Gym Rats

The past couple of weeks I've been to the going to the gym to really focus on some strength training & cross training on the elliptical and bike. I've been to the gym and all different times of the day, depending on my schedule. Mostly it's been in the morning, but I have had some evening and even middle of the day workouts. At these workouts, I've been taking notes of all the different gym rats that frequent my gym and thought I'd a little bit of an open letter to the ones that stand out. Here goes....

Hey skinny guy lifting about 20 pounds more than you should - There's no need for that painful grunting that early in the morning.

Dude that smells like you just walked out of the bar and came straight to the gym - maybe if you lay off the smokes, you'd have a better result with your workout.

Musleman in the shorty shorts - At least I hope you had shorts on under that t shirt. It was hard to tell.

Guy stretching in the shorty shorts - that's enough stretching for today, thanks

Hey Lady all beefed up looking like a roided up man - shades at 6:15am in the gym? really? is that necessary?

Dudes on roids - work out your bird legs for a change. You're starting to look a little freaky

Attention ALL you SKINNY LITTLE SLUTS that roam the gym floor never breaking a sweat, in your matchy matchy outfit and your perfect braid with your lip gloss on - go home! or work a street somewhere else. You're taking up some of my much needed air

ANYONE on a CELL PHONE - Are you really getting that good of a workout yapping away on the phone while your're walking 2.3 miles an hour on the treadmill.

Trainers - yeah I know who you are. Stop looking at yourself in the mirror while you're trying to train some poor fatty

Guess that'll do for now. I'm sure you know some of these people at your gym.

Redneck Recap

Kb and I went to the deer lease this weekend to do some work around the ranch and maybe trying to get a  turkey hunt in at some point. Fancy Chancey went too as guard dog. Don't even THINK about touching my Miller Lite!!

Work happened, turkey hunting did not. In fact, we went fishing at one of the tanks with no intention of hunting, no gun, no camo, no decoys and what did we hear?? The gobble, gobble, gobble of a big 'ol Tom. Actually the only gun we had was Kb's pistol so over the tank dam in his shorts and crocs he went in search of the turkey. No luck, but that's how it goes. We did, however, have better luck at fishing...

And Redneck Safari did not disappoint. There were so many of us out there that we had to split up into 2 trucks while cruising the pastures, looking for varmints, drinking beer and checking traps. (LIVE raccoon and Hog traps so we can let them go somewhere else, away from the expensive protein we feed the deer to make then bigger, better, stronger. Get off my ass PETA people) I was in what was pretty much the shell of what used to be a Jeep Cherokee. At least it had doors and heat. My other option was an old GMC Jimmy that looks just like this...

Except the cover isn't on the back and in it's place was a lawn chair and an office chair. That made for an interesting ride through the cold, dark, wilderness. Glad I was watching it from the luxury of the aforementioned Jeep.

Sunday we sent the kids out with the guys while the moms and I hid easter eggs. Leave it to no-kid Jenn to drop an easter egg onto an ant pile. Luckily I saw it before the kiddos did and got all the ants off of it, before they ate too much chocolate.

I've been so busy lately, I really hope to get caught up on my blogs soon. Fingers Crossed!

Fabulous Vacay in Costa Rica!!!

Costa Rica was AWESOME!! We were staying at a friend's house so we weren't in any of the tourist part of Costa Rica we were with the Ticas. The Locals. Settle in folks, it's a long one. Here's the recap...

Tuesday - we flew in from Houston Tuesday night. It was dark so we didn't get to see much on the drive to Chat's house.

Wednesday - St Patty's Day!! We got up and dressed and Chat took us around a few of the towns. We grabbed a beer and burger at Marlin Bill's (yes, burger) it was awesome! Cruised around and checked out the beaches. I was waiting for the perfect moment to bust out all my St Patrick's Day gear so this was a nice way to spend the time. Korey told me he wanted to check out the sunset on our first night in Costa Rica so we borrowed Chat's car and went to a bar in "Downtown" Garza. Chat lives with the locals so "downtown" is dirt roads with chickens, kids, dogs, horses and cows roaming the streets. The bar was on the beach so we stopped in. I was still taking everything in and up snapping pictures of boats, the surf, the sand, the sunset. When Kb finally told me to "just sit down a minute" we talked about how beautiful and wonderful our first day in Costa Rica was and he said it was "almost perfect, except there's just one more thing... Will you marry me?" O geez, then came the water works, I cried, he cried, I didn't even say anything at first except.. "you're shaking!!!" he said "umm yeah!! well???" That's when I realized I hadn't said anything so of course I said YES!! After that we went back and had our St Patty's Day Party at Chat's

Thursday and Friday we hung out on a couple of different beaches and drove around. We saw the howler monkeys. Those suckers are loud!! If you didn't see how small they were you'd think you were in the middle of Gorillas in the Mist. SCARY. I guess I was just glad they didn't start throwing poop or anything.

