If I don't answer, blame the flesh-eating snails

So here's the deal, kids. I'm leaving tomorrow morning to go to VA Beach for my mom until Monday. I'm not sure whether I'll have internet or not, and so I've made the decision to wait until Tuesday morning to choose my giveaway winners. (Yes, winners, plural!) So, if you haven't entered yet, go do it!

Last night I was lying in bed dead asleep and woke up to itchy legs, and feet, and, OH MY GOD MAYBE IT'S BEDBUGS. Actually, I'm pretty sure it's bug bites from chasing my dog through the woods on Monday night. I also have bruises all over my legs from Pippi jumping on me, and a rope burn from her running after something while on the rope outside. My legs have never looked sexier, I assure you.

You're welcome, momma.

Also, the outfit I went for a run in today is THE sexiest thing known to man. I like to treat the neighbors.

Didn't see me? Yeah, okay!
(The shorts have pink dots all over them)

Jeremy and Amanda decided they want to start a new flower garden. They marked out the border, and started to dig the area for the mulch. Because Jeremy is a man, and has a friend who owns a tractor, this is how he did it.

Give a man a tractor...

 So, since I'm leaving tomorrow morning around 7am for the beach, I've decided I'm getting up early to do my long run tomorrow before I leave, so that I only have to run once while at the beach (since it's really a vacation for my mom and I to spend together). It will be my first run in the dark and I'm scared shitless. If there is no post from me on Daily Mile tomorrow morning, I was eaten by a bear, or a snake, or...a snail. They can be vicious, right?

Have a wonderous weekend, my friends. If the hotel has no internets, I'll be in touch on Tuesday...with winners!

My brain hurts

I admit my blogging this week has been lame. To put it plainly, I'm stressed out. The icing on the cake came last night when my sister-in-law let Pippi out without a leash and she ran after a couple deer and vanished in the woods. Aside from the fact that I was mad she didn't put a leash on her, I was FREAKING OUT on the inside. I walked through woods, getting spider webs stuck to my face, past a "No Trespassing" sign, which made me think I'd get shot by a deer hunter, and was sure I had ticks all over me. But I didn't care because I was finding my damn dog! 

At about the point when I was going to go inside and start making "LOST DOG" signs, she just...came back. An hour and a half of yelling her name and getting assaulted by wildlife and she comes back on her own. Pissed and relieved at the same time is a tiring combination.

Instead of going through the specifics of everything that's on my mind, you're getting an..."interesting facts" post. You're welcome.

• After Monday's post about how I won a pair of compression knickers, there was much discussion over the definition of "knickers". For me, it reminds me of another word my grandma (who is from England) would use to refer to pants. Most people commented, however, that it reminds them of another word for underwear. Well, apparently we're all correct, according to handy dandy Mac dictionary app, we're all right. (hurray!) and, bonus, an awesome piece of clip art is provided for our entertainment.
  
  

• I brush Pippi's teeth every night. It's part of our bedtime routine. Laugh if you must (I know I would if I were a bystander), but hopefully this will save me from ever having to pay money to have her put under for a "professional" cleaning. The supposed "chicken flavored" toothpaste I use says that it freshens breath. It makes her breath smell like chicken. I'm not really sure how much "fresher" the smell of chicken is from what her breath normally smells like.

The "doggy dentist" creeps me out. I turn it around so he's
not always staring at me.

• Whenever I see ads for companies like Victoria's Secret, which uses actual runway models to advertise their underwear, I think how unfair that is because I certainly don't look like that with skimpy clothes on. FALSE ADVERTISING! I wonder how many people buy their stuff and then send it back, claiming it didn't make them look like the model in the picture. If I had my way, I'd be able to order my legs and stomach from that catalog. Screw the underwear. 

I'm pretty sure if I posed like this on a
beach, people would throw things at me.

 

•  I've already alluded to the fact that I can't stand loud noises. They make me nervous/anxious/want to run far far away. This includes emptying the dishwasher. If I could afford it, I'd pay someone to come and do just this chore. Not because I hate doing it but because I can't take the sound. The sound of glass breaking is no exception. We take our trash to a recycling center because it's free to do so, instead of paying for trash pickup. I'll touch any stinky disgusting trash you want me to (as long as I can wash my hands afterward), but if you want the glass recycled, you've got to toss it into the bin yourself...while I sit over here with my hands over my ears.
  

