WIND BLOWN!

OMG It is officially fall in Las Vegas, NV. I woke up and thought I was ready to head out at 6:45 this morning but then I opened the door and BURRRR it was freezing. I had to go back upstairs and pull out my jackets. The wind was so strong I want to say it really slowed me down this morning. My pace picked up in the last two miles but damn it was cold. On the plus side I can tell that i'm breathing better while i'm out there running. Also, I didn't have to make an emergency pit stop. I went straight through my 4 miles. Felt great and my pace is getting better after each run. As long as that happens i'm really happy with my results.

So I need to update you all on the latest haps. Yesterday i didn't post because I was exhausted after Monday. Running 6 miles and two hours of softball made for a great Monday. Yes, so I played my first games with my new softball team "Beer30". Which i'm not sure what that means other than everyone is over 30 and likes to drink beer? Well, i'm on a great team...everyone is amazing and I think I had pretty good days with them. I'm playing 2nd base which for me has been a while since I've been that involved on a softball team.

Monday was insane. I left an hour before my game realizing that I needed to buy some cleats. So what do I do but hit my favorite NIKE Factory Outlet. I found the best cleats they were half size larger but they were only $4.99. My socks cost more than the cleats. I can't believe how much of a fan I have become of Nike. I never really thought I would be such a label whore but hey I really like their products. This morning I ran in my Nike Structure TriaxII shoes; Nike sports bra; Nike head band gear; Nike FitDry jacket and of course my Nike+. Damn, i'm a NIKE BIG GIRL RUNNER. If only they would really pay attention to regular people using their gear. But You should check out your local Nike Factory Outlet. I have found some great deals. It may take a visit or two before you catch some deals so be patient.

Okay, enough with the soap box. Tonight I have volleyball practice and it's time for me to be on my way to work. Lots to do!

Get your RUN ON BABY!!

TOOTLES...

OUCH!

This morning was hard to run. Which is interesting because I ran a better pace. And my Nike+ gave me another message from Joan Benoit Samuelson. She congratulated me on making a new best 1 mile time. I didn't know who she was until I started playing with the Nike+ options on ITunes.

It seems that Nike+ started putting together some training albums with Lance Armstrong, Joan Benoit, Serena Williams, Kara Goucher and Alberto Salazar. Now, there are comments on these albums and it seems for the serious runners Lance and Serena mixes are the best to consider purchasing. Even though they are over a year old i'm still considering buying one to help me with my training. When I have more time I will be checking them out. But if you need more training material to help you out for your IPOD Nano check out ITunes. To find it on ITunes store click on Music then scroll down to the left side of the screen for More To Explore and click on Nike Sport Music. That's where you can find them.

Anyhow, I hope all is well for everyone. I finished my 3.55 miles this morning and am scheduled to run 4 miles tomorrow. I am so tired...but i'm going to push through it.

Hope everyone had a great weekend.

TOOTLES...

HAPPY SUNDAY!!

I was so pushing to run a 10k this morning and missed the f'in boat. Talk about disappointed. But I should be happy with a 15.43 mile week...at least that's good news. That's my goal 15+ miles a week. We can do this. I need to keep that goal up to be ready for my first half marathon.

Thats right...I really haven't shared that news with y'all. Once thought to be a commitment phoebe (yes, i'm talking about myself) I made a commitment to the Las Vegas Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon. I mean really! Like I said before, it's not about making an amazing time it's about finishing it.

Well, i'm wipped out this morning and I running late to my softball practice. BTW Volleyball was fun on Friday except that we have yet to actually win a game. But that's what happens when you play with strangers. It takes a while to come together.

TOOTLES...

HEARD FROM LANCE ARMSTRONG!

KICKED SOME BUTT today! I am so siked today after running for 1:04 I completed 5.86 miles. At times while running I felt like I was practically walking but according to my pace I kept it up pacing at 10:55. For me my goal is to always be under 11 minute miles but it's hard sometimes. And taking on more distance tends to really slow you down. I'm so excited now I think i'm going to try a 10k this weekend. Now for those of you that are new to my blog know that the longest I've run before is 9.3 miles my pace sucked for that 10k but the important thing to me was that I could do the distance. All you speed junkies go ahead and pass me up. I have no worries and my feelings won't be hurt. I know that i'm out there to compete against myself. Although it does feel good to know you aren't the last person coming in. But anyhow, i'm on a role with my training.

