Just be cool, man.

I had a good run today at Lake Murray-- the first 5+ miler I've done in a few weeks. It felt really good to let the week go (and it's only Tuesday!). So, you might remember that earlier this year a student broke into my classroom and peed on my desk. If not, here's the link to that happy tale. The kid was never caught, but I thought that was the end of gross things being done to my classroom this year. Not so.

For the past few weeks someone has been spitting on my classroom door. The first time I noticed it, was on a Monday after a long weekend and a big storm, so I didn't really think much about it. But then I began to notice that every couple days there was more of this gross, spit-looking substance accumulating on the door. Yesterday the kid finally went for the big guns (just in case I wasn't getting the message I suppose) and spit partially-masticated food all over the door. Not. Cool.

So, a custodian had to clean it up (which I feel really bad about because the kid isn't trying to punish her) and I hung a sign on the door that reads, "Just be cool, man." Today the spit appeared again on the door while I had my 4th period class down at the library...so I think I've narrowed down the perp's time frame AND that it is most likely not one of my current students. I'm working on a theory that it's one of last year's disgruntled 9th graders. There were some seriously evil children in that class. I don't say that lightly... I've had some squirrely classes in the past (this year's class included) but none that were just outright evil and malicious like last year.

I'm trying not to get in my head about the whole thing. If there's one thing I've learned over the years as a high school teacher, it's that you can not try to rationalize teenage behavior-- they don't even know why they do the things they do. Plus half the time their own actions have to be explained to them because somehow they forget that they just stabbed Johnny in the leg with a mechanical pencil or tried to give Carlos a papercut on his ear... "What did I do?!" as if they're so surprised by their own actions.

I had a realization while I was running today: this was my first school-related, NEEDED-run of the year... and by year I mean 2012. Hey, not so bad. I almost made it a month.

So in conclusion. To wrap it up. My point, ladies and gentleman is. Sigh.
If you're out there making someone's life hell with snide remarks, or backhanded compliments, or small devious annoyances (like my spitter), whether you think it's justified or not I have only one thing to say to you...

Just be cool, man.
Just be cool.

What can I say...

...I've been out of the blogosphere for way too long this time. The last time I wrote a post it was hot and still light outside at 9pm. Now it's getting dark around 7. I smell chimney smoke during my evening runs. It's almost Halloween for crying out loud. I've let a whole season of running posts slip by. Ah well. I'm still here. Sort of. Kind of in a fog this semester: I'm teaching high school part-time so that I can teach a college writing course. And, therefore, not running as much as I should considering........

On Monday when I walked into my high school classroom, the sheriff was there. Someone had broke into my classroom--sort of--over the weekend. It wasn't technically "breaking in" because no breaking was needed. My classroom door was not shut properly after the janitorial staff left on Friday afternoon, so while the classroom door was locked, it was not shut all the way. Therefore, it opened easily when tugged on by some punk-ass teenager at approximately 6pm Friday evening.

He (and I know if was a he from the grainy security cam video) did not destroy my classroom, as you may be expecting me to say. No. He tipped over a few desks. Put one of them on top of another. No big deal there since could have destroyed my posters, computer, CD player, and all the anthologies... But he didn't. Nope. He just urinated all over my desk. And my desk chair.

I don't really know what to say about the situation. There's just so much that can be said. And at the same time, nothing to say.

And so I run. I run. I run. I run.

Carlsbad Race Report

I can't even tell you how happy I was when I realized yesterday I'd

be able to sleep until 6am on a race day. Most races I'm out the

door while it's still dark, catch a bus to the start line and then freeze for an hour or so until the gun goes off. But, Carlsbad is superior for many reasons:

1. The staggered start: marathon at 6:00/half at 7:30. Wave starts for the half (I was in Wave 2).

2. The View: all but 4 miles (of the half at

least) is along the water. Just like the picture shows.

3. Organization: loads of water, aid stations, Gu and Vasaline.

If you've got to run an out and back race like this one, at least run one that is well organized and has everything you need or could need. However, because of my lack of training, I knew it'd be rougher than usual...

So, last night I loaded a bunch of Ricky Gervais Show podcasts on

my iphone and laughed my ass off for the first 9 miles.

I must have looked mental to the bystanders on the street, but it helped cover up the slacker-pain I should have felt. In fact, I don't remember feeling uncomfortable until about here (around mile 10):

That's when it became more burdensome than distracting to laugh and my pace began to slow. I don't really know why I took that picture--in fact I don't remember taking it at all. What was I thinking? Maybe it was an accident as I scrolled through my phone to cue up my Flo Rida Pandora station to give me a kick to the finish. It worked.