•  For some reason last week I noticed people making Friday plural by typing it "Friday's". I don't understand this. Did we all not pass fifth grade? To make something plural, simply add an "s". That's all! And that's your grammar lesson for the day. You're welcome.

• I had a dream last night that my brother's friend chopped both of his arms and legs off with a wood chipper. Dream experts, define that one!

If you made it through this post, congratulations. Because it's time for another giveaway!

I'm giving away items from my etsy shop, Little Slice of Awesome. I haven't made up my mind yet on just how many items I'm giving away, but it will definitely be more than one. All you have to do is like my shop on Facebook and/or follow it on Twitter, and then leave a comment letting me know you did so. So easy! One entry per person. I also haven't decided when I'm picking a winner. It could be tomorrow and it could be next week, so "like" and "follow" soon!

Pivot

I don't have a real post for you today, but I do have a video of what I think of every time I hear the word "pivot," as in AspaerisPivot shorts, which I've said, read, and written about a lot lately.

Winners winners everywhere!

I feel like on Monday morning a weekend recap is a necessity, but I'm pretty sure that recapping my weekend and making you read it would be a form of torture, and I like you all too much for that.

Instead? A picture of a spoiled rotten puppy that almost got sold this weekend.

Whatever. My life is rough. I'm so misunderstood.

One fun thing did happen on Friday, though.

I won a giveaway from Kelly's Running Warehouse! Interestingly enough, the prize is a pair of compression knickers. (How fun is the word "knickers"?) After trying out my Aspaeris pivot compression shorts, I wished they also made pants because I feel like compression pants would be way awesome. Well, compression "knickers" are almost pants. I'm getting there...slowly.

Ok ok, onto the goods. You want to know who won my giveaway for a pair of sweet Aspaeris pivot shorts, right? Well, my friends, there were 49 entries. FORTY NINE!! Thanks to everyone who entered (and stay tuned for another giveaway coming up later this week!)

The winner of a brand spankin new pair of Aspaeris Pivot compressions shorts is...

"Gourmet Runner" and fellow FRIENDS fan, Vanessa!

Congratulations, Vanessa! Email me at hinkle.emily(at)gmail(dot)com for the deets on how to get your winning swag!!


Wow, this was fun. I'm going to have to hold giveaways more often! :)

Of banana bread and broken computers

Pippi decided she wanted to wear piggies, so I decided to surrender a collar from my shop for her.
Plus, she's the prettiest model I've ever seen.

Moooom...you're embarrassing me.

After work today I will be running five miles and tomorrow morning will be seven. This will be the most I've ran two days in a row. OH and it's supposed to be pouring down rain both times. Wee! Maybe I'll experience my first rounds of chafing. I just cannot wait.

This week at work has been crazy. My list of jobs has been overflowing since Tuesday when my computer was out of commission. It turns out the motherboard needed to be replaced. When the IT guy told me that, I asked if my files would be wiped off the machine. He looked at me funny and said, "no, the motherboard is being replaced, not the hard drive." Uhm...okay. My knowledge on computers is much like my knowledge of cars. They should just work.

She's back in action!

Yesterday I received the most delicious loaf of banana bread from Kari as a thank you for designing her new blog header. I'm convinced that I made out huge in that deal! I couldn't wait to dig into it and try it with peanut butter on it, per Kari's request. OH. MY. DELICIOUSNESS! This morning when I woke up, I was bummed when I remembered we have no breakfast food in the house, and then *ding* I remembered the banana bread! My morning was saved!

As I was opening the bread last night, I tweeted Kari to thank her. The response I received?

I read between the lines and realized she wasn't really just kidding.

Oh, oh, and then Alyssa went and suggested

Alyssa is a troublemaker.

I feel like I'm back in school! Oh, and then I remembered they're both giving up sweets for a month. Clearly, they've lost their minds. And, I just realized that in telling you all of this, I've written two paragraphs. Dammit! I guess you guys win...for now.


Do you enjoy running in the rain?


When running in the rain, what do you wear differently than during runs on precipitation-less days?

I'm going to be baking something this weekend. Any ideas?

