MMMM Cookies + More Biking

Oh running I miss you so.  Guess what I've been up to...not running.  And apparently not running=biking.  Sunday I set out to do a long bike ride with Miss Polly.  Unfortunately I was a little lazy to get out of the gate, and didn't end up leaving my place until an hour before the sunset.  Ok then...60 minute bike ride will do.  I managed to see a rooster (male pheasant) and a big ol' buck while riding my bike around, which is funny because a bunch of my friends were pheasant hunting this weekend, and another has been sitting in a tree stand for the last 2 months trying to get a stupid deer.  I mentioned on facebook that I should've been a hunter, but that a gun would NOT go with my bike.  Something about my bike makes me think she's a non-meat eater/bambi killer as well.  ;)  I ended up doing 11 miles in a little under 60 minutes.  Clearly I'm about breaking land speed records.  Look out.

Another interesting thing of note on Sunday, I went to the bookstore to enjoy a latte and read some magazines/look for books.  I've always had a fantasy about meeting a guy at a bookstore as we're grabbing for the same book on the shelf.  Yes, I'm a romantic nerd, whatever.  Well, it happened.  Kind of.  In the magazine section, I was loading up with running magazines, when someone grabs a Runners World over my shoulder.  I turn to see my triathlon friend!  Whom I actually was interested in for a while in college, coincidentally.  Hah.  Of course we spent the next hour talking about our races/training/etc.  He's doing his first full in January and is trying to BQ.  Crazy kid.  And then he's doing his first full Ironman this spring.  Again, he's a nut job.  But it was nice to catch up with the guy.  I only occasionally see him flying by on the bike trail, and I miss our gazillion of hours together trying to survive our insanely hard sociology courses in college (just kidding, I don't miss that part AT. ALL.)

Monday I got back on track with my early morning yoga and did a yoga routine that focused on the thighs and booty.  Uff, whatever is jacked up in my left cheek is still hurtin'.  Yeouch.  I did another 60 minutes on the stationary bike of some random hill workout for 11 miles.  Also, when did a bunch of hotties join my gym?  Seriously it was like boy central in there.  Maybe they were all there all along and I was just blinded by love, but it sure is a lot easier to get through a boring hour long bike ride with some eye candy.  After my ogle fest (jk) I came home and created some shrimp enchiladas that were so. damn. good.  And while they were baking, I rocked out a nice ab workout.  2 points for yoga + abs.  Whoo.  Go injury dedication.  :)

A couple of weeks ago I got the baking bug.  I looooove to bake.  More importantly I looooove to eat baked goods.  I found a recipe for Oreo Chocolate Chip Cookies at For Love of Cooking and knew I had to have them.  Seriously check out her site for the recipe and to die for pics.  Mine really don't do the cookies justice, but here they are regardless.

One stick of butter + a bunch of other delciousness?  Yes please.

+ 1/3 bag of Oreos...again...yes please.

.....Then have your blog eat the picture of the delicious cookie dough balls all laid out uncooked before they go in the oven.......(jk pic recovered, phew!)

Then straight up deliciousness.  Say it with me now, yes please.  :)

Biking is Boring + New Running Clothes

Since no one reads my blog to see how my "stationary biking" is coming, I'll make sure to keep that portion of the post short winded.  :)  So far on my NO RUNNING plan, I've done 45 minutes of hills for 9.5 miles on Thursday, and 60 minutes of hills for 12.35 miles on Friday.  Both times were pretty boring.  I am making some headway in the stacks of fitness magazines I haven't had time to read. Partial success!

Ok on to the fun stuff.  :)  I received my new running gear that I ordered from Nike. WHOO! Unfortunately, most items didn't end up as I had expected. The jacket feels like a thick wind breaker. And while it looks super cute on, I can't justify $90 on a jacket that I don't think is going to keep me warm or protected this winter. I'm going to send it back and get the Target jacket that was 1/2 the price, and much much warmer. Also, the hat is crazy crazy thin. Now I understand you don't want something super heavy causing you to sweat and be even more cold, but this hat is a bit of a joke. Le sigh.

