Kansas City: the hilliest place in the Midwest

I ran a marathon. A very hilly marathon. Alex and I left sunny 70° Indianapolis and landed in rainy 38° Kansas City 2 hours later. He had a bug, but actually had more than 24 hours off from work and, despite my best efforts, couldn't be talked out of going. He had to be there in the event I needed medical attention. Not a bad argument.

 

Whitney picked us up at the airport and we went straight to the expo where Whitney and I got swag. We had plans for carb loading after at a local Italian restaurant with Whitney and her fiancé, Paul, but ended up at the Alamo draft house instead. I have the attention span of a gnat, so I'm not a fan of movie theatres. I'm even less a fan of 3d movies. That said, Gravity in 3D while being served dinner was amazing. Please go see that movie. I'm waiting to hear back from Sandra Bullocks personal trainer as I type.

 

After the movie we went to the airport to get Ryan, who none of us had seen since leaving Augusta in July! I don't remember what else went on that night other than fighting over blankets and not getting a lot of sleep.

Race was at 7:05 on Saturday morning. We woke up at 6am, the perfect amount of not-enough-time to do anything but eat, dress, lube up (Vaseline!), put on duck tape (feet), and go which helped me avoid panicking over approximately 26.2 things. I did almost have a meltdown over Whitney's breakfast options (instant pumpkin flavored oats! mixed with water!), which seemed risky at best, but she has yet to steer me wrong and it turned out to be delicious and did not bite me in the butt during the race.

Boys dropped us off and we lined up at 7am, working our way to the 10:30/mile corral. 5 minutes later, we were running. Passed the boys at mile 3-4ish where we got rid of long-sleeved shirts and kept trucking. We had passed the biggest and longest hill (mile 3) and barely noticed. Good conversation kept us going well through mile 8, which was also mile 20 on the way back. Whiney commented how good she felt at this point and I told her I wanted her to reflect back on that moment when we're passing mile 20 from the other side [I remembered that at mile 20 and was hurting]. Saw boys again at mile 14ish (I think?) where they were taking video, holding a sign, and playing the guitar while singing eye of the tiger! I can't say how great it was to see them unexpectedly throughout the race. Mile 16 Whitney and I lost each other. Mile 18ish, saw the boys again. I was getting delusional and wanted to dive into a pool of Vaseline. I must have looked as rough as I felt, because a few seconds after passing them Alex was running beside me. He ran with me for about a minute, encouraging me. I have no idea what all I said other than babbling about losing Whitney and maybe that my feet were bleeding and I needed Vaseline. Miles 18 through the end were tough; not only a combination of running further than I had ever ran, but running alone was much tougher than running with someone. There was also a relay run and at mile 20ish I met Mackenzie, who was running the 4th leg for her team. I was desperate for conversation and she happened to be removing her ear bud when I was passing - I seized the opportunity and all but begged her to run with me. She's a graphic design major going to school in KC. We exchanged Jesus stories and each others, and I hated to see her have to stop close to mile 22. Miles 22-24 I've burned from my memory other than a DJ playing Justin Timberlake at mile 23ish. I danced (literally) past the DJ, he gave me a shout out for my moves, and found another relay runner, Maddie, around this point who kept me talking through then end. I passed mile 24, mentally thought "2 more 1 mile runs". Passed 25 without realizing it, and halfway through it was wondering when I was ever going to be done with that first of 2 last miles - I yelled to an innocent bystander "how much longer until 25?" and she said "you passed it at least half a mile ago!" I could have kissed her. 7 blocks from the finish my feet were screaming and I saw the best sign "7 blocks or 0.2 miles until the end". I wanted to cry because I knew I was going to finish without walking, which was my only goal. Turned the corner and saw the last 2/10 was.... of course, up hill. Hills were the theme of this marathon. Heard the boys yell my name near the last 1/10, dug in and sprinted to the end. Finished my first marathon in a respectable 4 hours and 33 min or 10:27/mile pace.

I felt surprisingly good post-marathon, with the exception of a wrangled right big toe and very tight neck/shoulders; my legs did not feel like I had ran for over 4 hours at all. My stomach hurt - I think from all the sugar in the gels that I'm not used to.

 

 

 

Prom pose?

 

Jesus, duck tape, Vaseline, and friends. I don’t recommend running a marathon without them.

I realize this is very unflattering - but look at all the salt. I was fascinated. I don't drip sweat, I pour it.

 

 

We spent the rest of the evening re-fueling and seeing Kansas City. I can't wait to go back. We had pizza, great local beer, ice cream from a place that had melted snickers as a topping! We eventually crashed and had to send Alex off to the airport early the next morning. The rest of us spent Sunday together on a food-tour of KC followed by football watching (go Chiefs!) and more food. It was such a good weekend. See you all again in February. Whitney and Paul are getting hitched!

 

 

 

 

 

 

(S)he's Just That Into You

Remember that time I provided dating advice? Consider this an addendum.

When you really like someone, you’re going to like them despite their tendencies to “lol” in a text message and their excessive use of emoticons. And if he really likes you he’ll grow some facial hair for you and won’t be scared to tell you when your breath is stank. That's how you'll know you've made it as a couple.

