Jingle Bell 5k, Etc.

My "Elf Self" with Santa Claus after winning
 most original costume.

I just got around to cleaning up the glitter from bedazzling my elf costume that I wore this last weekend for the Jingle Bell Run.   There was so much glitter on the floor and in sporadic areas of the house, it reminded me of a past Facebook post from my sister that referenced excessive amounts of glitter and the possibility of her past life involving either a career as a kindergarten teacher or a stripper.  I had intended on getting this post up much sooner (right along with getting massive amounts of glitter off of my floor) , but as we all know, having children makes for a busy life and that's what this weekend has been; very busy

I started off the weekend, Friday evening, with picking up my race bib right after work and then rushing home to pick up the rest of the family to attend my youngest son's high school choir concert, Sounds of the Season.  I spent the rest of the evening finishing the glitter effects on my elf costume, then headed to bed as early as possible for my morning run. 

Ooooh, it was a cold one.  This was my coldest run yet. I waited until the last minute possible to head out of the building to hit the start line.  I was sure I was never going to feel my fingers again, standing out there in 20 degrees.  Just like the last time, I started to warm up to a comfortable temp within the first mile or so.  

It was a fun race.  There were a lot of Santa and elf hats being worn.  I heard quite of few "Go Elf!" as I ran the streets.  That was amusing being my first costume run.  Of course, being the "Jingle Bell Run", I heard lots of the bells as I ran.  I kept thinking, though, those bells never stop.  EVERYONE must have put their bells on until I remembered the continuous, non-stop bells were me.  They were in my hair and on my shoes. Duh!  I seen quite of few of them that had fallen off and were laying in the street.  I made sure to pay attention to the abandoned little noise makers, fearing they would be the reason for elf road kill instead of the freezing temps. 

I'm not sure of my finish time.  Just call it runner error times two.  I attached my timing chip on my elf belt at my waist.  I don't see my finish time on the list, so I'm assuming the chip must be located closer to the ground a.k.a. my shoe, for it to register.  I was having Garmin issues as well and wasn't able to get the timer started in order to register an accurate time.   I was only off by probably 3-5 seconds, so my unofficial time was probably 00:30:04. 

I ran into my uncle, a serious runner, prior to the race.  I got the pleasure of hanging out with him until start time.  He has bigger goals and faster feet than I do, so he ran off to get as close to the start line as possible.  Congrats to him!  He won first in his age group 60-64 years. 

I might not have placed in my age group, but I did win a prize that day.  My cute little elf self won a prize for the most original costume.  I'm not exactly sure what is most original about an elf around Christmas, but I'm not complaining.  My son and I definitely appreciated the restaurant's gift certificate I won. 


Thanks to those who have endured reading my long, sometimes rambling blog entries, liked me on Facebook and/or have followed me on Twitter.  If you have yet to do so and are a glutton for punishment, you may find me here on Facebook and/or follow me on Twitter.

Very Random Rambling, Rants & Raves

I finally tried on my elf outfit that I plan on wearing in the Jingle Bell 5k this weekend.  I've hinted at it all weekend to the kids.  Wearing any type of costume any time of the year is way out of character for myself, no pun intended.  The kids keep whispering to dad, "Is she serious?".  I don't think he really knows for sure, himself.  I figure I might be getting old, but I don't have to get boring.  What's the worse that could happen?  Maybe I'll get picked up by Santa and Rudolph and returned back to the North Pole.  Oooh, that would royally suck, considering I absolutely abhor the cold.  Is there any place colder than the North Pole?  Maybe I should reconsider this elf costume.  By the way,  the picture is very similar to my lovely outfit.  That's not me, but I will be resembling that lady on the left this very weekend.


I try to eat fairly healthy.  My latest snack choices have mostly consisted of greek yogurt with added fruit and red and green peppers with hummus.  That's getting old, so I tried unsweetened applesauce with cinnamon.  Definitely not my preference.  I'll leave the applesauce for the toothless babies.  What are your snack choices that don't solely consist of fruit?  I prefer vegetables but I'm always looking for healthy vegetable dip alternatives.  I just discovered guacamole.  Believe it or not, in my 38 years of life, I've never had an avocado or guacamole until about 3 weeks ago. 


