Runnin' Down a Dream

First Update:  In addition to our February run featuring a Pat Green concert experience, I have been informed that it is also the weekend of the Gun Show here in Charlotte.  The Redneck theme definitely was the right selection.  I hope Julia is ready for all of this excitement.  New country song added to the playlist in honor of this month's run - Smoke a little Smoke by Eric Church.

So we recently hit the 12 week Nashvegas countdown, as I was reminded by  a number of emails from other Nashville Half participants.  Last fall, I made the mistake of buying new running shoes approximately two weeks before the Thunder Road Half.  Bad idea.  Thus, new shoes are the next big pay date purchase. 

Like most girls, I am easily distracted by pretty things and have selected most of my athletic shoes based on color.  Obviously, not the wisest decision, especially when entering the running world.  After two failed attempts at picking out running shoes on my own, I finally went to a running store to see one of the "experts".  After watching me run (barefoot), a serious question and answer session, measurements and running around in about 12 different pairs of shoes, I ended up leaving with a more expensive version of the same shoe I ran my first half in.  Not that I haven't been happy with the expert's selection, but I might have been secretly wishing for something more flashy (don't worry - I am not on the Vibram edge yet).  Probably because the expert had me try on the shoe below as one of possible selections.

While I was not distracted by the pink shoe last time, I am afraid that it might win me over on my upcoming shopping excursion. 

Someday, we'll explode. We'll be tiny particles soaring through the air, away from the problems and it'll be fine...

Day No. 2 of Getting Up Early, Week No. 1 of Training Program, Re-do.

There was nothing particularly extraordinary about this run. My legs felt pretty good; gym was nice and empty; I felt fairly hydrated, not too sleepy. Really, I write to you tonight solely in an effort to plug the band that I jammed to for all 3 miles of early morning run...

Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt! [exclamation mark included in band name]

I was first introduced to this quirky, non-conventional group by my good buddy Bob Boilen. I admire Bob for many reasons, but mostly for his illustrious NPR career and impeccable music tastes. So, when Bob says, "check this band out - they're kind of awesome," I usually say, "of course, Bob - whatever you say."

One look at the title of the group's first album says it all, I think.

"I Love You. I Love You. I Love You and I'm In Love With You. Have an Awesome Day! Have the Best Day of Your Life!"

If these guys can't get me pumped up for 5:00 a.m. treadmill fun, nothing can.

Noteworthy tracks include:
Snakebites!
Grouphug!
Iotdwykiyhtbr
Go Directly to Space!
Ride Friendship

Yes, they do more shouting than singing. No, it's not very melodious. Yes, they mix the lyrics to Aladdin's "A Whole New World" into the background of a song called "Snowday!." They also paint themselves blue for live shows and throw out costumes to audience members.

Enough. Check them out if you're looking for something completely new and very, very random. And if you don't enjoy it, blame Bob.

Final thought on today's effort: Post-run, I think I hit a new record for first lunch craving of the day. 9:17. Beat that.

Figuring out this Adult Thing. . .

As Julia pointed out, this running resolution has been a bit challenging to fit around the work schedule.  And while Julia is trying to find the motivation to go to the gym in the morning, I am trying to find the willpower not to drive straight by the gym on my way home from work.  This Monday, it was a perfect skip the gym, put on your PJs and jump under the covers kind of night.  After a 70 degree weekend, it was rainy, cold and just plain yuck.  Plus, my work day hadn't been too enjoyable.  So I promised myself ice cream if I made it through 4 miles.  That was just the trick to get me on the treadmill and my new Redneck Run themed playlist did the rest. . .Highlights:

Gimme that Girl - Joe Nichols
She Won't Be Lonely Long- Clay Walker
Turn on the Radio - Reba McEntire
 Big Green Tractor - Jason Aldean
Put You in a Song - Keith Urban
This - Darius Rucker

Ok, ok... I also threw in some hip -hop to finish out the run . . .Kush by Dr. Dre and Buzzin' by Mann.

