It’s important to mention I ran today.

I ran today.

8 miles. Normally, the week before a half marathon, I do at least 10-11.

But I’ll take what I can get.  And I’ll remember saying this as I struggle through the course in Lake Geneva.

If I don’t, and start to whine, remind me of this.

At least it was outside. The threat of rain and the last lingering hints of my cold had me accepting the idea of doing it all on the treadmill.

But I’m often wreckless and if I mentally wanted to make it past 5-6 miles, it was going to have be to be outside.

And maybe I haven’t done all that hill training as originally discussed, but let’s pretend the wind going on outside is a comparable alternative.

It was horrifically gloomy, but weirdly peaceful. Way better than having to dodge bikers and runners at every turn during the summer.

Anyway… the entire 8 miles let me know that next week won’t be easy, but should be manageable.

It even helped a little that I ran into Meghan- another ZOOMA ambassador!

It must have been a sign.

8 miles. Done.

It’ll have to do.

To wrap up this post, I feel it’s time to say something about my Cardinals.

We just don’t give up, do we?

I will be the first to admit, what is going on right now is a total surprise to me. We’ve done decent all season, but always in the background. I wasn’t planning to watch a playoffs run. Guess I’ll have to rearrange my schedule, eh?

Happy Flight!

100 Words- I Stayed In Edition

I stayed in last night.And watched my Red Birds win the World Series.

Red wine to celebrate a victorious cardinal nation. Hell yes.

I also stayed in to rest up for an 8-mile run today.

The pace was kept around 8:45 and I still had energy at the end of the last mile. This makes me feel oh so good about next week’s 15k! (Yes, I was nervous about it.)

Finally, I stayed in so I could be all rested up for tonight.

It IS Halloween weekend afterall…

Remember last year?Let’s see if we can top it…

Happy Weekend!

Puppies and Candy- The Doctor’s Orders

HAPPY FRIDAY.

Yes. I will YELL that.

It was a long week, kids. Long.

Let’s not do that again.

Instead, let’s focus on happy things.

Like how the weekend has arrived and sleeping in will be a priority. Even if “sleeping in” for me is maybe 8:30. To each their own.

Or how it’s Halloween weekend and I’m all excited and giggly about how much fun it’ll be to dress up once again with all the girls…

Or let’s talk about how therapeutic it was to see these two familiar faces once again:

Doggies! For those of you who have been around for a while (like a year and a half or so- omg how long have we known each other now?!?!), you may remember Princess and Hazel. I’m friends with their owner, Jaime, who seems to think I’m responsible enough to watch over them on occasion when she’s out of town. She didn’t request another two-week dogsitting gig from me, but I was  happy to drive by her place to feed and walk them last night.

Rarely do I get such animated excitement when I walk through the door. They were over the moon.

This could be because they had not seen another human being all day, but I like to think it’s because they miss me specifically.

After taking Princess and Hazel outside to play a bit and do their biz, we all came in out of the rain and ate.

They had their dog food. And I had this:Yes, I raided their Halloween candy. And maybe this means they’ll run low on Halloween and the children will be sad and I ruined it all.

But it was sitting there. What else was I supposed to do?

Exactly. You would have taken more than one piece, too.

However…

Delicious chocolate and crispies in perfect harmony (hey Nestle Crunch, I’m looking at you), as fantastic as it is, does not a healthy dinner make. BAM. That totally cancels out the candy craze, right? Right.

After getting home from checking up on the pups and whatnot, there was no time to do anything but inhale the salad and watch the Cardinals vs. the Rangers in Game 6 of the World Series.

You know, no big deal, just a game they’re calling absolutely historic… Whatev.

11 innings of back and forth play. It was ridiculous. And I was a glass case of emotion.

A tired glass case of emotion. But still… Totally worth it.

So what is one more happy thing for the weekend?

In approximately 11 hours, I will be chillaxin’ on my couch and completely focused on the screen in front of me. GO CARDINALS!!!!!

Have a great weekend, kids!

There Has To Be A TV

Happy Friday, ya’ll!

I’m pretty excited for the weekend (who isn’t). Not just because I have a few days off, but because my mom is taking a little road trip up to Chicago to visit my cousin and I. A nice family weekend, if you will…

Through Wednesday night I tried to clean here and there (ssshhh… don’t look in any closets…) in preparation for her arrival because I had plans for my Thursday night. 

Not big plans, but plans that involved this lady:MON! We haven’t seen each other in what seems like FOREVER. I’ve been constantly gone or busy and work has been driving her crazy. So we decided to make a girl date mid-week to remedy this situation.

