Marathon Survival Kit

Mhmmm cliff bars are delicious. And make you feel like you can climb Mt. Everest. NO BIG DEAL.

In preparation for his marathon, I gifted Mr. Speedy with a survival kit.
This is mainly because I had a deep fear that if he was not properly fueled…
He would fall apart like a wrecked ship and never be able to run with me again.
And if he wasn’t able to run with me- then we would never get sweaty together.
And by golly, I want to keep getting sweaty with this man.

I suggest that if you have a runner in your life, or athlete of some sort-
MAKE THEM THIS KIT.

MARATHON SURVIVAL KIT

Use a cloth bag to stash the goods. This one is actually from a race I ran. I have about 87 in my possession.

Ohhhh hey there FOOD!

Let me break it down for you:

It was SO HARD for me not to gobble up some of these treats. But the thought of Mr. Speedy enjoying this was enough to keep my appetite at bay.

Just looking at this chart makes me drool.

I also included some tiny samples of Biofreeze and manly chapstick. I do not know what causes chapstick to be manly other than it came with a man golfing on the case and I figured if he wears it, then Mr. Speedy can too. It does not have glitter in it either.

Post-marathon report: Mr. Speedy ran like a maniac and finished better than ever, 4th overall. He qualified for Boston with a mountain of time to spare. He did not fall apart despite a super-nasty blister on his foot and horrid humid conditions. I like to think that my kit undoubtedly contributed to his success… but that is properly not true.

But, let’s pretend it did okay?
Thanks.

How come I never look this smoldering when I am sweaty and running?

Mr. Speedy….His arms/legs get me every time. I’m a goner.

I think I just drooled on my keyboard. Again.

Chicago: Top 10 Things

I apologize for not blogging in a century (or a week) but I’ve been darn bustlin’ busy.
In fact, I even rode a sweat-infested bus and tested my bladder capacity beyond imagination while functioning at 3.5 hours worth of sleep.

This is what I looked like the morning of the bus ride. I had minimal sleep. SUPER ATTRACTIVE.

Dangerous, I know… but well worth it since I ended up in Chicago.
Humidity and the NATO conference did not stop me from indulging & pampering myself.
I narrowed down my favorite aspects of this town, enjoy!

Top 10 Things about Chicago:

1. Running along Lake Michigan: This was mega-crowded with runners, joggers, bikers, socialites, drooling babies, and beach bums. I felt like I was in a race- that is how packed it was with sweaty people. And I got sand in my eye and in my sport bra. I am cool like that. Don’t ask.

Ok… so this is my Auntie, Moi, and Hippie Sister. We ran. But not in Chicago, but you get the picture. I love our facial expressions. WHY AM I A GIANT?!?

2. This table: I love this table. I want it. Dear Future Husband- I would like to cook you manly meals and serve it to you on this table. And then for dessert- maul you on it. Ok?

This was in Starry Bucks. It is big. It is wood. Me like.

3. JOYS THAI FOOD: There a few things I consider a luxury- silk pajamas, expensive cheeses, not pumping gas, and… eating outside. Take any fine dining experience outdoors and POOF- the whole thing climbs up the luxury ladder. If you use chopsticks (like me, who rode the struggle bus throughout this meal trying to master the dual-sticks), luxury bonus points. This Thai food was steamingly scrumptious- I demolished it.

I was starving. It had been about 7 hours since my last calorie intake and I was ready to marry this plate of food.

4. FRO YO: If you have not experienced the heavenly-I’m-going-to-die-happy feeling that comes from eating from one of these fabulous establishments that serves a myriad of frozen yogurt flavors, a variety of heaping toppings, and fresh fruit- THEN YOU HAVE NOT LIVED.

If I could marry this, I would. Honest.

DON’T BE FOOLED BY THE FRUIT- There is actually a blend of flavored yogurt, chocolate chips, skittles, gummy worms, and butterfingers mashed beneath the fruit.

I was SO HAPPY. I was also slightly tipsy from wine… but SO HAPPY for my fro yo.

5. This salad: Actually, if I could marry this- I would. Fro Yo would still be involved. Basically, I want to marry all tasty food.

