That Redheaded Sister

Hi everyone!  I hope you all had wonderful weekends and a great Mother’s Day.  This weekend was fun, busy, and lazy for me.  I was knocked out (not up) again this weekend and this morning by allergies.  I am really sick of them and they can leave anytime.

Last week was the first week of training for RnR Chicago.  While my numbers werent very high, I am really happy with how it turned out.  I am happy with my training plan and how my leg has been acting

Sunday – 2 Miles.  I wrote about my first unofficial training run last Sunday here.  I set out for a one mile test run to see how my leg would do after taking a month off and a lingering injury.  It did great for TWO miles.  Not only did my leg do really well, I found a new place to run.  It does stink I got into an accident on the way home from that run though. 

Monday -  1.5 miles.  My training plan has a lot of interval running which I like because it conserves my leg a little bit.  Monday I did 1 min run/2 min walk x 6.  Since it was still early into the getting back into my running groove, I felt ok about walking longer than running but had the itch to keep going.  Conserve Conserve

Tuesday – Rest day.  I was happy about a rest day.  I used it to roll my legs and put heat on my leg.  How funny that ice doesnt help any pain in my leg, but heat does.  Makes me think its not a bone injury. 

Wednesday – 2.2 miles.  Another day of intervals.  This time it was 3 min run/2 min walk x 5.  When I got on that treadmill, my leg gave me a heck of a time.  Once I actually started the pain melted away.  I think it was trying to psych me out.  I pushed my speed a little harder on this one. 

Thursday – 3 miles.  I ran this almost naked.  I had my Garmin, but forgot my music.  I am so glad I did.  I enjoyed every step of this run.  I was pain free.  I could hear my breathing (and yes I sound like I am about to keel over when I run) and I could focus on how great it felt.  I was a little irked when the map said my turn around point was 1.5 miles away and it was actually 1.1.  I have a feeling Garmin may have done a little lying. 

Friday – Rest.  I had a lot of cleaning to do around the house and finishing of my million projects

Saturday – 3.18 miles.  I signed up for a running group with a local running store, Phiddipidies to “Run the Course.”  It is a training program that incorporates parts of the Peachtree Road Race we are running in July.  I woke up at 6 am on Saturday and I was talking myself into skipping this.  It was 30 mins away, I knew I was going to be the slowest, my last running with a group from a store experience was bad, and I didnt know anyone.  I made myself go and boy I dont regret it. 

We started at the store and there were people from all different running backgrounds there.  Some were even walkers.  I talked to one of the guys from the store saying I was nervous because I am not fast and I dont want to be last (why do we ALWAYS think we will be last?  And even if we are, who really cares?  Its the act of DOING!)

We broke off into groups on the run (3 milers and 6 milers) and took off.  What I love the most about this group is the people from the store will always be with you.  My last experience you were on your own.  I chatted for a good 2 miles with a guy from the store about training and races.  Our course was HILLY!!  I was scared about my leg, but I walked some of the major hills just to slow everything down a bit.  They provided a water stop at mile 2 and it was awesome from there on out. 

When I got back to the store the first guy announced I was in fact NOT last and did a great job.  People started pouring in and while stretching a group of women were talking about their runs and said they were trying to keep MY pace but couldnt keep up.  WHAT?!  (I had no idea what my pace was because Garmin wouldnt locate a satellite).  I am usually the person holding people back on their runs, NEVER has anyone paced TO me.  I was so happy to hear that!

Plus we got some pretty awesome swag from Mizuno:

I also got to try Coconut water.  Not a fan.  Its too weird to me which is strange because I love coconut. 

Sunday – Rest.  I had a little too much fun the night before at a Zac Brown Band concert.  And it wasnt alcohol that knocked me out.  It was standing ALL night and jumping/dancing.  My legs were sore and screaming for me to roll them.  After a good roll, they felt amazing.  Plus my allergies kept me in bed most of the day.

Here are just a few images from this weekend.  If you follow me on Twitter (@Redheadedsis) you would have seen more.  LOL

No Matt was not at this event.  He has been in Florida all weekend visiting his parents and the kitties and I miss him.  I am ready to pick him up from the airport today.  It was so quiet around the house yesterday.  But we get to make it up next weekend because we are going whitewater rafting/camping in Tennessee with these people plus more.  I cant wait. 

