Me and My Running Shoes

Long time, no blog

2009-12-30T12:39:00.009-05:00

At this time, I am averaging a blog here every 6 months or so. Pretty sad, eh? I figure I will revisit blogging in the new year from time to time.

So, what has been happening in the last 6-12 months?

Really got into Spinning and other Les Mills classes at my gym- Body Pump, Body Flow, Body Attack. I have gotten addicted to Yoga and Pilates!
Been running off and on- haven't done a road race in about a year. That will change in 2010!
Been traveling like madwoman for work after taking on some new responsibilities.
I got engaged!

Yeah, the last point is definitely the most exciting! Long story short- I started dating a guy I met at work last fall. We dated for a little over a year. He rocks. We got engaged this past November in New Orleans. Planning a Fall 2010 wedding in Charleston. He is the most wonderful guy on the planet- woohoo!

So, in the wake of that news... will be definitely picking up the work out schedule again FULL FORCE. I have been working out steadily since taking vacation around the holidays... funny how I can fit 2-3 hours of working out in each day when not working :)

More to come... Happy New Year to all!

Could it be true?

2009-06-22T22:50:00.001-04:00

A blogger pal pronounced my blog "officially dead" yesterday... so sad...

Now I'm wondering... does anyone check this thing anymore? Am I letting down my faithful readers? :)

Kiawah Half Marathon- check.

2008-12-07T17:38:00.001-05:00

Ran the Kiawah half yesterday with a couple of friends... had a good time, sore as hell, am now packing for ANOTHER work trip.

I am tired.

Sorry not more descriptive- been bad about blogging!

Five miles this morn- WOOHOO!

2008-10-25T12:31:00.003-04:00

Been doing a lot of traveling and working out lately... have hit LA, Vegas, Albany, LA again, Albany, and Tampa in the last 4 weeks. Fortuantely, the Tampa trip was a last minute decision to woop it up at the World Series for Game 1! Chief Wahoo had an extra ticket and I could not pass up the opp!

Did the Charleston Race for the Cure 5K last weekend and was happy to return to racing! Been running 3 miles or so a couple times a week, doing a lot of elliptical and biking, and weights. Overall, I feel terrific... and have avoided stepping on any more nails! :)

This morning I met my impromptu running group and we did five- it felt awesome! I am looking at doing the James Island Connector 10K next Sat, a 10-miler mid-November, and of course... the Kiawah Half early December.

Off to watch football!

Happy trails!

VEGAS!!!!!!!

2008-10-01T19:09:00.001-04:00

Just stepped off plane back in Charleston. What a trip...

Good news- I am up to running 3-4x a week...doing 3-4 miles regularly.

Am debating signing up for a 10K race this weekend- can run most of it and just enjoy the beautiful (cooler) weather... or I can do the 5K option.

Decisions...decisions...

Good to be back!

Time for another sporadic post...

2008-09-21T19:18:00.002-04:00

Been super busy recently... working out like crazy too! Did 6 out of 7 days this week, the one day off exception being when I had a "bad" blood donation experience at the work blood drive this week... seeing blue spots fading to black and everything. Awesome.

Heading to Norfolk tomorrow for work- then Vegas for the weekend.

I can maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaake it.

Kiawah Half Marathon- back in the saddle

2008-09-05T23:40:00.002-04:00

Well, gentle readers, I am approximately three months out from the Kiawah half marathon and I am feeling calm, confident, and re-energized. I have reflected back on the last couple years... revisited the running highs (first sub-hour 10K!) and lows (Chicago Marathon) and I am ready to pick up and start my new chapter!

I have eased back into running lately, done a lot of cardio blast class (I think it is called that), yoga, biking, etc. My favorite part of running is still the fact that I can just throw my running shoes into my suitcase and run anywhere in the world. It really has been a great way to see the fabulous cities I visit for my traveling career!

So, here I am. Back to where I started...kinda. I am really ready for the fall weather to come through Charleston (after we get past these tropical storms, of course!) and start building mileage for early December!

Happy trails to all...

Epiphany...

2008-08-02T12:54:00.003-04:00

I decided to give my pal a break this morn by taking on stroller duty... and I realized...pushing a kid in a stroller up a big hill (aka The Bridge- the only hill in Charleston) is not easy.

That's all.

I'm baaaaaack....

2008-08-01T20:39:00.004-04:00

So much has happened since my last post. I started a new position at work, went on about 49 trips, sold my car, bought a new one, and...and...signed up for the Kiawah Half Marathon in December! The race that started this whole thing two years ago. I am feeling great about it! And I am sorry for being an MIA blogger that has not read posts, commented, or been around for awhile :)

Let me catch up quickly- I was in Kentucky last week for my niece's first birthday. She is the cutest thing ever! Here are some pics...

Travel is taking me to Chicago AGAIN next week. Looking forward to it.

All for now... I am gearing up to run/walk the bridge tomorrow. Getting back into the swing of things is hard but I am committed!

Happy trails!

Spending the week in Cabo San Lucas...

2008-06-22T23:17:00.003-04:00

View of the Pacific Ocean from my room... AWESOME!!! I can walk right out onto the porch to the ocean!

Still recovering from the nail to the foot...

2008-06-12T22:18:00.004-04:00

Figured I would post some pics since I NEVER travel :)

After meetings in Chicago, then off to the airport to...

San Francisco! We finished up a meeting in Santa Rosa and hit some wineries in Sonoma. Here is one from Rodney Strong. I went a little overboard and ordered two cases of their Reserve vintage- they are shipping it home for me! :)

Next week I am off to Toronto for a day or two, week after is Cabo, then L.A.!

I am already committing to the Kiawah Half in December, should be able to run by then, right?

Happy trails!

Update

2008-06-01T10:39:00.003-04:00

Reasons I have not blogged include but are not limited to: selling my car privately and showing it to a lot of tire kickers, buying another car, having fun with friends, and stepping on a nail that went deep into my foot.

That last one really, really, really sucks.

Luckily, it is my right foot... not the one with the plantar issue. Right when I am starting to get back into the groove of things, this happens. Not sure when I will run again as I cannot even walk.

Awesome.

Off to Chicago!

2008-05-21T10:05:00.001-04:00

Will be working... and catching the White Sox play the Indians tonight. Woohoo!

Tomorrow morning's run?

2008-05-14T23:00:00.007-04:00

No, not my boring old neighborhood... Central Park! (oh yeah, I am in New York thru Friday for work)

Next week? Chicago! The running shoes are definitely coming out to play... my fav route is a quick jaunt from my home base, The Palmer House Hilton.

Happy trails to all!

Calm...relaxed...

2008-05-12T21:47:00.002-04:00

I tried yoga for the first time tonight. I felt so calm and relaxed- with the exception of almost getting stuck permanently in warrior pose.

Does it get easier?

Back at it?

2008-05-12T08:20:00.003-04:00

Two miles again this morning. 24:12. Ran with a little bit of walking (run 3, walk 1 and so on...) Not where I would want to be... but it's a start again! Feels pretty good too- maybe all the hundreds of dollars I spent at the podiatrist actually helped my plantar facsdfjsddfjskfdjskkf? And thankfully, the 18 stitches in my side that kept me sidelined are finally healing too.

I am looking forward to running the entire time and adding some more mileage.

Full steam ahead!

Why I did not run tonight...

2008-05-11T19:05:00.001-04:00

Tornadoes. Seriously, there are funnel clouds all around my neighborhood. Therefore, running might not be the best idea as we don't have many ditches here in super-flat Charleston.

I will resort to working out inside and I WILL run tomorrow morning. I WILL.

It's a start.

2008-05-09T21:44:00.002-04:00

I ran/walked two miles today. Yeaaaah. That is about where I am right now. It took me 26 minutes. I have a waaaay to go.

Arapahoe Basin? Check.

2008-04-26T19:55:00.003-04:00

What a fun day of skiing!! 13,000 foot altitude kinda gets to me though.

I know- I am a wimp!

Ummm...huh-ello?!?!?!

2008-04-23T22:24:00.005-04:00

Dear Chicago Marathon,

Uh, let me remind you... Chicago Marathon... that just because you changed your name to "Bank of America Chicago Marathon" from LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, I still do not forget, nor forgive you, for pissing me off last year. You still totally sucked and I kinda hate you. However, I kinda also considered signing up for you again when you showed up in my Inbox this week reminding me that you are almost full. But then if you suck again this year- what is next? "The Marathon Formerly Known as The Chicago Marathon"?

All for now,

Tiff

Off I go... to Denttsreal!

2008-04-23T22:11:00.007-04:00

I am off on a 10 day work trip... to....

Denver...

then...Pittsburgh...

...and finally...Montreal!

Random... huh? I am speaking at three different conferences and stretched it all out to one super mother-trip. Arrivederci!

Back from Cabo...tired...need rest

2008-04-20T15:11:00.003-04:00

Checking in... and then out...

2008-04-11T16:18:00.006-04:00

Hey everyone! Busy travel week- just got home last night from Saaaaaaaaint Louis. Rainy, windy, crappy. At least I wasn't flying American though, right? I am off to Tampa tomorrow for a work conference and then five glorious days of relaxation, deep sea fishing, and fun at President's Club in Cabo San Lucas. Woohoo! I can't wait.

