RunEMZ - - You've. Freaking. Got. This.

"X Gon' give It to Ya" - DMX [ProCompression winner]

noreply@blogger.com (Emz) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 19:38:00 +0000

Since it's Peanut's Spring Break this week.......

This is going to be fast.

We've got like 7 libraries she wants to hit up. [who is this child of mine?]

The winner of the ProCompression [magic] socks is

Which is..................

Run with Jess!!

Email me lady! [runemzrun at gmail]

Happy Monday to you ALL!

"Suit & Tie" - JT [socks & shorts] -whatever ProCompression [GIVEAWAY] & Motionwear [discount]

noreply@blogger.com (Emz) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 17:15:00 +0000

So lately.

My fun has been found here [Instagram]. I freaking love it.

Like LOVE it X 444.

It's my happy place. I pretty sure no one misses my "blogging" [minus my Mom]. I find Instagram to be a mini blog through a photo. It works for me.

However, these two promos brought me back for a quick blog post.

* ProCompression giveaway

and

* Motionwear discount.

I have long been a believer in compression post workout. I am now beginning to enjoy it during as well. I typically stuck with my CEP compression socks.......mostly because they were the first brand I was exposed to. After seeing a promo code on Hungry Runner Girl's blog a while back......I took the PCP. Pro Compression Plunge.

Anddddddddddddddd

I TOO......am a fan.

And I may wear them a lot.

Like a freaking lot.

So ProCompression has offered to giveaway one pair to one of you. Sa-weet.
Here's how you enter:

LEAVE A COMMENT FOR EACH [4 possible entries]

1. Tell me your big goal for 2013
2. Follow @Procompression on twitter
3. Follow me on Instagram
4. Tweet ..... "Yes, I freaking want to win some @procompression from @runemz and I think they should make these in CAMO." ;)

And just because they rock........

...............here is the promo code for 40% off : BLG13

I also received a pair of Motionwear shorts to try out.

I did one of my recovery runs in them. Zero complaints. Felt great. No rude rubbing or weird seams. #hugewin

[Please ignore the grandma socks.]

They are offering 15% off a $75 order when you use promo code: RUNEMZ

You can find them at
Twitter @motionwear
Instagram @motionwear

Winner will be announced Monday the 25th.

"Gratitude" - Beastie Boys [+ Phoenix Marathon]

noreply@blogger.com (Emz) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 23:13:00 +0000

Grateful.

That's me.

I used to be able to sit down to blog and the words would just come. Lately, I've struggled to put recent events into words.

"Thank you" - just doesn't seem to cover what I am feeling.

Let me take a step back. I'll give you a few examples.

* I was blown away when I got to meet [in real life] RAchelle [yes, the CAP on that A is supposed to be there] ;)

How I would describe her four words:

HUMBLE
Thoughtful
Caring
FREAKINGspeedy

But she went above and beyond the call of any friend last Saturday and ran 18 of my 26.2 mile marathon with me.

Here is [really] where I do not have the words. She talked to me from mile 18-25 - calf pain a-blazing. Telling me story after story. Stories of triumph. Stories of pain. Stories of encouragement. I have since spent two hours writing this down in my journal. I know, Emily, it was a freaking race. Well, no, sorry, it wasn't. It was a lot more than a race. In fact, it was barely a race. I will treasure this day forever. However, it certainly will not be because I freaking finally got a new PR.

* Grateful for the confidence this race gave me. I now KNOW I can do a 3:09. I'll get it. I held back at the beginning which felt great. Only to cramp from a muscle pull [incurred 10 days before race day] at mile 15. Not awesome. But......still.........grateful

* When Further. Faster. Forever. highlighted me as their "Athlete of the Week".

A huge honor for me. This is an incredible community of athletes run by athletes. I have "met" some of the kindest people though this group.

People Like . . . .

mcg_christopher who ran 13.44 freaking miles on a treadmill. THEN.......donated $444 to the Sojourner Center. The Domestic Violence shelter I ran for 24 hours to raise money for.

grateful.

* And that text I got from my Mom on Friday. She knew the Doctor told me not to race. She also knew there wasn't a chance in *&## I'd listen. So she text me five words.

You. Can. Do. Hard. Things.
#wordtomymutha

What are you grateful for today?

"Sail" - AWOLNATION

noreply@blogger.com (Emz) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:20:00 +0000

January has truly sailed by. [dang...so I guess birthday "month" must end]

I am still loving my awesome cookbook:

I have tried four [of course, four] recipes. ;)

But ummmmm, that 4th one . . . . let's just say . . . . I don't recommend cooking at night when you are tired and want nothing more than to go to bed so you can do your long run in the morning.

SOOOOOO tired [and lazy] in fact, that you [think] you turned the oven off [but actually just the convection fan] and you wake up at 4:30 to the smell of fried coconut. Well, more like coconut charcoal.

[this is after they spent two hours outside]

It. was. not. awesome.

The Pita was not impressed. Smoke filled the house. Everything stinks. Clothes. Pillows. My dog. [so gross]

But by mid morning ..... He/We had found the humor in it.

I like to think of my nutritional plan/way of eating as the p90x of eating.

stomach-confusion.

I'm the worst.

One week I'm craving all things meaty.
The next week I'm fueling on all carbs.
Then it's all muscle milk and quest bars.
Followed by "can you eat your weight in Kale" week.

Anyway.....I've been feeling a lot better. Eating a lot "cleaner" even if that means completely changing what I eat from week to week.

In other random news.........

I meant to answer Michelle's question about:

HOW MANY MILES DID I RUN ON MY TREADMILL IN 2012.

I ran: 4,057.44 miles in total

AND

3,021 on my TREADMILL!! So, who won Michelle? [let me know!]

*****

ALSO, not sure if you remember the review I did on 3-DSoles.com - I've been using them ever since and loving them. If your in the market for new CUSTOM insoles - give them a try.

They are offering a 15% discount when you use the code: confusing2013
[love that "confusing" part] ;)

*****

Now, for the question the Pita would like me to ask my fellow running/workout friends.........

"Just HOW freaking many workout shorts/skirts does one treadmill runner need?"
[you can replace treadmill with "outside", "trail", "track"....etc.]

