In Celebrity News...

Today’s blog post will most likely have zero to do with running. Especially since I haven’t ran since Mesquite. Fail.

I WILL go to the gym tonight, I will I will I WILL. Even a treadmill run is better than the alternative. Speaking of treadmills, I entered a NordicTrack giveaway on AnotherMotherRunner's blog. Pray I win it!! There are oh-so-many reasons why this will be beneficial to me in the nearing future.  

On to more important things. Celebrity gossip. Two major things hit the news today. Ali and Roberto split up.

Kourtney Kardashain is pregnant. I am going to avoid any negative comments on the latter (this took an enormous amount of self-restraint).

Wait.. is Scott pregnant? She is rubbing his baby belly.

But Ali and Roberto?! This news is personally devastating to me. I mean…I guess I was wondering why they haven’t got married yet, but I SO loved them as a couple. Sigh….if you have no idea who I am talking about, just chalk it up to thirty seconds of your life you will never get back by reading this paragraph.

The holiday season is in full swing at the Cox household. Nearly all decorations are in place. I even bought a poinsettia to top it off.

I am holding myself at bay and waiting until next week to send out holiday cards…just in case some of my friends and family are major Scrooges (insert my MOTHER). In all honesty, I wasn’t always a huge fan of Christmas. It’s a long story… not really a sad story, but more just a selfish one.  Into my life came the Cox family.  The first year Ty and I were together, he was in disbelief of such horror. He decorated his house with icicle lights and a tree so it would be all cozy when I came over…that year we spent Christmas with his parents and it was a wonderful time. Since then, my view of the holiday has changed. As has Ty’s motivation for hanging lights on the house. Which doesn’t get him out of it. Hey…he started it.

Yes. We were both on the roof. I was "holding the lights" for him. A very useful job.

Have you decorated yet?

Why yes we have. That is why I haven’t run since Mesquite. Well that and the four shirts I ironed for my hubs. J

What do you want for Christmas?

Nothing much…just two pairs of Nikes and a Garmin.

Kindness.. Pass It On (For Real)

I got this idea from one of my FAVROTE favorite bloggers. Shutupandrun. I am passing it on to you. I am going to print this list off and try to do one thing every day until Christmas. Anyone with me? Even if you do the same thing twice...it is still kindess.

ShutUpAndRun Wrote:

On that note, here are a few ideas of things we can all do to extend that small gesture of good will (from HERE). Don’t mind my parenthetic additions. That’s just how I roll:

• Write a note of appreciation to your mailman (but only when he brings packages)
• Compliment a stranger sincerely (don’t be surprised if they look very afraid of you and make gestures to protect their children).
• Look for something around you that can be fixed up, picked up, or attended i.e., put shopping carts up, pick up some trash laying around, pick up something that has fallen over
• Give a lottery ticket to a stranger (but only if you’ve checked it and it’s not a winner)
• Send handmade cards or a letter to someone you care for (use creepy cut out letters, ransom-style, from magazines to make it interesting).
• Write a note to management or someone themself who has treated you nice while doing their job (waiter, clerk, sales person...etc.)
• Cut coupons out and leave them at the grocer register for others (especially for maxi pads. Those things are pricey!)
• Put a comment on someone's webpage that you really like...... let them know you enjoy it (you can do this right here, right now)
• Start a conversation up with a co-worker that you don't know (unless they have a hairy back, then skip it)
• Put change in a row of vending machines
• Visit a nursing home. Spend time visiting with someone who doesn't get visitors (don’t focus on the smell of urine)
• Put something you no longer need on Craig's list free spot for your area
• Leave a book you have already finished somewhere for someone else to read
• At post office leave some extra stamps at the stamp machine
• Open the phone book, pick a name, and send them something (movie tickets, thank you card, you are appreciated card, book, etc.) anonymously
• Take flowers to a hospital ward and give them to someone who hasn't had any visitors
• Take some cake, chocolates, flowers etc. to the neighbors, or a senior citizen nearby
• Send someone a small gift anonymously
• Make a cd of your favorite songs and give to a friend
• Invite someone who is alone over for dinner.
• Send a thank you to the employees at a hospital, or anywhere else that a cheerful thank might add a smile
• Feed a parking meter that has expired
• Write a thank-you note to a person from your past who has made a difference in your life (I really LOVE this one)
• Drop a few coins in an area where children play, where they can easily find them (and secretly sit and watch them fight over it)
• Copy a favorite recipe and give it to someone
• Buy a copy of your favorite book and donate it to your local library or hospital
• Send a card to a friend or relative you haven't seen for some time. Include a photo of yourself and/or your family
• Make a point of introducing yourself to someone you see all of the time but never say hello to
• If you know someone who is having a hard time financially, pop a $5, $10 or $20 note in an envelope, disguise your writing or type the envelope, and post it to them
• Offer to baby sit
• Donate clothes to goodwill
• Say “hello” to every runner you pass (I made that one up)