Saturday it was Go-TIME!! We went fishing!! I've been deep sea fishing a couple of times but never caught anything big. I was hoping for a yellow fin tuna. MMMmmm good eats. Instead I caught this...

Yep! A Big ASS Sail Fish!! It was AWESOME!! They jump and fight trying to get the hook out. They're beautiful! In the water they're silvery blue. Alas, this is a catch and release fish so after the picture, back in the ocean he went. Thanks for a good fight buddy!

Sunday was a day of reflection and relaxing by the pool before we headed home on Monday. Kb and I really hadn't been able to talk to anyone but our parents after the Kb popped the question. (well, we were able to talk to Crack, he has some international set up so he can call Chat whenever he wants. So he knew, and I'm sure he told people, who told people and so on) We just really enjoyed each other with no distractions and knew that was coming to a close. Once we got back, everyone would want to see us and hear about the trip and how everything went down. When we got to the Liberia Airport Kb said "Oh yeah, there's just one more thing. We're going back first class. I can't fly my new fiance back in coach" Ha! Kb, you and that "one more thing" I SWEAR!!

Costa Rica was a fabulous trip, everything worked out perfectly, Chat was an awesome host, I left with a boyfriend and came back with a fiance, I couldn't ask for anything more.

Does this shirt make my butt look fast??

I know, I know it's a long time coming. With trying to catch up since I've been back from vacation and Mom and Mom in Law trying to get me to settle on a place and find a date for my upcoming wedding I've barely had time to think much less blog. But all that's behind me and I'm back on track.

On to the RACE!!

Kb and I stayed with Chuck and his wife the night before the race. I took it pretty easy and went to be early. Of course time was changing that night so it wasn't as early as it would have been. After setting 3 alarms to insure at least 1 of them would go off right I was asleep. Let me tell you 5:45 aka 4:45 came pretty early. Kb got up with me and after making a PB&J we were off. We were to go to Fair Park to catch a shuttle downtown. The last shuttle was supposed to leave at 7. At 6:15 this is what we saw:

There were just as many cars behind us. At pretty close to 7 we were throught the gates of Fair Park and I bolted out of the truck and left Kb to park and find me later. At the start line, there were a ton of people. All shapes, sizes, ages and levels of athleticism. I felt like I fit right in at my corral. The gun went off at 8 but I didn't cross the start line until about 8:45. Kb was there the whole way and snapped a pic of me taking off. (of course he also took a picture of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders but I'll leave that out)

                

That's me in the purple wearing a shirt that says on the front and on the butt "Does this shirt make my butt look fast?" I started to cry a little bit. I couldn't believe I was actually doing it. After all the sweat, tears, and injuries here I was, at the beginning of the finishing of a huge goal I made for myself all by myself. I was a little overwhemed. In the words of my boss, I told myself to "SUCK IT UP and JUST DO IT"

The 1st 5k I felt great! (I know I was worried about my "running makes me poop" issue but no worries, I took care of that before the gun went off *yeah*) Mile 6-7 were getting pretty tough. It was through a really nice, (aka Expensive) pretty neighborhood that was wound around, and was hilly at the end. I was getting hot and tired and was in serious need of some water. About the time I was ready to head off to a 7-11 I saw Kb. Like a proud papa he was at the beginning of the spectator section snapping away cheering me on. I feel bad but I think the only thing I said was "there better be some eff-in water up here close or YOU'RE going on the 7-11" he assured me there was so I was so after a Gu and slamming some H20 I was off again.

The bands were cool and I have to give it to them to come out so early and play for us.It really broke up everything. I knew according to the elevation chart if I could make it to 8 miles it was all downhill, literally. Mile 8 to 11 was pretty much a blur. Mile 11-12 was REEEAAAALLLLYYY  LLOOOOOONNNGGGG. 11 miles was as long as I had run before. I was HOT, Sore, Tired and grouchy by this point. Since Kb didn't get a great reception the 1st time I saw him, I was determined to be running, and really looking like I'm enjoying myself. So once I got in the finish corral that wound us around to the finish line I decided to run the whole thing. All 1.1 miles after 12 without stopping. I saw him at the end by the finish line cheering me on. Telling me "Go Baby Go!" I did. I finished what I started and felt great! Even though I shed a few tears, and was completely exhausted. I finished in around 3 hours which was my goal for this one. I'm so proud of myself. I'm proud of Kb too, he was by me the entire time and I couldn't do it without him.