Hiiiiii I’m happy to eat you.

It had little baby pasta in it- BEST IDEA EVER.

6. Public Transportation: a.k.a. Feeling like a sardine trapped in a urine-smelling can. I love that feeling- don’t you?

The train is a coming, a coming, a coming… stay clear.

7. The Art Institute: As an art historian and die-hard romantic, art museums do a number on me. I gawk, I cry, I stare, I have artgasms. I love this museum. Impressionist-lovers will also love it. If I am ever in a bad mood, please just drop me off here for the day. I’ll be happy for the next 2398464 days. Promise.

Name this painting and I will give you a kiss. And by kiss, I mean I will blow you one and hope you have quick reflexes and can catch it.

8. Shopping: As a female with means, I love to shop. There is something about being in a multiple-floored Victoria Secret building that causes my knees to buckle and mouth water. I had the same physical ailment when I entered the massive Crate and Barrel store on Michigan Avenue. My poor wallet. I’m sorry. No, I’m not.

I bought this exact dress in this exact color. Get it here and we can be twins.

I don’t look like this when I wear it… She kind of looks like she is about to beat someone up. Or is thinking too hard.

9. BYOB: DID YOU KNOW… that Illinois is very strict on their liquor licence, making it difficult to obtain and therefore causing many establishments to enforce a BRING YOUR OWN BOOZE rule? My gf, my sister, and I took this rule to heart and bought 2 bottles of wine for just over $10 and drank them dry.

BEST RULE EVER.

This wine destroyed me. And by destroy, I mean it made me all fuzzy, limber, and inappropriate.

10. NOT LIVING WITH A CAT: As you all know, cats and I do not like each other. My friend that graciously hosted me, has 2 roomies: one is a person, the other is this cat. This tiny fur-ball enjoyed hissing in my direction, stalking me into corners, and then freakishly leaping away like a frog. I did not catch the name of this feline creature but I do know that if I had any little bursts of affection towards cats- they have been pummeled completely.

I still don’t like them. I am glad I live with a Pirate, instead of a cat.

“Hi Lil… I’m going to drive you nuts. And chase you. And pop out of corners. And stare at you.”

** Thank you Greek Girl for being my friend, letting me sleep in your bed, and use your socks. Love ya. xoxo

Running Dates

Our torsos really are compatible. They are linked.

Mr. Speedy and I have hit it off, running.
Within our first week together-

• We ran 24 miles beside each other. Not many couples can make this claim.
• Consumed 3 bottles of wine. One was named Jacuzzi.
• I change my outfit at least 17 times prior to seeing him. This is a good sign.
• I have resumed a regular leg shaving regimen. Mr. Speedy likes mah legzzzz.

But, let me go back to the running.

Our first date was a running date. We agreed to meet at approximately at 7am on a Saturday morning for a 8 mile run. 7am. SATURDAY. Not many men would sacrifice sleeping in, let alone run 8 miles, with me. His acceptance of this really impressed me. Someone worth getting to know. A fellow running addict.

Running, or sports in general, nourish more than our bodies. They can also feed our human need for companionship- and I mean the type more nurturing than what your mother, best friend, spouse, or garbage man can provide.

Countless invaluable friendships can develop on the trails, slopes, tennis courts, and infinite other places we actively engage with teammates and training partners. A running partner instantly becomes your intimate friend. Your devoted, to the run and to them. As if the sweat is a signal of some sort of unspoken testimonial to your efforts together. Hey, we are doing this together.

 You talk about everything. You talk about nothing. You push each other to stay “honest” on the run and not to slack off. OK, Mr. Speedy pushes me because he can run faster than a charging bull, but you get the picture. There is a deep sense of belonging that comes from participating in a sport, from engaging with others who share your passion, and whose attitudes and sensibilities reflect your own.

Sometimes Mr. Speedy’s head gets too big from winning all his races, so I remind him he is human and to take a shower (winning can get smelly). This is what results.