I've been binge buying as of late. Those dang Tuesday morning emails from Lululemon. Killin' me. This purple beauty is one of my favs.

How many running/workout shorts do you own?

be. honest.

[I'll answer tonight --- after I see what kind of company I am in here. ;) ]

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!!

"I'm Sorry" - Blake Shelton

noreply@blogger.com (Emz) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 00:13:00 +0000

Yes, I'm sorry, in advance.

This is probably going to be too long.
AND
This is a bit of a RANT.

I've had this post burning in my brain ever since the day after my birthday.

Because.............

That's when the emails started coming. I deleted a few. I replied to a few. Funny how after I sat and wasted my time writing back........ 3 of the 4 emails [magically] came back "undeliverable", "unknown email", " no recipient". Hmmmmmmmm.

OK.

Let me back up a bit.

As I'm sure 99.99% of you know.

I. love. my. treadmill.

LIKE - I looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooove my treadmill. Ever since I set foot on one for my 24 hour treadmill run, I was sold.

I've trained on one EXCLUSIVELY for 2.5 years. It works for ME.

I often get awesome emails from people asking me:

* what brand of treadmill I run on
* what treadmill I had before I bought my Woodway
* what treadmill I would suggest in a certain price point, etc.

[Let me add I LOVE answering questions, especially treadmill questions, I welcome them.]

To which I do my usual reply......

"I had a NordicTrack Elite XT. I am NOT a fan of the company but the treadmill never did me wrong."

I also get a lot of people asking:

What does Woodway give you for all the plugs you send their way?

Ummmmmmmmm. Nada. Zilch. Zippo. Zero.

I have NO "paids". No sponsors. No kickbacks.

I love their product. I love the company. I love the employees I have spoken to.
I plug them because I believe in their product.

Which is WAY more than I can say for NordicTrack.

Now here's where I get a little feisty.

When people email [not comment but email] me and say:

"I'll take your 36 mile run seriously when you do it outside."
"It's easier on a treadmill"
"You could be a really great runner, if you trained outside"

There were two others that followed the same general subject.

So here are my replies, being that most emails bounced back:

"I did do that little 50 mile Rim 2 Rim 2 Rim run at the Grand Canyon [outside, on a trail] which I trained for on. my. treadmill.

Maybe a "great runner" isn't a 3:18 marathoner - but I'm happy with it.
and
I'll take your outside running a little more seriously when YOU run 36 on a treadmill."

Not sure how the Big Time Running Bloggers do it.
SkinnyRunner
HungryRunnerGirl
ShutUp + Run

I bow down to them. Seriously.

My skin is way too thin. Crap like this irritates me to no end.

If you hate the treadmill or "dreadmill"..... Sweet. Great. Awesome.

I'm not here trying to sway you to run on a moving rubber belt.
If you like the asphalt - awesome.
If you like dirt - sweet.

But seriously, to each their own.

36 Miles. 36 Acts. 36 Years.

noreply@blogger.com (Emz) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 03:13:00 +0000

[sorry one day late --- couldn't get my files to upload :( ]

2013.

I. love. you.

Yes, I know we are only 5 days in but what an awesome 5 days it has been.

Yes, today IS my Birthday.

Yes, I am a HUGE birthday LOVER.

FREAKING HUGE. And my family knows it. ;)

Last year I ran 35 miles on my 35th birthday and loved it.

However................... it felt a little empty.

I know I can run. I know I'm a little crazy on my treadmill.

So this year, I decided to do my "age in miles run" along with my take on Ann Curry's 26ACTS [info here].

But-----------I did 36 miles and 36 ACTS.

I had the best cheerleader ever for the last quarter mile. Freaking love my girl.

And the 36 acts................

So. grateful. I. did. them.

As I AM the one who benefited the most from this.

I won't share each one individually as a few were done for neighbors and acquaintances. Most were done anonymously but some were not.

* Peanut and I dropped of a sweet treat for a neighborhood friend.

* I randomly placed gift cards in books at a local public library.

of course, I HAD to put one in the "marathon training" book. ;)

* One day of being a courteous driver. No honking. Allowing people in front of me in traffic. This may seem like nothing but I'm a rather impatient driver.

* When I stopped to get the Pita his "get ME better now soup" I paid for a persons "to-go" order while I was there [before they had arrived].

* We made banana bread and doorbell ditched them to random neighbors.

* Took Chipotle to a family whose Mom was sick.

* Paid for the McDonald's order behind me in the drive-thru. Bet that guy wishes he had ordered more than a McDouble. [$1.08----do I know how to pick them or what?! ;) ]

* Sent a few dollars to someone I have never met but heard things had been tight [financially] for.

* Gathered carts at a grocery store [only 15-20] when all the carts were out on New Years Eve.

* We left change in all the vending machines we could find around a local mall.

* Left a gift card for my mailman. He rocks.

Some "acts" were bigger than others in time and in cost but looking back on it . . . I certainly enjoyed the completely anonymous ones better.

Now...............WHY DO I SHARE this with you?

ONLY

ONLY

O N L Y...................in the hopes that it will motivate others to do "RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS"

This is now something I will do EVERY year on or around my birthday. It was a BLAST to do a lot of these with my Peanut. It has made her a lot more mindful of just how much one small, small kind act can impact a person's day ---- and more importantly HER day.

Thank you so freaking much for all the awesome comments left for me on "MY DAY" today.

I. am. so. grateful.

Emz

"Ruby Tuesday" - The Rolling Stones

noreply@blogger.com (Emz) — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 15:17:00 +0000

Two Photo Tuesday.

This will literally be the most boring post ever.

However, these two photos [come very close to] summing up one of the best years in my life.

2 0 1 2 .

I know it just LOOKS like a sign and a hand written note but to me there is sooooooooooooo much more going on here. [4's, My Racing Dawn, FREAKING & faith].

And this one...........................
while I am the one being made fun of..........the timing, the place, the skirts, the misspelled words, the fact my Pita was sitting beside me, the love in this photo......brings me to tears just looking at it.

