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By kilax, February 20, 2013 4:55 am

Warning: this post has a picture of bloody scratches in it.

I was super psyched to finally get to run along the West Side Highway in NYC on Monday morning. I’ve wanted to ever since I noticed its existence in February of 2011! Anyway. It was awesome. 

Not so awesome? Coming back to take a shower and finding bloody spots on the inside thigh above my knee. 

And it wasn’t just on one leg – it was on both. OWIE. I wore jeans all day and it rubbed in to the spots. Fabulous. In the evening, it spread in to a lovely rash. On both legs. 

Luckily I was staying with Super Mom Gina and she hooked me up with some cream. The rash mostly went down Monday night and I was able to run Tuesday without any issue.* 

This really left me wondering “WTF was that?!” though. Seriously. I was wearing tights I had worn many times before for the run. It was 20° with 16 mph winds. I didn’t really do anything out of the ordinary**. Was this wind burn? Is that possible through tights? Was it some freak thing due to dry skin? Ugh. Who knows. 

All I know is that this may be my strangest running reaction… maybe even stranger than the weird windburn mark I got from wearing sunglasses early this year. 

What is the weirdest running (or exercising) reaction you’ve had?

I have one more run in NYC today! I’ve been lucky to run a lot while I’ve been here, and all over – Brooklyn, Manhattan, Roosevelt Island, and Queens (and maybe in to The Bronx) today!

*The worst part of all of this was that of the bystanders (Steven, Andrew, Gina & Steve) would had to listen to me talk about it, how much it itched, show them what it looked like…
**Except run all over lower Manhattan trying to buy a hat for Steven… FAIL. Maybe it was all the stopping and going? 

Comments (37)

By kilax, February 19, 2013 7:27 am

I love that Gina and Steve call us Aunt Kim and Uncle Steven around Luca. It makes me feel much more like a family member… or real aunt! Do your friends call you “aunt” or “uncle” around their kids, even if you aren’t really a blood relative?

Awhile ago, Gina started calling Steven Uncle “Slow Ass,”* because, well… Steven is not in any hurry. We’ll just leave that at that. Ha ha. 

So, I wanted a special name too! What did they come up with for me?! Aunt Nommy. As in, Aunt Nom Nom Nom GIVE ME ALL THE FOODZ!!!

How appropriate! I do tend to eat like a little piglet in NYC, because I LOVE the food here – and I am not much of a foodie (as in, I like to eat, but I don’t seek out special cuisine or pay much attention to food trends).

So in true Aunt Nommy fashion, here are some food porn pics from our trip this weekend! All photos were taken with Steven’s fancy schmancy camera… not my smart phone, ha ha!

BAGELZZZ

MORE CARBZZZ!!!

Food Cart!

Sweets

Don’t forget those veggies!

*Uncle Slow A, around Luca.

Comments (44)

By kilax, February 18, 2013 5:06 am

First race of the year!

The Cherry Tree 10 Miler in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, was my first race of the year last year too! Only last year, I ran the relay with Gina and her brother-in-law, Greg. Immediately when we finished the race last year, we said we should get together two teams for this year – the wives, their husbands, and their brothers. So, we had The Relayteds – Team A: Gina, her husband, Steve, and his brother, Greg, and The Relayteds – Team S: me, Steven and his brother, Andrew!

What a treat that all of us were able to run the race, and that Andrew was able to come out from Kansas City!

This was my first goal race of the year. I started speedwork in January and tried to eat a bit healthier to see what I could do at this race… as a gauge for my goal* 5K next Sunday! The course is interesting – a downhill, an uphill at mile 1.75, then a downhill finish.

So, flying, pushing, flying. Luckily, it was sunny out and there was no snow on the ground. Only 25+ mph winds! Ha ha ha!  And I only noticed them on the hill (<– of course)!

Steven ran the first leg and Andrew ran the second. Steven ended up running most of the race with Gina, and Andrew and Greg were really close too, so Steve and I took off together! Ahh! Close race!

Our team finished in 1:34:26 and the other team finished just a bit behind us! Great timing! Everyone was really pleased with their results – Steven got a great second wind (and after a week of being sick!) and Andrew’s last third of a mile was in the 8:00s!

My goal was an 8:00 average pace and I ran just a bit faster and felt great. I think I’m ready to push it at next week’s 5K!*

Have you run your first race of the year yet?