Surprisingly, the country music has kept me on track so far this week - however, tomorrow morning I will have to pull a Julia and try the gym early.  My Thunder Road playlist might have to come back for that one.

In good news, it has come to our attention that Pat Green will be performing the same weekend as our Redneck Run.  Perfect Celebration for making it through Friendship Run # 2?  I think so.

New job, new schedule...

Getting up ridiculously early before work to run has its advantages. Example: today, as I was sitting at my desk, one of the only things that did not add to my stress level for the day was the the fact that "Run" already had a big ol' check mark next to it on my Tuesday to-do list.

It does, on the other hand, lead to gigantic amounts of lunch appetite and the inevitable 2:00 p.m. crash. It's a give-and-take, I guess.

I'm not going to sugarcoat it. These first two weeks have been doozies. It's all about getting adjusted to the new schedule. And I think I'm getting there ... slowly.

Due to said doozy-two-week-period, I've decided to restart my 12-week training program (good thing I had it padded so heavily to begin with...). As of this week, there is officially 13 weeks to first big race of the year (CMHM!). As of last night, I am officially registered for first big race of the year. Who's excited?

This morning whilst treadmilling, I really enjoyed listening to some non-traditional work-out music, which I do fairly often (by non-traditional, I mean non-Britney, non-Kayne, etc.) Don't get me wrong, I enjoy hip-hop and rap genres just as much as the next girl when breaking a sweat. But variety is the spice of life. Just a few for your consideration:

Yeasayer: Ambling Alp
Ra Ra Riot: Boy
The National: Abel, Lit Up, Fake Empire, Brainy, Slow Show, Apartment Story, Bloodbuzz Ohio (can you tell they're my favorite band of the moment?)
Cold War Kids: Hang Me Out To Dry
Passion Pit: Sleepyhead
Airborne Toxic Event: Gasoline
Black Keys: Everlasting Light

Give me a driving beat, and I'm good to go.

What is hotter than jorts?

This week was a bit of a struggle - lesson learned: running on less than 5 hours of sleep generally doesn't go so well.  However, I did get in 4 (short) runs during the work week and it was a beautiful Carolina weekend, which helped the Saturday run motivation. Hopefully, February is a bit more weather and schedule friendly. 

Speaking of February, after we finished our first friendship run through Piedmont Park in Atlanta (and popped a bottle of champagne in celebration), it was my job to share our next run, which will take place in Charlotte in February.  Again, February was a bit weak in terms of scheduled events (except for Valentine's Day weekend- which I wasn't sure Julia's BF would be in favor of) so it was my job to set a course and a theme around the Queen City.

The location was easy - Charlotte has a great 5K run near uptown called the Booty Loop.  The theme required a bit more thought.  I obviously thought a bootylicious theme would be hilarious, but I also knew that might not be Julia's thing. Thinking back to our first major Charlotte adventure at the Coca-Cola 600, I decided to go with something a bit more fitting for both of us.

A Redneck Run on the Booty Loop.  Which just may have to be followed with a stop at the Nascar Hall of Fame. and a PBR. 

Inaugural Race Day: In photos

All dressed up, and ready for our close-up /run . . .

Amos says, "I don't know what the heck's going on here, but I like it." 

Stretching . . . 

You're a rich girl . . . 

Post-Race Close-Up

Celebrations!

We glow in the dark.

A little bubbly . . . 

. . . and cheers!

Here's where it gets tricky . . .

Day No. 1 of New Legal Career, I've got you beat! And what a great day it was. Thank you to all sweet friends and family members for your words of encouragement! You are the best and sweetest friends and family members a girl could ask for.

And here's where it gets tricky.

Tomorrow is Day No. 2 of New Legal Career. It is also Day No. 1 of Getting Up Early Before Work To Run Fun. You heard it here first. I'm writing it down because if I write it down, I have to do it. That's how it works, right? You blog readers (although perhaps few in number at this point) will hold me accountable, if only in my sleepy-early-morning head.

Doolittle says I can do it. It might be cold. It might be rainy. She says, "cute hat, good music, happy thoughts." I think that's good advice.