tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24433674171742588582024-03-14T00:14:44.101-04:00On The RunThe stories of the miles behind me, the miles that lay ahead, and my current pace in the marathon of lifeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10570791699326057947noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443367417174258858.post-4840946292129540002014-06-20T11:14:00.001-04:002014-06-20T11:16:21.398-04:00I Keep A Close Watch On This Heart Of Mine <div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Last weekend, I finished up a long run and afterwards had some weird tightness in
my chest. It eventually
went away for the most part, but it bothered me enough to where I wanted
to get it checked out a few days later just in case. </span>
<span style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I didn't think it was that big of a deal at the time I went in, but let me tell ya.... mention "chest tightness" to anyone in the
medical field, and it is treated as an emergency and you are put on the top
of the list for evaluation. I can't lie. It totally freaked me out about how severe of a situation they made it out to be. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oMVvO4kw4kA/U6RNCdVrl_I/AAAAAAAAGTc/CHeY9UIKulU/s1600/beforeafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oMVvO4kw4kA/U6RNCdVrl_I/AAAAAAAAGTc/CHeY9UIKulU/s1600/beforeafter.jpg" height="205" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Needless to say they immediately got me in and I had an
EKG and a few other tests done. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444;">CliffsNotes version: </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I have what they are calling moderate left
ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).
Basically my left ventricle wall is bigger than its supposed to be. It
has problems pushing oxygenated blood through and doesn't hold as much
blood as it should, since the wall is thicker than normal.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> Exhibit A: </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N4WzQ2phF7w/U6RD3AFi51I/AAAAAAAAGSs/gQoYIaNCQ_8/s1600/left-ventricle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N4WzQ2phF7w/U6RD3AFi51I/AAAAAAAAGSs/gQoYIaNCQ_8/s1600/left-ventricle.jpg" height="297" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> It's an
underlying factor that sometimes people can go their whole lives not
knowing they have. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Because I am what he called an "endurance athlete" (<i>thanks for stroking my ego, there, doc!)</i> my
ventricular walls are probably a little thicker than a typical person's ventricle
to begin with. The heart adapts physiologically to what you put it
through -- in cases of more "extreme" sports, it will get a little
thicker naturally. In my case, I've probably always had a slight case
of LVH, but now that I run marathons it has put my wall
thickness into a "yellow zone" so to speak. <br />
<br />
I am at a higher risk for developing further disease
later in life, but that would be dependent on a number of factors
including lifestyle and diet. In my case it just needs to be monitored
(via annual physical) to make sure the ventricle wall
doesn't get any thicker and get into the "danger zone". </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FpIy4KhKiVk/U6RPUUaFZfI/AAAAAAAAGTw/b-9U1Wd7pMI/s1600/danger_zone_-_kenny_loggins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FpIy4KhKiVk/U6RPUUaFZfI/AAAAAAAAGTw/b-9U1Wd7pMI/s1600/danger_zone_-_kenny_loggins.jpg" height="320" width="315" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>No, Kenny. I am no Maverick. </i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">There's nothing I can really
do-- the doctor said he would typically tell people to lose weight, stop
smoking, eat healthier, or start exercising -- because I am already healthy, it's just something I have to live with and be cognizant of. </span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Other than my ventricle wall being a little thick, my heart itself is
strong, and heart rate is good. I am allowed to
continue endurance exercises as I normally would, as long as I'm
asymptomatic. The stronger my heart, the easier it will be to pump
oxygenated blood through. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sUR0sTvuMq4/U6RF7Fmiw5I/AAAAAAAAGS4/-bH_a69dUa4/s1600/strong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sUR0sTvuMq4/U6RF7Fmiw5I/AAAAAAAAGS4/-bH_a69dUa4/s1600/strong.jpg" height="205" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Lay off the 'roids, left ventricle. You're freaking me out. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><div>
<span style="color: #444444;">
This is the first symptom I've ever had since I
started distance running 4 years ago which is a great sign. He said
that I may only have symptoms once in a blue moon from here on out. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">If I can make sure to remember to
breathe properly, I will have less trouble too. The more oxygen the better! Yay Oxygen! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WaTmdvPE86c/U6RKEW6LCeI/AAAAAAAAGTE/Gc4L5ho98PI/s1600/oxygenbar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WaTmdvPE86c/U6RKEW6LCeI/AAAAAAAAGTE/Gc4L5ho98PI/s1600/oxygenbar.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Anyone wanna hit the bar with me this weekend? </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">My life mantra has always been "just breathe". It just so happens that now my mantra has a little more meaning. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDuORCoDrew/U6RLYooCgNI/AAAAAAAAGTQ/wenn1eloD6o/s1600/breathe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDuORCoDrew/U6RLYooCgNI/AAAAAAAAGTQ/wenn1eloD6o/s1600/breathe.jpg" height="400" width="366" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s1600/signature.jpg" height="160" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10570791699326057947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443367417174258858.post-12701592220096498442014-06-03T11:45:00.000-04:002014-06-03T13:57:06.908-04:00What The Hill? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ce7wERWDCEc/U43ajJLLOEI/AAAAAAAAGQA/p9wZQLrI9K0/s1600/leg1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Flights are confirmed. Hotel is booked. Vacation days are submitted.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Ragnar Wasatch Back is official. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BKrdJ3h44nc/U43aDDpkLbI/AAAAAAAAGP4/-t-d-vt0CpM/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BKrdJ3h44nc/U43aDDpkLbI/AAAAAAAAGP4/-t-d-vt0CpM/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">All I can keep thinking is....what in the good Lord's name am I doing?! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">It all started in 2012 when I serendipitously met a bunch of crazy fools who called themselves the "Saints and Sinners". They were a Ragnar team that established in 2008. I hopped onto the team as a rookie for Ragnar Key West a few years ago (recap of that experience <a href="http://mary-malone.blogspot.com/2013/01/run-drive-sleep-repeat-part-2-of-my.html" target="_blank">here</a>) and have been running with them ever since. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">It just so happened that in 2009, a year after we established the Saints and Sinners team, that Ragnar came out with a new "double medal" concept: run 2 races, get a special medal. They called it the "Saints and Sinners" medal, and it required running <a href="https://www.ragnarrelay.com/race/wasatchback" target="_blank">Ragnar Wasatch Back</a> and <a href="https://www.ragnarrelay.com/race/lasvegas" target="_blank">Ragnar Las Vegas</a> in the same year.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Wasatch Back runs through the mountains from Logan to Park City Utah, while Las Vegas runs through the Red Rock Canyon. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vjM-zJs2LTU/U43XuQopSpI/AAAAAAAAGPs/BU7kRTaj5n0/s1600/SaintsSinners-2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vjM-zJs2LTU/U43XuQopSpI/AAAAAAAAGPs/BU7kRTaj5n0/s1600/SaintsSinners-2014.png" height="320" width="128" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #444444;">If you flip the medal upside down, it says Sinners. I know, so cool right?! </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Obviously, our Saints and Sinners team had to make this double medal a bucket list item. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Our fearless captain decided 2014 was gonna be our year....so here I am! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">All the logistics are finally coming together. I have 3 weeks until I get on a plane to Utah.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Now all I have to worry about is...you know... the race itself. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J_uq5NnvroY/U43nobweCjI/AAAAAAAAGQQ/lFbk-i1SwWw/s1600/run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J_uq5NnvroY/U43nobweCjI/AAAAAAAAGQQ/lFbk-i1SwWw/s1600/run.jpg" height="235" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">If you hadn't remembered, I live in the flattest state in the country. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Yes, it's even flatter than Kansas. Google it, y'all. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Besides being altitude-challenged, I'm also recovering from a torn tibial tendon that left me sidelined from January through May. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">But hey, who needs conditioning for the mountains of Utah?!<b> </b>That'll be a piece of cake!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Yeah OK Mary, maybe a piece of cake made of titanium alloy. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><i> </i> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">My first leg has a little over 1,200 feet of elevation gain. Put into perspective: the Clearwater Causeway is only 80 feet high. I'm essentially running the equivalent of 15 straight bridge inclines over 7.4 miles along a dusty gravel mountain road.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">This leg even has it's own nickname -- <i>"What the hill?" </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">A leg with it's own nickname. How nice. I am so lucky. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ce7wERWDCEc/U43ajJLLOEI/AAAAAAAAGQA/p9wZQLrI9K0/s1600/leg1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ce7wERWDCEc/U43ajJLLOEI/AAAAAAAAGQA/p9wZQLrI9K0/s1600/leg1.jpeg" height="640" width="552" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">And that's only my first run of 3. But let's be real. The scariest part of this leg is not the elevation. It's that I have to run across <span style="font-size: large;"><i>cattle guards</i>.</span> Does anyone realize how klutzy I am?! I can barely even walk across grated street vents without twisting my ankle! I am sooooo done. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">What's funny (OK it's actually not that funny for anyone except for me) is that my legs are literally some of the easiest on the team. I got the injured runner's special! Thanks y'all!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Over 196.4 miles, there is 15,896 ft of elevation gain and 13,769 ft of elevation loss.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">That's 29,665 ft total change.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">From a team that trains at sea level. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Hey, at least we'll be super cheap dates at the finish line! </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>2 beers + 7,000 ft elevation = :) :) :) :) :) :) </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">If anyone needs me the next few weeks, I'll be out in Clearwater doing bridge repeats until I collapse into the Gulf of Mexico. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qVSnwV4Z_jA/U43q3swbNyI/AAAAAAAAGQc/xreg80P-f6g/s1600/WHAMBULANCE1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qVSnwV4Z_jA/U43q3swbNyI/AAAAAAAAGQc/xreg80P-f6g/s1600/WHAMBULANCE1.jpg" height="333" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">No, really. Call it. I need one.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s1600/signature.jpg" height="160" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10570791699326057947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443367417174258858.post-49364143616209374702014-05-12T16:20:00.000-04:002017-01-12T12:06:10.735-05:0030 Is The New Black<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">With a sea of emotions, the big milestone birthday has almost officially arrived.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSybMBzuQak/U3D9QMYzcqI/AAAAAAAAGN0/898nDBxTRlE/s1600/il570xN316131117.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSybMBzuQak/U3D9QMYzcqI/AAAAAAAAGN0/898nDBxTRlE/s1600/il570xN316131117.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">That time where I always thought I'd have life all figured out and everything would be perfect.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> Should I rejoice that the awkwardness of my twenties are over? Or panic as I kiss my youthfulness goodbye in return for a world of 9pm bedtimes and wrinkle creams? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I accomplished some amazing feats in my twenties. I've traveled all across the country and grown exponentially in my career. I've turned myself into a marathon runner and represent a fantastic brand due to my successes on the pavement. I've modeled luxurious European headpieces. I've done things some people don't get to do in an entire lifetime.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">But it wasn't an easy decade. </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">As I reflect, I'm fairly certain that your twenties is the equivalent of going through puberty. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">At 20, I was a small town college girl with big hopes and dreams, but not a lick of sense. I had no idea what it meant to be responsible. Or to be a good friend. Or how to love. Or sacrifice. Or how to take care of myself. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I was barely 21 when I packed up as much stuff as would fit into my Jetta and moved into a city I had never been to. After a while, I found myself broke and alone. I had two choices: give up and move back to Alabama, or pull myself together, figure it out, and move forward. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">So I worked multiple jobs -- one to begin a real career, the others to supplement my career dreams so that I could do things like feed myself and put gas in my car. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I learned responsibility pretty quick. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Through those jobs, I became friends with some incredible people from all facets of life. They took me for who I was, never passed judgement, and was the best support group I'd ever had.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">They taught me how to be a good friend.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">There are certain inevitable things in life that you can't be prepared for at any age, and death is the hardest of them all by far. </span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;">When I was 22, I lost my dad to cancer. </span>I found myself at a crossroads again: succumb to a world of sadness, or live happily in his memory and make him proud. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">In life and in death, he taught me how to love. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">My mid twenties became less about trying to decide what bars to go to every night and more about building a life for myself and taking care of the people that meant the most to me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I met Prateek who taught me what it means to sacrifice and prioritize and that sometimes the right decisions are the hardest. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I find myself now in my late twenties, turning 30 in a few days, surrounded by a solid group of great friends and family and everything I could have ever asked for.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The feelings I've been having of aimlessness,
inadequacy and insecurity over a stupid number?! What is wrong with me? I
should have way bigger fish to fry than that. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I don't believe that learning how to be responsible or how to love or how to be a good friend ever really stops. You are constantly discovering yourself, no matter the age. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I think that maybe your twenties is where you truly learn some of those life principles, and your thirties is where you can actually execute and benefit from them. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> Growing older is a privilege, not a curse -- and a person's potential has no expiration date. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">So, maybe it's not that I'm young or old. Maybe I am just where I need to be. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Bring it on, 30. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H5yIqcJTBls/U3D86fVu2sI/AAAAAAAAGNs/gP3XpxBXG4g/s1600/b44e86cd7657adcb7c67d6f70a52b6ef.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H5yIqcJTBls/U3D86fVu2sI/AAAAAAAAGNs/gP3XpxBXG4g/s1600/b44e86cd7657adcb7c67d6f70a52b6ef.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMdGSQ_as_A/TwMdtcuZw2I/AAAAAAAAAyI/hnV2c3ZuY0E/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMdGSQ_as_A/TwMdtcuZw2I/AAAAAAAAAyI/hnV2c3ZuY0E/s1600/signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10570791699326057947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443367417174258858.post-51548157098949058522014-05-05T09:18:00.000-04:002017-01-12T12:07:03.761-05:00That One Time When I Blogged....<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Admittedly, I have been a major social networking BUST so far this year. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">I unintentionally kind of put blogging on the back burner. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Like, waaaaaaay way back there in the back of my closet.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"> Next to the pants from high school that I swore one day I would fit into again. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Needless to say, I decided to resurrect the blog and give away the high school pants. Let's be real, those things don't stand a chance. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><i>When 2 Chainz talks about the girl saved in his phone under "big booty", he's actually referring to me. I am collecting royalties as we speak. </i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">I figured now was as good of a time as ever to try and get back with it. I love writing and kind of miss it! So, here's a quick update of life's highlights so far in 2014. It may be only 4 months in, but there are plenty of things to share. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>I smelled the roses.</b></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #444444;">This boondoggle really deserves a post of it's own.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;">Getting to the National Championship Game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena was a true test of God. But once I was there, it was all worth it.</span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rczwU_8r7kU/U2dgGXuFQvI/AAAAAAAAGLY/tFXX2Mrtzbc/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rczwU_8r7kU/U2dgGXuFQvI/AAAAAAAAGLY/tFXX2Mrtzbc/s1600/photo+3.JPG" width="150" /> </a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;">Summary:</span></span></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;">Find out at 10pm the night before our flight that our 6AM leg from Tampa to Atlanta had been cancelled. </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;">Called airline. Weighed options: fly stand by, fly out of another city and miss part of game, not go at all.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;">Thought of one more option: <i>DRIVE TO ATLANTA</i> and then get on the plane there (mind you Prateek had not packed yet...yes...it was 10pm the night before. Welcome to our life.) </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;">Confirmed that the 8:30 AM Atlanta to LAX flight was on time. </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;">Packed, rented a one way car to Atlanta, and drove 8 hours through the night</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;">Pulled into the Atlanta airport with about 2 minutes to spare and got to the gate as they were boarding the plane.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;">Got off the plane at LAX, went to In N Out (duh), then went straight to the Rose Bowl </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sCLgFqSm0pU/U2dgGApiIRI/AAAAAAAAGLQ/oHldt8in63Y/s1600/photo+2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sCLgFqSm0pU/U2dgGApiIRI/AAAAAAAAGLQ/oHldt8in63Y/s1600/photo+2.JPG" width="150" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;">The game was one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had. Even though Auburn didn't pull through with the win, it was worth every sleepless minute it took to get there.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"> I was so proud of them I almost cried. War Eagle, y'all.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"> <b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r4vkM91QR2Q/U2dgGd-UBaI/AAAAAAAAGLU/kIRs8ig5BGQ/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r4vkM91QR2Q/U2dgGd-UBaI/AAAAAAAAGLU/kIRs8ig5BGQ/s1600/photo+4.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>I injured myself. Like, really bad this time.</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">I've had running injuries before. But nothing that has kept me in a sedentary state for THREE AND A HALF MONTHS. A strained tibial tendon may sound minor. After a month in a boot, another 6 weeks in an ankle brace, and then being limited to only "low impact" activities for another 4 weeks, I officially respect my tendons.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OR-Fq0mObpM/U2diw301aDI/AAAAAAAAGLs/UsapYvcRV-w/s1600/boot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OR-Fq0mObpM/U2diw301aDI/AAAAAAAAGLs/UsapYvcRV-w/s1600/boot.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-50t5JS9sT1o/U2dixPWm-mI/AAAAAAAAGLw/MmUmA-0tyxE/s1600/ankle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-50t5JS9sT1o/U2dixPWm-mI/AAAAAAAAGLw/MmUmA-0tyxE/s1600/ankle.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">My waistline (and my sanity) can't wait for me to fully heal. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Thankfully, a resurgence is near. I ran my first pain free mile last week. I was so happy I cried. It was slow and I had a side stitch the whole time and I kind of wanted to throw up at the end, but it was the best mile I've ever completed in my running career thus far. Bring it on, recovery! I have new Oiselle duds that need to be worn! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>I sold the first "big girl" thing I've ever owned. And then purchased the first "big girl" thing I've ever purchased</b>.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-momgt3zXKfs/U2dkBJVjuiI/AAAAAAAAGMA/AhZ86pF3AYI/s1600/car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-momgt3zXKfs/U2dkBJVjuiI/AAAAAAAAGMA/AhZ86pF3AYI/s1600/car.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jB1u7eaDh0I/U2dkI5dFCEI/AAAAAAAAGMI/M77-cnt5sk4/s1600/car1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"> I