We humans our social animals, literally. We thrive on the positive interaction of relationships with others. After hanging out with a good friend, I am simply beaming on the way home because I enjoyed it so much. The involuntary smile is simply on my face, an instinctive reaction to my feeling of well-being. I get the same reaction after running with Mr. Speedy.

Except it is an extremely sweaty smile, my lips are caked in salt, and I feel my eyes burning with perspiration. It is GLORIOUS.

I’m so glad Mr. Speedy and I are being social sweaty animals together.

Sometimes he uses his phone in front of me and I get mad and say “You have to run 10 miles with me now!” Then I realize that is not punishment for him, but an ideal outing.

What is one of your favorite physical activity to do with another?

Don’t say the obvious one (FORNICATION – that word is such a turn off. Ew).
I realize I set myself up for some dirty responses…

Let’s keep it appropriate people. And by appropriate I mean not appropriate at all.

Very Healthy Banana Walnut Bread

In order to ensure that Mr. Speedy (I still need to figure out a decent name for him) was properly fueled for his race, I baked him one of my healthy, low fat, scrumptious carby treats.

Also, I had a lot of bananas that were just beggin’ to be mashed and smashed and I have expert-level training in this activity.

Low-Fat, Low-Sugar Banana Walnut Bread

Fact: I love banana bread because when you look at it closely, you can see those tiny squiggles of the fruit.

No oils or butter are needed to create these making them a good choice to keeping a shredded healthy bod.

There is a lot going on here… it is really EASY, promise.

• 1 ½ + 2 Tbl. flour
• 1 shredded carrot (the picture shows 2… I always eat one at some point. Got to be prepared)
• 1 ½ tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. cinnamon
• ¼ tsp. baking soda
• 1 egg
• 1 heaping c. mashed banana (about 3-4)
• ¾ c. FAKE sugar (it is not real! crazy!)
• ¼ + 1 Tbl. applesauce (this replaces the oils and butter)
• A whole lotta chopped walnuts

I have a super secret ingredient that I add. Since I love you, I will share it with you:

I love LOVE pumpkin pie spice. I secretly add this to almost everything I bake. My favorite spice hands down. Just add 1/2 tsp.

Step 1: Preheat your kiln to 350°. If you do not have a kiln, an oven will suffice.

Step 2: In a bowl, mix all the dry ingredients. Just like this:

Flour, baking soda, baking powder…. aka SNOW!

Oh hey there spices.

Step 3: In a small bowl, smash your bananas! (that kind of sounds dirty…)

Place peeled bananas in a bowl.

SMASH! SMASH! This is my favorite step. I get a lot of anger out.

I like to use a fork. Is that weird? No judging.

Step 4: In a small bowl, combine all the slimy wet things. Egg, bananas, carrot, sugar (okay that is not slimy), and applesauce.

Egg and Bananas having hang-out time.

Applesauce later joined. “Heyyy I want to be on you both!”

Shredded carrot. Although messy, it truly is fun to shred. Almost as much fun as smashing fruit.

Fake sugar joined. Then it is all mixed well.

Step 5: Combine your slimy bowl of things to your dry bowl of things.

The creation of super batter.

Oh…. look how pretty. Bella!

Step 6: Chop up yer nuts! (once again, that sounds dirty)

I love this knife. It is crazy big and sharp. Watch out.

All chopped! Why does my hand look weird? It look weird.

Step 7: Fold nuts into batter. Then pour your mixture into a greased baking pan.

(I use PAM spray– still no butter/oil. Do the same, please.)

I have these mini-loaf pans. They are super cute and perfect when making loafs for others. Go purchase one now, you will not regret it.

Step 8: Bake for about 45 minutes. Maybe a little longer if your kiln is old.

All done!

Step 9: EAT LIKE IT IS YOUR JOB!

But be nice and share with others. If they accept a loaf, make them do the dishes.

Another reason I love mini-loafs is that one loaf = one slice. So you get a whole loaf to yourself! DUH genius.

Mother’s Day Gift: Treat the Feet!

If you are at a completely lost in regards to a proper gift for your mother, grandmother, wife, matriarch lady in your life a gift then- let me help you out.

Last year, I blogged about a gift idea if your on a tight budget —> here.