Traveling Runner

“You don't love running when you first start because it hurts. Your legs hurt, your lungs hurt. But once you make the decision and start to move forward, you become a different person. It's not about having to hit your goal weight to start feeling good again.”
Ben Davis, Founder of bendoeslife.com

It is true. Some days, I feel like I am starting all over.  My lungs burn, I’m out of breath and two miles feels like an eternity.  That day was yesterday. I have no idea why this occurs, but it plain SUCKS.

Meanwhile, I’ve been gone a few days…my trip was fun. We had a nice time with family, and I even put in twelve miles while I was there. That never happens to me. I attribute it to two things: registering for the WinterSun 10k and RunEatRepeat’s Pile on the Miles Challenge. Whatever it takes right? I also lost $65 in a smoke filled casino playing Blackjack. That always happens. I have no idea why I keep gambling other that the fact that my Granddad loves it, and I did it mostly to spend time with him. That and he kept giving me money… J

Have you ever traveled with your parents? And their dog? A six hour trip seemed like an eternity.  We stopped every twelve point five miles to let the dog out…okay, maybe every ninety. But still ..I was watching the Broncos game yesterday and I saw the kicker for San Diego peeing on the sidelines. On national television. I feel bad for the guy holding the towel. Seriously? You get paid to do that? But then…I thought…hey…if he can do it, I’m making my parents do it on our next road trip.  On the bright side, we did stop at this lovely joint on the way:

Trip in pictures:

Hasta la Pasta Montrose!

The first morning we were there (Thanksgiving) I was bound and determined to run a DIY Turkey Trot. I took off from the hotel and passed this boat in the parking lot... so many things come to mind... I mean, if I were a boating cop...and looking for someone to pull over, it most certainly wouldn't be this guy. However... if I was looking for a party... or an excuse to get out of running..

Half way into my run, and at the top of a hellacious hill, I came upon a beautiful golf course.

Ty and I have always dreamed of playing here....I mean, we do play Wolf Creek all the time. On the Wii. He's Tiger Woods, I'm Paula Creamer. We rock.

After the run, I took a shower and we had Thanksgiving dinner at my Great Aunt and Uncle's place.

The second day, I set out on one of Mesquite's trails:

After this lovely run (it truly was a beautiful day... I didn't want to stop), they made me take a family picture. I'm the sweaty one in running clothes. Sexy, I know.

It was a great trip. I was very very glad to be home though. Something about being married to a man I love...and leaving him at home. Had to get home quick! :) We are cutting our Christmas tree this afternoon and Ty promised to put the lights up while I am at work. Falalalala la la la LA! 

Hell on Earth

Hell on Earth

Sorry men. This is about to get ugly. Well it’s the holiday season…which means visitors right? Guess who showed up at my house? Aunt Flow. And she has been a total b*^(% ever since. Seriously…I almost had to leave work. I have never had it this bad. Three ibuprofen, one Midol, and a heating pad later, I am able to sit here with only a slight amount of discomfort. Before that I wanted an epidural.  Or whatever would take away any feeling below the bellybutton. Ouchie! What gives?!