sold one of the loves of my life -- my 2002 Honda Civic with 190,000
miles on it - and bought a new car. I cried when the Honda sold. Then I cried
again when I signed the paperwork on my Audi.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jB1u7eaDh0I/U2dkI5dFCEI/AAAAAAAAGMI/M77-cnt5sk4/s1600/car1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jB1u7eaDh0I/U2dkI5dFCEI/AAAAAAAAGMI/M77-cnt5sk4/s1600/car1.jpg" width="148" /></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><b>I think maybe I cry too much</b>.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>I am the greatest fantasy football commissioner and player to ever exist in the history of time.</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">OK, not really. But I did kinda love being commissioner. And I <i>did</i> in fact win two of the three leagues I was in this year (and came in 2nd in my other one). </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cQm4i74ekTE/U2drUJ_aYbI/AAAAAAAAGNM/CafN9_h8H50/s1600/heisman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cQm4i74ekTE/U2drUJ_aYbI/AAAAAAAAGNM/CafN9_h8H50/s1600/heisman.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><span style="color: magenta;"><i>Had hit records on my demo..did y'all boys not get the memo?</i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Oh, and I went on to win the March Madness office pool as well. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">I think everyone at work hates me. It's tough at the top, y'all. Haters gonna hate.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I got Bollywood Fever. </b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">This also really deserves a post of it's own.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tLIaeZH90QY/U2dlBD0qFwI/AAAAAAAAGMU/bm3B34DgCGI/s1600/IMG_9878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tLIaeZH90QY/U2dlBD0qFwI/AAAAAAAAGMU/bm3B34DgCGI/s1600/IMG_9878.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SqRmkSrBHKM/U2dlAKF-5xI/AAAAAAAAGMQ/fJDyObDgwWk/s1600/IMG_9834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dIyceapE27g/U2dnYsDUGaI/AAAAAAAAGM0/LUn2SqKwpA8/s1600/kameez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dIyceapE27g/U2dnYsDUGaI/AAAAAAAAGM0/LUn2SqKwpA8/s1600/kameez.jpg" width="128" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"> Everyone knows I'm no stranger to a packed social schedule. I've been fortunate to have attended hundreds of concerts and shows and events in my lifetime. <a href="http://www.iifa.com/" target="_blank">IIFA</a>, however, tops the list of them all.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SqRmkSrBHKM/U2dlAKF-5xI/AAAAAAAAGMQ/fJDyObDgwWk/s1600/IMG_9834.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SqRmkSrBHKM/U2dlAKF-5xI/AAAAAAAAGMQ/fJDyObDgwWk/s1600/IMG_9834.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">The IIFA Awards are Bollywood's version of the Oscars, and had been hosted all over the world but never in the United States. This year, Tampa won the bid to host the awards and Prateek and I were so lucky to attend all of the events and their respective after-parties.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sD6xAGSu_uc/U2dlBggJb4I/AAAAAAAAGMY/e83WV8r8ESA/s1600/IMG_9882.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sD6xAGSu_uc/U2dlBggJb4I/AAAAAAAAGMY/e83WV8r8ESA/s1600/IMG_9882.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Imagine mixing the Olympic Opening Ceremonies, a Broadway musical, and Cirque du Soleil. That is what the IIFA production was like. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-59ERmEdpm7M/U2dlCuDumnI/AAAAAAAAGMg/XyhXG0Hzwxw/s1600/IMG_9889.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-59ERmEdpm7M/U2dlCuDumnI/AAAAAAAAGMg/XyhXG0Hzwxw/s1600/IMG_9889.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">I've never seen anything like it and probably won't ever again. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">The show was taped and will air sometime in June to over 800 million viewers worldwide. Incredible! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">And that brings us to May. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">The month that I have been simultaneously looking forward to as well as dreading since around this time last year.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">But I'll save that for another blog post.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s1600/signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10570791699326057947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443367417174258858.post-78092356321603240612013-11-27T13:06:00.001-05:002013-11-27T13:19:38.146-05:00An Open Letter to Auburn Fans<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Figured I'd add to the spirit of Iron Bowl week and share this recent post I read.</i></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>War Eagle, y'all. </i></span></span></b></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]--><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHi0R7tTWXI/UpY1UG4NeVI/AAAAAAAAGE0/HteJYMFLJho/s1600/auburn.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHi0R7tTWXI/UpY1UG4NeVI/AAAAAAAAGE0/HteJYMFLJho/s320/auburn.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's hard to watch your team go 13-0 and miss the chance to
have a national title. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's hard to finally get that championship and have the NCAA
and media breathing down</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">your neck the whole time. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's hard to watch your team go winless in the SEC and 3-9
overall, and then see your beloved trees ripped from the ground because one of
your detractors doesn't know the difference between rivalry and hatred. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's hard to see your program's rich tradition and moments
of greatness denied by a never-ending chorus of haters who don't care what it
means to believe in Auburn and love it.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But it's also hard to think of a greater memory than Tommy Tuberville leading
the perfect team out arm-in-arm onto the field. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's hard to find a better pre-game tradition than an eagle circling the
stadium to the soundtrack of 90,000 people united in our rallying cry. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's hard to find a fan base that could take the death of another tradition in
the wake of a terrible season and turn it into a picturesque celebration of
everything Auburn. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's hard to catch a ball you can't even see, to juggle the weight of an
improbable comeback and an improbable year, and then carry it into the end zone
like you meant to do it the whole time. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's hard to find a better coach than Gus.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The truth is, I'm not too worried about this Saturday. We are the underdogs,
and it'll be hard work to pull off the upset. But hard work is exactly the kind
of work we believe in. And no matter how easy it might be right now to just roll with the Tide, I will look back when it's all
settled and know that the hardest moments and how we dealt with them are just
part of why it was, is, and always will be </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">GREAT TO BE AN AUBURN TIGER.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> - Tim Tyler, via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AllThingsAuburn" target="_blank">All Things Auburn </a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YX6yS-sgsG0/UpY2EdJmQWI/AAAAAAAAGE8/JQX5CoDmqao/s1600/auburn_creed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YX6yS-sgsG0/UpY2EdJmQWI/AAAAAAAAGE8/JQX5CoDmqao/s1600/auburn_creed.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CoBq5wc37RY/UpY2P-SHOiI/AAAAAAAAGFE/rBNBE6hGVdA/s1600/auburnfootball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CoBq5wc37RY/UpY2P-SHOiI/AAAAAAAAGFE/rBNBE6hGVdA/s640/auburnfootball.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10570791699326057947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443367417174258858.post-29472405083706790932013-10-14T09:40:00.000-04:002017-01-12T12:08:31.202-05:00Eulogy <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Dear Jadoo,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">You came bounding into my life with your giant paws and long fuzzy tail. You pushed your big Rottweiler head into the side of my leg and forced me to pet you (and almost knocked me down in the process). Ever since that moment, you filled a hole in my life that I didn't even realize I had. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fcU3F-mA4PQ/UlhQUKaGS-I/AAAAAAAAGB0/E7BkE8UFB24/s1600/jadoofinal.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fcU3F-mA4PQ/UlhQUKaGS-I/AAAAAAAAGB0/E7BkE8UFB24/s400/jadoofinal.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">You never met a stranger and gave kisses freely. You protected me from terrible predators like lizards and pelicans and squirrels, and wouldn't stop barking until they were gone.You let me dress you up in ridiculous outfits for the holidays. You would do just about anything for a cookie. You knew when I was happy or sad and would come lay next to me when I was sick and not leave my side. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tVVvDy2KhbY/UlhQT8vxtBI/AAAAAAAAGBo/DXZck4nF5Wk/s1600/j-dock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qo6uh_0Hj2o/UlhQTsVpB8I/AAAAAAAAGBg/0MYfChDho1M/s1600/jadoo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qo6uh_0Hj2o/UlhQTsVpB8I/AAAAAAAAGBg/0MYfChDho1M/s320/jadoo2.jpg" width="234" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-knk-T8iGsDo/UlhQTobHBzI/AAAAAAAAGBk/b5KmY1nXFQA/s1600/jadoo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-knk-T8iGsDo/UlhQTobHBzI/AAAAAAAAGBk/b5KmY1nXFQA/s320/jadoo1.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I will miss how you ran around in circles in the backyard right after a bath. I will miss having you at the bow of the boat as the first mate. I will miss how you would lie down right smack dab in front of the bathroom sink <u>every</u> <u>single</u> <u>morning</u>, making me stretch and reach over you to brush my teeth. I will miss doing my cool down walks with you after a long training run. I will miss having you rush to the door to greet me after getting home from work. I will miss how you barked at the swimming pool whenever someone would jump in. I will miss hearing your footsteps go up the stairs like a herd of elephants. I will miss how you attempted to attack the vacuum cleaner but then would get scared of it and run away. I will miss sitting out with you on the dock watching the boats go by. I will miss how you tried as hard as you could to get comfortable in the back seat of my Civic, 99% of the time being unsuccessful because you were just too big. I will miss the tumbleweeds of your hair swirling across the floor, no matter how often it was swept. I will miss how you tilted your head to one side and hiked up your ears when I said the word "hungry". I will miss constantly picking up your toys (which also included the empty milk jugs that you would chew into a ball of shredded plastic). I will miss how you'd follow me from room to room. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Most of all, I will miss your unconditional love.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">You touched so many people's lives and will never be forgotten. I can't wait to cross the Rainbow Bridge with you someday. Until then, rest in peace my handsome boy.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tVVvDy2KhbY/UlhQT8vxtBI/AAAAAAAAGBo/DXZck4nF5Wk/s1600/j-dock.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tVVvDy2KhbY/UlhQT8vxtBI/AAAAAAAAGBo/DXZck4nF5Wk/s640/j-dock.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HCAdh8NNVxg/UlvxFzrPHOI/AAAAAAAAGCI/Bprp3PZAQ8k/s1600/dogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HCAdh8NNVxg/UlvxFzrPHOI/AAAAAAAAGCI/Bprp3PZAQ8k/s320/dogs.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10570791699326057947noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443367417174258858.post-73950707081059741242013-10-08T10:11:00.000-04:002013-10-08T10:11:27.735-04:00In Sickness and in Health<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">For the typical marathoner, you are married to your sport. You wake up with it, think about it all day, hang out with it after work, and have dreams about it at night. Through all the trials and tribulations, you continue your relationship with it and work on it every day to try and make each day better than the last. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">My Twin Cities Marathon experience was a true test of my relationship with running. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">It was a perfect day for a race - temps in the mid 40's with a little cloud cover. The course was absolutely gorgeous and full of fall colors. I had never felt better at the halfway point of any marathon I've ever done and was hitting my goal paces almost spot on. I felt totally invincible! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Then mile 15 happened. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">It felt like someone punctured a knife through my stomach. Then the nausea came, with dry heaving shortly thereafter. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Ummmm, excuse me running, but WTF?! We were doing so well!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I pulled over to the side and was assisted by an EMS guy on a bike who gave me some fluids. They asked how I felt about 5 minutes after the heaving stopped, and I lied and said I felt much better.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Stubborn, party of one. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">By the 22nd mile, I had to pull over to the side again. The same EMS guy on the same bike saw me that second time, walked me to a nearby emergency aid station and gave me hot chicken broth. They advised I drop out and said I looked pale. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Sorry dude, but I always look pale. It's my German/Irish heritage. I'm continuing on. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Plus, there was no way I was dropping out at mile 22. I would walk/crawl/stumble my way across the finish line before I DNF'd. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I thanked them for the broth and continued as best I could for the next 4 miles, all the way across the finish line. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">My legs felt great. My lungs felt great. It was just not my day on the G.I. side of life. But, like Nemo with a bad fin, I persevered and just kept swimming. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">A day later I am already in heels with hardly any soreness in my legs. And I am already plotting another marathon in the next few months for redemption. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Marathon #5, I'm coming for you.... </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s400/signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10570791699326057947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443367417174258858.post-64959079174887786492013-09-17T14:13:00.001-04:002013-09-17T14:13:49.874-04:00The Great North Left <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Everyone has a life bucket list.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">For some, it may be walking the Great Wall of China. For others, it may be riding a Gondola in Italy and getting serenaded by a Venetian man with a straw hat. Or maybe it's something like running a marathon or going scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">For me, one of my life bucket list items was to see Dave Matthews Band live at The Gorge.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pwYOyeVnaEM/Ujh1J9y-a1I/AAAAAAAAFqs/A7brwIJRjUU/s1600/IMG_7550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pwYOyeVnaEM/Ujh1J9y-a1I/AAAAAAAAFqs/A7brwIJRjUU/s400/IMG_7550.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: magenta;">God's Amphitheater. It's a religious experience, y'all.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">When I found out back in February that I had scored tickets to the show, I decided to base a Seattle vacation out of it as well. I'd never been to the state of Washington, and the idea of spending time in the Pacific Northwest during a hot Florida summer sounded better than a post-race ice cold IPA. (Well, actually, maybe those two things are about even.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">For the cherry on top of the trip, I was <a href="http://mary-malone.blogspot.com/2013/08/birds-of-feather-flock-together.html" target="_blank">accepted onto the Oiselle Volée running team</a>, and oh hey guess what?! Their headquarters are in Seattle. Two birds with one stone. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Hmmmm maybe that reference doesn't really work here. Sorry Oiselle. You know I love birds.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i> </i>We rolled Eastward through the mountains of Washington on our way to the Gorge and I was fascinated by how different Eastern Washington was from the Western part. It was brown and dry - very desert canyon-ish. But absolutely beautiful nonetheless.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mcDAMtbE8uU/Ujh8OhfzcVI/AAAAAAAAFrk/575fBV8qehI/s1600/IMG_7575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mcDAMtbE8uU/Ujh8OhfzcVI/AAAAAAAAFrk/575fBV8qehI/s320/IMG_7575.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zaO8UghWNkM/Ujh8PZLLKGI/AAAAAAAAFrs/qG69-cHXakc/s1600/IMG_7643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zaO8UghWNkM/Ujh8PZLLKGI/AAAAAAAAFrs/qG69-cHXakc/s320/IMG_7643.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I have seen some amazing DMB shows in my time as a fan (God bless the moment when I first popped in that Remember Two Things cassette tape in 1993). I tried to count how many times since my first show in 1996 that I've seen him live, and it's gotta somewhere around 20. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Sure, I don't remember every single song from every single show, but I can say without a doubt that this show as a whole was the best I've ever seen him live. And probably overall the best live performance of any band I've ever been to.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Ever. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-02vv02bqpN8/Ujh8rp3bhdI/AAAAAAAAFr4/dB2OxbcHFRQ/s1600/IMG_7618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-02vv02bqpN8/Ujh8rp3bhdI/AAAAAAAAFr4/dB2OxbcHFRQ/s320/IMG_7618.