Let me tell you a little secret about women.
You might already know it.
One thing we absolutely love and can’t get enough of are…

Foot Rubs

I think this is fairly accurate, no? I was going to include S-E-X but I like to keep things PG.

Foot rubs are always appreciated and constantly craved.

All day long, us females deplete our feet.

Supporting the weight of our bodies, prowling in extremely uncomfortable (but utterly adorable) heels, toes smashed and heels blistered, our feet welcome any type of replenishment.

Clearly, a foot rub is a perfect gift.
Simply purchase the following:
Foot Crème, Body Scrub, Bath Salts <– salts optional… but highly recommended! 

This company is top of the line, people. You might pay a little more but it is WELL WORTH IT.

Please, raise your hand if you use bath salts.
If your hand is not raised or you don’t like baths-
YOU ARE LIVING UNDER A ROCK.

I recently discovered the entrancing elements of this and OMGEE @#%^wt.
I am ardently in love with bath time. Ardently.
I loved it before, but now my whole body is properly pampered.
My skin becomes super silky. My body unknots itself.
It it a total renewal.

Although optional, these will make any lady drool in relaxation. Literally. I end up drooling in the tub whenever I use these.

Next, body scrub.
If you want to truly give this gift right, you need to include a scrub.
Scrubs exfoliate, shedding away the skin that is kaput.

Psssst! Ladies!
Want to know a super secret to getting super slick smooth legs?
Body scrub. Shave. Apply lotion.
I promise you that first step will make your legs 984% smoother.
Trust me. Test it out on a guy.

He won’t know what to do with your strokable lower limbs. (Actually, he will probably maul you and wonder how he got so lucky and you can thank your body scrub.)

Scrubs, although you have to work them into your skin and you kind of feel like you are rubbing sand all over your body, have amazing results. TRY IT NOW.

I saved the best for last, the vital component of this pleasant present.

Foot Crème.

Cooling foot cream… Oh yeah. This is the good stuff.

THAT IS ALL FOLKS!
But don’t forget-
YOU do need to offer to rub her feet.

Otherwise, this gift is futile.
No gal wants to rub her own feet, it doesn’t feel nearly as satisfying.
It is like getting a big bowl of fossilized, cold oatmeal instead of the hot stuff.

Ew. Cold oatmeal.

_____________________________________________________________♥

*All of these products are from Arbonne. I am in no way promoting them, they don’t know me. I just have a little love affair going on with their stuff.

The Goldilocks Principle: A Running Partner

Someone not too fast, not too slow, not too demanding, not too easy-
Someone just right.

This is a rack to hang race medals. I love it and think it is SUPER CUTE. I like to think my silhouette is similar to this ladies… but my hair is shorter.

(Medal rack found here on Etsy. I ♥ Etsy.)

It is difficult to find a decent running partner in today’s world.
Eons ago- everyone was a runner.
You had to be or else you would be eaten by a bear or wooly mammoth.

That is not the case now.
Most people either run due to severe punishment or to lose weight.
Or in some urban cases, to out run the po-po.

When you run alone, you go a distance and speed dictated by your ability, your conscience, and the previous night’s dessert (for me, this is spoonfuls of PB). Running with a partner requires compromise in that calculus. Some go fast, some go just right, and some, because they are trying to kill you, simply go and go and go.

The 4 Types of Running Partners

Type 1: The Running Mentor

The running mentor is the runner you aspire to become- this person runs farther and faster than you but not unattainably so. Even though this partner could easily speed off into the distance, they somehow remain just ahead of you, within a feasible range.

You puff along side them as they glide effortlessly down the solid pavement, and you think, Maybe someday.

Type 2: The Running Buddy

Running with the running buddy is like running alone, but much funnier. You go shoulder to shoulder the whole distance, clipping elbows while trying to achieve a synchronous rhythm. Unconsciously, you both magically run in tandem but occasionally speed up just because of natural competition.

You puff alongside the running buddy and think, Ah yeah.

