I don’t like not having a plan –

I mean big picture plan.  I don’t have to have every day planned (even though normally I do).  But I always need something to look forward to, something to work towards.  Last year I was so diligent about saving money because I knew I was buying a house and going to Europe.  I ended up putting less down on the house than I had planned in most part with the seller paying most of the closing costs, Europe was essentially paid off.  I had a plan to use my Chase Rewards points for most of my spending money/lunches over there.  Now there is a strong possibility that Europe is cancelled, and I have no idea what to do.  I can keep building them up or cash them in, but what am I going to do with the $$.  That money was spoken for and so was that vacation time. 

I also had adjusted my whole running schedule around this trip.  Taking it easy this summer and no big early fall running plans since Europe would be right in the middle of training.  Now I have to rethink my whole running schedule too!  Geesh.

Going to wait until I get the final word, but then it is re-plan my entire summer/fall/running/vacation/$$

Hitting the Trails –

One thing I have wanted to do since moving to Lewisville is check out the trails at Lake Grapevine.  Yep – I had no idea what I was getting myself into.  I started off at the MADD shelter which is a meet up for the NTTR (North Texas Trail Runners) and known as the ‘biker lot’ because that is where most of the mountain bike riders meet up.  When I got to the pavilion there was a group of mountain bikers getting ready to start a ride.  I waited for them to go out first and went after them for two reasons.  1 – I had no idea what I was doing.  2 – I didn’t want to get run over.  When they say trails, it is truly trails.  About half the width of a side walk, dirt, winding through trees.  Definitely only big enough for one person/bike at a time.  I just started off following the signs.  Most of the trails are one direction only because of the width.  This is one place that I might take my cell phone with me when I run.  There are plenty of chances for broken ankles and getting lost.  One good thing about the trails is there are not too many splits.  AKA – I get lost, I just turn around and follow the trail back. 

It is a bit intimidating as the mountain bikers are flying though there.  Many times they are looking down at the terrain watching for roots, holes, and rocks, they are not looking up and come flying up behind you.  I heard screeching brakes several times.  Along with running with a cell phone, I don’t think I will be wearing head phones.  Talked to a few other hikers and runners out there – several stated that they go the opposite way the trail points for safety reasons.  Just like on the road, head at the traffic so you can see it coming.  Most of the bikers were very nice, but I could tell some thought they owned the trails and did not like the runners/hikers.  Jerks.

The run itself went pretty well.  Definitely nice and slow with some walking.  Had to watch the terrain and I kept checking behind me for bikers, and was looking around a lot trying to get my bearings.  Not a good idea to be looking multiple directions on trails.  There were several times I had to regain my footing because I was looking somewhere else and not at the trail, therefore tripping or miss stepping.  I just followed the trail and checked my watch to see how far away I was getting from my car.  At one point I came out of the woods at a parking lot and stopped to talk to some people to see where I was at.  I really need to stop going, ‘where the heck am I?’ on runs.  Decided to turn around and head back towards the car.  I wanted to be the good little runner and follow the signs, so I hoped on a different trail – it was going back towards my car, but wasn’t the same one I just ran on.  Switch trails to switch directions.  I was very ecstatic when I could see my car through the woods.  Only one problem – the trail kept going and I didn’t know how to actually get to my car.  I tried to follow the trail for a bit but felt like I was getting farther and farther away from my car (and into some bamboo).  Not what I wanted.  At one point I said F-it.  Cut through the woods, and took a trail the wrong direction and got to the parking lot.

At that point I started talking to a guy who hikes these trails all the time.  He was able to tell me where I missed the turn to get to the parking lot (yeah – it is not marked), and kind of how the trails meet up.  I decided to walk to the turn I missed so in the future I would know what I was looking for.  I got it now!

Overall it was a learned experience, and I will definitely be going back out there – with a cell phone, without head phones, and go the wrong direction!

Other than that, I went out for margaritas with a friend and did some shopping.  Wasn’t able to find the shoes I wanted, but did get a few tops for summer/Europe.  Haven’t gone furniture shopping yet.  I keep putting it off because I have no idea what I am doing.  I hate decorating and just don’t want to do it.  I still have to go back to my apartment and clean.  I have been avoiding that too, because I don’t really want to.

Lost in the (neighbor)hood –

Yup – I officially got lost on my run last night.  Not lost as I couldn’t find my way back (just turn around and follow the trail back), but lost as in, when I came to a road – where am I and how the heck did I get here?  I was approximately 1.7 miles from the house.  I started out by following the trail by my house, under the road and to the park on the other side.  From there, the trail loops around and I generally just make my way back.  At one point I always go left.  I thought if you go right it just loops you around the parking lot.  I decided to add just a little bit of distance so I went right (thinking I was going around the parking lot).  I can now tell you that it does not go around the parking lot.  I came out by some neighborhood – no idea.  I followed it along until I hit a busy road.  It was at that point that I was like ‘Huh?’  Looking at road signs, no idea where I was at.  I was only planning on doing a 4 mile recovery run so I didn’t want to explore too far.  Turned around and made my way back.  On one of my longer runs I will have to explore how far this little ‘trail’ goes!