My Nike+ was even so impressed with my workout this morning that Lance Armstrong sent me a message. He said Congratulations on a great workout. This was your longest workout to date. Keep up the great work. HAHAHA How many of you can say that you got a message from Lance Armstrong? Well if you have the Nike+ I'm sure you have but a note to everyone else. The next time you complete a GREAT workout pat yourself on the back. If you know someone that just finished a great workout you better congratulate them. If there is anything that everyday people need to encourage a better more active lifestyle is the pats on the back.

So everyone, while you are out this weekend at a BBQ or brunch or just hanging out with your buddies...raise your glasses / bottles and toast to the people in your lives that are trying to change their lifestyle. At least they are trying!

TOOTLES...

MORNING RUNS!

So, I got a little bit of a late start got out around 6:30. Had a little bit of coffee before I stepped out. Now that I have my Nike+ chip I was able to measure my outdoor run. It is 3.53 miles. So now I know that I need to add an additional half mile to hit my 4 mile goals for the day. Will start that tomorrow. My ankle is giving me a little problem but not too bad. Will watch it to make sure it doesn't evolve into a problem.

I'm going to talk about something a little embarrassing but it's important to discuss if you are going to start picking up your running routine. After a little bit of coffee this morning I hit the trail and a little more than half way through I was desperately looking for a bathroom. Thank god there was a community center that I run through and the public restroom was open. Remember, the idea of waking up at least 30 minutes earlier than you want to start your run is to give you time to have your coffee maybe a slice of toast and walk around the house to get your stomach moving. You want to try to hit the toilet before you hit the pavement. Trust me it will be beneficial for a successful morning run.

Well, as you can see I love my Nike+ Mini Chica! Isnt' she cool? I wish I could add some additional clothing but it's cool for now. Oh I also signed up for a half marathon training program. Going to make sure I'm able to add it to the blog so that you all can keep track as well as I can.

That's it for now...OH BTW I happen to be watching some morning shows and CBS Early Show was talking about BREAD! But they didn't even really give any help on the matter. If you want more detail information check out the September issue of Runner's World. (if you can still find one out there) Check out the article here. It's important to know about bread. You don't have to completely cut out bread from your diet just eat it in moderation and know the calories. I will take credit for starting the BREAD CHATTER.

Until later...TOOTLES

SPA DAY!!

It's Monday and well it is my day off of running. One of the reason's I came home was because it was my cousin and nephew's birthday this week and it was an opportunity for me to play some softball. BTW we WON our softball game I struck out but in the last inning got a great hit and then was batted in for a score. It was a great ending to a fun weekend.

Back to today. I bought my cousin a spa day at a local spa here in Grapevine. She got a full body massage, pedicure and manicure. I only really wanted / NEEDED a full body massage. I had so many knots in my shoulders and back that she worked it out. She even worked out my glutes. I needed it so bad. I found out about Massage Envy. Apparently it is a massage place that you can get a monthly membership to. I need to check this out. Since i'm training for my half I think i'm going to need to keep getting massages on regular basis to keep my muscles in constant recovery.

No run today but I should be able to get a run in tomorrow when I get back to Vegas.

Until later...TOOTLES!

NATURE!

So it's Sunday, I got about 4.5 hours of sleep. Got up at 8:00 am and decided to go for a run. I walked the dog, drank some water, got on the foam roller and was ready to hit the pavement all alone. Since it was kind of late morning the sun was out and it was a little powerful. Can I just as a runner various things can happen in the middle of a run. Today, nature was out and about. Especially the bugs! I think i caught like two bugs in my hand and I wasn't even trying. I just happen to be running striding my arms up and down and I just kept catching bugs in my left hand.

Did I ever tell you I actually had a duck chase me down the street for half a block. I was flipping out yelling and hoping up like I was trying to run hurdles. Well, I think Nature should chill out a bit. I am a Big Girl Runner and I don't need bugs, knats, flies and ducks chasing after me while i'm trying to get my run on. I understand that you are there and you exist but come one give a girl a little breathing room. And stay away from my nose and mouth. I don't even want to think about how many knats made it through. UGH!!!

Well, i just enjoyed my protein shake. Now it's time for a little piece of meat. We have a busy day today. At 1:00 pm we have an indoor volleyball game, 2:30 the boys have another baseball game then at 4:30 we have our softball game. I am going to be good and pooped tonight. Ready for my full body massage tomorrow at Renata Salon & Spa in Grapevine.

Until later...TOOTLES!

HOMECOMING!