How was your weekend?  Did you have a great Mother’s Day if you are a mother (and yes you are a mom to furbabies and fishy babies).

Happy Friday!  I am ready for the weekend to be here.  Time with work is flying by so quickly that I have anxiety (more on that later) and July will be here faster than I know.  Normally I LOVE me some July, but not right now. 

Last night I had another amazing run.  3 miles and I went without music.  I left my ipod at home by accident, but I am glad I did.  The place I plan to run my long runs is so peaceful.  There are enough people there that I do not feel unsafe alone, but not too many people run/walk there so I can huff and puff away.  My first 1.5 miles was amazing.  There were more downhills than up (which I knew would be waiting for me on the way back).  The 1.5 mile marker on the map I think was off because Garmin said 1.1.  That was kind of annoying.  After the first 1.5, I stopped to stretch a good bit (conserve our legs remember?).  The trip back was tough.  Those downhills were laughing at me because they were up now.  But I pushed through any discomfort and while I was slower than I wanted to be, I was happy.  Today is a rest day because tomorrow I am meeting with a running group for 4 miles.  I am scared.  I have a hard time running with people I dont know. 

Can I share some of my sources of anxiety with you?  Maybe you can help me find a solution. 

#1 – I have to deal with the car accident from last weekend myself.  I spoke with my insurance agent and they said they would be more than happy to do it for me, but I have to pay my deductible up front.  They would fight for the money back but it would take a very long time.  So since I dont have that cash to shell out, I have to fight this myself.  I swear insurance companies were supposed to do all this for you.  I must be very wrong. 

#2 – I have been taking blame for other people’s actions and I dont know how to stop.  Why havent you made time for me?  Oh because I have been busy.  But why havent you tried?  Why are you so rude to me?  Oh probably because I have been too busy to sit you down and correct your actions.  Why does my laundry stink?  Oh because somehow I did something wrong.  Why havent you mopped the floor?  Oh because I straight up suck apparently.  I have been very hard on myself and I think it has to do with this anxiety of dealing with the Chicken Little complex

#3 – Chicken Little complex.  You know the story where Chicken Little tells everyone the sky is falling.  I am surrounded by people who choose to suffer from this.  Everything is awful, everyone out to get them.  I dont know how to combat that.  I have to though because it affects my everyday life.  I know people cant be changed, but how do you help the half empties see the half full glass? 

#4 – I have 4 projects at my house that sit half completed.  After those 4 I am taking a little break from DIY.  This break will probably last through the summer and then things will pick up again I am sure. 

#5 – Spring cleaning alone.  I have been so excited about this all week.  Finally cleaning every inch of the apartment and getting rid of all that nasty pollen.  Matt left for the weekend, I have tons of plans tomorrow (and next weekend), and its not all going to be done.  It will get done.  Lets not get all chicken little. 

These could be the reasons my stomach hurts today.  Do you have any great suggestions on how to deal with these issues?  Obviously I have solved a few already, but the main one is CLC (chicken little complex…I dont even know if that is a real complex, but Ill play doctor for the day).

(yep planning a vacation when this madness ends.  Thank goodness I have Matt right now, even if our time is limited to just weekends)

This post will be short and sweet.

I signed up for Twitter (@Redheadedsis).  At first I sort of poopooed on Twitter.  Not really understanding it.  But after seeing it in action and knowing how much my Facebook friends are probably sick of me, I decided to sign up.  So far I am liking it.  Im following Jason Segel and thats pretty awesome!

But not only did I sign up for Tweeter time, I have also FINALLY figured out how to add those follow buttons.  Seriously?  Why does it take me so long to get things done?

One for RSS, one for Twitter, one for Daily Mile, and one for Pinterest.  FOLLOW ME!    I was thinking about creating a Facebook page, but right now with life getting busier and busier, I am finding it hard to keep up with updates.