Of course I am glad I did the Bridge Run this year but failed to mention I had gotten 18 stitches in my side after the dermatologist removed a piece of me for further testing. She never mentioned not doing any mid-range races so I did... and the damn stitches were pulling apart. Crap! Now I have a huge scar and some bandage on. BLAH. Always wear your sunblock, kids. The dermatologist ain't a fun place to go. You better believe I am packing in the SPF 30 and 15 for this trip. My doctor ain't playin'!

On a random note, I decided today that I wanted a cupcake. My dilemna was that I was a) too lazy to go buy one and fight the out-of-towner traffic for the Family Circle Cup and b) did not want to use the entire box of mix and can of frosting in my pantry. Normally I might make a complete batch for Craig and friends and coworkers but I am going on the road for 9 days and Craig is at a work conference in Dallas... although he just called me to tell me they were playing football right now in Texas Stadium. I was a little confused but he sounded really stoked. OK, back to the cupcakes. I put about 3/4 a cup of mix in a bowl with an egg and some unsweetened applesauce (good substitute) for oil and had enough for 4 little cupcakes. Yay! They baked up quick and I put aside a bit of frosting (I picked blue dye today) and there you have it! They should sell little packets of mix like this for people that do not want an entire batch. They probably do... but oh well. They would charge you 4x what you would pay to split up a $1.00 box. Kinda like how all those chic Cupcake boutiques around cities today charge $4.00 for ONE cupcake. Holla for my cupcakes! I would email you all one... but the frosting would get on your computers.

And while I was on that thought... what goes better with a cupcake than...(no, not milk)...some iced tea! I tell you- I could drink tea day and night. I love that stuff... only I did not make it at home. I went rummaging through my crap (some stuff unpacked from 3 1/2 years ago when I moved here) to find my iced tea machine. Then I remembered- my loser ex-BF took it!! NOooooooooooo. I improvised- I took a pot of water on the stove and threw a bunch of teabags in... and then dumped into a huge thermos with ice. Thankfully, I bought the 1000 pack of Splenda at Sam's last month so sweetener is not an option. Yaaaaaaaay. Any better ideas how to make tea?

Hope everyone is doing well- I know you are jealous I get to work this weekend :)

Cooper River Bridge 10K Recap

2008-04-06T10:16:00.007-04:00

First of all, I am happy to say that I managed to keep the CRBR Streak alive... running my third race on the new bridge which opened back in 2006. Yahoo!

Let's chat for a second about how the race is a logistical nightmare.

1. Over 35,000 people run the race and Charleston ain't that big of a city
2. It is a point to point race
3. In between the points is a huge bridge and the only other way to get from point to point is to take a long 23 mile "workaround" aka highways
4. The bridge closes at 7 AM (one hour before race time) so you better get your butt there beforehand if you want to cross.

Long story short... it was my slowest time ever. I had not trained. I had not prepared. Part of me wished I had actually ran beforehand... but I did it! My time was 1 hour, 23 minutes. A pace of 13:30 for walking probably 70% of it. The good part is- I guess I have a fast walk?

So, the aftermath. I am really not sure but my left foot (the plantar fascia nightmare) hurts like hell. I am trying icing and rolling it over a frozen bottle of water. I would feel great otherwise!

Congrats to the other finishers! I wish I could have met up with you, David and Mendy :( Next time...next time... and we can all start in the sub-40 corral! I am glad you enjoyed some of the yummy food here in Charleston- Vickery's and Andolini's are awesome!

I am off to spend time with my family and will be out of pocket for a few days.

What's next? Who knows? Stay tuned...

Twas the night before the Bridge Run...

2008-04-04T23:34:00.000-04:00

Life has been nuts lately. Most of my energy, thoughts, and prayers have been with my grandfather. He went into the hospital last week to get a cancerous tumor removed, end up having a stroke after lots of internal bleeding, and has been in Intensive Care since then. It has been really hard on my family.

So, here I sit at 11:35 PM the night before my third Bridge Run. I haven't trained. I haven't run much since October. I am just going out to have fun and run/walk this 10K thing with friends. I am hoping to get the same motivation that I got several years ago on the bridge that spawned a tailspin of half marathons, marathon training, and other assorted fun.

Twas the night before the Cooper River Bridge Run...

Now where did I put those running shoes...??!?!

2008-03-28T14:00:00.000-04:00

It’s Official.

I signed up for the Cooper River Bridge Run 10K today- which leaves me one week (or actually 8 days) til the race next Saturday! I had to keep my streak alive so this will be my third year running…or run/walking in my case. Can you blame me for wanting to check the weather report before signing up for a race? Chicago… Chicago…Chicago… Well we appear to be A-OK with lows in the 50’s, highs in the 70s.

On a slightly bad note- I’ve only run once in the last 5 months… but I’m doing it! Nothing like a good kick in the butt to get back on track. And…a certain person does not know that I signed him up too… misery loves company, right?

Now I must find an outfit! And wipe the dust off those running shoes...

Bon Voyage!

2008-02-21T20:22:00.002-05:00

Off to the Western Caribbean until next Saturday!

Way to go, runners!!

2008-02-18T15:58:00.004-05:00

A BIG CONGRATS to all of you who just finished marathons and half marathons!!! I love reading your race reports and seeing how much fun you are having out there!! :) Way to go!!

YAY!!

I am just getting back to wimpy 2 and 3 mile run/walks which are not as fun as 20 mile training runs, but will do for now.

Traveling a lot- Chicago, Seattle, now Philadelpia... and OFF TO THE WESTERN CARIBBEAN on Friday!

Yes, kids. It is almost CRUISE TIME!

Does Goldilocks live in Chicago?

2008-02-01T18:29:00.000-05:00

I was/am in Chicago for work this week... again. Only this time, it was too cold. Because of snow, wind, the position of the moon and stars- my flight got cancelled. Typical! Luckily, I get to spend some more quality time in the Sheraton downtown. Have no fear....there is plenty of fun stuff to keep me occupied- bowling across the street, shopping, karaoke in the bar downstairs.

However, it is either too hot or too cold in Chicago. This Goldilocks is wondering if it is ever just right?

I sure hope I get home tomorrow morning!! Supposed to be 60's this weekend back in Chucktown- holla!!!

Oh yeah- and something crazy happened on the flight up to Chicago earlier this week... our airplane got struck by lightning. CRAZY!! First time it has happened to me in over 600,000 miles of air travel. In case you are wondering what it is like, it sounds like a really loud cracking boom and then you see light all around the plane and coming through cockpit door. We had a first time flier on the plane- she seemed totally freaked out.

I thought it was kinda cool.

I am weird though.

On another happy note, I am going on the President's Club sales trip to Cabo in April for my company!! Vacation rocks. I will even have some remnants left of the tan I will get in three weeks from my cruise when I hit Cabo. WOOOHOOOO!!

Doctor visit recap

2008-01-25T00:26:00.000-05:00

On a good note, the foot doctor told me that I have nicely shaped feet with a beautiful curvy arch. Just beautiful... those feet.

On a bad note, we did an ultrasound on my foot...and...well...it is not pregnant. But my plantar fascia is super inflamed. He said the measurement on it was nearly 3x as wide as normal plantar fascias. Fabulous. Luckily, no bone or heel spurs.

I am on a recovery plan of twice daily 2-pill doses of Nalfon for anti-inflammation (which make my stomach feel like it is ripping itself apart), a taped up foot to take the pressure off the plantar fascia, lots of stretching and stuff, and possibly sleeping with a night splint to stretch my foot while I sleep.

He said no running til I come back in two weeks for a checkup. I can, however, continue to enjoy the elliptical and bike for exercise. Awesome.

So, there ya go.

YAY.

Biting the bullet

2008-01-23T19:22:00.000-05:00

Finally going to visit the foot doctor tomorrow- yipppeee! I am sick of not running. Need to run. Need to race.

Keeping the non-running blog streak alive!

2008-01-17T19:23:00.000-05:00

So, I am going on another cruise on February 23rd to the Western Caribbean. For those of you keeping tabs, I just went on one in December. I kinda like vacation. And the Caribbean. And it is kinda a cruise "date" with someone I have only been seeing for three months. A date that lasts 7 days and we will be sharing 180 sq foot cabin.

It almost sounds like a reality show.

Can't wait to head home tomorrow- Boston is freezing my butt off! I have finally decided that I will start my training for the Cooper River Bridge Run- my homecoming to racing several years ago. Hey- wait! Yall should come run it too!! Mendy, David- you have no excuse. Jess- come on up! Marcy- NY sucks this time of year-come to Charleston. Jayhawk and all your blogging posse- Charleston is waiting!! Bring your mom- plenty of bourbon to share! All you other folks- come on!

OK, I kinda am motivated now.

This might be the worst running blog ever created...

2008-01-06T20:44:00.001-05:00

Why is it the worst? I guess cuz I don't really talk much 'bout running lately. I should rename my blog to Me and My Free Weights or Me and My Pilate Mat or Me and My Elliptical Machine. Not much running though. And I am still OK with that. I still have yet to make it to the sports medicine place to look at my foot. So, I am keeping on working on and focusing on eating better.

