"Back In Time" - Pitbull

Let's go back in time a bit.

Since my blogging has been as less than awesome these days......lots to catch up on.

By.  The.  Numbers.

[running stuff]

* 374 - miles I ran in August.

* 370 - miles done on the treadmill

* 26.23 - distance of longest run this month.

* 38 - days until I get to do Rim - to - Rim - to - Rim. 

* 46 - [ish] miles of above said run.

* 1 - mile I ran on old Ed - before I said my farewell to him.

[nothing says, "I'm taking this run seriously" like wearing jeans.]

[Pita/Peanut stuff]

* 100 - percent chance we will reenact this photo when we are there. 

Pita better start hitting the gym more frequently.  She's not 3 any more Pita.

* 24 - bottles of water she probably damaged in isle 11.

"Mom, I'm walking on water."  nice, Peanut, nice.

* 690 - amount in dollars spent at "Ocean Club" for a group of four.

I'm going to go with "worth it". Mostly, because I didn't have to pay it. ;)

[life stuff]

* 98 - percent chance I'll be on Pinterest each night reading quotes like this one:

and this one:

L O V E.

[MY Parent's - stuff]

* 3 - number of days until my parent's 50th Anniversary.

* 1 - number of days after their wedding this photo was taken:

* 3 - buttons on my Mom's above jacket that I'd kill for!!

* 5 - minutes spent cracking up and what my Mom told me to buy her for her anniversary......

[.....ya, I'll get right on that GOLDEN Anniversary Apple Corer right away.] holy crap. 


QUESTIONS:

1.  Do YOUR parents [AND OR family members] do this to you?

2.  What have they said they wanted for a birthday/anniversary gift that made your eyes roll?

"Everything IS Everything" - Lauryn Hill

Slept like crap last night. [which is quite normal but this was a different kind of crappy]

I've got doing to do.

I feel like I've become the girl who's actions are not backing up her words.

and.

that
is
not
the
me
I
know.

I  never did sit down and write down my goals for 2011. 

2011 [all 19 days of it] has proven to be one of the busiest months, in my life.

So today.  I.  am. goal.  writing.

Everything from:

mom
church
daughter/sister
wife
runner
employee [yes, I "work" for myself, but that brings an unusual layer of much needed goals]

Hold. me. to. this.

"no more complaining" [ok, minimal complaining]

time to start.
freaking.
doing. d o - i n g.

I came across this photo last night.  Hadn't uploaded all the photos from the race.

it
made
me
smile.

Not because I think it's a good photo

but because

I look happy.  I look driven.  I look strong [come on!  let me have my moment ;) ]

I may be 19 days late

but

I may be 345 days . . . early.

*************************************

do share . . .

* what is the ONE goal you want most in 2011?*

"Black & Yellow" - Wiz Khalifa

okay.
truth.
time.

I'm lacking time today.

I think this belt buckle might be weighing me down.  You must check out this post.

Way too awesome.

Got 13 miles in this morning [87% happy with it].  Thanks to the song above [clean version] - this song is working for me right now.
The 13% of unhappy was mostly due to the guilt I felt while running with my Peanut awake and it's "girl's day" today.

So quick post and we will be off.

Got this yesterday from my friend Judi . . . Thought this was hilarious [so I'm sharing it].

Truths For Adults 

1. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

2. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

3. There is great need for a blogging sarcasm font.

4. How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

5. Was learning cursive really necessary?

6. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

7. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

8. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

9. Bad decisions make good stories.

10. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment, when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

11. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

12. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

13. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.  *****

14. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with a beverage than Kay.

15. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

16. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

17. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

18. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in the front.

19. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

20. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!

21. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.

Happy Tuesday!!

"Posse In Effect" - Beastie Boys

Mooshy, put his beer down long enough to slap me with these questions . . . running edition of "tag".



What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2010?

This.

Hands down.

A top four moment in. my. life.

Call me dramatic [you'd be the 4,444,444,444th person to do so] but it was a life changer.

Anyone can do a 50 mile run. I just thought doing it with horses would be cooler.

And.
it.
was.

Running goals for 2011?

a 3:10 marathon.

I want to BQ like a man.