In other running news, my running buddy, Angie, convinced me to do the OC Marathon this year with her. It's in May. So. Guess I better start a real training program again soon. I also plan to run the Washington DC Halfer, on March 26th, for my 30th birthday. I'll keep you posted on that (since I know you're holding your breath). The only uncertainty is whether or not to register for the La Jolla Half in April and go for the Triple Crown this year. I guess I'll just take it one run (and paycheck) at a time.

I guess I did make some resolutions

Without realizing I was doing it, I've sent my life in a new, chaotic direction. The ball is rolling, now I have to keep up with it. Actually, that's a little dramatic for what I've been up to, but in case you haven't noticed, I've been an unfaithful blogger the last few weeks. My excuse is that I'm having a busy year and honestly forget sometimes that I have one of these crazy fun bloggy things.

Last week I started ballet and piano classes. Not sure what I expected, but it's more than just two hours at the beginning of my week to work around. I guess if I didn't want to be any good at them it could be; however, working in a little extra time to practice my new hobbies means my weekly mileage totals have taken a hit.

I thought I'd be able to stick to my running schedule (doing a halfer in a couple weeks and want to run Catalina in March), but I'm finding it difficult as my initial enthusiasm for these new hobbies is fading and I'm no longer running on adrenaline. On top of my new pursuits the school semester is coming to a close in a couple weeks which means I have to figure out what I'm testing the kiddos on and then write finals for all 140 of them-- plus grade all the papers I have right now. Then there's the freelance deadline I'm up against next week--an article I haven't even started yet. (Hope my editor doesn't see that.)

I jumped with both feet into the new year and now find myself in new depths. It's probably time to get out the old day planner and caffeinated coffee because I will have my ballet shoes and run in them too. I'll do my best to keep up in the blogosphere, but indubitably postings are going to suffer. Don't forget about me.

On a side note: Anyone out there running the Carlsbad Half or Full in a couple weeks? Maybe I'll see you out there.

Keep on truckin'

Redding Turkey Trot

There are some fast turkeys in Redding. I signed up for the 6 Mile Turkey Trot in my hometown thinking I might be able to hang with some of the frontrunners-- I mean, hey, I didn't do too shabby in my last race (the Silverstrand 5K). I got 3rd in my age group afterall. So, I figured a small town turkey trot? Sure. Nothin' to it. I can probably place in the top 20. That t-shirt is as good as mine.

Learned a new lesson about myself and running: Never stop being insecure. Odd little lesson, but hear me out. It's the same lesson you probably learned in high school: There's always going to be someone (or 40-something people) better than you--no matter how good you think you are or are getting. For example, a friend of mine from high school passed me during the race. She was someone who I figured (with all the training I've been doing lately) I would beat (easily), yet she beat me by about 3 minutes. Blerg. Pride took a tumble.

The other lesson I learned--or actually was reminded of by my husband after I sulked for a couple days--was: Run your own race. It only causes more stress and pressure to compare yourself to others, so don't. Compare yourself to yourself and you'll never lose. Easier said than done that's for damn sure, but I need this reminder. I've started noticing that as I try to get faster I'm getting more competitive. Seven years ago I chose running as a hobby because I wanted to do something that was solitary, noncompetitive and a stress relief, but lately I've been putting to much pressure on myself to get fast and not focusing on why I chose it in the first place.

Well that pressure is no more. My new goal for the month is to log as many miles as I can in preparation for Marathon Training Kick-Off Day (which will be sometime in the middle of December, I think) and to do those miles at whatever pace feels good-- not at pace that is "fast enough."

Time for Change

Does anyone know when the time change is supposed to occur? Is it possible that I'm too lazy to Google it myself? I'm at least too lazy to come up with an interesting post, so I'm just going to link you to my most recent article about the time change. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep (whenever it comes) and be careful out there, Friends.

The Fall Line-Up

I love November. I consider it the start of my race year. Maybe it's the Turkey Trots, maybe it's the time change, maybe it's because running clubs start new rounds of marathon training. Either way, I'm excited for November 1st. I have three races to look forward to: The Shelter Island 5K, The Silverstrand 5K, and a Turkey Trot 10K in my hometown of Redding.

