Cherry Blossom 10-Miler

I don't feel so good. I'm sitting here, at work (yes, I can blog from work.) (More like, shhhh. Don't tell.) clinging to my Kleenex with a kung fu grip.

You can have this box of tissues when you pry it from my cold, dead fingers. Ya filthy animal.

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God bless you, Billy.

Anywho, let's do a race recap, shall we?

The Cherry Blossom 10-miler, April 3, 2011.

Whoa, what an awesome race. I ventured into DC on Saturday for packet pick up at the National Building Museum. The line (at 11:30am) wrapped around the building... and this ain't no shack. It's the NATIONAL BUILDING museum.... of course it's going to be big. So, I waited. And waited. And made friends with the runners around me. And waited some more.

Finally, I got my number and t-shirt. I was seated in the "Red Wave," which was the second to launch, I think. Plus, I purchased this puppy. Win! (Bigger win if it had been a real puppy...)

Hi, my name is Kaylan and I'm a pinkaholic.

Sunday, I got to the Metro at 7, missed the train. Whoops. So, it being the weekend and all, I had to wait 15 minutes for the next train. Whoops. Got off at the Smithsonian and booked it to the starting line were I finagled through a gate to the Red Wave. I literally waited about 2 minutes before the gun went off. Me thinks I could've had better timing. Especially since I needed to use the little lady's room. Holding it for 10 miles made me run faster? I don't want to experiment with that again. Pass.

The race itself was crazy. The first 5 miles were crazy obnoxious-- so crowded I felt like I was running with my elbows up. Definitely running on the offense, zig zagging my way through narrow spaces (aka large, sweaty men in spandex... WOOF). My mantra during this? "Goonies never say die." Weird, I know. But it worked. It's the little things in life I find most amusing.

The last 5 were crazy MARVE. Around the tidal basin to Hains Point, down trails lined with blooming Cherry trees. Ugh, I felt so lucky to be running. It didn't hurt that my pace had quickened and the route had gotten significantly less crowded. I love when running makes me smile.

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Not a picture I took, but it illustrates what I saw well. I was pretty focused on balancing my pace and not barfing. But I managed to look around every once in a while.

I wasn't able to track my pace per mile, my first mile being 8:24 (aka, my angry face was on), but I did clock my last mile, 7:13 (aka, happy dance time!). I managed to do negative splits for a ten-miler? Whammy. My chip time was 1:15.54, with an average pace at 7:35.

At first I was completely devastated. I should've run harder, faster. I should've gotten there earlier and seated myself at the front of the wave, maybe it would've been less crowded. I should've knocked people down. Yeah, I'm looking at you, father of 2 pushing a twin stroller. Babies or no babies, I WANT MY TIME.

And then I saw my race photos. And I laughed. Loudly.

Remember the part where I said I was trying to balance my pace with not tossing my cookies? Yeah. It was true. There's the proof. Side note: Remind me next time I'm having my picture taken to brush the rat's nest on top of my head. Woof.

The more I think about it, the less disappointed I feel in my time. I showed up (1 point), I ran (1 point), and I finished (1 point). Bonus points go to:

1. NOT barfing

2. PR'ing-- but only because I've never raced that distance before.

3. Negative splits

Me thinks I'm more of a middle distance runner than anything. And I cannot wait to race again. I heart running. SMILES.

Cherry Blossoms

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The time has come (apparently) for the tourists to flock from far and wide to my beloved city. Traffic. Like, whoa.

Fanny packs. Whoa (read: woe. Fashion faux pas.)

Beauty? WHOA.

With the blossoming comes the running. After a near fatal.... ok, slight scare on the dreadmill last week, I took a few days off. That always scares me, but in the end my health is more important than my sanity. Wait, no? Meh, all's well that ends well?

This week I have been rocking it. The weather has been dreary,except Tuesday when I had a smokin' hot date (swoon) to see the Tidal Basin. So, I've been boppin' on the tready-- mile intervals up to 8 miles (1 at 8:30 pace, the next at 7:30 pace...repeat for a ridiculous amount of time.) Nothing gets me going more than Beiber followed by some Avril. It helps take my mind off the fact that I do indeed sweat. No glistening here. Super hot, I know.

Gross.

My rambling leads to this: The Cherry Blossom 10 miler is Sunday. And I'm so excited.

Happy Dance.

It's been too long.