It's a personal thing. [don't slap me with rude comments.......ummmmm, please].

Why should a woman get to qualify in 3:40 [for my age] and a man my age has to qualify in 3:10?

I think it's lame.

** So I'm going to BQ like a WO-man in 2011. **

My favorite race?

To date....... Tucson 2009. It was my first marathon in 9 years.

Second marathon over-all. Smiled. the. whole time. I knew I had it in me to BQ.
And I was freaking happy.

Yep, [once again] this was me in this race in 2009 [at mile 25.2]. All. smiles.


Favorite Holiday Guilty Pleasure?

I'm an over-thinker.
I don't think any holiday pleasure should be labeled "guilty".
It's Christmas.
Christmas never  ='s guilt in my book.
My favorite thing to eat at Christmas . . . my mom's caramel nuts with popcorn sprinkled throughout. ;)


Most embarrassing running moment?

Oh you mean other than being followed by a medic with a "5 barf buffer" at Top Of Utah, last September.

Nope, that's about it.

NOW.
who to tag?
who to tag?

SUAR - no doubt.  I mean I put her sticker on my most prized possession.
Caroline - look at that photo with her kids.  Adorable.
Pam - the girl just ROCKED Vegas!
Happy Freakin' Friday!!

Funky Cold Medina

Might as well get this over with, first.

We stayed at a "Hilton".  Like a Paris "Hilton".  I am ashamed Jomoosh and it'll never happen again.

They had quite the "Labor Day" pool party going on there.  Where the DJ reminded me how much I heart "Funky Cold Medina".  [Ahhhhh, college/high school...don't remember].

My favorite song [I have never heard before] was "Cupid Shuffle".  It's annoying as crap but this guy . . . .

.......every time they played it [four times] he'd get up and shake it.  I was crying with laughter.  He was awesome.

Photos.
[were deleted]

Photos.
[were deleted]

Photos.
[were deleted]

**So the Pita found/read/loved/examined my blog Thursday night........[in detail].  So the four photos I had of him flipping me [and or] the camera off . . . . he deleted.  So-so-so sad.  Isn't this censorship?  Can I call the police?**

I managed to save a few.  heeee heee heeee [in my evil voice].

Got this from Rad Runner ----- Peanut thinks you walk on water.  I told her you do.  So now you are a super hero too.

Not sure why she came out [photo] looking umpa loompa colored?!

So the rest I'll explain in numbers:

3 - hours it took to get to Mount Lemon to hike.
2 -# of potty stops while driving.
2 -# of times I used "nature" rather than the "toilets" that were being offered. so gross.
5 -# of times I realized, Arizona really can be pretty.

6 -# of miles we planned to hike.
1 -# of shoes Peanut brought.
1 -# of shoes that were two sizes to small
0 -# of socks Peanut brought.
44 -# of times she said she was "sorry".
0 -% chance I'll let her pack again without checking the "goods"
1 -# of times she said "this waaa-taaaahh says, energy an it's not giving me any"
1 -# of family photos I managed to not get deleted. [yay me]

1 -# of kids who'd think to pose with their hand under their chin for a hiking photo.
28 -# of minutes it took before Peanut needed Moleskin applied to each heel.
3 -# of times she said my "beaver skin" isn't working.  [cracked me up - it's the little things right?!]
100 -% more we had to pay for a room in Tucson than we usually do.
100 -% happy we were that the Pita booked it anyway.
7 -# of photos Peanut took when we thought she hadn't even taken one.

14 -# of times I was asked, "you're going to blog about this aren't you?" ummmm, yep.
3 -# of miles we completed.
3 -# of crepes had in a 24 hour period.  yum. "Planet of the crepes".....nice. 
8 -# of sunset photos I took.  This is my fav.

4 -# of ice cream cones I ate.  It's LABOR DAY!!  COME ON!!
20 -# of miles I ran Monday.

35 -# it felt like I ran.
99 -% sure that I am not 100% better.  Energy is not there.
11 - days until my Top Of Utah Marathon.
10 - days until I get a bloggy meet-up with Kera in Salt Lake City.
0 -# of marathons I've run without Peanut being at the finish line to greet me.

