.....And All That Jazz

Please pardon the title, I'm in a Chicago state of mind.

The Chicago Marathon is in two weeks, and you know what that means!
It's crunch time, where I am officially overwhelmed with work and running and physical therapy and keeping up with life in general.

*Cue sad violin music* 

It was around this time last year, before the San Francisco Marathon, that things started to get real, so I knew I had it coming. (See what I did there? Another Chicago reference. I am brilliant.)

 I've already started to analyze the 10-day forecast and predict what the weather will be like. I read and re-read the participant guide and did a Google street view of parts of the course. I began my list of to-do's, such as buy more Gu, order a Chicago-themed Sweaty Band, and finalize race day attire. I start to look back at my training and worry I haven't done enough, and worry I haven't had a strict enough diet.
To add to the mix this year, I have my piriformis to worry about. 

Piriformis syndrome: It's a literal pain in the butt.

One thing I do have going into this year is the confidence that I can finish.  One other unfortunate thing I have going into this year is a time to beat.

I finished San Francisco at 3:58, which is around a 9:04 pace.

At the beginning of training, back when my hip was OK and I was going to my weekly track/speed workouts, my goal was to get my average pace down to the 8:40's or lower 8:50's. To give you an idea, that's a finish time of between 3:47 and 3:52. I figured with the flat course Chicago is known for, it was definitely an achievable goal. 

Then, after taking almost a month off and then having to re-start training in the middle of the season and not even certain that I would make it to Chicago at all, 
that goal changed to "just finish". 

My goal deep down is to still beat my San Francisco time - that's just the competitor in me. 

But, if I don't, especially after all the pain and the stretching and the Advil and the massage and the physical therapy, I will still be more than happy to simply cross the finish line.  

2 1/2 weeks and counting.....

Elephants, California Dreamin, and a Piri-WHAT?!

As you may have heard, the Republican National Convention is in town this week causing a ruckus. The city is full of patriot-clad delegates, VIPs, VVIPs, and VVVIPs from around the nation. 

I immediately decided that since my hotel was hosting a delegation (amongst some other miscellaneous big wigs) that I needed to be dressed appropriately - decked out in the red white and blue, of course.

The problem with wearing red white and blue (and anything with an elephant on it) is that I don't own much red, and I don't own anything resembling an elephant. The white and blue, no big deal. But I mostly avoid the color red and elephants altogether, due to Auburn's arch rivals the Crimson Tide, whose colors are red/white and have an elephant as their mascot. 

Plus red just ain't my color. Makes me look washed out.

After a trip to Payless and the thrift store for red items, I was able to accessorize enough with my white and blue pieces that 4 different cute outfits were born!

I'm leaving for California tonight so won't physically be able to wear my Day 5 outfit. 

I was sad for about 2 seconds them remembered I would be in SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA instead, so then I got happy again.

Doing long runs in the dry cool air along the strand from Hermosa Beach all the way to Marina Del Ray and back are the things that dreams are made of, y'all. 

The sunny 75 degrees hanging out on the sand with a drink in my hand watching a beach volleyball tournament isn't so bad, either.

And, speaking of running....

Moving on to something I've been mute about -- my hip.

At first we (my running coach and I) thought it was probably just a tight IT band, so iced/stretched/took advil/strengthened for a solid 2-3 months and stopped my speed/track work altogether. And it's still not better. 4 or 5 miles into my runs, I get this sharp pain in my left hip and can't shake it unless I take way over the recommended dosage of Advil and stop once every mile to shake it out.  

On a 15 mile run, a stop at every mile past the 5th is an average pace cold-blooded killer.

I finally succumbed to the fact that I needed to see a specialist.

 *Cue scary music*

Sports Specialists: Where runner's dreams go to die.

The doctor thinks its my Piriformis muscle, which connects to the hip joint as well as the sciatic nerve. See highlighted area below for details.

 Yes, I just posted a photo of butt muscles on my blog. Who doesn't like butt muscles?!

I told him I'm running the Chicago Marathon in October. He said he'll get me there, but I may not get a PR. Although I was hoping to get in the 3:40's timing wise this year, I was content with this diagnosis. 

At this point, just get me there!! 

He wants me to do Physical Therapy for three weeks then come back. At that point if I'm still in pain he may shoot me up with some Cortisone I hope he shoots me up with some Cortisone. I can't lie. 

Happy Labor Day/College Football Opening Day weekend, and War Eagle! 