Christmas will be here in less than three weeks and guess what Santa's elves have purchased for Mom Runs Faster Than Dad's offspring.  Absolutely, nothing, nada, zilch.  Yes, that's right! Some slacking little elves we've got going on over here. I think the little elves have a whole lot of catching up to do.  I wonder if I promised the elves a few extra cookies by the fireplace for Santa to bring back to them, would they increase their shopping efficiency? Probably not, after they discovered the cookies were made with whole wheat flour.

Dear husband has asked me what I want for Christmas.  I told him the dreaded answer husband's don't want to hear.  "I don't know."  They want you to know, so it makes their job that much easier.  It's not that I really don't know.  I just have to figure out what I value most receiving.  I'm not a girly kind of girl.  Please don't bring me flowers, candy or cards.  My husband knows my true feelings on all of these things; a big waste of money.  Flowers die, cards get thrown away or stuffed in a drawer and let's not even talk about that candy.  Do you really want to be THAT husband responsible for the additional 5 pounds of weight I gained over the holidays?  Believe me when I say I will eat every freaking piece in that box that doesn't contain nasty coconut. 

There are plenty of things on my wish list.  Running and cycling are expensive habits.  My options are endless.  As mentioned above, I just have to determine what I need or want most.  Do I want a cycling trainer so I can bring my beloved bike in the house and ride to infinity and beyond?  My safety is always important. Should I ask for a Road ID bracelet?  I could always use some cold weather gear compression pants.  Everyone just knows how much I love the bitter cold.  The list goes on and on.  For my husband's sake, he only wishes I would tell him sooner than later.

I'm quite proud of myself for my future running/race endeavors.  I just completed my first ever cold weather run for myself with the Turkey Trot and will be completing my second even colder one this next weekend with the Jingle Bell.  As well all know, I just love, love the cold; NOT!   I'm preregistered for the 500 Festival Mini-marathon training series, which will mostly consist of frigid temperatures. I'm breaking barriers for myself, woohoo!  Now if I could just get myself to run in the rain.  Besides the treadmill, that's my only option as it has been raining almost non-stop for two days.  Anybody have some connections with the Mother Nature?  I'll share the elves cookies with her if she can make it stop raining. 

Thanks to those who have endured reading my long, sometimes rambling blog entries, liked me on Facebook and/or have followed me on Twitter.  If you have yet to do so and are a glutton for punishment, you may find me here on Facebook and/or follow me on Twitter.

Drumstick Dash

Me (to the left-hopefully obvious) hanging out
with the Drumstick Dash Turkey!

I stepped out of my comfort zone and did the Drumstick Dash.  It was cold as expected, 40 degrees.  I know, some of you think that's nothing.  I, on the other hand, think it's cold.  Honestly, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.  I did forgo the parka and just went for some sensible running pants, layered tops, hat & gloves.  I did not run with the scarf as pictured. Do not think I did not have fleeting thoughts about capturing the turkey and his warm "outfit".  Nobody would have known the real turkey was tied up in the back of my van. I would say it was still pretty dang cold the first 3/4 of a mile or so into the run.  Then, it started to warm up quite significantly and thought, this isn't so bad.

I actually headed down the night before to register. I figured if I didn't register now, I wouldn't be so inclined to get up early and go if I hadn't already registered.  Later that evening, I was gathering my stuff to have it ready for the morning when I realize my bib and time chip are nowhere to be found.  I kind of panicked for a quick second and retraced my steps at the registration.  Two options stood out to me.  I registered for another race while I was there and could have left it on their table while filling out their forms.  I also used the restroom at the Blue Mile, the local running store and one of the sponsors of the event.  I told myself I would get up, get ready as if I were going to run this and head back to registration and see if by any luck, it got found and turned in.  There was actually a "help" table at the morning registration and they had it.

It was  a decent run for me.  It was 4.5 miles with a time 46.34, a 10.21 pace.  I never claimed to be fast, but I ran the whole thing.  I never endured any knee issues, which seemed to have been this year's curse. I've been running recently and somewhat consistently, but not of any considerable distance.  I ran this one myself, which is a rarity.  I usually run most of my races with my Stalker, a.k.a running partner.  Stalker, a.k.a. known as my aunt, was hosting our family Thanksgiving at noon and didn't want to risk not having it ready on time, so she didn't want to run this one.  I have to admit, running by myself is harder mentally.  I "found" 2 guys running who seemed to be at my pace but also intent on not walking and paced myself with them.  It also helped that they were quite talkative, therefore keeping my mind elsewhere.  I stayed my distance to the side so as not to seem stalkerish, lol.  Hey, a girls got to do what a girl needs to do, at least to finish without walking. 