I don't think I like this "first" very much.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

AND

A huge thank you to the replies to Peanut on her post.

Her. year. made.   She was/is so happy.

E.T. Maybe I was destined for strange?

My initials.  E.T. 

Yep, like Effervescent Tart.  Extra Terrific.  Even Trotter.  Extra Tricky.  Even Traceable.  Evil Texter.  Email Trollop.

Whatever.

I found this song [E.T. By Katy Perry] Friday.

I'm positive this song mingled with a large dose of "Dynamite".  Will be just what I need for that marathon in 16 days.

E.T.  [click my initials - this song - ahhhhh mAAAz ing.]

Off to Prescott in 2 hours for sprain my ankle trail running practice.  I'll be playing this song about 42 times.

It was "ONLY IN MY DREAMS"

That Debbie Gibson song kept coming to mind this morning.

Why?

I had two dreams last night.  The one I choose to share is my running dream.  I woke up at 5:31, told the Pita, "I'm feeling a little better."  His snarky reply, "Oh perfect, why don't you go run 20?".

Me: Well, "In my dream" I ran 4 and felt great.
Pita:  wait, you dream of running?
Me:  Isn't that kind of a given?

Anyway.

Went to sit up and these were glaring at me.

[they were whispering . . . please try me out . . . ] 

Bad idea.

I made it this far.

[man how I wish that decimal was one place to the right. ;) ]

Amazing how freaking hard it is to run while coughing.

But what really got me was the coughing fit that lasted a straight 8 minutes.  Yes, Peanut captured it all on her iPhone in video mode [plus a few random photos at the start of it all]. 

All the while saying, "I told you that was a bad idea" about 14 times [each time I stopped coughing to catch a bit of air].

This girl captures me doing everything stupid.  I know she's keeping them all handy for when she's 16 and can say . . . . "must I remind you you did ______?  Do you need to see the video?" 

I'm deleting those videos/photos while she dreams tonight.

Pour Some Sugar On me

The Pita stayed home yesterday do laundry[nope], do the ironing[nope], watch Top Gear on the DVR[yep], be with me yesterday [I think, yes] ---- okay, fine probably just to get his 2.5 hour workout in.

One conversation went like this:

P: So what do you want to do today?
Me: Uhh, get better.
P: Let's go somewhere.
Me: like?
P: to look at cars.
Me: Ya, I'm sure that'll help.
P: You're not very nice today.
Me: I'm sick.  See the temp [not good], hear me [I sound like a phlegmy 80 year old smoker], smell me [just kidding-I'm a showeraholic especially when I'm sick]
P: "Pour some sugar on" you! [we are a rare breed [couple] who can converse exclusively using song titles, we are just special like that.]
Me: "Every rose has it's thorn"
P: But you are my "wild thing".... you make my heart sing. 
Me: fine . . "pass the Dutchie" - let's go.

It was a nice distraction until about noon when I thought my head and lungs were about to blow. 

I mean look at this Panamera Turbo. [drool]

So it was back home for me and off to the doctor.  Ya, I guess I do need those antibiotics after all.  2pm I get there.  "Ummmm, honey your appointment is at 3pm".

I was too pissed at her calling me honey to even care about the time problem.
Seriously.  If you are a woman, don't ever call me "honey. The only exception is if your hair is silver/white or if you are a parent of mine.  I HATE, HATE, HATE being called "honey".

Anyway.

Wasn't about to sit there for an hour so I did what all good, kind, considerate sick people would do. . . . . . . went to buy running shoes.

Where I met "Andy" who will be joining me [sorta] at the Man Vs Horse race in October.

Andy:  will it be your first trail run? [we had just finished the 15 minute talk about my "treadmill running"]
Me:  Kinda.  I did do the Whiskey Row Marathon but don't worry, I KNOW it's not the same type of trail.
Andy: The 25 will be challenging.
Me: Well, I'm doing the 50.
Andy: [nope nothing-just the look]

waiting
waiting
waiting

Andy: you are doing the 50? [yes, there was an emphasis on the "you" that I did not enjoy]
Me: You bet cha.  Show me the buckle! [big warm, sickly smile.]
Andy: wow.  I'll uhhh make sure to look for you.
Me: ya! It'll be fun to show you my buckle.  [I'm joking-I didn't say that . . . .]
Me {revised}:  You think I'm "done for", don't you?
Andy: I'll be really impressed.