I'm trying to get faster, but getting no where fast with my current training schedule (running twice a week...not good). It's time to come up with a real plan and make it a priority. However, if I make the plan for myself, I'll never actually do it. Soooo....thanks to my iphone and the Runner's World Smart Coach App I downloaded recently, I can type in the date of my next race and my racing goals. This is my plan for the month of November (I made a slight modification and flip-flopped Tuesdays and Wednesdays so I could include Track Club). If you have any 5Ks or upcoming 1/2 marathons, I hope you find this plan useful too:

If you're 2-4 weeks out from a race, here's what Smart Coach says you should do: (Works for 5K, 10K, Half Marathon)

Monday: 5 mi, easy run
Tuesday: Speedwork (AKA: Track Club for me)
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: 5 mi, easy run
Friday: XT (for me, Cycle class)
Saturday: 8-10 mi, long run
Sunday: rest

There it is. I wrote it. Now I'll do it.

Fog Delay

Look at that.
It's perfect long run weather out there and I'm stuck inside with an injured hip flexor again. Well...almost injured. It's hurting, but still usable--unlike the first time it gave me grief. I realized today what the problem is: hills. Every time I do more than one hill during the week, it starts acting up. This week I took on Laurel Street (22.5% grade) and almost immediately regretted it (it didn't help that I did speed work at track practice immediately after. That's just dumb.).

So there are really only a couple solutions I can figure for this hip problem of mine: 1.) Stop doing hills and 2.) Stop being stupid.

Starting with #1: There are so many flat races out there, so why do hill training if it's unnecessary? Especially since hills (both the up and down versions) are harder on joints and can cause injury more easily than a flat road. And #2: Honestly, what was I thinking doing two major hills this week while trying to up my speed? Just doing one of those things a week is enough...at the very most twice a week. But again, only one thing at a time. It's crazy how invincible we think we are when not injured.

One other thing... After reading this linked article a couple weeks ago I started working on my form: I'm trying to eliminate striking with my heel so much. But, now I'm wondering if in trying to run more flat-footed has caused me to strain my hip flexor in some way. Eh. We'll see. I'll do some foam rolling and a magical spin class and reassess the situation at the end of the week. One week off. That's the plan for now.

Anyone else out there working on their form--or have had to change it in the past? Got any helpful tips-- like, how do you know if you're even doing it right?

Why I Need a Long Run Tomorrow...

I received this email yesterday from a co-worker and almost didn't open it because I thought it would be some kind of Glenn Beck bullshit; however, I'm glad I read it. Although, it sort of made me feel even more like a babysitter than I already do. I literally said to my class of 40 freshman (10 girls and 30 boys...do you even understand what that means for my sanity??), "I am not your babysitter. Do you see any graham crackers and milk?!" To which one of the boys said, "Wait. You have graham crackers and milk? Where?" fml.

Title: Teachers' Hefty Salaries

Teachers' hefty salaries are driving up taxes, and they only work 9 or 10 months a year! It's time we put things in perspective and pay them for what they do - baby sit! We can get that for less than minimum wage. That's right. Let's give them $3.00 an hour and only the hours they worked; not any of that silly planning time, or any time they spend before or after school. That would be $19.50 a day (7:45 to 3:00 PM with 45 min. off for lunch and plan -- that equals 6 1/2 hours). Each parent should pay $19.50 a day for these teachers to baby-sit their children.

Now how many students do they teach in a day...maybe 30? So that's $19.50 x 30 = $585.00 a day. However, remember they only work 180 days a year!!! I am not going to pay them for any vacations. LET'S SEE.... That's $585 X 180= $105,300 per year. (Hold on! My calculator needs new batteries).
What about those special education teachers and the ones with Master's degrees? Well, we could pay them minimum wage ($7.75), and just to be fair, round it off to $8.00 an hour. That would be $8 X 6 1/2 hours X 15 children X 180 days = $140,400 per year. Wait a minute -- there's something wrong here!


There sure is!


The average teacher's salary (nation wide) is $50,000. $50,000/180 days =$277.77/per day/30 students=$9.25/6.5 hours = $1.42 per hour per student--a very inexpensive baby-sitter and they even EDUCATE your kids!

WHAT A DEAL!!!!

Fall Racing Season

I love the fall. So many races to choose from... I just couldn't decide, so I signed up for three great ones (and I still need to find a Turkey Trot). They're great. Did I already say that? You should come run them too.