Well, hey there. Yes, I am alive. Contrary to what may follow, I am alive... and well. Almost.

A couple of interesting things have happened over the past few weeks, but I'll just include the highlights. Oh, like surviving my first snow storm. 'Surviving' should be used loosely as I did one of these:

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Don't worry-- it was extremely graceful. Like a one legged ballerina. B-E-A-utiful.

Day One:

(That white stuff is Neosporin.) Oh and that black stuff under my eye-- mascara. What? I like to keep it classy and get the rest of my eye make up off in the shower and rub it all around my face. Why? Because it's cool. (Do I even have to mention how good it looks? Puh-lease, the picture says it all.)

Day Two:
Or, the day I decided hanging out with Mel Gibson was a bad idea. Yes, it took me two days. Yes, I am a slow learner.

No, for reals though-- DO YOU SEE THAT SCHNOZE? People kept asking me if I got in a bar fight. At church. I wish. Oh, how I wish. That would be much more interesting than, "Aw no, I just ate it on some ice. BAD."

I went like that to church and my first night as a volunteer Youth Worker and met all the Junior ladies who I'd be working with. Lucky for me they are awesome and beautiful and extremely sweet when they told me my swelling gave my face "character." At least I think that's sweet. What can you really say to a 25 year old who still has trouble walking? "Better luck next time?" Yeah, no.

So, I took a week off from my running. It was nice, but also stressful. Running is my outlet. And I lurv it. I'm back on the wagon again. Reunited, and it feels so good.

So, I woke up this morning after having 3 crazy intense weeks and busy weekends (Emily came to visit YAY! and now Mom and Dad are here for the weekend YAY!) and I wasn't feeling awesome. I signed up to do the Love the Run You're With 5k in Pentagon City because I like to challenge myself and one of my goals for 2011 is to get that 5k time under 21 minutes. Even though I was tired and my throat hurt, I got in my car and drove down there. Convinced myself to run it. Ran it as hard as I could. And PR'd. All this, I would later find out... with a fever. Official time: 22:03. 17 seconds faster than my last 5k and PR. Boom.

So, now I'm in bed. Tired, feverish and typing. All's well that ends well?

Goals for 2011.

"If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things." -Albert Einstein

That Bert... smart guy. Someone should give him a prize or recognition. Bake him a cake or somesing.

I decided that 2011, my 25th year of life, will be the BEST one ever. I also decided that when I'm all old and wrinkly, that these are the days that I'll remember and cherish the most. So, let's make the most of it.

2011:

1. Run a marathon. Sub-goal: Run a marathon under 4 hours.

2. Run 2000 miles. That's like 38.5 miles/week. Child's play.

3. Start a career, not just a job. Find something I love, like working with Cause and make it happen.

4. Save some money for a trip-- funds for Dublin Marathon? Barcelona Marathon 2012?

5. Strengthen relationships with those I care about-- family, friends, most especially God. Yeah, the Big Man.

6. Be a mentor. Volunteer more. Work with a youth group. Become more involved in The Falls Church. (Whoa, that's more like 4 goals. Whatevs, my blog, my rules.)

7. Run a sub 21 minute 5k. Current PR: 22:20.

See? It's good to have goals. Potential goal #8: Own an alligator purse? I think yes. Best goal ever. (However, may conflict with goal #4.)

Toot! Toot!

Blogging is hard.

But life is good, so very, very good.

Since my last post, I have done quite a bit. I wish I could remember all of it. Oh wells.

I went home for Thanksgiving, which was by far the best Wedekind holiday ever. Thanksgiving is so great-- good food, good company, good weather, and all without the added pressure of hunting for the best presents for everyone.

I ran the Outback Half again this year with Jeremy. No IT Band issues... and I was the one pulling him through the course. Until the last .1 miles, where he kicked it into overdrive and sped off. Whatevs, you can have that win Kirch.

Don't lie, you love my shirt. And my ripped quads-- HEY-OH!

I came in around 1:54, I think. Which is fine, I just run that race for funsies. Plus it allows me to stuff my face with turkey and sweet potatoes. Nummy num nums!

It was a BLAST playing with Mary Buck Buck all weekend. She is the coolest baby EVER. Don't even try to argue with me on this, I will fight you. (And you will lose. The picture does not do my guns justice.)