Uggg. Whatever. He better not have sold me the "wrong" shoes. ;)

Note to self [never shop under the influence of Nyquil]

I am dying to try these out!!!

Now for a drum roll . . . . I have . . . . . walking pneumonia.  awesome.  He said I could call it running pneumonia if it made me feel better.

Give me my buckle & off to the doctor

Yes, still sick [worse] this sucks.  hard.

Thought I'd share an email conversation from Wednesday.  You see, if you run the Man Against Horse Ultra [the 50 miler] you get a buckle.  Not a boring/cheap medal but a big friggin' cowboy buckle.

I want the dang buckle.

All the "talk" of this started last Friday while at my friend's [Ash & T's] going away party.  T works with The Pita.  "A" also works with The Pita and is an ultra runner.  So he and I - - - - we HAD to chat.  He told me of an upcoming race.  I asked him to get The Pita the info.  And he did.  And I signed up without telling The Pita.

And so it goes: 

The Pita:  “You're gonna die if you do the 50 mile - even Aaron thinks so.

I'll start looking for a new wife now so it will be a smooth transition
"A" sent you some links see below.”


My reply to A & The Pita: “I always did envision you with someone even younger than myself [even though I’m 4.5 years your younger. Buckle up buttercup. It’s 50 or nothing.”

"A" cracks back-Pita [long signed off]: "Bull Shine!!" My first race was a 50 miler - the toughest 50 miler. ...and I never ran a single marathon except technically as a training run on my own a few times. I encourage you to run the 50 as long as you train for it and you're prepared to be out there awhile. It's a beautiful course and you'll probably even enjoy about 7 miles of it!! As long as that bloke you call a husband is out there, you won't feel like you'll ever be stranded. Just run from one aid station to the next and you'll make it and get your first shiny ultra marathon buckle!!  One thing I gotta tell you though is there's about a 2000' climb from mile 29 to 30. That's after you've done about 6000 feet of climbing during those first 28 miles. Keep telling yourself "it's fun."


Me: YAY! I want the buckle. I need the buckle. It's all in the freaking buckle. You wear yours to work right?!

I know I'm an idiot but ehhhhh what's the worst that can happen?

1. I look like a complete a*s? [fine by me].
2. Break my leg? [downer but it'll mend].
3. I pass out [there's helicopters right?]
4. I die. [all attempting first time ultra runners go to heaven, right?]

Who says I'm an ALL OR NOTHIN' kind of girl? [ohhhh, you mean THAT person who saw my horrible dance moves Friday?!] whatever. I'm over it.

I'm soooooo IN!

A: you have the kind of attitude it takes. you're gonna do well. Please don't yell a bunch of *^%@!* when you pass me, okay? It's gonna be a beautiful day, I just know it!!  keep hunting the Internet for the crude profile and/or map of the course. You need that to plan your drop bags. we'll have to plan a quick strategy session before the race. You're gonna kick some serious horse tail!!  let me know if you think of any questions.


Me: Pass YOU? That's seriously the funniest thing I've heard all week and it's been ---- well ----- an EVENTFUL week. ;)  Did you really write, "you're gonna do well"? Liar!! But I love you for it! If I make it out in 12 hours or 18 - I'll be the craziest blonde you've ever see cross a finish line. YAY! So excited.

A: there's a 12 hour cutoff. and trust me, I tested that one year when I had to run the second half with my shoe halfway off because of severe blisters. I barely made it. The next day I rode the Tour de Scottsdale (70 miles), ...but I'm not bragging or anything.  seriously, I'm here if you need anything.

One hour passes

Then he emails me this. Ummmm. Help.

Happy Friday Y'all!

Freaking Friday Fabulous

Does anyone NOT like Friday?

Here's why I'm loving mine already.

Exhibit A:

Peanut has not yet asked for these.

It's probably just a  matter of time.  Unfortunately, I think they are sweet.