On a positive note, I'm in l-o-v-e with the pants. They are awesome. I've already wore them twice. First on my long run with tights underneath, I was actually hot towards the end in the 25-35 degree temps, and again on Monday night by themselves in a low 40s temp. They are awesome. Super comfy. And actually flattering (because you know that's part of requirements for running gear!).

Update on the sweet Target jacket.  I bought it last week for the cheap-o price of $35.  Well when I finally tried it on I realized that a small wasn't exactly very small.  So I took it back to see if they had a itty bitty size.  Wahoo, they did.  AND it was on sale!  $29.99.  I wore it on a bike ride this weekend and was toasty.  I think I'm in luuuuuurve.

In other running consumer-whorism, I also bought some new running tights.  I already have a pair but they're a $15 walmart pair (from my EARLY high school track days), so I figured I could get a new pair especially since I was saving so much $$ on my returns.  I found these beauties at TJ Maxx marked down from $50 to $16.  Doesn't get much better than that, huh?

Also, because I'm still in love with them, please enjoy another shot of my shoesies.

Self Timer Photo Blooper Reel

(This is the point where I realize it's much easier to have a boyf to take pics of you in your new gear.  Jeri + self timer = total suckage)

no second timer instead of 10 second timer.  Jeri=fail.

This is what I look like while backing up to get in position for the photo.  ACTION SHOT.  Still....fail.

Yoga, Welcome Back into My Life. Please wipe your feet.

Over the past few weeks I've had a number of aches and pains. It started with whatever that muscle is under your butt cheek that connects to your hammie (on the left side). Which led to pain in my left hip. Then on Monday's hill workout, I started having pain in my left foot (on the outside of the foot in between the heel and that bone that sticks out).

Dear body,

What gives?!?!
Sincerely Sad,
Jerbear

I decided that in addition to getting new shoes, my old Nimbusi (my official plural to the word Nimbus) had over 400 miles on them now, I would also implement good ol' yoga back into my routine. Ever since the challenge that occurred in August and September, I've rarely done yoga. But it makes me feel sooooooo good. And so strong. Last week (while I was too cool to blog, sorry about that btw) I started waking up somewhere in the neighborhood of 6-6:45 to get in some yoga before work. It was sooooooo great. So far this week, I've only managed to get some in on Monday morning, and only some free flowing poses at that. But I am going to work on incorporating that into my routine again.

I've looked into some yoga studios in town. One of them does free classes on the first Friday of the month, which I missed as it was last Friday.  Another studio in town offers your first class for free, and their classes are considerably cheaper. I was thinking about asking for a yoga punchcard (assuming I like the studio) for a Xmas present. Yes, I'm always on the look out for great gift ideas for ME. Hehe.

After taking Tuesday off to appease the left side of my body, I had 5 easy miles to complete in addition to a volleyball game.  I ended up staying at work a half hour late, which meant that it was DARK when I got home.  :(  I still decided to use the bike trail for my run, even though there are some spots that are a little...umm...scary.  My left foot started hurting within the first mile and was hurting so bad at the halfway point that I just wanted to quit.  The unfortunate part about the out and back routes are that halfway through you are 2.5 miles from home.  :(  I sucked it up and kept going.  Every rustle of the leaves made me think that there was a crazy and/or deranged serial killer ready to jump out and chop me into bits.  Nope.  Just rabbits.  Lots and lots of rabbits.

I got home and scarfed some food and got ready for volleyball.  I switched into a different pair of shoes hoping that would help the foot pain.  No go.  We won 1 of the 3 matches, and let a huge lead go in the 3rd match which would've given us the W.  I wasn't super happy after the game, especially since I had played in pain.

