FFF - How to prepare for a long run...

NOT

So it's time for another episode of Five For Friday. And today we're discussing how I failed at properly preparing for my long run today.

1. Go out for happy hour two nights before and stay out late chit chatting and digesting sushi. Then get called in extra early that morning. 5 am? Did that.

2. Eat your weight in Double Stuff Oreos in one sitting the day before your long run.

3. Go out with co-workers for karaoke the night before. Because the next day nobody had to work, make sure to lose track of time and close down the bar. 2 am? Fo Sho!

4. While at karaoke, drink too many beers because they are on special for the night. They might have been out of my favorite, Guinness (not just a dog, but a beer too!), but I thoroughly enjoyed my Newcastle and my Newcastle, and my Newcastle, and my...

5. In a tipsy state, decide that waking up early to run makes perfect sense, because I can always nap later. When the alarm goes off after 5 hours of sleep, decide to not hit snooze, but reset the alarm for an hour later. In actuality, reset the alarm to go off five minutes later. And continue to fail at this until you decide to just turn off the alarm (it took me multiple attempts). Wake up almost two hours later.


Sooooo, the long run didn't quite happen today. I got out and did an hours worth of running in what could best be described as a speed ladder. Or maybe fartleks, only because I like saying fartleks. I was obviously dehydrated while running and my body just ached the whole time. I pushed through and figured, yes, I can always nap later. And I have spent the rest of the day lying around while doing laundry. It doesn't help that it's been a beautiful shade of gray all day. So I'm checking out for the rest of the night. Couch... here I come!

FFF - part 2

Another Five For Friday! Highlights from my Saturday

1. I did a bit of a long run today (5 miles, which is still long for me). I have a 5k on Sunday, so I didn't want to do too much.

I like purses...

2. I went to the mall with my bff Beth today and only bought some gummies at the candy store.

A healthy mixture of Swedish fish, sour brite crawlers, and gummy lobsters!

 3. Girl Math: If I eat a salad for lunch, I can totally eat my weight in french fries and they cancel out, right? Especially at Red Robin.

I google imaged "red robin french fries" and the first hit on the second page 

was Skinny Runner. That's awesome.

4. I'm planning on spending too much money on movies soon.

5. I loved The Hills when it first came on. And now TV Guide Channel plays the show everyday and even has a marathon on Sundays. I love drama that doesn't involve me!

OMG! I love drama too!

What is your secret obsession that you don't like to admit?

I'm open with my obsessions, but they should proabably be a secret. Like Hanson and The Hills. Don't judge.

Five for Friday

In my need to make lists, here I go with another! This one is about what I've learned about running! WooHoo!

1.  I don't know how to push myself. So running is a challenge in that regard. Today was hotter than I'm used to, so I just didn't feel like running that hard. I still finished my 3 miles that I planned on, but didn't do my planned pace. I know I need to get over myself, but I'm just happy that I'm out running (this thought will bite me in the ass in August... half marathon... yikes.)

2.  I know nutrition is a HUGE part of running, but let's face it, that requires work. (see number one) I get it. I'm going to school for culinary nutrition so I understand how food works. But if I feel like eating cookies, I'm going to eat cookies. Whatever. I call it fuel and get over it.

3.  You need some form of technology to tell you that you're not moving your fat ass fast enough. I would love a Garmin, but I'm not loaded with money. So unless you want to adopt me or find my a rich husband, not going to happen. Anyway, giant calculator watches are soooooo 80s.

4.  Running requires a lot of time spent worrying about poop. Did you poop before your race? Did you poop after your race? Did you see that marathon runner with poop running down her leg? The immature kid inside of me enjoys this. What other activity in the world requires you to spend this much time discussing what comes out your butt? None.

I'll spare you a picture for this one. 

Just look in your toilet if you're desperate.

5.  Finally, an upbeat one. Runners are the nicest and most genuine people I have met! I've realized that more and more. I've gone to small races by myself with nobody there to cheer me on and I haven't been lonely. When I'm out running with my dog, runners with smile, say hi, wave, or even just nod. Walkers will either ignore you or scowl. Maybe it's the endorphins or maybe it's just knowing, but I love it.
 

What's something that has surprised you about running since you joined the community?
Yes, I did want that to sound like joining a cult. I think it's mostly the camaraderie.