Hearts in the Sky

The holidays were really challenging this year, as expected. Whenever a close family member passes, they say the first holiday season is the hardest. I get my insane love of holidays from my mom, so it was certainly a challenge.

Leading up to Valentine's Day I got a little weepy as Facebook would remind me every other day leading up to the holiday that my mom has always sent me a Valentine's card. I realized this was the first year in 33 years that I wouldn't be getting one.

On my drive to work, I kept my eyes checking the sky. Sure that I would be able to find a heart shaped cloud somewhere sent from my mama. The skies were completely bare and brilliantly blue.

During my lunch break, my social media feed was full of a variation on the picture below. An unknown skywriter was drawing hearts in the sky for the holiday. <3 I know they weren't from my mom for me, but after spending the morning looking at the sky for some love, here it was.

It made a hard day a little less difficult.

Happy Valentine's Day

Puggy Turks says Happy Valentine's Day! 

::snort snort::

I did not get a Valentine's Day pug.  Sniffle.  I didn't expect one, but that doesn't mean I would've turned one down.  The black pug I wanted to go visit at a shelter in the cities this weekend, got adopted this past weekend, according to the rescue's facebook page.  Secretly, I hoped that Kyle had got her for me.  What?  A girl can dream, right?

My running streak ended with today.  Seven days in a row.  I don't know how people do running streaks. Granted, I understand that a lot of people do one milers to count towards the streak but essentially as a rest day, but still.  Might be fun to try someday.  100 consecutive days?  Sounds awesome.  Sounds like something I won't be doing any time soon.  I heart rest days.

Also, I heart all of you!  I hope you have the greatest of great Valentine's days whether you're spending it with your boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife, booty call, kitty/pug snuggle bunny, bestie!

And just for fun, let's share some best and worst Valentine's Day memories!  In high school, it was customary to put balloons in lockers of the person you liked/were dating, whatever.  My high school boyfriend was a super nice guy.  I think one Valentine's Day I had enough helium balloons at the end of the day to carry my 100 pound scrawny frame to my house a few blocks away.  Wheeeeeee!

Last year, being the romantic gal that I am, I gave Kyle the Ninja Star Death Flu.  Needless to say, I spent Valentine's Day all by my lonesome, and he spent it with the bathroom.  Sorry KP!

Now your turn!

No Spend March Update + Pufferfish CUTENESS

No Spend March Update (halfway point):

Starbucks:
Week 1-$0.
Week 2-$4.24 I was doing good until last Friday.  Needed to HAVE ONE.

Food:  Week 1-$0  Groceries were within my budget (actually $11 under, hey-o!) and I've yet to splurge on any good (=restaurant) food.  Primarily because my stomach wanted to die after Saturday's long run, but whatev.
Week 2-$65.  Ugh.  Clearly I was starving on Saturday after the races, so I had to have dinner.  And a beer.  And then I got Kyle one for being a super great race spectator.  And then somehow that turned in to two (wtf?!).  And THEN I really wanted mexican food, so obviously we had to go there for lunch on Saturday.  Bad bad Jerbear.

Otherwise:
Week 1-$89.  Oops.  Groupon was having a great deal for 6 1-day punch cards for a fitness place in town.  And they have great classes.  Usually it's $10 for a day pass, and with the groupon it was $5.30.  Sooooo I got two of them.  Really it's saving me money from buying it at full price in the future, but still.  Kinda failed my challenge.  Also, I bought a super sweet (cheap!) Aaron Rodgers jersey back in January that I thought I didn't have to pay for til April, but apparently needs money NOW.  Sniffle.  So I had to pay for that too.
Week 2-$0.
__________________

For Valentine's Day I got lots of sweet and loverly things.  One of my very favoritest things came from Jodee (p.s. if you don't read her blarg...yes blarg... you're dumb and should start immediately!  ok, not immediately... finish reading my post first then GO!)  I opened up the package and literally shrieked outloud.  Kyle was with me and he thought I had been poisoned or something.  Look. How. Cute. It. Is.

It's a little puffer fish, and it's the cutest thing ever.  Apparently there are over a hundred different ones you can collect, and I'm sorry to admit that I think I want them ALL!  His little eyes and mouth pull out from his face and his top removes from his bottom to which I exclaimed, "oh my God, you could store SECRETS IN THERE" and then KK asked if I was on crack.  For the record:  No.  Just high on puffer fish adorableness!  Thanks again Jodee.  To anyone else who would like to send me one to add to my collection, please message me for my address.  Jk.  Kinda.

Since I was too lazy to do my run Sunday, Monday after work was my first run post-Irishman festivities.  My shins were the only things that were sore on Sunday, so I was hoping there wasn't anything else lingering.  It was a tropical 40 degrees, and although there were 20 mph wind gusts, it was like a breeze compared to the horrific conditions from race day.  My legs even got to see the sun a little bit.  Yay capri pants.