I love running in the winter and it feels a bit late to wait until February for my first race! But, the snowshoe race I wanted to run in January didn’t quite work… since there was no snow! Ha!

After the race we hit up Dun-Well Doughnuts. Sigh. Best doughnuts ever… and they’re vegan! Should I post some more food pics from NYC? I sure do have a lot! And they’re all fancy pants, since Steven’s been doing all the photo taking this trip. And how nice that is – it’s usually me taking all the shots! Who’s the photographer on your trips?

*It looks like the field will be more competitive this year so I won’t meet my 1st in AG goal. Maybe I’ll go for a course record? Not sure what my new goal should be!

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By kilax, February 17, 2013 4:06 pm

Highlight of the Week: A kickbutt long run on Friday (with friends!) where I wanted to keep going… and would have, had I not had an appointment to get to! Okay, and ending my week with a windy race that left me feeling ready to tackle my 5K next week (more about the race tomorrow)!

Oops. I did NOT mean to have two flexing pics. Obnox.

Monday | February 11, 2013: 5.4 m run (4.4 w/Anne) + strength class
Loc: Vernon Hills, Temp: 32°/32°, Time: 1:05:15, Pace: 11:43 avg, Difficulty: easy (icy), Felt: good then hungry
Strength: circuit + core + cardio, Difficulty: easy/medium, Felt: good
Tuesday | February 12, 2013: 10 m run
Loc: hood, Temp: 26°/25°, Time: 1:43:52, Pace: 10:20 avg, Difficulty: easy, Felt: great
Wednesday | February 13, 2013: strength class
Strength: kettlebells, Difficulty: medium, Felt: on fire
Thursday | February 14, 2013: 10.2 m run
Loc: hood, Temp: 35°/35°, Time: 1:39:17, Pace: 9:44 avg, Difficulty: easy, Felt: great
Friday | February 15, 2013: 15.6 m run (0-6.35+ w/Pam, rest w/Bobbi)
Loc: Grayslake, Temp: 22°?, Time: 2:25:59, Pace: 9:22, Difficulty: easy, Felt: spectacular
Saturday | February 16, 2013: rest
Sunday | February 17, 2013: Cherry Tree 10-Mile Relay (3.4 m)
Loc: Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Temp: 30°/31°, Time: 26:38, Pace: 7:52 avg, Difficulty: medium, Felt: strong

Notes:

• Man, something really clicked after I took my rest day on Friday the 8th, and I’ve just felt GREAT since then! Maybe all this healthy eating does pay off? Nah… Whatever it is, I am going to ride it for as long as I can. I LOVED getting some middle distance runs in a few times this week!
• I did miss getting a bike session in this week though. Or any sort of cross training. Oops. Does walking all over Manhattan on Saturday count?!

Comments (21)

By kilax, February 16, 2013 7:03 am

I’m usually not one to pay attention to the pace on my Garmin unless I’m 1) trying to hit pace at a race or during speedwork, 2) checking to see if pace has anything to do with why my run feels like crap or 3) trying to get done with my run by a certain time. 

Thursday morning’s run fit in the reason #3 category above.  I had allotted myself just enough time to get a run in before work if I could stay under 10:00 minute miles.  I wasn’t checking my watch that often, but at one point I looked down and saw a 10:23 pace. “WTF!” I thought, “It feels like I am flying! I am going to have to cut this run short!” Then… “Oh wait, I’ll just check again in a few seconds.” Sure enough, the next time I check it was in the 9:40s. Silly watch. 

Then I had an “Aha!” moment. 

Why are we so obsessed with fluctuating numbers? Is the obsession with fluctuating pace in the same realm as the obsession with fluctuating weight on the scale?

The reason I started to think this is because I used to do “second looks” at my scale, like I did with the watch, hoping for a different number. Sure, with the watch, your pace actually is varying from second to second. Your weight isn’t. But it is a number that goes up and down throughout the day! When I used to be more scale dependent, if I got on it in the am* and didn’t see the number I expected, I would check again after going to the bathroom. Or after going for a run. Because that is a healthy mindset. Not. 

Of course, you have much more “in the moment” control over your pace, then your weight.  But how silly is it for us to get super obsessed with small changes in numbers, on either apparatus?  Why let the numbers on these things tell you how to feel… instead of listening to what you really feel?

What do you think? Any relation, or am I totally off base?

This thought just popped in to my head, and I was kind of hoping the post would write itself, but it didn’t. So I am putting it out there thinking there is much more to be discussed – and probably lots of points I am not considering!