So, once again, I do apologize for anyone reading this.
But I needed this post for me. To remind me of just how freaking awesome this year has been.

Happy. FREAKING. New. Year. Friends.

"My Life" - 50 Cent

noreply@blogger.com (Emz) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 23:28:00 +0000

I.
Am.
F r e a k i n g.
Grateful.

Here is my list of 30 [one for each day in November] things that I am grateful for.

[in no particular order (other than 1 and 2) ;) ].

1.

This guy.
Who totally puts up with his share of crap, mood swings, running, races and more running.

I am BEYOND grateful for MY Pita.

2. Peanut. This girl is all personality ALL of the time. I love her GUTS. And she loves me.......mostly because I know Ron.

3. My parents. They. FREAKING. Rock.

4. My Mother-in-law. I'm incredibly blessed to have an awesome relationship with my MIL. No horror stories here guys.......Well, SHE may have a few about ME.....

5. Having an OLDER brother.

6. My sisters and sister in law.

7. My Woody - what would I do without my dear treadmill?

8. Calculators.

9. Spell check.

10. Pickles.

11. Bad races.

[yes, even this SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUPER bad one]

12. Friends. The awesome ones. The ones that love you despite ALL they know about you.

13. 444

14. The Monster's in my life.

15. Costco. Where else can you eat lunch for free [samples], get car insurance, 96 rolls of toilet paper and see Dwight[my 65 year old in store boyfriend]? word.

16. Washing machines.

17. Bandaids.

18. Emojis. Seriously. Without them.........the true point of my text would never fully be realized.

19. Religion.

20. Second, third and fourth chances.

21. The "Cheerleaders" in my life.

22. Texting.

23. eBay.

24. Handkerchiefs. The only suitable "classy" way to carry two weeks worth of snot --in your pocket.

25. Prayer.

26. Air Conditioning.

27. Love.

28. Non-judgmental people.

29. Google.

30. t o d a y.

"Grand Canyon" - Sister Hazel * Rim 2 Rim 2 Rim Run *

noreply@blogger.com (Emz) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 21:27:00 +0000

Well, yesterday I sat and stared at the blinking cursor on my computer screen. Too many thoughts and ideas rushed in at once.

I want so badly to remember EVERY moment of this run, on this day, of my life.

AND . . . . I don't want to reduce this experience to "just another long run". However, I'm way to sarcastic to really write what I want to sometimes. But no matter what I write. . . . . . . . . the words will be inadequate.

Friday morning I headed to Cottonwood to meet up with my nephew and his wife. His wife's family were the ones who organized this run. They've gone for the past 4 years on this same weekend every year. They had tried to get me to go last year but for a whole bunch of reasons I didn't go.

Truth be told - I'm not a fan of "hiking". It feels like a slow death to me.
Every
step
feels
like
12
steps
when
I'm
walking.

So this is why I knew I'd only ever do this Rim/Rim/Rim thing if I could run A LOT of it. The good news was.......half of the attending 10 people were planning to run most of it. So, I said, "sign me up!"

They stopped at Taco Bell. I'm not so much a Taco Bell fan as I am a Taco Sauce fan. Like I can eat 15 packets straight from the little pouches. [And I did win the TB sauce drinking contest in college [78 packets]...............heck ya, I'm wild & crazy. ;) ] The one I got Friday.......................I loved:

Then we hit the road. Windows down. Headed to the GC. Then I noticed Mrs. J.R. hadn't shaved in a while. ;)

Love her.

We got to Mather Campsite. Set up. Started unpacking.......hmmmmm, where's my bladder? If you ever ask this question.........make sure you are around a lot of runners.

Camelbak - check
Camelbak bladder - holy crap no. [and I didn't have the band that snaps around my waist either]

$39.00 later - I got my bladder inserted, filled & ready to roll. [no waist belt though - they don't sell those, uggg].

Dinner was a super yummy mac-n-cheese [homemade]. Cheese & I usually don't play nicely together though so I went pretty light on dinner.

Truth: I only knew the people I drove up with [which wouldn't be the people I'd most likely be around tomorrow]. The R2R2R-runners were in another car. Four guys. Two had just run ST. George in 3:00 & 3:06. I could feel my competitive nature slowly creeping in. ;)

But for now............I needed information. Trails, water stations, input, ideas, suggestions...............ANYTHING. As minutes ticked by I was beginning to realize and understand something I should have asked A LOT earlier............I was 99% sure I'd be running S-O-L-O. Like the whole time. Their plan was to go out at a steady clip from the start.

My plan? Not to die. Not to fall over the edge, especially in the dark. I have only run one time using a head lamp and that was for Ragnar last February. This would be my 3rd trail run - IN MY LIFE - first ever in the dark. So, I would not be doing 7 minute miles down to Indian Gardens. No, thank you.

We started down at 4:30am. As soon as I get the photo from them, I'll post it [and the North rim photo----as I'm told you have to have those photos as evidence.] HA!! as if my feet, shin, knee and walk isn't enough to "prove" it. ;)

And within 1 mile ------ I was running alone.

It was creepy. I did NOT like it. I tried to be aware of my surroundings but that usually ended up making me trip. At mile 1.5 I saw my first set of eyes from a bunch of bushes [deer?! I don't know, but I saw four sets of eyes from mile 1.5 - 4.5]

Right before mile four this happened.

I was so mad. I know it looks wimpy, but it was bleeding pretty good. More of the damage was done to a toe on my left foot.....completely lifted the nail bed off.

Anyway.......huge panic attack at [I think] mile 5. I didn't recall them saying anything about crossing streams. I freaked. I pulled my phone out --- just in case AT&T had decided to drop a new cell line in the GC----nada. Yes, I cried. Yes, it was lame. Yes, I almost waited for the people behind me to catch up [about 20 minutes]. I think it was the darkness more than anything. I took a deep breath said a NOT SO SILENT prayer and kept on running. As I was running, I realized I didn't fill my water as I was supposed to at Indian Gardens but in my panic mode state, I hadn't used but maybe 8 oz of my 70 oz I was carrying. So, I would be fine until I reached Phantom Ranch.