So, I am writing today from Grapevine, TX. I am back in town for the weekend to spend some time with my cousin and my nephews. Arrived at DFW airport at 4:45 am. We drove to Dunkin Donuts, got a coffee and my favorite sesame bagel with butter. I KNOW not really good food choice for the morning but I was hungry and we were planning to run. Got home and after walking the dog and putting my Nike+ in my shoe we were off for a run. I'm sitting in the kitchen while my cousin and aunt are cooking breakfast. I'm trying to get my nephews to record my favorite cartoon to watch with them the Penguins of Madagascar! Hey if you have 4-7 year olds you would understand.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I purchased the Nike+ running system. It works with an IPod Nano and the ITouch/IPhone. Anyhow, I was running around Vegas and stopped off at the Nike shop in Cesar's and purchased one for $29. So far I like it but really haven't had time to play around with it. BUT I added my Nike Dudette to the blog. Basically, you set it to start when you right when you start to run. It tracks your miles and pace. It can also track calories, steps etc. But like I said I haven't had a chance to play with it.

Well, i'm in Grapevine and have a busy weekend with the family. It will end with a nice day at the spa on Monday. Excited about that. I am due for a full body massage.

Oh, yes last night we had our volleyball games last night before my 12:35 am flight. Well, as a team we really have improved. We still lost all four games but we played a lot better. We are improving and i'm having fun.

So, enjoy your weekend and get your runs or exercise in. Have a cocktail for me and we will chat later. Well, the boys are calling me to watch a new episode! Gotta run!

Until later....TOOTLES!!

TWO RUN DAY!

Yes, I had a two run day yesterday. I am so TIRED!! So yesterday morning I did my outside run and last night I hit the gym for a second run for the day and completed 3.3 miles. It felt great. Did my foam roller (which i found the good one at the gym). Which brings up another point. I really get annoyed sometimes that the trainers try to keep equipment away from the regular members. For example the foam roller. They like to hide the thick hard one (wow that could totally be taken out of context) tee hee hee. And they leave the crappy foam rollers that are all beat up and out of sorts for everyone else to use. Well my message to 24 Hour Fitness...That's not going to stop me from buying my own foam roller. There BAM! yeah like they really care. Maybe I just need to consider getting a trainer. But you know the trainers you get are either young, dumb and don't really pay attention to you or the older freaks that like to look at themselves in the mirror and flex while you are sweating your ass off, shaking uncontrolably in a plank position for a minute.

Yeah, that last one is a little rough for me. Talk about needing to work on my core. Anyhow so yesterday was 6+ mile day for me. This morning I had a conference call (I thought I was so done with those) and now i'm off to a meeting. Hopefully, I will be able to get in a run before volleyball practice tonight. PLEASE say it's so.

Okay...adding a new music video and all I have to say is that MARY J. BLIGE is a bad ass woman! Finally, since she dumped her loser guys and wised up. BIG PROPS to my girl.

Until next time....TOOTLES!!

FINALLY!!!

I know I have been missing from the blog for several days. I have been lacking in my runs. I keep saying tomorrow I will catch up, I'll make it up. Anyhow, I finally woke up this morning at 5:30 and hit the road by 6 after having my cup of coffee and half a bottle of water.

Tomorrow, I when I hit my run I will take my camera and take a picture of my views. It was so pretty and the weather was perfect!!! I walked out of the house and I swear it was 70 degrees. Nice and cool with the sun coming up over the mountains is just amazing fora morning run. I need to measure the distance I ran but I know for sure I ran at least 3 miles.

Oh one more thing to report on. I joined a softball team this weekend. So now I'm on a Friday Volleyball league and now a Monday Softball league. I am getting into being a local in Vegas.

So when anyone is ready to come and visit let me know and we can make some plans!! YEAH!!

TOOTLES...

UGH!!

So, last night we had our first two volleyball games. First, let me just say for people that have never played together we did as well as can be expected. But we have this one high school girl who thinks she is just the ultimate volleyball player. She had us playing some crazy rotation with the center playing back which is not the standard way of play. But a more court advanced style of play if you choose to. Anyhow, our first game was a complete bust. We didn't score higher than 5. By the second game we made it to 10 and were playing a little looser and more communication. By the second match (we played two teams) we were a lot more communicative and we changed the style of play by having the center actually play forward. Which makes way more sense when playing sand volleyball.

Anyhow, that's all for now. At work about to have our first canvas day. Hoping to be done by 6:00 pm so that I can go get my run in.

Have a great weekend...TOOTLES

PROTEIN!