Free is my favorite price

First of all, I just want to say that you guys freakin rock! I should have had a giveaway a long time ago. If you haven't entered to win yet, you need to. Go do it now! Also, don't forget that if you enter, email me (hinkle.emily@gmail.com) and I'll send you a coupon code to get 15% off at my etsy shop!

And now onto a recap of my workout yesterday, because spin class at the college gym is always an adventure.

My favorite torture device.

The instructor yesterday, Brie, is the one I've had before and remembered she is probably my least favorite. The last time I was in her class, we were subjected to her rants about things like JLo's relationship status and "Like, OMG, Beyoncé's pregnant!" It was like listening to an episode of E! news. I can't stand E! news. I find myself thinking, "who cares?" but then I remember what I'm watching.

Yesterday started out with Brie telling us that the last class she taught was mostly older people that didn't like the music she played during class. She then asked us to raise our hands if we were freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors. This always makes me laugh on the inside because she totally doesn't know I'm one of the older people (although, to be fair, I did like her music choices). We were then subjected to her telling us all about her spring break plans. Her friends and her are going to Cabo. Do you know what I always did for Spring Break in college? I worked overtime! Who can afford to go on spring break trips?? In my head, I was secretly running her over with the bike.

So anyhow, it just sort of went on like that. I tried to block out her ramblings. We mostly did sprints, which I was glad about, because I feel like it's probably more beneficial to my running than trying to pedal through a bunch of gear increases.

The bikes we use (the exact one pictured above) have a readout right on the handlebar, so you can always see how fast you're going, your heart rate (if you're wearing a monitor, which I do), how far you've gone, etc.

Yesterday I pushed through 26 miles. It always amazes me how much further you can go on a bike as opposed to running. If I could run 26 miles in an hour, I'd be a beast!

Also, earlier this week, I put in an order at Running Warehouse because I needed more socks. I still only have one pair of the only ones that have enough cushioning for me: Thorlo Experia socks. PLUS, they come in a bazillion fun colors! (In case you're wondering, yes, I'd recommend these bad boys for happy feet while running).

I swear the colors are not the only reason I like them!

I ended up ordering two pairs: pink and electric yellow.

Who WOULDN'T order something called "electric yellow"?

I also have been checking out some thermal gear for Winter runs. I am a huge tightwad, so something really has to be at the right price for me to consider buying it. I found a thermal shirt I was interested in, marked down to $24 (from $60!), and was in my size, which is not the norm for sale items. Also, it has purple on it!

I will seduce you with my purpleness.

When I got the box, the shirt seemed way heavier than I thought it would be and when I opened up the plastic pack, I noticed they'd sent me four of them! I checked the packing slip and it said I'd ordered one. I was praying it would fit so I could keep them. It will fit great with a baselayer underneath. So, looks like I'm all set for cold-weather shirts, for $6 each ;-)

Mom, don't you think you should return the
one you didn't pay for?

Would you return the three shirts you didn't pay for?

Have you entered my giveaway yet? You have until Monday morning at 10am!

My first giveaway!

On Monday my run sucked...until the 2.5 mile mark. Does anyone else have this issue? I am realizing with more miles under my belt, that it takes more than a three-minute brisk walk before a run for me to get sufficiently warmed up. My calves were killing me (still) yesterday, which didn't help, but I'm thinking maybe I need to do some sprint intervals or something before a long-ish run.

So, anyhow, that's not why you're here. You're here for that magic "g" word up there in the title. But first, all the reasons why you want to win the product that's being given away. And that product is?

A pair of Aspaeris Pivot compression shorts!

What are they, and how do they work, you ask?

"Aspaeris Pivot Shorts are designed to maintain proper position during repetitive motion. They help adjust your legs and hips to avoid injury. [They] lead to proper joint "loading," to help you improve performance and avoid injury."
(For more information, visit their website.)

Now, I'm a newbie to compression wear, so I have nothing to compare these to. I can only speak highly of the way fit, feel, and of their magical compressing powers.

I first wore them after a long Saturday run for recovery purposes. Because I'm a little slow sometimes, I tried to put them on after lotioning up after a shower. Don't do that. When they say "compression,"  they mean they're tight. Adding lotion to the mix will only make you work harder to put them on, and that's the opposite of recovering.