One mile from Phantom Ranch I saw my very first human beings. Two 50+ ish men. I was soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo happy to see them. I thought I should have been to Phantom by now so it was nice to be able to ask how much further away it was. They told me, "less than one mile". Then asked if he could ask/tell me something...............

Man #1: you should not be out here alone.
Me: Ya, probably not. It's my first time.
Man #2: I don't care if it's your first or fifth, you should not be out here alone.
Me: ahhh, ok, noted
Man #1: and you are bleeding
Me: Ya think?! [Just kidding I was nice...I said]... yes, running in the dark is not my speciality.

So after I finished talking to Downer #1 & #2 ---- I was sooooooooooooo happy. The sun had risen, Phantom was WAY close and I could see without any stupid head gear.

Crossed the beautiful Silver Bridge [I'd like to note ---- running in Hoka's on THIS bridge is a FREAKING blast. I felt like each leg was a pogo stick - I caught myself smiling ear to ear]...... and into Phantom I went. I filled up my water, put my head lamp away & realized.................I had not yet eaten anything. So, I used the toilet [only because it actually flushed = awesome], washed my hands [with soap-awesome], grabbed some shot blocks, cleaned my wound a bit and took off.

This stretch of trail was one of my MOST favorites.

I was SO grateful to BE alone here, on this stretch of trail.

*DRAMA-WARNING*

[Ahhhhh, I'm crying as I type this.]
I, now, realize why some of you are so drawn to the trail. This stretch was so spiritual to me. To be alone. Completely, 100%, alone. I could only hear the river rushing beside me. No voices, no music. Just my breathing, my feet crunching the rocky trail and the amazing sound of that water. I was completely taken back. There was no pain from my shin or toe or ego. ;) I just remember thinking there's 38 miles more to go - followed by an immediate feeling of pure JOY & happiness.

At mile 13 - I just started cracking up. No I was not delierious/delusional. My phone just started blowing up from my backpack.

bing. bing.
fat guy in a little coat
this is your ringtone it's on my iphone
train whistles
old phone

[these mentioned above are ringtone sounds associated with some of my BEST friends and family members].

It made me so happy. I didn't stop to look at the texts. I just ran while listening to the sound of all the thoughtful people who had taken the time to wish me well, hope I had cell service, telling me to rock it, that they were praying for me, to push hard and THAT....................."I've. FREAKING. GOT. This." I was beaming.

Until around mile 16 I had my second group of men tell me I should not be doing this alone and "where is your running partner?". ugggg. go away.

Mile 18 it started getting hot. High was only 91*. The weather really was perfect in EVERY WAY. Just when I'd get hot the trail would turn and I'd be in shade. It was incredible. I stayed in the exact outfit the whole time. At mile 20, I heard, "Emily?" Looked up to see one of the guys the Pita works with [different office/same company]. I stopped and chatted with him for a few minutes. Just so he could say all the things you'd expect..... "both ways?", "one day?", "seriously?", "you are nuts", "Harder or easier than your 24 hour treadmill run?" I answered all questions but that last one.

About two miles from the top I saw one of the guys from my "group" & a guy with an Ironman tattoo. In an effort to take my mind off things I started asking him all sorts of IM questions. His favorite IM? Which ones he had done? Then......"How does this compare to an IM?" To which he replied, "this is harder than I thought it would be but I'll let you know at the south rim". [never saw him after the north rim though booo!] This last part up to the North rim. It's. Not. Awesome. This is the only time I cussed. I looked at Mr. IM and said, "this last little bit is just BAT SH*T crazy!" And I apparently, said it too loud as many turned around laughing. Ya, ya, I'm here all wee.....errrrr day! It's a whole lot of climbing in a small distance. I kept my pace pretty steady but I was panting something fierce. Loved it. With about 1/4 to go I caught up to a few more in my group who's words were, "Emily? Is THAT you?" To which I replied, "Why the shock in your voice?" [then, I winked and I may have passed him].

NORTH RIM.

I got to the North rim in 6:08. I was happy. WAY happy. I felt my pace was just right. I didn't feel knackered. I didn't rush. I truly felt I was enjoying myself. Stopping when I wanted/needed but for running alone - I felt I was pushing myself pretty good too.

The water wasn't "on" at the NR but there was a car there from our group with a few gallons of water.

[ohhhhhhhhhhhh yaaaaaaaaa, want to see that super lame face upclose.....]

[what am I doing with my face?]
Anyway.............

I grabbed my bagel, a new CLEAN pair of socks and started to get my backpack on. I knew I needed to keep on keeping on........I wasn't about to stop and eat a full meal there. So after about 10 minutes I left the north rim..........ALONE. IM boy wished me well.... as well as the others from my group.

[best sign ever.]

I was told to take the downhill conservatively from the North. GREAT advice. My quads were already on fire. As it turns out the 13 miles from the north rim to Phantom are almost entirely downhill [with a few good rollers]. It was beautiful but it was starting to get warm. I had saved my best "fuel" for Phantom. Bagel with peanut butter and Nutella. Seriously. Tasted. Like. Heaven.

I hit my special cell phone service area yet again - - where my phone did not disappoint. The bells, ringing & sounds came from my backpack again & it was just what I needed to get me through those toasty, sandy miles.

Chatted with a father/son running duo around mile 43, who also told me off for being/running alone. They were actually super nice. The father insisted I take a "BIG COLOSSAL PROTEIN BAR" from him because, "it has 400 calories and 30 something grams of protein....which even a Blondie like you needs". I informed him that my hair was totally light brown not blonde but that I'd take the freaking protein bar if he'd admit I was doing pretty ok out here on my own.

He agreed.
Andddddddddd my backpack now weighed like a pound extra. awesome.

When I saw the sign saying "3 miles to the south rim". I decided it was ok to pull my phone out and alert the troops. I should have taken a screen shot of my phone.

I am one VERY blessed woman.

52 texts.
6 phone calls.
3 voice mails.

one very grateful ME.

A few of the awesome texts from MY RD.

And some super hilarious texts from my Mom. She "gets" me for sure. She wanted to make sure I was "chicking" guys on the way out of the canyon. Loved. That.

And
My
FREAKING
husband and daughter................................ they came.