And starting tomorrow on United flight #something at 6:30 AM- I am back on the road (or in the skies). To Chicago. Sweet, sweet Chicago. Still love that city :)

Awwww...

2007-12-24T22:38:00.000-05:00

Back from vacation and ready to go back!! I have never taken a vacation right before the holidays and it kinda rocked. I came back all tanned and rested and everyone else looked ready to pull their hair out!

Isn't this pic unBELIZEable? How cheesy, right?

Spending the holidays in Charleston and doing a couple home improvement projects- painting, organization, etc. Worked like a madwoman today on new closet shelving. Woohoo!

Hoping to get into the foot doctor this week to evaluate my foot which still hurts like holy hell when I run. I can only take so much of the elliptical and bike. Tiff need run.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Off to the Caribbean!

2007-12-08T11:57:00.001-05:00

The life and times of Tiff!

2007-12-06T17:06:00.001-05:00

What a week- three cities in three days and I am whipped. Luckily, I have gotten into a groove of working out and doing non-running things to make my foot feel better- biking, elliptical, stairmaster, but it is not the same.

I wish I had these biking skillz

I just don't get the same high I do from running. I might take a couple tips that I received from Mike and try to get through it. My Kiawah half (that I will not be running but spent $70 on) is this Saturday. Oh well, oh hell!

On a good front- 2 days til I leave for my cruise! We are hitting Grand Cayman, Belize, Roatan, and Cozumel! I am about ready to have a nervous breakdown from working long hours, traveling all over, and end of year stress. Can't wait.

Happy trails to all... damn it is nice to be home for a couple days!

Greetings from Indy!

2007-11-28T18:07:00.000-05:00

This week has taken me to Boston and now Indianapolis. I have decided to stop stressing about the half marathon next weekend and just sit it out. Yes, I lose my $60 registration fee but I really don't care. I actually leave that day to go on a cruise so I am not TOO upset. Of course, part of me is still wavering and thinking I could just walk/run the damn thing and take 6 years to finish. I think I have pretty much made up my mind.

I hit the workout room this afternoon- did 3 miles on the treadmill and 15 minutes on elliptical with some weights afterwards. I think I am gonna just stick with shorter runs and enjoy that before starting to train again. It is clear my heart and foot were not really into jumping back into half marathon training after Chicago. And that is OK!

In my personal life, things could NOT be better. Not really wanting to post anything about that right now... maybe I am scared to jinx it? Ha ha!! I cannot stop smiling!

Hope everyone is doing well... I have been slack on reading blogs recently. I did catch that a bunch of you are doing the PF Changs half in Phoenix in January. Sounds like fun! Doesn't look like it is in the cards for me though... I can't wait to track everyone online!

Phew... 11 days til I leave for the wonderfully fabulous waters of the Caribbean....

Bad bad bad bad blogger Tiff

2007-11-18T15:57:00.000-05:00

I know, I have been MIA. Been running a little bit, lots of foot pain, lots of travel.

In Lexington, KY this weekend for my niece's baptism... at airport now heading to Phoenix for about 16 hours, then on to Chicago. Then home. Home sweet home.

Did 3 miles this morning through the good ole' Kentucky hills. Been a tad stressed lately about being ready for the Kiawah Half in only 3 weeks. Have had NASTY foot pain in my left foot- everyone seems to think it is plantars although I have not gone to doctor. Have not been home.

Pfffff!

And if I do not run it, no big deal. I am a tad lackluster about running. Strangely, have felt this way since the Chicago Fun Run.

Sorry my blog is not really a source of inspiration today. That is why I read all of yours :)

Chicago Lakefront... brrrr

2007-11-08T20:46:00.000-05:00

Well, I reluctantly drug myself out of my warm, fluffy Sheraton Heavenly Bed yesterday morning to run in Chicago! Weather Channel.com reported the temps as 29 degrees when I set out- I put on my cute winter running clothes (much snappier than my summer gear), my new Chicago Marathon (grrr) running gloves, and off I went.

Felt like a crapola popsicle the first mile.

Second mile... feeling good...

By mile 3, I felt awesome! Could have gone for days... ok, maybe a few miles.

In the end, I did about 5 miles and some change.

Felt awesome.

Be back in Chicago in about 10 days...working on some big deals with local cultural orgs. Will return to my fav running route!

Still on the fence to do a 10 mile run here in Charleston on Saturday morning. I need motivation!!!!!!!!!!

Happy trails!

Race report I can't really remember...

2007-11-05T20:42:00.000-05:00

Sorry- short term memory and I have been to San Francisco, Charleston, Cleveland, Charleston, and now Chicago since. Woooohooooo!!! (Hey- any of you Chicago bloggers want to meet up for a run Wednesday morning? I am hella slow- but Chicago can't hold me down. No ma'am)

So, the Grape Stomp 10K rocked. The weather was swell (60 degrees and zip humidity)

Most laid-back race I have ever done. No chips. Some dude wearing a tie-dyed shirt yelled GO! and off we went... probably around 300 of us? Course was out and back on paved path and dirt road. Felt good... finished in about 1:04, rocking about 10:25 min/miles. No PR there, but who cares? Drank some wine after the race and jetted around wine country in the convertible before heading back to San Fran.

Life is grand :)

Tiff in her natural state, sporting her new Gucci sunglasses from overstock.com. BOO YEAH

Why I haven't blogged recently...

2007-11-04T17:48:00.001-05:00

Take your pick...

1. I got married in Vegas and have been honeymooning in Reno
2. I got attacked by an evil porcupine
3. I won the lottery
4. I have been hella busy and traveling like a madwoman

OK, last one is correct. I know I still owe you, loyal readers, a Grape Stomp 10K race report and I need to read your blogs, and do the laundry, and find a respectable man to marry, etc etc etc. Sheesh! Life is busy.

I love you all. I did not forget about you.

Grape Stomp 10K

2007-10-27T23:32:00.000-04:00

So, I am in San Francisco this weekend speaking at a work conference and I caught a glimpse of a race in Livermore, about 45 minutes away in wine country.

I signed up.

Grabbed a rental car. Free upgrade to the convertible with the southern accent and charm.

Will be rocking the Grape Stomp 10K tomorrow morning through the winding valleys of beautiful Northern California... with FREE WINE TASTING at the finish.

Hell yeah.

How did a girl from KY end up with so many teeth?

2007-10-21T12:47:00.000-04:00

One of my best pals got married a few weeks ago and I was thumbing through the proofs and realized what a cheeseball I am. I am the blonde gal (non-Bride) with the megawatt smile...

Can you tell I am concentrating on not getting my heel stuck in the mud?

Race for the Cure 5K- Race Report

2007-10-20T12:35:00.000-04:00

It felt good to get out there again and run a race and just relaaaaaaax. I decided last night around 11:00 PM to run this morning and am so glad I did. Several of my friends were running in it so I thought, "What the hell?!?" I honestly had NOT RUN AT ALL since the Chicago Marathon so I wasn't really looking to PR or kill myself. I thought it would be a fun day to get out there, wear running shoes for the first time after my blood blister healed, and be with my friends while they ran their first race leading up to the Kiawah Half that I talked them into doing.

I kept snoozing this morning, finally getting out of bed at 7:00 AM and scooting across town to Daniel Island, the site of the race. I was registered, pinned, and ready to roll by 7:45 AM which meant I had plenty of time before the 9:00 AM gun. Of course, the race got started late (just like last year) and we finally got going around 9:15 AM.

It had started to get a little hot by that point... maybe 76 degrees? Sunny. No shade. Kinda reminds me of... naaaah.... it was nowhere as bad as that. The water stations at miles 1 and 2 were equipped and well-manned. That was nice. I appreciate that more now.

I also forgot what it is like to run local 5Ks and how people do not really practice race ettiquette-starting at the front of the pack and walking, forming a line across the street, and other pet peeves of mine.

I have been running at a 11:00-11:30 min/mile pace for marathon training so I picked it up a little bit this morning and tried to stay at a 10 min/mile pace or just below. I came up on one of my friends around 2.5 miles into the race and she looked like she was struggling after going out too fast. I jogged with her for about 2/10ths of a mile before she waved me on. I was proud of her for running the whole thing as she has been taking walk breaks while training. They all kicked butt!

My final chip time? 31:38... about a 10:15 min/mile pace. 3+ min slower than my time last year although I have to remind myself I have not been training for shorter distances. I will get there.

Next race is in 2 weeks- the James Island Connector. I am then pushing on with the Folly Beach 10 miler the following week before getting into the longest of my half marathon training runs.

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack.

At the 11th hour... I decide...

2007-10-19T23:28:00.000-04:00

I am running tomorrow! I decided to lace up for the Charleston Race for the Cure 5K... and I am excited! At least it is fairly hard to screw up pre-race prep for a 5K... and believe you me... I have tried. Bad bad bad Tiff- several accounts earlier this year when I was partying til the wee hours before the races and popping GUs chased by Bailey's on the way to the start line. Oh how I have matured. HA.

Speaking of weird stuff... what the hell was that unmarked vial of crap they put in our race bags in Chicago? The vial just reads, "Take One Daily" with no insert, no additional info, etc. I jokingly stated that we should take, "A Vial a Mile" and my friends' parents put this on their signs at the marathon when they were cheering us on. Perhaps we could have saved the race if everyone had just taken their vial.

