The race photos should be interesting

You know how it's generally frowned upon to run a race having not trained exceptionally well for it and also to wear new running shoes for that race? I am here to tell you that those are some great rules, friends. I learned these lessons the hard way yesterday, running the RunRaleigh half marathon. I knew that I wasn't going to PR, but I never expected to add 20 minutes to my time!

Apparently I can't follow directions.

Without going into a lot of detail, I'll just say that I ended the race limping and barely able to actually run through the finish line due to the pain in my left hip and the blisters where my baby toes used to be. What was awesome, however, was that Mike and Nicole (who I met in February and who ran at this race, too) met me about a half mile from the finish line and coaxed me to get there. Also, I wasn't dizzy at all for the race. A small miracle.

The shirt was a huge hit with the volunteers.

Thankfully we parked about 100 yards from the finish line, because otherwise I may have attempted to crawl to the car. I may just cut my baby toes off. I don't really need them, right?

Next year, dude. We shall meet again.

So I'm hoping the hell brought to my baby toes is because I never really "broke in" these new running shoes and not that the shoes don't fit right. Thoughts?

Another amazing small miracle happened this weekend. Pippi and I stayed at Mike and Nicole's house Saturday night and, due to her past of growling and snapping at strangers (like "the ex"), I was worried she'd be that way toward Mike and Nicole, and not get along with their dog. When we went in their house, she immediately wanted to meet and lick Mike and Nicole and growled once at their dog and a half hour later the two of them were running around and playing in the backyard. I'm such a proud dog mom right now! I know it sounds dumb, but believe me. It's a big step.

I'm pretty sure she'll be doing this most of the day.

So next weekend is the Tar Heel 10-miler and I'm determined to make it a much nicer experience (all things considered, the RunRaleigh half was a great experience, had it not been for my stupidity). Mike is running this one as well, and I'm hoping he won't have to wait quite as long for me at the finish line after he's done).

I took the day off work today. Such a great idea. I sense a lot of stretching and foam rolling. And watching the dog sleep. And rehydrating. Maybe some ice cream. Best Monday ever.


Have you ever ran a race you weren't very prepared for?

Do you typically get blisters on a certain part of your foot from running/walking/biking, etc?

ISO a straight jacket

There's a contract for a home with my name and signature all over it, you guys! Shit just got really real.

I may need a Xanax. Or a straight jacket. Perhaps a noose?

You really can't deny the truth in this.

On a side note, when I told the dude at the running store yesterday that I am running the Tar Heel 10-miler next weekend, he wanted to know what my goal time is and asked if I'm going for 8- or 9-minute miles. Apparently I only look speedy.  Also, he was pretty adorable.

A house contract and some eye candy. All-in-all not too shabby for a Thursday afternoon.

I'm not really a spaz

Yesterday's post brought a lot of comments like, "Dude, you're a freak. Why do you care what color your running shoes are if you really need them for a race in five days?" I want to address this. The reason is...RED. I can't stand the color. I've discussed it here and here.

Red is evil!

When i was a lot younger, my step mom had a red car with red interior and every frickin time I rode in that car I got carsick. I will swear forever and ever until I die that it was due to the red interior.

To me the color symbolizes anger and vomit. I don't need to be thinking about vomit while I'm running a race I'm not exactly prepared for.

So, when Sarah at Fleet Feet brought out these shoes, you can understand why I just couldn't bring myself to spend $90 on this color.


The Brooks Launch also comes in the following three colors.

I would have even taken the ugly yellow ones. I'm not a running shoe color snob, but I must draw the line at red.

You're such a spaz, Mom. I'm embarrassed for you.

Is there a color you refuse to wear? Or am I the only one?

Running shoes and Neil Patrick Harris

Yesterday I went to get fitted for running shoes. I had suspected the reason I was getting blisters and rubbing on my left foot is because it's smaller than the right foot. It drives me batty. Well, it turns out my left foot is actually half a size larger than my right foot! For crying in the sunshine!

I've got one of each.

So, after telling Sarah-the-shoe-fitter my woes and her asking me if my bunion causes me pain (dude, I have a bunion. hehehe....bunion), she brought out a pair of Nikes and a pair of Asics...both of which I've had NO luck with in the past. And, true to form, they both sucked. Another pair of Nikes later that didn't do the trick (although I have to give Nike props for their awesome shoe colors!), and she finally  brought out a pair of Brooks.

NC State's color

It just so happened they fit pretty great and I decided I'd try them out...but I really didn't want this color if possible. I mean, come on Brooks, really?? My running store location didn't have them in any other colors, so Sarah is having a much nicer color delivered from the Raleigh store.

UNC's color

What can I say? I'm high maintenance. I find it ironic that the store right by UNC's main campus doesn't carry this color, but the store right by NC State does.


Next subject? Neil Patrick Harris. Yes, I completely changed the subject. Don't worry. It's allowed. Lately I've been watching How I Met Your Mother on Netflix, in episode order. I'm currently on Season three.

Remember back when NPH was Doogie Howser, MD?

Well, now you do, but your first thought was Barney Stinson.

You know it was. Don't lie.

Onto the point of this thing. Neil Patrick Harris is awesome. It just occurred to me just how awesome he is.

When you see Tiffani Amber Thiessen, you think: Kelly Kapowski.

When you see James Van Der Beek, you think Dawson Leery.

Joey was so much hotter than you, Dawson. Face it.

Matthew Perry? Chandler Bing.

I automatically hear is name said in Janice's voice.

These actors all went on to do other things, but will always be recognized first for these roles. In most cases, I forget their actual names and end up shouting, "It's Kelly Kapowski!"

Neil Patrick Harris? Well, he's Neil Patrick Harris. He's not Doogie or Barney. He's awesome! And I'm pretty sure he knows it.


Are there any other actors from your younger days you see and refer to as whatever they were known as on their show?

Are you ever annoyed or delighted by the colors running shoes come in?