Fantastic Friday - Saving Cash Money

We had a great trip to Publix this week.

Spent: $57.63
Saved: $83.05

Store Coupons:$11.00
Vendor Coupons: $28.50
Sale Savings: $43.55

I'm really loving that a lot of healthier options have been on sale lately. A lot of people say you only get junk food when you coupon, but I don't think that's true.

We've done really well lately with keeping our weekly grocery budget between $50-$75. Which means more money for some splurges.

Anytime I can invest in something that makes me feel guilty for skipping runs while reminding me how slow I am, well, thats money well spent.

This Time Last Year

This time last year I was dreading our afternoon run. I'm really glad I went.


I was lucky to have a boyfriend who made the proposal special, a fiancee who helped with every detail of wedding planning down to stuffing and sealing invitations and now a husband who shows me he loves me every day.






It's been a fun year, and that calls for pasta and wine. Happy engagement anniversary, MS!

Practice

Saturday mornings race went splendidly - I love when a good training plan comes together. I have zero pictures, as I spent the first mile of the race trying to undress after quickly realizing 54 degrees and windy was too hot for long sleeves. Who knew. Luckily for everyone, I had a sleeveless shirt on underneath.

In case you were wondering all weekend, official results had me ahead of MS by a jillionth of a second. True story, he totally should have beaten me, but slowed down so we could cross together.

After MS collected another jewel in his heavenly crown, we headed down to Tuscaloosa for A-Day. Remember when no one went to A-Day because it was practice? Those days are behind us.

It's always good sense to practice stadium dog and yellowhammer consumption. True or false: We love these so much we served them at our wedding. (Hint:true) MS's dad got us some sweet seats. Nick was excited to see us. We do what we can. Also, I've decided Namath needs a houndstooth hat.

Fantastic Friday - Stairwell Edition

Supposedly there are storms a comin' to blow us all away. I did not envision ending this week crouched in the stairwell with all my co-workers.

I have a new appreciation for her bad mood. She probably just wanted to get home in time to watch Mad Men or Teen Mom: Unseen Moments. Sounds logical to me.

Luckily, the skies look sunny for tomorrows race.

I don't know who Ellis Porch is or why he enjoyed running hills so much, but I'm thankful I now have a name to curse tomorrow.

I kid. I'm looking forward to it. Last time we ran this race, there was some disagreement about who won.

And by disagreement, I mean the results clearly say I finished in 1:27:45.3, whereas MS was trailing at 1:27:45.6. How can you argue with that kind of blowout? Men.

Afterwards, I'm doing another race to see how fast I can get ready and get here.

Any race rewarded by stadium dogs and yellow hammers is fine by me.

Fantastic Friday - Lofty Ambitions

It's been a long, rough week here in our little cube land, so we're breaking out early to enjoy the afternoon.

I can't imagine anything more enjoyable than a solo 10 miler with some long hills, followed by a trip to the grocery store. If I say it enough, maybe it will be true. I do like to eat and fit in my jeans, so time to pay the piper. Sometimes we have to do things we don't like.

Like watch the muscial episode of Grey's.

I laid out some essentials I dug out of the back of the junk drawer this morning. And by junk drawer, I mean treasure trove.

If you see a pasty blonde girl with superior energy running around today, feel free to offer me some water. Seriously. It's hot out there.

I plan on rewarding my efforts tomorrow.

How lucky was I to find a picture of our apartment pool via google images? It must be my day.

Case of the Mondays

Well, this weekend flew by at breakneck speed. Coupled with last night’s thunderstorms that nearly made me need to change the sheets, I think I spent the majority of my morning shower under the water wondering where I was.

Fortunately, the grey cube walls have jolted me back to reality just in time for me to recap the weekend. Go ahead and breathe a sigh of relief.

I met my favorite Birmingham twins for some patio drinking after work on Friday. They dragged me kicking and screaming into the world of Twitter. Let’s be honest, after last week and two drinks, there was no kicking and very little screaming. But you can go ahead and congratulate me for bravely stepping into 2009.

