It's been a while, I know. So prepare for a long one. (Whatever, you're snowed in anyways so make some hot cocoa, hibernate like a bear and read this shit). But all that you've missed is 5 weeks of training involving long runs, speed work, fartleks (it's a runners' thing) and many runs on treadmills resulting in an accidental whack of the "emergency stop" button (almost resulting in an embarrassing face plant that could've inevitably knocked out my precious chicklet teeth). Luckily, the latter was not the result and my pearly whites are intact. Anyways, I've really just been up to training so I don't find a weekly post necessary, because I'll even admit, my jokes get old. har har har. But for the most part, my training's gone great. I'm hitting the times I want and running a lot of mileage 4 days a week. I plan on posting my training schedule in the near future, but I mainly haven't because many of my runs have taken place on a treadmill...which I hate. Why? Because when I wake up and when I get home from work, Chicago's winter is as dark as Natalie Portman's eye make up in Black Swan. And I'm not really afraid of the dark, but I am afraid of the snakes that hide in the dark. Okay, really that's not my logic but it's just not safe and as momma always said, safety first, Jenna Lynn. However, I have considered getting some reflective running gear. But when I consider it, I have this embarrassing flashback to my elementary school days of sporting a neon orange belt as a safety patrol--ya know, to make sure them kiddies don't run on the sidewalk. And then I immediately think the reflective gear can wait.
So the treadmill it's been for about 80% of my runs. But that makes me run that much harder on the weekends when I get the pleasure of running outside- it's the greatest feeling. Yesterday ended my 5th week of training and I clocked 16 miles at an 8:55 pace. It felt fairly slow and gradual but it's reassuring that my legs could handle the resistance of the snow having had 0 resistance on the old t-mill and it didn't really wear me out. So, I'm satisfied with it considering my face was numb from the cold and the face plant that I referred to earlier actually happened--except this time on the ice. Whatta bitch. Yet again, my chicklet teeth survived and at least now I can give myself a badass name like Ice Box from the Little Giants.
Training aside, a decent amount has changed since I last posted. First and foremost, my excitement of reuniting with my bestie on a monthly basis ended when she realized how much scrilla (mom- scrilla is a ghetto fab word for money, FYI. And you know I like to get a little ghetto sometimes) getting to/from/staying at races would be needed to fund this ambition. She probably realized that she could buy a decent, used car for the same amount. But it's totally fine with me because I'd rather run than deal with a sketchy used car salesman. BUT, Anna will be joining me on some of the more local races, so it's all good in the hood (I guess I'm feeling pretty ghetto on this Monday eve.) And, I'm slowly recruiting others for some of my other races so it'll be tiiiiiightt. Secondly, MY FIRST HALF MARATHON HAS CHANGED. Yes, it's true, Danny Tanner will have to continue vacuuming his carpets without me in San Fran. A few reasons brought this change about, but the main one is that there's this awesome seminar at our local library about how to get your book published successfully on Feb. 5th (the day before the San Fran half) and I have to go. (I realize the nerd alert probably just went off, but you already knew that about me since I'm blogging about running 13 half marathons in 13 months.) But for realz, I've had this children's book manuscript collecting digital dust on my computer and I feel this is a perfect chance to embark on another dream of mine- to get it published. In fact, it's a series that I've thought up in my mind but I won't bore you with the details on that. So basically, Bob Saget and Cali have to wait so I can become the next Dr. Seuss.
So where will the white girl version of Carmen Sandiego be headed instead? Jacksonville Beach, FL for a February 13th race. (I actually just realized that it's the first of my 13...on the 13th in 13 months. Woahhhh, tripppyyy. I swear I don't have seances and Voo-Doo dolls). So my first race is in fact postponed by a week. But this race is actually really cool for a few reasons: 1. It's on a beach (and I'm SNOW over this Chicago weather- told ya my jokes got old). and 2. 100% of funds and proceeds go to breast cancer research. And it just so happens that breast cancer runs in my family, so I am running against it. In all seriousness (I know, me serious is like Katy Perry with small boobs), this race will be so amazing and humbling because I'll be running alongside survivors and fighters and in memory of my Aunt Linda, whom this terrible disease took her life, and in honor of my Aunt Elizabeth, who has battled it and survived. And it gets cooler, because even though I registered late and therefore haven't fundraised, this means that I'm finishing at this same race next year and have the entire year to fundraise for the race in 2012. My goal will be $2,620 (a marathon is 26.2 miles). I'll post the site for donations once they open up the 2012 fundraising. But honestly, I couldn't be happier that I've found a purpose to run these 13 races this upcoming year beyond doing it for myself. And THAT will motivate me more than anything.
So on a less mushy-gushy, sobby-wobby note, here's another awesome thang about my Jacksonville Beach half marathon: MARY ELLEN'S JOINING ME :) (that's my mom for those of you who don't know me and are just creepily reading my blog). I couldn't be more thrilled that my #1 fan will be there for my first race. My mom is seriously the bomb.com. (Mom, that's a good thing). So with Mary Ellen's witty inspiration I know she'll say before the race, coupled with a great cause and a beach- it's bound to be a good race.