A vial a mile.

I might just pop that vial tomorrow and see what happens!

Stay tuned.

Racing? Or Blackjack?

2007-10-16T11:43:00.000-04:00

The Race for the Cure 5K is this Saturday... I am debating running it for fun just to see how super slow I have gotten from marathon training. My time last year was 28:30 but I am betting my time this year will be more like 1:28:30.

Or I could just go up and hit the gambling boat in Myrtle Beach that morning.

Doing great!

2007-10-15T19:50:00.000-04:00

I have felt wonderful the last week. Ironically, I have not run at all... mostly because I have not been able to wear any type of shoe besides a flip flop or slide due to my enormous blood blister on the back of my foot... and running barefoot just ain't my thang.

I have traveled about 13,000 miles in the air since my breakup with the Chicago Marathon, drank a lot of bourbon and beer, smoked some cigars, and finally got over it. I decided to rev up my training slowly again with a couple 5Ks, 10Ks, a 10 miler, and half marathon this fall...and run a marathon in February. That is the right decision for me right now... cause I love racing!

And you know what?

I am going running tomorrow morning and I can't wait.

Back to the grindstone!

2007-10-10T01:48:00.000-04:00

So, I am back on the road for work...

Today-Thursday- Kansas City
Thursday-Friday- back to Charleston
Friday-Monday- Los Angeles
Tuesday-Wednesday- Dallas
Thursday-Friday- NYC

Yeah, I am definitely back on the travelin' wagon. At least it takes my mind off other things...

Which leads me to...

THANK YOU!

Thank you so much to each and every one of you that offered positive insight, encouraging words, and other support after Chicago. It means so much to me.

Stay tuned though... this girl is only getting started.

Chicago: The Aftermath

2007-10-08T15:52:00.000-04:00

Geez, it is hot in Atlanta. Almost as hot as Chicago in October.

I had to do that.

I have to laugh.

So, yesterday sucked. I spent A LOT of money on an 18 mile training run through crappy heat... although I did get more crowd support than I am used to on my training runs :)

I trained for months, ran hundreds of miles, came all the way to Chicago, and then got stopped from finishing. Perhaps it was not meant to be? Perhaps God was trying to teach me something as I was puking my guts out in front of medical guy Bill at the medical tent near mile 15 or 16. What that was... I don't know. Nice guy that Bill. If he was about 40 years younger and single... it could have been a match made in heaven... or in this case... hell.

Today is a new day.

I am sitting in a comfy reclining chair in the Atlanta Crown Room listening to Sirius satellite radio and debating my next move. Part of me wants to shoot for COMPLETING a marathon in the next couple months while my training base is built. Part of me wants to say "Screw it!" and just enjoy some fun local races and do the Kiawah Half on December 8th and possible Myrtle Beach Marathon in February. Part of me wants to do a switch-a-roo and change my Kiawah half to the full. Part of me just wants to drink beer and take up bowling.

What's a girl to do?

I am with all you other Chicago runners in heart and soul. Congrats to the awesome finishers!! (OK, the only ones coming to mind are Shore Turtle who kicked ass with a 4:13 finish... and Out of Shape Guy who is rocking NY in a couple weeks) The rest of us- thanks for the drinks last night. We should have just ditched that damn race and started at the bar.

I don't know about yall...

2007-10-07T17:49:00.000-04:00

but I have never had a problem running a One Mile Fun Run due to heat and I don't think they have ever cut one of those short.

I am sticking with those from now on...

On to the bar!

P.S. I am chalking today up as a very, very, very expensive 18 mile training run.

I don't know what to say

2007-10-07T16:39:00.000-04:00

Today was one of the worst experiences of my life. I ran my first marathon. I spent a good 20 minutes at the medical tent at mile 16, throwing up water, gatorade, Accelerade, GU, and anything else I had in my stomach. Temperatures were pushing 90 degrees with no refuge from the hot sun. Aid stations were out of water. It was miserable.

I got back on the road after covering 18 miles in a little over four hours... feeling like I could eek out another 8 sllllow miles.

Or not.

The race was stopped at that point by the medical director due to the heat and I had to walk back to Grant Park. They gave me a medal but I don't really feel like I deserve it. The sound of ambulances is still in my ears... people dropping like flies. Medical tent hoppin'.

I am so disappointed. Sad. Tired. Dehydrated. I have cried and cried- I just wanted to be given the chance to finish, even if I had a horrible time. 10,000 other people signed up did not even show.

I do not know how I feel.

Marathon Eve...

2007-10-06T22:02:00.000-04:00

Here I sit... calm, collected, starting to realize I will be running the marathon in about 11 hours. What a long, strange trip it's been! :)

I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for your encouragement, support, and positive thoughts. There were definitely times I wanted to throw in the towel (20 mile runs alone?) and just reading others' experiences and thoughts really helped me through it.

My bib number is 17036- I will be running slllloooowwwwww.... my only real goal is to finish the race in one piece. After my return to running 18 months ago, I only wanted to be able to run our local 10K- the Cooper River Bridge Run. And now I am doing 20 more miles and running the Chicago Marathon. Dammmn- it feels good.

Well, here we go. If I ain't ready by now, I'm never gonna be ready.

Also, BEST OF LUCK to everyone else in BlogLand that is running tomorrow... I know you all have logged many miles and some are you are shooting for your ticket to Boston. Kick butt!

Let's do this!

Wooohooooo!!!

2007-10-04T22:26:00.000-04:00

Well folks... it is nearing the big dance... the Chicago Marathon! I am not flying up there until Saturday morning but wanted to wish everyone and anyone best of luck and happy trails.

This is what we've been training for, folks.

Have fun :)

P.S. I wish I could write something inspirational, witty, and funny... but my Gamecocks are beating Kentucky right now and this is family PRIDE for the next year in my neck o' the woods.

More later...

Well, what can ya do?

2007-10-03T18:26:00.000-04:00

I know... we have all been checking the weather reports in Chicago like 45,079 times a day (or that is just me?)

My Official Statement: I am holding out for cooler temps... I think Mother Nature's got it in her.

One thing is for sure- I would run this damn race if it was 120 degrees outside. We plan and train and do everything we can to prepare and one of the only things we can't control should not hold us down. Power to the people! Screw the weather!!! Let's revolt against the weather by breaking the world record marathon time set on Sunday- who is with me???? I can run a 2 hour, 4 minute marathon!!! (Well, maybe a half if I am lucky one day)

OK, no more caffeine in the afternoons.

OMG...it is only 4 days away!

2007-10-02T07:48:00.000-04:00

Suddenly it hit me!

2007-09-30T17:14:00.000-04:00

OK, I have been to like 496 weddings over the past year. I have bought $125 blenders for my friends, quesadilla makers they will NEVER use, and other assorted crap.

I finally caved today. I have been using my ghetto toaster from my college days and lately it has had a few problems:

The sensor is broken, meaning it does not know when it has reached the end of toasting and sometimes catches on fire if I forget about it. This sucks, by the way. Several times it has caught on fire and the place fills with smoke, alarms go off, etc. Yuck.
The bread only toasts on ONE side in each slot so I have to flip it
Sometimes it randomly sparks at me, for no reason

NO more!

I am buying myself a toaster. A pretty stainless steel one to match all of my other kitchen appliances, frig, oven, dishwasher, etc. Yeaaaaaaaaaah. That is what I am doing.

My kitchen is ready!

Let’s just hope I am still friends with all those bee-yotches when I get married. I have my eye on that candy apple red standing mixer at Bed Bath & Beyond.

Are we there yet?

2007-09-30T16:11:00.001-04:00

8 miler went well this morning- I test ran a new sports bra and some new socks. Yes to the bra, NO to the socks!

I did a lot of thinking on this morning's run... I actually started to think about how I would feel on race day and some of the logistics of what to pack, what I would wear during the race (I have finally decided to wear my hydration belt with no bottles but with several pouches that hold my GU, little baggies of Accelerade, lip gloss, money, etc. You know... the important stuff. I struggled with whether or not I would wear the belt and just try to stuff things in my pockets and finally decided to just have everything I think I might need on my person. My past career as an All Star Girl Scout makes me think I should always be prepared. Plus, training with the Accelerade has really helped me so I decided I would do the same thing on race day.

What is everyone else doing? Just using the aid stations? Wearing your belt?

I would love to meet up with some of yall other Chicago'ers Sunday night for a celebratory drink. We have dinner reservations at 7:45 PM but I intend to hit the bar beforehand for a couple cocktails and might even make it out after dinner for a nightcap (or 12) depending on my physical state.

I am starting to get really pumped. I am just gonna soak up the entire weekend and enjoy myself in the process. Marathon weekend in Chicago is shaping up to be an awesome one and I intend to live it up!!!

Tales from the taperers...

2007-09-29T18:30:00.000-04:00

Something about taper time has me going a little batty tonight! I am starting to second-guess myself... did I train enough? Am I ready? Will I totally struggle next week in Chicago? Do I have the perfect outfit?

OK, had to make myself laugh there. Truth be told, I am feeling good about Chicago. I have taken all pressure off of myself to finish in a certain time, or beat my boss, or any other expectations that might not make me enjoy my first marathon.