After the game I came home and was a full on pout fest.  I had started throwing the word "stress fracture" out into my mind.  I did some research on the internet and it looks like it could either be that or tendonitis of some tendon that wraps from your ankle to the bottem of your foot.  I'm self diagnosing myself with the tendonitis one since it usually only takes a couple of weeks to heal vs. 4-6.  I am for sure taking the next week off from running, probably more like a week and a half.  If I need more, I'll take it.  I think I'm in good enough shape that I could still do the Dallas White Rock 1/2 in under 2 hours with training the 2-3 weeks prior.

I also think I might be breaking up with the volleyball team.  This pain came on shortly after my first game last week, and it makes sense that would be why it hurts.  Otherwise, I'm following almost an identical plan to the September 1/2 marathon, so it shouldn't be an overtraining injury.  The only variable that is here now that wasn't present then is volleyball.  Sad, because I do really enjoy playing volleyball, but if the girl can't run, poop will hit the fan!

I'm going to spend my time off rocking some bike workouts, some yoga, core exercises, and getting my push ups ON!  Anyone have any good stationary bike workouts you want to pass my way?  I'd love you forever!  :)

Minus the extra hour of sleep I hate you DLS

As I was patiently waiting for the clock to strike 5pm on Monday, signally time to go home, I noticed that the sun was disappearing farther and farther into the west. I checked weatherbug to see what time she would set for good, and was gobsmacked that it was 5:16pm. That's how long it takes me to get home! Instantly my motivation to run was -poof- gonzo. I sat on the couch, convincing myself that if I would just go for a run, I could go buy new shoes after. Yes, on occasion I do have to bribe myself to run....what? You don't... :s

After that did nothing I thought, well what makes you more excited about running than anything??? Running in new shoes! Heck, if I get the shoes first, there's no way I could turn down a run. I'm a GENIUS! My co-worker had a 20% off coupon for the local running store, and I was excited to use it. :) I had planned to get the Asics Nimbus 11, but wanted to try some others on just to be sure. I tried on some Nikes and Mizunos just for giggles, but I'm afraid my heart will always lie with the Nimbus. If it isn't broke, don't fix it, eh? Unfortunately, they only had purple left in stock in my size. Now, I'm not a purple hater, but during football season, I absolutely am, especially after Sunday's game. :( I texted a friend who's a big Vikes fan and confessed my purchase. His response, "I bet you look really good in purple. ;)" Well obviously! Just as long as everyone realizes I would've chosen green if given the choice. Hah.

After arriving home with my new shoes, I couldn't wait to go for a run. I grabbed my new running pants, my new (to me) white running jacket, and gloves and set out for a 6-7 mile run. This time I decided to hit up another ond 'hood: my old college! :) I knew it was going to be a hilly route, but felt like my legs could handle it. I spent the 6 miles reminiscing about my college memories, classes, friends, professors, co-workers..... I know some people hated college, but it will forever hold a big ol' chunk of my heart. It was cool to see new additions to campus and to some apartments surrounding campus. It was sad to see my two favorite party houses torn down. Sniffles.

It was especially awesome to run up the HUGE HILL I used to avoid at all costs when I first started running again the summer before my senior year. I remember whenever I would accidentally include it in my running route, I would ALWAYS have to walk up it. It was waaaaaaay too steep, and I just didn't have the strength or heart to tackle it. Not last night. I trucked right up the puppy, and was rewarded with the view of our new stadium. It was a great run, and even though it was technically supposed to be an easy run at an easy pace, I actually booked it, especially considering all the hills!

I did 6 miles in 52:51 for a pace of 8:49.

1. 9:41

2. 8:42

3. 8:38
4. 8:22

5. 8:19

6. 9:05

I just realized that this was basically a 4 mile hill tempo run.  Sweet.  :)
Sidenote:  I look like I have cankles in both of the pics of my new shoes.  Hahahha.  I just noticed that, oh well.  Gotta show off the shooooooosies.  :)

Halloweeeeeeeeeeeen + tempo run + psychology lesson

So the reason I was in such a hurry to get the 11 mile long run done was so that I could get on with HALLOWEEN! My old running buddy, Matty, and I had made plans to put the final touches on my costume and do some quick shopping to finish his costume. We had a tight schedule to follow, obviously. :)

Matt went as Bret Michaels (the singer). Some of you may know him better from the crappy show Rock of Love. Anyway, he actually kind of looks like Bret Michaels, so the costume was a HUGE hit. I will take full responsibility for his awesome make up application. In return, we both learned that he is somewhat of an expert at fake eyelash application. Who knew, right?

