Oscar Sunday > Superbowl Sunday

Number of bacon-wrapped dates consumed: Many
Number dipped in chocolate fountain: Many
Number of Sparkly Soul headbands used as flapper headband: One
Weight, in pounds, of bag of Swedish Fish won: 1.9 (technically won by The Sailor in Oscar Bingo ... of course my initial reaction was "these will be great fuel for marathon training")
Number of Cotton Candy Machines won: Half - my dad and I tied on our Oscar ballots - we both picked 16 correctly, so we have to share the grand prize. However, combined with the Popcorn Machine I won at last year's party, I can host some pretty sweet movie nights someday.
Number of miles swam pre-party: One (phew)

Midnight in Paris-inspired: Gertrude Stein, Salvador Dali and some flappers

Bridesmaids-inspired: She was Megan. Those are her puppies. 

 

I'm not ashamed to admit that I love Oscar Sunday way more than Super Bowl Sunday.

Oscars: You can wear a fun outfit inspired by a nominated movie. And take photos of it on a faux red carpet! Who doesn't love a theme? 

Super Bowl: I guess you could wear a themed outfit but you'd be out of place among all the uninspired jeans and sweatshirts everyone else is wearing. 

Oscars: CHAMPAGNE! Wins every time in my book. 

Super Bowl: Bud Light. (Although I drank a rather fancy beer when watching the Super Bowl because I don't usually drink cheap beer.)

Oscars: Evening gowns!

Super Bowl: Football uniforms. 

Oscars: Song and dance numbers! Montages! Awkward jokes! Long speeches cut off by music! Indecipherable accents! 

Super Bowl: Overhyped halftime show that looks awkward. (Sorry Madonna, I love you and I loved your show, but it's true.)

Oscars: Brad Pitt! Clooney! Jean Dujardin! Demian Bashir! Whoever that hot guy was that helped Octavia Spencer on stage! Sadly no James Franco this year. But J.Lo's cleavage!
Super Bowl: Green Bay wasn't in it this year, so no Aaron Rodgers. 

Oscars: I know what is going on.
Super Bowl: I couldn't care less what is going on.

Oscars: The actual show is interesting.
Super Bowl: The commercials are more interesting.

 

The Sailor isn't one for dressing up

How do you watch the Oscars? Do you attend a party? Have a themed night at home? Or just wear your sweats and tweet along? Or skip it altogether?


Did you enter my Favorite Things raffle yet? I'll pick a winner Monday morning (let's say 10am central time). So you have until then to enter!

Fashion Friday: Scarf Week

Awhile back, I tried to start a fashion blog. It didn't last very long. I realized I'm not fashionable enough day-to-day to support a blog, nor do I have enough interest in keeping up with fashion and trends and news ... nothing like these bloggers. But I think I might be able to support a weekly post related to "fashion." Spoiler: it might devolve into Running Fashion Friday, but I'm OK with that.

I guess scarves are "hot" right now, and I fully support this. Clearly.



When I was a kid, I remember being told by one of my friends that because I'm a redhead, I shouldn't wear pink. Because red and pink clash. I disagree. So on Valentine's Day, I wore them together.

And then I decided to make this past week Scarf Week ...

Monday:

   

I love these flats from Target. Even though they are an animal print, because of the colors, I consider them a neutral (see how they blend into the neutral office carpet), and wear them as such.

(Fat) Tuesday:



Mardi Gras. What can I say, I like to be festive. I was also told that I'm wearing Donatello colors (as in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles).

Wednesday:

 

I bought this scarf at Walgreens. That's right, the drugstore chain. I saw it and liked the print. I was trying to build an outfit around this scarf at 6am. I don't really know if it's working for me. Also, when I got to the office, and was cold and put on my fleece ... I realized I was wearing all one color. Maybe I'll start a new trend. Or maybe I'll try this scarf again with something else. I don't think this is a repeat outfit.

Thursday:

 

In case you can't tell, my top and pants are dark brown.

Friday:

No picture because I work from home on Fridays. I wore yoga pants and a baggy hoodie to "the office" (um, my bed with my laptop) and didn't even brush my hair.

Did you enter my Favorite Things raffle yet? I'll pick a winner as soon as I wake up on Monday morning (I'm taking the day off). So you have until then to enter! 

Review: RelaxReflect Reflective Clothing

I've been eyeing RelaxReflect's super cute reflective running clothing for awhile. I was hoping Santa would bring me a pair of their running tights, but sadly, Santa does not follow me on Pinterest, or decided not to take my suggestion. But I still really wanted to try out their stuff, especially after Kim posted her review. I was getting tired of wearing my ugly reflective vest that didn't fit very well, meaning I spent most of my run adjusting it while running.

The clothes arrived yesterday, and I was super excited to try them out tonight! We are (were?) under a Winter Storm Watch tonight, and even though it was raining on my drive home from work, it held off during our scheduled 6:30 group run with the F'N Runners.

