/community&id=8720520&photo=5

On a side note, I'm in full (well sort of) marathon training. I'm doing it on December 22, 2012. I've set up my spreadsheet (yes, I know I am a dork) and figured out exactly what week makes 18 weeks (August 20th), which is how long you are supposed to give yourself. I will start a couple of weeks early, but I'm really starting now. Last week, I ran a total of 7.25 miles (3 on Tuesday, 2.25 miles on Wednesday, and 2 miles on Saturday). Plus, Mal and I did Jackie Warner's Crunchless Extreme Abs on Friday for our cross training. I'm running more this week (ran 2.25 miles tonight) and starting bootcamp tomorrow and Thursday. Wish Mal and I luck. I'm going to need it. I've also been doing the summer workout every morning.

A Solid Week(s) of Biking

In an effort to heal my foot thing, I've taken to biking quite a lot lately. Sometimes, it's not much, but sometimes, it's a great deal of mileage. Either way, I'm out there exercising, creating endorphins, burning some calories, and gaining some endurance.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

I biked the farthest that I have ever biked before. I rode for 7 miles from my apartment, by Hermann Park, to Rice Stadium, and in and out of Hermann Park. It was in the middle of the afternoon and not the smartest of decisions to bike then, but that's the time I had available. I had a few mishaps with riding down the wrong way or not knowing whether it's okay to ride on the sidewalk or not. Is there a place on the web where you can find Houston Bike Laws or bike path routes mapped out?

I rode around in Rice University and was reminded why this campus is beautiful. Also, they have flags of special occurances on a certain year. It makes your ride an educational, while breaking a sweat. Although, some might look at it as Rice being too big for their britches.

Anyways, I got alittle heated on the way home and was feeling it. By the time I reached the last stoplight, I was so ready to get off the bike and be done. Some guy honked at me, because he didn't realize that the bike path goes towards the middle. I gave him a dirty look. When I got back, I immediately went to the pool to cool down my body temperature. It took me a long time to get normal, including me being nauseaus afterwards. Eventually, I felt right and then was happy to know that I actually rode for 7 miles. That's a big deal.

Some pretty sunflowers growing along the bike path.

Monday, June 11, 2012

I rode up to the store to return the Red Box video and decided to take the long way home. I listened to the Gipsy Kings and felt at peace. On the way, I noticed a recreational center with a pool that I never knew existed. I only rode for about a mile, maybe more, but it was still a workout.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

I didn't really exercise all week due to the rain. The storms kept hitting Houston right when it was the optimal time to ride (less sun, less heat) or right when I got off work causing lots of traffic. I'm getting better at riding around, but I'm still not 100% comfortable riding with cars everywhere. I had a chance on Thursday and I should have, but just didn't  feel up to it after my dinner. That's the problem with waiting on the sun (and heat) to go down a bit in the evenings. The ideal times are somewhere between 7 and 8 p.m., but by then, I get lazy sitting and waiting. I lose my motivation quick. Somehow, I have to change that mentality.

But I decided to change my non exercing fate on Sunday. I woke up super early and took the dogs for 1.5 mile walk. I haven't taken them this far in a long time. Lady had to get stitches and hasn't been able to play ball. So, I thought I would be a good mother and take them out of the apartment for a good while. Afterwards, the dogs were tired and so were my arms. I took a quick rest and then set up my little Dakine backup with a water bottle (realizing that I lost my camelbak in the divorce) for my bike ride. This provided me with water during my ride and it gave me a cooldown on my back. I carried down the bike (I swear my arms are going to be the size of Hulk's by the end of summer), set up my ipod to my running list (works for biking, too), and headed out. I rode to Hermann Park, inside Rice University, around the stadium, down University blvd, to the Village, and then headed back home via Rice blvd, with my path taking me inside Hermann Park. I rode super fast and hard mainly to avoid the storm that was brewing all around me.

I'm seeing these Wiley stickers everywhere. I thought at first that it was the name of this unit, but I saw one on a street sign. Is it a sign for me?

This is what I saw all around me during the entire bike ride. Although, funny thing...it never actually rained or stormed at my apartment.