After spending a little time at one of his co-workers, we headed out to the bar, knowing we'd run in to the rest of my friends. And they were decked out as well. The newlyweds represented their own crappy reality tv show, by going as Jon & Kate Plus 8. Mel's wig is probably the sweetest thing I've ever seen. :)

I love that they look super pissed off and annoyed. Yes, Barry should've had an Ed Hardy shirt on, I already gave him crap for it.























One of my other good friends went as a toilet. Which was awesome. Especially because I got sick of walking all the way to the bathrooms to relieve myself. Don't mind if I do!

I have no idea who this guy is, but while standing at the bar I looked at him, and with sheer glee in my eyes whispered, "Oh my God...are you Dexter?!?!" He put his face mask down and was super excited that I got it, since most people didn't. Of course we had to take a picture. My grin proves how excited I was by his costume.

And finally, Mr. Taylor dressed up as a doctor. Of course I had to steal his stethoscope to check his vitals. Ahhh...just as I suspected....heartless.

:) My god I'm clever.

Any guesses as to what I am? Prior to going out, Matt and I had determined that 5 people would be able to guess my costume. The final result: 1. :( Oh well. Anytime I can rock the sexy but clever costume, I absolutely will.

**********************

The aforementioned festivities left a not so pleasant Sunday for Miss JerBear. We're talking mondo tummy pains. :( I still made myself get out the door for my 6 mile long run. However, because of the time change and the Packers game (oooooooh so sad, btw) I didn't get out to run until well after dark. Again probably a good thing because my stomach was still PISSED. I decided to run by my old stomping grounds, because I feel comfortable running in that neighborhood after dark. The only downfall is that there are some serious hills en route to the stomping grounds. Oh well, hills make you strong, right?

P.S. I would also like to point out that even though it was well after dark, I was WEARING SHORTS. Yes. November. I'm in shorts. Can I get a loud and proud, heck ya? Ok, enough of that.

The run felt really good and it was nice to hit up the old 'hood. It was even nicer letting the legs get some air. :) I did 6 miles in 52:51 for a pace of 8:49. My goal pace for the tempo miles was 8:23. Average tempo pace 8:30. Whoops

1. 9:41

2. 8:42

3. 8:38

4. 8:22
5. 8:19

6. 9:05

To be honest, my legs kind of felt like crap from wearing heels all night before, and my stomach could've emptied itself at any moment. Mental note, do not leave any tough runs for Saturdays/Sundays just in case you are inspired to go out on the weekend. Uff.

October in Review + Halloween long run

Halloween morning I woke up and dressed up in my first costume of the day: Cold weather runner. And set out to do 11 miles. In keeping consistent with my long run theme, I didn't eat anything before my run. Shocker. I have noticed that when I eat PB toast my stomach goes in to revolt almost immediately after, and I just didn't have time to deal with that.

Instead, I took my first Gu at mile 2, and it seemed to work just fine. I swear I am going to get some GUNS from toting around my handheld water bottle through the winter. Wowsers. My arms get tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiired. About 5 miles into my run I see a huge gathering of people....oh ya! There was a Halloween race that I was going to enter. This must be the start. :) I came running in the opposite direction minutes before the start. I ran another half mile up the trail and then turned back around to do the remaining 5.5 miles.

Another mile and a half to two miles in, I started to see some of the racers making their back route of the race. I cheered the front runner on, told 2nd place to go catch #1, and cheered like hell for chick #1 and #3 overall. Then it kind of got funny, as the leaders of the 10k started to pass me in the opposite direction...they started cheering for me! Thinking I was in dead last (by at least 2 miles....). The volunteers kept trying to hand me water and shaking their 5k & 10k turn around signs. I just had to laugh....I was keeping a really strong pace and WASN'T wearing a race bib, but apparently they didn't get it. Oh well, that's the most crowd support I've ever had for a long run. HAH.