Today after work, barring any major complications from my visitor, I family and I are leaving for Thanksgiving in Mesquite.  Ty and the dogs are staying home. Hey, someone has to bring home the bacon! He drew the short straw. As I was packing last night, the dogs were right in the middle. Noboooody leaves this face at home. L Please ignore the unmade bed. I live with a caveman. Just joking babe.

Only a runner would have a primary concern of running trails when leaving for vacation. Yesterday I spent at least an hour researching where to run in Mesquite and how far each trail is. I also spent another hour looking for a Turkey Trot in the area. With no avail…so I guess I’ll just run solo.  There is one in Vegas (75 miles away), but with late night travel involved, I just don’t think it’s an option.

In other news, my spectacular husband ran 3.5 miles yesterday. Good job hubs!

Sexy Hubs and Myself on vacation-- which is motivation for workouts now...Ugly backdrop huh?

Happy Thanksgiving friends. Talk to you all on the flip side. I’m not taking my laptop to Mesquite!

Scales Will Be Ringin'

Holy crackerjacks.  Our scale has been broken at the house. I fixed it last night. Wish I wouldn’t have. I have always been more concerned with my clothes fitting than weight.  However…I weighed myself this morning (because you’re always skinniest in the morning right?!). I have put on seven pounds since Imogene. S-E-V-E-N. It is time for this chica to put down the fork. After Thanksgiving of course…

To that note, I took an eight mile loop yesterday after work. And how does a person run all the miles I run and still gain weight? Pure and simple talent my friends. I have the appetite of a gorilla.  I out-eat my husband on a daily basis. He is twice my size BTW. I saw an “Overeaters Anonymous” flyer at the gym. I considered grabbing one of the tabs and calling someone. And this was before I weighed in. FML.

Back to the run. It was good. My pace was a solid :45-:50 seconds faster than my normal pace. 

I ran the Landfill run- even picked up a trashbag full of leaves and moved it off the road. Kindness. Pass it on. Bahahaaha.  

I tried to take a picture of the rain that was pouring down (It was I swear)… I was soaked by mile four.

Post race treat—eggnog. Accountable for at least one pound of this newfound fluff.

I registered to run the WinterSun 10k in Moab on December 3^rd. It is one of my favorites, and even though as of now, I am going alone…I still hate to miss it.  If you are a runner and live anywhere near Moab, UT, I highly recommend doing one of the MoabHalfMarathon races. The scenery is unbelievable. The town is quaint, and you can definitely make a weekend of the trip by visiting Arches National Park as well.

Moab Half Marathon

The famous and beautiful Delicate Arch

Dear Moab, You’re welcome.

The Sappy RIMD

“I realize that I have been blessed with health and strength to overcome not only the miles on the road, but also to overcome the hard times in life when you want to throw in the towel. When I cross the line now, it is a celebration of the fact that I didn't quit.”
Tasya Lacy, U.S. Navy Human Resources Officer

This quote is so real for me.  I have this relationship with running that isn’t so much about training as it is about dealing with life.  Let’s face it, life freaking sucks sometimes.  You fight with your spouse. You  experience loss. Your job is stressful. You lose a job. The list goes on.  How do you cope with these things?

For me, it is running. Don’t get me wrong. Running does not solve these problems, but it sure as hell takes the edge off. I talk about this because I wish I could give some people what I have in running.  I want to share this with people I love and care about.  I want to share it with the guy on the side of the road. Running is my drug.

I took up running after college. Well…I “ran” in college, but it was only three miles at a time give or take. It was only to combat the “freshman fifteen.”  It worked.  Anyway…after college, I felt like I had accomplished several goals I set out to, and I was kind of in that place of, “now what?” I am a goal setter. I enjoy having something to work towards.  My friend Daniela posted on Facebook that she had ran a half marathon. To me, this sounded absurd ..who runs 13.1 miles for fun?! However, in the spring of 2008 I printed off a training schedule and registered for my first half in Gateway, CO. 

