A Good Heart

Today's Goal:
 - 3 miles (2 comfortably, 1 at pace)

Today's Outcome:
 - 1 mile at pace

Running has become of sport of learning for me, once again. A couple weeks ago, I learned the importance of going to the bathroom before heading out. Today I learned the importance of maintaining good cardiac health.

You see, I have gotten in the habit of keeping my phone, keys, and whatever else securely placed inside my sports bra. Typically, there is enough business going on up there (after I double or triple bag), that I don't have issues with keeping the extra items safe as well.

However, today's run was different. I went on a late jog throughout Portland, and turned around early. It might have been too late to go running, actually. The weather was a nice temperature, but the route turned out to be a little too scenic. First, there was an attractive statue of a woman, who appeared to be flashing the sidewalk? The below photo was taken during the day light, but when I cruised by in the dark I was disappointed to find out she was not real. From there, I decided to turn around after hurdling the second homeless guy. Before him, I dodged 3 bicycles riding on the sidewalk, and inhaled enough cigarette smoke that I might as well have bought my own pack.

What made this run differ from others became known when I returned to the hotel. I ran with my phone and room key next to each other in my bra. When I got to the room, my key would not open the door. Apparently my upper bits have some quality that demagnetized the key. Whatever this feature might be, I think it signals bad news if I ever needed a pacemaker. I could just picture a physician say to me, "I'm sorry miss, but something keeps draining the battery of our device. We are going to have to get back in there to remove the pacemaker."

Before jumping through this rabbit hole, I might try keeping my room key on opposite sides of my body before then. 

Next Workout:
 - 3 mile run Wednesday, 1 mile warm up, 1.5 mile Fartlick, .5 mile cool down.

A Hundred

Today's Goal:
 - 4 miles

Today's Outcome:
 - 3 miles

Today I saw my 1000th viewers. I feel like this guy from the AT&T commercial

Which is good, because I was extremely sore from too much dancing last night. I spent most of the day stumbling around the house, convincing myself I really didn't need that thing upstairs that I wanted.

I had this grand idea to just power through the whole 4 miles today. I remember once as a 7th grader starting to run Cross Country for the first time, that I was really struggling there too. I heroically decided one day that it didn't matter what I thought, I was not going to walk at practice again. 

And from that day forth I never did. However, I was passed multiple times by a group of people who were walking and jogging, but eventually from there I started turning it up and getting stronger.

At least that is how I remembered it. 

Being back home, I initially planned to run the 4 mile square outside of town in order to recreate this experience. Instead, Jake and I went jogging together down the road. My hip practically gave out as we were heading back, so I'm super glad to not have had to drive back home after finishing my run.

Hopefully I won't need it, but that loop will still be waiting for me around Thanksgiving if I'm still struggling.

Next Workout:
 - 3 mile run Monday

Sharing the same Pillow

Today's Goal:

 - 3 miles (2 light, 1 fast paced)

Today I ran down the country road I grew up on as a kid. This is because I was in town for a good friends wedding (specifically scheduled for International Talk like a Pirate Day!!). Because of that, I'm not going to talk about the run, but instead post the toast I prepared and never delivered. Please excuse the grammar because I intended to say this out loud when I prepared it.:

I have literally know Jes longer than I can remember. My first memory of Jes goes back to our very first day of kindergarten. I woke up to get on the bus at 6am that day, and sat in the 2nd seat on the left side of the bus by myself for an hour and a half. Already anxious to start, I became more and more scared as the wheels kept turning, letting bigger and bigger kids on the bus. Finally we stopped at Linda Gute’s to pick of the Modale kids (why they didn’t walk the 3 blocks to school, I just now realize doesn't make sense). That’s when Jes got on the bus with the group of kids. Even though, this is the first memory I can recall, I know that we have been friends because of dance with Carol Spooner. I was surprised to see her because she didn't come to kindergarten roundup at WH, and instead went to that dreaded red school up the road. She immediately sat next to me, and I knew things could only get better from there.