BIG D RECAP-

One revelation from the weekend – this weekend 2 years ago, was my first half marathon.  It didn’t hit me until my high school buddy asked me how many half medals I have.  He is a fellow half marathoner that used to live in Oklahoma and would come down for halfs in Dallas.  I ran into him at the RNR – Dallas expo last year.  For some reason it feels like I have been doing this longer.  Counting back, I have done 14 half marathons in 2 years; 6 of them with Nicole and 3 with Amy.

**My first half

Big D has a full marathon as well as a half.  I have always wanted to run it, but haven’t been able.  It is always the same weekend as Go St Louis!  The days leading up to the race there was a lot of concern about severe weather.  Thankfully, we didn’t have the storms they predicted, but the weather was less than desirable for me.  It started off 75 degrees with 85% humidity – the humidity absolutely kills me.  I knew I was in trouble by mile 5.  I didn’t feel so bad when I caught up to a girl walking, who was supposed to be leading the 1:50 pace group.  I stopped and talked to her for a bit asking if she was OK, and she said she just couldn’t do it.  We stayed together for a while, but then I went on ahead.  At mile 8 came a downpour.  It was actually welcomed at that point.  It was pretty much a steady rain until the end.  Between the gel I took at 6 and the rain, I was able to cruise from 8 until the end.  If it wouldn’t have rain, I was going to have some serious trouble getting a sub 2.  After the race, I hung out and had some beer from one of our local micro breweries. 

Went home and tested out the tub for the first time.  Then I took an unplanned nap on the living room floor.  So, I don’t have a couch yet, and I wanted to stretch out in front of the tv.  I threw down an old comforter and was watching a movie.  Next thing I know it is several hours later and both cats are curled up next to me, on the floor.  A half hasn’t taken that much out of me in a long time.  I think it was a combination of the past couple halfs and weeks of working.  Yesterday was a much needed rest day.

I was going to sign up for a race at the end of the month, but I think I am just going to take it easy and run as I feel.  I have another half in 3 weeks that I am hoping to do a sub 1:55 at.

I think I am going a bit crazy –

I have taken a lot off my running this year.  I am not running nearly as many miles or races.  I am shying away from the smaller races (5K/10K) and pretty much just running 15K+.  I will do the smaller races when they are club runs or if I really want to run a specific race, but I am no longer paying $20-$30 for training runs.

That being said, I cannot believe how many races I have tentatively scheduled for in 2013.  Here it is:

·        January 12^th & 13^th – Goofy – paid*

·        February 3^rd – Texas half*

·        February 17^th – Austin Marathon or half

·        March 24^th – RNR – Dallas – paid

·        April – Big D

·        April – Oklahoma City half marathon*

·        July – RNR Chicago

·        August – Hottest Half*

·        October – Tyler Rose*

·        October – RNR STL

* races I have not previously ran

The 4 that are in purple are part of the 4 Seasons challenge, so they are only $45 a half.  Amy, Nicole, and I are thinking about getting the Grand Slam – so 4 RNR – halfs.  Dallas and STL I always run, and a trip to Chicago is always in the books for summer, and it is around Kyla’s birthday this year.  No idea about the 4^th.  Then there is the Livestrong Marathon in Austin in February.  I have always wanted to run that one, and I figure I will be in great shape from Goofy, that I might do the full (or maybe just the half).  The Oklahoma City one is another that has always interested me.  The Livestrong and Oklahoma are definitely TENTATIVE.  We’ll see how I feel this summer.

Catch Up

A lot has happened over the past week, starting with the Texas Tornados.  Tuesday was extremely intense.  It started with a friend/co-worker IMing me telling me that we had tornado warnings.  I immediately call my mom and ask her why she did not tell me this.  Mom tends to know more about Dallas happenings than I do.  Tornados were forming on all sides of the office, we did have to go to the stairwells a couple times, the clouds were moving.  There were reports as many as 18 tornados, but I think there were really 12 or 13.  So many homes/buildings were destroyed, but amazingly no deaths reported!  The pictures were something to see.  And during all of this, Nicole ‘talks me into’ a half marathon when I am home.  OK – so she didn’t twist my arm, but mentioned it again, and I decided to do it.  I really wanted the giant penny!

My flight home was supposed to be Wednesday night, but yet cancelled due to all the hail damage to planes.  Called American Airlines – was on hold for over an hour, and was pretty much told they couldn’t guarantee when I would get my flight out.  There was so much damage and so many cancellations.  I was thinking about driving all the way home when I remember there was an airport in Oklahoma City.  I was able to get my flights changed to there so thankfully I didn’t give up any time at home.  Had to drive 200 miles each way, but it was worth it.