Had another great run tonight.  My legs thanked me for giving them yesterday off because they were somewhat tender.  Today the plan called for 3 min run/2 min walk x 5.  My leg wanted to get ugly with me, but I kept reminding myself what I was experiencing was mental.  I got through it with a smile.  Tomorrow I have a 3 miler on deck and then I signed up for a training group with our local running store (see if you follow me on Twitter you know already know! )  We will meet once a week and train for the Peachtree Road Race.  What is really cool about this: Jeff Galloway will be at one of the later runs.  Cant wait.  Saturday is our first run (4 miles).

Are you on Twitter?  Tell me your name and Ill follow you!!

Hi everyone!  I hope you had a great weekend!  I have to say I did a lot of resting this weekend.  Mainly catching up from the week and because both nights I had to take benadryl to calm my allergies. I was so tired I didnt leave the house Saturday until after 4pm.

Today was the start of my training cycle for RnR Chicago.  I am so excited about this cycle.  I am planning on taking a different approach this time around to conserve my legs.  I found a great training plan that incorporates run/walk intervals. Today was technically a rest day on the schedule, but I had to know what to expect with my leg.  As you know, I have taken the month off because of the pain in my left leg.

I pulled into the park I was planning on running around noon.  Nice and HOT!  But I soaked it up.  I have a weird gene that makes me LOVE heat.  I love training in it.  Weirdo right?

When I got to the start I had major butterflies.  I was scared my leg wouldnt cooperate.  I didnt want to deal with the pain.  I started walking a few feet and took off.  My goal was to run one mile at a very slow pace.  It was just a test run and I didnt want to push it.  I started running and made sure I didnt look at my Garmin until I felt I went a mile.  Part of my training is to stop relying on my Garmin as much as I do.  I think it has been leading me to disappointment.  I thought back to my first training cycle when I didnt have Garm and I felt less pressure.

I made it the first mile and felt amazing!  Absolutely amazing!  I did it at my slowest pace ever (12:20) and decided to stop and stretch.  Conserve Conserve Conserve.  On my way back to the car, I ran/walked.  Two miles!  I was on cloud 9.  It was a pain free run and pushed me into running mode.  I couldnt stop smiling.  I got back in the car to cool down and hydrate because I was feeling mighty overheated.

My happiness ended quickly though.  I was sitting at a red light when all of the sudden my car was in the air.  I screamed so loud.  Some guy rear ended me!  MY NEW CAR!  I ended up calling the police (after he asked me not to) and waited around while he filed a report (the guy asked me not to file a report).  He wanted me to go to his body shop too.  He was sleazy, very sleazy.

My poor car.  There was way more damage to his car, but because he went UNDER my car there is more damage you cant see.  I have to file a claim tomorrow with my insurance company.  The whole situation was weird.  At least no one was hurt.

I hope this doesnt set the tone for training season.

I hope you are all still around reading.  Yes No?  I know, it hasnt been that interesting lately so I guess I cant blame you for being so quiet.

Life got really busy there for a few minutes.  I had a show move in, open, close and move out all in the same week.  Its tough.  Actually its exhausting.

Lets talk about May:

• This has already been a great start to the month.  I finally had the chance to lay in bed reading book 3 of Hunger Games until 9:30.  Unheard of around these parts.  This is the first real weekend there is NOTHING planned.  I would like to spring clean the apartment, but I guess whatever is floating in the air killing Matt, Barley, and me is supposed to strike again next week.  Total sigh.

• Tomorrow we plan to head to Stone Mountain and FINALLY start a project Lauren and I talked about (she is already a few places ahead of me…check out her page).  Not to mention, its a BIG hike!

• Tomorrow also kicks off the start of training for Rock n Roll Chicago.  I am excited.  I am motivated.  I am ready.  Lets hope my leg feels the same way.  I have taken the month off from impact workouts and I took the week off of everything (not by choice).  I have been training myself to wake up at 4:45am so I can hit the gym in the morning vs after work.

• I plan to see how my leg does before jumping into anything, but I have joined a running group and may sign up for training runs in the next few weeks with another group.  They have speedwork, hills, everything I have been looking for.