I'm wearing:
Stripe and Star Leggings (DryFlex MicroPoly)
Random Stripes Tee (DryFlex MicroPoly)
All American Skull Cap (Brush DryFlex)
Not from Relax Reflect:
Nike Dry Fit Hat (under my RR cap)
C9 mock-neck
Injinji socks
Mizuno Wave Nirvana 7s

As you can see, the Relax Reflect clothing is super reflective. Like many other runners with day jobs, I do a lot of running in the dark this time of year.

These clothes did exactly what I wanted - I loved being able to wear reflective clothing instead of an ill-fitting running vest. So I'd say this was definitely a worthwhile purchase!

In terms of fit, the items fit well.

• I thought the tights were a little bit short - I'm 5'7 and I could have used another inch on them. But once we got moving and I warmed up, I didn't even notice. Also the tights don't have a drawstring waist, but they stayed up better than some other tights I have that do have a drawstring. 
• I probably could have ordered the shirt a size larger (I'm usually between a medium and large, and got a medium), but it fits fine and it's stretchy, it's just a tad bit more form-fitting than I'd like. That won't stop me from wearing it though. 
• At first the cap felt a little snug, but I didn't even notice it while I was running, plus I had a hat on underneath it (I wanted a brim in case it rained). And I'm pretty sure I have a big head. The cap does have a ponytail hole which I appreciate! I don't mind altering a $5 hat from Old Navy, I didn't want to do the same to a $30 hat.

It was chilly and I was worried about rain
so I wore a jacket. Kelly and I were twinsies!

In addition to adult-sizes, RelaxReflect also carries children sizes, so you can keep your kids safe when they are outside in the dark or dusk. You can also create custom t-shirts on their site.

Overall, I recommend RelaxReflect if you run in the dark and are tired of frumpy reflective vests. Or if you are doing a nighttime race, like Ragnar or perhaps the Glo-Stick Run in Chicago (I really want to do this! Whatever it is!)


In the interest of full disclosure: you may have noticed from the links in this post and in the right sidebar that I am an affiliate for RelaxReflect. I do earn a commission from any purchases you make as a result of clicking the links. I did pay for the items I've reviewed, but I received a discount with the promise that I would post a review. The opinions are my own and I do plan to share them with RelaxReflect. Anyway, I just wanted to be upfront about that!


However ... If you make a RelaxReflect purchase using my affiliate link before March 15, I will donate my commission to the American Cancer Society. 


(Oh and that Moving Comfort ad? Also an affiliate link. But I only run in Moving Comfort bras. They are amazing. I wear a 34D. I need the support.) 

Oscar Predictions 2012

Sometimes her party includes
dressing in "red carpet attire"
(old bridesmaids dresses) or
costumes. Last year, she was
the Black Swan and my niece
was the White Swan.

For a few years now, my now-sister-law Melissa has hosted an Oscars Party. She started hosting them before she married my brother ... so it's been at least five years. She includes some games and prizes. The biggest competition is seeing who can best predict the winners. I've won for the past two (or three?) years in a row, so the Facebook invite for this year's party is getting a little bit riddled with trash talk from family members who think they can take me down. We'll see.

For now, these are my predictions. This could change before Sunday night. Like, if Roger Ebert releases his prediction. (Edited to add: he did. I'm keeping my original picks though.) Because I'm not an expert on film or awards shows - but I do my homework.

Best Picture: The Artist
Best Director: Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist

Best Actor: George Clooney
Best Actress: Viola Davis

Best Supporting Actor: Christopher Plummer

Best Supporting Actress: Octavia Spencer

Animated Feature Film: Rango

Cinematography: The Tree of Life

Art Direction: Hugo

Costume Design: Hugo

Documentary Feature: Pina

Documentary Short: The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom

Film Editing: The Artist

Foreign Language Film: A Separation

Make Up: The Iron Lady

Music (Score): The Artist

Music (Song): Man or Muppet

Short (Animated): The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore
Short (Live): The Shore

Sound Editing: Hugo

Sound Mixing: Hugo 

Visual Effects: Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Writing (Adapted): Moneyball

Writing (Original): Midnight in Paris


Among the nominated movies, I've actually seen The Artist, Midnight in Paris, The Help, Moneyball, Bridesmaids, Beginners, Jane Eyre, Harry Potter and the first 20 minutes of Tree of Life. I liked them all except for Tree of Life. I suffered through the first 20 minutes and then couldn't take any more and I had to turn it off.

Don't forget! Every $5 you donate to the American Cancer Society = 1 entry in my "favorite things" raffle, including Sparkly Soul headbands, Bondi Bands, Clif Shot Bloks, Honey Stinger Waffles, Body Glide and a custom race t-shirt quilt. Learn more.

Progress: What a Difference a Year Makes

Today I ran 10 miles with the F'N Runners. I wasn't planning on doing 10.

This morning's group. I'm on the far right. In the front in gray is Jeni, and in yellow is Don.
And a bunch of non-bloggers. At least, not that I'm aware of. 