Since sharing that first bus ride, we shared laughs and tears (sometimes together), birthday’s at Mr. C’s, complete with matching shirts, sleepovers and grocery sacks, and numerous extracurriculars. Having Jes’s confident singing voice behind me helped keep me close enough in tune to participate in choir. And let’s not even talk about the mess that surrounds play practice.

Even beyond our semi-annual plays, Jes always brings just a little bit of drama with her, which I can gratefully admit has been the cause of countless memories. It is because of this passion, that I’ve always known not just anyone deserves to marry such a special person.  Which is where Dakota comes in. This quirky, intelligent, hardworking man, with a fascinating past and flaming red hair, has already made such a difference in her, bringing with him lots of love and confidence. Even beyond that, he brought this wonderful Christopher into the life of someone who vehemently swore she was not having kids. The love she shows this adorable boy is the best surprise of their entire relationship. I think we can say for certain that Jes, you have found someone special here, who is worthy to marry you.

It is no “Mark’s Car” but I still remember when we used to ride in the front of the school bus, every day... And I will always be your friend.

Here’s to many love and drama filled years together: May you grow old together, sharing the same pillow.

Tomorrow's Workout:

 - 4 mile run

Who's Hungry?

Today's Goal:
 - unknown amount of Cross Training

Today's Outcome;
 - 35 mins of swimming (not continuously)

First of all, the swimming was mad helpful for those lingering, sore Reverse Achilles. I didn't get to this till after work, but noticed how much better I felt immediately after the total body resistance of the water.

Beyond the sore joints, another thing that has been some what a hindrance is the smell of cinnamon rolls emanating from the first floor of my jungle themed office building. I have been plagued by hunger since noticing that someone, near the top of the stairwell, has a cinnamon roll scented air freshener. It smells delicious, but then repeatedly makes me hopeful (and later disappointed) that someone left a couple for the vultures in the break room.

I recently complained about this misleading lack of breakfast desert while my officemate was meeting with her teammate, Skylar. Specifically I said something along the lines of  "Some ass-hat on the first floor has a cinnamon roll air freshener. And it smells, sooooo good, I'm starving!" Uncomfortably enough, this outburst was meet with crickets and sideways glances back and forth. Eventually, Skylar says that it is his officemate who owns the air freshener.

Week's go by and Skylar invites me upstairs to work in his office. Apparently, a friend I recently made is also up there and we should all do work together in his office. I like hanging out in general, especially with new-friend April, so I am totally down for this. Before Skylar walks out of the door, I question why new-friend April is in his office.

... She is his officemate (remember the one with the air freshener?)!!! Here is my new friend, reeking havoc on my life.

Ugh, guess I will need to get over the olfactory obsession, or just make tons and tons of cinnamon rolls. Either option is good for the soul.

Next Workout:
 - Friday, 3 mile run (2 miles easy, 1 mile fast)

Golf Carts and Tractors

Today's Goal:
 - 3 mile run, 1.5 mile Fartlickers at 3 min intervals

Today's Outcome
 - Half mile warm-up, 1 mile run, 20 sec sprint and 40 second recovery (I warmed up too hard, and was too tired to finish the rest)

Today is the 2nd day of my company's big conference. We have a farm theme this year, so that means we are doing and saying things that make me cringe (Hellooo Childhood). This includes things like software demos utilizing a pony, volunteering to direct traffic, and climbing into Case International Combines offer a "real farm" experience for this year's participants. If only someone who have asked, I could have brought some green farm equipment for the conference.

Part of my volunteer work meant I got to drive golf carts around, transporting customers around our pretty big campus. This is a coveted volunteer shift, as you can imagine. How cool is it to cruise around in a golf cart vs. standing in the rain with a traffic flag, waving at nothing? However, I don't imagine I will volunteer for this shift again. It was fun, but the golf carts are not meant for someone of my stature. In addition to having the pedals really close, my reverse, Achilles tendon (the inside part of the "L" joint at your foot) has been terribly sore after the 5 miles from the weekend. Holding this joint in tension for 3 hours is not something I'll sign up for in the future.