(It made me think of this FRIENDS episode)

I wore them a couple of hours after the run, and then during that night while I slept. I really enjoy the compressing powers of these suckers. It's like they've finally developed a way to give your butt and thighs a warm, comforting hug. I did get a mark on my thigh where the bottom of them indented my skin, but I chalk that up to the fact that my thighs were really meant for someone much larger than me.

As for wearing them on a run?

Ahh-mazing! Not only do they feel like they hold everything in (or "compress", if you will), but I definitely felt more stable, like I was running with better form. I officially want about five pairs so that I can wear them on every run! Believe me, you want a pair.

And now you want to know, "How can I win a pair?" I'm going to make this quick and dirty. One entry per person, everyone gets a fair chance to win.

All you have to do is "like" Aspaeris Pivot Shorts on Facebook and/or follow them on Twitter, and leave me a comment to let me know that you did. 

Everyone who enters will get one entry in the giveaway
BONUS
If you enter this giveaway, I'm also giving you an opportunity to get 15% off at my etsy shop! After leaving a comment on this post, letting me know that you like Aspaeris on Facebook and/or follow them on Twitter, email me at hinkle.emily@gmail.com and let me know you'd like the coupon code.

I will be choosing the winner this upcoming Monday, September 26, at 10am.

GOOD LUCK!!

Life's not fair

Sorry, kids, you have to wait another day for my giveaway. I'm just mean like that.

No, not really. My computer (I use my work laptop for just about everything, including blogging) took a dump on my day this morning. It's currently in the magical land beyond the rainbow where all broken computers go to get fixed. I'm currently on my "old" computer (which was replaced back in January and has been sitting around here for 8 months. I asked if I could buy it to have as my home computer, instead of having it go wherever they take old electronics to die, but was denied. They'd rather it just sit and collect dust in a storage room somewhere. Makes sense, right?) and I'm hating it.

I'd be way more bummed than I am, except that today is my best friend's third wedding anniversary and, since her husband is working tonight, she asked if I wanted to have dinner and get pedicures with her. Uhm...YES! Oh, she is also 8.9999 months pregnant, and you just don't say no to a woman in that state.

This has nothing to do with anything except it's kinda funny.

I'm a little concerned about the condition that my feet are in. Ok, truth be told, I'm not so much concerned as I am...embarrassed? No, that's not the word. Hmm...I feel sorry for the poor soul who has to try and make these puppies look decent. Yeah, that's exactly what I'm feeling.

Running, while addicting and awesome, does not give you pretty piggies.

I'm pretty sure they make running shoes so detailed to detract from what's inside.

This weekend, since it was a bit chilly out, I wore a pair of my older running shoes to run errands in instead of my flip flops. As soon as I put my foot into one, I could tell they were way too narrow for me for. And I'd been wearing that brand for...uhh...how many years?? By the time I got home, my foot was throbbing in pain. This is when I decided I'm recycling all of my older shoes (most are completely worn our anyway) and buying a cheap (older style) pair of Brooks neutral running shoes for non-running activities. I got a great deal, and guess what color they are.

 Last pair in my size! It was totally meant to be.

I'm totally looking forward to the calf massage. My calves are still on fire and I'm not sure what from. Running hills? But I'd imagine my thighs would be hurting if that were the case. Anywho, it should make for a fun story.

And now, I will promise you, giveaway tomorrow! Get excited! :)

A tiny taste of that season after Summer

Hi everyone. Pippi here. I like to poop. And chew on my
Nylabones. And eat and drink and poop some more.

And now, back to our regularly scheduled program :)

So, HI! How was your weekend? Mine started out with my first ever chilly, rainy run Saturday morning. I felt ok during the six miles, but as soon as I got home, I couldn't wait for the ten minutes to tick by with ice on my knee (which started hurting again. argh!) so that I could get in the shower. Oh and a marvelously warm shower it was. I was actually surprised by how comfortable I felt on the run even though it was pretty chilly out. When cars passed by me, I felt like a badass and hoped the people in the car said things like, "look at that crazy-in-the-rain runner" and "wow, that's dedication". You see, in my head, everyone's a fan of my work. Everyone.

(17 miles last week, kids! It's a personal weekly record. Wahoo!)

Amanda and I then ran some "fun" errands. One place we went was the running store, with the money I had in my "running money" jar. They didn't have the things I actually went in for (socks), but I did get these bad boys:

I think I'm going to start wearing hats more
often so I can look mysterious all the time.