They drove 4.5 hours just to see "nuts" me.

[yes, peanut drew this with her finger on the iPad while she was waiting for me]

So that I wouldn't have to step out of that canyon to a bunch of strangers but rather the two very most important people in my freaking life.

I could hear them calling out " GO EM!" & "GO MOM GO!" I couldn't breath. Tears were already falling. Then....... I saw them.

Both of them with their hands in the air yelling. I started to run. Which was unbelievable because I didn't run ONE step of the prior 4 miles.

Now, walking the final steps:

now. THIS. this. moment. WAS. heavenly.
if not, ACTUALLY, h e a v e n.

This was an incredible day.

I WILL do this again. No doubt.
Because I know I can do this sub 12. ;)

Anddddddddddddddddddddddddddd more importantly..............

The Pita thinks I can do it sub 11.

He may be right. He may be crazy.

but....................... I freaking love that he is constantly pushing me - constantly supporting me and my goals. blessed for sure.

On the "must do" meter.

It's a 10. You have to do this. Way better than Man Against Horse and I LOVED that race. This is unlike anything else.

A few random facts:

7 - number of deer seen
1 - number that flew down the trail about 8" beside me.
1 - number of potty breaks - not good.
5 - number of times I refilled my Camelbak
2 - hours spent running in the dark
2 - number of shot block bars consumed
1 - number of gu's consumed
2 - number of PB bagels consumed [1 with nutella]
1 - snickers PB bar eaten
2 - number of Larabars eaten
3 - number of falls during above mentioned 2 hours
1 - number of lost toenails
4 - number of blisters
0 - minutes spent listening to my iPod - NEVER turned it on. Not once.
2 - times I knowingly talked to myself
3.5 - miles spent in company of others [like walking/running with others I knew or didn't know]
180 - number in fluid ounces I consumed within 1 hour of stopping
8 - number in minutes it took me to consume the burrito the Pita had for me in the car

What would I do without my Pita?
I often tell him . . . .

but since I can't today . . . . . .

Happy Anniversary To MY Pita.

14 freaking years.
WFGT.

"Fly By Night" - Rush

noreply@blogger.com (Emz) — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 19:47:00 +0000

So last night was like the BEST night ever.

Why? Two reasons.

1. Modern Family was on

t h e n

2. ANOTHER Modern Family was on. And I sooooooooooo love this lady:

My favorite Phil-ism from last night......

"When life gives you lemonade make lemons....and LIFE will be ALL like.... Whaaaaaat?"

Now a few not so interesting random facts / thoughts. . . . . .

1. I'm not a big TV watcher.

2. I SUCK at sitting down.

3. I 4% blame my super sweet LOOKING but super uncomfortable modern couch.

4. I don't enjoy reading. [book recommendations? I wanted a book for our recent trip to Kauai . . . . I asked the employee restocking the books at Costco . . . . she handed me this:

[no judgement......but no thank you, that book..... just not for me.]

5. I'd much rather fall off mountains than sit and relax.

6. I'm a little concerned about falling down the Grand Canyon in 8 days. [pretty sure there won't be any guava trees to stop my sliding. And I know there won't be a Pita present to literally push my bum back onto the trail.]

6.5 Waimea Canyon - Hawaii's version of the Grand Canyon

.......still don't want to fall down that.

7. I'd collect cups/glasses if I had more storage space. I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE cups. [this was for you Dawn]

8. Pretty sure "anonymous" should not be allowed on blogspot. He's/She's freaking mean.

9. While I DOOOOOOOOOO 100% realize a treadmill PR does not equal a real PR

......I'm still happy.[If I'm doing the math right...it's a 3:13-3:14 due to the incline]

10. The Pita brings his middle finger with him everywhere. Even to Kauai.

Turns out - he brings it where ever I'm holding/have access to a camera.

freaking. love. his. guts.

** So book recommendations? Please? **

** Do you find it easy to relax/unwind? **

** What's your favorite way to unwind?" **

Arctic Zero Review

noreply@blogger.com (Emz) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 00:54:00 +0000

It is said, somethings are just too good to be true.

I'll be honest. That was my first thought when I saw these cute little pints of ice cream labeled "Arctic Zero" on the shelf in my local grocery store.

150 calories? I was thinking......sure.......per BITE! Nope. The whole dang PINT!

So I bought it. {Mint Chocolate}
Instant. LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE.

Then, the best thing ever happened.

This:

arrived at my door.

Christmas. In. September.

Immediately, Peanut had something to say:

Here is how the conversation went-

Me: I am going to eat this whole PINT of ice cream!
Peanut: You are so weird.
Me: Well, it's healthy it has protein!
Peanut: Can I have some?
Me: no freaking way.
Peanut: Yup, you totally win "selfless mom of the year". *Resumes TV show*

That's my girl.

It didn't take me long [about 7.44 minutes] before I got going on this one.....

I am a pumpkin girl.
This was amazing. By far my favorite of all of them.

So how do they do it?

The secret to its insanely low-calorie contents is monk fruit. Hmmm…never heard of it?
I hadn't either.
So I did what I always do.......Hello Google. Monk fruit is a natural sweetener from China and yes, I think I'll be buying stock it that, super soon.

I tried them all. [seriously, rough work] ;)

I got a little creative with a few . . . this was BLISS!

And this was a little piece of heaven:

I have used it on my Pumpkin Protein Cakes I make......incredible.

Then, just today I tried it [vanilla maple] in my smoothie.
best. idea. yet.

You can check out their Facebook page here.
Their Twitter feed here.

This amazing product can be found at:
KROGER STORES, DILLON'S, KING SOOPERS, FRYS, FRED MEYERS, RALPHS, QFC and SMITHS!

or online at AMAZON. [here].

Sooooooooooooo you guessed it........

..............it gets 5 out of 5 pickles from me.

My only wish?

NEED A PICKLE FLAVOR!!

* Have any of you tried this?
*what is YOUR favorite ice cream flavor?

"That's Not My Name" - The Ting Tings

noreply@blogger.com (Emz) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 21:20:00 +0000

Tangent Tuesday.

Emily.