Yeah, I could have trained more. With the large amount of travel I do for my job, there are times training went to the way-side. There were weeks I only ran once (gasp!) and that was my long run. Oh well- life happens! I am hoping the brutal summer months of training will pay off in Chicago as I will not have to breathe through the muggy humidity and 90 degree heat. Yippppeee!!

Tomorrow morning is my last "long" run- 8 miles. I did a triple-take when I looked at weather.com and saw that it is supposed to be 59 degrees when I venture out to run tomorrow morning at 7:00 AM. 59 degrees WOOOOHOOOOO!!!! Where have you been, 50's? Even... 60's? Hell- where have the 70's been?

It is funny how much my view of running has changed over the last 16 months. I remember thinking my first half marathon was going to be impossible... how could I run 13.1 miles? I finished that race and thought I was going to die. I was sore for about two weeks and thought I could not push myself any further. Time went on... I got hooked on half marathons and did 3 more... each one getting easier. Now, I am running 13.1+ miles before work when I have to table my long runs. I rock!

Sadly, I realized my last race was back in the end of April- the Derby Festival Half. I have avoided letting myself cheat the long run by doing 5Ks and 10K races. Well, let's face it though... the racing season pretty much is nonexistent from May-September in Charleston. Too hot. Except if you are really crazy and train for a marathon. Make sense?

I love races. I really do. I love the excitement. I love looking around and thinking about how each of the people there made the same decision that I did to run the race. I think about how our journeys of preparation varied. I think about how we all run the same route and cross the same finish line- some in 2 hours like our Kenyan friends and some in 79 hours like me.

So, here we go. One more week. One more week of waiting, wondering, getting excited, etc.

Are my brother and I really related? And Go Dad!

2007-09-24T10:37:00.000-04:00

My brother took 3rd overall this weekend at the Duathlon for Sight in Lexington, KY. I am so impressed... he really kicked butt... especially after he said his training was slack after Audrey (his daughter, my niece) was born about two months ago.

The duathlon was a 2 mile run, 18 mile bike, 4 mile run. He finished in 1:28:38. Here are splits-
Run 1- 12:13- 6:47 min/mile pace
Bike- 48:23- 22.3 mph pace
Run 2- 26:11- 6:33 min/mile pace

HE ROCKS!!! I am soooo proud!!!

And big KUDOS to my dad for biking a 50 miler on Saturday.... YAY!!!

Deep thoughts about the marathon.... CHICAGO SHOUT OUT!

2007-09-23T16:22:00.000-04:00

Due to my crappy sickness today, I am left with PLENTY of time to sit here, peruse blogs, and think about the upcoming Chicago Marathon.

TWO WEEKS AWAY!!! I even got a preliminary glance at the weather report over at Shore Turtle's blog... 50 degrees?? Wa-a-a-a-a-what? I hope that sticks- but no rain, please.

There seem to be a HUGE number of people out in BlogLand running Chicago too! What fun... we all are crazy enough to 1) sign up 2) train through the summer months 3) run 26.2 miles with a gazillion other people. I love running!

Let's do a little CHICAGO MARATHON SHOUT OUT!! Drop me a quick comment if you are going to be rocking it on October 7th with the rest of us crazies! (And YES, Mendy... you are an honorary runner)

WOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

And as my favorite Baltimore crab bibs say, "Time to Get Cracking!"

Blackjack.... and I don't feel good :(

2007-09-23T10:15:00.000-04:00

Let me start with my good news... I hit the gambling boat down in Savannah on Friday night and won $500!!! Yipppee!!

Blackjack has always been one of my favorite games... hours spent at the tables glaring at the cards, doubling down, hoping for the bust. I immediately started winning so I was able to play with winnings for most of the night, therefore making more risky bets. I socked away $200 fairly quickly, keeping about $50 out to continue playing. I got on a hot streak and before I knew it, I was betting $50, $75, even up to $100 a hand! I normally am a $10-$20 a hand player so this even shocked me, especially when my friend came over and yelled, "Are you playing $75 a hand?!??!"

Things were going great- soon I had $600 in chips in front of me from that $50 seed money. I knew the casino was closing soon so I started to play a little riskier. I doubled down on a $50 bet (dealer showing a 7 and I had an 11).... and the gal in front of me had two 9's and SPLIT them... getting two 10's!! AUGH!! Of course, I got a 3. And lost $100. And she was playing $5 a hand. The funny thing is... I would have kissed her if she would have taken my 3 and I got a ten... but I will just blame her anyway.

F*&^^&**K!!!!!!!

OK, last call for blackjack... casino closing. I throw down $100 on my last hand. And I lost.

Oh well... $500 ahead is not bad- although I could've been up $800 if I hadn't lost the last two hands. I will take the win... and definitely be back on the boat!

The bad news? I have felt sick ever since. My friend I was hanging with (and drinking after) informed me of his "bug" yesterday afternoon and now I feel like crap. Clammy, sweaty, loss of appetite, running to bathroom every 10 minutes, etc.

Needless to say, I did NOT make it on my scheduled 12 miler this morning. I am shooting for tomorrow.

Bleccccchhh.

Let the taper begin!

2007-09-20T16:27:00.000-04:00

I just flew back home and thanks to the slowest baggage claim crew on the face of the earth... I have time to blog!

I am starting to get really, really excited about Chicago. I felt pretty confident after my first 20 mile run. And by confident, I was fairly convinced I could finish the race without dying. My second 20 miler on Monday solidified my confidence and really got me pumped up. I can't believe it is only 16 days away... where has the time gone?

Oh yeah.

It has been spent waking up at Ass O'Clock to run and beat the heat, turning down social invites to get ready for the long run, and dread... running.

I am ready though. OH YEAH.

And on a fun note- I got a little crazy at a silent auction this week and somehow ended up with a week-long stay at a suite villa in Cabo in June. HOLLLLLLAAA!!!!!

Ohhh YEAH!!

2007-09-17T16:40:00.000-04:00

Well, I did it! I woke up, put in my 20 miles, and managed to make a noon flight to Philly. I am now a little sore, tired, and gearing up for a trip to Macy's (shopping addiction much?) and my massage.... awwww....

It feels so good to get the run in. Almost makes me want to avoid the procrastination next time! A couple things I learned from the run....

Accelerade works! Hell, most of it might be mental but I definitely felt stronger miles 16-20
My new running skirt is soooo cute
Wearing TWO sports bras helps with the chaffing in that area.
I kick butt!

Um hello? Long run? Are you still there?

2007-09-16T18:03:00.000-04:00

OK, let me start by admitting I never got to my long run this weekend. One of my best pals got married this weekend and I was consumed by the bachelorette party, rehearsal, being a superstar bridesmaid, wedding, getting my nails done, tanning, dancing, etc. I did not allow the marathon to take over my weekend and did what I wanted. Now I am left with feelings of guilt because I did not run it yet....

But I AM running it tomorrow morning before I fly to Philadelphia.

I have to.

I will.

Morning run... on the beach in L.A. (MikeW should be proud!!!)

2007-09-10T12:22:00.000-04:00

I woke up super early this morning due to the time change to see an email from my coworker:

"I was thinking about driving a mile to the beach and running there this AM…any interest?"

DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUH Tiff!!! I remembered we had a car- wooooopppppeeee!!!

We drive a short jaunt to the beach, forked over $7 to park, and had miles upon miles to run on the beachfront..... it was f'in awesome!!!! Beautiful weather, no humidity, gorgeous scenery, hot guys and lifeguards to stare at. We did a quick 5 miles and I feel rejuvenated!

(Take that, you damn treadmill! I avoided you once again, muhahahhahaha!!!)

Another reason to get excited? In N Out Burger for lunch today... hollllllllla!!!! OK, I might need to work out again tonight :)

Sad, yet true

2007-09-10T00:06:00.000-04:00

On my flight from Atlanta to Los Angeles this evening, I hit 120,000 miles flown so far this year.

120,000 miles in 8 months and 10 days

I have even managed to now maintain Platinum status on TWO airlines- Delta (4th year in a row) and US Air.

Will the Tiffster ever slow down? Only time will tell!

On a bleak running note, the area around my hotel leaves something to be desired to a runner. Looks like Treadmill Tiff Time tomorrow...

An easy (hot) 10 this morning!

2007-09-08T19:55:00.000-04:00

So, my training plan called for only 10 miles this morning... my last stepback week before next week's 20 miler and then taper.

The worst part of this week? I have to run 20 miles BY MYSELF. My running partners are doing it Saturday morning and I am in a wedding that day so I know I will be boozing it up Thursday night at the bachelorette party, Friday at the rehearsal, and Sat for the festivities.

So... I am running it Thursday morning. Before work.

What?

Yeah.

Sigh.

This week is nuts. I fly to Los Angeles tomorrow afternoon for 2 days, then to DC on Tuesday evening, then back to Charleston Wednesday night.

Get home at 11 PM Wednesday night.

Run 20 miles in the morning.

3 days of debauchery.

And work.

Damn.

Oh yeah... on another interesting note. I have received flowers from guys I have been dating/seeing twice in the last two months. Immediately after I receive the flowers, the "relationship" goes to sh*t. Next time the florist calls me with a delivery, I am giving a false address. Seriously.