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xL2sxgXn_Vw/Ujh9UxmoKJI/AAAAAAAAFsM/KqUfiSkXedI/s1600/IMG_7587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xL2sxgXn_Vw/Ujh9UxmoKJI/AAAAAAAAFsM/KqUfiSkXedI/s320/IMG_7587.JPG" width="240" /> </a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2hSZ1Tym1bA/Ujh80y-ZVBI/AAAAAAAAFsE/CY2vbguU6Xw/s1600/IMG_7613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2hSZ1Tym1bA/Ujh80y-ZVBI/AAAAAAAAFsE/CY2vbguU6Xw/s640/IMG_7613.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-90ghnZOwjrk/UjiWAoe20vI/AAAAAAAAFt0/t51lkaCAXIY/s1600/IMG_7609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-90ghnZOwjrk/UjiWAoe20vI/AAAAAAAAFt0/t51lkaCAXIY/s640/IMG_7609.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Hooray for iPhone panorama! </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lyzdHC7-geI/Ujh4AC9lRNI/AAAAAAAAFq4/eiis4APD3ys/s1600/IMG_7650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lyzdHC7-geI/Ujh4AC9lRNI/AAAAAAAAFq4/eiis4APD3ys/s320/IMG_7650.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: magenta;">Playlist</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">After cleansing my soul in Eastern Washington, we headed back to Seattle for some rest and relaxation.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Which you know, of course, included me running a half marathon at the last minute. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KM4UMc1SKU8/Ujh4t8WyB2I/AAAAAAAAFrA/SOt_UZoD3tE/s1600/IMG_7698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KM4UMc1SKU8/Ujh4t8WyB2I/AAAAAAAAFrA/SOt_UZoD3tE/s400/IMG_7698.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: magenta;"> Because why not? </span></span></i><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Seattle also just so happened to be hosting a music festival the weekend we were there. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Y'all know I was all over that like flies in a freshly manured farm field. </span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://bumbershoot.org/" target="_blank">Bumbershoot</a> is their music and arts festival they've held every year for the last 42 years. Great vibes, good bands, and a fantastic way to spend a beautiful Labor Day in Seattle City Center. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ChgxJqJWQU/UjibFqCR5yI/AAAAAAAAFuM/9oCqVDeLP_E/s1600/IMG_7725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ChgxJqJWQU/UjibFqCR5yI/AAAAAAAAFuM/9oCqVDeLP_E/s320/IMG_7725.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wS_RAUiG6Hk/UjibCTGIrjI/AAAAAAAAFuE/kvq_sXlLnxM/s1600/IMG_7751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wS_RAUiG6Hk/UjibCTGIrjI/AAAAAAAAFuE/kvq_sXlLnxM/s320/IMG_7751.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: magenta;">One of my faves - <a href="http://www.thelonebellow.com/" target="_blank">The Lone Bellow</a></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">We also went to the Pike Place Market and got a coffee at the original Starbucks, took a ferry ride over to Bainbridge Island, went to the top of the Space Needle, and (shocker) drank some local brews. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vH7ZJB2yZC0/Ujh_l50huqI/AAAAAAAAFtQ/cf1e85U6X1Q/s1600/IMG_7763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vH7ZJB2yZC0/Ujh_l50huqI/AAAAAAAAFtQ/cf1e85U6X1Q/s200/IMG_7763.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-um3ZFBuoUvM/Ujh-M_bjVRI/AAAAAAAAFsk/_4PzBqU__bo/s1600/IMG_7745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-um3ZFBuoUvM/Ujh-M_bjVRI/AAAAAAAAFsk/_4PzBqU__bo/s200/IMG_7745.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FA6G5jzpIqE/Ujh-NGRJ-sI/AAAAAAAAFso/4GdqUCvtvuo/s1600/IMG_7762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDqKA-rSLrs/Ujh-LMpmZsI/AAAAAAAAFsc/W2Zaz9ouOzs/s1600/IMG_7652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9htRPFRvf8/Ujh-QC3rVDI/AAAAAAAAFs0/NJBCLGyAo1U/s1600/IMG_7768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9htRPFRvf8/Ujh-QC3rVDI/AAAAAAAAFs0/NJBCLGyAo1U/s200/IMG_7768.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hU6r-fDB3pA/Ujh-RU0IWoI/AAAAAAAAFs8/TZPfXcxkW1U/s1600/IMG_7794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hU6r-fDB3pA/Ujh-RU0IWoI/AAAAAAAAFs8/TZPfXcxkW1U/s200/IMG_7794.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l97ZOikt05E/Ujh_6mRLIxI/AAAAAAAAFtY/b7KdPz8nhcc/s1600/IMG_7779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l97ZOikt05E/Ujh_6mRLIxI/AAAAAAAAFtY/b7KdPz8nhcc/s640/IMG_7779.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0t5OESzwsKg/Ujh-SemNIrI/AAAAAAAAFtE/1IqwNbeg0HI/s1600/IMG_7780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">A major highlight of the trip was, of course, my visit to "The Nest" - AKA Oiselle Headquarters.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I was immediately welcomed with open arms (wings?) and felt right at home with these ladies.Their office is open and lively and has such a vibrant positive aura. I am very blessed to fly with this flock! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S1dCGT2xuSU/UjiBnJTW_hI/AAAAAAAAFtk/dYhvZ8sW1Fs/s1600/IMG_7803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S1dCGT2xuSU/UjiBnJTW_hI/AAAAAAAAFtk/dYhvZ8sW1Fs/s400/IMG_7803.JPG" width="300" /> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><complete id="goog_1938673997">@drlesko, @kemetcalf, me, and @JackElizabethK sporting our "Got Birds?" tanks</complete></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i><complete id="goog_1938673997"> </complete>This was about a week and a half before the Oiselle debut at New York Fashion Week. Sarah and Jackie totally rocked the runway along with Sarah Mac, Lauren Fleshman and Fast Kate. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Real runners on a runway...what a fantastic concept!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Check out the amazing runway photos <a href="http://nolchafashionweek.dphoto.com/#/album/8d5f8m/photo/18303169" target="_blank">here</a>, and read about it <a href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/style/oiselle-fashion-show" target="_blank">here</a>! (and <a href="http://endurancesportswire.com/oiselle-headlining-in-new-york-fashion-week/" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://digital.turn-page.com/i/172569/24" target="_blank">here</a>)</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Between <a href="http://mary-malone.blogspot.com/2013/06/humpty-dumpty-doesnt-get-enough-credit.html" target="_blank">Oregon in June</a> and Seattle in September, I think it's safe to say I have a love affair with the Pacific Northwest. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s400/signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10570791699326057947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443367417174258858.post-66007865631285851932013-08-06T14:56:00.003-04:002013-08-06T14:57:18.298-04:00Birds of a Feather Flock Together <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOc0VrST9f4/UgE67lf_ZUI/AAAAAAAAFec/RqlbLWM_Cwc/s1600/Oiselle+Team+Badge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOc0VrST9f4/UgE67lf_ZUI/AAAAAAAAFec/RqlbLWM_Cwc/s1600/Oiselle+Team+Badge.png" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">There I was, sitting in my office last week, minding my own business, when I see the email come pop up on my screen.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e3o3_7hyXuo/UgEyeZqDFDI/AAAAAAAAFeE/7qatcsv9pdg/s1600/oiselle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e3o3_7hyXuo/UgEyeZqDFDI/AAAAAAAAFeE/7qatcsv9pdg/s640/oiselle.png" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> I gasped. Then screamed.Then sat there with my mouth open in disbelief.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #444444;">Was this for real?! </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="https://www.oiselle.com/" target="_blank">Oiselle</a> (pronounced wah-zell) is French for "bird". It is an amazing women's running apparel company that does more than make stylish yet practical running duds --- Oiselle was founded on the basic premise that running is more than a
sport. It is a life philosophy that has the power to strengthen runners not
just as athletes, but as people, teammates, leaders and women. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X-BWwN7EZOo/UgE65DKsV3I/AAAAAAAAFeU/bfgnRz8lAaE/s1600/flystyle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X-BWwN7EZOo/UgE65DKsV3I/AAAAAAAAFeU/bfgnRz8lAaE/s320/flystyle1.jpg" width="235" /> </a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;">Here I am after the Newport Marathon this year, decked out in Oiselle gear:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://www.oiselle.com/shop/running-tops/high-10-shimmel" target="_blank">High-10 Shimmel</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://www.oiselle.com/shop/running-bottoms/distance-short" target="_blank">Distance Shorts</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://www.oiselle.com/shop/outerwear/arm-warmers" target="_blank">Arm Warmers </a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/athletes" target="_blank">Oiselle Volée Team</a> (Volée is French for
"flock" and is pronounced Vo-lay") is a versatile group of fast women with different backgrounds,
accomplishments and goals. They strive to run with all their strength, heart
and talent. It's women who have a tenacious desire to compete and train hard, while living the Oiselle philosophy. The women who represent them are resilient, inspiring runners whose healthy, pure love of the run can't
be ignored. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/blog/oiselle-team-manifesto" target="_blank">team manifesto</a> is simple, yet powerful. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YncHEth_qcA/UgE-MvPSo6I/AAAAAAAAFes/XmH1kBGChc8/s1600/manifesto.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YncHEth_qcA/UgE-MvPSo6I/AAAAAAAAFes/XmH1kBGChc8/s640/manifesto.png" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">When word got out in June out that applications were being accepted for the 2013-2014 team, I didn't think twice about applying. It'd be the highlight of my running career to associate myself with such powerful and amazing women (including </span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://www.oiselle.com/blog/haute-vol%C3%A9e-team" target="_blank">Haute Volée</a> pro runners</span> <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/athletes/lauren-fleshman" target="_blank">Lauren Fleshman</a> and <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/athletes/kate-grace" target="_blank">Kate Grace</a> -- say whaaat?!) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">It's more than just a racing team. It's a flock. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">And now, as of August 1st 2013, it's more than just a flock. It's <i>MY</i> flock. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I am incredibly honored to be a part of the team...sometimes I still don't believe it's real! </span><span style="color: #444444;">I can't wait to connect with all of my new teammates. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Oiselle, thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to let my wings spread wide - I am so ready to fly! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OgFQAx7VoD0/UgFCFXJAhqI/AAAAAAAAFe8/rlB_2iWPy3c/s1600/wings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OgFQAx7VoD0/UgFCFXJAhqI/AAAAAAAAFe8/rlB_2iWPy3c/s640/wings.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s400/signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10570791699326057947noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443367417174258858.post-84239435686220812222013-07-22T13:42:00.000-04:002013-07-22T13:46:37.516-04:00The Renegade of (Running) Funk<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Sometimes, in life, you get into funks. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YNPcFcV1_W8/Ue1rd1qlrjI/AAAAAAAAFdI/4CtM-nGnhuM/s1600/James_Brown-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YNPcFcV1_W8/Ue1rd1qlrjI/AAAAAAAAFdI/4CtM-nGnhuM/s200/James_Brown-1.jpg" width="173" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"> Not this kind of funk though - this is the good kind.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Funks can reach all levels of life and can sometimes be interpreted as burn-out. Whether it's a dead-end job or a writer's block or a weight loss plateau, we've all gotten into ruts of some form. Things aren't what they used to be, you no longer see progress, and fun activities no longer seem fun. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">It also can take it's toll on running.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I had been battling the running funk for a few weeks. Maybe it was the summer heat, or maybe it was borderline burnout. I tried new playlists. I tried running with no music at all. I tried running with friends. I tried bartering with myself (<i>if you can run this entire route at goal pace, we can have Yogurtology later!)</i> but nothing seemed to be working. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">And let's be honest, I had that frozen yogurt anyway. To drown my sorrows, of course. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F0b4iSNwlr4/Ue1tRrpehbI/AAAAAAAAFdY/zLqawVLFC90/s1600/yogurt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F0b4iSNwlr4/Ue1tRrpehbI/AAAAAAAAFdY/zLqawVLFC90/s200/yogurt.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: magenta;"> EAT ALL THE TOPPINGS! </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">So, I did the unthinkable: I took a week off.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="color: #444444;">*GASP*</span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Yes. It's true.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Every run I was embarking on just wasn't fun anymore. I was stopping every few miles, pausing my Garmin, trying to re-energize myself. I was taking unnecessarily long water breaks. I was late going out the door and having to cut runs short. I started making excuses.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> I needed to do some serious re-focusing. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I've been on a routine training schedule since March, and that doesn't include the<a href="http://mary-malone.blogspot.com/2013/03/i-just-cant-get-enough-alternate-title.html" target="_blank"> multitude of half marathons </a>that came before that. I also delved into another round of marathon training immediately after the <a href="http://mary-malone.blogspot.com/2013/06/humpty-dumpty-doesnt-get-enough-credit.html" target="_blank">Newport Marathon.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I haven't had a "break" in what seems like an eternity. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">So, for 7 days, I did nothing. Not one trip to the gym, not one lacing-up of the Brooks. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Nothing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I wasn't sure what to expect. I was definitely antsy, but nothing like the <a href="http://mary-malone.blogspot.com/2013/05/pre-race-marathon-diva.html" target="_blank">taper tantrums of marathons past</a>. I wasn't as hungry and ate meals much more similar to my peers instead of Michael Phelps. I didn't have nearly as much stinky laundry piling up. I didn't have to set my alarm for 4:45 AM.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">By the end of my time off, I missed running. Missing something means you want it, so it was the exact feeling I wanted to achieve. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">And guess what? My first run back, I hit negative splits and felt great doing it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">And didn't even have to bribe myself with frozen yogurt.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Moral of this post -- don't be afraid to give yourself a break. Sometimes, not only do you deserve it, but you also need it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s400/signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10570791699326057947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443367417174258858.post-85121953726738439692013-07-16T10:28:00.000-04:002013-07-16T19:47:24.756-04:00Princess For A Day <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/abigailgracebridal" target="_blank">Abigail Grace Accessories</a> is based out of Belgium and creates gorgeous headpieces, belts, garters, and gifts. The designer is launching a new website, and they hired my very talented friend/professional photographer <a href="http://www.estherlouise.com/" target="_blank">Esther Louise</a> to do the shoot. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Shortly thereafter, I received the news of a lifetime: I was chosen to be the model! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">It would entail hair, makeup, beautiful outfits with tulle and lace, and elegant accessories. There's not much more that little girls (and, in my case, big girls!) dream of. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I am bursting at the seams with how spectacular the photos turned out. They capture the delicacy of each piece --everything I wore was amazing quality and made me feel like a million dollars. The attention to detail that is put into their work is truly phenomenal. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">It was a day that dreams are made of and I am incredibly honored to be a part of something so special! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Here are a few of my favorites: </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /><a href="http://www.estherlouise.com/abigail-grace-bridal-accessories/" target="_blank"></a></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2GPDZlX1kVY/Ud8LeCsrqrI/AAAAAAAAECY/yPqrzAZT80Y/s1600/58-2613885647-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2GPDZlX1kVY/Ud8LeCsrqrI/AAAAAAAAECY/yPqrzAZT80Y/s640/58-2613885647-O.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /><a href="http://www.estherlouise.com/abigail-grace-bridal-accessories/" target="_blank"></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mYZv3xRQLWY/Ud8K6z5FiEI/AAAAAAAAD6s/72x22H47xZc/s1600/121-2613828862-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mYZv3xRQLWY/Ud8K6z5FiEI/AAAAAAAAD6s/72x22H47xZc/s400/121-2613828862-O.jpg" width="292" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RI1PBQqD-_0/Ud8LEMk_mII/AAAAAAAAD8c/6f0qtk24FBU/s1600/106-2613847112-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RI1PBQqD-_0/Ud8LEMk_mII/AAAAAAAAD8c/6f0qtk24FBU/s400/106-2613847112-O.jpg" width="292" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9IbNBZE5FXc/Ud8LUHkfYmI/AAAAAAAAEAM/qrVYFeXeoC0/s1600/76-2613873112-O.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9IbNBZE5FXc/Ud8LUHkfYmI/AAAAAAAAEAM/qrVYFeXeoC0/s400/76-2613873112-O.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VOtoeBVMt5s/Ud8LFV4oKZI/AAAAAAAAD8o/OTym8B6_TFw/s1600/105-2613849131-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VOtoeBVMt5s/Ud8LFV4oKZI/AAAAAAAAD8o/OTym8B6_TFw/s400/105-2613849131-O.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mYZv3xRQLWY/Ud8K6z5FiEI/AAAAAAAAD6s/72x22H47xZc/s1600/121-2613828862-O.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vKizI9pUZOw/Ud8KayF7-II/AAAAAAAAD0A/Ur_zBNg9kxQ/s1600/165-2613790795-O.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vKizI9pUZOw/Ud8KayF7-II/AAAAAAAAD0A/Ur_zBNg9kxQ/s640/165-2613790795-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vp4F3B8G5Dw/Ud9B0ggXNqI/AAAAAAAAEI8/0H1Y8EQW22M/s1600/10-2613919843-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dDjhwmwtIM/Ud8K0SU9SXI/AAAAAAAAD5c/qVl8GUY2qbQ/s1600/130-2613820488-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<span id="goog_903492650"></span><span id="goog_903492651"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fc53fqaiki8/Ud8LoPg75rI/AAAAAAAAEEw/WU-KvepU7nM/s1600/40-2613897727-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fc53fqaiki8/Ud8LoPg75rI/AAAAAAAAEEw/WU-KvepU7nM/s400/40-2613897727-O.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U0db8b7hxqg/Ud8K-VStbMI/AAAAAAAAD7M/LBj2VKRqr8g/s1600/114-2613837105-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U0db8b7hxqg/Ud8K-VStbMI/AAAAAAAAD7M/LBj2VKRqr8g/s400/114-2613837105-O.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gwgHSHa3lgo/Ud8Lxkqr85I/AAAAAAAAEHY/X8QPvkbBLb0/s1600/19-2613910872-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gwgHSHa3lgo/Ud8Lxkqr85I/AAAAAAAAEHY/X8QPvkbBLb0/s400/19-2613910872-O.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ttG-OEAahnM/Ud8Lg9CjojI/AAAAAAAAEDI/rJoJ02zs1f8/s1600/54-2613889223-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ttG-OEAahnM/Ud8Lg9CjojI/AAAAAAAAEDI/rJoJ02zs1f8/s400/54-2613889223-O.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dDjhwmwtIM/Ud8K0SU9SXI/AAAAAAAAD5c/qVl8GUY2qbQ/s1600/130-2613820488-O.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dDjhwmwtIM/Ud8K0SU9SXI/AAAAAAAAD5c/qVl8GUY2qbQ/s640/130-2613820488-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uszGolPdhUY/Ud8LH1ldP9I/AAAAAAAAD9M/A_2LfLQRZlM/s1600/99-2613853562-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b96pOxRZWyg/Ud8LOEuL3ZI/AAAAAAAAD-s/d-mySX_ryX4/s1600/88-2613865276-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b96pOxRZWyg/Ud8LOEuL3ZI/AAAAAAAAD-s/d-mySX_ryX4/s400/88-2613865276-O.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6xC2akQAOOM/Ud9B24vhFxI/AAAAAAAAEJc/ahDxCc0r94o/s1600/04-2613922420-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6xC2akQAOOM/Ud9B24vhFxI/AAAAAAAAEJc/ahDxCc0r94o/s400/04-2613922420-O.jpg" width="265" /></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFCgig5xKKk/Ud8LUhyozSI/AAAAAAAAEAE/WlSFHDHekf0/s1600/75-2613873252-O.