The first is:

The Shelter Island 5K on November 7th: This is a quick one that zooms around Harbor/Shelter Island area and ends at Humphrey's by the Bay for a...wait for it... champagne brunch. Whoo hoo! No need to join the Hash House Harriers with races like this around. I did this one about three years ago, before I acquired my running buddy, and a champagne brunch is just sad and pathetic without someone to toast with. However, this time is a different story. A much happier, drinkier story. If you sign up for this race and need someone to clink glasses with you at the end, let me know. I'll double fist it if I have to.

The second one is the very next weekend:

The Silver Strand 5K on November 14th: I was trying to sign up for the half marathon; however, San Diego is suddenly half marathon obsessed and it's becoming impossible to get into races without planning years in advance. Gone are the days of last minute registration...which means I'm screwed. I do everything last minute: lesson plans, plane tickets, deadlines. Anyway I settled for the 5K which means my goal is to beat whatever time I get in the Shelter Island one.

And finally,

The Carlsbad Half Marathon: I know it's in Winter, not Fall, but we'll ignore that for now. I was debating about whether or not to sign up for the full, but I just didn't feel excited for it like I was for Napa. The problem I've always had with the Carlsbad race is that it's an out-and-back course. Those are just the worst... you'd think they'd do something about that after all these years. It's just cruel is what it is. But, I decided to still sign up for the half because I guess I like being mean to me. I'm hoping to have picked a February or March marathon by then and the halfer will be about 6-8 weeks out and a good gauge for me pace-wise.

That's that.
Keep on truckin'

In My Secret Life...

I can run 5 minute miles.

I write for Runner's World.

I have perfect classroom management.

I'm a spy.

And a bounty hunter.

And a travel writer.

Oh, and a food critic.

And I always look this happy when I run:

Thanks, Megan Guerrero Photography for taking a good shot and keeping my thunder thighs under wraps!

New Season, New Look, New 'Tude

I felt my blog needed an attitude change... the grayish-green background with small font was starting to depress me. So since it's almost fall, and fall is my favorite, I gave it new school year/fall face lift. I love running in San Diego's fall weather because I can easily shift from the cool morning runs of summer to the cool evening runs of fall with little temperature shift or divergence from my weekly mileage. (With the exception of this first week of school...which is two hours away from being officially last week's first week of school.)

I'll soon be able to frequent my old friend, Lake Murray. It's still a bit too warm at 3:00 in the afternoon for a 6 miler in east county, but give it a couple weeks and we'll be picking up right where we left off last May.

I can feel the season starting to shift ever so slightly. It's harder to see in Southern California, than in other parts of the country, but it's noticeable in the produce section of the market, the flower selection at Trader Joe's, the sun leaving the day a bit sooner, and the cold smell in the air. I can smell the cold coming, can't you? (Again, I know cold should be written as "cold" because we're 70 degree San Diego...but it's all relative.)

Even though I won't see fall leaves around the city, I know that for the next couple months, I can find them here...and so can you. Maybe when winter comes, I'll pretend we have snow and do a mountain scene.

Speaking of mountains, I'm hiking Mount Whitney next Sunday. If all goes as planned, my friend and I will be summiting the tallest peak in the lower 48 in a 14 hour hike adventure. Got any tips? (FYI: We're over-prepared for it as far as safety goes, but if you have any tips that might make the 26 mile hike feel more like a 12 mile hike...I'd greatly appreciate it!)

Enjoy the last few days of the summer season.

Mossy Trails

As promised, it is time for me to debrief my trip to Portland, Oregon with you. Trails, trails, trails. So many wonderful trails up there. I'm pretty sure that you're not allowed into the state if you don't like hiking because even in their most urban part of downtown, you can see the forest waiting only five miles up the the hill. I'm so jealous of the trees and moss they have up there. I want moss... real bad. But, I don't think it grows on Palm Trees.

I hiked every day and ate a lot of really good food (like fried cheese curds and pancake bbq), and I could talk about all that, but it'd just be too much. So, I'll share my discoverings during my run up Tabor Mountain. That makes me sound way hardcore... and maybe I am a little, but it was only 4 miles total and Tabor Mountain should probably be called Tabor Hill. In any case, it was fun discovering Portland on my own. (Wellllll, that's also a stretch because my friend Jamileh was with me, but neither one of us had ever been up the "mountain" and we're both from California. So. There's that.)