Type 3: The Running Newbie

Any runner who started running after you and is not at your speed is your running newbie. This is the partner who goes slower than you, walks more often, complains more and has every single right to. No matter how hard you’re working, the newbie is working harder.

You puff alongside this partner and I think, Ah I remember.

Type 4: The Running Demon

In a perfect world, these previous three types of partners would cover the entire continuum. But because the world is not perfect, there is one more kind of running partner. Because there are seeds in watermelons and holes in doughnuts and knots in my hair, there is also a running demon- a partner who will always be faster than you but will never let you lag. After running with the demon, it will take you months to physically recover from the assault on your thighs and calves. You might never recover psychologically.

You sprint alongside the running demon and think, This. Is. Wrong. I’m going to die.

I looooove this picture. I would like to run here, wherever it is.

In the past week, I have completed two runs with a partner. Although a Type 1 (because his legs move at breakneck speed), our runs reflect a Running Buddy system. Elbows mash, wrong turns are taken, and there is a strong attempt to remain in sync.

The main conculding realizations I have had about running with Mr. Speedy (I’ll think of a more fitting nickname later) are that it is such a relief to run with someone who has this same drive for running, the endurance for distance, and the want to run in a pair.

Also, he is heart-throbbin’ hunky.
And smells really good.
And looks good sweaty-

but I realized that previous to these cardio commitments.

Ahhh- I should have done this in all my dating experiences.

Super-Healthy Side: Broiled Cauliflower

If you like cauliflower, then you must try this treat.
If you don’t like this bumpy vegetable, then I am sorry.
And here is a joke to make up for it:

What did the boyfriend do after forgetting his girlfriend’s birthday?

Cauliflower and seasoning. Don’t worry, that is NOT dirt.

Cauliflower shop!

Haha… get it?
Like he called the flower shop?
Never mind.

Okay, enough funny business.

This recipe is very simple. You will need the following:

Olive youuuu. Another lame joke of mine.

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 2 Tbl. of Olive Oil
• Basil, Italian Seasoning, Black Pepper
• Some wine- you should drink some while you prepare this. Trust me.

Speaking of wine, the first time I made this, I consumed this and highly recommend it:

It’s a BRUT. It’s GOOD.

Step 1: Preheat oven to BROIL at 400°. If you are not familiar with using the broil setting basically it means it is going to be hotter than Satan’s lair. And you need to keep the oven door ajar or else it will auto-shut off.

Step 2: Prepare the cauliflower- DO NOT WASH IT. The dryer the better.

Remove the plastic and the leaves and the stalk bottom.

Rub it down in oil as if you were rubbing down a beach beauty or your grandmother’s scaly feet.

Pouring ze oil.

It is like rubbing tanning lotion on a chiseled man. Kind of. Not really.

Step 3: After it has been properly oiled, shake all the seasonings into the palm of your hand and go to town on the vegetable.

My hands are just a tad shiny.

All done! It should look like it got sneezed on by a giant.

Step 4: Snap bite-size pieces off and place on a cookie sheet.

They are ready to be broiled. Whoot!

Step 5: Place in oven, top rack, checking often.

These little guys are going to get hot, hot, hot.

After about 10 mins. or when cauliflower begins to darken, flip all the pieces over so evenly cook both sides:

See the oven mitt? USE IT. Or else you will lose your hand.

Flip! Flip! Flip!

Step 6: When both sides are broiled, remove from over, and CONSUME like a madman.

I like to eat them plain. But if this is too healthy, then add some butter. I don’t recommend ketchup. Ew.

Try to share if you can.
I often fail at this and eat the whole thing.
I’m lethal when it comes to broiled vegetables.
RAWR.

Hello Humidity

Michigan has suddenly hiked up in temperature, causing major sweat attacks everywhere.
By everywhere, I mean my armpits, legs, earlobe, and elbows.
Boob sweat has returned with a vengeance after being absent for a long winter.

I hate you, boob sweat. You’re killin’ me.

I am surprised that Mr. Humidity is here since the last few days have been extremely gloomy, rainy, and wet:

This is a leaf on our porch. I love this picture.

I am totally pumped for hot, damp nights despite by body’s reaction to sweat profusely.
I sounds really gross.
I’m not. Swear.