Sadly I'm fairly certain these capris are made for yoga or perhaps dance.  They have no drawstring and they easily could've been around my ankles after 5 miles if I wasn't constantly a-hikin' them up.  There may have even been camel toe moments.  I justified it by saying that the higher up they were hiked, the farther I could run without having to re-hike.  Nbd.  I did 5 miles and for once in a long long time didn't hate where I lived.  Yayzies.

New Personal Distance Record: 14 Miles

I had been looking forward to my 14 mile long run all week.  Finally a new long run distance to conquer.  (Yes, you know you're officially a crazy runner when you're excited about a 14 mile run, you can relate right??)  However, I was not looking forward to the possibility of having to do it on the treadmill, especially after the crap-fest run from last week's 12 miler.  After looking at the weather report all week, I thought it just might work to do it outside.  I had been eyeing the part of the bike trail that is visible from the road on the way to my gym, and it seemed to be clear of snow.  Once 9:30pm hit on Friday night, it was light's out.  (Crazy runner sign #2:  going to bed before it's dark out practically).

I woke up to 18* temps with a light breeze.  The wind chill was showing 15-16.  I figured I would give it a try, and if it was too unbearable, I could always come home, hop in my car, and head to the gym for the remainder of the run.  I set out in tights, running pants, an under armour wicking LS, a fleece, a light jacket, and a dorky stocking hat.  Turns out that after I returned the Nike running hat this fall, I never actually purchased a new one.  Ooops.  I had also spent time creating an awesome playlist for the run.  Unfortunately, I just plugged in my iPod and then unplugged when I was ready to leave the house.....without actually loading on the new playlist.  Grrr.

I started off on the run, and the trails were 85% clear and I was happy.  Look at me, I'm running outside! Wheeeeeeee!  Of course after the first mile was done, the trails were covered 100% in loose snow.  Miles 2-3 1/2 were horrendous, but the rest of the run was probably about half and half for snow coverage.  Of course on the way back (since I did an out and back course) Miles 11 1/2 to 13 were also horrendous.  You can tell by my splits exactly where the roads were clear or not.  The good thing about the snow is that it did help me to slow down my pace, otherwise I think I would've tried to fly through the 14 miles.  I can not wait to be outside in a tank and shorts though.  Ahhh spring, can't wait.

The sun.  Oh sweet sweet sun.  I had forgotten what the sun even looked like, let alone the extra 2-3 degrees it gives you.  If there wasn't 4-5 foot snow drifts lining the bike trail, I might have even thought it was spring.

I kept expecting to get really tired during the run, since I was exerting myself way more than normal just by slipping and sliding around, but I was pretty much ok except for the final mile, which makes sense because I was pushing the pace because a) it was the last mile and b) the trail was clear.  Overall, I was pretty happy with the run.

I did the 14 miles in 2:14:28 for a pace of 9:37.

1. 9:25
2. 9:51
3. 10:03
4. 9:33
5. 9:34
6. 9:34
7. 9:43
8. 9:33
9. 9:36
10: 9:28
11. 9:35
12. 9:46
13. 9:51
14. 8:50

I did see about 1,000 golden retrievers during my run and it made me want one soooo baaaaaaad.  I had a golden retriever growing up and have wanted another one forever.  N is planning on getting one once he buys a house and I can't wait.  I may already have a sweet "running dog" name picked out for him, and can't wait to have a running companion.  :D

Post run instead of an ice bath, I waded in the snow drifts outside my apartment.  It was cold.  To say the least.  I was impressed by how sweaty I got during that run for the temp;  I must've bundled up correctly, because other than the times I was running into the wind, I was perfectly content.  There were even times when the wind was at my back that I was HOT.

After getting showered up and eating some soup (which my stomach did not take to) I felt sick.  My face was extremely wind burned, causing my body temp to feel extremely warm.  I was on the verge of a headache and my stomach just hurt.  Oy!  I laid on the couch as long as possible and then eventually got some energy mustered up to get all gussied up for the belated-Valentine's Day date.  Yay!  I can't think of a better way to eat back 14 miles worth of calories, can you?  Luckily my stomach started feeling better (perhaps it was the wine, not sure....maybe the snuggling, as that cures all) so I could enjoy my eating and company.

This morning I have some tenderness/soreness in the back of my knees which is to be expected after all the slipping and sliding around that they endured yesterday.  Being the resourceful chica that I am, I stuffed some snow in a ziploc bag and here I am icing away.  :)  While eating some leftover Coldstone ice cream.  Does that kid know the way to my heart or what?  Ice cream = <3

Beth at Shut up and Run is having another giveaway.  Check it out here.

Happy Birthday Dear MacBook!

    
Yes, for the record, that is Jeri Loves MacBook.  It was one year ago today that I received the single greatest gift a gal could get for Valentine's Day:  her very own MacBook.  I was truly in love with myself, and thought, what the hell.  Why not give myself what I really truly want??  So I did.  I love her just as much as I did a year ago.  And yes, I have a very special evening planned for her here shortly.  Hubba hubba!


