Just Too Funky!!

First, so very sorry that I haven’t blogged for a while.  My life was a little on the hectic side – work had taken over there for a bit, but since I am taking the day off… I have time to get caught up on a few things.

So, I have been reading a lot about running lately, and while I get that I can’t do every single tip that comes my way (or I would be a supa freak) – there have been a few that I have picked up on.  This whole notion of “barefoot running” – this, as they say, is why the Kenyans are so great.  They have really strong feet.  The stronger your feet – the better you run.  Oh, and it may have something to do with generations of them having to run 40 miles to school….

Let’s just say that if I had an Indian name – it would be “Walks with Tenderfeet”.  I can’t really do the barefoot thing, because, well… I am a huge sissy.  The moment I hit a rough patch I am doubled over, and trying to tiptoe my way across the danger zone.  Not super helpful.

BUT!!!  I found a solution!!  Vibrams.  Okay – I get it.  They look freaky, but they are so great.  Yes, they make my feet look like cavemen feet – but they are comfortable, and they help strengthen my feet.  They have a tendency to scare the masses.  I wore them to work one day only to have my brother exclaim, “What the Hell!!  I don’t like it – I don’t like it one bit!!”.  

I need to wear them a little more regularly before I go running in them.  I don’t want to strain my feet – or cause injury, but one day folks.   One day.

Here’s to being different!!

Until next time,

Andrea

15 Albums – Yada, Yada, Yada

So, Mr. Dave tagged me in his note and asked that I play along.

The rules: Don’t take too long to think about it. Fifteen albums you’ve heard that will always stick with you. List the first fifteen you can recall in no more than 15 minutes.

I played – here are my results. 

Also in no particular order….: 

1. Tom Petty – Wildflowers
2. Bob Dylan – Blonde on Blonde
3. Weezer – The Blue Album
4. Prince – Purple Rain
5. Fiona Apple – Tidal
6. Nirvana – Nevermind
7. Garden State Soundtrack
8. Madonna – Like A Prayer
9. Michael Jackson – Thriller
10. The Beatles – Abbey Road
11. Simon and Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled Water
12. Wonderboys Soundtrack
13. Brandi Carlile – The Story
14. Alanis – Jagged Little Pill
15. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Blood Sugar Sex Magic

Okay, and I’ll say it – Gaga and The Fame.  I am really sad there wasn’t room for Stankonia (Outcast), Under Construction (Missy), Neil Young’s After the Gold Rush, and Bob Segar’s Greatest Hits – but of  the albums I listed above I can pretty much sing every song from track 1 to whatever – most without any prompting of any kind.  If my life had a soundtrack a song from each of these albums would totally represent a time or a moment in my life.

So, “Let the choir sing…”

Until next time –

Andrea

10 Reasons Why Andrea Should NOT Go to the Fair.

Yes, I made it.  I spent all 4 days at the fair… from 9-10 and 10-6 on Sunday.  Thank Goodness Carrie was there to help me survive.

But, WOW, did the fair take a toll on me.  So, here you have it – 10 reasons why I shouldn’t be allowed back in:

1. Corndogs.

2. Ultimate Nachos.

3. Indian Tacos.  Twice.

4.  Mini Donuts.  Also Twice.

5. Pulled Pork Sandwiches.

6. Butter Pecan Ice Cream

7.  Hamburgers, Tater Tots, and Peach Pie.

8. Chicken on a Stick.

9.  Mochas.  It was FREEZING so I give this a pass.

10.  Me, “Hi, How are you?”

Old Lady, “I’m not from around here… I can’t do a party.”

Me, “I didn’t ask you to have a party, I asked how you were doing.”

Until next time,

Andrea

Lady Needs a New Pair of Shoes – Running Ones

Hey Folks!!

So, as with any sport, to make sure you have the right gear – you have to drop some serious moolah!!    I want to make sure I have the right shoes (to prevent injury), right pants (so I don’t freeze my buns off in winter months), right shirt, cash for race entries and so on and so forth.  Whew – running is breakin’ the bank.

Want to help!!  (Shameless promotion about to start now).

I will be using all my Pampered Chef money to help support my running.  I am asking each and every one of you to consider hosting a show… Don’t live near by??  Take a couple of catalogs, pass them around to friends and family, collect orders – and BAM!!  You have yourself a show.

In my mind it is win-win because you can get free kitchen gadgets, or money yourself??  $$ you ask??  Yes, have a fundraiser…. a send your kids to camp, buy new school clothes, I really want a pedicure, or race for the cure fundraiser.