Scared to death, I did not miss one.single.training.run. To date, that is still my slowest half (including the one I had to walk part of due to knee issues). And yet I trained so hard. However, that race was a breakthrough for me and I will never forget it. Since then, I was hooked.

Running has pulled me out of depression. Running has pushed me through heartache.  Running has allowed me to escape from little trials and sadness. Running has made great days even better. Running gives me permission to eat EVERYTHING (which is the main reason I do it… hahaha).  Best of all, running has taught me I can do things I never thought possible. I have ran 13.1 miles several times “for fun.” I have climbed a mountain pass (Imogene) on a 17.1 mile run that has forever changed me. I plan beating my marathon plague and putting the first one in the books in May. Running helps me reach down deep and search for the pure grit inside my heart.

Get out there. I promise it is not easy. I also promise it is worth it.    

Cozy

Cozy Thursday

Yesterday was the anti-Wednesday. It was calm, cool, and collected. Work flew by and I was out the door and on a glorious run by 2:15. Fantabulousness.  After my glorious run, I slapped on my comfy boots and went to pick up my niece. Even this would not ruin my happy mood:

Yep dog poo

She kept me entertained for almost three hours. My dog Charly threw up. We decided she did not get her flu shot, hence the vomit. Haley informed me she had her FluMist. Haley is two years old. And a genius.

She looks like she needs a flu shot

After sending her off with her mama, I made dinner for the hubs and myself. Elk steak with sweet potatoes and steamed spinach. Mmmm.

Appetizer

Ever had the cinnamon butter at Texas Roadhouse? This is my attempt at recreation. Put it on our baked sweet potatoes.

Dessert

This is not an actual veggie steamer....

Had a nice evening. Finished watched the Biggest Loser. Bonnie went home, which I have been hoping for. However, at the time, it was pretty sad. It's also sad that my life revolves around TBL.

I already entered my weekly total for Pile on the Miles- 12 AGAIN (what a loser). Hoping for a few miles tonight at the gym. I know. Hot little Friday night.

Big weekend plans?

Unicorns and Rainbows

What. a. Freaking Day.

Yesterday was so full of unicorns and rainbows I don’t know where to begin. I felt like Rainbow Bright up in this place.  Warning: this blog post will be so full of random thoughts and stories you will be confused by the end. I am confused already.

If you do not love Rainbow Bright, we are not friends.

So….the “apology” blog has now come down as well.  I received an email from the awesome and gracious The Truth About Diamonds who stated I took it wrong and told me to repost the old blog. Well the old blog is gone. L I cannot find it anywhere. I created my own little drama production all in my head. So, we’ll just call that a wash!

On to real life: the Carbon Monoxide Saga. In case you don’t know me personally and follow me on FB (which is my whole blogging audience pretty much), we had another episode with CO this week. We both ended up having to stay with my in-laws for a night. And then…(que the music)…my dad came up with the ingenious idea of calling Source Gas.  He was right!! They were at our house within minutes. The problem was fixed within the afternoon, and we walked away two VERY satisfied customers.  The technician even showed Ty how to do some of the work so he wouldn’t have to charge us for as much labor.  Seriously?! That never happens. I was impressed. Gold start for that guy.

Work sucked yesterday. Plain and simple. People were rude. I was edgy. I nearly left my workstation to go outside and have a complete meltdown with tears and everything.  However, we were so busy, there wasn’t even time for that.  I honestly wish I could blog about my job. You would be entertained, I promise. BUT…. You’re stuck with the other substance of my life. Which isn’t much.

Speaking of which…I promptly left work after a short shift of twelve hours, went home, changed clothes and beelined it for the gym. Our friend Shawn (he introduced Ty and I…how cute right?!) has been bugging me to join Crossfit. I am all about the type of workout Crossfit offers, however I do not have time for running and Crossfit at this point. ANYWAY….Shawn told me about a Workout of the Day (WOD) they did at Crossfit this week:

10 Deadlifts

15 Pull-ups

400 m sprint

(perform three rounds without rest)

Easy peazy lemon breezy right? Pssshaw.