I'm a big ol' wuss when it comes to running in unknown places. I get self-conscious: like people can tell I don't know where I'm going and so that means they're going to steal me. (But, who would want to steal a sweaty runner?? Apparently some guy in South Park for one. see post below.) So even though Jamileh and I didn't really know where we were going, we had each other and that was enough to get me on the road at least. So often I forgo running altogether on vacation because of my high wuss factor--a personality trait that I know helps my mom sleep a little better at night. (e.g. Every time we're in New York I tell myself that I'm going to jog around Central Park, but then once I'm there I can't get up the nerve even though the running paths are well trafficked and safe.)

Back to Tabor. We got directions from a friend and found the base of the mountain (just a regular mountain in a regular neighborhood...so Portland). We chose a small dirt trail and began climbing up and up. We walked a little, we swatted bugs out of each other's hair, I squealed when I ran through a spider web (I really really hate spiders. A lot.), we stopped and admired the reservoir, ran into a drinking fountain and had some water, passed a few people--but not many--on the trail, observed banana slugs (seeeeeriously gross) and then somehow found our way back down. All the trails we took had some kind of color coded signs for them, but we weren't paying much attention and couldn't figure out which direction the signs were pointing. (That makes us sound stupider than we are....) This (for me at least) made the run more stressful and less fun-adventurey. I like adventure runs--as long as I know where I'm going and how many miles it will turn out to be. (e.g. running 20 miles is one thing. Doing it unintentionally is another.)

I wouldn't have run at all without someone with me, and it got me thinking... what would it take for me to feel safe on a run by myself in a foreign city? Other than studying maps, carrying pepper spray, and a backpack full of clothing and nourishments, I'm not sure how to make a run relaxing and non-stressful in an unknown place. Which is unfortunate, because jogging around a new place is a great way to site see.

Punchbowl Falls in Forest Park, Oregon:

Thank you great outdoors! You're pretty.

Perv Alert

I just got back from a fantastic trip to Portland, Oregon--which I will debrief here in a few days--but, upon returning yesterday, I came back sad to hear that two female joggers in the South Park area were attacked by someone. The women weren't hurt, but they were physically assaulted. The weirdo attacked in broad daylight with other people around who came to their rescue.

It never hurts to be reminded every once in a while to be aware of you surroundings. Today is your reminder. Run with someone when you can, carry pepper spray when you can't and (as the police officer who "pulled over" my jogging friend the other day to warn her said), "If you're going to listen to music, only put one ear piece in" because it A.) Allows you to hear your surroundings better and B.) Makes you appear like a less easy target... like you might actually be paying attention to what you're doing out there.

Also, remember women, it's OK to demand safety for yourself. Don't give anyone the benefit of the doubt that they aren't up to something. If you're suspicious-- yell at the person who is making you feel uncomfortable. When I used to take martial arts as a teen I was required to shout "Back OFF!" consistently in order to get used to hearing myself use my voice that way. It builds confidence and self awareness. And besides, what's the worst that will happen if you shout this at another person? They might actually back off? They'll choose a different path? Even if you feel bad that you may have shouted at a perfectly innocent man, DON'T, because if he really is a good guy, he'll understand that you need to feel safe and he was encroaching on that.

I suggest you practice demanding your safety by shouting, "You need to BACK OFF!" or "Don't come ANY CLOSER!" or "YOU'RE CREEPING ME OUT! MOVE ALONG!" at your roommate, spouse, BFF, running buddy, etc. until you are OK hearing yourself do that. If you don't practice, you might not use it when you need it. Hopefully you'll never need it, but the first line of defense--as my dad drilled into my brain growing up:

"Always be aware of your surroundings."

A Little "Lady" on the Run

I got the new iphone. Finally. I went from a four-year old flip phone to the 4G. As my husband says to everyone, "She got her learner's permit and then went out and bought a Ferrari." It's true. I feel rich.

I also, for the first time in three years, went for a run with music. Nothing like a little Lady Gaga or Flogging Molly to get the legs pumping harder. In fact, I'm rather shocked by how much my time improved. Well...I guess it wasn't that much faster, but there were definitely advantages:

Advantage #1: The music kept me distracted from my loud huffing and puffing. I have a theory that hearing yourself breath heavily during a run messes with your head and makes you feel more tired than you actually are.

Advantage #2: The music distracted me from the heat and kept me positive... except for that one rap song that came on and used the "n" word...I had to stop and switch Pandora stations.

Advantage #3: 30 seconds faster per mile and didn't even feel like it!

Advantage #4: It's fun to pretend you're in a movie and the sound track is playing just for you and this run.