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2GPDZlX1kVY/Ud8LeCsrqrI/AAAAAAAAECY/yPqrzAZT80Y/s1600/58-2613885647-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFCgig5xKKk/Ud8LUhyozSI/AAAAAAAAEAE/WlSFHDHekf0/s1600/75-2613873252-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFCgig5xKKk/Ud8LUhyozSI/AAAAAAAAEAE/WlSFHDHekf0/s400/75-2613873252-O.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uszGolPdhUY/Ud8LH1ldP9I/AAAAAAAAD9M/A_2LfLQRZlM/s1600/99-2613853562-O.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uszGolPdhUY/Ud8LH1ldP9I/AAAAAAAAD9M/A_2LfLQRZlM/s400/99-2613853562-O.jpg" width="318" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFCgig5xKKk/Ud8LUhyozSI/AAAAAAAAEAE/WlSFHDHekf0/s1600/75-2613873252-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vp4F3B8G5Dw/Ud9B0ggXNqI/AAAAAAAAEI8/0H1Y8EQW22M/s1600/10-2613919843-O.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vp4F3B8G5Dw/Ud9B0ggXNqI/AAAAAAAAEI8/0H1Y8EQW22M/s640/10-2613919843-O.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_k-Cgv8DGrU/Ud8KcIXRNvI/AAAAAAAAD0U/Rc2yZJTkx7M/s1600/168-2613789250-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_k-Cgv8DGrU/Ud8KcIXRNvI/AAAAAAAAD0U/Rc2yZJTkx7M/s400/168-2613789250-O.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CEg1fMWV4PA/Ud9B1bdh27I/AAAAAAAAEJI/61JZqc6yPV4/s1600/07-2613920885-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CEg1fMWV4PA/Ud9B1bdh27I/AAAAAAAAEJI/61JZqc6yPV4/s400/07-2613920885-O.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xtl1EANi2lY/Ud9Bv7E7sUI/AAAAAAAAEH8/fvuC4p014UI/s1600/16-2613912870-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xtl1EANi2lY/Ud9Bv7E7sUI/AAAAAAAAEH8/fvuC4p014UI/s400/16-2613912870-O.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oEthcojAn4A/Ud8LuWBmSII/AAAAAAAAEGk/MZOWyAXhuv0/s1600/26-2613907081-O.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oEthcojAn4A/Ud8LuWBmSII/AAAAAAAAEGk/MZOWyAXhuv0/s400/26-2613907081-O.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zqKWxLyUyqI/Ud8LuBJcURI/AAAAAAAAEGY/Ic2zX5nEjbc/s1600/27-2613906452-O.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zqKWxLyUyqI/Ud8LuBJcURI/AAAAAAAAEGY/Ic2zX5nEjbc/s640/27-2613906452-O.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Scroll through the rest of the entire album <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/107797079934655658446/albums/5899445270500962785?authkey=CJS806mtsY29XA" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">here.</span></a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Read Esther's blog post <a href="http://www.estherlouise.com/abigail-grace-bridal-accessories/" target="_blank">here. </a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Hair and makeup by <a href="http://lastingluxe.com/Michele.html" target="_blank">Michele Galletto at Lasting Luxe</a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s400/signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10570791699326057947noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443367417174258858.post-77176884000030165142013-07-15T10:50:00.001-04:002013-07-15T10:50:32.399-04:00Come Hell or High Water <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">In it's 101st year, the <a href="http://cs.calgarystampede.com/" target="_blank">Calgary Stampede</a> calls itself "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth". Stampede is a 10 day city-wide festival that promotes Calgary's western heritage and values...meaning that basically the entire city turns into a country-western homestead complete with rodeos, chuckwagon races, and a midway that rivals any State Fair I've ever seen. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I'd be willing to bet there are more people simultaneously wearing cowboy boots and cowboy hats during opening day of Stampede than there are in the entire state of Texas. It's quite overwhelming. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">As you may know, Calgary experienced some massive flooding 2 weeks before Stampede was due to begin. The first thoughts in everyone's minds were obviously loved ones and their homes, but an immediate second thought was: <i>What about Stampede? </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i></i>Stampede is Alberta's most meaningful event in terms of economics, tourism, and community pride. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">And the Stampede grounds were completely under water<i>.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SXE-5iJbeJs/Ud2hybbLfhI/AAAAAAAADzI/5Ts5uMwcid8/s1600/stampede3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SXE-5iJbeJs/Ud2hybbLfhI/AAAAAAAADzI/5Ts5uMwcid8/s640/stampede3.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Calgary's beloved and popular Mayor Naheed Nenshi <a href="http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/stampede-grounds-flooded-but-calgary-mayor-says-show-will-go-on-1.1337383" target="_blank">promised that the show would go on. </a><i><a href="http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/stampede-grounds-flooded-but-calgary-mayor-says-show-will-go-on-1.1337383" target="_blank"> </a></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">And y'all, did it ever.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Stampede officials launched the Hell or High Water campaign to raise funds for the Canadian Red Cross Alberta Floods Fund.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kkPzDL10g7o/Ud2hnVZBihI/AAAAAAAADzA/167Pk1lIF1I/s1600/stampedeshirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kkPzDL10g7o/Ud2hnVZBihI/AAAAAAAADzA/167Pk1lIF1I/s320/stampedeshirt.jpg" width="247" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">As of July 9th, <a href="http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Hell+High+Water+shirts+commodity+Calgary+Stampede/8636892/story.html" target="_blank">T-shirt sales with the campaign </a>have raised more than $1 million. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">You go, Calgary. You go.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"> My sister and brother-in-law were gracious hosts as we made our rounds throughout Calgary. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eklNSZbqCJA/UeQEUYHA3XI/AAAAAAAAFb0/tbf6oUhRVUY/s1600/IMG_6945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eklNSZbqCJA/UeQEUYHA3XI/AAAAAAAAFb0/tbf6oUhRVUY/s320/IMG_6945.JPG" width="320" /> </a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;">Calgary Airport welcoming committee - getting branded, lasso'd, and serenaded</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NOvSRk4By28/UeQEWPXN0tI/AAAAAAAAFcU/ia4IjzYz1d8/s1600/IMG_6984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NOvSRk4By28/UeQEWPXN0tI/AAAAAAAAFcU/ia4IjzYz1d8/s320/IMG_6984.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: magenta;">With my sister at the parade </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PKTCwy4HvPc/UeQEVfwnVdI/AAAAAAAAFcE/MNvMLF6abQ0/s1600/IMG_6998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PKTCwy4HvPc/UeQEVfwnVdI/AAAAAAAAFcE/MNvMLF6abQ0/s320/IMG_6998.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;">Sampling the local brews at Wild Rose Brewery </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X96DanPnUEU/UeQEVEaUMSI/AAAAAAAAFb8/6fLkDTjeTB4/s1600/IMG_7056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X96DanPnUEU/UeQEVEaUMSI/AAAAAAAAFb8/6fLkDTjeTB4/s320/IMG_7056.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;">Banff - Canadian Rockies </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oVEZQ9WMiBU/UeQEVjCX6mI/AAAAAAAAFcI/Jvy_0RIUt0s/s1600/IMG_7059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oVEZQ9WMiBU/UeQEVjCX6mI/AAAAAAAAFcI/Jvy_0RIUt0s/s320/IMG_7059.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"> Lake Louise - Canadian Rockies </span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">With it's high temps averaging in the 70's during the summer, Tim Horton's coffee, beautiful mountains a little over an hour away, and it's embracement of country music and cowboy hats, what's not to love about this city? </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lX28UjBatSE/UeQLxfMbNiI/AAAAAAAAFck/M3QZoZ2nFe0/s1600/calgary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lX28UjBatSE/UeQLxfMbNiI/AAAAAAAAFck/M3QZoZ2nFe0/s640/calgary.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Hope to see you again soon, Calgary.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMdGSQ_as_A/TwMdtcuZw2I/AAAAAAAAAyI/hnV2c3ZuY0E/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMdGSQ_as_A/TwMdtcuZw2I/AAAAAAAAAyI/hnV2c3ZuY0E/s400/signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10570791699326057947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443367417174258858.post-21923364678913482362013-06-29T09:54:00.001-04:002013-07-16T17:33:55.516-04:00That One Time I Won an Award and Didn't Tell Anyone <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I have a secret. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I'm an Athena. And I have the award to prove it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I walked into the packet pick up in Newport, OR to get my race bib for the marathon and stumbled into a booth with a scale that said "weigh-in". </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Looking around, all the athletes picking up race packets were in legit shape and super fit. My first thought was <i>Oh crap. You have to be a certain weight to race? I am screwed. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Turns out, it was a weigh-in for a special division in the race called Hercules and Athena.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Hercules were men weighing in more than 190 pounds, and Athenas were women weighing in more than 145. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">According to the Newport Marathon website, the Hercules and Athena division is "an added incentive for large-framed runners". </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Disclaimer: I do not believe that men over 190 and women over 145 are large. Quite frankly I think that's a little ridiculous. But, it's their rules not mine. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><i> </i></span><span style="color: #444444;">Being 5'9", I suppose I could possibly be considered as "large framed", but I prefer the term "tall".</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">My weight has been known to fluctuate by 10 pounds in a day (no joke!) but typically I stay right around 137 pounds on average. A little lighter in the morning, a little heavier at night. If I'm tapering I'll go into the 140's range. If I'm carbing up, a little bit more.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Just for fun, I figured I'd jump on the scale to see what happened. I had been tapering, carbing up, and drinking tons of Gatorade, so figured I would get pretty close. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Yep, definitely qualified as an Athena.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Also, with my 3:45 finish time, I got 3rd in the division and got an award.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EScbmvMGFHI/Uc7lwcfqNPI/AAAAAAAADyo/w6iYF-5N48M/s1600/athena.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EScbmvMGFHI/Uc7lwcfqNPI/AAAAAAAADyo/w6iYF-5N48M/s320/athena.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">This large-framed runner came out of Newport Oregon with more than just a PR. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I am an award-winning Athena.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s988/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s400/signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10570791699326057947noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443367417174258858.post-59781635005393809732013-06-05T10:01:00.000-04:002017-01-12T12:13:14.762-05:00Humpty Dumpty Doesn't Get Enough Credit <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Running is hard, y'all.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span>
<span style="color: #444444;">The Newport Marathon was a small and very well put together race with a gorgeous course that I will never forget. In my third marathon of my running career, I got my time down into the 3:40's and PR'd by 8 minutes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I was also unpleasantly introduced to "The Wall".</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-59Qm_5WxrfQ/Ua5OjZTjWsI/AAAAAAAADwQ/qutBhw8REOo/s1600/humpty1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-59Qm_5WxrfQ/Ua5OjZTjWsI/AAAAAAAADwQ/qutBhw8REOo/s320/humpty1.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I have never hit the dreaded wall in either of my past 2 marathons. Maybe it was luck, or maybe it was being able to stay in control and not push myself beyond my fitness limits. Either way, I officially acquainted myself with this phenomenon in Newport, Oregon last weekend.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">It was a gorgeous morning, somewhere around 50 degrees. I was fueled up and feeling inspired, and decided to let my legs decide the pace.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a7kAQIRiFCk/Ua3qnEpApWI/AAAAAAAADu4/xF-hRtDy8lU/s1600/IMG_0495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a7kAQIRiFCk/Ua3qnEpApWI/AAAAAAAADu4/xF-hRtDy8lU/s320/IMG_0495.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fwleqLCCJOc/Ua3rEf1_rKI/AAAAAAAADvA/cOI_OiGtvgk/s1600/IMG_0497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fwleqLCCJOc/Ua3rEf1_rKI/AAAAAAAADvA/cOI_OiGtvgk/s320/IMG_0497.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="color: #444444;"><i> BAD IDEA-- not having a real time goal in mind and just running until your legs fall off is NOT a good plan. Don't do it. </i></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">For almost the entirety of the first half of the race, I was running sub-8 miles.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;">When I crossed the halfway point at 1:45, I knew I was probably gonna be in for a very grueling second half.</span><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #444444;"> Umm, <b>what was I thinking</b>. Really. Come on Mary. That is even faster
than BQ pace. Heck, that is as fast as I ran the <a href="http://mary-malone.blogspot.com/2013/02/waitthat-wasnt-supposed-to-happen.html" target="_blank">St Pete Half Marathon</a> just 4 months ago.</span></i></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhpFoAWaOJk/Ua3rsY9lGOI/AAAAAAAADvI/BFVQzlgooqE/s1600/IMG_0515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhpFoAWaOJk/Ua3rsY9lGOI/AAAAAAAADvI/BFVQzlgooqE/s400/IMG_0515.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: magenta;"></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Oh, look who's feeling so good at mile 10 with their sub 8 pace and their big smile. Yeah, you have another 16 miles to go, idiot. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The wheels started coming off around mile 18, where I logged my first split over 9 minutes. From there, my average pace was about 9:15. I had to stop and walk and tried desperately to jump-start my mental game, but I was dead. The 3 mile gradual incline beginning at mile 22 didn't help, either.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ACmp_sCJAOo/Ua3thZ-oa8I/AAAAAAAADvY/Ff0qGdCm7x0/s1600/CIMG1242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ACmp_sCJAOo/Ua3thZ-oa8I/AAAAAAAADvY/Ff0qGdCm7x0/s320/CIMG1242.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: magenta;">Over it. </span><span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"></span>
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8piOFjnsY4w/Ua3ulkddOjI/AAAAAAAADvk/9VIhEjmAbVQ/s1600/IMG_0542.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8piOFjnsY4w/Ua3ulkddOjI/AAAAAAAADvk/9VIhEjmAbVQ/s320/IMG_0542.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: magenta;">The look of pain.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">My <i>run-until-I-crash-and-burn</i> plan was a complete success. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I crashed and burned and all the kings horses and all the kings men couldn't put my poor soul back together again. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pC1HTqpWmAw/Uaz8SLoZn4I/AAAAAAAADuo/x63iA6T3kr0/s1600/kings-horses-funny.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pC1HTqpWmAw/Uaz8SLoZn4I/AAAAAAAADuo/x63iA6T3kr0/s640/kings-horses-funny.gif" width="412" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The only thing that truly gave me any hope to keep going at the end was this guy.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8piOFjnsY4w/Ua3ulkddOjI/AAAAAAAADvk/9VIhEjmAbVQ/s1600/IMG_0542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ktr9N2Hm7rA/Ua3una0AJtI/AAAAAAAADvs/UfuPuR31qso/s1600/IMG_6525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ktr9N2Hm7rA/Ua3una0AJtI/AAAAAAAADvs/UfuPuR31qso/s320/IMG_6525.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">He had rented a bike and decided he was going to ride part the of course and stop to cheer me on every few miles. </span><br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">When I saw him around mile 22, he knew I was in rough shape. I must have looked dreadful. From that point on he slowly rode about 50 yards ahead of me, looking back every so often. It was either to make sure I could still see him, or to make sure I wasn't dead on the side of the road.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I forgot what the Garmin was telling me and how much my body hurt and how I longed to give up and quit. My new goal was to keep him within my sight.</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #444444;"></span></i><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">I finally finished, feeling defeated and broken but happy it was over.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g34IOnImjbc/Ua3vL_hfUlI/AAAAAAAADv0/1hm6ix-h5Gs/s1600/IMG_0555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g34IOnImjbc/Ua3vL_hfUlI/AAAAAAAADv0/1hm6ix-h5Gs/s400/IMG_0555.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I'm extremely disappointed in my mental state those last few miles. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I hate you, Marathon Wall. And I hate that I allowed it to happen.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Still, after that dreadful performance of the last 8 miles of the race, I am an official 3:45 marathoner.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">And that is really really really <i>really</i> cool.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NNuhvEHF4rE/Ua3vvRMdgfI/AAAAAAAADwA/69sQZSxn3_o/s1600/IMG_0556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NNuhvEHF4rE/Ua3vvRMdgfI/AAAAAAAADwA/69sQZSxn3_o/s400/IMG_0556.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Looking
back at my splits, had I actually stuck to a pace and not gone out at a
crazy suicide speed, I could have definitely gotten super duper close to 3:40. Maybe even a 3:39.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">And that makes me <i>CRAZY</i>
excited. Now not only do I know where I stand, but I know what I need
to work on and have a clear goal for Twin Cities in October. I want to