Perhaps I'll offer insight into my childhood, farming and why UGM made me cringe in some other post, but for know today's will be short. A busy day, but not much that is noteworthy. I did however have a very enjoyable evening with some old friends.

Tomorrow's Workout,
 - unknown Cross Training. (probably swimming)

The Preview

Today's goal:
 - 3.5 mile run

Today's Outcome:
 - 3 mile run

Well I was up and out the door by 6:45 this morning to get this run in before a long day of tailgating and football watching. In typical Wisconsin style, the entire town of Green Bay was mostly empty, probably still sleeping off the drinking from the night before. I think I saw 12 cars on the previously busy road I ran down yesterday. If this had been the case when I had to go to the bathroom yesterday, I don't think I would have needed that Wendy's.

The weather was nice too. A bit brisk, which was perfect. This past week, the fall made an abrupt appearance as temperatures dropped to freezing mid week. Part of the reason I started running in late summer was to get accustomed to the temperature as winter approached, similar to how my mom gets in a swimming pool. Instead of jumping into the cold weather on Thursday, I decided to be warm (lazy) and cancel that day's run. Today's temperature made that decision worth while as I pleasantly ran outside.

After running and showering, it was time to head off to the field for the tailgate. Considering that my dad drove his pick-up over, we literally hung out on the end of the tail gate. We were certainly well prepared for the pre-game experience. Yesterday was spent boiling brats, and then I packed multiple dips, 4 different salads, booze drenched fruit, and enough beer to stay hydrated all afternoon. 

By the time we went into the stadium, I was stuffed and full of 5 hours of energy. We found our awesome seats quickly, and caught a good chunk of the warm up. We were also fortunate enough to be seated right in front of some Jets fans. This started as a frustrating experience, since the first play of the game was a Packer's fumble. However, the 2nd half brought a different team on the field, leading towards a Green Bay victory (and grumpy Jets fans).

The worst part of the day was easily the long drive home. Not only did we sit in traffic for almost an hour, but I had to stop at a couple quickie marts to nap. If it were not for a big work conference tomorrow, I would have stayed in the hotel with Dad and Jake for another night. By the time I got home I was beyond exhausted and very aware that we forgot to pack water in our cooler. I downed 2 pints of water, then crashed on the bed with my shoes still on. 

All in all, this was a pretty good preview of the field I will run on come next May.

Next Workout:
 - Tuesday, 1 mile warm up, 1.5 mile Fartlicker (3 min intervals), half mile cool down.

Pilgrimage

Today's Goal:
 - 2 mile run

I am missing out on a Marquette Rugby reunion in Milwaukee right now, Sad Panda, but with great reason. I am currently in Green Bay about to attend my first professional football game tomorrow!!

My dad, brother, and girlfriend piled in a couple vehicles in order to trek up to The Great Land of Lambeau today. This of course after I picked up my bridesmaid's dress, took a trip to the grocery store, and boiled brats for our tailgate tomorrow.

After checking into the hotel, we went to scope out the field. Surprise, surprise. The first thing we encounter are the world's most annoying opposing fans (3 Jets fans, and 1 Cowboys fan). These dweebs were already drunk and shouting chants at the top of their lungs. I mean, I get being drunk and rowdy and full of spirit, but that is what tomorrow is for. Hopefully, they are too hoarse and hung over to make it to the stadium as payback.

Once we parted ways with the foreigners, things definitely picked up. We saw some statues, took some pictures, and went to the Pro Shop to check out the merch. The Iowa State vs. Iowa game (a.k.a. The Hawkeye Bowl) was wrapping up as we perused the store, and was broadcast on the TVs in the store. Much to my dad's pleasure, the Cyclones kicked a last second field goal to win the game. I think that is a good omen for tomorrow's game.