Donkeys, Elephants and Birds, Oh My!

I don’t talk politics. An obvious good reason is that I’m not going to change anyone’s mind. Agree to disagree, etc etc. The real, and better, reason is because I don’t know what the f I’m talking about.

That said…..I’m about to talk politics.

Picking between Romney and Obama is like deciding to spend a night at the opera or pay to see a movie with Kristen Stewart. No thank you. I’ll stay in and peruse instant watch instead. It could always be worse [Newt], but really, I am baffled that these 2 are our candidates.  Out of all of the men and women of this beautiful country, these are our choices.

Obama has had his 4 years. He promised ‘change’, people voted, and it’s all we have left (pocket change. I know it’s not original, but you laughed the first time you heard it anyway, come on). Romney -I don’t trust anything that comes out of his mouth. Maybe because as a general rule I don’t like Mormons**.

Ron Paul. That guy would have had my vote.

I’m ready for it to be over. I’m tired of being handed information on voting when I go to church (separation of church and state! Can I get an amen) and being pushed to vote a certain way at bible study (or, at least, feeling like I am being pushed). Hypocritical for me to say that last part since one of the things I love about my particular bible study is that things are made relevant to my life today. 

Moving along. 

Health care. It’s what everyone is talking about. I didn’t have it for several years and am thankful to now have a job that affords me pretty decent healthcare. Personally I’m willing to pay more so that others can have healthcare; that makes sense to me, seems decent, and even if  I didn’t care about being decent it also should, in theory, save money in the long run (since we can’t exactly go survival of the fittest – although I’m all about giving it a go). Everyone's worked up over the “death panel”. From what I understand the payment advisory board (or, as you may have heard it referred to, the death panel) cannot ration health care, or otherwise restrict Medicare benefits or eligibility (in addition, cannot raise taxes or premiums). Romney also wants to control Medicare spending, but so far as I can tell he leaves the cost-cutting means up to congress. Basically, as Jesse Walker pointed out more elegantly before me – “Romney's alternative to Obamacare is Romneycare, or as I like to call it, Obamacare”.

Abortion. Romney-Ryan are against it, but recently Romney said it’s not on his agenda; he now does not intend to pursue anti-abortion legislation. The long and short of it is he's a politician and ultimately, like his oponent, he is not willing to sacrifice votes to maintain his personal beliefs. Personally I don’t agree with abortion. The argument against taking away individual rights is usually the side I'm on - but what about the rights of the unborn? On the flip side, who’s going to stop people from aborting on their own if they can’t have it legally done? I've seen Dirty Dancing.  

Gay rights/marriage. Again, not for me, but who am I to tell someone who they can or cannot be with. The bible does state homosexuality is a sin – but gluttony is also a sin and good luck to the person who tries to pry a pan of brownies and a jar of peanut butter out of my hands. God doesn’t love gays or my gluttonous ass any less than the rest of you self-righteous Cassie Crouches of the world. Let’s stop judging each other and try to love each other. Cue Hebrews 12:14.    

At the end of the day it takes more than one man to ruin everything (right?) and the hot topics aren’t even topics that are fundamental to the state of our nation. Thank God for checks and balances.

Take a minute to truly be thankful we live in a country where we can voice our opinions without being killed, we have freedom of religion, and women don’t choose between execution and education, amongst many other basic rights. The Taliban attack on Malala Yousufzai this week is one small reminder of that.

For anyone still with me, you can’t hum while holding your nose. Try it.

**I really mean I don’t agree with Mormonism. In case they’re reading, I do have a couple of Mormon friends who I have love for and who haven’t creeped me out…yet. There’s still time, guys.

My best friend got married

My best friend got married......

and i cried. and looked like a man. emotional is just not a good look for me.

I love it when couples look good together. You know, when they look alike -- like they could be related. Maybe that's the west virginia in me coming out.

I couldn't be happier for her. And I cant wait to get married myself one day so I can spend the next week at a swim up bar in a third world country.

but, not to make it all about me...

The bride was beautiful, the venue was perfect, and the music was spot on. The food --- ooh the food. Dinkie slaughtered a 200 lb pig, it looked like, and made BBQ so good that I didn't even care I was drinking Bud Light. Love a good wedding.

I hate to be cheesy, but it was so sweet seeing Anthony look at Kimmy during the ceremony. Like she was the only person in the world. Amanda noticed the same thing and it reminded me that I thought the same thing about Jared 2 years ago at their wedding. Aw guys, I feel sappy now. Love you guys, mean it!

13 Things on a Thursday

I have a neurotic fear that if I don’t eat enough vegetables my immune system will self destruct, I’ll get cancer, or Kristen Stewart will land more acting jobs.

I find random cursing unattractive and yet find myself sounding like a sailor as of the last ~year. Bad mouths rubbing off on me. Working on that one.

Children are the best therapy.

Everyone knows that if a guy can play an instrument it takes him, while doing so, to a whole different level of attractiveness…. but men playing with/holding children (who aren’t their own) who clearly adore them? Take me home with you.