beat the wall and beat 3:40, and I want the chip time to prove it. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">You heard it here first. </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lqreo8afi0w/Ua5RnkAsZBI/AAAAAAAADxY/z5tNmCTI7DA/s1600/IMG_6604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I also have to brag on the state of Oregon. I had never been to the Pacific Northwest and was completely blown away.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8WNYoLe23Rs/Ua5QNoEVGqI/AAAAAAAADwo/XD0bVQ4yR44/s1600/CIMG1223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8WNYoLe23Rs/Ua5QNoEVGqI/AAAAAAAADwo/XD0bVQ4yR44/s320/CIMG1223.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: magenta;"> Oregon Coast</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Everyone in Oregon is <i>so nice.</i> They give the south a serious run for their money when it comes to hospitality and general friendliness. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DpsHokoL8eU/Ua5QNUKF2TI/AAAAAAAADwg/YmbSGXYqcmI/s1600/IMG_6512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DpsHokoL8eU/Ua5QNUKF2TI/AAAAAAAADwg/YmbSGXYqcmI/s320/IMG_6512.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: magenta;"> Pre-marathon breakfast at the <a href="http://www.originalpancakehouse.com/" target="_blank">Original Pancake House </a></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E9g70WJ5llI/Ua5QRg_v2zI/AAAAAAAADxI/dpba-bBAwgw/s1600/IMG_6595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bq05-eEddP8/Ua5QPwl27DI/AAAAAAAADxA/VLU2Y7kDm7g/s1600/IMG_6594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bq05-eEddP8/Ua5QPwl27DI/AAAAAAAADxA/VLU2Y7kDm7g/s320/IMG_6594.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpHJE90HefI/Ua5QOcRaxmI/AAAAAAAADww/IzN0Jq69FVk/s1600/IMG_6566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpHJE90HefI/Ua5QOcRaxmI/AAAAAAAADww/IzN0Jq69FVk/s320/IMG_6566.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="color: magenta;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://www.rosegardenstore.org/rose-gardens.cfm" target="_blank">International Rose Test Garden</a> in Portland Rogue Brewery in Newport </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lqreo8afi0w/Ua5RnkAsZBI/AAAAAAAADxY/z5tNmCTI7DA/s1600/IMG_6604.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lqreo8afi0w/Ua5RnkAsZBI/AAAAAAAADxY/z5tNmCTI7DA/s320/IMG_6604.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://voodoodoughnut.com/" target="_blank">Voodoo Doughnut</a> in Portland </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">After running, eating, and craft-beer-drinking my way through Oregon, I am back to the humidity and flat terrain of Florida with a clear head, a refreshed soul, and a shiny new PR.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">And maybe a few extra pounds.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Maybe.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Thank you, Oregon. I can't wait to see you again.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s320/signature.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10570791699326057947noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443367417174258858.post-2449060177255688682013-05-29T10:17:00.001-04:002013-05-29T10:18:20.005-04:00Pre-Race Marathon Diva <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Mood swings. Carb destruction. Sleeplessness. PR Obsession. Hyper spaz-outs. Listlessness. Freakouts. Ghost Injuries. Meltdowns. Elation. Sobriety. Excitement. Dread. Nerves. Appetite. OCD. Joy. Sadness. Entertainment needs. Pace calculations. Fuel nerves. Exhaustion. Energy. Extreme happiness. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"> No, these are not traits of someone with major PMS. Or Jekyll and Hyde.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">These are traits of a runner, in the few weeks leading up to a marathon. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">This time around I didn't think the tapering would be so bad. <a href="http://www.newportmarathon.org/" target="_blank">Newport </a>is a really small race, not a big corporate machine with a lot of hype and weekly email blasts and twitter hashtags to keep your nerves on edge.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">This is as fancy as the Newport Marathon gets: </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_vxeFbLw9ik/UaYMh_s-riI/AAAAAAAADuY/phEBEVrCFOY/s1600/newport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="379" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_vxeFbLw9ik/UaYMh_s-riI/AAAAAAAADuY/phEBEVrCFOY/s640/newport.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: magenta;"><i> Only one email saying that I'm in and good luck to me? I love it.</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I was right- tapering this time around wasn't bad. I was actually pretty proud of myself for holding it together.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">After my last super long run, I was totally fine.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">During my first week of full taper, I was still feeling pretty good.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">For some reason, this week, I started to fall apart a little bit. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">The advantage now is that I can recognize the symptoms and mostly deal with them and take a deep breath and let it go.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Mostly. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;">It started with small things, like almost
crying when I couldn't immediately find my ID (I found it about 15 seconds later), or feeling enraged at the
airport security lady for having to re-scan my bag. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Now that I'm about 24 hours away from flying to Oregon, the freak outs are really starting to progress.</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #444444;">OMG I haven't packed yet and I need to buy more Gu and I haven't arranged my playlist and I need to print out my pace charts and I don't know what shoes I'm wearing and I haven't been hydrating enough and I swear my knee is starting to hurt and.... </span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Yeah. Welcome to my thought process today. </span><i><span style="color: #444444;"> </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="color: #444444;">Everyone keeps asking what my goal is. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">To be honest, I don't know. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">My goal is to run as fast as I can. Whatever time that turns out to be, that is my time goal.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Not to sound like a total blowhard, but I'm about 99% sure I will PR. I'm feeling stronger than I was in <a href="http://mary-malone.blogspot.com/2012/11/own-chicago-part-1.html" target="_blank">Chicago last year</a> and am not injured this time, so I should be able to crush my previous PR of 3:53, barring any on-course injuries or cramps. So I guess my goal is something in the 3:40's. Or faster. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I'm taking pace time charts with me for finish times of 3:45, 3:40, and 3:35. We'll see what happens and at what point I crash and burn.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">The current forecast for race day is a perfect partly cloudy morning in the 50's, so that will help. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pmzFm1g5A9Y/UaYICc0x7nI/AAAAAAAADuA/DjCbSTFP2fE/s1600/weather.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pmzFm1g5A9Y/UaYICc0x7nI/AAAAAAAADuA/DjCbSTFP2fE/s320/weather.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"> I'll also have views like this all along the course to keep me motivated. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xC73iHW3OTI/UaYIRKIZtPI/AAAAAAAADuI/Cc906hqwRto/s1600/oregon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xC73iHW3OTI/UaYIRKIZtPI/AAAAAAAADuI/Cc906hqwRto/s320/oregon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Lastly, for all the non runners out there, here are some fantastic tips from <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/" target="_blank">Oiselle</a> on how to deal with a Marathon Diva. </span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6G3KEGypVU0" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</div>
<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Not that I am one or anything..... </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s400/signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10570791699326057947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443367417174258858.post-54640431459441953302013-05-19T12:23:00.000-04:002013-05-20T17:18:37.352-04:00The Manner of Giving is Worth More Than the Gift<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="color: #444444;">29 Random Acts of Kindness for My 29th Birthday </span></h3>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Typically when my birthday comes around, I'm the first one to plan a huge bash for myself, buy myself a brand new outfit, and take advantage of the entire month of May by using my birthday as an excuse to do whatever I wanted...and more importantly, EAT whatever I wanted.</span><br />
<i><span style="color: #444444;">Raw cookie dough for breakfast? It's my birth month, you can't judge me.</span></i><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">For my birthday this year, I decided to do something a little different.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I love seeing people smile. Even more so, I love being the reason people are smiling. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I've come to realize that making people happy is one of my core missions as a human being.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate my birthday this year than to act on that! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">So, I completed 29 Random Acts of Kindness for my 29th birthday!</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Here's a list of everything I did: </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"> <b>1. I Volunteered at Habitat for Humanity </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Not only did they trust me with a caulking gun, but they trusted me to climb a ladder and caulk the soffit on the roof. I was so excited for this job that I may or may not have mentioned to them that I am the biggest klutz in the world and tend to be accident-prone.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LZYU2808sFk/UZZ6MjOQcUI/AAAAAAAADpg/41ClGnw6pDU/s1600/hh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LZYU2808sFk/UZZ6MjOQcUI/AAAAAAAADpg/41ClGnw6pDU/s200/hh.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"> Luckily I finished without any incidents. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I am, however, still finding caulking underneath my fingernails. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="color: #444444;">2. I Crashed a Baby Registry</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I jumped on the Babies R Us website, searched the registry, picked one at random, and bought them something off of their wish list.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Congratulations to the Thompson family in York, PA! I hope your new baby enjoys the sound machine. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"> <b>3. I Left Money in a Purse at the Thrift Store </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I wrapped cash in a little note that said something along the lines of<i> Today is my birthday and I'm paying it forward - enjoy this cash and have a great day!</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I put the cash in a random purse that was for sale and walked away. Adrenaline rush!!</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I really want to go back to the thrift store and see if someone bought that purse yet. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="color: #444444;">4. I Bought Someone's Clothes at the Thrift Store </span></b><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I went up to the counter, handed them cash, and explained to them that I'd like to help pay for the next person's items. I also asked that if there was any cash left over afterwards to please use it for the next person, and so on and so forth. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I jetted out of there, but looked back just in time to see the next person go to the counter. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I think I pulled a muscle I smiled so hard. </span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #444444;">5. I Cleaned Up My Neighbor's Yard </span></b><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">My
neighbor is trying to sell his house and his landscaping is typically
immaculate. Our properties are lined with jungle-like tropical foliage,
and some large palm frawns had started to gather on his lawn. I picked
them up and moved them to our brush pile for him. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>6. I Left Cash at the Gas Pump</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Sometimes filling up can make you cringe. Hopefully this made someone cringe a little less. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>7. I Sent a Nice Greeting Card to a Random Address </b> </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"> I picked up the phone book (you know, those antique books you have stacked in your garage holding up a wobbly work bench), flipped to a random page, closed my eyes, and put my finger on an address. Hope it brightens your day, Ms. J. Moody! </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="color: #444444;">8. I Brought In My Neighbor's Trash Can</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">If you leave them out there for too long, the city will ticket you. Ain't nobody got time for that.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>9. I Left Money at a Vending Machine </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I taped a dollar bill to the machine - enjoy a cold one on me, random stranger! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jfF7j8Ktl2o/UZjqzeXtPUI/AAAAAAAADqs/UwNOXIF6Ubc/s1600/IMG_6200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jfF7j8Ktl2o/UZjqzeXtPUI/AAAAAAAADqs/UwNOXIF6Ubc/s200/IMG_6200.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span>
<b><span style="color: #444444;">10. I Left Quarters at the Laundromat </span></b><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Nobody likes doing laundry. Hopefully this made it a little less daunting.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-og2Cw3yZHpQ/UZjyZh1pqHI/AAAAAAAADsQ/ecqgsVLeQ3A/s1600/IMG_6219+(1024x768).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-og2Cw3yZHpQ/UZjyZh1pqHI/AAAAAAAADsQ/ecqgsVLeQ3A/s200/IMG_6219+(1024x768).jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span><b><span style="color: #444444;">20. I Left Inspirational Notes on Car Doors </span></b><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Who doesn't love a little surprise inspiration?! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y96exAvcd24/UZjy78OUyqI/AAAAAAAADsY/JVSagUBucQE/s1600/IMG_6214+(1024x768).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y96exAvcd24/UZjy78OUyqI/AAAAAAAADsY/JVSagUBucQE/s1600/IMG_6214+(1024x768).jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y96exAvcd24/UZjy78OUyqI/AAAAAAAADsY/JVSagUBucQE/s200/IMG_6214+(1024x768).jpg" width="150" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bil7r1aPiKM/UZaJanKQriI/AAAAAAAADps/nGFfxLi-KNY/s1600/IMG_6133%5B1%5D.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bil7r1aPiKM/UZaJanKQriI/AAAAAAAADps/nGFfxLi-KNY/s320/IMG_6133%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="color: #444444;">12. I Returned Grocery Carts at Target...and Publix..and CVS...and Home Depot</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Some people are lazy, it's a fact of life. I took some of the carts people left out in the parking lot and put them back in the cart return. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>13. I Left a Publix Gift Card...In Publix</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I stuck it in next to the baby formula with a note that it was a legitimate gift card and to please use it. I hope some new mommy out there got a little relief! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AiGefs4oD2s/UZj0jmSS2nI/AAAAAAAADs4/UdGAQ-zcj8Q/s1600/IMG_6204+(1024x768).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AiGefs4oD2s/UZj0jmSS2nI/AAAAAAAADs4/UdGAQ-zcj8Q/s200/IMG_6204+(1024x768).jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>14. I Bought the Person's Order Behind Me at the Dunkin Donuts Drive Through </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Have a great day, Ms. Medium Iced Mocha with 2 Donuts!</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #444444;"></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #444444;"></span></b>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>15. I Was a Meter Fairy</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Parking tickets downtown are the worst. Hopefully I saved this car from having a bad day. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="color: #444444;">16. I Took Plastic Bags to the Dog Park</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">There's nothing worse than getting to the dog park and realizing they're out of poop bags. These spare bags should save some dog mom or dad out there from being "that owner". </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BAb24gRQ6Hc/UZj0mqh_3tI/AAAAAAAADtI/sNHKLC4U_iM/s1600/IMG_6208+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BAb24gRQ6Hc/UZj0mqh_3tI/AAAAAAAADtI/sNHKLC4U_iM/s200/IMG_6208+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"></span>
<b><span style="color: #444444;">17. I Donated Designer Clothes To a Shelter</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I have a closet full of clothes that I rarely wear, some of it brand new with tags still attached. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I took a bag full of brand new items, some of them designer, and dropped them off at a shelter. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I hope whoever ends up with that Burberry shirt wears it with pride! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="color: #444444;">18. I Took Balloons to the Children's Hospital </span></b><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I wasn't certain what to expect, as I didn't have a particular patient to visit. They didn't let me in to see individual patients, but I was allowed to give them to the nursing supervisor to give out to kids who may need a little extra pick me up. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">She was so excited, and then told me about this great charity event of sorts called <a href="https://www.webelieveinballoons.com/believe.php" target="_blank">10,000 Balloons,</a> which is part of the <a href="http://www.glasslessglasses.com/monday_morning_india.html" target="_blank">Monday Morning series</a> led by Yazmany Arboleda. They've taken to the streets of Nairobi, Bangalore, and Yamaguchi so far, giving away balloons to the citizens of those cities that need a little extra hope. Talk about being right up my alley!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LjSmPJ6pPjg/UZjZm49oCZI/AAAAAAAADqM/35beuMo9usA/s1600/mondaymorning3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LjSmPJ6pPjg/UZjZm49oCZI/AAAAAAAADqM/35beuMo9usA/s200/mondaymorning3.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXx5M3OFCtY/UZjZlbbAjjI/AAAAAAAADqE/5rozEAe53ao/s1600/mondaymorning2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXx5M3OFCtY/UZjZlbbAjjI/AAAAAAAADqE/5rozEAe53ao/s200/mondaymorning2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f78XSYWYXHc/UZjZnfVrqqI/AAAAAAAADqU/Y25NoknpR9k/s1600/mondaymorning4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f78XSYWYXHc/UZjZnfVrqqI/AAAAAAAADqU/Y25NoknpR9k/s200/mondaymorning4.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
More photos:<br />
<a href="http://www.glasslessglasses.com/monday_morning_kenya.html" target="_blank">Nairobi, Kenya</a><br />
<a href="http://www.glasslessglasses.com/monday_morning_japan.html" target="_blank"> Yamaguchi, Japan</a><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://www.glasslessglasses.com/monday_morning_india.html" target="_blank"> Bangalore, India</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">The next one will take place in Kabul, Afghanistan. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I, of course, bought a balloon for the next release in Kabul.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Balloon number 3,821 to be exact. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"> And now my photo is on their <a href="https://webelieveinballoons.com/" target="_blank">virtual mural</a>, too! </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QKf9gaZVxxw/UZjab4Cu_9I/AAAAAAAADqc/G55g_cg7C4M/s1600/balloons.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QKf9gaZVxxw/UZjab4Cu_9I/AAAAAAAADqc/G55g_cg7C4M/s640/balloons.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>19. I Took More Balloons to a Local Rehab / Assisted Living Facility</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><b> </b></span><span style="color: #444444;">I had to leave them with an attending nurse in the activities area, but got lucky and was able to peek behind me as she passed them out. It was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. I wanted to hug all of them.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"></span>