While it IS my name. [and on a side note.....I do love my name.]

I do not like it when the Pita calls me by my [REAL] name. When he says it, is sounds painful. Like it's hurting his mouth to say it.

em ILL lee.

I'm pretty sure proper names go by the wayside in romantic relationships.

I rarely, if ever, call the Pita by his given name.

It's always: [no laughing]

Pita
dude [when it's serious] ;)
butt chunk [time & place people -- time & place]
babe
fob
Kiwi Boy
and mostly by our last name. That's what his work people call him and it's stuck with me.

He showers me with similar names:

babe
blogstitute
Woody girl [Woodway]
S.A.
running freak
Em

......all of the above make me smile and or laugh.

I can name on my hands the times he has called me "Emily" in almost 14 years. And it makes me squirm.

We had two offenses in TWO days?!!?

Pita: How far did you run?
Me: [mumble, mumble] thhhhrdy
Pita: um what? Did you say thirty?
Me: [silent]
Pita: em ILL lee. That's just dumb.

And the next one was pretty much just because he had forgotten how much I hate it when he calls me by name that........he found a way to do it again.

he's. just. awesome. like. that.

Who is this man calling me by my name?
Who is this person calling me by the name EVERYONE else does?

Guy who mans the Costco door knows me by name = awesome.
Mailman = works for me
A few employees at Trader Joe's = you bet cha

The Pita = no.

no, thank you.

Am I alone on this?

Does your boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife/significant other call you by your REAL name?

"Back In Time" - Pitbull

noreply@blogger.com (Emz) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 23:33:00 +0000

Let's go back in time a bit.

Since my blogging has been as less than awesome these days......lots to catch up on.

By. The. Numbers.

[running stuff]

* 374 - miles I ran in August.

* 370 - miles done on the treadmill

* 26.23 - distance of longest run this month.

* 38 - days until I get to do Rim - to - Rim - to - Rim.

* 46 - [ish] miles of above said run.

* 1 - mile I ran on old Ed - before I said my farewell to him.

[nothing says, "I'm taking this run seriously" like wearing jeans.]

[Pita/Peanut stuff]

* 100 - percent chance we will reenact this photo when we are there.

Pita better start hitting the gym more frequently. She's not 3 any more Pita.

* 24 - bottles of water she probably damaged in isle 11.

"Mom, I'm walking on water." nice, Peanut, nice.

* 690 - amount in dollars spent at "Ocean Club" for a group of four.

I'm going to go with "worth it". Mostly, because I didn't have to pay it. ;)

[life stuff]

* 98 - percent chance I'll be on Pinterest each night reading quotes like this one:

and this one:

L O V E.

[MY Parent's - stuff]

* 3 - number of days until my parent's 50th Anniversary.

* 1 - number of days after their wedding this photo was taken:

* 3 - buttons on my Mom's above jacket that I'd kill for!!

* 5 - minutes spent cracking up and what my Mom told me to buy her for her anniversary......

[.....ya, I'll get right on that GOLDEN Anniversary Apple Corer right away.] holy crap.

QUESTIONS:

1. Do YOUR parents [AND OR family members] do this to you?

2. What have they said they wanted for a birthday/anniversary gift that made your eyes roll?

"L-O-V-E" - Nat "King" Cole

noreply@blogger.com (Emz) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 20:19:00 +0000

Anyone seen this commercial?

I teared up instantly. [I know, shock value = zero]

but.............

it's. freaking. awesome.

To all the spouses/partners out there who keep us GOING.

Happy Wednesday.

"Ain't That Peculiar" - Marvin Gaye

noreply@blogger.com (Emz) — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 21:28:00 +0000

Like ~~874~~ .....ok fine, 8 days ago an awesome KIWI blogger tagged me.

And I do anything a New Zealander asks me to.

I was tagged to answer 11 random things about me. But..........I added 3 because I like 14 better. Sorry. I never did follow rules well.

Let's DO IT:

Her questions for me:

1. Jogging on the spot at the red lights - good or pathetic?

*pathetic - mind you, I'm a treadmill girl.

2. What is your best running moment?

*24 hour treadmill run

3.What gets you into blogging? Do you get inspired to run more by other bloggers?

*lately....getting tagged. ;) I do get inspired by other bloggers, for sure.

4. What is your favorite running blog and why?

*Seriously too many. I know that's lame but it's true.

5.What do you carry on you when you run?

*In training - nada.
*On races - gu, watch, gum

6. If time is not an issue,would you prefer to run in hot or cold weather? Rain or shine? Day or night?

*I'd say cold even though I dislike cold, I sweat like crazy. LOVE the rain. And day - for sure.

7. What is your favourite dessert?

*Carrot cake

8. What are your short-term running goals?

*yikes . . . . . I'm doing my first R2R2R at the Grand Canyon in October, does that count?

9. How do you reward yourself after a long hard run?

*Pickles - then Mexican food

10. Do you try to eat healthy most of the week and how do you do it?

*Yes, for sure. I work from home so I really have no excuse for bad eating.

11. Name one really good movie you have watched recently and why?

*Watched "Sliding Doors"- way old but I found it in our collection. Love that movie. Reminds me that life happens in the little decisions we make.......not the huge ones.

My +3

1. I'm a self check-out girl. Doesn't matter if I buying 2 items or 222 items. I like to bag my own items, in my own freaking way. Type A? me? never.

2. I have a huge obsession with the number 4. But more importantly, 444.
No, I'm not into numerology. Just carries a big meaning to me.

3. I have words I hate. YES. H A T E. not dislike. not that bother me....but HATE.
The worst offender . . . . . I can't even write. But anyone who knows me knows the WORD.

I can almost dry heave just thinking about it.

***************************************************

Do YOU have A word?

"One By One" - Foo Fighters......And I've BEEN TAGGED!

noreply@blogger.com (Emz) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 18:22:00 +0000

Thank you Jesica, from RunOnOrganic for tagging me!

The Liebster Award is given to upcoming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. {HOWEVER, many that I will tag below have way more than 200 followers .....contradictory to the award description, but I wanted to send you some love anyways!}

The meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.