When something happens that makes me want to scream or jump and shout and I’m in a position that I can’t show emotion ….there’s a marching band happening inside my head.

I’m having my wisdom teeth removed. I could have had them removed  when I was younger and still on my parents insurance. Instead, after having 4 permanent teeth pulled to make room for them, enduring the pain of them actually coming in, no longer being a child and on my parents insurance, and living 6 hours from my mother who would otherwise cater to me, I’m now electing to have them removed. Hindsight’s 20/20.

Teeth are the second thing I notice about people. I like flossing and still rock my retainer.

Can anyone tell me when the Arrested Development movie is happening? I have big plans to review the seasons before to ensure being disappointed when the film doesn’t meet my expectations

Michael: Could it be love?
Gob: I know what an erection feels like, Michael. No, it's the opposite - it's like my heart is getting hard. 

            ……seriously, this film is going to suck in comparison

I excel at putting my foot in my mouth. Example: I comment on a swim suit top that I think is unflattering, my friend takes her cover up off and is wearing that exact top … Another example: audiology student asking for a female’s view point; Student: “ok, you’ve been in a long term relationship, what if he’d given you a promise ring….” Me, interrupting: “I’d vomit” Student: “well what if you forced it on him…” Me: “wait is this you….” Frustrated Student, hands flailing: “yes.. gosh.. darn it,  let me explain!”

My inner left calf has been about to explode for the last ~2 weeks. It doesn’t hurt when I’m actually running, but I’m usually dragging my left leg behind me an hour later. I stretch it and stretch it exactly like the google image for “inner calf stretch” and still…nothing. Thanks in advance to anyone who can advise me on this.

I’m going to be living out of a suitcase in July. Destinations include Roanoke, Portland and Charleston.  Suggestions on what I should not miss out on in Portland are encouraged. So much good music comes out of that city that I can’t imagine not being able to find a small venue with some tunes, but I don’t know where to start and Google is failing me.

“Would you believe I’m the 34^th grandchild of King Edward the 1st Longshanks?” ß I love it when patient interactions start this way. Can’t make this stuff up.

I don’t like it when gay people are semi out of the closet. Case in point: guy acquaintance and his ‘friend’ live together in a 1 bedroom. They refer to each other as friends. They don’t touch or get too close when others are around. They go as far as to have 2 beds in their bedroom. They know I couldn’t care less about someone’s sexuality [unless it’s a 26-32 year old active/outdoorsy man over 6’ tall without an ex wife or children who is simultaneously fun to be around and look at….step off] – so I just want to say “You have collages of yourselves on vacation! You have a cat! You’re not fooling me!” Just embrace each other. If it bothered me or someone else, then we’re not worth hiding it for.

Listening to: Decemberists

ATL

This happened…..

Braves won

Tailgating. Burnt wieners, doritos and ‘sports toss’ – enough said 

White people danced...what the what?

Poland lost

Sombrero was stolen

Bottomless breakfast. $7 for one bloody mary or $15 for bottomless; you do the math. Fred’s no dummy.

 We were tourists

We’re still searching for an ATL man fitting this description

 This song was played. On repeat.

Not pictured… the cat who bit me, the best breakfast in the world (biscuit with fried chicken, egg, and gravy) from republic social house, ikea and much more.

Reasons I’m ok with not living in a big city (#lyingtomyself)

I don’t need BP meds to drive.

I can afford to live by myself.

Top shelf drinks in Augusta cost the same as bottom shelf in ATL.

We have a baseball team. It’s not the Braves, but any thirsty thursday at a greenjackets game ain’t bad.

 All of that said….. the first (or third) thing I did when I got home was look for jobs. Anyone hiring let a girl know. I specialize in hearing and balance, but am also open to cleaning houses if the city’s right.

A post with a recipe - sort of

I just ate the best salad ever. Or maybe I just love the dressing:

Spinach

Chicken

Tomato

Red onion

Red pepper

Avacoda

Sliced almonds

Goat cheese

Strawberry vinaigrette dressing (in food processor: one teaspoon sugar, few basil leaves, cup of strawberries, one table spoon extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar)

Still loving my go-to salad:

Spinach/kale

Grilled salmon or chicken, blackened

Black beans

Corn

Tomato

Red pepper

Avocado

Onion

Balsamic dressing

End of season 3 of Mad Men has broken my spirit. Damn you Bets, forgive that

cheating bastard. What bothers me more is that I just want Don to be happy and am pissed at Bets. That’s some good script writing right there.

If  you’re looking for me anytime soon please find me either crying at my best friend’s wedding, throwing my belongings in the trash instead of moving them, or in one of the following cities: Augusta, Atlanta, Bedford, Charleston, Savannah, Portland, or Bristol. Look for the girl with the frizzy hair at the bar.

In the spirit of the concert I'm most anticipating, music you should listen to: Mumford and Sons. 'Little Lion Boy' and 'Cave' are probably the most popular. 'Awake My Soul' and 'Feel the Tide' are super. Also know that I tried to attach links to those songs and failed.