I know there are a lot of opinions out there about running with music vs. running "naturally." I used to lean toward running naturally, but that was mostly because I accidentally drowned my ipod nano years ago and couldn't justify buying a new one. And blah blah blah we all know that running with headphones is more dangerous because we're less aware of sounds around us like approaching cars, viscous dogs, and catcalling construction workers. (But, seriously, do keep the music low and be extra cautious people.)

I'm not going to pick a side on this issue, that's not why I'm writing this, although I will admit that I felt a little weirdish when I saw how much my time improved... Hopefully (barring any last minute bib-acquiring complications) I'll be running America's Finest City 1/2 Marathon this weekend. I'd like to PR. My best AFC time is a 2:02...and my last 1/2 marathon in...what was it...May? Was a 1:57 or 58...need to look that up.

In any case, even though the music feels a little bit like cheating, I'll get over it.... I have noooo problem PR'ing with the help of a little Lady Gaga if it inches me closer to qualifying for Boston one day.

I Run Because I...

It's summer-- I'm sure you're aware. So, technically I don't "run because I teach" in the summertime (because I'm not teaching). There was, of course, summer school, but I've been officially studentless for almost 3 weeks now...so what's the excuse for my irritability? (And if my husband accuses me of PMSing one more time I'm going to go ape-shit.) But I'll get to that issue in a sec.

Well, for thing I run because I eat. A lot. So, I'm starting a new blog called "I Run Because I Eat" (go figure). It's not up yet, but I'm excited about it because I consider myself a person who is well-informed and "in" the San Diego "scene" as far as film and music are concerned...let's just say I know people and therefore I tend to end up eating and drinking at the newest places around town quite often. And the only reason I'm being even a little bit braggy about this fact is because I've had a glass and a half of wine (called "Cupcake" and it's delicious)! So, my plan for that blog is to eat, drink and merry my way around San Diego this summer (and beyond). (I guess I get parenthetical- as well as braggy- when I get tipsy. huh.)

Back to the point: my irritability.

Why do I need to run during the summer? In some ways, I almost prefer the high schoolers to these reasons...

1.) I have a friend whom I love (and will call Zooey), but can't stand going out with in public, and yet that's the only place we go together. She is high maintenance but thinks she's low maintenance. There is nothing that can't be changed with her from the weather to the seasoning on her food. In fact, those are the two things she is constantly commenting on. I kind of wonder if it's a form of OCD--in which case I feel like a total asshole. But seriously, if I hear one more time in that squeaky, nasally voice (that she gets when she wants something changed for her), "ooo it's kinda chilly, I wish I had a cardigan," or "ooo the sun is making me squint, I wish I had my rose-tinted sunglasses," or "ooo this sushi needs less seeeaweed," I'm going to bitch slap someone...and there's no guarantee it'll be her. (As you may know, my husband usually gets the worst of me in these cases.) People like this need to go live in a tent next to a dump in Calcutta for a month so they can be grateful for any food at all and be grateful for living where you don't have to worry about spiders who eat your face off while you sleep. *sigh* I've gone too far. So... I run because I (actually and truly do) like Zooey, and want to keep her as my friend forever.

2. My goal is to go the beach every day for the next month, and if I'm ever going to fit into the cute ruffly bottoms that go with the cute ruffly top I have to downsize my ass. It's one of those bottoms that only covers about a 1/3 of your butt...WHY do all the cute suits do this?? (And more importantly why do they also make these suits in a size large?) I would like to stop wearing the full bottomed light-purple paisley suit bottoms from three summers ago with my new, cute, sea-blue ruffly top. So... I run because I want my bikini to match.

3. The overcast weather is perfect for running between the hours of 6am and 12pm...and even when the sun comes out around 1pm, until it goes down again at 9pm, it's nothing to Zooey about. So...I run because the weather requires.

4. My husband raps and sings life out in falsetto jingles. He hides my lip balm under my pillow at night for no apparent reason and then laughs like a fucking hyena when I find it under there. Because he stinks up the whole house on a daily basis, waits until the trash is in three separate bags on the kitchen floor and smelling like an outhouse before taking them out (his one and ONLY chore), and because he sleeps until noon whenever possible (to his credit, he's a musician and works nonstop). But mostly... I run because he tells me my ass is "looking good these days."

5. I eat frozen yogurt everyday, buy craptons* of $1.00 candy at Target while I wait in line (and then eat all 3 boxes of it while watching re-runs of 'Arrested Development: Season 1' in one sitting), and because I've discovered a new love for vodka-based drinks while eating fried foods like calamari at happy hour. So....I run because I eat.