I flew back to Reagan at 6AM and made it to work before 9. Then, after work, I babysat until midnight. After being awake since 4AM, I was dead. (Does it make sense that my voice is missing? I've been looking for it everywhere. She's gone.)

The week went by slowly. Woke up early on Saturday and drove to Rockville, MD for the Santa Shuffle 5k.

Yeah, it was a cool long sleeved tech shirt, which may have inspired me to drive so far out of the city to run a 5k. I love me some long sleeved tees.

I'm a rock star. Not only did I PR, but also in 30 degree weather in shorts and without gloves and a voice! I won my age group (my last race as a 20-24... sad face.) and a $30 gift card to Potomac River Running store! Woop woop! Oh hey running gloves... could've used ya on Saturday, but now you're FREE and alllll mine.

Results here. Check it.

For reals though, I couldn't feel my legs during the race. And the course was super hilly. Confession: I actually had to walk for about 30 seconds after a hill that was particularly brutal. So, I could've done better, but I'm still happy.

Christmas shopping in Leesburg. Church. Hanukkuh Brunch. Whole Foods/Trader Joe's/Costco. And now I'm watching Christmas movies on Lifetime Movie Network. Does life get any better than this? No, friends, it doesn't.

Life is good. So very, very good. Especially when I have this blasting constantly:

Merry Christmas Yall.

Whoopsie Daisies

I probably should blog more often. But I just don't care enough to. Or I'm too busy. You choose.

This week I was super busy. Work, running, work, yoga, work, winning at life.

I got some good ju ju goin' on right now. I found $8 on the ground the other day. Score! Then my co-worker Jessica took me with her to this industry networking happy hour thingy. Guess who won the raffle? THIS GIRL.

And now guess who is going to Reno/Tahoe to stay in a luxury hotel for 4 nights, a $150 credit to Charlie Palmer Steakhouse, and 2 (romantic... wink!) 50 minute massages?

ME. And my bestie. It's a girlmance. You wouldn't understand.

Then my team won trivia the other night! 3 free appetizers! 2nd place got a space heater... I think we were jipped.

That's some good ju ju right there. I intend on riding this gravy train all the way to 7-Eleven to buy some scratch off tickets. What WHAT!

I ran this weekend in Richmond. Confession: I chickened out of the Marathon (whomp whomp whooooomp). So I did the half. Results. It felt great! Only minimal hip pain, which is good. I finished better than what I wanted to going into the race, but was not tired or out of breath at the end. Which means I could've run it faster. Oh well. I listened to my body, and she said "Next time we will OWN!"

Too bad next time is in 2 weeks. Yeah, Outback Classic, I'm looking at you. Running with a friend-- who apparently is LAZY and won't get off his couch to train!

Signed up for another 5k. Santa Shuffle. Aiming for under 22 minutes. I can do it.

Home in 10 days for Thanksgiving. See you soon Jville. And family. And EMILY. YAY!

Thoughts of the day...

1. Murphy's Law? Sucks. Only because it's true. Seriously, I sign up for the marathon-- something on my list-of-things-to-do-before-I-die, and run the next day and my hip hurts. Granted, I've always had a little tweak in my right hip. (I think my legs are uneven. Yeah, that's how bizarre I am.) But seriously? WHY NOW? 3 weeks. I have 3 weeks to get this taken care of. I AM NOT BACKING OUT OF THIS MARATHON. No way, no how. Now, should I post a pic of hot dogs on my hip? Eh, not as funny as hot dogs on my foot.

Isn't my nail polish pretty? Essie's Swing Velvet.

Wait, wait, let me explain. I was babysitting, you see? And the top of my foot is bruised (shoe laces were too tight for 10.4 miles. Whoopsie daisies!) and I needed to ice it. But they didn't have an ice maker. Or an ice pack. Or frozen peas. However, they did have frozen frankfurters. Yeah, that JUST happened. Don't worry-- it's Kosher.

2. Happy Belated Birthday Mary Buck-Buck! I'm sorry I missed your 2nd bday party. I also apologize for refusing to pay $20 to ship your birthday presy. I'll bring it home for Thanksgiving and you can unwrap it then. But really, do you need another presy on your birthday? It's so much more fun to celebrate it a month later. So, I'm doing you a favor. You're welcome. Your Aunt DayDay loves you very much.

You are 2! And the cutest EVER!