We had some time between getting back to the hotel and when we wanted to eat, so I took this opportunity to go for my run. As I was leaving to start the 2 mile endeavor, I considered stopping to use the bathroom. Since my hotel key was safely tucked in my sports bra, which has become the carrying case for all belongings such as my phone and car keys, I decided it would be too much work to get back inside the hotel. Therefore, not necessary to stop back inside.

This turned out to be the 2nd worst decision of the night. Close to three fifths of the way through the run, all my muscles started giving up. The first of which being my bladder. I considered using the Port-a-John in a nearby construction site, but figured I would make it back to the hotel (and that is gross.) 

That decision was the 1st worst decision of the night. About 2 blocks farther, I was almost doubled over in pain because I suddenly couldn't keep it together. Besides stepping in the tall grass off to my left, the closest option was the Wendy's up ahead. (I totally would have gone with the tall grass, if the road was not so busy.) For a few terrifying moments, I was certain I might not even make it to the Wendy's in time. 

Thankfully, that was not the case. In a tired and painful stupor, I stumbled through the lobby area with my eyes down, embarrassed to be only using the bathroom and leaving. This much needed pit stop, left me in a kind of rough condition, and I ended up walking most of the way back afterwards. What a bummer too, because I was making pretty good time before this little hiccup (sub 10 min mile).

At least I learned multiple lessons from today's mistake. 1 - Take care of all business before starting a run, regardless of how much work it might be to go back inside. 2 - Next time, bring a few dollars in your sports bra so you don't feel so guilty using the emergency bathroom and not buying anything. We'll see how these lessons work out on tomorrow's jog.

Tomorrow's workout:
 - 3.5 mile run

Retro-post-ification

Yesterday's Goal:
 - 3 mile run with speedwork

Yesterday's Outcome:
 - Nothing :-(

After getting up at the wee hours of the day to deal with boat, I was pretty beat yesterday. I went home at 4, then took some late afternoon meetings. The joys of working with someone on the west coast mean scheduled calls from 5 - 7 sometimes.

Needless to say, I fell asleep almost immediately after my last call. During the evening, a little furball curled up with me for most of the evening. He didn't even start biting my toes until I got in the shower even.

Today, I didn't have any work out planned, but figured I should post anyway. I fell behind the past week with the info I was posting, and I noticed I was falling low on motivation too. Now that I spent a good chunk of time catching back up, I wanted to put this post up since it was the page I thought about most while the days past piled up.

My very first week at work, Sarah G taught the September group about the world of Healthcare, including billing and insurance claims. She asked if anyone had heard the term "Retroadjudication". A few timid hands went in the air, at which point she chuckled and asked if they were certain about that. The hands went down, and Sarah explained this was a term that Epic created so chances of us hearing it somewhere were unlikely. 

That memory still comes to mind every time I hear people at work use that term. I don't actually know what it means, but something about doing work retroactively. Since I posted a few things after the fact today, this term came to mind again.

In addition to fixing the past missing days, I wanted to mention that I found a running plan I will start to follow beginning Saturday. Looking forward to it (and hopefully we get a little ran while I'm out running. It's the best in the rain)

Tomorrow's Goal:
 - 2 mile jog, some ab work.

My Heart Will Go On (Theme from Titanic)

Today's goal:
 - Undecided Cross Training

Today's Outcome:
 - 40 mins of manual boat labor
 - 10 hours of unhealthy anxiety about the boat 

First things, HOO-RAY! Football has started!! I know that it officially started Thursday, but with the Packers losing to Seattle, I wasn't ready to acknowledge the sport yet. Leave it to my boy, Payton, to set the world right again by setting more records Sunday.

Now onto today's drama. I was pondering riding my bike or something for the cross training, I figured I would decide when I got home, no big whoop right?