<b><span style="color: #444444;">20. I Took Even More Balloons to Kids Playing in the Park</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Balloons are so magical, especially when you're a child. I loved watching their eyes light up as I bent down next to them and asked if they wanted a balloon. It was like Christmas morning. I might turn this into a weekly ritual. It was so simple and easy and just plain wondeful.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bil7r1aPiKM/UZaJanKQriI/AAAAAAAADps/nGFfxLi-KNY/s1600/IMG_6133%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ni4bObg9eY0/UZjyJLFQG0I/AAAAAAAADrw/Ahae8OX0sic/s1600/IMG_6212+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ni4bObg9eY0/UZjyJLFQG0I/AAAAAAAADrw/Ahae8OX0sic/s200/IMG_6212+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oCdC92nePgU/UZj0n9id0-I/AAAAAAAADtQ/MiPFos3oZEY/s1600/IMG_6209+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oCdC92nePgU/UZj0n9id0-I/AAAAAAAADtQ/MiPFos3oZEY/s200/IMG_6209+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>21. I Handed Out Cold Bottled Waters </b></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;">I took a cooler full of water and walked around downtown. There was a group of older women who were practicing what looked to be a "Gangnam Style" dance routine/flash mob. No lie. And they were awesome.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I left waters for all of them-it was so hot out, and they were breakin a sweat! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6CRWPmTDfZA/UZj1owC6M1I/AAAAAAAADtw/hxIBIyPzaKQ/s1600/IMG_6213+(1024x768).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6CRWPmTDfZA/UZj1owC6M1I/AAAAAAAADtw/hxIBIyPzaKQ/s320/IMG_6213+(1024x768).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>22. I Left a Very (Very) Generous Tip for my Server</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I've been in their shoes, and I know what they go through every day. Hopefully that made their shift go by a little faster. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>23. I Bought a Stranger a Drink</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I looked around the restaurant and spotted a woman with a very delicious looking Strawberry Daquiri. I told the server I wanted to pay for it, and to not tell her who bought it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I just loved watching her look around to try and find out who ordered it. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Another <i>pull-a-muscle-smiling</i> moment. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>24. I Left a Bus Pass at the Station </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I bought a bus pass, good for all day unlimited rides, and taped it to the side of the bus stop. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d1UFixuo_Pc/UZj0k1vZUNI/AAAAAAAADtA/FXwEaU3ynvg/s1600/IMG_6207+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d1UFixuo_Pc/UZj0k1vZUNI/AAAAAAAADtA/FXwEaU3ynvg/s200/IMG_6207+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>25. I Left Cookies, Cold Water and a Thank You Note for the Mailwoman</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The houses in my neighborhood don't have mailboxes on the street- they're all attached to the sides of the houses. Which means the mail people have to walk from house to house, lugging the mail. I can't imagine how hot it must be for them in the Florida summers. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mVors8P-kso/UZjrAWi20NI/AAAAAAAADq0/6i6-FZ8dCcA/s1600/IMG_6198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mVors8P-kso/UZjrAWi20NI/AAAAAAAADq0/6i6-FZ8dCcA/s200/IMG_6198.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>26. I Was a Human Pooper Scooper</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">There is a great grassy park area on my street where people tend to sometimes not pick up after their dogs. I cleaned up their messes.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I decided against a photo op here. You're welcome. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>27. I Painted Over Graffiti Downtown </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I actually had a hard time finding some to paint over, which is a good thing! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-csoA84bFMpI/UZj0pC5TZsI/AAAAAAAADtY/d2MQo79GwjE/s1600/IMG_6215+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-csoA84bFMpI/UZj0pC5TZsI/AAAAAAAADtY/d2MQo79GwjE/s200/IMG_6215+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nVO_dPMtTbo/UZj0qj1pfwI/AAAAAAAADtg/WYFQimqlH2s/s1600/IMG_6216+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nVO_dPMtTbo/UZj0qj1pfwI/AAAAAAAADtg/WYFQimqlH2s/s200/IMG_6216+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
Before After <br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>28. I Left Coupons Behind </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I'm good at clipping them but not so good at using them. Hopefully someone will take advantage of these!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rvd-uLd1tls/UZjriVI5OLI/AAAAAAAADq8/pZzkqXM_szI/s1600/IMG_6201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rvd-uLd1tls/UZjriVI5OLI/AAAAAAAADq8/pZzkqXM_szI/s200/IMG_6201.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rbcw7Pm24ts/UZj0iVSbEXI/AAAAAAAADsw/glbBRI4JxyI/s1600/IMG_6203+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rbcw7Pm24ts/UZj0iVSbEXI/AAAAAAAADsw/glbBRI4JxyI/s200/IMG_6203+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-doXRRQWMB2U/UZj0hPXvPJI/AAAAAAAADso/OliMZb7JBps/s1600/IMG_6202+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-doXRRQWMB2U/UZj0hPXvPJI/AAAAAAAADso/OliMZb7JBps/s200/IMG_6202+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>29. I Left a Few Dollars at a Redbox </b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Hopefully it made someone's night-in a little more exciting! </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">It was a fantastic day full of giving back and paying it forward and making people smile, and hands down the absolute best birthday I have ever had. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s400/signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10570791699326057947noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443367417174258858.post-84410318910137453362013-05-02T11:04:00.000-04:002013-05-02T11:07:50.972-04:00Uncertainty Is The Refuge Of Hope<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Well, here we go.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Everyone knew it was coming. It was only a matter of time.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">One of those awful words that we all hate has creeped into my vocabulary once more.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>DOUBT.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I chose <a href="http://mary-malone.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-dating-game.html" target="_blank">Bachelor #2 from my Marathon Dating Game </a>. The <a href="http://www.newportmarathon.org/" target="_blank">Newport Marathon</a> is now only 30 days away. I committed to it, registered, bought my flight, and reserved a hotel. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Every time I mention the Oregon Coast, people collectively <i>oooh </i>and <i>aaah</i> over how beautiful it is, so I feel confident in my decision. If nothing else, it sounds like will be a great weekend getaway from the Florida humidity. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">There is one thing I don't feel confident in. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">My legs. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Some days I feel awesome. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Like, <i>I am going to eat 26 miles for breakfast and then go back for seconds</i> awesome.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> Others I feel really slow and weak and pitiful and can barely muster up the energy to finish three miles.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">On my 20-miler last weekend, I don't' know that I could have physically gone another 6.2. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">That scares me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Even on my 6 miler this morning, I was exhausted after I finished. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I want to push myself hard. But am I pushing too hard? Am I expecting too much? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Did I get too arrogant after my 1:37 half marathon PR in <a href="http://mary-malone.blogspot.com/2013/03/i-just-cant-get-enough-alternate-title.html" target="_blank">Sarasota this year</a> and think this would be a piece of cake? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">My previously-stated goal from a few posts ago remains the same. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><i>
<span class="userContent">The goal is to push
myself hard and see where I stand in the 2013 quest for marathon speed. </span>
<br />
<span class="userContent"> If I crash and burn, that's OK. I'll have all summer and the beginning of fall to get ready for an
attempt at chasing the 3:35 pace group in Twin Cities come October. </span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent">Now I just have to remind myself of that goal. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent">And that sometimes you have to risk crashing and burning to know what you're capable of. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent">And that there are always more chances. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent">Right? </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KyVJumkts6M/UYJ6kcJqHoI/AAAAAAAADms/W2ECx2snK-Y/s1600/CantDoThis450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KyVJumkts6M/UYJ6kcJqHoI/AAAAAAAADms/W2ECx2snK-Y/s320/CantDoThis450.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s400/signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent">
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10570791699326057947noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443367417174258858.post-80471013307119375342013-04-16T10:22:00.001-04:002013-04-16T10:33:31.623-04:00One Of Those Days <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Yesterday was one of those days. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Much like September 11th, when I first saw the plane crash into that second tower sitting in Mr. Connell's 1st period class my senior year of high school. Or April 27 2011, when I sat in my office and watched a tornado tear through my hometown of Cullman via live weather stream.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">April 15, 2013 will be one of those days. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">An emotional whirlwind of helplessness, despair, fear and anger.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">My family and friends are all thankful I wasn't there. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">But honestly? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Of course I wanted to be there. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">All marathon runners hope to be there one day.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The Boston Marathon is the holy grail of marathons. For some runners, qualifying for Boston may not ever happen. For others, it's something that they will work hard for their entire running careers and might get lucky enough to barely squeak by with a qualifying time. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">It's an incredible longstanding tradition of celebration and victory, and puts the sport on a national pedestal and glorifies it in a giant media spotlight. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Yesterday, at the 117th Boston Marathon, the
celebration and victory at the last .2 miles was instead clouded with fire and
blood soaked sidewalks. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">There were beautiful moments of sportsmanship, like one second after Kara Goucher crossed the finish line and called out for her training partner, asking <i>How'd Shalane do?</i>.... these incredible moments are now tainted by shrapnel and smoke. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The uplifting last mile of the marathon was dedicated to the Sandy Hook Elementary School victims, yet the inspiration that those victim's families felt sitting in a VIP booth at the finish line quickly turned to total chaos. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">When tragedies happen, there are so many questions that may never be answered and emotions that can't be fully tapped into.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Running is primal and the purest of sport, and sport cannot be defeated. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Runners know how to deal with pain. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">We know how to keep going when the going gets tough, and push ourselves forward with enigmatic strength that only each of us individually knows how to reach from within ourselves.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I know for certain that this too will pass, and that this country and the running community
will bound together with relentlessness and come back stronger than ever. We always do.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">My main struggle with this entire tragedy right now is that <b>we shouldn't have to. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><i>God grant me the serenity</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><i>to accept the things I cannot change;</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><i>courage to change the things I can;</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: magenta;"><i>and wisdom to know the difference. </i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s400/signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10570791699326057947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443367417174258858.post-86191102387604128562013-04-15T15:09:00.000-04:002013-04-22T10:35:28.490-04:00The Dating Game <div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent">Choosing a marathon is like a metaphor for
relationships. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent">You find out as much as you can about it, do your
research, commit to it, accept it's flaws, and maintain a healthy level
of stress and excitement about it.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent">In the end, you still don't know if
you'll succeed or fail. You don't know how amazing or grueling it may become. Sometimes, it all comes down to your weakest moments - will you continue on and push past the fatigue, not knowing what other hills or obstacles may lie ahead? Or will you be overcome with exhaustion, fall to your knees, beg for mercy and withdraw yourself? </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br />Originally I had pretty much come to the conclusion that <a href="http://grandmasmarathon.com/site/" target="_blank">Grandma's Marathon</a> was going to be the best option for a late spring race.</span><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">This marathon has it's flaws (lodging being the main one) but</span> it had awesome weather and a great looking course, and most importantly it gave me until late June to get my legs ready to dominate. I even created a training schedule based on that date. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent">Turns out, now there is a big conflict with that weekend. So, I have to break up with this marathon before I really even got to know it. I'm sure it's a nice race and has a lot to offer some lucky girl out there, but the timing in my life is just wrong right now. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent">It's not you, Mr Marathon, it's me.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Thankfully I have backups, like<span class="userContent"> any wise girl should, and immediately delved into research on my next marathon relationship. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><b>Bachelor #1:</b></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GqG43TpKeIw/UWwWAVCCUbI/AAAAAAAADj0/rRGE_Q23Fio/s1600/lakeplacid.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="76" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GqG43TpKeIw/UWwWAVCCUbI/AAAAAAAADj0/rRGE_Q23Fio/s320/lakeplacid.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;">A running friend ran the <a href="http://www.lakeplacidmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Lake Placid Marathon</a> last year and sang it's praises. Come to find out, it was ranked the #2 "Best Destination Race in the USA" by Runners World a few years ago. I can totally see why after looking at course photos- it's a breathtaking double loop course in the Adirondacks.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qw2a_eDoLuI/UWhAJxGNlSI/AAAAAAAADjM/Av_sFoRWImM/s1600/RNR_San_Diego.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yPxNVsR2f7E/UWhA-jS2alI/AAAAAAAADjk/PtBylWfMc9k/s1600/san-diego-rock-n-roll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h1MDlMDWRyE/UWwZAS36hdI/AAAAAAAADkA/INEki2oIUls/s1600/placid1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h1MDlMDWRyE/UWwZAS36hdI/AAAAAAAADkA/INEki2oIUls/s200/placid1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><b>Bachelor #2:</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8RQPXSWgwEg/UWg_9FQmCkI/AAAAAAAADjE/UE4MUOPFdP8/s1600/header2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="95" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8RQPXSWgwEg/UWg_9FQmCkI/AAAAAAAADjE/UE4MUOPFdP8/s400/header2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><a href="http://www.newportmarathon.org/" target="_blank">Newport</a> also has it's advantages. It's known to be an incredible course to PR on (and is on the<a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/races/marathon-guide-2012-fast-faster-fastest?page=single" target="_blank"> Runner's World list of best and fastest courses for 2012</a>), and runs out and back along Yaquina Bay on the beautiful Oregon coast. The weather will be incredible and the views spectacular. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent">Newport is also the headquarters of <a href="http://www.rogue.com/index.php" target="_blank">Rogue Ales</a>, so I would know exactly where to go for some post race recovery! (Priorities!) </span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-65TcGRbC_IM/UWhAZ-exb7I/AAAAAAAADjU/Bv3CTptxEJE/s1600/yaquina-bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-65TcGRbC_IM/UWhAZ-exb7I/AAAAAAAADjU/Bv3CTptxEJE/s200/yaquina-bay.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5U9LAqj1zAE/UWhAZ0QcDUI/AAAAAAAADjY/IaFCKt4Pt20/s1600/newport.marathon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5U9LAqj1zAE/UWhAZ0QcDUI/AAAAAAAADjY/IaFCKt4Pt20/s200/newport.marathon.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><b>Bachelor #<span style="font-size: large;">3</span>:</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5jycI929c1M/USJUnJbFmSI/AAAAAAAADZg/kUHYWd-h0Us/s1600/calgary.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5jycI929c1M/USJUnJbFmSI/AAAAAAAADZg/kUHYWd-h0Us/s1600/calgary.png" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><a href="http://www.calgarymarathon.com/" target="_blank">Calgary</a> was the original race I was considering for the late spring. The end of the course runs along the Bow River and promises for nice cool temperatures. It would be amazing mostly because it would mean I get to see my sister! Plus, I would have a place to stay and have someone to chauffeur me around the city like a diva. </span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J4XqfyNnsQU/UWwawBhbacI/AAAAAAAADkE/jKrSnFNgsSE/s1600/calgaryriver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J4XqfyNnsQU/UWwawBhbacI/AAAAAAAADkE/jKrSnFNgsSE/s200/calgaryriver.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent">The Cons? </span></span></b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><b>Lake Placid</b> is not easy to get to. </span><i>At all</i>. And it would be a tough course... there's even a comment on the website that the course finishes with "a significant hill" in the final mile. As a Floridian, the thought of what a significant hill might be to someone who lives in the Adirondacks makes me shiver.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><b>Newport</b> is a little over a 2 hour drive from Portland, so would require some logistical planning (although not nearly as challenging as Lake Placid). It's a smaller race - only 800 runners ran last year - so there's a good chance I'd be running alone for some of the course. Which means no pacers or drafting of big groups. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent">It could be liberating, but could also be a disaster.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Calgary</b> is a week earlier than Newport, which means even less time to prepare. It's also a pretty significant trip to take just for a weekend. And the course is tough. Oh, and I will be going BACK to Calgary in July for <a href="http://mary-malone.blogspot.com/2011/07/heart-of-new-west.html" target="_blank">Stampede</a> as well...so this one might not be the best use of resources. </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent">Keeping P in mind, (<i>you know, my real life boyfriend!</i>), from a spectator standpoint I think they're all probably about even. Oregon may have a slight advantage only because it's a much smaller race and it will be easier for him to navigate without city traffic and road closures. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent">I've
come to terms with the fact that I don't have enough time to fully get
my legs ready to attempt a major PR in such short notice.The goal for my late
spring race at this point, for whichever bachelor I choose, is to push myself hard and see where I stand in the 2013 quest for marathon speed. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"> If I crash and burn, that's OK. I'll have all summer and the beginning of fall to get ready for an
attempt at chasing the 3:35 pace group in <a href="https://www.tcmevents.org/" target="_blank">Twin Cities</a> come October. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent">The clock is ticking! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /><i><span class="userContent">Decisions, decisions..... </span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s400/signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="userContent"><br /></span></span>