Life Advice From Running (Alternate Title: Embracing Your Crazy)

Running and life in general have many similarities. Here are a few of my favorite thoughts, taken from the miles I've spent on the road:

• Sometimes you're going to love it. It's going to make you feel like you're invincible and you're never going to want to stop. Ever.
• Sometimes you're going to hate it. There will be days when hardest thing to do is wake up and step foot out the door. It's going to hurt. It's going to make you depressed. It's going to make you cry and whine and complain. Keep your eyes on the horizon. This too shall pass.
• Every step is valuable. Pace Yourself. Every journey begins with one step. To achieve your goal just put one foot in front of the other. Always remember that slow is considered a speed.
• There will always be someone a step ahead. But also always someone a step behind. Just do your best, that is what's important.
• Don't lose focus because people pass you. It's impossible to compare yourself to others, because each person is unique, has their own goals and has experienced things differently. 
• Appearances can be deceiving. Not only do  the slowest looking people at the starting line end up smoking you at the finish, but sometimes the horizon hides even more challenges. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, you get thrown a curve ball. Around every corner is another corner.
• Pain is temporary. Remember that nothing lasts forever. If it hurts now, it will eventually stop hurting and you will feel better.
• Sometimes people will think you're crazy. That's OK. Everyone is crazy in their own special way. Embrace your crazy.
• It's easier with a goal. You can go about it day to day, wandering the streets, but with a specific goal in mind you can stay focused.
• You can go at it alone, but it's more fun with a friend. Support each other through the ups and downs. Sometimes the most priceless thing you can have is a cheering section.
• Practice makes perfect. Preparation is key - you get out of it what you put into it. Every minute spent practicing helps the end result be successful. The more you do it, the easier it gets.
• Look ahead, but not too far ahead.  Finish lines may appear closer than they really are.
  
• There will always be hills to climb. You won't be climbing forever. Remember what goes up, must come down.
• It's never too late to begin. If you wait until you're "good enough" at something, you'll run out of time. 
• The perfect shoes for you are the ones that fit your feet. If the shoe fits, wear it. Don't be distracted by pretty colors or what the cute athletic salesman is trying to talk you into buying. You know yourself better than anyone, and you know what works for you. Stick with it.
• There's a difference between "I don't want to" and "I can't". Find something that inspires you and motivates you, and cling to it.
• Just because something is simple doesn't mean it's easy. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it.
  
• Sometimes it's just a big mind game. Are you eating properly? Have you practiced enough? Are you dressed appropriately? You are your own worst enemy. Stop thinking so much and embrace the moment. 
• Sometimes you need a break. The worst thing you can do is burn yourself out. Take a step back if you need to recharge and refocus on the big picture.
• Watch where you plant your feet. You don't wanna fall off a curb or end up in a hole.
• Be well rounded. Don't focus on one thing. Embrace different activities. (Cross-training!) 
• Things seem to go better with music. And prayer. And maybe beer. Maybe.
• You are inspirational. Others have inspired you, and whether you realize it or not, you are inspiring others.
• Breathe. Enjoy the journey. 

Happy Running!

Carmen Sandiego

 I'm no stranger to traveling, but it's been a crazy few weeks!

Cliffs notes version, I went from Tampa to Orlando to Minnesota, drove around Minnesota for a few days, then back to Orlando then back to Tampa all within a week's time. I saw family I hadn't seen in ages and attended a work conference. I lost my cell phone charger, my voice, and a lot of sleep. I gained some new friends, a new running pain/injury, and a 13 ft Boston Whaler.

Shall I continue?

My Uncle Dan's place is in a small town called Garfield, MN - population 354.
 (No, really. It was on the sign when we drove into town).

Some may call it the boondocks. I call it a slice of heaven.

My mom's entire side of the family was there and we had a wonderful relaxing time making s'mores and hiking through my Uncle's ranch.

After a few days of relaxation and unplugging from the world, it was back to the airport and back into Orlando for a work conference. But this isn't just any conference. This is a conference where colleagues become friends and every night there are themed and planned events. 

This year featured a night at Epcot American Adventure and Illuminations show, and a night with my favorite theme to exist EVER--country western night!

PS- if you ever get a chance to check out the Tobacco Rd Band, definitely go and get your country music fill. They are legit.

After a few nights of limited sleep and long meetings, while I'm sitting in a lunch session on the final day, this happens:

I was correct of course. I came home the next day to a boat.

I guess I'm glad it's not a motorcycle?

It's a Boston Whaler, which meant nothing to me at the time. Prateek explained to me on the phone that they were "unsinkable".