Happy Thanksgiving! I'm Thankful for....

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my blog readers, fellow cyclists, runners, moms, dads, & fitness enthusiasts!  I have a lot to be thankful for, as well as most of you probably do also.  Let's face it. If you are able to read this blog, more than likely you have a computer or an overpriced smart phone.  That alone is more than what many of our homeless citizens have.  While you are surfing the internet, they are surfing the alley trash cans looking for their next meal or sitting on a downtown corner asking for some spare change. 


I keep contemplating whether or not to do our local Drumstick Dash, a local run that benefits The Wheeler Mission, our local homeless shelter.  Forecasts predict a high of about 39 degrees at start.  I'm not a cold weather kind of girl to the extreme level.  Keep in mind when it gets below 50, I've already gotten out the flannel pajamas and thermal underwear.  Then I had a "Ah Ha!" moment, a reality check. The people that this run benefits often LIVE in this kind of weather, morning, noon and night and I'm whining about running 4.5 miles in it for less than an hour.  Ok, decision made, before I change my mind again.  I'm off to register as soon as I can get out of this place I call my job.

I'm thankful for:

• The house my husband & I are capable for providing for our family.
• The food my husband & I are capable for providing for our family.
• Both my husband and self are employed.
• My 3 absolutely, stunning, intelligent, gorgeous, annoying children.
• My husband!
• My 2 obnoxious little dachshund duo, Bailey & Dexter.
• The ability to run and bike.
• Our extended family. 
• My mom & my mother-in-law.  If it weren't for them, we wouldn't be here.
• My Brooks Adrenaline. :)
• My running partner, "The Stalker".  Otherwise, I'm sure I wouldn't run as often as I do.
• The list goes on and on! 

So, this Thanksgiving, I’m going to stop whining about the cold and reflect on how fortunate many of us are.

What about you?  What are you thankful for? 

Oh, if you want to find me at the Drumstick Dash, just look for the crazy chick in a parka, 3 layers of thermal underwear....you get the idea! 

Runner's Holiday Ornament Giveaway

• High quality porcelain
• Oval 2.3" x 3.25"
• Ribbon for hanging included

My FIRST ever blog giveaway! Yeaaa!  Well, more yeaaaa for you!  It's your chance to win one of these cute holiday ornaments.  I'll be giving away one of these adorable ornaments to one lucky winner.  The winner gets to choose the guy or lady version.  So, you say, get to the point lady. How do I win this funny little ornament?  Slow down people.  I know you're excited.  Maybe you're thinking, well if she runs slow, maybe she types slow. Actually, no, but good try.  I'm quite the fast little typist, so there! 

Ok, so here it is.  Enter as many times as you want.  You can do a combination of Option #1, Option #2, & Option #3 to increase your chances of winning.

Option #1:  Follow me on Twitter and/or retweet the Giveaway Tweet. You may retweet as often as you would like. It will count as multiple entries.  

Option #2:  Like me on Facebook and leave a comment.  Obviously, you can only like me on Facebook once, but if you leave multiple comments on any post, that counts as multiple entries.
Option #3:  Comment on this post and join this site with Google Friend Connect located on the right side of my blog.  

Contest runs from now, Wednesday 11/16/2011 at 9:30 a.m. est. and will come to a sad, exciting conclusion on Friday 11/18/2011 at 9:30 a.m. est.  The winner will be picked at random by my gorgeous dachshund duo, Bailey and Dexter.  Ok, just kidding, maybe!  I'll have one of the kids do it.  You know they don't care who wins.  Their only goal is to get out of the same room as me as quickly as possible to ensure I'll quit talking to them like a baby sooner than later.  Therefore; randomness is guaranteed. 

                  

I'm Cheating on My Husband!

All names have been changed to protect the guilty.

My husband tells me one morning that the neighbors are going to start talking. Of course, I ask him about what.  He was referring to Fabio, my neighbor and our weekend rendezvous.  I quickly remind him that if he would give me what I need, I wouldn't have to sneak out with Fabio early Saturday mornings. 

When I'm not with Fabio, I often sneak out with Daisy.  She's been my "partner in crime" for years.  Fabio can't do what Daisy does, and Daisy doesn't do well, what Fabio does.  Therefore; I keep my options open.  Don't they say variety is the spice of life?   