*craptons: (pronounced crap-tons) An unreasonably large and superfluous amount of a given item.

7 Midsummer Moonlight Runs

An intriguing idea these night races. Unfortunately, I don't live in Utah or I could run one of them. But then... I'd live in Utah.  The last race listed is in my hometown, Redding, but my in-laws will be down here visiting; that would have been a good excuse to take a trip up north. On second thought... the run may be at night, but Redding in August is still 90 degrees at midnight. I'm not acclimated to that. Not even close. I'll leave it to the hardcore locals.

Uptown Footbridge Loop (and Salad at the Ready)

(If you're only interested in the Salad part: skip to the bottom.)

Today my friend Angie and I decided to discover the footbridges of uptown. I can't believe I've lived in San Diego for over 10 years and didn't know about the suspension bridge in Banker's Hill or the old wooden bridge off Quince. But, I had just as much fun admiring the beauty of the bridges as I did the houses in the area! Whew. People have some money around here! What do they do, I wonder? And how can I make that much? I never crave richness... until I see the old, romantic, huge homes with balconies and spiral stairs and fountains and reading rooms and plazas and patios. What's it like to have a courtyard in your home??  But I digress.

This route may not be a trail-- like I've been wanting to do once a month-- (though I do have an all day hike scheduled for next week!), but it will take you through some scenic areas of San Diego. It has a little bit of everything: canyons with fragrant eucalyptus trees, craftsman homes, rose gardens, museums...odd metal lawn sculptures (I finally saw them, Anne--thanks for the pics!)

Here is the route (about 6 miles):

Bridge #1: Start at the Vermont Street Bridge: it's a 416' footbridge that connects University Heights to Hillcrest over the 163. Make your way down University to Park and head south toward Balboa Park on the east side of the road.

Bridge #2 (not pictured): Near the rose gardens above the Florida Canyon switchbacks is a small footbridge that crosses Park toward the large fountain in Balboa Park. Run west past Balboa Park's museums, botanical garden, theaters and ponds (I like running under all the arches for shade) toward the Laurel Street bridge. (There is another footbridge if you go past the zoo and Theodore Roosevelt Jr. High, but we skipped that one.)

Bridge #3 (not pictured): Not sure if this bridge counts as a "footbridge" since cars are allowed on it, but it's my second favorite bridge in San Diego for it's architectural beauty and views of both the city and sea. Continue west across the Laurel St (out of Balboa Park) and cross 6th Ave toward Bridge #4.

                                                     Bridge #4: 

After crossing 6th, continue west to 4th and take a right. Keep an eye out for the Quince Street bridge on your left. You'll go down a few stairs to the oldest and woodiest bridge in San Diego (built in 1905!). It spans Maple Canyon.  Continue toward 2nd Ave and hang a right.

Bridge #5: Continue down 2nd Ave toward Spruce, where you will turn left and find my new favoritist bridge and funist bridge to cross in San Diego: the Spruce Street suspension bridge! Do not run across if you value your life.... This bridge spans Kate Sessions Canyon (AKA Arroyo Canyon). After the bridge, hang a right and then wind your way through this suuuuper cute neighborhood with dreamy homes-- all small streets dead end, so just follow them around until you get to First. Continue up First toward Robinson.

Bridge #6: Turn right onto onto Robinson. Enjoy the short foot/car bridge that goes over the 163. Continue onto University toward Vermont St. At Vermont take a left... and you, my friend, are back at the Vermont Street bridge.

SALAD AT THE READY:

After a good run I like to try to continue my healthy streak with a salad. But, sometimes (no, all the time) salads are annoying to make. However, I recently discovered the trick to always having a delicious salad ready to go-- using a simple appliance that (I find) most people don't take advantage of: the freezer.  

First, let's analyze what makes a salad delicious: For me, it's the things I can pick at... toppings and nuts and dried berries and cheeses. But a lot of these things, especially the cheeses, go bad after a few days or weeks. Even nuts go rancid because of the oil in them. And, it gets expensive always having to buy these toppings whenever I want to be healthy. So here's how I can always have a "picky" salad whenever I want.

1. Pre-crumbled cheeses: Look for them every time you're in the grocery store (Athenos makes the best in my opinion): bleu, feta, goat... sometimes it's the plain version, sometimes they have flavored ones like sundried tomato-basil, etc. Get whatever is on sale. Take them home. Put them in the freezer. Yes....just wait. You'll see why.