Rules for receiving this award:

1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
2. Then answer the questions the tagger sent for them, plus create 11 questions for the people they’ve tagged to answer.
3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.
4. Notify the people you have tagged.
5. No tag backs. ;)

MY 11 things:

1. I work from home/run my own business. I LOVE MY JOB.
2. I buy then re-sell designer clothing/purses
3. Favorite food - sushi
4. I hate MAKING salads ......but love eating them.
5. I don't wear any rings other than my wedding ring. I love my wedding ring.......even more than my treadmill. ;)
6. I worked at a jewelry store in college.
7. I am addicted to Costco.
8. I have been to 9 different countries.
9. I am BUSTING to move to Oregon.
10. While I've always loved my name, if I could change it......I'd change it to Savannah. {Anyone else see "Savannah Smiles" growing up?}
11. I vacuum my house 3 times a week. I hate dirty floors.

Jesica's Questions for Me:
1. What gets you up in the morning?
- - My Run. [and Jimmy Fallon {here} ]
2. Who is your favorite professional athlete?
- - LoLo Jones
3. What is your favorite US state?
- - Well.....of the ones I've visited: OREGON
4. Beach or mountains?
- - BEACH
5. Day or night?
-- DAY
6. Favorite item in your refrigerator/pantry?
- - Muscle Milk -- addicted
7. What would your last meal be?
- - Mammoth sized burger & mashed potatoes and gravy
8. When do you feel the most alive (doing what)?
- - during a hug. I'm a hugger.
9. Lover or a fighter?
- - 95% lover, 5% fighter
10. Favorite musician/band?
- - holy crap.....too many!! ok, ok....over-all....Foo, Rush, DuranDuran. For running Jay Z.
11. Outfit of choice?
- - Current Elliott jeans, White V-neck, Moari necklace, bracelets, VeraWangLavender ....heels

MY questions for you 11 people [below]

1. Favorite social media? Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.
2. Favorite post workout meal?
3. Clean the house or do yard work?
4. Favorite gift you've ever received?
5. Do you look most like your mom or dad?
6. If you could go any where in the world - where would you go?
7. Workout alone or with a group?
8. Favorite song at the moment?
9. Three qualities of your best friend.
10. Favorite Olympic event?
11. Why did you start blogging?

People I AM TAGGING:

1. Chris - my partner in Foo crime. @ Evolving through Running
2. Gracie - she's wicked FAST. @ How I Complicated My life Today.
3. Dawn - because she'll have to blog again ONE day, right? Racing Dawn
4. Petra - she's awesome. @ Run. Petra. Run
5. Nelly - complete rock star...always good info on the blog. @ Nelly On The Run
6. A @ Diary Of An Average Runner Just did her 9th marathon, ya, not "average" at all.
7. Bobbi - one of the kindest people I've never actually met. @ Zero to 26.2
8. Mandi - my AZ Ragnar girl. @ Mandi Runs.
9. Adena - FLH - @ She Said I Needed A Goal.
10. The girl with the cutest little family ever . . Micki Runs
11. Christine - so happy I found her through Instagram @ Dream Big Runner

Happy. Thursday. Friends!!

"Anything Like ME" - Brad Paisley

noreply@blogger.com (Emz) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 17:42:00 +0000

Holy. crap. it's. August.

Here are some numbers for you . . . .

7 - days until Peanut goes back to school

100 - percent freaked I was that she wanted Vans. I wore Vans in 7th grade.

48 - dollars of her own money she spent on a sweet pair of MINT Vans.

7 - the grade she'll be in.

47 - the age I feel having a 12 year old.

100 - percent happy I was when I realized my monthly running number for July.

0 - percent chance I'll beat that number again this year

6 - days the Pita has me running per week.

2.75 - hours I spent in the "chair" yesterday [total time suck]

96 - miles I'll be scheduling to run this year in honor of this guy "Staub"

6 - days until my old "ed" [treadmill] goes to his new home.

11 - miles run this morning [RR]

26 - minutes I watched the Today show

1 - minute they spent talking about this cool link:

[which athlete are you like?]

My "match" . . . . .

Hanna Yaroshchuk

400M hurdles runner.

Love it!!

Go to the link . . .

who are you most "like"?

Happy. Hump. Day!!

What's you favorite OLYMPIC Sport?

PlanetGear -- Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Emz) — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 18:36:00 +0000

Head on over to my other blog [here] to see the winner.

Happy Monday!

$40 PlanetGear GIVEAWAY!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Emz) — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 21:52:00 +0000

Who doesn't love a ~~good~~ GREAT giveaway?!?!

Click

here

to

enter!!

"Show Me" - Usher

noreply@blogger.com (Emz) — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 18:47:00 +0000

Ten. Things. Tuesday.

1. It's [getting] hot here in the 602.

2. Which means..........I'm kinda wishing I could do this every day

[Huge thank you to Lesley for the freaking awesome shirt.]

3. Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut instead Peanut took me shopping yesterday for "Mom shorts" [insert huge "GAG" here.]

SFAM $180 shorts that I paid $17. Still. freaking. ugly. [92% of the reason WHY I wear workout clothes all day long.]

4. They sell these at Costco now?

Peanut: Mom, you got a treadmill......can I get this?
Me: notafreakingchanceever

5. Best grocery trip ever [yesterday].

I totally planned it.

6. This ridiculous blurp was on this morning.

Any one else see this? "Six weeks to OMG", ya, I'm NOT a fan. [here]

7. It was my "half birthday" last week. [ya, I even forgot]

He. freaking. rocks.

8. Anddddddddddddddd did I mention . . . . . [from yesterday]

Love. Him.

9. Who really does what they "pin" on Pinterest anyway?

Ummmmmmmm. Peanut. [& co]

10. Seriously cute, no?

[hair pin] . . . made out of the Pita's suit pants......that. he. ripped. the. bum. open. on. WHILE. at. work. yesterday.

Peanut. was. stoked.

**************************************

So did anyone else see that clip on the Today Show this morning?

Thoughts?

"Where Have You Been" - Rihanna

noreply@blogger.com (Emz) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 23:48:00 +0000

Today has been a w e s o m e.