Hell yeah- the Gamecocks are actually beating Georgia in the 3rd quarter- I am opening a bottle of wine.

Another reason to celebrate? Michigan SUCKS.

If I was dating the Chicago Marathon... we definitely would have broken up by now!

2007-09-08T19:45:00.000-04:00

I thought about my relationship with the Chicago Marathon and have come to the following conclusions why we have relationship issues at times...

1. Chicago Marathon (CM) is high maintenance. Weekends need to be planned around CM's demand for long runs. CM makes my alarm go off at 4:00 AM with no apology.
2. I wish I could cheat on CM. I wish I could cheat with another race, like a 1 Mile Fun Run.
3. The timing with CM just does not seem right. Summer training is not as fun as I thought it would be.
4. CM does not appreciate the nice things I do for it. It just keeps asking for more.
5. CM makes me hurt. Physically.

As much as I would love to tell CM, "It's not you... it's me..." - I am not gonna! I think I can make this relationship work- at least for 4 more weeks :)

Tiff + CM

Clemson fans... blahdfuisdsjkuiguugh!!!!

2007-09-07T17:23:00.001-04:00

GO GAMECOCKS!!! Beat Georgia!!!

Blah!

2007-09-04T21:54:00.001-04:00

I just ate half of an Uno's pizza. And NO... it was not a personal pizza. It was the deep dish Chicago kind that I think is supposed to feed a family of 12. Why? Why did I eat all of that? At least I had a salad and diet soda to go with it.

I feel like this now...

Maybe my niece ate Uno's too?

Damn, I need to run in the morning.

The cutest damn thing in the whole world!

2007-09-04T21:26:00.001-04:00

My little niece is sooooo cute!!! I had to post this- yesterday was her first day at the pool and I think she made QUITE the fashion statement. At the tender age of 5 weeks, she already understands the concept of accessorizing without cluttering the outfit. She also understands how to best hide her physical flaws (like baby chub) by sporting the cover-up. Her matching hat really gives the outfit a punch too.

Awwww....

I am in Minneapolis this week- working, working, working... only got 2 hours of sleep last night due to some technical issues with my demo and a 5:40 AM flight. Gonna be up late tonight too. Hope I can make it running in the morning... joy!

Holy crap... I ran 20 miles this morning!

2007-09-01T16:11:00.000-04:00

Well, I feel like I cleared a physical and mental hurtle in my Chicago Marathon training. I ran 20 freakin' miles... in the pouring rain. Luckily, I had 3 running partners (one of them is my boss too) who kept the time rolling with funny stories, debates, and the Kevin Bacon game.

Geez it feels good to accomplish this. I have to agree with Jess about how it feels good to reach this point and just soak it all in. It finally is hitting home that I am really running the marathon in 5 weeks and that I CAN do it. I WILL do it.

The alarm going off at 4:00 AM this morning was an unwelcome sound. I could hear the rain pouring outside and could see brief flashes of lightning. The funny thing is... I did not even consider crawling back into bed. I was DOING this run.

I usually do not eat before a run but decided to eat some peanut butter toast and a banana. BLAH! I could taste the peanut butter in my mouth as I constantly burped it up until mile 10.

Yuck.

I met my running partners and we were off... long before the sun even came up. The first couple miles were easy- I do not look at my Garmin as much when I run in the dark. I felt strong through mile 16 when I started to feel like I was falling apart a bit. I lost one of my clip-on bottles on my hydration belt... my legs started to really, really hurt... I felt like I was being tested. I kept trucking along- not talking as much and just concentrating on breathing and getting through it. Before I knew it- mile 20!

Post-run... I am really, really SORE. I also have some chafing issues from running 20 miles in soaking wet clothing, despite the BodyGlide I slathered on. I am tired, a little dehydrated, and just want to chill.

I feel good though... oh I feel good. I just ran 20 miles :)

Sigh.

2007-08-23T23:30:00.000-04:00

So, reading the updates out in Blog World has been pretty depressing lately... injuries, folks having to drop out of races due to health issues and serving jail time, etc. OK, maybe not jail time... but still. Injuries are not good.

I am still alive. Not injured. Just unmotivated to blog.

My runs have been lackluster lately. Hot, muggy, waking up at 4:15 AM to beat the heat during the work week. Lots of work, travel, stress, relationship drama, etc etc etc.

BLAH!!!!!!!!!

So... I have not felt like blogging. I am hoping to get a rejuvenated spirit. I am a mere 6 weeks from Chicago and I feel like I am losing momentum... fast.

My first step to getting out of my rut was to post here.

Now I am accountable. I will only run with a smile on my face from now to October 7th.

Deal!

Three cheers for Brownie!

2007-08-19T18:14:00.000-04:00

Brownie finished the Leadville 100 Mile Trail Run this weekend in 28:38:39!!

Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmnn!! Way to go!!!

...in the middle of a looooong trip...

2007-08-10T11:30:00.000-04:00

Left home Tuesday morning at 6:00 AM for DC. Stuck last night here after my flight to Lexington, KY was cancelled...giving me a BONUS vacation at the Hilton Crystal City. Yahoooooo!!!

Flying out today to see family in Lex, attend friend's wedding tomorrow in Louisville. Fly to Raleigh Sunday... and now going to San Francisco Tuesday night... back next Friday.

Sigh.

At least I got a treadmill run in this morning. Lord knows much I love the treadmill... choke choke :)

Happy trails to all!!!

Tiffster

RawwwWrrrrrrrrr rAAAAawwrrrrr RaaaWWWrrrrrrrrrrr

2007-08-05T14:12:00.000-04:00

What is that sound, you ask?

a) A bear coming out of hibernation, ready to eat anything and everything

b) Tiff scavenging the kitchen several hours after a long run

c) All of the above

Yeah, definitely answer C.

I know 16 miles is good and everything for health and weight loss and I burned a ton of calories but then why do I eat anything and everything in sight? At least I am eating healthy stuff, as opposed to In-N-Out Burger or Sonic or something.

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tip of the day!

2007-08-04T16:34:00.000-04:00

http://www.retailmenot.com/

Over 25,000 coupons and discount codes for pretty much ANY online site you would ever shop on. It lists the codes, the percentage of time that they work, and any comments.

I have saved quite a bit already using them for Footlocker.com, redenvelope.com, and renting a car on Budget.com

Hurray for DEALS!!!

16 miles this morning... a new PR!

2007-08-04T14:37:00.000-04:00

This morning was hot, muggy, humid, and everything else you would not want on a 16 mile run day. Lately, I have increasingly questioned my decision to a) Run a marathon and b) Run a fall marathon which means summer training yeeeech. Nonetheless, I know I can't whine to all of you because many of you are doing the same exact thing... some of you even training for more challenging physical feats.

So, this morning came early with a 4:50 AM wake up call to get my stuff together and out the door to meet my group. The first couple miles were a little fast which I ended up paying for later. We talked about anything and everything and enjoyed the quiet and peaceful solitude before the sun came up. I got a little burst of energy at mile 7 from some GU and getting fired up from talking about someone that really pi$$ed me off lately... always helps while running!

I changed running shorts and my shirt at mile 10 as I was drenched in sweat, refueled, and hit the last 6 with a groan. I really struggled through miles 12-15 although it still did not pull down our average pace per mile and my running group even stated they were running faster than normal today with me there.

In the end, I finished the 16 marking a new running record for myself and I feel great- albeit a tad sore and I have some chaffing issues from my sports bra when it was wet against my skin (maybe change it, too?) despite lots of BodyGlide. I drove home feeling on top of the world and ready to tackle anything. It sounds so cheesy but I love it... running just makes me feel like I can do anything and gives me this fabulous aura of confidence.

This afternoon is our company picnic which I think I am going to skip in lieu of taking a nap in my wonderful bed, studying for the GMAT, and just enjoying NOT spending my entire weekend running around and doing stuff.

Happy trails to all!

Looking back...

2007-07-31T20:58:00.001-04:00

I took some time this morning to reflect on the past year. Running has been one of the only constants through thousands of miles of travel all over the globe, hectic work schedules, and other assorted personal and professional challenges.

Tomorrow marks the official registration kickoff for the Kiawah Half Marathon which will inevitably sell out in about 5 days. I signed up last year in an effort to get into shape and take on that seemingly un-doable task of 13.1 miles.... and ended up hooked. I am running it again this year and have challenged about 20 of my coworkers to join me. I even provided them with the Hal Higdon Novice training plan that I had used. Several have agreed to sign on... others are wavering. I am excited to ignite some motivation in my coworkers and I greedily am looking for more running partners, especially when we are on the road traveling together!

My fall race schedule is really focused around the Chicago Marathon. The summer race schedule in good ole' hot Charleston, SC is fairly nonexistent... hence the fact I have not run a race since April. There are a couple 5Ks coming up within the next two months but I think I will hold off. I am participating in a 208 mile relay race through the Blue Ridge Mountains in early September with a group of coworkers- should be awesome! Post-Chicago brings a possible half marathon in November, a 10 miler the next weekend?, and Kiawah Half in December. I am hoping to also sprinkle in a couple 5Ks and 10Ks and decide then how I feel about committing to a big spring race.

Happy trails, indeed!