Plus, if that whole supposed rapture thing was gonna happen, we figured it’d only be fitting that we have one last night out.

Not that I believed that crazy dude who predicted the end of the world would be today. But you know… just in case.

Oh Gatsby’s… how I’ve missed you so!It is my firm belief that everyone needs that one default neighborhood bar. That bar where you don’t even have to call anyone to go to because you know they’ll be there anyway. That bar where the owner knows you and stops by the table to say hi when he’s there. That bar that lets you stay and dance to one last song while they’re putting chairs away.

You know… a bar they sing about in the theme song of Cheers… 

Until this June, Gatsby’s was mine.

Originally, the plan was to go get ice cream. Innocent enough.

That idea was kicked to the curb when Mon said she was craving mexican food and margaritas.

I said ok, but being as how we’re chillaxin’ on the night of Game 2 of the World Series, I would require an establishment with a television and subscription to Fox.

Gatsby’s instantly became the new destination. And Mon totally got her steak burrito that she wanted.Um.

Uh.

They should have listed it under the party subs.

This didn’t scare Mon. She’s actually completely tackled one on her own before. And lived to tell about it.

I decided to keep it a little lighter (all things considered) with the buffalo chicken wrap.I barely even bothered with the fries. Because the buffalo chicken was where it was AT.

Mon did a respectable job with her burrito. But after a while, she threw in the towel. Much to the dismay of the people working there. And a few customers who were watching out of the corner of their eye.Next time, Mon. Next time…

Another thing to be disappointed in was the result of Game 2.

It’s been a great series. But man… I’m a giant stress ball this week.

Game 3 is Saturday during my mom’s visit. I asked her if it was ok if we just cooked in and watched it at home versus being out doing something.

She said “I was really really hoping you’d say that”.

Cardinal pride. It runs deep.

On another note, I totally lost when it comes to miles for the week vs my man friend. Whomp whomp… I still ran about 8 miles, there’s just a lack of time for it this week. That and when I went on Wednesday night, the idea of running any more than 2 miles was just unbearable. My legs were dragging. So to make them feel better (or possibly punish them?), I opted for finishing my workout with 22 minutes on the stairmill and 15 on the elliptical.

I better snap out of this quickly, though. There’s a 15k race staring me down and I am yet to run more than 6.5 miles. Crap.

Looks like we know what I’ll be doing Sunday after my mom leaves…

Happy Weekend, kiddos!

Thinking is Overrated

The other day, someone found my humble lil’ blog by searching the term “I hate thinking.”

You know what, buddy? I do too.

Especially on the weekend. It’s supposed to be reserved for fun. And besides, thinking is highly overrated.

And since it is Monday and I am STILL too tired to think, here is just another list of things to sum up where I’ve been:The man friend scored some tix to Game 4. It was hard to watch and we lost. Sadness.

So we decided to make ourselves feel better.No, we did not buy matching shoes. That’s gross. We met up with one of my friends and did some serious bowling.

I was horrible and broke two nails. But it was fun. And the drinks continued to flow. So we’ll call it a win.

Another thing that made me smile? Trippy stairs…Because I am amused by the smallest things, the stairs that continued to change colors at the hotel where we stayed kept me amused for no less than 20 minutes.

The next day, instead of running or any of that active nonsense, we strolled a sculpture park.I enjoy random things like this. Had I actually had any energy, you can bet your bottoms I’d be climbing that thing.

But then again, maybe that would have been a bad idea:Now come on. Really? Were there budget cuts? Do they not have tape that lasts 24 full hours?

There is one hour of the day where shit gets REAL. So watch yourself.

After that, I found my way over to my friend Mary’s house. She’s a total dear and lets me stay with  her when I need to.She even gets fresh cut flowers for the occasion. Cardinal themed (of course). Her husband also enjoys when I come to visit. Mostly because that means the bathrooms get cleaned. Win win.

Because her husband and my man friend were in the wedding, Mary and I were each other’s dates to the ceremony and reception. The ceremony was held at a greenhouse in one of the bigger St. Louis parks (Forest Park). And the reception was in an old ballroom in the Central West End area.That is a happy Amy face. Because we were having a good time and they served heavy appetizers as the meal. Chicken skewers and stuffed portabellos were dominated by yours truly. WIN.

Oh and the dress? It was awesome. I need to publicly thank Mon for letting me borrow it. And also publicly announce I will be dry cleaning it.If you look closely, as I fill up my cup with vodka from the ice shot luge, you’ll see some spillage. An old lady rammed into my friend who consequentially rammed into me. The dress broke the fall of her drink. 

Sigh. This is why I can’t have nice things.