Exhibit B:

Long run . . . . . . done.
Fav music from today's run:
*Cinderella Man - Eminem
*Peanut Butter & Jelly - Cadillac Don & J-Money
*Pass out - Tinie Tempah
*Love The Way You Lie - Eminem
[ya, it was a bit of a happy/angry run day].

Exhibit C:
My favorite new cool down song.
Which is very important because I hate - hate - hate "cooling down" [almost as much as I hate stretching] with a passion.
Video is a little vivid - [was the only one without ads] may want to just itunes / google that. I believe in [full] disclosure. ;)

Exhibit D:

Happy got an iPhone for her Birthday.  So we did this while at lunch yesterday.

Exhibit E:
I am going to wear make-up today.  So I won't have to pose for photos like this.  I work from home - - - why wear make-up?!

........ and I don't even have a date tonight.  This make-up thing is big
people . .  b i g.

Exhibit F:

Seriously, who posses for a photo like this?

NON-Exhibit G:
Had the best chat with Peanut on the way to camp today. 
But out of no where she says, "mom, can you run as fast a car driving down the street we live on?  I know you can't run like the speed on a fast road but like our house road?" 
Cracked me up.  She's been to 5 of my 6 marathons?!  She knows my speed/non-speed.

So [I'll throw myself under the bus here for you . . . ] I gave my Peanut my old iPhone for her b-day . . . . what?  I wanted the new one with all the problems. 
Sooooo . . .  I told her to google "Usain Bolt MPH" ------- seriously the man super-human ran 23.35mph in the 2009 World Finals.

Insane.  Awesome.  Amazing what the body can do.

Yep, random.  Yep, that's me.

Happy Friday!!

where is the love?

In my attempt to carelessly spend money yesterday - - I started looking for a fun, new, [possibly] funny, exciting running t-shirt. 

Not a "running shirt" but like a shirt to wear after running to the grocery store, dry cleaner, Peanut's summer camp to explain why I look so bad.  Ya know, so fellow shoppers, workers, critiquing mom's could say, "Ohhhhhhh, she must have just gotten done running".  Even though, I'll probably end up wearing it on days I look bad and there's been NO run in sight.  See, I'm a thinker.

But I kept finding crap shirts like this:

And this:

Why all the hate?

Am I not a "runner" if I only run indoors?!?  I personally know the answer to that.  but . . [and it's a BIG but]. . . . why are there so many who think otherwise? 

Do you guys hate treadmills?  If so, why?  Is it just the boring factor?  Lay it on me.  I'm ready.  I want to know!

PMDD or PMTDD anyone?

"There's no place like home." - Dorothy [wizard of Oz]

Poets have long said [something like], The best part of a journey is coming home.

I see it more as a delicate "re-entry".  Maybe the astronauts know what they are talking about.  Jump back into your daily "life" too fast and you'll "burn up" [or out] but go in to easy and you fall off the radar never to be seen again. [yes, dramatic but remember what blog you are reading].

I feel as if I am suffering from this dilemma, I call PMDD.  {Post Marathon [Trip] Dysphoric Disorder}.

Without a doubt, when I return from a marathon [especially in another city/state].  I seem to fall into a low-grade depression or funk.  PMTDD.  Which includes being tired, slightly moody, food cravings, increased sensitivity to criticism  & sleepless.

Sadly, there is no KNOWN cure for PM[T]DD.  However, I hear wearing 8 Gu packets in your belt loops, never having more than 3oz of any fluid in your carry-on /purse & wearing compression socks to the grocery store has helped some.  No one really knows why these methods help but some believe it tricks the body into thinking it still has a marathon [in some awesome far away state] coming up.

When we come home we are the same person who left. 

The only thing is . . we're not.

I think psychologists could explain PMTDD quite simply. . . while racing/running we feel free, ready to live it up, get that PR, try something new.  While at home, we know there will be many work emails awaiting, a crap load of laundry, a dirty house, a relationship to address, a dog to pick-up, the light bulb that hasn't ever been replaced in the laundry room.  I know, I know it's not really bad.

The run . . . the trip . . . life experiences . . . they change us.  No, not in huge ways rather, small subtle ways.  A lot of these changes cannot be seen until we are home.  Which is why no matter how difficult to endure, PMTDD is a necessary part of the journey.  our journey.