Just how long could I procrastinate doing my long run this weekend?

2007-07-31T20:40:00.000-04:00

Til Tuesday morning! I knocked out my (very, very late) long run of 13 miles this morning... and then went to work and had to sit at a desk all day.

Yuck!

Only 4 days til my next long run- a scheduled 16 miler with my coworkers also running Chicago. It is AMAZING that this is the FIRST time since we started training that I am able to do my long run with them! Long runs alone SUCK... so I am happy!!!

Don't you just love those fabulous weekends that you wish you could go back and relive again and again and again and again??? Yeah, me too.

I'm an aunt!!!!!

2007-07-29T15:18:00.001-04:00

My brother and his wife welcomed their first child to the world this past week, Miss Audrey Claire!!!!

And of course...being #1 Aunt Tiffany means I have spent no less than $700 so far on this kid.

Yaaaaaaaaaaay!!!

Waaahhhhhooooo!!!

2007-07-26T12:32:00.000-04:00

Here is the big ol' Wahoo I caught while deep sea fishing in Punta Cana. I fought the damn thing on the line for about 10 minutes before finally reeling him in... I could not feel my arms for 3 days! Does that count as cross training??!?

In Chicago now after dropping off my vacation stash of cigars, doing laundry, and getting 45 minutes of sleep. Big sales meeting today, and then Raleigh tomorrow for the weekend....

WAAHHHHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Off to Punta Cana!

2007-07-19T15:03:00.000-04:00

Back next Wednesday night at midnight!

Then off to Chicago on a 5:30 AM flight!

And then Raleigh for the weekend!

Hurray!

(And yes, somehow in the midst of this travel mayhem... I am actually putting in my marathon training miles)

The BIG 2-7... a fabulous birthday!

2007-07-18T20:00:00.001-04:00

Fun birthday flowers...

And a birthday happy hour that my coworkers threw for me... YAY!!

Vacation all I ever wanted vacation had to get away...

2007-07-16T18:03:00.000-04:00

Yeah- I can't get this out of my mind... because I am on vacation!!!!!! Sweet, beautiful, lovely vacation with a big fat capital V!!!!! So, I kick off vacation sitting here in the Crown Room in the Boston airport getting ready to come hooooome after a trip to San Diego last week, Oklahoma City, and now Boston.

So.... what am I doing for vacation? I don't leave for Dominican Republic til Friday so I have a couple days to kick it at home and celebrate turning the big 2-7 on Wednesday.

NEWSFLASH- send your gifts NOW so they make it in time!!! NEWSFLASH!!!!

On a running note- I had a great run in Boston this morning- 8.25 miles along the Charles River. Beeeautiful scenery, weather, and a great run all around.

I heart VACATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are you there, God? It's me...Tiffany.

2007-07-10T20:57:00.000-04:00

I have to go to the dentist tomorrow morning for an 8:00 AM appointment and it ain't gonna be fun!! As if it is ever fun? As if I loved getting my crown put on the first time sooo much, I wanted to come back and get it replaced and feel the PAIN TRAIN once again.

For you loyal readers, you may remember me cracking off half my crown at the Diamondbacks/Giants game last month in Arizona.... yeah... I have had some temporary temporary crown-type thingamabobbo in my mouth since then and am getting my new temp tomorrow... then 3 more weeks til the permanent one. Why isn't there some sort of warranty on crowns? Even with my great medical insurance, the damn ordeal is gonna run me a couple big bills that could be spent on more important things...like blackjack, a new handbag, or race registration fees!

Are you there, God? It's me...Tiffany. Why must I have to go back to the dentist and spend more money? I am sorry I did not crush my teeth enough as a youngster.

Listen, kids....

Brush your teeth.

Don't take rides from strangers.

And stay away from tanning beds.

Working it (out) in SoCal

2007-07-09T22:25:00.000-04:00

Did an easy 3 miles along the waterfront (that is what "The Hal" called for), 10 minutes on the bike, weights, and abs.

Felt good to finally push through my wishy-washy-ness of not wanting to work out and get OUT there!!!

Flying back east tomorrow.... and to Oklahoma City on Thursday!

Happy trails!

San Dieeeeeeego 10 miler

2007-07-07T19:16:00.000-04:00

Yeeehaw! I made it to San Diego about noon local time today... cabbed it over to the hotel and found my room not ready. So... what did I do? Well, I grabbed my luggage and changed into running clothes in the hotel restroom and hit the trails! What a faaaaaantastic running city- my 10 miles just flew by (well, kinda... I think you all know what I mean when I say "flew by" aka were not excrutiatingly painful)

I have the most wonderful view from my hotel room. I got upgraded to a suite and have a balcony room with a view of the harbor and Coronado Island. It is picturesque. Fortunately, I brought my camera but unfortunately did not pack the cable to transport my photos.

Off to get prettied up and hit the town with my work colleague in town!

Oh yeah, I am supposed to be here for a work conference that starts tomorrow. I'm working, OK? Just like going to the Padres/Braves game tomorrow night is working!

GOOD LUCK TO CHIEF in his 15K tomorrow- The Boilermaker!!!!!!!!!!

Friday Weigh In Accountability

2007-07-06T08:30:00.001-04:00

So, I decided last week I was going to track my progress and make myself more accountable. I did a first weigh-in last Friday and lost 1.5 lbs over the last week! I am going to try to make Friday the weigh-in day but know it may have to be shifted around at times due to travel.

Total weight loss (since 6/30/07)- 1.5 lbs

MUST BE ACCOUNTABLE.

Hot summer nights

2007-07-05T22:12:00.001-04:00

A hot and sweaty five miles tonight! I picked up the pace towards the middle of the run and finished with a 10:11 min/mile average pace. This may not sound fast but it's the first time in MONTHS that I have attempted to run faster than just a plain old 11 min/mile pace. I am starting to think I need to work a little speed back into my workout-especially since I am 2 months and 1 week from starring as a bridesmaid in my friend Caroline's wedding and I need to look smokin' hot.

I cannot stop laughing when I look at Wiley's mileage and think about how he is going to run circles around the Kenyans in Chicago and I start to think that I am on the "You Will Be Lucky To Cross the Finish Line" Marathon training plan :) Damn, Wiley- you rock!

I feel like a couple shout-outs tonight. First of all, keep up the spirits Mendy! We are just about three months from Chicago and are getting ready to kick it into gear with the Hal novice training program! I think it is fun we are on the same plan now so we can cheer each other on!

Chief- thanks again for your continued support and telling me to get off my butt and run.

(Ring ring)
Chief: Why are you answering your phone? You are supposed to be running. I just drank two beers at happy hour and am going to the gym.
Tiff: I am looking at old pictures from college. I misssssssssss my ex's dog soooo much. Not my ex. Just his dog.
Chief: Get off your ass and run.

You are gonna kick butt at the Boilermaker on Sunday... or at least get drunk afterwards at the beer truck.

Marcy- SG was out tonight and sends his best to upstate NY!

Time for shower, a popsicle, and nighty night! One more day in town and then Saaaaaaaaaaaaan Diego yall!

Tsk tsk, Tiff!

2007-07-04T10:17:00.000-04:00

No, I did not run the race this morning.

Yes, I have a good excuse.

No, I am not telling you.

Racing tomorrow!!!!

2007-07-03T08:38:00.000-04:00

There is a 5K cross country race on Johns Island tomorrow and I am debating whether or not to run it...

I have not raced since the end of April so I am anxious to get out there, but I have not really been training for speed like I used to when I ran a lot of 5Ks. Regardless, it will feel good to get out there on the trail!

Plus, it will keep me accountable from being out too late.... despite some of my backlog blogs about staying up til 4 AM the night before 5Ks!

Breakthrough

2007-07-02T10:15:00.000-04:00

Woke up this morning. 6 AM. Alarm went off. I heard rain tapping on my roof. The normal Tiff would say "Oh noo... it is raining (insert smile)... guess I am not running today..." and then reset the alarm for an hour and a half later and go back to sleep.

I debated.

I looked outside no less than 14 times.

I finally told myself, "You are training for CHICAGO... get your butt out there!!!"

And I did.

9 miles.

In the rain.

Small victories.

A repost from one of my friend's blogs... she is hilarious!!!

2007-07-02T09:37:00.000-04:00

Tennis Anyone?

I have suddenly found myself on the @ss end of yet another breakup. And to avoid what happened the last time (i.e. lying on the couch, listening to Olivia Newton John, watching "Seventh Heaven," and getting fat), I decided to get out of the house, get active, and get into Brittany Spear's pre-baby body. And in a moment of tear-free clarity, I realized that tennis is just the way to accomplish these goals.

I announced my new tennis plans to some friends (first item on the list of things to do if you really want something to happen). Once you announce to your friends that you are going to do something, they will question you about it incessantly until you actually do it. See…I'm already thinking ahead of myself!

One very good friend, let's call her SchmAllison, passes me a number and says, "You should call this guy. He gives private lessons."

"Is he a good instructor?" I ask.

"I don't know," she replies.

"Does he play well?" I ask.

"He's smokin' hot and cheap," she says.

I was on it like a hobo on ham.