*always in the am, always naked

Comments (34)

By kilax, February 15, 2013 2:32 pm

Have you had CPR/AED (cardiopulmonary resuscitation/automated external defibrillator) training? Would you be comfortable performing CPR on someone?

Confession! I have a whole list of Friday Questions to choose from, but sometimes I’m feeling kind of meh about them… so I let my day play out a bit and see if anything pops in to my head. Hence this question…

I took a CPR/AED certification course today. And what perfect timing! Steven told me this morning he is pretty sure he is going to have a heart attack during his leg of the relay this Sunday. Okay, that is really morbid and offensive*. I hope he feels well enough** to participate/run the course… and if not, he can walk or someone else can sub in for his spot!

*But apparently not enough for me to delete
**He got the nasty cold I had last week, only a nastier version. 

Comments (50)

By kilax, February 14, 2013 4:38 am

• For Christmas I told Steven I would like (as a gift from him) for my car to get detailed. He thought this was not a great gift idea. I was like, “Come on, this is the type of thing husbands get for their wife in a sitcom, then get in trouble for it… and I’m ASKING you for it!” Ha ha. He saw my point and got me a gift card and we were able to have the detail (and paint buff) done this Sunday. My car is so fresh and so clean clean! I’m so happy with how it turned out! Have you ever had your car detailed?

• At the club “A Half with Heart” on Saturday, Riyanti immediately asked if I was okay when she saw me, because I wasn’t my normal “bubbly” self (I have to confirm she said “bubbly,” lol). Damn! She was spot on with assessing me. I was still struggling with my cold, had a raspy voice and was DRAINED. It’s nice to have friends notice how you’re feeling. I can always count on Riyanti, and Bobbi for that! So cool that some of my blogging buddies are in the club*. Who are your friends that notice (and note!) your character changes immediately? I am lucky to have quite a few who know me well enough to know right away if something is “off.” 

• Have you noticed how some blogs just get a lot of “WTG!” and “Your xyz food looks great!” comments, and not many comments with substance? I have always tried to write the types of posts** that encourage dialogue  and I want to leave comments that have something to them. But I notice that a lot of the comments I leave are “I’m happy you got to xyz…,” “I’m happy met your goal,” “i’m happy blah blah blah…” It kind of feels like the same thing as “WTG!” to me. Makes me feel kind of lame. I mean what I say, but, yeah. Lame. 
• I got a few sweet Valentine’s Day cards, and gifts from my parents and snister! And since I am so cool, I posted a picture of the gifts on Facebook… then realized that my sister made the schweet chalkboard frame for other people too and I ruined the surprise. Valentine’s Day Fail! Sorry, snis! Anyone else make any other Facebook blunders lately? If you follow me on there, or are friends with me, you probably see I get a bit overzealous with the posting. 

 *Well, one was blogger first, then club member, one was club member, then blogger!!!
**Except my training posts, where there is really not much to say. Those are more for me, and I appreciate ANY comment on them. 

Other Random Thoughts Thursday Posts: XXXI, XXX, XXIX, XVIII, XXVII, XXVI, XXV, XXIV, XXIII, XXII, XXI, XX, XIX, XVIII, XVII, XVI, XV, XIV, XIII, XII, XI, X, IX, VIII, VII, VI, V, IV, III, II, I.

Comments (52)

By kilax, February 13, 2013 7:36 am

… is having my post ready to go in the morning.

Because Wednesday is the day I am usually in the office (not working from home) each week. And who knows what post ideas I will come up with if I wait to write until I start my working day. So far, I have been inspired to write about:

• my irrational annoyance when I go to use the microwave and someone just started using it
• how silly I think it is that we no longer have paper towels and paperware dishes in the kitchen
• how every Ash Wednesday I am reminded that you should really, really, THINK before you speak, but that I cannot share the story why
• my continuing frustration with being made to do things with which I don’t agree
• how I feel like I cannot be honest with my job frustrations around certain people because they will judge me for not having a traditional “architecture” profession, instead of just realizing it’s normal job frustrations

Let’s look on the bright side. They now carry my favorite pens at work! I shouldn’t have to bring them from home anymore!

My job is actually really great. I just need to vent sometimes.

Do you try to avoid writing about work “stuff” on your blog? Are there things you want to blog about (work-related or not), but can’t?!

What blogger can answer no to that last question? Hee hee.

Comments (33)

By kilax, February 12, 2013 4:41 am

Heh heh heh.