I quickly reminded him they said the same thing about the Titanic.
 

Sadly our baby Whaler has to live on it's trailer until we can get the dock fixed from Tropical Storm Debby's wrath.

Boat name suggestions are welcome!


It's nice to be home and getting back into a normal routine, even though my hip tendonitis / IT Band Syndrome / whatever the heck it is that makes my hip hurt when I'm running came back a few weeks ago. I didn't say much about it because I couldn't see the keyboard through my tears.

(OK maybe that's slightly exaggerated.)

I went crawling to my running coach, who handed me a resistance band and sent me away with instructions to strengthen, stretch, ice, and rest for a week or so.
By the way, do y'all realize how awkward it is to ice your hip?!


It's been two weeks and I took a practice run this morning - no pain! Fingers are crossed that I can continue on with my Chicago Marathon domination plan without further hindrance.
Even if it means an hour of quality time with the foam roller every day.

My favorite torture mechanism.

Happy summer to everyone! 

Stop by if you're in the area - the pool is clean and the boat is ready!

Debby Downer

She just came out of nowhere.

When I left work on Friday, the word on the street was that it was supposed to rain all weekend. I don't think any notion of the word "tropical disturbance" was even mentioned.

I spent that rainy Saturday thrift shopping and going to the local tavern with friends to play board games and enjoy a refreshing summer ale.There had still been no conversation or regards to a named tropical system in the gulf, and no warning that it may or may not be wreaking havoc in our county within the next 24 hours.

It didn't stop raining all night.

I woke up Sunday morning to howling winds and sideways rain. I took a look outside and still didn't really think too much of it....in the Florida summers you get kind of used to crazy rain and wind. I did notice the tide was higher than usual and that a few waves were big enough to spray water over the seawall.

Prateek and I went downtown around noon to run a few errands and have some lunch.

After a while, I noticed the wind was a little out of control. . I checked my phone's weather app and there were 5 notifications - a tropical storm watch, a high wind advisory, a high surf advisory, a flash flood watch, and a tornado watch.

WTF?! 

Enter: Debby.

I consider Floridians some of the most prepared in the country when it comes to storms and hurricanes. We have our hurricane preparedness guides posted on our refrigerators. We have storm procedures at work in which everyone is educated on an annual basis. We have a special storm supply of water, food, batteries, and generators. We have hurricane shutters custom made for our windows so that they can be put up to protect our possessions. 

How did we not know about this?? 

My street hadn't flooded in 20 years, according to the neighbors, so I thought that we'd be fine.

Thank the baby Jesus we took Prateek's truck out that afternoon. In the two hours that we were gone, the streets leading up to our neighborhood had turned into rivers about a foot and a half deep..not something my little Civic could have handled without facing it's demise.

This is supposed to be a yard.

We barely got through the estuary that was now our street, and I had an apocalyptic pit in my stomach thinking about what I would face once we got to the house.

The waves were crashing relentlessly against the dock and the seawall at the house, with each crash sending water flying into the yard and rocking the entire dock back and forth.

And it was still two hours until high tide.

Our area is circled above. With the water being pushed into the Bay with no way for it to escape and the 12 inches of rain on top of that, it was no wonder we needed an Ark.

By the time high tide came rolling in, a pylon from the boat lift had broken off and we had lost a few planks. Sea grass was collecting on the seawall from the waves. And the floodwater on my street and the surrounding streets had risen at least another good foot.

Bye-Bye Seawall

What's a resident to do when they're stuck in their home?

Kayak down their street of course!

Making the best of a horrible situation, we set out to explore our now-underwater neighborhood on our kayaks (mine ironically being made by Hurricane.) We saw where water was entering a few houses and lost count on how many flooded-out vehicles there were.

After we got home, our cable and internet went out. We kept track of Debby, street closures, and other storm updates through Twitter (@TBOCom, @TB_Times, @StormTeam8WFLA) and Facebook (Bay News 9, ABC Action News).
I even got a few of my photos uploaded to the news website! I think I may have a future in the press. Call me, Bay News 9.

We got a bit of cabin fever after being stuck in the house for the next 24 hours due to flooding.

We took naps. We cleaned the house. We gave Jadoo a bath. We stared out into the choppy Bay, helplessly watching the waves crash 7-8 feet over the seawall and into our backyard. I taught Prateek how to use Instagram. I ate my feelings in the kitchen.

3 days after the rain had begun falling, the floodwaters finally receded and clean up began.