Well, I suppose I should start stocking up on a lifetime supply of peanut butter since everyone thinks this snowstorm is the 2011 version of Y2K. I'll fa sho blog next week as I continue to get ants in my pants (even though I prefer no insects getting all up in my goods) as I prepare for race #1 in 13 DAYS! Til then, peace out dawgs. (I promise to return to my actual race and white girl lingo next time. Maybe.)
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Roommate Runners Reunite & Resolutions
God I love alliteration. One day into the new year, and I can already tell it's going to be much better than the last. Perhaps it is my somewhat airhead optimism, or maybe it's because the previews for Jersey Shore season 3 look trashier than ever and I can't wait. Or maybe it's because I got a call this past Friday (pre-New Years Eve shenanigans) that made me even more thrilled about running 13 half marathons in 13 months: my bestie and roommate from college, Anna Zapata (aka zappy) was so excited about my new year's goal that she, too wants to do it! Yes, I lived with equally as insane people as I, which is probably why we clicked the second we met each other. Actually, I'll briefly take a jog down memory lane (jog... get it? I blame my mom for my terrible jokes.) and give you a little detail on how Anna and I become inseparable buddies for 4 years...
I was moving into Cramer Hall (RIP) on some ungodly hot day in August with all the other pencil-sized girls there two weeks prior to classes starting who all had one intention: to rush a sorority. So you can only imagine the high-pitched soundtrack of this event. Anyways, I had to go grab the key to my new crib (aka a 12x12 cement square) from Pershing Hall (I would later find out that Pershing Hall constantly smelled like a septic tank filled with spoiled eggs). While in line, I decided to make small talk with the girl in front of me...Anna Zapata. I can't remember what I asked her, but what I do remember was the second she answered, I became immediately confused by the twangy, twisted language that came out of her mouth. Then, I immediately became socially inept by blurting out, "Where are you from?" in a highly disgusted tone (great way to make friends on a 28,000 person campus when I knew no one). Luckily, the feisty Anna rebutled with a "Dallas...where are you from?"spoken in an equally curious and disgusted manner. Up until then, I was completely naive of my Chicago accent that made me sound like my IQ was dropping at a rapid pace. And there you have it, a friendship was born. Anna and I lived with each other for 3 out of the 4 years in college (due to an interruption of sorority laws making us live in-house for at least a year) and became the bestest of friends. Hence, the title of this post: roommates. Do realize that she is more than just a roommate but "Best friend" just didn't work with my obsession of the MLA handbook's definition of "alliteration".
(Me & my boo Anna)
This explanation of our friendship appears entirely irrelevant to my training of the 13 half marathons, besides the fact that now I have an official running buddy for all of them which I'm thrilled about. Getting to see my fav texan once a month is already a sign of a good year. Which brings me to my next topic of this post: resolutions.
Resolutions are made for the purpose of bettering yourself, achieving a goal...or just jumping on the bandwagon for a month and then forgetting about it by February. I'm in the boat of doing this to achieve a goal, but in the process I realize I'll also better myself. I just finished my first week of training (and actually am currently thawing out from my 10 mile run in 20 degree Chicago weather. Thanks Mother Nature.) and it has given me so much to think about. My obnoxious repetition of listening to "Stereo Love" has reminded me I need to learn how to pace and not speed when I'm hoppin' to da beat. The beat also kind of makes me want to do hard drugs in the back of a swanky club. (Don't worry mom, Fitz's isn't remotely swanky and the only thing I'm addicted to is string cheese these days. Ps. I think we're running low.) However, when I'm not bobbin' my head to the beat, I'm thinking. A lot. Sometimes I think about cutting my long pony tail off, but then I realize that I won't be able to "whip muh hair back and forth" and I don't want to piss off 9-year old Willow Smith. But most of the time, I'm thinking about life. (I know, I'm so deep. And, I'm not referring to Opera's narration series).
I think about why things have happened, why friendships have ended, why my sister's dogs bark at leaves blowing in the wind. This past week though, I thought about how truly blessed I am. I have the greatest friends in the world (mad props to Keldawg, Caitlin, Sarah, Kimmy & Katie) who have already asked what races they can come to, to cheer me on (I'm still working on convincing them to actually RUN one with me!) I also have the greatest family who are supporting me through this thick and thin. (Mary E even offered to start cooking healthy meals...and by that I mean, start cooking in general. Love you mom.) My sister is also planning on training for the Chicago half with me, and I was blessed with the presence of my cousins and their kids and Portillo's this week. I have great co-workers; Jen loves the updates on my training. Thus, furthering the idea that I really am blessed with amazing people in my life right now.
(the fam)
(my best friendos & supporters!)
And as I finished my first week of training today on the Prairie Path, I realized two more things: 1. The path was slightly rerouted near the gazebo on Spring Rd. (Oh Elmhurst Park District, how you toy with my mind) and 2. I live in a great town. In a town of 47,000 some-odd people (give or take a few who probably counted their cats as people in the recent census), Elmhurst has a small-town feeling. As I ran past complete strangers, they smiled and waved as if I was their own kid they were seeing off on a school bus. How much more enjoyable can training me when I'm surrounded by smiles? (Okay, I just sounded like Barney. Damn you, purple dino). Again, I am blessed.