My bike was extra squeaky and I tried to find a bike place in the Village, but didn't see one. well, really, I just didn't see one on my bike path and didn't bother to try to look for one if it wasn't. I rode for about 8 miles, which is amazing to me that I rode for that long. The big thing I learned was that yes, it's good to watch out for lightrail when crossing the tracks, but you also need to watch out for oncoming car traffic (bad Kristi). When I rode through Hermann Park, I saw the Mean Green Boot Camp class working out and it made me sad. I so wanted to be there. That class was such a great class and I dropped lbs quick. I wished I could afford it, but I just don't have their training schedule in my budget right now. I might look to September when the next set of 6 week training classes open up for everyone.

During my bike ride, I never felt close to being overheated. When I was thirsty, I stopped for water every chance I got. Afterwards, I came home to get in the pool for some exercises. I did basically water aerobics and stretches, with a few laps to help me. Am I secretly training for a triathlon? Maybe...after I get this marathon done. I ended up feeling sick after everything. I realized that I didn't eat anything for breakfast before I set out on my pseudo triathlon training. The only thing I ate was this slushie style popsicle to cool my inside body temperature (read that it helps a lot when running during the summer heats, especially in Texas). So, I now need to always make sure to eat something before I head out.

I didn't bike at all on Sunday. I planned on it, but after I took out the dogs for a walk during the 7 a.m. hour, it was already miserably humid. The day before was nice and cool, but not on Sunday. I said that I would wait until the evening, but after a delicious meal at my brother and sister-in-law's for Father's Day, I just wasn't in the mood.

Monday, June 18, 2012

And then Monday came. I had every intention to bike, but it was just soooo humid and it was Monday and I was being lazy. So, I decided against it. I made a delicious pumpkin ravoli with a great salad full of healthy greens, veggies, and fruit. Within 30 minutes, I was looking out the window chastising myself for not exercising. It was still light outside. Why not? Around, 8 p.m., I grabbed my bike and headed out. I ran in to my neighbor whom told me about the bayou bike trail and then also mentioned about biking with me some time. I was delighted to maybe get some company in the future, because I don't know what I'm doing or where I'm going or how to do any of it. I thanked him for the tip, turned on my ipod, and started on my way.

The sun had set and left this beautiful pink hue across the sky. The clouds were making these crazy formations, which I realized later was a storm brewing. Did anyone else get woken up to what sounded like hail against their windows at 3 in the morning? I did.

Normally, I would head to Hermann Park and round back through the bayou biking trail (didn't know the name) from the right hand side. I have never gone to the left...so I did. I saw some other bikers coming in and we both said hello. At that point, I wished I had company. The bayou was cool and allowed for a different perspective on The Medical Center, especially with the sunset. However, as I got farther down, it got creepier and creepier. I just didn't feel right all alone out there; therefore, I turned around and headed back up on to the street. This is where I got the most out of my bike ride with a steep climb up causing me to go in to a higher gear. My thighs were feeling it.

I biked in and around Hermann Park. There was this guy on an old school cruiser bike that I had passed, but he just seemed to be following me. Finally, I turned and he went straight; however, my way didn't have a continuing path. So, I had to turn around. I rode down the street wishing that I had a lamp, but happy that I had a helmet. The trees were low and really hard to see. I believe next time I will fit a light to the bike or use my headlamp for running. All in all, it was a great little 4.5 mile bike ride when I was just expecting to lay on the couch.

The sun setting over The Med Center.

Look at those puffies.

This was a cool bird (actually bigger looking in real life) on the bayou.

Look at that pink sky.

I was sweaty when I got home and it was already 9 p.m. My plan was to go to bed by then, but I had to rinse off before I got in to bed. Needless to say, the shower woke me up as it always does and I went to bed later than I wanted. I'm going to have to find a balance between eating and biking/running if I'm going to go out later in the evening.
Even though I didn't run or bike much at all last week, I did do some small exercises everyday (and still continuing to do them). I have walked the dogs for a mile or more and I'm doing the beach workout. I did 30 squats and 2 sets of 30 second scissor ab crunch every morning. However, this Monday and Tuesday morning, I did everything on the list. I finally got my dumbbells (3 lbs) out of the car and did 15 bicep curl to shoulder press, 30 squats (with bicep curl), 15 pushups (using knees), 2 sets of 30 second scissor ab crunch (can't do the plank yet with the foot thing), 15 supermans, and 20 step-ups on to the bath tub. I hope this works.

On a side note, I have picked out my marathon. I really like the name and it's just a cool concept. The event is called The Day After the End of the World Marathon on December 22, 2012. Who's with me?