<span class="userContent"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10570791699326057947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443367417174258858.post-30095945004776041152013-04-10T11:24:00.004-04:002017-01-12T12:20:32.739-05:00The Bare Necessities -AKA The First World Crap I Can't Live Without<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Sometimes I think back to around April of 2010 when I first started running -- back when I didn't have a clue about all the fancy stuff like Thorlo socks and Body Glide and Garmin watches. How did I ever survive?! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Jump ahead three years, and some people (ahem, Prateek) may have the audacity to suggest that I have turned into a running snob. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">That is <strike>totally false </strike>only partially true.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">There are certain things I do that get me in a groove. If I don't experience those things or have those things at my disposal, I get a little thrown off my game.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I am also really superstitious. For example, those PR pants I wore at the <a href="http://mary-malone.blogspot.com/2013/03/i-just-cant-get-enough-alternate-title.html" target="_blank">Sarasota Half Marathon</a>? They will now only be making appearances when speed is completely necessary - like on the track or a long tempo run with friends where I don't want to be embarrassingly slow. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Once a garment has proven itself worthy, it goes into a special pile in the closet.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Laugh all you want, it totally works! </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Here's a list of things I can't seem to live without lately:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Beware-- this is a glimpse into my inner psyche. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>You've been warned.</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RKMA_0Ax24Y/UWV5AXzKBUI/AAAAAAAADh0/Gje4pVVJcco/s1600/hanuman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">I never do any sort of workout, whether it be weights at the gym or going to yoga or doing a 20 mile long run, without my <b>Hanuman necklace</b>. He's the Hindu deity of strength and perseverance, and he comes with me everywhere. </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RKMA_0Ax24Y/UWV5AXzKBUI/AAAAAAAADh0/Gje4pVVJcco/s200/hanuman.jpg" width="200" /></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>My hair has to be in a braid</b>. I have resorted to the fact that my hair is way too long to leave in a simple ponytail, because it whips my face in the wind and gets in my mouth and eyes and makes me wish I had no hair at all. You don't want me going Britney circa 2007 on y'all, right? </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>A picture of my dad</b> in my arm band. Everyone has a hero, I just so happen to have a picture of mine and keep it with me on every run. I like thinking of him being with me in a physical sense.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QkWRfrpr0xc/UWV-GPS3moI/AAAAAAAADiU/JOSTn4fBd3s/s1600/dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QkWRfrpr0xc/UWV-GPS3moI/AAAAAAAADiU/JOSTn4fBd3s/s200/dad.jpg" width="142" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<br /><ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>A cup of coffee and peanut butter toast </b>before every workout.<b> </b>I'll add nutella if I'm feeling feisty that morning. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>A playlist full of fist-pump worthy EDM</b>...well, 99% of the time. I've recently started doing my long runs with friends, but every other time during the week when I'm on a solo training run my earbuds are blasting to the likes of Benny Bennassi, Nero, and Tiesto. If you ever see me randomly flail my fist like I'm punching the air, don't worry. It's not epilepsy. I'm just in the moment. Let me be. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>My Forerunner 405. </b>I can say with almost complete certainty that this watch is why I crossed the threshold of speed this year during my half marathon crazed winter. Every once in a while it's nice to do a run without it, but beyond that, you'll have to pry it out of my cold dead fingers. Plus, it's green and it matches my shoes. Which brings me to my next necessity. And next sore subject.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B7UjL3bXuQY/UWWBlZJn0PI/AAAAAAAADik/j2mtVbVYOys/s1600/garmin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B7UjL3bXuQY/UWWBlZJn0PI/AAAAAAAADik/j2mtVbVYOys/s200/garmin.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
</li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>My Saucony Hurricane 13's. </b>I've been in the Hurricane since the 11 came out. It's the first "real" running shoe I ever purchased specifically for my foot/gait type, and we've put many miles on the road together. The 13's are what carried me through this year of speed so far, and as I previously mentioned, I am very superstitious and don't want to switch to the next version because this one is so awesome and want to buy like 3 more pairs. Sadly, I can't find these shoes ANYWHERE online. And I consider myself a fantastic google-r. Even sadder? Saucony changed the style and fit of this shoe pretty drastically beginning with the 14's, and the reviews are not positive.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">We've had a wonderful history together, but it might be time to break up with Saucony. I've been having major anxiety over it. I haven't lost sleep yet, but I'm sure that part is coming. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>I've almost been talked into the Brooks Trance or Adrenaline. If you have feedback on either of these, I welcome your comments with open arms. </i></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Last but certainly not least, I love having <b>a Dri Fit Nike hat. </b>I like the Dri-Fit because I can't even feel it on my head, but sadly can only wear the ones in the men's section because my head is gargantuan compared to most women. Otherwise I stick to <a href="http://www.sweatybands.com/" target="_blank">Sweaty Bands</a>. (<i>They really don't slip!</i>) I would almost rather <i>not</i> run than run without something holding back the hair and perspiration from my face. Almost. </span></li>
<span style="color: #444444;">
</span></ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Other than that, I am very simple. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> My list really isn't THAT bad.... right?! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="color: #444444;">Wow, I look like a total running diva.</span></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Of course, at the end of the day, if I didn't have my music or my watch or my hat or whatever else in the world I feel like I can't life without on a day to day basis...I would still run. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Because that's what runners do. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cElMJJqUgs8/UWWLzJg8gkI/AAAAAAAADi0/vIyBunkTsrA/s1600/running-quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cElMJJqUgs8/UWWLzJg8gkI/AAAAAAAADi0/vIyBunkTsrA/s400/running-quote.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s400/signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10570791699326057947noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443367417174258858.post-47370696823103557412013-03-18T15:27:00.001-04:002013-03-18T15:38:34.571-04:00I Just Can't Get Enough (Alternate Title: Wait, That Wasn't Supposed To Happen...A THIRD Time)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">So....</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I'm not quite sure how to articulate my feelings on Sunday's Half Marathon PR in Sarasota. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Mostly ecstatic. But also shocked. And confused. Very confused.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I didn't even have this race on my radar until about a week out, when I got an email that I had won a race entry. It was really awful timing -- I was feeling weak from a lingering sickness, my training schedule was basically non existent, and I had just raced 3 out of the last 5 weekends with two other half marathons and a 15K. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Plus, I had already made plans to go out the night before to watch Eric Church and Kenny Chesney turn Tampa into a Redneck Riviera. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Let's talk about REAL priorities, OK? </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rsc1Ojyvb0k/UUdjiWQuYvI/AAAAAAAADg8/0FqcvuaiERk/s1600/IMG_5277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rsc1Ojyvb0k/UUdjiWQuYvI/AAAAAAAADg8/0FqcvuaiERk/s320/IMG_5277.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K7kSj9oBkFE/UUdjs7p17YI/AAAAAAAADhM/WafYp32TM9g/s1600/IMG_5274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K7kSj9oBkFE/UUdjs7p17YI/AAAAAAAADhM/WafYp32TM9g/s320/IMG_5274.JPG" width="177" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">After further debate I decided to go for it (I mean really, can I pass up a <u>free</u> race entry?!), but told myself I'd play it safe. If I wasn't feeling the love on Sunday morning, I'd treat it as a long run and just get my medal and my free beer and go home and not worry about my time. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I ended up getting four total hours of sleep on Saturday night. I prepared myself for mental breakdown and total disaster as I lined up at the starting line. </span><br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Prateek calls this "proactive pessimism". </i><i><i>Always expect the worst. </i>Most often it's used to describe the attitude of Philadelphia sports fans. Could also be used to describe the 2012 Auburn Tigers football season.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The <a href="http://www.sarasotahalfmarathon.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/SHM_2012_CourseMap_FINAL_.pdf" target="_blank">Sarasota course</a> is touted on the website as a course that was flat.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br />They forgot to mention the mile long BRIDGE that you had to run over TWICE.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VQEnYUTbmCw/UUdZ2s1TzGI/AAAAAAAADgc/fpvGWxspvx4/s1600/RinglingBridgeD1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VQEnYUTbmCw/UUdZ2s1TzGI/AAAAAAAADgc/fpvGWxspvx4/s400/RinglingBridgeD1.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t4fkjRV1edY/UUdZ2tsaznI/AAAAAAAADgg/DGiECMUot7k/s1600/sarasota.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t4fkjRV1edY/UUdZ2tsaznI/AAAAAAAADgg/DGiECMUot7k/s640/sarasota.png" width="584" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The incline was an adrenaline killer and I was fatigued way earlier than I anticipated.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I saw Prateek at mile 6, and tried to paint on a smile for him even though I was completely exhausted.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I wasn't even halfway through the course yet and already kind of felt like hurling.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XS_GUiXUd0g/UUdo4UzlLuI/AAAAAAAADhU/Kan56IBG2fc/s1600/course.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XS_GUiXUd0g/UUdo4UzlLuI/AAAAAAAADhU/Kan56IBG2fc/s320/course.png" width="225" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"> This photo is completely fraudulent. I am getting better at spotting race photogs, though. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Every once in a while I'd look down at my watch to see how I was doing, and tried my hardest to keep my splits somewhat the same.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3PYiSD-m7ic/UUdo4an-ToI/AAAAAAAADhY/Fi11pVcOy0M/s1600/course1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3PYiSD-m7ic/UUdo4an-ToI/AAAAAAAADhY/Fi11pVcOy0M/s320/course1.png" width="217" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: magenta;">Total focus as I entered the finish line chute </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">When I saw the 1:37 on the ticker as I approached the finish line, I thought at first that for <b>sure</b> I had missed a turn somewhere or had cheated the system somehow. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HpL8MxnO8KA/UUdfJgKVXHI/AAAAAAAADgs/Vh9TFYjmeTE/s1600/splits.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-075hh4gHwl0/UUdjO1utXVI/AAAAAAAADg0/dnSeXN2C9EY/s1600/IMG_5305.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-075hh4gHwl0/UUdjO1utXVI/AAAAAAAADg0/dnSeXN2C9EY/s400/IMG_5305.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hxa3-I2x0nU/UUdpjW7n2JI/AAAAAAAADhk/6SJ2pMmtdUo/s1600/IMG_5300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hxa3-I2x0nU/UUdpjW7n2JI/AAAAAAAADhk/6SJ2pMmtdUo/s320/IMG_5300.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">In the last month, I have now raced 3 half marathons (<a href="http://mary-malone.blogspot.com/2013/02/waitthat-wasnt-supposed-to-happen.html" target="_blank">St Pete Rock N Roll </a>and <a href="http://mary-malone.blogspot.com/2013/03/wait-that-wasnt-supposed-to-happenagain.html" target="_blank">Tuscaloosa </a>before this one) . With each one I've raced, I've PR'd by almost 4 minutes each time. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Is this something I've had in me all along? Was this just a fluke? Maybe I just haven't been pushing myself hard enough? Or did I cross some sort of speed threshold and am reaping the benefits? Or maybe I'm just mastering the 13.1 distance after all these recent races? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Whatever it is, I am blessed to have it and bow before the speed gods with thanks and praise. I see these numbers on paper and still can't believe they're mine.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I'm looking forward to digging into full marathon training mode and seeing what these legs can do with 26.2 miles! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s400/signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10570791699326057947noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443367417174258858.post-50864807471468614092013-03-14T13:51:00.001-04:002013-03-14T13:52:04.243-04:00Run Naked - It Adds Color To Your Cheeks <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Running naked is extremely liberating.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">And by naked, of course, I mean without a Garmin and without headphones and without any other electronic devices.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">What did you THINK I meant?! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I woke up this morning feeling very discombobulated. I had a total mismatched outfit on and looked like a hobo, my Garmin wasn't charged, my arm strap for my iPhone was breaking apart, I couldn't find my lucky necklace, the coffee I made tasted terrible, blah blah blah, bring out the baby violin and play me a ballad.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IHCfxNpCcV8/UUHvZ59xrTI/AAAAAAAADgE/ohyPH5d7xVk/s1600/firstworld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tcHEDnZICzI/UUHvg07wv0I/AAAAAAAADgM/XwjLYTuilTk/s1600/violin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tcHEDnZICzI/UUHvg07wv0I/AAAAAAAADgM/XwjLYTuilTk/s320/violin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;">I'd like to hear Tchaikovsky's <i>Serenade Melancolique</i>, please. </span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I watched the minutes tick by on the clock and got so fed up that I just ran out the door with nothing but my house key. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">About a half mile in I started to panic -- <i>how far am I supposed to go today? how fast am I going right now? how do I know what time it is so I know when to head back? what if I pass a pack of people and they totally judge my outfit and think I'm a loser? OMG what if someone attacks me and I don't have my phone to call anyone?! This could be it. My life is over. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The fear started to wear off, and for the next few minutes I started to notice things about running that I had never realized: </span></div>
<ol>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">I sound like a Clydesdale when I run. Which is no surprise, because it's the same when I walk. I have a heavy heel strike and the word "tip toe" is not in my vocabulary. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">I breathe very awkwardly. People ask me for tips on breathing methods sometimes, and I never know what to say because I always just kind of....well....do it. If a fish out of water made a sound, as it were gasping for the sea, that is what I would sound like. Similar to dying, but a little more deep belly, and less wheezy. I was very thrown off by the sound of my own breath, and shiver at the thought of what the runners near me are hearing by the end of my races. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Besides my deep belly panting and my heavy feet, there is not much else making noise at 5 o'clock in the morning along my route. It is quiet and eerily peaceful. Every once in a while I heard a Pelican dive bomb into the Bay or would hear some bugs chirping, or hear the wind rustle through the palm trees. The sound of silence was a refreshing change. </span></li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Most importantly, this run reminded me of why I even starting running in the first place. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Back then, it wasn't about if my outfit matched, or if I had cute shorts that made my butt look good, or what my current pace was, or what my splits were, or the particular order my songs were listed on my playlist based on the terrain/elevation gain I was likely experiencing at that very point in my run. (Yes, I do that. <i>Sometimes</i>.) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Running back then was just about how it made me feel. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">It was oversized T shirts and shorts that were two sizes too big and 5 year old gym shoes from Target. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I first fell in love with running with no Garmin, no music, no clue or care in the world as to what my splits were, while looking like a hobo. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I think I re-fell in love with it this morning.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Y'all..... take a chance and run naked sometime. It's unbelievable for the soul. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s320/signature.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10570791699326057947noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443367417174258858.post-55352569083467946852013-03-05T14:33:00.000-05:002013-03-05T14:48:55.588-05:00Wait, That Wasn't Supposed To Happen...AGAIN! <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Someday, the running gods will not look down upon me with adoration and bestow bountiful race day wishes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Saturday March 2nd in Tuscaloosa, AL was not that day. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBhRwFGAGKc/UTUKe5UoicI/AAAAAAAADfU/Q2zjpILlVJk/s1600/ttown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBhRwFGAGKc/UTUKe5UoicI/AAAAAAAADfU/Q2zjpILlVJk/s320/ttown.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Three weeks ago,<a href="http://mary-malone.blogspot.com/2013/02/waitthat-wasnt-supposed-to-happen.html" target="_blank"> I ran the St Pete Half Marathon</a> and PR'd by 4 minutes. I signed up 10 days in advance and hadn't really been training.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">That PR wasn't supposed to happen.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Last weekend, I registered for the <a href="http://www.tuscaloosahalfmarathon.org/" target="_blank">Tuscaloosa Half Marathon </a>at the very last possible minute. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">And PR'd by another 3 minutes off of that.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">That REALLY wasn't supposed to happen.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ex2BEoiBnPI/UTUJslONP5I/AAAAAAAADfM/bgmCK4Xg8nw/s1600/garmin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I've never raced back to back, 3 out of 4 weekends, doing two half marathons and a 15K. Would my legs even be strong enough to handle such a ridiculous race schedule? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">There was only one way to find out. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I wasn't certain what to expect out of Tuscaloosa. I was coming to town to visit my friend Jackie and her new baby (who is stubborn and has not been born yet!), and this half marathon just so happened to be on that same weekend. I hadn't been in the city in almost 10 years so I didn't even really remember what it looked like, much less the terrain and elevation. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"> All I knew was that it was supposed to be in the low 30's with snow flurries on race morning.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Cue high-anxiety-packing mode. I took 3 different outfits with me to Alabama. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Florida people just don't know how to dress for sub-50 temps. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><i> </i></span><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://www.runningbackwardsinhighheels.com/" target="_blank">Rachel </a>was running it too, and it was so nice to have a familiar face out there! </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ex2BEoiBnPI/UTUJslONP5I/AAAAAAAADfM/bgmCK4Xg8nw/s1600/garmin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sqLXfdivNZ4/UTT-xNgwmgI/AAAAAAAADeM/Js5ulqN02LY/s1600/startline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sqLXfdivNZ4/UTT-xNgwmgI/AAAAAAAADeM/Js5ulqN02LY/s1600/startline.