Trip Recap –

Wednesday – drive to OKC, easy flight, parents pick me up and go straight to my sisters to meet Brent and play with Kyla

Thursday – spent all day at my sister’s.  I get to hold Brent a lot and play with Kyla.  My parents and Grandparents come over for Corned Beef and Cabbage.  Amy and I go to Walmart and do a lot of damage for food and Easter presents.  Brent had his first bottle and Kyla helped.  Brent also had his first bath.

Friday – head to my parents.  Nicole and Kate pick me up.  Head to Springfield to run this half marathon.  Meet up with fellow half fanatics for a fun dinner and some drinks.

Saturday – half marathon.  Nicole had gotten us bunny ears to where, and we were a hit.  It was a hilly course and I am happy with my time.  It was a great trip overall and I had a blast.  Someone who is part of the race organization picked their favorite 48 pictures for the 48^th year, and I was in one of those (throwing up the longhorns).  Apparently it went national on Twitter.  Tough course, ran a 1:50:27 which is still my second best time ever.

Went home and hung out with my parents, then went out and met up with my cousin Shannon for a bit.  Stayed at my parents Saturday night.

Sunday – Did the Easter thing.  I got to play Easter bunny for Kyla.  She was so funny when she first was over because she would see the eggs, but wouldn’t go get them until she was allowed.  But she would drag everyone over to show them where they were hid.  Dad is smarter than Kyla.  He told me to move the ones that she had already found.  I think everyone enjoyed watching her run around.  Went over and saw Megan for a bit, then back to Amy’s in time to read Kyla a bedtime story.

Monday – hung out at Amy’s all day and then went out with Stacey at night.  Kyla helped make us pizza for lunch, which actually turned out pretty good!  And then she painted my nails, that didn’t turn out as well J.

Tuesday – parents came over and brought Ace for lunch and then back to the airport.  I did get to give Brent a bottle before leaving!

That has been the past week of my life…

April Goals –

·        Run 85 miles – let’s try this again

·        Big D – under 1:55 – let’s see if RNR – Dallas was a fluke.

·        House – get it 95% put together.  At least have final big pieces picked out – couch, patio furniture, pots/pans, corner kitchen table.  I already have most of the little stuff taken care of.

·        Only eat frozen meals twice per week MAX – eventually I would like to get this down to twice a month, but they are just so dang convenient!

March Goals – Recap

·        Run 85 miles

·        RNR – Dallas – under 1:55

·        Only eat frozen lunches 3 times a week

So I didn’t do too bad for the goals of the month, especially with everything going on.  Lately life seems to be getting in the way of my running.  The house/apartment stuff took priority, work audit, volleyball, and everything else.  I’m not sure that is a bad thing, because I keep busting out PRs at most races.  Only ran 6 races so far this year, but have gotten 6 PRs.  I think the running less, but smarter and the cross training has really helped.  The lifting and spinning classes have made my legs stronger for the hills and helped with sprint work.

Run 85 miles – Not even close, only got to 74 miles.  Kind of disappointed, but I have had other things going on.  My race times are still improving so I guess I can’t complain too much.  I am going to do much better in April.

RNR – Dallas – Killed it.  1:48:30. I have no idea how that happened.  My legs were super tired from two days of moving and dozens of trips up and down the stairs at the apartments.  That combined with the heat, I wasn’t expecting much.  Started strong and never crapped out!

Only eating frozen lunches 3 times a week has been a great success.  I have made myself several different meals and taken the leftovers in for lunch.  Kabobs, stuffed peppers, and chicken.  It is allowing me to eat more meat and not eat nearly the amount of processed foods.  Some stuff may not be completely healthy, but it is still probably better than a frozen meal.  I have probably eaten less than two frozen meals a week!  Gonna try and keep that going

Home-owner-ship

This weekend I finally had some time to spend in my house.  I had so much going on when I closed that I really didn’t get a chance to enjoy it for awhile.  This weekend I stayed home and relaxed, did a lot work and just enjoyed my home.

Things I accomplished:  I successfully used a hack saw to cut a curtain rod.  I went to three different stores and they didn’t have any rods that were small enough, so I bought a hack saw and went to town.  I sprayed for weeds (front and back).  I also have now used the oven, stove, washer, dryer, and lawn mower.  I have yet to test out the weed whacker.  That one still scares me a bit.  I also cut some tree branches, moved all the boxes out of my living room, and mopped the floor.  It almost looks like a house.  I went to the apartment and got more stuff and I even ventured out twice to explore the area by foot.  I have a couple more roads to try before I pick my main running route.  I didn’t get in any long runs so hopefully I can get one in over Easter.

It feels weird to be going home in two days.  Events in my life seem to come in ebbs-and-flows.  There are times when I am completely hectic for three weeks, then nothing for a couple weeks, followed up by craziness again.  I really want to get home and meet Brent and see Ms. Kyla, but I also want another weekend before leaving for a week.  So much to do!

And I have to get back into my running and working out schedule.  I need that to keep me sane!