After a fun time at the reception and a fun time out at the bars afterwards, I can officially say St. Louis kicked my butt.

My friend drove home as I groaned about exhaustion and hunger.Gas station finds are fun. Until they’re gone and leaving you completely spazzed out on sugar.

Luckily I have a good friend who recognized the issue and promptly pulled off to get us some Arby’s. I smiled a smile of contentment and food coma the rest of the way home to Chicago.

Spent the rest of my evening at home baking (Yay for the sweet swap!) and watching the St. Louis Cardinals make the the World Series and the Chicago Bears prove they’re still a somewhat respectably good team.

And that, my friends, is how you do a big weekend in St. Louis and back. Excuse me while I go do a major overhaul on my health habits.

Holla’.

100 Words Saturday- Cards Win Edition

(Source)

The Cards are moving on to the NLCS!

I went to a friend’s house to watch last night. They had no toilet paper. Clearly it was an all boy household.

TP arrived at some point in the night. Whew!

But that’s trivial. Because CARDS WIN!

Anyway, I kept it chill because college football is taking over my afternoon.

That and I’ve got a 6-mile run planned with my friend beforehand.

So I’m awake and psyching myself up.

How?

Coffee and catching up on Jersey Shore.Oh Snooki, you need to get it together.

Vince thinks so, too.

Later, ya’ll!

Weekend of the Sweet Tooth

Well.

Football really let me down this weekend. Looks like I’ll be sending Kacy some loot for Oklahoma’s win against Mizzou.

Meh. But for the record, since we were up against the 1st ranked team, we held our own for a good portion of the game. Whatev.

And I didn’t get to see one minute of the Bears game due to delays at the airport and the stupid tiny bars not playing it.

At least the Cards didn’t let me down…We’re one behind Atlanta for the wild card spot. Don’t let me down, boys!

I went to the game and dinner with my whole fam to celebrate my mom and dad’s 33rd wedding anniversary.

Even if he’s about a foot taller than me and we’re completely different complexions, it looks like my lil’ bro and I have the same crooked smile. And mannerisms.

Turns out we may actually be related afterall…Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

We had a casual dinner in downtown St. Louis together the night before the game.You can take the girl out of Chicago… but not the Chicago out of the girl. Love my Goose Island beer…

The beer was a nice change-up from the two chocolate martinis I consumed upon arriving in St. Louis. My male friend picked me up and took me straight to a Chocolate Bar before taking me to the hotel to meet up with my parents.

Clearly he knows me well.And because I was flying, it was a little impossible for me to bake for my parents. However, my mom loves baking, too, and made sure to have a little chocolate cake ready for us at the hotel after dinner.

Score.

Seems to be a full weekend of excess, if we’re being honest. Saturday was spent at a bar watching Mizzou try their hardest, and Sunday was spent at Crown Candy Kitchen. My male friend took me there, again, because he knows all too well about the sweet tooth I have.If that’s not pure bliss, I don’t know what is.

He sat back and watched my attempts to devour this monster sundae that was topped with candied pecans, caramel, hot fudge and whipped cream.

I tried oh so hard.Even with his help, I failed.

Sadness.

But man… that ice cream was goooooooood.

And I shall think about it tonight as I get back on the treadmill for the first time since last week. There was a serious urge to go last night after my flight came in, but after various airport delays (seriously- this ALWAYS happens to me), all that happened after I got back home was collapsing on my couch and catching up with dvr.

Priorities, you know.

Weekend Essentials

Oh hi there.

Happy Friday!

I’m getting through a short day and am off to catch a flight to St. Louis for the weekend!

Today is my parent’s wedding anniversary, so to celebrate, the fam is congregating in STL for quality family time. And good food. And baseball. Because how else would you celebrate? Duh.

Also, I’m going to be spending one night with a few good friends. Otherwise known as a good time to fit some shenanigans into my trip.

It’s an all-around fun-filled weekend, folks.

And although it’s a short trip, there’s a lot to remember when packing. Such as:

1. My St. Louis Cardinals hoodie. Not quite sure if anyone else is paying attention (oh heeeeeey football season!), but my boys have suddenly decided to get their act together for quite the wild card race. Which makes our trip to the game this Saturday that much more exciting! Go Cards!

2. Mizzou shirt. This is an important one, too. Because after the Cardinals game with the fam, I’m trekking over to see my BFF’s and watch the Mizzou vs. Oklahoma game. I get that we’re sorta not ranked and Oklahoma is sorta in 1st place. So what? Can we talk about last year’s upset win against them? Because I will if you want to…

Another reason why this is a big deal is I have a little bet going against Kacy. We’ve been trash talking the last two weeks and things are getting heated. Someone’s going to end up getting an awesome gift in the mail. And that someone better be ME!