Don't mind me. I'm just smiling ear to ear as I type.

Yesterday, I received this:

So [of course] today I HAD to test in out on the long run.

Seriously --- awesome.

Click here to check out her amazing designs. Anddddddd by the way, the second that "Bubblegum 011" comes out . . . . watch out! ;)

"Look Good, Run Faster" ----- I am SOLD!!

On the cooking/nutrition front:

I found Carisse on Instagram. Loved her receipes and they got my creative juices flowing. [I know, this is dangerous]

But after many trials I found MY perfect muffin.

AMAZING!!!!

Recipe:
[makes 6 LARGE muffins [125 calories in each large one] or 10 smaller-ish ones]

29oz canned pumpkin
2 scoops protein powder [the one I have is GF and approx 100 cal/scoop]
3 egg whites beaten
1/2T cinnamon
1/3 Cup Splenda

Mix it all up.
I sprinkle a few chopped pecans on top before baking.
Throw the babies in the oven for 40 minutes at 350*

When baked but not cool yet........I take a fork and drizzle a little natural peanut butter on top. It almost melts on top like butter.

Now the important part.

Just. add. the. pickle.

AwwwwwwwwwwwwtotheheckYa.

Happy. Friday!

"Hot Blooded" - Foreigner

noreply@blogger.com (Emz) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 23:15:00 +0000

By the numbers . . . .

4 - days spent at the AZ Volleyball Festival last week.

25 - number of hours spent watching Peanut play volleyball.

4 - number of [full out] blocks she had

7 - number of aces

4 - number of nights she was asleep by 8:30pm

2 - number of old volleyball coaches of mine I ran into.

4 - number of times I passed by my old stomping grounds [from the 24 hour run]

I'm used to this:

0 - number of treadmills I saw outside the studio ...wierd

100 - percent chance there will be another 24 hour treadmill run.

321 - number in dollars to replace one freaking tire on my car.

2 - the number of Hokas I wish I'd have bought with above mentioned funds. The "NEW" Hokas = LOVE.
[photos a la Peanut---this was an awesome 20 minutes . . . . I'll have to post the even worse & more hilarious photos one day]

2 - number of hours spent at Costco today.

3 - actual costco items purchased.

1 - number of ELATED daughters I have who will now be wearing contacts.

2 - number of worried parents the above mentioned daughter now has.

100 - percent chance she somehow looks even more beautiful now.

1 - additional guns the Pita will probably purchase [he'll say it's due to the above].

0 - ideas as to WHAT to buy the Pita for his BIG "40" coming up this month.

HELP!

What do I buy the Pita for the big 40?!?

"Lights" - Ellie Goulding

noreply@blogger.com (Emz) — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 17:58:00 +0000

Two things Tuesday.

Because I have like TWO seconds to do a post. BUT . . . .

Two of the freaking best things EVER!!!!

1. I received the FREAKING best visor in the mail . . .

See, I told you. I'm a HUGE PRR fan. If only I was sweet enough to be a racing member . . One day Emz, One day [when I'm dead]. You can buy one here: [click]

I posted the picture on Instagram [linking to Twitterati]

So of course Mr ~~[treadmills suck]~~ J-Moo had to chime in. rude. but I may have ~~laughed~~ given him the bird.

From today's run. In the visor.
See HOW bright that screen is J-moo? It's a NEED.

2. Peanut. Freaking love her guts. We had one of the sweetest convesations ever yesterday. [I may post about it one day . . . but . . . . not today.]

She stayed at a friend's place last night - - - so this morning we were texting.

Freaking love that kid.

* * * * * *

What two things are making you smile today?

WWW - Wiggity Wack Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Emz) — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 20:29:00 +0000

Wednesday's are always wack around my place. Not really sure why. It's probably just that "hump day" thinking [....seriously, I'm only HALF way through this week?]

This week has been fun. Peanut has been in an additional volleyball camp for an extra 3 hours each morning.

She's loving it.

I've been going to the gym more frequently due to the location & time of her camp. It's a different LA Fitness than we usually go to which I LOVE.....mostly.

People are WAY more chatty at this location which is a + and a -.

My favorite comments from this morning:

* how long you going to stay on there? [treadmill]
* you sweat a lot
* are you training for something?

* what's punk rock racing?
* didn't we used to go to the same church? [holy crap, hadn't see that guy in 6 years]
* did you get your abs from running?

[this is with earphones on]. . . .

but the people were super nice [minus the guy who seemed really put off by my sweatfest]

.......seriously.

And starting tomorrow morning . . .

there will be no more need for this set-up:

[yes, "crazy, stupid love" a top five favorite of mine......and his abs may be as well]

Because the Woodway & that TV is getting "the hopper" - the hoppa? The HOPPA!

Happy WWW!

************************************

WHAT'S the weirdest, most random thing anyone has ever said to you before at the gym?

"Back In Time" - Pitbull

noreply@blogger.com (Emz) — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 23:02:00 +0000

So I know we all wish the weekends would be a ~~little~~ a lot longer 99.9% of the time . . .

.....last weekend was no exception.

It was a blast.

Peanut's big 12th birthday celebration . . . .

Started at 3pm Friday.

Ended 9:30pm Saturday.

So. Much. Fun. seriously.

The "pre" work . . .

miles, cakes, dog bath

The party "favors"

Each girl received a towel with her name on it & a pair of shoes to decorate.

Then the fun began . . . .

Swimming, games & tons of treats.

The game was a HUGE hit.

Each group of three had five minutes to make a dress.

h i l a r i o u s !

Then with toilet paper . . .

Then the cake . . .

It was truly a party to remember.
Can honestly say this was my favorite party Peanut has ever had! [and it was a sleepover, I know, crazy] ;)

They were still going strong the next morning. [on limited sleep, I must mention]

And they decorated their shoes. I wish I would have thought to take the photo of all the shoes before they left. So freaking creative these 12 year olds!

Anddddddddddddd
note to self: have a birthday party for myself to score some major muuuulaaaaa!

We only had one party pooper the whole weekend . . . .

. . . . the nine pound rat . . . . . not the 275 pound Pita.

Happy 12th Birthday to my sweet Peanut.