Besides the lost boat lift pylon, a handful of lost deck planks and beams, sea wall erosion, and certain death of an extensive chunk of the lawn from being saturated in seawater and sitting underneath hundreds of pounds of seagrass, we were fine. 

Silver lining? We had no water in the house, never lost power, and had no downed trees. That's a lot more than I can say for some of our neighbors and other residents of the Tampa Bay area. 

I'm fairly certain at this point with the tornado hitting my hometown and now with Debby, I've had my fair share of mother nature's wrath for a while. 

Thank you to everyone for your concern and phone calls!

Cleanup has begun, so if you're bored and want to come pick up some storm debris and smelly seagrass, head on over to Snell Isle/Shore Acres -- we'll put you to work!

Sarees, Bhangra, and Malai Kofta

Working for an upscale hotel company, I've attended and assisted plenty of Indian weddings to ensure all details were complete, from confirming that the tables were set with all provided decor and double checking that the horse was properly attended to after the Baraat.

I have not, however, had the pleasure of attending an Indian wedding as a guest....until this past weekend!

Prateek's cousin got married at a beautiful banquet facility on the Henry Ford Museum grounds in Michigan. P's sister graciously let me borrow some of her traditional clothes for the Sangeet and the Ceremony/Reception, and dressed me from head to toe with gorgeous bangles and jewelry to match the stunning Salwar Kameez and Sari.

Ready for the Sangeet

Wedding Sari

The detail on the back of this Sari is exquisite!

The bride was breathtaking, the food was delicious, and the celebrating lasted late into the night with a mix of American Top 40 and Indian favorites. Even a few I recognized, like 

Deewangi Deewangi, and  Chammak Challo.

Beware: these songs will get stuck in your head. Watch and listen at your own discretion.

All the weight I gained from stuffing my face with Naan and Malai Kofta was burned off by the end of the weekend from the hours upon hours of dancing and jumping around with the nephews and nieces of the family. 

Congratulations to Neha and Rob, I wish you both a lifetime of happiness!

You Might Be A Runner If......

Jeff Foxworthy is hilarous to me. His "You Might Be A Redneck If..." series used to make me laugh so hard I'd cry. Mostly because it was all kinda true and I would witness some of  it on a daily basis in my home state of Alabama.

Recently on my long runs I've thought of amusing things that runners do that seem normal to us, but abnormal to the rest of the world. Here's my list, and feel free to add more. I will update the list regularly if I think of something I left off.

You might be a runner if....

• You hesitate to spend $20 on a new pair of heels, but dropping $120 on running shoes is no big deal
• You spend more time on Map My Run, Active.com, and Runners World blogs than you do on Facebook
• Your load of laundry consists of 10 days worth of training gear and sweat towels and only one day's worth of "normal" clothes
• You don't get pedicures because you want to keep the calluses on your feet
• Your number of toes to toenails does not match
• You and the stick and/or foam roller are in a very serious love/hate relationship
• The first thing you think about when traveling out of town is "Where am I going to do my run?"
• You keep a backup pair of running shoes in the trunk of your car, just in case
• You have Nuun tablets and a bottle of ibuprofen on you at all times
• You see hills and get excited at the thought of doing speedwork on them
• You frequently find parts of Gu packets in your washing machine
• You have chaffing scars in strange places from not utilizing your body glide properly 
• You find yourself stretching in random establishments, such as in the elevator or in line at the store or while seated at a restaurant
• You are always hungry and feel like at any given moment you could eat an entire pizza by yourself
• You know what a snot rocket is and have mastered it
• You call all of your tank tops "Singlets", even if they're not
• You get extremely angry and feel disrespected if someone calls you a "jogger"
• Your idea of fun is waking up at 5AM on a Saturday, going to the track, and running 400's.... extra bonus fun points if it's raining
• You avoid junk food by looking at the nutrition label and calculating how many miles it would take to burn those calories off
• You want to lose 5 pounds, not to look better in your jeans but so that you'll be able to run faster
• You have at least 6 empty plastic water bottles in your car
• During injury, you're angrier you can't run than at the fact that your body is breaking down 
• You can say "fartlek" without giggling like a 10 year old
• You have a new definition to everyday words. To you, PR does not mean public relations, a chip does not mean food, IT does not mean information technology, Splits does not mean something you do in gymnastics, and Winning the Lottery does not mean hitting the jackpot
• You get jealous when you're driving in your car and go by a group of runners 
•  You mention that you're doing an easy 7-miler today, and you're serious
• You plan your vacations around races in various parts of the world
• You've been "high" but never done drugs
• 6 AM is sleeping in

Happy Running!