I ended up running really strong, and having a really strong finish. It was also super fun to see all the costumes. I'm for sure going to do the race for fun next year in costume. One of my favorites: fourth place (when I saw him) in the 5k was the marlboro man. He was wearing a cowboy hat (that he was carrying in his hand), red flannel, jeans (OUCH!), and had a ciggarette dangling from his mouth. Too funny.

I did 11 miles in 1:38:51 for a pace of 9:00.

1. 9:07

2. 9:04

3. 9:08

4. 8:56

5. 9:04

6. 8:56

7. 9:01

8. 8:56

9. 9:04

10. 8:51
11. 8:39

And with that, my month of October came to a close.....which means.....OCTOBER IN REVIEW. I know you've been patiently waiting for it as always, I completely understand. :)

Total Miles: 115.1 up 14 from last month. Sadly should've been closer to 140-150, but being sicky sick took its toll.

Time spent: 17:41:15 Up almost 2 hours from September.

Total Runs: 20 which averages to 5.75 miles/run.

Highest weekly mileage: 10/12/2009 — 10/18/2009: 30.0 Mi/4:34:50

Favorite run: Um...any I didn't have to do indoors on the treadmill.... jk. Let me think. My easy 6 miler with awesome music. I got some serious clarity about life on this run, and it was just awesome.

Most hardcore run: My 4x800 m repeat workout in which I ran my first 800 at my 400 pace and couldn't figure out why I was dyyyyyyyyyying. :)

Favorite Race: USF Community 5k. Even though it was cold and a crappy course, it also wins by default because it was my only. Not sure how I went from racing every weekend in October, to just once. I'll chalk it up to, it's too damn cold! Anyway. :) I placed 1st in my AG, 5th for chicas, and 11th overall. Plus the clock time was 1 second faster than what I had, which is always a win! :)

Fall Photo Shoot

Monday I was dreading going for a run.  My legs were sore from racing then long runnin'.  But it was sooooo beautiful out.  I convinced myself that I should take my camera since it was just an easy paced run.  Then I had an even better idea.  Take out Miss Polly Sunshine, because who knows when the last bike rideable day is, right?  I went 9 miles in an undetermined amount of time.  I kept stopping and starting my garmin when I was stopping to take pictures, but at one point forgot to restart it and never started it again.  Oh well.

I love the colors of fall, I love fallen leaves, I love bridges, and I love Miss Polly, so they are my inspirations and subjects of the shoot.

This is my favorite of the group, and sadly it was taken while I was actually biking.  This is right before my favorite part of the trail.
I love the windiness of the trail, so I tried to capture that here.
Also, there are hundreds of pine trees planted in rows here, so every time I run through it, it smells like Christmas, and I love it even more.
A zoomed out version of the windy trail.
I love this bridge, but I've never actually run across it, it's off to the right of my regular route.  I think it's just a bridge to get access from the main roads to the trails actually.
Polly is just chilling while I attempt to be a photog.
I may complain about our bitterly cold/miserable weather, but it doesn't get much more beautiful than fall.
Love the crunchy fallen leaves.
Coming back over the bridge.
Peek a boo.
I thought these were beautiful with the bright orange tree peeking out in the background.
The sun is setting behind the river.  (P.S.  It's getting COLD and I'm still 4.5 miles from home.  WHOOPS!)
My second favorite shot of the bunch.  This is my favorite bridge on my route.  And I love how the sun is still just barely peeking out before setting for good.
The super calm river from the bridge.  It was mondo windy so I don't understand how it was so crazy still.
Got to have the reflection shot, no?
I was going for something more artistic here.  It didn't work that way, but I love how bright she is next to the dark colors of the bridge and river.