It was on sale. And it's purple. It was calling out
to me.

My favorite part of the beanie is the "hair hole" 

It's impossible to take a picture with a wiggly puppy.

We also went to this awesome store in Chapel Hill called A Southern Season. It's an amazing place where you can get things you "need"

The most amazing thing ever invented.

And things you never knew you needed

I mean, who DOESN'T need tiny frog salt-and-pepper shakers
for $4.00?

After we showed Jeremy our purchases, I turned my back to make dinner, and this happened in literally .5 milliseconds.

She leaps like she's a freakin leopard (leopards leap, right?) and then ten minutes later, after I recovered from cracking up, I set her back on the ground and removed her spring.

On Sunday I tried to take her running. The plan was to do an easy 2-mile recovery run. I figured Pippi would be pulling me over. HA! She was trailing behind. She stopped to poop, smell things, and refused to move her legs faster than a fast walk. So much for the fun running partner.

And now I have something serious to discuss with you guys. So, while I was at my running store (Fleet Feet, in case you're curious), I got annoyed like I do every time, about the price of Sweaty Bands! Are you KIDDING me, $15? I really gotta make it big somehow with my headbands. Mine are clearly the best, as they are made with love. And sunshine. (And sell for $6!)

I'm thinking the first thing I need is a fun name for them. All I can come up with is "Emy Bands," but that's admittedly kinda lame, right? Or do we like it? Any ideas?

Oh, and while we're on the subject, I added two new headband designs and a new collar design today. 

There's also a piggie headband!

Also, don't forget about the Create-your-own Halloween themes.

P.S. Two giveaways are coming and a little birdie told me the first one starts tomorrow!

Slacker

So let's just call yesterday "slack day". I didn't post, I didn't run, I did, however, have no cavities at the dentist!

At least my flossing is up to par.

I got home from the dentist around 3pm and figured I might as well take an hour nap while I wait for the temperature to drop a bit outside so I could get my four miles done. It was a great plan, until I didn't wake up until after 6pm! I'm convinced I don't get enough sleep at night. Pippi agrees. She didn't even get up when I got in the shower. She chilled in bed the entire time I ate breakfast and got ready for work today.

Can we please just go back to sleep, Momma?

I decided that I would make today a make up 4-mile run and then, of course, tomorrow is my long (for me) run. I'm technically supposed to be taking a step-down week according to my training plan and then I decided I don't want to do that, so I'm in-between weeks. I'm going to try for 6.5 miles tomorrow. If it's not pouring outside, I feel like it'll be a nice run due to the cooler temperatures.

So, back up to why I didn't blog yesterday. I've accepted a challenge, and, if it turns out to be a success, I may be receiving baked goods in the mail. Yeah, I know. YOU'D skip blogging for a day for free baked goods, too!

Your mouth is watering. Don't lie.

So, so far since I've started training, I've had a pizza from Subway every Friday for dinner before my long run, and then oatmeal Saturday morning before my run. I feel like I shouldn't depart from this plan. Do you eat the same things before long runs? Because now it's like some sort of superstitious thing. Yeah, I'm awesome like that.

In parting, I began my commute to work this morning with this song:

...like a chump.

My gynecologist tried to kill me! (No, not really. It's a line from FRIENDS)

I'm a celebrity. Just ask my gynecologist.

(Yes, this one is about my visit to the gynecologist today. Feel free to quit reading now if you would rather spare yourself the dirty details. Also, I apologize for all the google images. This is one post I have no real pictures for. You're welcome.)

For some reason this appointment was a bit different, yet exactly the same as all the others. You know, go in, pee in a cup, get weighed, make small talk with the nurse while she pricks your finger and asks you all those questions that were embarrassing ten years ago, but now are just blah blah blah.

At least I got a fun band-aid!

The nurse asked if I was still on the certain type of birth control. (side note: In order to not go insane and possibly bleed to death, I'm on a rare, high-dose birth control to control my...cycle, so the nurse is always surprised at what I'm on until she reads my history). When I told her that I am, and that instead of paying the $55 per month for it, (no generic for a drug not many people take), my insurance has raised prices on everything and it now costs me $64 per month. WEE! (New clothes? What's that?)

"Hi I'm the bane of your existence."