After being assured a 90% chance of rain Saturday I had resigned myself to 6 miles on the dreadmill. Lest I forget accuracy isn’t a critical component of weather prediction, it had dropped to 10% on Saturday morning, so I headed out for an easy 10 miler. Easy long runs are kind of new to me. I’m not fast by anyone’s standards, but the concept that not every run has to be done at near race pace has made running a lot more enjoyable – if you don’t count last Saturday. (ETA – runs over 5 miles are never “easy”, I believe this is terminology used by running magazines to make you feel bad when you’re thinking about bumming a ride home at mile 8).

not my hand

I’m not used to running alone, so it didn’t hit me until I was deep into north Birmingham that maybe I should have at least tucked my license in my shorts. You know, to make it easier to identify my body. No need to have to pull out my dental records. Though they are stellar.

not my teeth

Afterwards, I headed to a baby shower for Mrs. Smith. I have no pictures, as I was busy ,eating sausage cheese puffs hosting, but momma to be got some cute stuff. She’ll be set even if she has surprise twins. Wouldn’t that be fun, Christina?!

Saturday night, in order to one up my brother-in-law for favorite, I went solo with the in-laws to a family friends 60th birthday. I usually hang back and let the Mayor do his shaking hands and kissing babies thing - so it was nice to get a little out of my comfort zone. Whenever I got nervous, I just hit the buffet. I recommend this plan. I had some ham and cheese sandwiches that changed my life. I mean for real – I don’t even like ham. Since I made it out of the north Birmingham alive - I just might share that recipe later this week.

Wordless Wednesday - T- 4 Weeks

Suffice to say, we started some hill work this morning.

We Ran...

A long way. Let's recap.

Of course I set all my stuff up the night before. Prep is key for a 5:20 wakeup call.

Hello, post race party ticket. Made sure that bad boy was on nice and secure. I was so glad to get an even number. Odd numbers...not my thing.

We were blessed with perfect running weather. Chilly at the start, but great temps once you got out on the course. Bright blue sunny skies didn't hurt either. After firing off the starting gun, U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name" sent us off. Reason #428 I love this race.

Highlights:

1. Runners racing for a local runner who tragically died on a morning run training for the race.

2. Runners racing for the Bell Center.

3. Great crowd support. Particularly loved the "You're not last!" and "Don't walk now, people are watching" posters.

4. My past self -who in some stroke of good sense I can't remember- had the wisdom to put "Good Vibrations" by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch in my running mix. Fantastic surprise at mile 3.

Lowlights:

1. Miles 9-13. Ouch. Consider the price of running the first 9 too fast paid. In full.

2. Smokers. I don't grab you and force you to run the race, so please don't BLOW YOUR SMOKE DIRECTLY INTO THE PATH OF ONCOMING RUNNERS. Rant over.

I sent MS ahead at mile 9, as my legs began to feel remarkably similar to concrete. He PR'd at 1:56 and some change. I was so proud of him! It's such a great feeling when all those early dark, cold runs pay off on race day. Also, I think the bulldog shirt he sported brought good luck.

I finished a couple minutes behind him and was ready to hit the booth of my favorite race sponsor - Michelob Ultra. I'm not sure a cold beer has ever tasted so good. Ever.

We ran into some friends with the same idea. This was their first half and they did awesome! I'm so glad to have some more running friends!

MS and the twins had the same math teacher in high school. She was running the half too, and scheduled to meet up. Added up to equal a great photo op.

First married Mercedes half! Beating a dead horse here, but I love that we can run together. Makes it so much more fun!

We got back to the apartment and decided to walk downstairs and watch the marathoners pass. Of course, Namath wanted to cheer them on too.

He was unimpressed. He's not much for distance running. More of a sprinter.

This was the water/banana/orange/gummy bear stop at mile 25. Cannot. fathom. this. It was so cool to see them run by and cheer them on. Kudos to them for pumping out a great soundtrack as well.

The last mile stretch. Told you it was a gorgeous day! At this point I was counting down the blocks. And trying to keep up with the barefoot runner next to me.