Went to get in my miles this morning. While yesterday I wasn't able to hit the gym before my 8:45 am meeting I knew that today I was going to have to hit the gym for my miles. As I'm pulling myself out of bed it occurred to me how tired and sore my muscles have been since I moved here.

After finishing my 5 miles on the treadmill (ran 3.6 and walked 2.4) while I was stretching and using the crappy foam roller a thought occurred to me. When was the last time I had my Whey Protein? We all know that protein is a key ingredient in muscle recovery. I just about kicked myself in the ass after realizing I hadn't been drinking my homemade protein shakes or even just my strawberry milk. YES, I said STRAWBERRY MILK.

So here is what I do with my Whey Protein. I purchase the Gold Standard Whey Protein, you can find it at GNC or Vitamin Shoppe. Before purchasing I would compare costs then choose your store to purchase. The two flavors I recommend at Delicious Strawberry or Vanilla Ice Cream.

Here is how I use them. You can either do the quick 8 fl oz of milk (soy) and one scoop of whey. Shake, Shake, Shake and you have your protein ready to go. The other more extensive way of having your protein is in a blender add 8 fl oz of milk (soy), one scoop of whey, frozen fruit of your choice (mixed berries is the best) and two table spoons of flax seeds. Blend then puree and you have your protein smoothie. For the guys out there that don't have to worry so much about calories you can add a scoop of chocolate ice cream and half a banana if you like instead of the frozen fruit. That's how my brother-in-law likes to drink his.

Now, you can have more than one scoop. Just note if you are watching your calorie intake besure to take into account that a scoop is 110 calories.

Anyhow, I only had one scoop left today so I am enjoying my one scoop and one glass of skim milk. I hope this is helpful.

Until later...TOOTLES

UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

Okay, so i got a late start this morning. I was super sleepy. Anyhow, woke up drank my coffee and decided to start playing with my blog a little. I added a blog list with three blogs. Well, it's really two blogs, one is a local running store. I gotta support my local businesses (i guess). Anyhow, I really like the two blogs. They are obvious runners from way back. Total experts in the subject matter, they've probably been runners their entire lives. Well, I'm a runner now and the rest of mine. What can I say i'm a late bloomer (for the first time).

Have to add a note about BREAD. Can I just say how disappointed I am that Vons Grocery Store in Vegas does not carry my favorite bread. The best low calorie wheat bread on the market is EARTHMAN'S. Check your local grocer and see if they have the 35 calories a slice and it tastes great. I can't tell the difference anymore. YEP that's right I said 35 calories that means only 70 calories for two slices. The bread on the market these days have like 80 calories a slice and some even more. I am now going to have to eat 50 calorie slice bread and I decided to try Nature's Own Double Fiber. DON'T BUY IT!!! It tastes like fish. It is so bad that it even smells weird. I don't care that it has bookoos of fiber I just don't want to taste it. I was surprised they didn't even have Nature's Own 40 calorie a slice wheat bread. At least it doesn't taste like crap.

Next time you are at the grocer be sure to really check out the type of bread you are buying. You will be surprised how good low calorie bread can taste. Oh and don't by the Sarah Lee low calorie bread, I bought it once while in LA and it was so hard I had to toast it each time I wanted to have bread.

BTW I ran 3 miles this morning. It was tough since I was so tired. Hoping to make it to a Zumba and Yoga class this evening. Curious to see if they have good instructors in Vegas.

Until later...TOOTLES

SAND IN MY TOES!

So, I'm on a Volleyball team. It's a sand volleyball league. We met tonight and played for an hour or so. They are really cool people other than the fact that i'm the oldest person on the team.

But, I am basking this evening because a young man commented on my strong legs and asked if I was a runner. HA it was nice and I have to admit I got a little embarrassed. But they are cool people.

Our team name is Team USA but we all will wear a Mexican flag on our person. Don't know how I will wear mine but still thinking about it. Our first games are this Friday. I am going to be tired after the games but all good times yet to come.

Until tomorrow...TOOTLES

WORKING IT OUT!

Well, I tried to start my blog this morning before the day really picked up but what can I say. It picked up and now I can finish my posting for the day.

I woke up at 5:45 am and rolled over until 6:15. Thank god I set the coffee maker to start brewing at 5:45 that way it makes me want to get out of bed with the smell of sweet coffee. Anyhow, after a little coffee and a little organize my lunch for the day, I hit the gym.