Humidity, not only creates sweaty body parts, but also causes other things to happen:

• Naps- Louis seems to magically suffer from narcolepsy, instantly falling asleep anywhere.

I have come to realize that teenage boys fall asleep everywhere. And drool.

• No More Dryer- The clothespins are back in action, ready to cling to my delicates and air-dry them while simultaneously allowing spiders and other tiny bugs to land on them.

I don’t like the wooden ones. I have a fear of getting a splinter from them.

• Swimming- Okay, our pool is not open YET but as soon as it is, I’m starting my day off with a daily cannonball. And attempting to see underwater with these leaky buggers:

I can see you. Wait. No I can’t. Never mind.

• Summer Fashion: Bring out the short skirts, tank tops, and flip-flops. Judging from this picture, I was quite a sharp little dresser in my youth:

I loved this outfit. LOVED IT.

Obviously, I was a big hit with all the neighborhood boys.
My front door was always a knockin’ with them.
Kidding.

But, I am curious about you.
So I made you a sweet poll.
Let me know why you like this sweaty sultry weather:

Post-Race Report

From my previous post (and assuming I did not have a heart attack and fall off the face of the Earth), you can assume I have successfully completed another race and am here to report.

There is a lot going on in this picture. I really love my attractive face.

I love this picture, don’t you?

Anyways, I’ll just cut to the chase and give you the cold facts:

• I set a new PR for myself –> 1:35:50.
• That is a 7:19/mile pace (updated here on my running section of the blog)
• I did not get a wedgie- this is probably why I ran so fast.
• It was rather chilly out. I was a Chilly Lily (ahhh I’m corny)

Moving on from that, I love participating in races. Everyone else there is giddy, fully hydrated and ready to rock. You run into (literally, because you are running) people you recognize and make small talk. I love the fans cheering on the side and all the volunteers. I just want to run over and give them a big hug and kiss but that would take up way to much time and probably be slightly inappropriate. And a sure way to attract some creeps.

Here are some more favorites about racing:

• The Shiny Warming Blankets: They make you feel like you are wearing a cape. And make a really sweet annoying sound whenever you move. I have a few saved in the trunk of my car just in case I ever get stranded and need to conserve heat.

Pirate bro and I modeling silver blanket. He actually slept the entire race away inside a Subway shop, but I still felt his support even though he was unconscious.

• The Sea of Spandex: I love all the outfits, all different colors, shapes, and sizes. Some people go funky, some go serious, and some just go itsy-bitsy. More power to you.
• Patrick & Spongebob: I have no idea why they were at the race, but you better believe I got a picture by these two sea creatures. (I use to LOVE Spongebob- I had the sheets, undies, you name it….. and was in high school).

My mother was just as excited as me.

• Freebies: All the free fruit, power bars, sport drinks, etc. It is like being at a Farmer’s Market but you don’t have to pay the farmer. Score.
• Watching People Finish: After I’m done, I love standing near the finish and cheering others on. It is SUCH a high feeling seeing other accomplish a race. I actually have gotten teary-eyed from this. Shhhh- don’t tell anyone.

This is my friend Jessica- YAY JESSICA! She rocks.

• HUNKY MEN: Basically, they are everywhere. There is no shortage. It is most excellent. I love hunks. I ran next to one from mile 9-10 and actually talked to him but he was completely silent. Turns out he had headphones in and I was having a conversation with myself… BALLS. 
• Post-Race Interviews: This is my interview. It is pretty sweet.

As you can see, my Mother and I both thought that was an attempt at a picture. This happens often. I really like when I start to hack up a lung around 4 seconds.

I should never be on TV.

I ran with a brand-new snazzy headband for this race. LOVED IT. If you have a lot of hair that needs taming, go out and buy some of these stretchy-rubbery bands. This is what I looked like pre-race after sleeping approximately 2.34 hours:

"Hi. I like to do thumbs-up at 5am on a Saturday morning. Cool, right?"

Post-race, my appearance changed to this– as you can see Mr. Headband has not moved:

"Oh, now I do TWO thumbs up instead of one. I'm that much cooler... actually, Im freezing. Literally."

