The Neighborhood and a Nice Weekend

At this very moment Corky is on my lap wanting all of my attention. I will try to blog through this. Oh, and Trey is asking me to bake some chocolate chip cookies. I really don't want to bake right now. Maybe later as my niece, Angelica, likes to say.

Earlier, Trey rolled out the motorcyle and we rode around the block...literally around the block. It was a short ride.

While we were out, we knocked on the door of a couple around the corner. The homeowner, Tom, obviously wasn't expecting us, but he was so nice. He even invited us inside. We introduced ourselves and chatted in his cozy home and compared our electric bills.

Speaking of neighbors, this evening Trey and I started to eat on the front porch, when we saw our soon to be neighbors-the ones across the street. They stopped by to check the progress of their home, which by the way is going up faster than I can run a mile. We stood outside and chatted for at least half an hour. I'm really looking forward to them being our neighbors because they seem like a really fun couple.

Well, we don't have any big plans for this weekend. My plan for tomorrow is to get up early to go running, shower and clean house. I really want to use this weekend to relax. I might get out of the house to do a little bit of shopping, but I want to have an uneventful break. Everyone needs a weekend like that and this is well overdue.

Running Quotes

Here are some running quotes I found that help me when I run.

"The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare."
Juma Ikangaa, Tanzania

"Some running is good, more is better, and too much is just enough"
"The only way to define your limits is to go beyond them"
Steve Jones

"The only competition of a wise man is with himself."
Washington Allston

Don't work towards freedom; let the work be the freedom."
Dogen Roshi

"Opportunity is often passed up because it is disguised as hard work."
Irish Proverb

"Finish with a smile on your face and a bounce in your step."
Joe Trask

"Once that distance had been passed in training, an important physical and psychological threshold had been crossed. It was no longer a question of *if* it could be done. Rather, it became a question of *how fast* it could be done."
Mike Plant

"Find your limits and exceed them."
Lynn Strickland

"Some think guts is sprinting at the end of a race. But guts is what got you there to begin with. Guts start back in the hills with 6 miles to go and you're thinking of how you can get out of this race without anyone noticing. Guts begin when you still have forty minutes of torture left and you're already hurting more than you ever remember."
George Sheehan

If the Shoe Fits, Wear It

Currently, I’m reading John Binghams: No Need for Speed and learning more than enough about the ins and outs of running. For instance, I would’ve never thought to examine my shoes.

Earlier, I pulled out my sneakers, which are really walking shoes, but that’s a different entry in itself…Anyways, I looked over my shoes and it’s obvious to see my heels get a beating. Now that I have this knowledge, I know the next pair of shoes I purchase, should have lots of support in the heel.

Can you see the wear down-there to the right?

The last time I wrote I wasn’t feeling great. Well, the medication the doctor gave me really helped and yesterday I felt so good I went for a run. Corky joined me and without effort we ran 3 miles in 34 minutes. It felt really good because I wanted to and I didn’t feel the pressure of the clock. Don’t get me wrong I’m not done with running races, no I feel like I’ve just discovered something that I’m really good at---- and something I really enjoy. There is definitely more to come.



Another pic of race day. What you can't tell from this picture is that I'm freezing!

Upper Respitory Infection

This weekend Trey and I went to Abilene. I started to feel bad Sunday on the way home and this morning my ears started to pop. I wanted to nip the infection right in the butt so I made a doctors appointment and I'm feeling a little better. Having a URI is crazy. I don't feel sick with fever, but my ears, throat and head hurt. Maybe by tomorrow I will be well enough to go back to work. This morning I tried going to work, but my boss sent me home. She said, get out of here. Thanks?

On a side note: Trey and I met our neighbors. They seem like a really nice couple. They're building this huge house across the street from us.

Cowtown Highlights

2008 Cowtown Marathon Results

The results are in!


Saturday morning I ran the adult 5K. I wanted to complete the race in 28 minutes and according to the chip, I had to wear on my shoe, I crossed the finish line at 28:43. Victory!

There were 1,981 runners and I placed at 469. In my age group I placed 2nd. I feel really good about that.

I can't even begin to explain how I felt that morning. It was so cold! I wore shorts and a sweatshirt. What was I thinking? My face and toes were so numb, but the rest of my body managed to stay warm. I saw so many runners in little tops and shorts, I guess we're all a little crazy. I was amazed at how many runners were around me during the race and how quite we all were. Everyone was focused, all you could hear was deep breathing and stomping of feet on the pavement. Oh, and it was the coolest feeling running in the middle of the street in downtown Ft. Worth. At one moment during the race I felt like we were all running from something...weird I know. But it felt great to run across that finish line.

More on my Obsession & The 5K

Tuesday, I was running and listening to the FM radio when the announcer confirmed that Radiohead tickes sold-out 15 minutes after they went on sale. Ha! I had a feeling this was going to happen. That's why I made it a point to buy them the moment the were available.

So, enough about my obsession, I'll try to contain myself until May 18th, but I can't make any promises.

About the race:
I'm still training for the 5K...in fact, today is my last day to officially train. Saturday is the big day and I'm ready. Earlier, I downloaded the course map and that page has received almost 5,000 views! Tomorrow I head downtown to pick up my packet and chip. I have to wear a chip to ensure my time is legit.

This is so exciting. I've never done anything like this and it's satisfying to be running towards this goal. The 5K is Saturday...maybe a 10K in a few months, and who knows-a Marathon in a few years. All in baby steps or in my case strides.

Celebrate Good Times

A few weeks ago, I got wind at work that I would not be getting the financial bump I was hoping for. No big deal. Life goes on. I’m not complacent, I just realize and understand some things take time and if you love what you do and someone is willing to pay you--- that is a rare and precious thing. The raise will come when we need it the most.