My motto is the more the merrier.   Many of Fabio & I's Saturday morning rendezvous have often been threesomes and on one occasion, we were really swinging with five willing participants!  My husband has even been adventurous enough on occasion to get in on the action.  He's just not into it as much as Fabio & myself.  

Daisy has been my consistent partner for the last five years.  Dear husband doesn't mind.  He would rather it be her than him.  He's not into the looong, sloooow action we prefer.  In fact, every time I convince (coerce) him into it, he starts out too fast in his attempt to keep up with me and has to stop.  

I've been running with Daisy for almost five years and have done all of my half marathons with her, a feat my husband refuses to do. Daisy and I run everywhere; the neighborhoods, downtown, the park, etc.   

Fabio and I just started cycling this last summer.  We usually like to get in at least 25 to 40 miles before noon by riding the Monon or heading over to a local apple orchard.  


Thanks to those who have endured reading my long, sometimes rambling blog entries, liked me on Facebook and/or have followed me on Twitter.  If you have yet to do so and are a glutton for punishment, you may find me here on Facebook and/or follow me on Twitter.

Perils of the Teenage Daughter

I get home from the gym eager to jump in the shower.  I'm absolutely freezing from sweating it out on the treadmill and walking out into the cold Indiana air.  I only want to submerge myself under hot water sooner than later.  I run up the stairs faster than any effort I put into the treadmill only to come to a screeching halt.  "Um, dear daughter, why are you in MY bathroom?"

She proceeds to explain that the lighting in my bathroom is brighter, therefore more suitable for makeup application.  What's the big deal, you ask?  Where do I start?  She applies makeup as if she's Picasso putting the last touches on a work of art.  It's a loooong, sloooooow, tedious process.  Of course, she tells me I wouldn't be interested in taking a shower quite yet, anyway.  She lets me know she had to shave, therefore she's pretty positive her shower was long enough to reduce our hot water to zero. Really?  What were you shaving?  A woolly mammoth?

So, I plant myself on my bed while of course still in freezing mode, impatiently waiting to get into MY bathroom.  I do have to say I learned something new while waiting it out.  Dear daughter and dear husband were conversing about who knows what, as I was truly not paying attention to their conversation when I hear dear husband mention "getting bit", and dear daughter then mentions "only 6 days".  My interest only peaked because for whatever reason, I have seen both of these terms on my Facebook page numerous times, mostly from females without any explanation.  Ok, what are you two talking about. They both blurt out "Twilight".  Are you serious?  People are counting down the days?  I still don't comprehend the vampire rage?  Are there any sane women still out there not obsessed with blood sucking vampires and werewolves? 

While dear daughter and dear husband are chatting, dear daughter asks if I have any eyeliner.  Is there nothing sacred?  First my bathroom, now my eyeliner.  Of course, being the absolute best mother ever, I tell her yes, but just make sure it makes its way back to where it came from. 

Yeaaa, dear daughter is now done with her masterpiece and vacates MY bathroom.  I warn dear husband that dear daughter is leaving, that his car is in the driveway and she will be backing my mini-van out of the garage.  Keep in mind, dear daughter  has managed to total 2 vehicles in less than a year, back into a friend's mailbox and in another incident, back into her cousin's car. Knowing that dear husband values his dear car as much as I do my infinite supply of Diet Dr. Pepper, I felt that this piece of info was imperative to maintain a continuous, loving, amicable father/daughter relationship.  He immediately runs outside faster than any effort he put into the gym treadmill, to quickly move his car to safety.

Finally, I get to take a shower in MY bathroom.  Because I do not want to be the woolly mammoth she must have shaved, I reached for my razor.  Dear daughter has struck again.  My overpriced four blade razor is gone, not present, missing, kidnapped. Of course, since I literally screamed in disgust, my husband comes running to confirm my impending death. 

Twenty minutes prior to prior to dear daughter's curfew, she calls.  Since her incoming ring tone is specifically hers, my immediate thought is oh joy, my van is the most recent victim of dear daughter's creative driving skills.  Thankfully, no, that isn't the scenario; this time. 

Thanks to those who have endured reading my long, sometimes rambling blog entries, liked me on Facebook and/or have followed me on Twitter.  If you have yet to do so and are a glutton for punishment, you may find me here on Facebook and/or follow me on Twitter.