Finally, I took a steaming-piping-hot bath and transformed myself from beastly runner woman to super clean smiley lady:

My brother has a mohawkkkkkk! I have..... hair.

He just got that mohawk and 2 days later, he had a date.
Therefore, I am considering getting a mohawk.
Will that get me dates?
Or make me run faster?

I’d have to sacrifice my new headband if I got that haircut.
So, never mind.
No mohawk.

What do you love about racing? 

Pre-Race Rituals

Tomorrow, I will be lacing up my beloved Nikes and running a half-marathon.

I like to lay everything out the day before. My shoes are dirty... they use to be the same bright white as those socks, dang.

I’m pretty pumped for this race because it is in my hometown, so I feel like the route is burned deeply into my psyche, permanently fixed in my mind.

The day before a race is always filled with apprehension, excitement, nervs, and anxiety. I get anxious if I start analyzing the route. I get excited if I start to think about crossing the startling line at the sound of the gun. My legs are anxious, as are my lungs. Ready to propel swiftly and breath deeply. I get nervy. Not to be confused with nerdy.

I am always nerdy, people. 

To clear my head, calm down, and get in the right mental attitude, I do a few things.

I leave myself notes, to boost my confidence and keep a smile:

I love this notepad. I was nice in this note and drew Mr. Hunk some shorts... but sometimes I doodle other things. Like a SKIRT (what were YOU thinking?).

My sassy librarian gf and me. I love this picture. It sits above my computer and always makes me grin.

My closet has a poem. It is pretty good, no? I love my leopard-print heels. Don't worry, I don't wear them with that Spartan baseball cap.

Wine-consumers, you will like this next note:

A WHOLE BOTTLE, you say? Okay, deal!

That note is stuck strategically over Italy, on the very large map in my room. I like to believe that running well not only get me a bottle of wine, but also somehow cause me to teleport instantly to this country I so often crave. And then I would eat lots of pizza. And pasta.

Speaking of eating, this is my food of the day:

I love beef jerky. Love it. If you want to impress me, just buy me some of this.

I also am sure to take my vitamins, so my iron deficiency does not give me a turtle-pace:

This pill has 100% daily iron. And a million vitamins, minerals, sunscreen chemicals, superhuman energy boosts.

Why is my hand so creepy looking?
It looks like an flesh-colored octopus.
Does anyone else thing it looks weird?

I’ll tell you what is not weird that I do pre-race to relax.
I like to s-t-r-e-t-c-h.
And do yoga:

I'm not very good at yoga. This is blurry which is probably a good thing because I was not doing this move correctly. And just got back from running and am grossly sweaty.

Finally, this day involves RELAXATION.
For me, this is difficult because I’m a compact ball of energy and always on the go.
But I have to save up my feistiness and just slow down.
This means that I do the following:

• BATH: I take a loooooong bubble bath. Complete with a full body scrub, music, and possibly some candels. I like to think that I look just like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, minus having Mr. Gere sneak in and scare the bejesus out of me.
• AROMATHERAPY: Lavender Vanilla does the trick. I rub some on my hands, neck, chest and let that scent just soothe me over. I have to be careful when I put this on because it makes me droozy and can cause accidents- just think if I were driving a boat or roller-blading. DISASTER.
• TEA: Keep up your fluids. Drink lots of H20. I like tea. Unfortunately, I have a petite bladder and have to empty it approximately every 4.56 minutes.
• MUSIC: I love music and certain artists make me want to just sway my hips straight to a horizontal position and rest. I have to be certain to avoid any Timbaland or upbeat country, because then I will be in the mood to make-out and dance around. Nope- sticking with Enya and Mozart tonight.
• READ: Or knit, draw, watch TV, do whatever tickles your fancy into unwinding. For me, it is reading in bed. I loosen right up. (That sounds weird… I”m not loose in bed. Never mind.)

Just started this book and love it so far.

Actually, I read in bed every night.
And I’m going to go do it now.
And RELAX.

Any other pre-race rituals you want to share?