So as I go into week 2 of training, I presume I'll have more thought-filled trots. Potentially some not as deep (i.e. what will happen on this season's The Bachelor which starts this week), but perhaps I'll come across more good feeling thoughts about this resolution. Because the fact of the matter is, I'll come out of this goal a better, stronger (maybe skinnier?!) person with people who will support me regardless if I cross the finish lines with fire in my eyes, or tears in my eyes. And that, my friends, makes me want to run that much faster.
Peace out, cub scouts.
ps. I warned ya I was long-winded.
I was moving into Cramer Hall (RIP) on some ungodly hot day in August with all the other pencil-sized girls there two weeks prior to classes starting who all had one intention: to rush a sorority. So you can only imagine the high-pitched soundtrack of this event. Anyways, I had to go grab the key to my new crib (aka a 12x12 cement square) from Pershing Hall (I would later find out that Pershing Hall constantly smelled like a septic tank filled with spoiled eggs). While in line, I decided to make small talk with the girl in front of me...Anna Zapata. I can't remember what I asked her, but what I do remember was the second she answered, I became immediately confused by the twangy, twisted language that came out of her mouth. Then, I immediately became socially inept by blurting out, "Where are you from?" in a highly disgusted tone (great way to make friends on a 28,000 person campus when I knew no one). Luckily, the feisty Anna rebutled with a "Dallas...where are you from?"spoken in an equally curious and disgusted manner. Up until then, I was completely naive of my Chicago accent that made me sound like my IQ was dropping at a rapid pace. And there you have it, a friendship was born. Anna and I lived with each other for 3 out of the 4 years in college (due to an interruption of sorority laws making us live in-house for at least a year) and became the bestest of friends. Hence, the title of this post: roommates. Do realize that she is more than just a roommate but "Best friend" just didn't work with my obsession of the MLA handbook's definition of "alliteration".
This explanation of our friendship appears entirely irrelevant to my training of the 13 half marathons, besides the fact that now I have an official running buddy for all of them which I'm thrilled about. Getting to see my fav texan once a month is already a sign of a good year. Which brings me to my next topic of this post: resolutions.
Resolutions are made for the purpose of bettering yourself, achieving a goal...or just jumping on the bandwagon for a month and then forgetting about it by February. I'm in the boat of doing this to achieve a goal, but in the process I realize I'll also better myself. I just finished my first week of training (and actually am currently thawing out from my 10 mile run in 20 degree Chicago weather. Thanks Mother Nature.) and it has given me so much to think about. My obnoxious repetition of listening to "Stereo Love" has reminded me I need to learn how to pace and not speed when I'm hoppin' to da beat. The beat also kind of makes me want to do hard drugs in the back of a swanky club. (Don't worry mom, Fitz's isn't remotely swanky and the only thing I'm addicted to is string cheese these days. Ps. I think we're running low.) However, when I'm not bobbin' my head to the beat, I'm thinking. A lot. Sometimes I think about cutting my long pony tail off, but then I realize that I won't be able to "whip muh hair back and forth" and I don't want to piss off 9-year old Willow Smith. But most of the time, I'm thinking about life. (I know, I'm so deep. And, I'm not referring to Opera's narration series).
I think about why things have happened, why friendships have ended, why my sister's dogs bark at leaves blowing in the wind. This past week though, I thought about how truly blessed I am. I have the greatest friends in the world (mad props to Keldawg, Caitlin, Sarah, Kimmy & Katie) who have already asked what races they can come to, to cheer me on (I'm still working on convincing them to actually RUN one with me!) I also have the greatest family who are supporting me through this thick and thin. (Mary E even offered to start cooking healthy meals...and by that I mean, start cooking in general. Love you mom.) My sister is also planning on training for the Chicago half with me, and I was blessed with the presence of my cousins and their kids and Portillo's this week. I have great co-workers; Jen loves the updates on my training. Thus, furthering the idea that I really am blessed with amazing people in my life right now.
And as I finished my first week of training today on the Prairie Path, I realized two more things: 1. The path was slightly rerouted near the gazebo on Spring Rd. (Oh Elmhurst Park District, how you toy with my mind) and 2. I live in a great town. In a town of 47,000 some-odd people (give or take a few who probably counted their cats as people in the recent census), Elmhurst has a small-town feeling. As I ran past complete strangers, they smiled and waved as if I was their own kid they were seeing off on a school bus. How much more enjoyable can training me when I'm surrounded by smiles? (Okay, I just sounded like Barney. Damn you, purple dino). Again, I am blessed.
So as I go into week 2 of training, I presume I'll have more thought-filled trots. Potentially some not as deep (i.e. what will happen on this season's The Bachelor which starts this week), but perhaps I'll come across more good feeling thoughts about this resolution. Because the fact of the matter is, I'll come out of this goal a better, stronger (maybe skinnier?!) person with people who will support me regardless if I cross the finish lines with fire in my eyes, or tears in my eyes. And that, my friends, makes me want to run that much faster.
Peace out, cub scouts.
ps. I warned ya I was long-winded.
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