• Something got up my butt last weekend to start a new project.  Hello, there are 5 other ones waiting to be completed.  This one ties in with spring cleaning though.  Its still not done though because my tools have failed me.  I have to finish it by this weekend

• I am thinking about starting a Twitter account and maybe a facebook page.  What are your thoughts?  Do you like using either of these?

To everyone that is new, welcome!

What are you plans for the weekend?

Do you watch the Kentucky Derby?

Will you celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

This is a late and semi frustrated post, but I want to know how you handle something.

I love reading and listening to your awesome running stories.  I laugh, I give virtual high fives, and sometimes I get teary eyed at your recaps.  I love when my friends text me and tell me what distance they accomplished or how many hills they did.  I am not one to resent you if Im on the sidelines and youre not.  When you are injured, I try to give you cross training advice because I have been there.  I AM THERE RIGHT NOW

Here is what irritates me.  People who can run forever and ever and never get hurt.  Not because they have super human bodies and run better than me or that im jealous, but because sometimes they can be ignorant about injury.  I am not saying all people are like that, but some are.

I have a few friends/loved ones that are like that.  They can run fast, hard, and far.  No pain, no aches.  Ive been hurt.  I have had a stress fracture, something bruised on the bottom of my foot, and now either a slight stress fracture or tendonitis.  So when my body tells me its starting to hurt even the slightest, I pull back.  I am not going to risk another awful injury.

What angers me the most is when I do pull back, the noninjurable say “suck it up,” “quit being a baby,” “oh stop, you are just making this up.”  They dont know whats its like to feel THAT pain.  The pain you have felt before.  Where its hurt so badly you know what is about to come.  They dont know and they think if they can push through their achiness, you should too.

Look, I know sometimes you just have to push through the pain to become stronger.  I know running is 90% mental.  I also understand your body tells you whats not right and its important to listen.  When I tell you something hurts, Im not just quitting because I want to, Im trying to preserve my body.

I guess it just seems to happen to me a lot with some of my running friends and Im tired of it.
Have you ever had to deal with this?

Raise your hand if you are ready for the weekend!

I have another element of our bedroom I want to share with you.  I am actually really excited about this project because it was EASY!  I am waiting until I feel like our room is done done until I share with you the final product (which I have a feeling it wont be completed until we actually buy a house).  Since our walls have to stay the basic builder blah beige, I have to get creative for interest.

Lets rewind a bit.  Do you remember the headboard project I completed?  (psst I saw it pinned on Pinterest quite a few times!!!  Thanks!)  I have been half heartedly searching for art for our room because I am at a standstill in there (ie money).

In trying to keep with the mood board Susan created for me last summer, I wanted to pull more elements for the wall off of the board.  Enter the sailboat

I actually took my own pictures of sailboats while we were on the boat to visit Lady Liberty in NYC, but ended up not using any of them because my mom bought me a great poster.  The problem: I didnt want to use the average poster frame.  BORING.

Instead I found a reclaimed wood frame probably destined for a large picture soon to house a poster from Hobby Lobby at 50% off.

Materials Needed:

2 sizes of foam board (depending on your image)
spray adhesive
xacto knife/scissors
your favorite fabric, poster, frame
picture hanging kit

I took the larger sized foam board and cut it to fit the size of the frame.  I will use this piece to wrap fabric around.  The smaller size of foam board will be used to hold the poster

Once the large board was cut (which isnt that easy with regular scissors), I took my fabric (a natural lightweight fabric) and wrapped it around to the back.  Once my sides were in place, I sprayed the adhesive to secure the fabric

Once that is done, just pop it into the frame.  It was a lliittttllee snug to fit, but that means its in there securely, right?

Fitting the poster was a little tricky.  I definitely had a trial and error issue with this.  I cut the bottom edge of the poster to fit the foam board, but noticed how noticeable it was.  I decided to wrap it like I did the fabric to give it a seamless transition instead.

I put this above our bed and I was sort of worried there would be too much wood on wood action on that wall.

I think it works pretty well!  The next issue was the wall next to the bed.  It was pretty bare.  In keeping with the natural theme, I just threw a shadow box I made on that wall.  This box is special to me because it houses my great great grandmother’s spoons from her wedding in 1901.  So wonderful.