Then I get an e-mail stating there were issues with my boat, and threats of large fines. Owning a boat was the worst purchase I've made in a while. I get worked up when I'm on the boat that it will breakdown in the middle of the lake. I worry about putting gas in it correctly. I fear that other boats will run into me. And even worse... I get sea sick.

Imagine the angst I felt when I get news of an issue with the boat. I spent the rest of the day worried beyond measure. Considering that I was racked with anxiety, blood was pumping through my veins at an elevate rate for hours. This was probably more than enough of a cardio workout, and even if I wanted to do more I doubt I would have been capable.

Turns out, the cover had slipped off and there was water standing in the vessel. I'm not happy about this, but it also wasn't the end of the world. However, I didn't want to bale out the boat while others possibly could see my embarrassing struggle. I fell asleep during the 2nd Monday Night Football game, and woke up at 3 am to deal with things.

Bucket after bucket of water came out my boat, which I'm going to count as the 2nd half of my Cross Training. This leaves me with a few more things to deal with, but the boat still floats for now. Now the last thing I want to do with my boat is sell it and be done with aquatic transportation. 

Tomorrow's workout:
 - 3 mile run with speed work in the middle 

Game Day

Today's Goal
 - 2 mile run

Ok, ok, ok. I missed exercising the past few days. I was on my feet for 10 - 12 hours the past few days at work, and then I was caught up in some book. You know, the brain is a muscle too right? Well, the trash I read probably didn't help anything, but I was caught up in it)

Today is the first football game of the season. Kate's got Badger tickets, but I'm not going with her. Instead I'm going to go home and hang out with The Mitten and go for a jog.

Things got better after the game ended. We had a friend celebrating his birthday at a board game store this afternoon. Who knew you could just go in the back room of a store and try out all their merchandise?

Walking in this place was certainly an experience. First we saw our friends wrapping up a game of knights or something at their table. Next to them was a table of pre-teen boys, some people playing a card game, and finally more of what I was expecting in the first place (a table playing Dungeons and Dragons).

I had time to sit and watch the D&D for a bit. I actually want to learn how to play now. Is that a thing you can learn on the internet, or do I have to find friends to play with in person?

Oh well, when I got to play board games we played something pretty neat, Lords of Waterdeep. The board pieces looked like the symbol on the bathroom doors. I thought that was funny, but the girl explaining glared at me. It took a lot of explaining to get started, but we were blazing through things after the first round. Plus after the birthday boy showed up, he made some crack about the board game men also. (Oh, and I won. Obvi)

Game day certainly lived up to its name. In case you are wondering the Badger's won too, something like 37-3.

Next workout:
 - Some kind of cross training on Monday

Mexican, Anyone?

Today's Goal:
 - 1 mile warm up
 - 4x Quarter Mile sprints
 - 1 mile cool down

Today's Outcome:
 - 1/2 mile warm up
 - 5x 150 meter sprints
 - 1/2 mile cool down

I spent almost the whole day on a plane. It almost felt good to get out and go running. I was still struggling with the heartburn from Friday's outing (I suppose this means I might be coming down with something). On top of that different parts of my legs and arms were actually really sore from pole dancing.

Our hotel is right next to ferry to Martha's Vineyard. I thought I would run past the port and along the waterfront. This turned out being a mistake for a few reasons.

The first was the road I chose to run on. It ended aburptly just ahead, after twisting behind a building. This wasn't a huge deal since I was going to do some short amounts of speed work, but it made the warm up get boring as I went back and forth.

The second, and more important reason, was the smell of the bay. I'm coming to the conclusion that I wouldn't love living on the east coast, the scent of the ocean is too much for me. I am a much bigger fan of the soggy, humid air in the midwest for some reason.

Well, I'm looking forward to being back home, where the only fishy smell is from the tacos I'm eating.

Next Workout:
Tomorrow is a rest day, 2 miles on Thursday