Let me know if you think you could help, and to those of you that already have…. well, I can’t wait to show you what training gear you helped me purchase.  Hopefully, its coming today.  They are really cool.

Until next time,

Andrea

Alright, Let’s Air it Out.

Alright, Alright – Here it goes.

What Andrea’s secretly working on…  So, most of you know that I have been running and that I am really enjoying it.  I have gotten suggestions to run this, that, and the other. BUT – what I secretly have up my sleeve is to run the Portland Marathon next year.  Even crazier – I would like to do it in qualifying time for the Boston.  I know that is a huge. gigantic. you are so freaking crazy – goal.  But, I am planning to give it my all.

I have never felt this way about something athletic before.  I am in love with the “sport.”  All I do is think about it, want to read about it, want to learn about, and want to do it.  Yes, I realize this is coming from one of the least competitive people in the world.  I was joking yesterday, that if I am playing a sport (basketball) where some crazy woman is waving her hands, and running at me – all because she wants what I have…. she can go ahead and have it!  Also, not a big fan of getting hit in the face with a gigantic piece of plastic all in the name of sports.  Nope.  No thanks!!  I like my face too much.

So, there you have it.  Cat’s out of the bag.

Until Next Time,

Andrea

Oh Swimming, How You Have Betrayed Me.

Once upon a time – I was a lifeguard, I was in the best shape of my life, and I was a very strong swimmer…. that was 12 years ago.  Since then – I haven’t really done much swimming.  However, that didn’t stop me from thinking that I would still be as good as I once was.  Oh, how wrong I was.

I began my journey by purchasing the essentials: Goggles, Swim Cap, and Racer Suit.  I was gonna be fast, and look like an idiot.  This all started because my “helper” or “coach” told me – in order to be a long distance runner – I needed to get my butt off the treadmill.  Apparently, treadmills lie to you – you don’t go as far or as fast as they say you do… which would make sense, because I am super fast on my treadmill and ms. slow poke on the trail.   I was also told I should take it slow – I should work in other exercises that increase my heart rate and provide resistance… and that’s how I came to swimming.  Okay – so I have my plan and my outfit.  I am SET!

So – here goes nothing.  Locker rooms freak me out – so I find the nearest stall and change into my suit.  Then I pull out my swim cap, after several attempts and lots of static later – it’s on.  Goggles… well they are on too.  Off to the pool.

I jump in and decide, “here goes nothing!!!” I take off.  About halfway down the lane I think I am going to die.  This is much harder than I remember.  I can’t get enough air – why aren’t my legs kicking!!!!  Shit.  Not. Easy.  On my way back I think – “Well, the breast stroke was always my favorite anyway.”  So off I go – okay that was a little easier.  Now here is the kicker.  I thought, “Oh, I loved the backstroke.”  Let’s just say surgery changed my face.  Before surgery water never, ever, ever went up my nose.  I didn’t get why people had to plug their nose, or why water up the nose was much of an issue.  So, I push-off from the edge of the pool to do some backstroking – when all of a sudden a stream of chlorinated water shoots straight to my brain.  I had to stand up – sputtering – with an enormous headache.  What the Hell was THAT about!!!

After a few minor adjustments I ended up completing 30 down and backs in about 42 minutes.

Since then I have swam 3 more days – and it gets a little better each time.  I have also learned to loosen my goggles so I don’t scare the college girls with deep red rings around my eyes. (Yes, they are still tender from “operation goggles too tight.”)

Until next time,

Andrea

PS:  There is still no way in Hell I am changing in the locker room.  If you need me I will be in one of the stalls.

I Want to Hear From You!

Hello everyone!  I want to hear what you are all up to in your fitness goals.  Tell me what goals you have set, or what you do to stay fit or eat healthy.  This is also a great way to give everyone ideas to keep their fitness training and goals exciting!

I also want to acknowledge several of our readers and friends of mine for accomplishing great milestones in their fitness goals.  So here goes!

Congratulations to Elizabeth Walker for running her butt off this week!  Awesome Job!  Keep up the good work and let me know how you are doing and if I can do anything to help!

Congrats to my Bestest Friend in the world.. MISS ANDREA!  Props to her for swimming her butt off this weekend and the past few days to the point that she can’t move her arms!  Way to go Andrea!  Keep pushing yourself!

I also want to say congrats to Esther Bates Murdock for setting her new goals to walk every morning and afternoon and to bring more healthy cooking into her life!  I am so excited to do what I can to help and I look forward to hearing all about her success!

Remember, part of reaching goals is also having the support and encouragement around you!  I wish all of you the best in all your goals whether they are for your health or for your life in general.  I send my strength and support to you all.

Karly~