What a Week!!!

I don't have much time right now but I promise to elaborate later. I just got back from a fabulous vacay in Costa Rica with Kb. It was beautiful but I was completely out of touch with the world. No cell phones, no internet, no email, no blogs, NOTHING! and I have to say it was pretty nice. I promise to recap the race in Dallas I ran the Sunday before we left BUT I have something more important to share!! On St Patrick's Day, at sunset, on the beach in Costa Rica Kb Proposed and I accepted so I'm soon to be Jb, Mrs Kb Ha! we're so excited. I'll have a vacation recap and race recap this week. I have TONS of pictures from everything and can't wait to post them! Stay Tuned!!

** This was right after everything went down and the view of the sunset. Excuse the riding around all day with the windows down hair, lack of make-up and self picture. I promise I have more to come.**

Happy Freakin Friday!!

It's Friday!! Yippee!! This is one of the best Friday's eva! The Friday before my 1st 1/2 Marathon AND before my week long va-cay in Costa Rica!! I would be pretty worthless at work but luckily we have quite a bit going on that's keeping me focused.

This morning it was pretty chilly here but has warmed up fast. Beautiful blue skies are making this Friday just a little more awesome.

Ok, so I did my dress rehearsal with all my gear on. It went pretty well. I bought a new belt/pocket thing I can carry around my phone or camera in and it stayed in place so I'm happy. Shoes are still treating me right. I'm still debating on how I should layer. I know it will be cold at first but will warm up. I'm thinking about just wearing something I can shuck off when I start to get too warm. I also had my last acupuncture treatment before the race yesterday afternoon. Shins are still feeling good I just need to them hold out for a few more miles then I'll let them rest. Ya hear that janky old Shin Splints? I said I PROMISE to REST if you'll carry me to the end.

Drinking lots of water and trying to get enough rest this week should get me ready. Planning on going to bed super early on Saturday night and hoping to get some good sleep.

As far as Costa Rica goes.. well I can't get past Sunday so no, I'm not packed or ready. I do know where my passport is but that's about it. We don't leave until Tuesday but I took off Monday to do all the things for the trip that I haven't done so far. Wish me luck!! Next time you hear from me I'll be a full blown 1/2 Marathoner!... or 1/2 Marathon Finisher!...or 13.1 Mile Runner in an organized Race! Aw Hell, whatever you call it I'll be a goal achiever for sure. LATER TATERS!!!

The Final Countdown...

It's HERE!! I can't believe it! My race is on Sunday. I got my final Rock n Roll Newsletter email giving me the last of everything I need to know. I'll be running by myself and I'm so nervous. Here's the random thoughts going through my head....

1. They say to get there early to avoid lines, how early is early??
2. How many alarms will I have to set to make sure I get the time change right and get up on time?
3. DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE TIME CHANGE!! (For once I wish I lived in Arizona)
4. When is the last time I can get out of my corral and go pee ( as I mentioned earlier... when I get nervous I have to pee)
5. Why don't they show the porta potties on the race map. They show where all the bands are, medical stations and water. What about porta potties??
6. Should I pop an Immodium before I go?? Running makes me poop. Especially 1st thing in the morning.
7. Coffee, tea, water, Accelerade?
8. Check the weather, check the weather, check the weather
9. What distance runs should I do this week? Should I run a dress rehearsal and get all my gear on?
10. What should I eat the night before? The morning of? What if I'm too nervous to eat?

I really don't know what I'm stressing about. My only goal is to finish. I said I wanted to run one of these before my next birthday and here it is. I'm not competing against anyone but myself. I have to just let my body win the arguement my mind starts when it's telling me to quit. I know I can do it.

Kb has been my biggest fan and I know he'll be waiting for me at the finish. He's met me after some long training runs and gave me that little extra push I need to finish knowing he's there supporting me. He always has a smile waiting for me and telling me how proud he is of me. Kb, that means more to me than you'll ever know.

After all, no matter what happens I just need to remember I'll be recovering on the beaches of Costa Rica. That's my finish line.