YEAH! Did one hour on the treadmill. Ran 3.2 miles and walked 2.2 miles all in one hour. Then found a shitty old foam roller UGH. I'm going to have to shell out a few dollars for a new foam roller. Would it be weird for me to go to the gym with my own roller? Hmmm Okay, you have to admit that was a little funny.

So....I'm hoping to get out of here in an hour to practice with a volleyball team. YEAH. I found a league that started this week. I will be digging in the sand this evening hoping to make a good impression. I will let you know how it goes.

Blog Update - i'm hoping to add my training schedule to the right panel of the blog. I'm still learning how to make it better and add gadgets. If anyone has any suggestions or pointers please comment. I could use all the help I can get.

Since I missed my Monday Weekly Run Update - (need to get a better name for that). Here is my Miles Report for last week. I ran a total of 9.25 miles (just missed 10 UGH). Last week was a bad week. But i'm getting back on track.

Finishing up some work so that I can hit the sand volleyball courts.

Until later...TOOTLES

VEGAS BABY!!

I made it to Vegas. After a 19 hour drive from Grapevine, TX to Las Vegas, NV. Through rain storms and hail in New Mexico and crazy lightning storms between AZ and NV. But thus we survived and made it to Chez Gail's at 1:30 AM Vegas time (that's 3:30 am TX time).

Woke up at 6:30 unpacked the car and went to my new gym. I was going to run outside but by 8am it was 90 degrees. I don't want to screw up my first Vegas run. The gym is nice, it's a Super Sport and thus had to upgrade my account. Which basically means I'm going to be paying $10 more a month. But it will be worth it. It's an Agassi Super Sport. Good times yet to come.

I have to confess...I struggled to finish 2 miles. UGH! That's what happens when you don't run for a few days and then you try to run in a different environment.

Anyhow, i'm late for work (already) and a very busy day. Of meeting, greeting and planning. Oh and maybe a little Vegas style lunch.

Until tomorrow...TOOTLES

MOVING!

Okay, so yesterday was a fun filled day of packing and cleaning. I woke up at 5:30 and just started planning out my day. Oh...wait I haven't told you. I decided Tuesday evening to move to Las Vegas (not certain for how long) to help out some friends and of course to make a little more money. For those of you that don't know...after the Presidential election of '08 and 15+ years in the business, I decided to hang up my excel spreadsheets and cancel all my political google news alerts. (Although i still seem to be getting my news alerts on Gov. Richardson? hmmm)

Anyhow, when I did this I concentrated a solid 4 months working out 2-3 times a day for about 4-5 hours. Then February hit and I realized my savings was being depleated. Anyhow, with a little side project and then a two month stint in Los Angeles I returned to Grapevine, TX and decided to find a job in photography. I did but in case any of you were thinking of changing your career please note that retail doesn't pay that well. Needless to say, I miss shopping. I miss traveling (even though traveling 3 weeks out of a month is a bit much at least i was going somewhere).

Yes, i did it. I'm back in the business. I'm moving to Vegas for a project that could quite possibly be long term. It's kind of exciting to be getting back but I know i'm going to miss that life a regular citizen.

So thus my workout yesterday and this morning was packing, walking up and down the stairs and sweating loading up the car for an 18 hour drive in the middle of the night and all day tomorrow. Trust me when I say I got a workout. I also through in some crunches and leg lifts and a session with my personal foam roller at home.

Well, i'm off. I leave tonight around 2:00 am hoping to reach Las Vegas at 7:00 pm Vegas time. (i'm giving myself a little flex time - I may need to pull over for some zzzzs).

I will be driving to Amarrillo, Albuquerque, Flagstaff and then Las Vegas. I wish I had time to plan this out. I would have liked to spend a day in Sedona. But oh well...maybe another day.

Until tomorrow evening...TOOTLES

FOAM ROLLER?

It's a gorgeous day in Grapevine. Woke up this morning at 5:15 - got to the gym and ran 9 intervals for 4.25 miles. Great workout. It was push push push this morning.

Then I treated myself to the FOAM ROLLER. I posted a video one day on my facebook last month. If you are a runner you know what a foam roller is and what it is used for. I cannot recommend it enough. I spent about 10 minutes with my favorite foam roller at the gym. I will post the video on the window but here is the link to the best foam roller video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lLw81kGeXg If you do all of the exercises correctly it's like getting a mini massage all over your key running muscles. I get the best results in my runs when I use it before and after my run. But if you are short on time at least do it after your run.

Try it out after your next workout and let me know how it goes! Okay...off to work. Hopefully, I will make a second run this evening.

Until then...TOOTLES