Super cheesy picture. Please refrain your jealousy of my hair.

Taking suggestions as to what to do with the finishers medal that weighs close to a pound.

All I want for Valentines is some ibuprofen.

Why I Run

The eternal question. Not really...but I do ask myself this a lot. Specifically when it's cold. Or hot. And my legs are tired. And I'd rather be eating Taco Soup and watching a movie. I wish I was one of those that just craved a daily workout and couldnt go without it. Alas, it is not so.


I started running just to prove I could do it. I had a few friends who were running half marathons and marathons and I just wanted to prove to myself I could do it too, if I wanted. Just once, of course. I started and could barely run 2 miles. As each week passed, I couldn't believe that I was able to keep up with the training plan. Twelve weeks later, I finished my first half marathon and immediatley wanted to do another, so I did. I loved the competitive spirit of racing and it made working out more fun.



Soon after, this happened. The stress took a toll on my body, and consequently my running took a serious hit. As in, completely stopped. I remember putting on my running clothes to get out and relieve the stress and only being able to walk. It was another thing I had lost. When the dust settled and I gained some strength, I started back with that same 2 miles. I remember texting one of my best friends, "It feels so good to be back!"


I started training for Mercedes and is it got closer it became increasingly symbolic for me - that I had come out the other side and was strong again. I remember telling this to Matt, feeling just as cheesy as I do now typing it, and him relaying that he had thought the same thing. Try writing that on a conversation heart....and just in time for Valentines Day. I ran my best time ever that year, and will never forget how good I felt after.


Since then, Matt has run nearly every race with me, and most every run. He's only beat me a couple of times:)



This was not one of them.


Running has been a part of the worst and best parts of my life. Do I absolutely love getting out in the freezing cold or burning heat? No. Can I imagine my life without it? Absolutely not.


I love the challenge. I love how there are good days that make you feel accomplished, and bad days to remind you of how much work you have to do. Climbing a hill and speeding back down. Crossing the finish line and drinking a cold beer. The competition with yourself is always new. Which can also be a little annoying, if I'm being honest.

And some good rap on the iPod doesn't hurt either.


Happy race weekend!

Village to Village

Saturday morning we got up bright and early to run a sweet little 10K. It being 27 degrees, I was decked out in everything fleece (and pink.)

Holy hills, Batman. I was not prepared for those first two miles. Luckily, no other than my new father in law was working the water station at mile 3. We've never gotten an "Love ya'll!" at a water stop before, but it was motivating.

I didn't know the course very well, so I was gripped with fear at every turn that another hill awaited.


It was all worth it, since we got these roses.

Syke. The real trophy was the tall stack of pancakes and bottomless cups of coffee the father in law treated us to.

This running thing might be good for weight loss if it wasn't for my equally loved hobby of carb loading. One cannot live on egg whites alone, right?

Living the Dream

It was my favorite kind of weekend. Plenty of time to be both lazy and productive. After spending all night parked on the couch with the folks at Sterling Cooper, we headed out Saturday for a cloudy 8 mile run. It was painful - not that a long run is ever entirely pleasant, but my legs -perhaps weighed down by Goobers and Sour Patch Kids - felt pretty tired. Not exactly the feeling I like going into a race next weekend.

The training plan doesn't stop. Cue life lesson. So after dropping MS off at the airport Monday morning (hello, Bravo and pancakes for dinner), I took a little nap (it was 6:30) and decided to get one of the week's run out of the way. This is about as real as it gets. I'm sorry I'm not the type with the full face of makeup to work out.

I told you I owned a lot of pink.

It was heavenly. I felt good. Made it up all the hills at just the speed I wanted without feeling near death. We all know what uphills mean - downhills. Downhills that led right back to my starting point. It was just what I needed.

I spent the afternoon with this guy. He was very excited about it. I think he prefers me at work.

Other than a poorly scheduled visit to the dentist (this just in - flossing is KEY if you don't want your mouth to look like you got punched in the face at your semi-annual cleaning), it was a great vacation day and start to the week. Is it just me or does that extra day make all the difference?