Yes, I own this book. 

I’ve been thinking about solo trips, especially with my upcoming trip to Salt Lake City (I did sign up for the half marathon!). Of course, my definition of a solo trip is any trip I take without Steven. But it may or may not be solo, i.e., completely by myself*! I may be going to see someone, or going somewhere with someone else… either way, I wanted to ask you about your “solo” trip taking habits!

How often do you travel solo, whether it be for business, pleasure or obligation (family, ha!**)? Do you prefer to travel with someone (whether or not it be your significant other)? Would you like to travel solo, but can’t? Do you feel guilty traveling solo (if you have a significant other)? 

I guess that is what I am getting at – I feel guilty going to far away places on my own. I’ve been to NYC a few times on my own, to see Gina and her family. Steven can’t go to Salt Lake City. I would like to do another Girls’ Trip with Erin. I feel bad leaving Steven behind! Which in and of itself sounds awful. I don’t mean it the way it sounds, but I literally am leaving him behind while I travel.  

But at the same time… I love to travel and don’t mind doing it alone, if he cannot go***. When I lived in Rome, I took a lot of trips by myself. I am good at rockin’ it solo. I like exploring areas on my own. I like being 100% in control of my itinerary. I like being in charge of my expectations only.****

And I don’t mind when Steven has to go on business trips or goes to see his family on his own. 

Sigh. I think what I really need is a good mix. And I need to plan something for just me and Steven that is not a visit to family or friend’s! Something romantic… ooo, la la. Ha ha.  I feel encouraged by Anne‘s recent honeymoon plans (!!!) and from Erin’s talk of a 10-year anniversary trip!

*So, uh, maybe I should call it something else!
**Totes joking. I love seeing my family.
***Because he is busy running a business! 
****But like planning trips for myself and others too! Geesh, I am a walking contradiction. 

Comments (60)

By kilax, February 11, 2013 6:21 am

As if eating less while eating out isn’t already hard enough…

ALSO, WARNING! Neurotic food-post ahead!!! Maybe you just want to skip and go see who won the giveaway…

There is a local Mexican restaurant* we used to go to a lot. And I always got the same thing – a Jarritos with a full vegetable fajita dinner. YUMMY!

**

We went on Friday night for the first time this year. I was trying not to eat as much***, so I skipped the Jarritos and ordered tacos instead of fajitas.

The waitress was shocked.

“No Jarritos? Why? No sugar?” 

“Um, yes, because I had two cookies before I came.”****

“No fajitas? New year, new meal?”

“Uhh, yes.”

Are there any restaurants you frequent so often the wait staff knows what you order (or even knows your name)?

Ha ha! I almost felt like I was disappointing the waitress! She’s actually really cool. And while she doesn’t know our names, she does ask me about Gina‘s son, Luca, every time we go there (because we brought them in in August and November last year).  The waitress is a sweetie.

Anyway. This whole situation made me think about how much I hate going to restaurants and trying to eat healthier/eat less. I hate only eating half my meal. I hate ordering less. I want to order a large plate and eat to reckless abandon. Ugh. I ate at a vegan Thai place with Anne a few weeks ago, and boxed up my food before Anne had made much of a dent in hers*****. Sigh. I HAVE TO PUT IT AWAY OR I WILL CONSUME IT ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I actually went to Red Robin with Steven a few weeks ago, and asked for a box when my sandwich came out so I could cut my sandwich in half and put half in the box. The waiter probably thought something was wrong with me. 

And maybe there is something wrong with me! I feel like there is a very fine line between enjoying eating out while trying to still be mindful of what you are consuming… and then completely become anal about it. Ugh ugh ugh.  I am going to try not to think about which side of the line I am on… and hope that automatically makes me not on the anal side. 

*THAT WE LOVE!!!
**Interestingly, while looking for this photo, I went through many daily photo folders that showed pics of us eating out many times a week (oh, iPhone). I am so used to eating whatever I want when I want – not because of a great metabolism, but because that is what I do – that trying to eat less is a struggle for me.  
***I knew if I ordered the fajita dinner I would clear my plate, so I tried to order less food.
****This is true.
*****I eat too fast.  

The Knock Knock Giveaway winner is onelittlejill @ Finishing is Winning. Congrats, Jill! Please email me your mailing address and I will send the notebook your way!

Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway! It’s been too long since I’ve done a giveaway, and I quite enjoy them, so I hope to come up with another one soon!