2. Nuts and Seeds: Then do the same for nuts: slivered almonds, pine nuts (expensive! buy in bulk when you can), sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, pecans, walnuts. Take them home. If they are "raw"--which is usually the cheapest way to buy them--throw them in a dry skillet on medium heat. Toast them. Let them cool. Throw them all together in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze.

3. Fruit and Berries: Look for whatever dried fruit is on sale or cheapest...it's usually cranberries or raisins. But, raisins are lame. Don't buy them. Try for mango or dates or figs or anything that isn't boring f'ing raisins. The dried fruit can be stored in the pantry or the freezer.

NOW.

When you are ready to eat a salad, all you have to do is open a bag of mixed greens (because really...why would you buy a head of lettuce when you can get the pre-packaged organic spring or herb mix from Trader Joe's?), dump the greens in a large bowl, take the cheese, nuts and berries out of the freezer, throw a handful of each on top, and then go about making a simple dressing of extra virgin olive oil, flavored vinegar (Trader Joe's Champagne Orange or White Balsamic! oooh.), salt and pepper and voila!  

The cheese will defrost perfectly and keep the greens cool while you make the rest of your meal or go check email before chowing down. (If it's summer time and you have any fresh fruit like peaches, strawberries or apples laying around, chop those up and toss 'em in too!)

No more excuses and no more bland salads. The freezer will keep everything fresh until you're ready to use it.

Eat your foliage and nuts and berries.

You. are. welcome.

Mind Games

I just read a good article in my Runner's World newsletter and found it to be a good reminder of how much running is mental... not in the, "You're a runner? You must be mental" way, but in the "I'm an f'ing strong runner and I'm going to tear this hill down with my thunder thighs, bitches!!" (So my "mental" is a bit of a potty mouth... but most of you aren't surprised by that.)

To prove (sort of) that this article is legit, I experienced a confidence boost yesterday--which is important to any mind strengthening regimen: it never hurts to help yourself feel good about yourself.

I've been doing a very hilly route lately and feeling down about my 11 minute pace times. I was doing sub 9 minute pace for a good while a few weeks ago, but I was also doing it on flat, oceanside runs. So, I made the decision last night to do another flat, oceanside run to boost my confidence and see if I could still run fast. I could. yay.

So if you, like me, are feeling slow and sluggish and unhappy with your "easy" runs, then 1. Read this article and then 2. Go to the track or find a nice flat spot and run as fast as you can for as long as you can and see what your body can do. I bet you'll be impressed with yourself like I am with me........because now I know I'm the bestest! Wow I love me now! (Over the top?? I know.)

Off Again, On Again

It seems to be a crazy time of year for many of my blogosphere buds, and the same is true in my sphere. We had a visit from the in-laws 2 weeks ago, my mom last week and a half crazy foster dog somewhere in between. It's been fun and busy. It's been funsy. Which, of course, means "busy fun." I'm sort of in the mood to make up words. I had my freshman doing that today in imitation of the poem "Jabberwocky" by Lewis Caroll. But, my point: I'm feeling a funk setting in. What do I do with myself now that the excitement is over and my schedule is lackluster?

I suppose it's time to focus on the pre-30 goals I made specifically for this year of my life:

1. go to Europe and see a really real castle
2. Run a marathon in under 4 hours
3. Grow my hair out again
4. Get a paycheck for writing something
5. Take the GRE, apply for grad school

I've only checked off one so far...and I have exactly 9 months (as of the 14th) until my 30th birthday! I think I've got #3 well underway (I had to set something ridiculously simple, just in case the others proved too much). But, my goal to run a marathon in under 4 hours before 30 is beginning to feel ridiculous. I haven't been on a serious run in weeks; calling Monday night co-ed softball games "fartlek training" isn't going to fly anymore (especially since I'm not a very good hitter).

I was reading this month's Runner's World and found my newest training schedule inside. All I have to do is decide when to start the 16 week training program...and that will be determined by the race I decide to enter.

I'm accepting suggestions for flat/enjoyable marathons that take place in mid to late fall (2010). I'd love to hear what your favorite races might be at that time. I'm considering New York City. But, is that too big and intimidating? Should I try for a small one closer to San Diego...or family in Northern California? Anyone know much about good Central Cal races in the fall? I just can't decide.

In the mean time, I'll be doing my maintenance runs during the day while sighing and studying and dreading the training chart, which will soon become my "social life," at night.

Break 4 Hours or Bust!
(I'll post the training schedule soon.)