Soooo, I sent the obligatory intro email. "My name is April...I'm a friend of SchmAllison's…I'd like to play…yadda yadda yadda." Hours later, I receive an email back from him with his number and instructions to call his cell.

Ahh…it's a game already! Intriguing…and the ball's back in my court!

(HA, I made a tennis analogy without even thinking about it! I'm so in tune with tennis now it's scary!)

Making the call was a little more nerve-wracking, as I was sure he was going to be able to tell how bad of a tennis player I was from just hearing my voice. To make sure that didn't happen, I simply told him how bad of a tennis player I really am.

I took lessons my freshman year of college. On the third day of class I knocked myself out cold (with my racket, not my talent). Apparently on the follow-through of a forehand groundstroke you are supposed to make sure your arm stays straight. Instead, my elbow bent, which resulted in my clobbering myself square on the forehead with my racket. Seven minutes later I came to, flat on my back, staring at my classmates and my teacher, Kathy Parker. She handed me a drop/add slip and directed me to the clinic.

Perhaps telling this cat about the above TKO wasn't the best idea, but I felt I had to set some expectations. He didn't seem to be fazed by my confessions. Maybe he likes a challenge.

We settled on $25 an hour for lessons and the more I think about it, the more I love this idea. If this guy will put on white shorts and chase balls around with me for $25 an hour, what else will he do for $25 an hour? Rub my feet and tell me I'm smart and pretty? 'Cause I'd go broke for a little bit of that right now.

Of course, I had a myriad of questions for him, and he had answers for them all (I love a man with all the answers). And when I asked him who I would practice with (cause I'm pretty positive he's gonna want me to practice a lot!), he assured me he could round up some people at my level to play with. At this point in the conversation, I'm wondering where he's going to get a busload of school children and blind people. But hey, I guess I'm just gonna have to have faith.

After about 15 minutes of the question/answer game, I had the nerve to get to the one question that had been burning since I decided to take up the game:

Is there a certain level one has to reach before they are able to wear the cute tennis outfit? 'Cause those are darn cute!

I waited for my answer with bated breath. And it seemed like an eternity until he responded, "I've found the worse you play, the better you want to look."

I love this guy.

I spent the rest of the day happily getting ready for my lesson! Here's how that panned out:

12:30
Headed to Dick's Sporting Goods to pick out the perfect, super-cute tennis ensemble. Dropped $85.

1:00
Inquired to the friendly lady shopping next to me as to what item of clothing I would need to cover my ass.

2:16
Lunch—Salad with chicken, cucumbers, pine nuts, blueberries, flax seed, and balsamic vinaigrette

2:42
Got tennis racket out of laundry room storage

2:45
Magic-markered over swastikas on racket

3:00
Cut my nose on the sharp edges of the tennis ball pop top (don't ask)

3:06
Searched for socks with the fluffy balls on the heel

3:14
Danced around the living room in my hot new outfit to Avril Lavigne's "Girlfriend"I know what you are thinking…You want me to go back and explain the 2:45 entry. (SIGH) Ok, I will…

When I was a teenager I lived down the street from some redneck family who had a lousy skinhead for a son. They had a garage sale and were selling a tennis racket cheap, so I bought it. When I got home I realized the son had "decorated" the racket and its case with his Anti-Semitic filth. Part of me wanted to take it back and demand my money back. The other part of me wanted to play street tennis with the neighbor. That part won. Anyway, I figured that I could puff paint or bedazzle over the offensive material and none would be the wiser.

Unfortunately, the racket ended up under my bed and stayed there until I moved here. As I pulled it out of the laundry room today, I noticed its offensive nature and decided that after the ridiculous stories and questions that I peppered my teacher with, it would be insane to show up with a racket covered in swastikas.

Which brings me to the moral of today's story: A magic marker and some CareBear stickers can fix most anything.

Wait… let me clarify here… I would never imply that anything could remedy the horrors of the Holocaust. Maybe a time machine that could shoot someone back in time to provide Hitler's father with a condom. What I meant to say is, all that aside, a magic marker and some CareBear stickers will cover the crap on my tennis racket long enough for me to save a little dough to buy a new racket that is free of offensive materials.

My birthday is August 10th in case any of you want to buy me a swastika-free racket.

My first lesson is Tuesday. I'll let you know how it goes!

Feeling great!

2007-06-29T10:58:00.000-04:00

Starting to feel a little more grounded after being home for at least a day this week. Went running last night and did a quick and easy 4.5 miles (OK, maybe easy.,... quick is relative) and got a lot of things worked out in my head. I was all over the map yesterday with my thoughts and emotions so it helped to think it through and gain a little bit of clarity. I love running!

Tomorrow is a long run (10 miles) with 2 of my workers and boss who are also training for Chicago. I am getting it out of the way early and then meeting someone for brunch at my most favorite place in all of Charleston. Yes, another date. This whole dating thing is very tiring but I am accepting all setups from my friends and family and chalking it up to a social experiment. Perhaps I should start a new blog to outline the weird things these people say and do, such as a guy last week that retorted when I said I was training for a marathon to say, “Like that’s hard! I’ve done like four 5K’s before!” Amateur.

So, I am feeling good today. Last day of the month. Last day of the quarter. The office is abuzz. Beautiful weather outside. Pay day. I am wearing a new outfit.

Could life be better?

Errrgrrggaggreekrkkkacpapppsttgnggspt!

2007-06-28T09:27:00.000-04:00

I finally got home from Kansas City last night around 1:30 AM and I am TIRED. It has been nonstop! Luckily, I am in Charleston til I leave for San Diego next Saturday for a work conference. Then it all begins again- weeks upon weeks of travel ... with an 8 day vacation to the Dominican Republic... and MY BIRTHDAY...sprinkled in. I can make it!

Running lately?

Decent.

Have been following my Hal training plan while on the road and it really hasn't picked up yet- he even had a stepback week last weekend for the run long that was only 5 miles. What?!? Anyway- this weekend picks it up and things are going to get a little more difficult. I slept in this morning (much needed rest after a night at the blackjack tables on Tuesday) and I NEED, NEED, NEED to run tonight after it cools off. I am even sitting out on a night to the baseball game with the running club. I cannot be social EVERY night :)

I just looked back on my traveling schedule for the last 6 weeks and realized I hit the following cities.... Chicago, DC, Vancouver, Chicago, Phoenix, NYC, Philly, Boston, Kansas City... traveling almost 22,000 miles in this span! I am already Platinum on Delta again for NEXT year and U.S. Airways matched my Delta status as I have been flying them more too. Saaaaaaaaaaaaad.

Phew!

2007-06-22T17:41:00.000-04:00

What a week! I flew into Louisville this afternoon from Boston to attend a wedding tomorrow (no, not mine David) and am recovering from a whirlwind few days earlier this week.

I am happy to report that I have stayed on my running schedule despite the craziness and travels- squeezing my run in yesterday among my other appointments. I am also happy to report that I went BACK to Macy's and totally went ballistic again with shopping. I picked out 3 more dresses, some skirts, perfume, shoes, etc. I finally opened my Macy's charge account and saved an extra 20%!! I wore a new wrap dress and a new "capelet" out last night and felt like a total rock star- especially when I ended up capping the night off with some bowling. The capelet is just adorable!

Tomorrow is my long run which I will do here in Louisville. I have quite a few options for running routes which is great! Variety!

Hope everyone has a stellar weekend... and yes I will be the one hiding from the bouquet toss festivities tomorrow night... HA!

Boston Rocks!

2007-06-20T07:54:00.000-04:00

Did a quick 4 miles along the Charles River with my boss this morn (he is also training for Boston). I say "quick" because lately I have been running all the miles around a 10:30/11 minute mile pace... and today we picked up the pace a bit and ran a 9:15/9:30 pace, capping off the last quarter mile at full sprint. It felt good to run a little faster as I have been not-so-concerned with my speed after starting Chicago training. Hmmm....variety is the spice of life!

You ladies will appreciate this... or even some of the guys ;)....

I went TOTALLY NUTS at Macy's last night! I spent several bills on new dresses, shirts, skirts, etc. Great deals too! I got a new LBD (little black dress duh) dress for my wedding in KY this weekend which I am totally pumped about. I felt like a kid in a candy store and for some crazy reason... everything I tried on fit and actually looked good! I wasn't even drunk!!! So, I am going back tonight for more and my boss is going with me to get some new suits. Sales are awesome!

ROCK ON!!!!!!!!!

This week's travels...

2007-06-19T09:39:00.001-04:00

BOSTON!!!! Home of the Red Sox, Creme Pie, The Boston Tea Party, and Sam Adams.

Louisville, KY- for a wedding...and ehhh... a trip to Churchill Downs. I will be saddled up to the betting window as soon as I get off the plane Friday!

It's Christmastime! And Santa is disguised as the FedEx man!

2007-06-18T23:31:00.000-04:00

Hurray! I came home to work to find a huge box full of goodies from http://www.runningwarehouse.com/ (Yes, FREE 2 day shipping!)

My new loot includes:

24 pack of Orange GU
Amphipod hydration belt
3 new running tank tops
2 sticks of BodyGlide
A Running Warehouse CoolMax t-shirt and sweatshirt (combined price of both- $15... discounted because I spent so much)
Free RW water bottle

ROCK ON!!!!!!