Does this mean me need to suffer through this alone?  Heck, NO!  Hello, why do you think I blog?! ;)  I love to read about your journey.  what you do.  How you cope.  I think we should hold web/video conferencing meeting [for extra support].  What the heck, let's all meet up in Boston [or NYC - YAY!] next year. 

Ahhh crap, who am I kidding?  I just signed up for [this] as I suffered through my PMTDD yesterday.

I am so not addicted to running.

I'm gonna run this town

Well, It's official. 

Prescott will be seeing me.  Soon.

Whiskey Row Marathon 2010

May 1, 2010.

Ready?  Yes.  Ran a 20 miler today and feel better than I have in three months. [yay!]

Did I ever mention how fun [lots of sarcasm here folks] it is to run 20 miles on a treadmill?

Am I thinking this is going to be a PR?  No.  Not with an increase of 1,300 feet in the first 7 miles.  Not for this [non-hill, treadmill running] city girl.

Loving the course description?  NO.  "This is one of the toughest Marathons in the United States. The terrain is rugged, the altitude exceeds a mile above sea level and the weather can be severe."  - awesome.

Who's meeting me there?

*post edit* - Thanks to "Steve" for the email:

"really?  really, you pick WRM over all the others from your post last Wednesday?  Come on!! ... Hawaii, Seattle, D.C?"

Answer, HECK NO!  This is what I'm calling my "marathon to occupy my brain so I'm not totally depressed when April 19th [Boston] rolls around."  Did I qualify for Boston? Yes, in December 2009.  Was I able to register in time? No. :(

Also, the Pita said this wouldn't "count" against my "you can run any two" offer, as he will be fishing with Peanut [while I run].

a w e s o m e.

Big Girls Don't Cry

Well thanks Fergie - but I never said I was a "big girl".

I am bummed, angry, mad, sad, crying.  So that probably makes me one of the biggest dorks alive today.  Because this is why:  NYC Marathon Status: denied.

I hate that word: denied. 
a bit harsh, no? 

I think it should have read: I'm so sorry you number was not picked this year but we all love you here in NYC!  [and YES, in pink would have been nice too]

Yes, I like that a lot better.

I was soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo looking forward to doing this all 26.2 miles:

And laughing/smiling like a dork [like this]:

So, I emailed the Pita.  Felt "unfit" to call & [gasp] his work phone charges per text [what?].  So ... of course, he calls, he's amazing.  I cry [duh].  He tells me to pick two and we'll "go".  really?  seriously?  Not too many other hubbys' would understand my freakish running "needs" [I use that term loosely] like this & man, do I appreciate it.

So what to do?  What to do?

Help me pick.  I will be running in at least two of these this year:

• Prescott YMCA Whiskey Row Marathon May 1
• OC marathon May 2
• San Diego R&R June 6
• San Juan [WA] marathon June 6
• Seattle R&R June 26 - ummm ya guess not - sold out - unless it's a charity run
•  WHITE RIVER 50 MILE TRAIL RUN - [WA] July 31
• SF, CA marathon July 25
• ** Kauai Marathon Sept 5 **
• Portland Marathon October 10
• Denver R&R Oct 17
• Nike women's marathon, SF, CA Oct 17
• ** MARINE COPRS marathon Oct 31 **
• Santa Barbara Marathon Nov 6
• Malibu International Marathon Nov 14
• Seattle marathon Nov 28
• Las Vegas Dec 5
• Tucson Marathon [the one I got my goofy blogger photo from] Dec 13

Don't get me wrong Mr. Sinatra, I'm going to "be a part of it" alright.  I am securing my 2011 spot by running the stinkin' 3:23.  I will not be "denied" again.

Finally - #2 !

[I probably should have worded that title a little differently?!]

After a 10 year "break". Here I go again . . .

Coming this January - - - marathon #2.

Got the "email OK" from The Pita Friday.

Actually, his reply was this: "Sure, go kill yourself - again."

Which in "Pita Talk" means: "of course Em, go for it, I'll be there at every drink station to cheer you on, your knee will be fine, Peanut & I will make signs . . . ."