Here is a breakdown of my workout: Get to gym. Set up stations by adding weight to a bar and setting it aside for the deadlift. Adjusting pullup machine to my desired weight. Run half mile warm-up on treadmill at which point jackwagon idiot gym goer decides he needs not all, but just half the weight on my deadlift bar (because those were the only two weights in the ENTIRE gym!!!).  Once I got off the treadmill to begin the circuit, I put different weights back on the bar. As I was doing the first deadlift set, jackwagon lets his kids play on the pullup machine. Which is where they stayed the ENTIRE time I was working out. FML. I kept giving them the look like, “really? REALLY?!?!?!?”…but it didn’t work. So I did push-ups instead. And punched the jackwagon in the face. In my head.

It is Thursday now. Life is much better. I was able to sleep in my own bed and I plan on going for a run after work today. Plus….I am making my Christmas list after this.  All of these things make me very happy.

Pictures

There is something missing from my blogs. Pictures. Of me. I know….I totally suck at this.  All the other blogs I follow have throngs of pictures of the writer. I struggle because a: I don’t feel like you would be interested in my words AND my pictures (LOL,hahaa)….b: I feel so self-absorbed asking others to photograph me in my daily life.  I mean…if I was getting some award or cresting a mountain? Yes. Me buttering a piece of bread or tying my shoes? Not so entertaining. 

That being said, I feel like that is sort of the missing link in my blogging career….which has gone viral BTW. I think I have like 20 followers now. Yipee!! (thanks to you all—can I bribe you to tell your friends??)

This weekend I went hunting with my girlfriend Brittani. I know. We’re badass. This was one of those times; I wish I would have taken a photo. We didn’t get anything, but it was pretty awesome.  Two chicks dressed in camo and blaze orange stalking elk.  We also got lots of girl talk accomplished and we managed to scare a group of male hunters out of our spot. The girl talking could have also scared the elk away…

I walked about three miles Saturday on our hunt and did absolutely nothing yesterday. Gooo team!

(notice I did not put ONE picture in this blog entry)

Buckets of Lists

Goals

Today I have been thinking a lot about goals. Dreams translate into goals.  A catch-phrase of late is, “Bucket List.”  I haven’t really created a “Bucket List” ….however mentally, I have things I want to check off the list.  I thought I would share a few today. If not for fun, then for holding myself accountable.

Bucket List by CC (in no particular order):

Run a marathon (duh that one had to be on there)

Marathon Bucket List: NYC, Boston, Rimrock, Denver, Vegas

 Become a mommy

Win a major rodeo

Take my husband to NYC

Take my husband to Europe..he has no desire…but he WILL J

Surf

Do something that involves jumping off something…you know…skydiving, bunji jumping, whatev.

Spend a week in New England in the Fall. Eat crab and lobster daily.

Host Thanksgiving at my house

Inspire someone to make a lifestyle change (for their health)

---there are many, many more… just top of mind stuff today.

On a different note, I went to spinning again yesterday.  Success! It turns out running five miles before spinning is not the greatest idea (like I did last week). Last night’s class was motivating and I had the stamina to make it through to the end and do everything the instructor asked of me. There were two husband and wife pairs in class….which got me thinking… I wonder if I could talk Ty into coming with me…..but then I woke up.

Fellow blogger, RunEatRepeat is hosting a Pile on the Miles challenge for November. I was pretty sure I was going to rock this challenge.  I added my weekly total of 12 today and saw other people had weekly totals of 32. 40. 27…etc… It is November people! Slack off! Eat cake and candy!  Rat bastards.