To back track a bit, I had my third training run for MARATHON TRAINING!!!  On Thursday evening of 7 easy miles.  Luckily my legs were back to healthy, but I still took the run at an easy peasy pace to keep them healthy.  I read 3 magazines while running (yes I was that girl on the treadmill).  Spring where art thou?  I did 7 miles in 1:07:26 for a pace of 9:38.  Admittedly, I did crank up the pace on the 7th mile because I was b.o.r.e.d.  Most of my miles were around the 9:40-9:49 range.

Saturday morning I had many plans to get up and be at the gym by 8am to do my 12 mile long run.  8am came and went, and I was lucky to be strolling in the doors at 11am.  My personal distance record on the t'mill is ten miles.  And both (both? I think, possibly 3) were miserable.  I figured 12 wouldn't be much better.  I hopped on the treadmill and was excited to see that there was a show about female bodybuilders on MSNBC.  I'm super fascinated by these chicks, so the first hour passed pretty quickly.  I took a disGUSTing Gu at Mile 3 because I'd only had 1/2 a Lunabar before heading to the gym.

After the bodybuilder documentary was over, I started to realize how crappy I felt.  I was drinking water regularly, and took another Gu at Mile 8.  But after taking the Gu, and again at Mile 10 I started feeling really nauseous.  I usually try to pick up the pace during the second half of long runs, but after this happened, I really slowed up.

I really need to plan for fueling pre-run especially when I start getting into these longer distances.  Feeling barfy while running is no fun.  It's just unfortunate because everything seems to upset my stomach lately.  Any suggestions for pre-run foods are mucho welcome.  Even peanut butter is destroying my digestive system lately.  Sniffles.

Anyway.  I did 12 miles in 1:48:51 for a pace of 9:05.  My pace should've been quite a bit slower and definitely will be for future long runs.
1. 9:19
2. 9:20
3. 9:14
4. 9:11
5. 9:06
6. 9:03
7. 9:04
8. 9:05
9. 8:49
10. 8:57
11. 8:52
12. 8:46

When I got done running, I noticed one of the trainers at the gym was still going strong (she started roughly around the time I did).  The crazy lady was doing 15 on the treadmill.  Uff.  Mucho respect for her.  After stretching out I tweeted that I was going to go wade in the waist-high snow banks outside my apartment in lieu of an ice bath.  I got out to my car, and it wouldn't start.  Some yahoo left her lights on and had drained her battery.  I'm such an idiot sometimes.  Luckily my old roomie's husband came to the rescue to jump me (jump my car!  oy, that sounds bad!).  Needless to say, by the time I was done standing outside in the blowing snow and freezing cold, my fingers were purple enough without snowbanks.

My Valentine's plans had to get shuffled around a bit, so I was stuck with 2 tickets to Valentine's Day and no date.  Luckily my old roomie wanted to go with me.  Ok, I know the movie is being criticized for being too much like Love, Actually but I actually really loved it.  Hah.  But seriously.  It was cute.  Definitely a good, "awww I'm so in love" type of movie.  Also, I'm not going to lie, but if I don't have my cute boy to stare at, Taylor Lautner will be an okay second choice.  Mmmmm.  Plus, I've always thought that N and Ashton Kutcher have the same eyes.  Perhaps that's why A Lot Like Love is one of my favorite movies...interesting thought.

And in case you were curious, I spent my day of loooooove enjoying Chinese food with one of my best friends and her kids (HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR EVERYONE!) and watching Season 5 of HIMYM.  That's right.  I spent my day with Marshall Eriksen.  Be jealous.

Also, there's a bunch of great giveways going on right now!
Beth at Shut up and Run! is doing a sweet Champion clothes giveaway.  If you're a dude, feel free to enter and then give me the goods.  Danke!

And Iowa Girl Eats is doing a $50 online shopping spree giveaway (same as above applies if you don't like free money).

Macbook = Love

This post was previously typed on February 15th:

I am typing on my brand. new. mac. book. If you haven't talked to me since February 14th, perhaps you haven't heard just how in love I am with my new computer. I contemplated sleeping with it last night. Seriously. I settled for setting it on my dresser next to the bed just so it wouldn't have to be alone. Or so I wouldn't have to be alone. Definitely one of the two. ANYWAYS. She's beautiful. Everything I could want in another woman. :) The best valentine ever. Only because the last 2 have been valentiMes, which is totally different. But I digress.

For the most part I still don't know how to use it. And unfortunately I haven't been able to steal anyone's wifi all day, so I suppose I need to break down and get internet. And since I don't have an internet connection right now PLUS I don't know how to use my computer, I'm currently creating this blog post on a sticky note, to copy and paste once I have internet connection. Despite the fact that I don't know where to locate a word doc on here, I DO know how to record music and play chess against my computer. Computer: 2 Jerbear: 0. By the way, if anyone would like to teach me to play chess, I would greatly take the help.

Things I have taught myself using my "Everything Mac" book tonight: how to right click on my computer. Whoo. And also, might I mention. The first page of this book says " Congratulations. You and your MacBook were made for each other." I know we were. Thanks. Love love love.