Running Stuff

I have been hearing about Road ID for quite some time now, but honestly up until now I haven't spent that much time out on the road. Most of my runs have been done at a park or on a treadmill. But for the next few months, I'm going to be spending every Saturday out on the road running my tush off. (I wish literally) So I decided it was time to finally buy one. They aren't that much; Mine was only $15.

A Road ID is a bracelet that has your name, emergency contact number(s), allergies or medications you take, and an inspirational quote/message. It's a great thing to have on you in the event you were struck by a vehicle, and anyone who share the road with cars should probably have one - walkers, bikers, or runners. I plan on getting my mom one, as she walks outside daily.

I put Phil. 4:13 at the bottom of mine. I recite it all the time while running. (I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me." And it's pink. :)



















Speaking of pink...my friend loaned me a pair of her Zensah leg sleeves. They can be worn during running or after for recovery purposes. They are supposed to increase oxygen blood flow to the muscles of the lower leg, and mine were definitely feeling sore yesterday. I wore these around the house last night and it definitely made a difference.























And last but not least, here I am post my 6 mile run on Saturday. For the first time ever, I really think I can actually do this half marathon thing! I know it's going to be tough for me, but I'm not giving up!























I read yesterday that the race is sold out already! They capped it off at 23,000 runners. Wow. And I'm going to be one of them. Bring it on!

Quotable Thursday

Some of my favorite quotes from Pinterest lately.

Source: miscfinds4u.com via Sherri on Pinterest

Source: thatfitgirl.tumblr.com via Sherri on Pinterest

Source: soon2befit.tumblr.com via Sherri on Pinterest

Source: marilynwann.tumblr.com via Sherri on Pinterest

Source: weheartit.com via Sherri on Pinterest

Oh Mexico...and other madness

I've been so busy lately I haven't had a chance to update this blog. So I am just going to do a quickie update just because I like to chronicle my life in my blog. I think 10-20 years from now it'll be an interesting way to go back and remember people, events, etc. I have such a terrible memory and I wish I had kept a blog or diary years ago. I forget such important things that it makes me sad. It also makes me worry about my memory! So here we go.

1. A few weeks ago I cruised to Mexico with some friends. We had a wonderful time! Cozumel is truly beautiful. I could have stayed there forever. Our cruise also docked at Calica, Mexico the next day and if you ever have that as one of your ports, just know that Calica = nothing to do. So you have to either book an excursion or go explore on your own. Which is what my friend and I did. We took a taxi over to Playa Del Carmen. The beach was beautiful. The shopping was....interesting. Very, very aggressive sellers. Sketchy. You have to bargain with everyone. Not my cup of tea. We took very few pics and decided to catch a cab back almost immediately. Sketchy cab driver too. He pulled over on the side of the road and got out of his car to go talk to someone on the way back. Insert freak-out here. We pretty much thought we were about to get robbed, kidnapped, whatever else. But he finally came back and delivered us back to the cruise ship safely. Did I mention I will never jump in a random cab in Mexico ever again? Never. Ever.

Me in front of the Carnival Elation docked in Cozumel. No I'm not trying to be sexy, it was really windy. ;)























I held some crazy ass birds. I held an iguana too. He was cute. If I had known someone was taking my picture, I surely would have sucked in my stomach. Guh-ross. Anyhoo.....























Beautiful water! I swam in it all day and did not want to leave.























2. The friend of mine that I mentioned on my blog a few times that was having a rough patch finally moved out and found a new place. Conveniently it's near me, so I've spent the last 2 weeks helping her move, unpack, clean, shop for new things, etc. The worst was trying to pack up 2 of her cats and take them to the new place. I only bled once so .... score! Good grief. Cats do NOT like to move. Her lab is adorable though, and I can't wait to take her on walks to pick up men. I'm so happy to be able to be there for her, but I'm not going to lie, it's been tough. She's still very sad and has no family here. I am it. So, for all my friends I've neglected lately, I'm very sorry. Just bare with me. She's done a lot for me over the years, and I feel it's my turn to pay it back.

Little bitties.























3. My half marathon training started this week. Holy crap, this is going to suck. Seriously. This is going to be the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. Last night, I had a "whoa is me" moment at the house and started crying, wondering if I can do this. But just like everything in life, I'll try to do my best. And pray a lot about it. And whatever happens happens. I think in the long run it'll be an awesome experience, and of course I'll document it all here (well most of it will be here: http://chasing13point1.tumblr.com/).

4. For those of you on the East coast, did you feel the earthquake yesterday? Wowza. That was crazy. The earthquake happened in Virgina, and I am in Columbia, SC. The building started vibrating really crazy-like and my monitor was shaking. It lasted about 8-10 seconds maybe? My coworkers all darted out of their offices into the hallway and we were all saying the same exact thing "Was that was I think it was??" Of course, me being the only twitter addict in the office, checked my feed and confirmed that yes, it was indeed an earthquake. Seriously wild day!!! And with Irene also coming, I just feel that Mother Nature is really mad at us.

There is probably more I could/should blog about but work is calling! Have a splendid Wednesday!

12 Days...

Finally finished The Help

If you haven't finished the book, skip this post. You've been warned!








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The ending! What?! I need more....What happens to Minnie? And her baby? And where is Aibileen going to go now? And does Celia ever have a baby?? Does Yule May ever get out of prison? Does Skeeter find love? What about her mama? Oh my gosh. I need CLOSURE. Do you think a sequel is in the works? What did you think of the end?

So many questions, so little answers...

A Post about Oatmeal

I apologize in advance. This is going to be a very boring post, but what can I say? I love oatmeal. I talked about my love affair with oatmeal here and I love to put an egg in my oatmeal like she shows here. I know, it's a little weird to be so obsessed with it but I am.

Most of the time, I like to make my oatmeal on the stove-top and use real oatmeal. But sometimes in the mornings when I'm in a hurry, it's just not practical. So I have been known to cheat and grab those little dinky instant oatmeals. They really are not that great for you but it works in a pinch.

And then last week I discovered Better Oats. It is instant oatmeal that is good for you! I was very excited to find this. (No, I'm not being paid for saying all this...I wish I was! And being paid in oatmeal! ha) It tastes more like REAL oatmeal but takes 2 minutes in the microwave. Perfect for a busy morning when you don't have time to make the real thing. I think it was under 3 bucks for the box.

From their website:

Wouldn't you rather have Better Oats® ingredients?

100% Whole Grain Oats
Naturally firm and hearty. Never over-processed and never mushy.

Real pieces of fruit
You always know what you're getting with our fruit—real apples, peaches and strawberries. Just for fun, check the ingredients on your old oatmeal brand. Most of the strawberry oatmeal sold uses reconstituted apple bits, flavored and dyed to seem like strawberries. Same with peaches. Don't be fooled by imposter fruits!

Real dark chocolate morsels
If you love chocolate, you'll have to try our Lavish Dark Chocolate oatmeal. You won't want it just for breakfast.

Thick, quick and old-fashioned oats
All the hearty and natural texture but still fast and microwavable.

Do you love oatmeal? How do you make yours? Am I weird? (don't answer that)