3. It was 40 degrees this morning for my run. I was embarrassed to show up at Iwo Jima for DCRR's SLR in a *Cotton* long sleeved shirt (that was, of course, over like 6 other layers... what? I was cold.) Mockery ensued. Sorry I come from Florida where the sun is always bright and there is no need for heavy running gear. Yes, I realize I don't live there anymore (Yay!) but I've already spent enough money on sweaters and tights and such for work. Don't worry-- I will blog my 'First Day of my Big Girl Job" Outfit. And probably all my outfits for the week. I'm gonna look sooooooo CUTE!

4. I'm glad Florida isn't playing today. I need a break from my Saturday disappointments.

5. Explored Old Town yesterday during the day. I met Kirby there earlier this week for some din-din when he was in town doing some big, burly, hardcore Marine stuff. Tres lovely. Reminds me a lot of Avondale. Except like 100x bigger.

6. Went to a DC UNF Alumni event this week. That was fun! I'm looking forward to doing more stuff with them. Perhaps a kickball team? Yeah yeah!

7. Fun tonight with Audrey and Jo in Dupont. Church tomorrow. And laundry. And grocery shopping. And being a big girl-- which, I might add, I'm pretty darn good at.

Time for frozen peas on my hip. Hmm... peas sound good for dinner.

When it hurts to run...

If this doesn't move you to at least get off the couch, then you have no soul.

In 3 weeks, I'll be able to call myself a Marathoner. Whoa.

Richmond.

Whoa. I'm going to run a marathon. And not just any marathon.

AMERICA'S FRIENDLIEST MARATHON.

Oh yeah? Really? We'll see about that. Bring on your happiness, Richmond. I'm ready.

YAYYYYYYYY

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

I got a job! I got a job! I got a job! (Picture me giddily jumping up and down-- it took MUCH effort not to do it whilst speaking with the VP as he was offering me the position!)

Oh man, I AM EXCITED.

First things first-- Book flight home for T-giving. Now that I can afford to! (That's $350)

Then sign up for the Richmond Marathon. Now that I can afford to! (That's $100)

OUCH. Bye bye monies.

1 month and 1 day in DC and I get myself a job. BOO YAH! Eat that, Recession!

The position, Administrative Associate, is with SEPA (Solar Electric Power Association). A non-profit focusing on research and education in solar energy. So, it's an up and coming market and the organization has been growing exponentially and will continue to as the market develops. My bennies and salary are great! I get a gym membership! Why is this the most exciting thing to me? Because I'm terrified to run in snow--when that comes. And it will.

Oh, good things. I am very very very blessed.

Let's talk...

about how awesome I am.

What? Too much? Too braggy? Tough, I'm proud of myself. And once again, my blog, my rules.

So, Saturday. I ran 21 miles. 21. That's 10 + 10 + 1. (In case you were wondering how that all adds up.) My pace? Around 8:45 min miles. Do you know what that means?! If I ran 8:25 min miles for 26.2 miles... I COULD QUALIFY FOR THE BOSTON MARATHON. Wicked awesome (what? It's a Boston thing-- you wouldn't understand).

Tricky part? I haven't actually signed up for a marathon yet. Yes, my heart is pretty set on Barcelona next March. But without a job, ahem, and some income, cough cough... it would be next to impossible. The Marine Corps is sold out, and has been for months. Plus, I'm already signed up to do the MCM 10k that day. (Don't think I won't make it to Barcelona-- oh, that WILL happen. Also contemplating a trip to Ireland... duh, Dublin Marathon).

Guess what? The Richmond Marathon is open, and in a month, and isn't too far away from DC. PERRRRRFECT. I'm a cashew, let's do this. Psyched. Now, it is my first marathon and while I would LOVE to qualify for Boston, I think that's a pretty lofty goal. I have been running a lot, but not necessarily training. So, goal? Under 4 hours. Pretty sure I could do it. Nope, I AM GOING TO DO IT. How's that for some positive energy?

Wow, I'm excited.

Also, be expecting a blog update to tell the world how I am employed. This week is the week. I can feel it in my bones. Go me!

Thoughts of the day...

1. First, I think/hope the interview went well. I mean, besides the fact that I was sweatin' like a whore in church and stumbled through some questions. Forget my nervous laughter and lame attempt at making anyone laugh. Oh geez... hot.mess. I met the VP of HR and then my potential supervisor. For about an hour. And they asked for a writing sample, good sign? I think so. We will see. Oh, we will see.