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: magenta;">Here we are rocking out our throw-away jackets before the race started</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><i><span style="color: magenta;">(Photo stolen from Rachel)</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The first part of the course was very emotional. I don't know what that Forest Lakes area looked like before the tornado swept through, but I do know what destruction looks like because of seeing the <a href="http://mary-malone.blogspot.com/2012/04/ill-never-forget.html" target="_blank">aftermath in my hometown of Cullman</a> (which got hit by an F4 tornado that same day, April 27th 2011). The empty lots, the driveways that lead to nowhere, the mailboxes with no homes behind them, the trees that are stripped of branches but still standing tall like leafless twigs - I recognized it all and felt a huge wave of sorrow. I was running through hallowed ground, where people lost everything including their lives, and I almost flat out cried on the course.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Seeing the empty lots, next to new houses being built, next to houses that were spared, it struck a cord in my soul. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qm7Vy5SUoSw/UTUDVoK2FpI/AAAAAAAADeU/56_3Q94VpZk/s1600/path.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qm7Vy5SUoSw/UTUDVoK2FpI/AAAAAAAADeU/56_3Q94VpZk/s400/path.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: magenta;"><i>Course map superimposed onto tornado damage path</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://www.tuscaloosahalfmarathon.org/details.html" target="_blank">The course</a> may as well have been a mini version of San Francisco's elevation chart. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Hills, hills, hills. Rolling ones. Up, down. Up, down. Just when you think you get some recovery...NOPE! There's another hill waiting for you. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">By around the 7th mile I already felt out of steam. I struggled mentally more than I can remember struggling in any race ever, marathons included. I knew I went out fast, and wanted to keep it up, but could feel the fatigue coming over me like a heavy blanket. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I was also all by myself <i>(cue sad music)</i>--- since I've been running, I don't remember ever being alone during a race. There were no strangers to pace with, or draft, or focus on keeping up with to push me a little harder, so the drive to keep going completely fell on my own strength and focus. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">This is where my loner tendencies kinda came in handy, since I almost always run by myself during training. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xahagZUuz1Y/UTT4tWTsSfI/AAAAAAAADd0/bdZeQUkxAXU/s1600/run.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xahagZUuz1Y/UTT4tWTsSfI/AAAAAAAADd0/bdZeQUkxAXU/s200/run.png" width="138" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dl76q9Ohrfk/UTZMF_lZ8wI/AAAAAAAADf0/e8Ko6g6PEf8/s1600/course.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dl76q9Ohrfk/UTZMF_lZ8wI/AAAAAAAADf0/e8Ko6g6PEf8/s200/course.png" width="142" /></a></div>
<span style="color: magenta;"> These extremely photogenic race shots sum up my feelings of the final 6 miles as a whole. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I was overcome with joy to see that finish line. And even happier to see the time on my Garmin. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WbrxGJwiP-A/UTYPqCLdTlI/AAAAAAAADfk/d1FeTNQseUY/s1600/finish2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WbrxGJwiP-A/UTYPqCLdTlI/AAAAAAAADfk/d1FeTNQseUY/s320/finish2.png" width="231" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-533qntp9Ukg/UTS8qtBEAzI/AAAAAAAADdU/qAxEPXqfeSc/s1600/garmin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><u><b>Official Race Results: </b></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>1:41:08 (PR)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>7:43/mile </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>66th overall </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>2nd in age group </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8S2L72s2Dqs/UTUGXU1uRoI/AAAAAAAADes/-HlfQ4reFpg/s1600/finishline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">After all that struggle, I ended up with a 3 minute and 15 second PR.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QwNAuJn-wa4/UTUJC8cD8lI/AAAAAAAADe8/NsjPIXOfsEE/s1600/medal1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QwNAuJn-wa4/UTUJC8cD8lI/AAAAAAAADe8/NsjPIXOfsEE/s400/medal1.png" width="278" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SJhIlNEGv5U/UTUJDEfRL1I/AAAAAAAADfA/vf-U8QsHUxw/s1600/medal2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SJhIlNEGv5U/UTUJDEfRL1I/AAAAAAAADfA/vf-U8QsHUxw/s400/medal2.png" width="277" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I made my way to the finish area to try and catch Rachel as she crossed, and I almost missed her because she was so speedy and crushed her goal with a new 2:02 PR! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IIym7_7nwjU/UTUI8tPbAEI/AAAAAAAADe0/yDPNfxUmTF0/s1600/finishers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IIym7_7nwjU/UTUI8tPbAEI/AAAAAAAADe0/yDPNfxUmTF0/s320/finishers.png" width="227" /></a></div>
<span style="color: magenta;">Finish line photo op! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Although Jackie's baby was due THAT DAY, she still came out and supported me at the finish line.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A3XTpBXNcOc/UTUFCZcCSzI/AAAAAAAADek/TvtdRJwf2FE/s1600/IMAG1095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A3XTpBXNcOc/UTUFCZcCSzI/AAAAAAAADek/TvtdRJwf2FE/s400/IMAG1095.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"> 2nd in my age group meant I got an award. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ps8AFTtyU4/UTUEq3d5GBI/AAAAAAAADec/gKtr3GW5Eoo/s1600/IMAG1103.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ps8AFTtyU4/UTUEq3d5GBI/AAAAAAAADec/gKtr3GW5Eoo/s320/IMAG1103.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
<span style="color: magenta;">Cash money! </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: magenta;"><i>Thank you Delane for letting me steal your jacket when my lips turned blue </i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">So then I was doing some thinking.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">The spread on a half marathon and full marathon pace is around 30-40 seconds-ish, right?</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Let's <i>theoretically</i> say 30 for this particular demonstration.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">If I add 30 seconds to my 7:43 half marathon pace, that is an 8:13 full marathon pace.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">(Yay, I can do math.)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">But.... </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Do y'all realize what an 8:12 marathon pace would get me? Just <i>one second faster</i> per mile than that? </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="color: #444444;"> <a href="http://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/participant-information/qualifying/qualifying-standards.aspx" target="_blank">A BOSTON QUALIFYING TIME</a>!!</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">That is, theoretically of course.</span><b><span style="color: #444444;"> </span></b><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Forget the 3:40's, I'm going for a time in the 3:30's this year. You heard it here first, friends.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Now I just have to find a good course.....</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s400/signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10570791699326057947noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443367417174258858.post-12104699147026802962013-02-26T10:03:00.000-05:002013-02-26T10:03:56.977-05:00Weekend Warrior <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">According to <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/" target="_blank">Urban Dictionary</a> (which is a <i><b>fantastic</b></i> source of knowledge for today's 21st century young American, by the way) a "Weekend Warrior" can be described <i>as a person who holds a regular job during the week
which restricts their ability to party/go on trips/partake in awesome
activities, and thus plans epic weekend adventures to compensate.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I started off 2013 with <a href="http://mary-malone.blogspot.com/2013/01/run-drive-sleep-repeat-part-1-of-my.html" target="_blank">Ragnar Relay in the Keys</a>. A little over a month later, <a href="http://mary-malone.blogspot.com/2013/02/waitthat-wasnt-supposed-to-happen.html" target="_blank">raced (and PR'd!) the St Pete Half Marathon</a>. Last Saturday I raced the <a href="http://www.tampabayrun.com/" target="_blank">Gasparilla 15K</a> and kept my pace down to a very satisfying 7:48/mile. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oUw7Ndlq99c/USvQIgj_KLI/AAAAAAAADag/0nHHyY5vK7g/s1600/watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oUw7Ndlq99c/USvQIgj_KLI/AAAAAAAADag/0nHHyY5vK7g/s400/watch.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">I was in the top 10% of my age group
(technically top 4.6%, but who's really calculating that stuff out
anyway) and am getting a fancy coffee mug as an award. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Random. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrlmGHNJnNE/USvWnpKHfWI/AAAAAAAADcQ/qMikcO1whZw/s1600/mug.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrlmGHNJnNE/USvWnpKHfWI/AAAAAAAADcQ/qMikcO1whZw/s1600/mug.png" /></a></div>
<span style="color: magenta;"><i>This is actually the 5K one that I found a photo of and turned into 15K. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><i>My actual mug is in the mail. Thanks Microsoft Paint. </i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">There were, of course, ridiculously flattering race photos taken. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SbEHS4V7QCQ/USvRfCZZJlI/AAAAAAAADas/wxePZjkUxdw/s1600/IMG_5021.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tT2_6fCJXDo/USvRfLjvM7I/AAAAAAAADaw/FcCh-UaTtCA/s1600/IMG_5020.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tT2_6fCJXDo/USvRfLjvM7I/AAAAAAAADaw/FcCh-UaTtCA/s320/IMG_5020.PNG" width="202" /></a></div>
<span style="color: magenta;"><i> I call this one "the claw". Check out my right hand. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><i>I was literally clawing my way to the finish line.</i></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Htms8D4GxtE/USvSAHHHx-I/AAAAAAAADbM/kFMtT4k9UBM/s1600/IMG_5022.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Htms8D4GxtE/USvSAHHHx-I/AAAAAAAADbM/kFMtT4k9UBM/s320/IMG_5022.PNG" width="233" /></a></div>
<span style="color: magenta;">This is the one time on the course I saw the race photog so I painted on a plastic smile. </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">This photo also reminds me that I twist my torso way too much when I run. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SbEHS4V7QCQ/USvRfCZZJlI/AAAAAAAADas/wxePZjkUxdw/s1600/IMG_5021.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SbEHS4V7QCQ/USvRfCZZJlI/AAAAAAAADas/wxePZjkUxdw/s320/IMG_5021.PNG" width="232" /></a><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Another case in point: My left T-rex arm. I should probably hide this photo from my running coach.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K6C4hoP-VwI/USvVcmLRBpI/AAAAAAAADcI/L9p9OTwBVgo/s1600/trex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K6C4hoP-VwI/USvVcmLRBpI/AAAAAAAADcI/L9p9OTwBVgo/s320/trex.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">And this weekend? I will be in Tuscaloosa.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">And there just so happens to be a half marathon on Saturday. In Tuscaloosa. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">And I am just about bat crazy enough to do it. As long as I of course sprinkle myself with holy water first.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">(War Eagle.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i><b>But really..... Who am I?! </b></i></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Between 2011 and 2012, I raced only two half marathons. <b>Two</b> in 2 years. Gasparilla Half in 2011 and the Iron Girl Half in 2012. I was so busy recovering from injuries and then training for my full marathons in <a href="http://mary-malone.blogspot.com/2011/10/i-run-to-be-part-1.html" target="_blank">San Francisco</a> and <a href="http://mary-malone.blogspot.com/2012/11/own-chicago-part-1.html" target="_blank">Chicago</a> that the half marathons (amongst most all other distances) fell by the wayside. </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I am starting to really get into these short to medium distance races. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">It doesn't put such a toll on your body, your average pace makes you feel like a rockstar, and you can keep up with your regular training at the same time without major tapering. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Plus, racing is fun! It's like speedwork, but you get a medal at the end! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>And yes, during marathon training season, I am smugly saying that "medium distance" means anything less than around 15. Because I am a certified snobby brat.</i> </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Weekend Warrior-ism also includes other awesome non-running activities, like going to polo matches and wearing giant southern belle hats with your friends and drinking champagne while stomping divots between the chukkers. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://www.charitypoloclassic.com/" target="_blank">Reeve's Charity Polo Classic - Plant City, FL </a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GxBmEKUrfFY/USvXm1jOESI/AAAAAAAADcg/9k6LvFpzDrA/s1600/ladies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GxBmEKUrfFY/USvXm1jOESI/AAAAAAAADcg/9k6LvFpzDrA/s400/ladies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GgdkFtnEVpk/USvXnIEXXHI/AAAAAAAADck/dwDJ87NdZvA/s1600/pg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GgdkFtnEVpk/USvXnIEXXHI/AAAAAAAADck/dwDJ87NdZvA/s320/pg.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9gE7J-67M0I/USvXDgFJFuI/AAAAAAAADcY/746yb5dkCG8/s1600/divots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9gE7J-67M0I/USvXDgFJFuI/AAAAAAAADcY/746yb5dkCG8/s320/divots.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XJgmsk7qlJs/USvXnH0morI/AAAAAAAADco/Ji6JhiRxFRU/s1600/polo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XJgmsk7qlJs/USvXnH0morI/AAAAAAAADco/Ji6JhiRxFRU/s320/polo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">The divot stomping photo you see above is from the good folks over at the <a href="http://plantcityobserver.com/2013/02/23/photo-gallery-charity-polo-classic/#" target="_blank">Plant City Observer</a> ... I'm famous in a small town, y'all. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Spring (and all the fun activities that follow) is right around the corner.... I can feel it! </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s400/signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10570791699326057947noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443367417174258858.post-37945862239714042802013-02-18T11:32:00.000-05:002013-02-18T11:32:53.920-05:00Getting Down To Business <div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PiE08luRJ6Y/USJTP1Pg59I/AAAAAAAADZI/V7PlIDjTtxA/s1600/tc.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="color: #444444;">Someone once asked me how many times you had to run a race before it started to be all about what your time was, and less about running just to run. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">My answer was simple - only one. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Running is incredibly enjoyable for me, don't get me wrong. After your first race however, it almost becomes a game to see how much better you can do next time.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> And the next time. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">And the next time. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">And it becomes even more fun when you keep beating your previous times.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hor4ZY8xMrQ/URla1kVZ4mI/AAAAAAAADWk/9yIbWjd6J0k/s1600/almostthere.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hor4ZY8xMrQ/URla1kVZ4mI/AAAAAAAADWk/9yIbWjd6J0k/s320/almostthere.png" width="232" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Basking in <a href="http://mary-malone.blogspot.com/2013/02/waitthat-wasnt-supposed-to-happen.html" target="_blank">half marathon PR glory</a> is a beautiful thing. It's been a week now since the elusive 1:44 graced my Garmin, and unfortunately it's time to move ahead from that and start figuring out what's next. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CrLyI8mBd8g/USJTxa8geUI/AAAAAAAADZQ/f5Oe66A9pF4/s1600/gasp.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="89" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CrLyI8mBd8g/USJTxa8geUI/AAAAAAAADZQ/f5Oe66A9pF4/s320/gasp.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I'll be running the 15K in the <a href="http://www.tampabayrun.com/" target="_blank">Gasparilla Distance Classic</a> this weekend. I've never raced a 15K and am pretty lost as to what pace I should be aiming for. I figure I'll just go for a little faster than my half marathon pace and see what happens -- thinking maybe around a 1:13 finish time? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Who knows. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XqEYXLaV3n4/USJUDmOmXyI/AAAAAAAADZY/GM2Trg7A42Y/s1600/irongirl.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XqEYXLaV3n4/USJUDmOmXyI/AAAAAAAADZY/GM2Trg7A42Y/s200/irongirl.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> After that my calendar is fairly open. I may do the <a href="http://www.irongirl.com/Events/Clearwater.htm#axzz1szE4dQzh" target="_blank">Iron Girl Half Marathon </a>again in April, just because I'm a sicko and I love running bridges. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9Wmgwu6tXo/USJWhI0J5rI/AAAAAAAADZs/5tJFv6-W5YU/s1600/causeway2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9Wmgwu6tXo/USJWhI0J5rI/AAAAAAAADZs/5tJFv6-W5YU/s1600/causeway2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;">Bring it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Looking beyond that, I believe I can be marathon ready by May. There are a few races that have peaked my interest.... one specifically being <a href="http://www.calgarymarathon.com/" target="_blank">The Calgary Marathon.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5jycI929c1M/USJUnJbFmSI/AAAAAAAADZg/kUHYWd-h0Us/s1600/calgary.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="89" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5jycI929c1M/USJUnJbFmSI/AAAAAAAADZg/kUHYWd-h0Us/s200/calgary.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I love Calgary. Every time I've <a href="http://mary-malone.blogspot.com/2011/07/heart-of-new-west.html" target="_blank">gone to visit,</a> I've had an incredible experience. It is such a beautiful city and am pretty jealous of my sister Rachel living there.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>In the summer months, at least! </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i> </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">While the marathon is definitely not a flat course and certainly not one I'd expect to PR on, I would get to spend time with Rachel. Plus the weather would be incredible! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">If I were to do Calgary, I'd most likely take a few weeks off then get back into gear and get speedy for the <a href="https://www.tcmevents.org/" target="_blank">Twin Cities Marathon</a> in October - AKA <i>The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America. </i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PiE08luRJ6Y/USJTP1Pg59I/AAAAAAAADZI/V7PlIDjTtxA/s1600/tc.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PiE08luRJ6Y/USJTP1Pg59I/AAAAAAAADZI/V7PlIDjTtxA/s1600/tc.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Hopefully I can talk my Uncle Dan into joining me! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> With all these races in mind, it's time to get down to the nitty gritty and focus on my training plan.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I want a marathon time in the 3:40's. Barring any unforeseen injury, this WILL HAPPEN in 2013.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> I can feel it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkWWI9vRN10/TwNHHt-myvI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dVf5YndPph4/s400/signature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10570791699326057947noreply@blogger.com0