Whats left in the room?  Well eventually we are going to buy a house so painting will be a definite.  But now I want to focus on accessories.

The title was a total spoiler right?  Sorry.  How has your Monday shaped up?  Well I hope.

Let me ask this one question: where did this cold weather come from?  I was lucky to work half a day from home (because Matt left his keys in my car and I didnt notice until I got to work…FAIL.  I had to bring them to him so he could get to work after lunch and since work is too far for me to turn around and go back, my boss was nice enough to let me stay home) and change into MUCH warmer clothes.

Friday was so nice.  I got to the gym right after work and busted 12.5 miles out on the bike.  I am really liking the bike.  It ALMOST makes me want to get a real one and ride.  Unfortch, Georgia is really hilly and that takes all the fun out of it.  After the gym I headed to my late late softball game.  We ended up winning, but I was very frustrated.  Its very much a boys game and I know the guys think all of the girl players are weak.  Not true and not fair.

Saturday my mom and I shopped shopped shopped.  Once a year we head to the outlets and renew our wardrobe.  I cant tell you how much I spent, but I went a little over budget.  I cant tell you because I havent figured it out yet.  I bought a ton of cute outfits and all were really good prices.

Saturday night Matt and I went to see The Hunger Games.  I have such a problem reading a book and then seeing the movie.  This was no different.  It was a good movie, but I feel like there was more action in the book.  And dont worry….I cried a little when that one thing happened to a certain little someone just like I did in the book.

Sunday we spent the day running errands and celebrated my sister’s birthday at my parents.  If you are friends with me on Facebook you may have already seen the dessert I made her:

Fruity Pebble Rainbow Cupcakes.

Yes, they were as good as they look.  In fact, better than expected.  I wanted to eat more than one.

How was your weekend?

Happy Friday!  I am sitting here fighting a terrible hangover.  I wish I could say I was out last night having a great time and may have had a little too much to drink.  Sadly, I was at home reading the second book in the Hunger Games trilogy, Catching Fire.  I had to take benadryl late last night because I started breaking out in hives (I blame the stress of the books LOL).  Benadryl gives me terrible hangovers the next morning.  But I guess its better than if I had left it fester.  (I occasionally break out in hives for whatever reason.  No one can give me a cause.  They can be mild or really severe, never in the middle)

I think they were caused my by tude yesterday.  The day started ok.  I left for work and it took me much longer than normal (over an hour and 15 mins) because of traffic.  I decided while I was sitting at a stand still to check my work email….mistake 1.  There were two emails that irritated me and I couldnt do anything about them until I got to the office.  I keep telling myself to stop checking emails before I get to work, but when the traffic gods prevent me from getting to work on time, I feel like I have to check just out of guilt. 

The day didnt get any better.  We are getting ready for a big show in July and while I like to get things done early, not everyone shares that view.  Cluster!

I texted my mom and told her we were going to the outlet mall this weekend because I had a little spending money.  Plus I only go shopping like this once, maybe twice a year.  I had to deposit a check I received and my bank hasnt really made it to Georgia yet, there are only limited locations.  It was a nightmare to get to that location.  I was done.  It took me almost two hours to get to the bank.  Seriously? 

When I got to the bank I had two choices, get back in that mess or go shopping.  I dont need to tell you what I chose. 

I scored the cutest dress from New York and Company for $30 (50% off)!  I also bought a white cardigan which I desperately need. 

I love how springy/summery it is.  I can dress it up or dress it down.  Its a little big in the top (which is usually NOT the case for me).

Sorry the picture is grainy. I took this before leaving for work this morning and the lighting in the bathroom is just ok.

After I got home, I made the night a very quiet one.  I left the tv off, turned the computer off, and read.  My other friend just finished reading Hunger Games and loved it.  You must read it (ahem Megan).  I took a hot bath and tried hard to unwind. 

How do you remedy bad days?  Since Im saving my money pinching pennies, I like to craft or clean.  Or go for a run. 

What are your plans for the weekend? 

Have I mentioned how much I have missed running this month?  I do and I hope my leg is 100% in two weeks.  Its better to be safe than sorry, right?