2. These stinking hills are hurtin'. My shins huuuuurt. I mean, I enjoy the challenge and admire the scenery, but shoot, why? WHY? Why when I run to Georgetown (which is becoming a 2-3x/week route) I must go down and then come back up on my way home, when I'm hot and a little tired and thirsty. Yeah, thirsty. The only thing I can find to complain about living in DC right now is: NO public water fountains. What the what?! Rude.

3. The Post Office is hell on earth. Even the little neighborhood one I visited this morning. The website said "open at 8:30." LIES. It opened at 9. So I sat in the parking lot, hungry, groggy (hadn't had my morning coffee, even though I'd been up since 7:00), and now perturbed. Then when it opens the guy behind me is Mr. Obnoxious. Is it necessary for you to hum loudly? And tap your fingers against your cardboard box you're probably sending to your equally obnoxious prep school nephew? Oh, happy birthday nephew-- I'm sure you'll enjoy your new coffee mug and I heart DC t-shirt.

4. Nilla Wafers. Nabisco must put crack in those delicious little treats. Will not be purchasing them again. Would eat entire box in a sitting. And then I would be as big as a house and probably sweat MORE in interviews. Gross.

TMI? Tough. My blog, my rules.

5. Busy weekend ahead. I'm always busy. And I like it. You want some of this? You better speak up fast. Tots McGoats.

Thoughts of the day...

Monday, September 20.

Day 6 in D.C.

1. It's amazing to be somewhere and in such a short amount of time feel completely at home. I'm gathering my bearings fairly easily. I can maneuver the area without anxiety, not that I have any anyway (except for the big issue of J-O-B).

2. I think I need to start carrying tissues/chapstick on my runs now. 8 miles today. 4 to Georgetown, 4 back. GLORIOUS. I love running fast past all those yuppies... And window shopping.

3. This weather is so so so great. Cool, but not cold. Warm, but not hot. And humidity? Not really! Ah, my hurrrrr hasn't looked better in a while.

4. DCRR is great. Meet some cute, nice girls! Yay new friends! Edith's show was wonderful. The space was so fitting, exposed brick walls, old wood floors, exposed air ducts. Very cool and eclectic. The Falls Church is great. Again, met new friends! Can't wait to get more involved in everything.

5. The job hunt is going well. Everyone I talk to is very encouraging and helpful. Lurv it.

Love this. Love D.C. So grateful and thankful for all that has been given to me.

"Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" -Luke 6:38

Thoughts of the day...

And what a day it was!

1. I like Target. It's so clean and sparkly and they have cute clothes... on the cheapsies. Which is wonderful because I will soon be paying rent (yikes!) and can't afford my J.Crew/Anthropologie/Random boutique purchases.

So cute, I know. And inexpensive! And business-y! Oh joy of joys. I'm going to be a big girl with a big girl job. Can't wear t-shirts and running shorts to work anymore. (Yay! No more little kid messes!)

2. Where do kids pick up things? Like being so brand conscious? The 10 yr old, O., is obsessed with Under Armor, Nike, etc etc. I bought some new running shoes and switched brands (gasp!) and he's all like "Why? Why?" Well, because these new shoes are fitted to my feet better than my old ones... and I'm tired of getting blood blisters and wrapping my feet in duct tape before runs.

This is what I used to have to do. First layer is mole skin, then athletic wrap, then duct tape. Ridiculous, I know. So, I have new shoes. I'm a Saucony girl now. Sorry Mizunos... I still heart you.

3. Another things kids pick up: BAD words. The 4 yr old, W., dropped the F-bomb today. Really? REALLY? What do I do with that? I'm not his mom, I can't put hot sauce on his tongue or punish him really. I calmly asked him where he heard that. Do you know what he said??? "Oh, I just made it up in my head." Hmm..........

4. I'm exciiiiiiiiited about DC. YAY! I've found a church I want to try out, and a gym, and a running group, and applied to more jobs, and may have to babysit to supplement for a while. With everything that has come up recently, I feel more confident than ever that this is where I'm being led. Have faith, breathe deeply, and jump!