The nurse then told me something that, if it's true, will change my life in a big way. She said that, as of January 1, 2012, all birth control will be free. Uhm...WHAT? SERIOUSLY? You mean I can soon potentially afford to eat AND clothe myself?? When I got home, I did some research and I found out that, while January 1 is very optimistic, there may be some truth to this rumor. Also, those yearly exams we have to go to, but hate with every fiber of our being? Free too! Don't get me wrong, I'm not counting my chickens before they hatch, but I have hope.

So back to the exam. When the doctor finally came into the exam room, before he even sat down, he said, "You got your hair cut." Uhh..yeah, I guess I haven't been here since I cut my hair, but surely he doesn't remember what every single patient looks like, right? I asked him if there's a picture on his little hand-held computer thingie and he said there isn't, he just remembers me. Woah, really?!

He then asked about my prescription and, as always, mentioned dropping the dose. I always have to talk him out of it because bad things happen when we do this (we've tried before). After more discussion, I convinced him. Apparently I'm his only patient on this drug long-term. THAT's how he remembers me! I'm the weird girl who takes that crazy drug. (I'm also the only person at my pharmacy who takes it. Since it's so expensive, whenever they have to reorder it, they ask if I'm going to continue to be on it long-term).

I'm also one of those people whose results always come back abnormal. They always have. Do you know what they do to you when you have abnormal results? They do something called a colposcopy and take a biopsy. Yes, it hurts. I've had it done twice. You also get to go to the doctor every six months instead of every year. Fun times! I decided to not go to my last six-month appointment. I was just annoyed and didn't see the need if they were just going to tell me the same thing I always hear (something about abnormal cells. Great. Thanks. I can do nothing with that). Yeah, the doctor mentioned it. Because, you know, I'm that girl.

I'm not gonna lie, I want a wand.

After the exam, he told me, "everything looks good". I'm never really sure what to say when my gynecologist gives me a thumbs-up on "everything". I'm sure I'll be seeing him again in a few weeks after they get my results. You know, because history has an annoyingly annoying way of repeating itself. Dagnabit.

No, my gyno's not old. This picture was just the right amount of creepy.

Tomorrow I get to go to the dentist! I've decided frozen yogurt shall be my reward for being a good patient two days in a row. I promised Alyssa I'd go to a frozen yogurt place in Chapel Hill that she's been to, and take pictures. No problem there! I have no qualms about taking pictures of myself enjoying cold, creamy deliciousness. I know you can't wait :)

Running a new route

So, in my header, I call myself a "runner wanna be". It occurred to me this morning that I don't know at what point I can officially delete the "wanna be" part of that title. The dictionary defines a runner as "a person who runs". I think this is a little too easy. I mean, an out-of-shape drug dealer running from the cops is technically running, but he's not a runner. I think, in order to be considered a runner, it requires a certain amount of dedication.

MY definition: Runner: A person who runs and is dedicated to the sport of running

So, you guys, I think that means...I'm a runner! (I've got the blisters to prove it). I do believe a banner redesign is in order :) I know that I've got a long way to go, especially if I'm going to make a half marathon my goal, but supposedly the journey is the reward (or so I'm told).

So, that being said, yesterday I decided to try a different running route than the boring route I've been doing through my neighborhood (Bobcat Point becomes less badass every time you run it). I decided to run through the UNC campus, using part of the 5k route I ran for my first race last year. All I have to say is holy moley, I don't remember it being that hilly! On the way out, I was thinking at the beginning, "man, this is great. Downhill. WAHOO!" and then I remembered...oh crap, I'm doing an out-and-back. Now I know why they call this city Chapel HILL.

Not nearly as innocent as it looks!

I'm always amazed by how great it is to run a new route. Even though my legs were so so tired still (I must use my Aspaeris Pivot compression shorts tonight!), it just seems easier to run when the route isn't so familiar. It's probably all in my  head, (ok, I know that it's all in my head), but I like this switching it up plan. I'm so glad I came up with it. Way to go, brain!

Yesterday I found a picture of Pippi in her even younger days, before she adopted me :) and before her ears had learned how to stand up. She was also less spotted. She just keeps getting better, but man, she was an adorable baby.

I really do want to take her running with me at some point, but I'm afraid she's going to pull me over. Maybe this weekend I'll see how a mile goes. Kara has me all jealous now that her dog runs way more miles in a week than even I do!