So all this happened a few weeks ago and yesterday Trey got unexpected news that he will be getting a raise. We didn’t see this coming and we are both grateful. It’s amazing how things work out. Trey’s been singing Celebrate Trey’s Raise…Come on!

Of course all I need is a reason to celebrate, so I suggested we go out. Typically we go to Chili's, but the last few times I have suggested trying something new. We ended up at Boston’s Gourmet Pizza and the food was terrible. The next celebration dinner will definitely be at Chili's.

Radiohead Rumor

Sunday, I went back to Ticketmaster to see if tickets were still on sale and after about 3 tries I gave up. Ticketmaster's site hasn't posted a sold out note, but they won't process anymore ticket requests for this particular concert... which makes me think that it did sell-out.

I've looked online and there are rumors floating around that the event sold out immediately after the pre-sale. One guy even claims tickets were gone within 2 minutes. I'm not sure about the 2 minute thing, but it wouldn't surprise me if tickets are already gone. But ofcourse like any sold out event you can still find tickets from sellers on Craig's List and other non-mainstream avenues. I don't like taking that route, I'd rather buy my tickets from a reputable source.

2 Golden Tickets

At 11:45 am I was glued to ticketmasters website. I was determined to get 2 Radiohead tickets. Between 11:57 am and 12:00 pm I kept refreshing ticketmaster's page, until tickets became available and by 12:15 I was celebrating.

I'm sure, Trey thinks I'm crazy for making such a big deal, but I don't care, he's not going with me Cortnee is.

I'm so excited about this show! I told Trey that this is like my Super Bowl and he just laughed, maybe now he gets it.

He's Thinking: What did I do to deserve this?

Happy late Valentine's Day.

Trey really out did himself this year. I got flowers, chocolate, more chocolate, and ice cream cake. What a sweetheart. Trey planned for us to make smores, but it was too hot to start a fire. We might get a cold front this weekend, so we will have to wait until then.

Well, other than celebrating Valentine's day, I spent the evening harassing Corky with this baseball cap. At this rate, Corky will have a full wardrobe by this summer.

He's so ghetto fabulous

My face is red because I just ran 3 miles

Morning Skyline

Most mornings I'm rushing out the door, but this morning I paused for a moment and admired the skyline.

No Train Day

Today is a no train day. I'm enjoying the day of rest, but I'll be right back to training tomorrow. Yesterday, I fell behind my best time by 30 seconds, so I'm going to aim for a better time tomorrow.

I'm praying for good weather in the days to come because mentally I can't afford missing a scheduled day. That's something that I've discovered, for me this race is 80% mental and 20% physical.

Radiohead Announced Venue & Date!

Radiohead finally announced they will be performing May 18th at Superpages.com formerly Smirinoff Music Center. Tickets go on sale this weekend. I hope the word doesn't spread that they announced concert details, because I really want to get good seats.

Side Note About the 5K:
I was reading over my previous entry and I thought I should clarify that I've been training 5 days a week not just one day a week, like I think the entry read. I did my 3 miles for today and I'm so tired. It's only Tuesday and I've already ran 9 miles since Sunday and I have 6 more miles to add to that before the end of the week. Did I really sign up for this? Yeah, I did.

Cowtown's 5K Race

Every year, Fort Worth holds a huge race downtown. There are several race categories: ultra marathon, marathon, 10K, 5K, etc.When I first heard about this event, I knew I had to sign-up for the 5K.

I've been training for 4 weeks.
Week 1: Jogging 1 mile
Week 2: Jogging 2 miles
Week 3: Jogging 2.5 miles
Week 4: Jogging 3 miles (this is where I’m currently at in training)
Final Week: Run 3 miles

Originally, I was thinking I was just running to run, but after a few weeks of training, I know I’m in this to compete.

Next Saturday is race day and Trey has been a huge source of motivation. Yesterday he walked as I lapped him and later he jumped on the scooter and drove up beside me to say, “You’re falling behind. Come on” He’s pushing me and encouraging me to run especially on the days when I don’t feel like it.

Leftover Material

I had some leftover material from the curtains, so I made Corky a cape. Yeah, I actually used the sewing machine.

He matches the curtains...if that doesn't scream metro-sexual dog, I don't know what does. Bless his little heart.

Custom Curtains

Mom came to visit and brought her new sewing machine.

Trey and I selected the fabric for the curtains and Saturday night mom and I stayed up late sewing. Well, she did the sewing and I helped by lending an extra hand, ironing the creases, and prepping the edges. I love the way the curtains turned out and I can't wait to start other sewing projects, with mom's help ofcourse.

Laptop for Work

My laptop needs are the following:
Primarily a portable graphic station and the option for light video editing.

Originally, I jumped all over the idea of getting a MacBook Air, but then I picked my brain off the floor and did my research.

On the MacBook Air, I quickly realized it's a businessman's laptop. I didn't plan on editing video on the Air, but it would be nice to have that option. In my opinion, Air is not designed to do any type of professional video editing. Two main things made me run in the opposite direction; no firewire and only 2 GB upgrade option of memory.

Ultimately, I order the MacBook Pro. Maybe when Apple can make a MBP as thin as the MBA I'll upgrade, until then I'm satisfied with my choice.

Almost 2 months without a watch

I wore this watch for almost 4 years. Well, 2 months ago, it stopped working. The watch was a wedding gift from Brandon and Maghen, so it had sentimental value. I took it to my local Fossil store where they changed out the battery, still no response. The sales manager recommended sending it off for repairs. That was a great idea because for an affordable price they replaced my battery, replaced the worn band, replaced the scratched crystal and (i think, but I'm not sure they inserted a new diamond). It took 2 long months, but I finally have my watch back.