Death By Bicycle

I almost died. It’s true. Last Thursday about 6:00 in the evening, I saw my very life flash before my eyes. You see, about 5:30 I arrived at High Country Fitness with my sister-in-law to attend a spinning class (my first ever).  About 5:45, the class began. By 6:00, I was hoping I could somehow fall off my bike, melt into a pool of water, and slip under the door without anyone noticing.  In the end, there was a pool of water. I’m pretty sure part of my body mass was in it…but I did not get out of finishing the class. 

I felt like this....

Holy S*^%! Have you ever tried spinning? I consider myself to be in fairly good shape.   I mean… it’s the off season and I am logging fifteen sometimes twenty miles a week running.  Guess how many miles we “rode” on Thursday? Fourteen.  Yep.  Of course, I must preface with the confession that I had no respect for spinning before this class. I figured it would be moderately hard, but no big deal. Which is why I ran five miles before class.  A mistake I will be sure NEVER to make again. AND three of those miles, I was pushing my niece in a running stroller I just happened to have lying around (teee hee).  My quads were mush.

So now….I have a GIGANTIC, HUGE…. Respect for spinning.  The class was both challenging and fulfilling. I am planning to join High Country this winter.  I am sure I will attend another spinning class at that time.  Until then…I am going to avoid it and pretend I get just as good of a workout from running. J

P.S. I know I promised you pictures from my favorite loop. I did run it, however it was a crappy, gloomy day.  Another time.

T-Shirt Junkie

I am a quack. Seriously. I created this blog about running and I have yet to set out on a run this week. But it’s all good. I plan on going home again tonight, putting on my favorite t-shirt, warm pj pants, and snuggling up with my husband who plans on running away for a week (hunting camp).  Speaking of the t-shirt… I LOVE this shirt.

Considering UW is my alma-mater… and this shirt just has a coolness factor. It’s soft. It fits me perfectly. And I basically wear it every night to bed when it is not in the wash. That is not an exaggeration.  Sometimes I wear it out in public too, and for some reason, it causes people to ask me about Wyoming. ALL. THE. TIME.  I don’t mind.

Speaking of Wyoming… it looks like Wyoming outside today. Although this is the kind of snow storm Wyoming gets in July.  It is small and whimpy.



The guy in the middle is from Wyoming



Back to running…I planned out my next three runs this morning while I was taking a shower (it’s a talent I have—planning my life while showering) . So hold me accountable would ya??  I am hoping to do my favorite loop tomorrow.. four miles from my house. Great views. I sound like a commercial for a real estate company. Anyway…. I’ll try to take pictures.

Your RIMD (Running IS My Diet) PSA (Public Service Announcement)

Your RIMD (Running IS My Diet) PSA (Public Service Announcement)

The point of this blog is not for me to piss and moan and annoy the heck out of all of you. That being said, I am going to whine.  The last three days for me have just been …BLAH.

I won’t bore you with most of the details…except this: CO poisoning. I awoke Monday morning at 4:30 am (that in itself is enough to make someone sick). As I was getting ready for work, I got sick. Yep…completely emptied the contents of my stomach.  Since I am a super dedicated employee, I came to work anyway.

Around 11, Ty text me that the Carbon Monoxide alarms were going off in the house.   So….I sent the fire department to my own house. I’m just that cool. Okay not really, it was mortifying having to do it, but necessary.  Since Ty had opened all the windows and doors as instructed by yours truly, the fire department could not detect CO levels.

We both went to the doctor. We are both okay. The Heating guy came over and helped us alleviate the problem….a clogged filter mixed with improper venting. We now have a new filter and my handy hubby and his brother are installing the vent as we speak.

Crisis averted. Moral: Check your vent filer. Check your CO alarm batteries.  Keep an extra $300 in cash lying around for peace of mind….which in fact…is priceless.

Second to near death by Carbon Monoxide, I haven’t ran in three days. And don’t foresee it happening tonight either.  Perhaps I will do my TV workout to the Biggest Loser…although the hubs will be home tonight and will probably laugh at me. Oh well.

Ever had a CO scare?
Ever page the fire dept to your house?