5. How am I going to get my bike up there?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Vernon_Trail

6. I'm going to miss this.......

This Morning's Thoughts

1. Vanilla extract is not good in your coffee. I thought it would be fun... it wasn't. Declared food misadventure.

2. My running hat smells bad. I can't wait for cooler weather. Cooler weather=less sweat=better smelling hat.

3. Hey, I put some new shoes on,

and suddenly everything is right,
I said, hey, I put some new shoes on and everybody's smiling,
it so inviting,
Oh, short on money,
but long on time,
slowly strolling in the sweet sunshine,
and i'm running late,
and i don't need an excuse,
'cause i'm wearing my brand new shoes.

New cute shoes.

4. I'm excited to see old friends at James and MJ's party tonight! Squee!

5. I'm WAY excited about my new steal:

I'm thinking New Year's Eve? Perhaps before? Too bad I can't wear it to a wedding 'cuz I look good in white. Thanks Gilt!

6. My plan of 10 miles this morning and then beach is being thwarted by the rude weather. RUDE! 10 miles is happening... the beach, probably not. Sad face.

UPDATE: 11 miles. In 100 degrees. Needless to say, the hat smells baaaaaaaaaad.

Who's got 2 thumbs and is excited about Rome?

ME.

And Jesse Spano. But I'm not scared... well, just slightly scared I won't be able to fit my wardrobe in my luggage. Details, details.

FYI: FEMA is on standby. This is only the beginning. Preliminary packing, really. (Sorry Kirby for taking over your room... it might be cleaned up by Friday... might.)

I googled where I'll be staying in Rome, St. John's University, and it's 3 blocks from the Tiber and another 3 from the Villa Borghese. Score! A place to run! The best way to see a city is in some running shoes (preferably not combined with khaki shorts, black calf socks, and a Hawaiian shirt... just sayin').

I'm feeling incredibly blessed right now. In this exact moment. I'm healthy, happy, and whole in my Lord. I've been concentrating on Psalm 18:30 since January, which says: "As for God, His way is perfect." I have no idea where I'll be in the upcoming months (ahem... D.C. please?) but as for right now, I'm exactly where I need to be.

And this Sunday? I'll be in a big bird in the sky... see ya Amuuurica.

Morning Inner Monologue...

Really? 6:20? In the morning? Is it really necessary to wake up this early while I'm on summer break? Don't. Wanna.

Response: Yes, yes it is. Wake up! Drink coffee! Eat cereal/banana! Chug down some water and freaking run that 12 miles this morning!!!

buy me this?

Maybe I should drink my coffee from one of these puppies....

To be continued.... (most likely from an ice bath)

I heart MB.

Mary Bullock (before the run)

7.3 miles later....

She kept me company as we clipped through Ortega, going over BOTH the bridges... and let me tell you... that baby gets heavy when you push her up a steep incline. Best running buddy I've ever had.

Taking the day off... which I don't usually do. And I kind of hate it. But my legs feel a little like Jello. And not the good kind (basically any red color).

Jacksonville Symphony 4 Mile Run

Alright, I am pretty excited about this. Sunday, I ran in my first race since the Outback Half Marathon last Thanksgiving. I thought it would be relatively small, which it was... around 600 runners. And it was a great course, going over the Acosta Bridge... twice... within the first 2 miles. Loved it! But it was also supporting a great cause, the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. (Love me some arts).

Fun fact: I won my age group. Don't believe me?

http://1stplacesports.com/jaxsym104mres.htm

I was elated! What a way to come back into running! It really has inspired me to pursue this whole Marato de Barcelona (the Barcelona Marathon, for those of you unable to translate simple Spanish) idea that I've built up in my head. Check it...

Yeah pink shirt, I beat you. You ran funny, you were basically asking for it.

So, I won a JSO CD, a coffee mug, and a plaque! Pretty cool, I think. I was a little disappointed in my time, mainly because when I finished I felt like I could do it all over again. But I think it's a great starting point since I just got back running like a month ago because of horrific shin splints brought on by over training after coming back from another ITBS flare up. I ran a similar course tonight much faster... like 3 minutes faster. I think I get scared to push myself too hard in a race... it's not cute to toss your cookies at the finish line. Trust me, I've done it.

Why do I run? Because I like cookies. A lot. In fact, I made some tonight after a grand total of 7 miles today.

http://savorysweetlife.com/2009/10/alices-chocolate-chip-cookie-recipe/

Not going to lie... they're good. But not the best chocolate chip cookie I've ever had. I blame the recipe. Because I? Am a darn. good. baker.

Happy Running!