3. Bears gear. This is where I’m frustrated. Who schedules a flight in the middle of the big game against our rival, the Packers? Apparently this girl. Shame. However, I will be hunting down the game in an airport bar and hopefully catching the end of it by the time I get back (short flight).

Either way, I should have known better.

And geez- talk about a big weekend of sports!

One thing I’m not bringing?

Running shoes.

We’re too busy this weekend. And it’s like a mini-vacation. We’re calling it a rest weekend and my regularly scheduled routine will resume on Monday.

Or Sunday night- if we’re being honest. Because I’m weird like that.

Laters!

A Day of Baseball

After my late night shenanigans on Friday, Saturday morning’s early wakeup call to go down to Wrigley was not a pleasant one. 

But I persevered.  Because I was meeting up with another gal from my hometown (who lives in the area) and a few of her coworkers to go cheer on the Cardinals during the Cards/Cubs series!I may not be a Cubs fan.  But I’m a HUGE fan of Wrigley Field.  How can you not be?  It’s iconic!

I’m also a huge fan of Murphy’s Bleachers.  It’s a bar just outside of Wrigley behind the outfield.I also like to drink Old Style at Murphy’s.  I was told during my first trip to Wrigley that it’s sort of a rite of passage. 

Drinking before noon is totally acceptable when done so in a ceremonious fashion.  Right?

I believe this is also the only time that drinking crap beer would be considered “ceremonious”.

One of the guys was able to pick up some bleachers seats for us.This was my first time in the bleacher seats.  Supposedly they get pretty crazy.  I would assume this happens when it’s a little warmer than 55 degrees and when one of the teams playing still has a shot at the playoffs.  The whole atmosphere was a little subdued.

I did spy some good looking eats in front of me.Who doesn’t love a huge helmet full of nachos?  And they were LOADED.  Unfortunately, I never found where these were being sold.  And had to stick with a dinky overpriced italian sausage.  Booo…

What’s your favorite kind of stadium food?  I used to seek out the Dippin’ Dots if wherever I was had them- I was obsessed!

Sadly, I had to endure a Cardinals loss.  I’m sure Paige, who was also there, may have more enthusiastic feelings towards the outcome of the game. 

Oh and did anyone see Hawksworth get a line drive right to the face?This could be one time that I’m glad Wrigley doesn’t have a big screen for replays. It looked horrific- and that’s coming from the girl who saw it all the way from the outfield…

Afterwards, we made a trip to Cubby Bear (also right across from the stadium) and hung out there until I was ready to sneak out and get home.  I was exhausted. And kinda hungry.Trader Joe’s spinach and ricotta stuffed ravioli.  Topped off with my “fancy” Prego and sautéed mushrooms.  Way better than another round of pricey stadium food, right?

And right now I’m up and at ‘em early again to drive down with my lovely friend Annie to totally OWN this 8k we’re doing.  Well- hopefully.    I’ve been a little shaky on the left leg as of late (notice all the elliptical vs. running days).  But I’ve taken some time off of it and I think I’m ready to go!

Time to get my run on!

Have a great Sunday!

Starting the Holiday Weekend Right

With a nice run.  Yes I did.  Five miles at 10:00 on a Saturday morning.  It was surprising to me how warm it already was.  8:45 pace.  That’s really all I have to say about that.

I was able to do the morning run (and feel much better than I did about it last week) because I stayed in last night.  I said what the hell and rented Dear John.  A lot of you said it was good, and I thought it was alright.  I got a little fidgety in the last half hour or so and started to get up to do things (so you know it wasn’t good enough to keep me glued to my seat).  But I liked it.  I kind of wonder about the book, but doubt I’ll read it- I’m not the biggest Nicholas Sparks fan.

Before the run, I had a nice big breakfast.  Dessert pancakes seemed appropriate.  It’s all only because I need the carb loading… right? 

It’s gonna be short and sweet today.  I’ve got 30 minutes of yoga calling my name before I shower and watch the Cards/Cubs game as I’m getting ready for my night out.  I’m meeting up with Jaime to watch the Blackhawks game at a bar and then tracking down my Mizzou boys to really get things started.  My only fear is that they’ll be slowing down earlier than planned.  I was getting pictures last night at 3:30 in the morning of how much fun they were having.  I reminded one of them that it’s a marathon weekend and they’re screwing themselves if they don’t get to bed soon. 

It’s always about pacing yourselves, kids.  Always.

Have a good holiday weekend, everyone!  And GO CARDS!!!!