Some of us did eight miles (four out-and-back), and by the time we got back to our cars, almost everyone else had already finished or were good doing eight, but a couple were going to do another mile out-and-back for a total of 10. I was feeling good, so I figured, why not? My total time was 1:33 (I stopped my watch for a couple short breaks.) It was the first time I ran double digits in one day since my last half marathon on October 1. (I've been sticking to 7-8 miles for my long runs almost every weekend since.)

Last May, I ran the Soldier Field 10 mile race. I trained for it and busted my butt to a 1:48 finish. Today wasn't quite slow enough to be considered a truly "easy" pace (according to my heart rate) but it certainly wasn't race pace.

On Thursday night, I ran six miles with the F'N Runners. It was our first time meeting on a Thursday night. I wasn't sure what to expect.

Thursday night. A bunch of non-bloggers and Kelly is second from the right and Amanda is on the far right.
Actually Gen (in the blue) has a blog but I don't know if it's "public." She can comment with the link if it is :)

I ran with a couple friends, and our pace was 8:33. It definitely felt like a tempo for me (comfortably hard), but considering last June my 5K PR pace was 8:30, and I busted my butt for that one too (and it was the week after the Soldier Field 10 that I trained for), I was pretty proud of Thursday's run.

It's amazing what you can accomplish with some consistency.

DailyMile

I am SO EXCITED for my spring half marathons and seeing how far I've come in two years. (My first half was in May 2010 and my time was 2:48.)

And do you know how accomplished I feel to be done with 10 miles, showered, and ready for the rest of my day by 11am? (Keep in mind I drive 20 minutes each way for these group runs.) I've certainly changed in the past 10 years year. Before hooking up with my running club, if it wasn't race day, I very rarely got up early to run. And even then "early" was 8am. Yet another mark of progress!

Also last night I did some core work (class at the gym) and then "cross training" at Room To Move, my sis-in-law's studio: Hoop Dance Party Party.

She brought her own fans

It was hard to get good pictures in low light with everyone moving. Anyway, it's part of their $5 Fridays series, the third Friday is Hoop Dance Party Party. Basically come and do your thing. Fourth Friday is a Tribal Belly Dance workshop.

Don't forget! Every $5 you donate to the American Cancer Society = 1 entry in my "favorite things" raffle, including Sparkly Soul headbands, Bondi Bands, Clif Shot Bloks, Honey Stinger Waffles, Body Glide and a custom race t-shirt quilt. Learn more.

Happy Valentines Day! Who do you love?

Borrowed from a Facebook friend: "To anyone on a public self-pity 'I hate Valentine's Day' kick, if there is one person in the entire world, whether it's family or a friend, that loves you, stop complaining. You are much more fortunate than many people out there. Valentine's Day isn't just about having a significant other; it's about celebrating love in every form, so be grateful for what and who you have in your life."

Who do I love??

The Sailor

April 21, 2007

My Parents

My Brothers

My brothers' wives

My Niece

My many besties (the non-sister-in-law edition)
Clockwise from top left:
Genevieve (and me) - best friend since we were 13
Scott and Vera - besties since high school (we often come as a trio)
(and I've known Vera since kindergarten) (and she hasn't lived in Illinois for 12 years)
Paula (and me) - bestie since 1996, she's engaged to The Sailor's best friend
Jessica and Sarah - besties from college

   

And, yes this might be cheesy, but I love all of my running friends, online and in-person! You guys are awesome and super supportive. So thank you to Kelly W, Kelly J, Amanda C, Amanda W, Kim, Erin, Sara, Kelsey, Lindy, Amy, Dan, Meg, Ali MC, and all of my F'N Runners. 

Today is the last day to enter the raffle for a swim lesson with Coach Judie! Every $5 you donate to the American Cancer Society before the end of the day = 1 entry in the raffle for a swim lesson with Judie in Lisle or Rolling Meadows! Learn more about Coach Judie: part 1 and part 2. 

Me + Trail

Yesterday I ran eight miles, most of which were on a local trail, and minus one lady walking her dog around mile two, I didn't see anyone else on the trail.

It was kind of nice having it all to myself. I don't listen to music when I run outside, so it was just me and my thoughts, and the sound of my feet crunching over the snow. I did stop to take some pictures; it was a beautiful day.

The ponds/creeks/standing water by the trail were all frozen.
Which made me wonder, where do the frogs, toads and turtles go during winter?

Hi

When I stopped my watch to take my lovely self-portrait, this was my time.
Totally by chance. So of course I had to take a picture of it.

My goal for this run was to stick to the pace McMillan suggested for a long run, instead of running by heart rate. Of course even though I checked before I left, I couldn't remember the range of the pace. I remember the low end was 9:13, but I didn't remember if the high end was 9:33 or 9:43 (it was actually 10:13). My overall pace was 9:30.

ALSO, I have my very first blister from my shoes. Which is confusing me. These shoes have 244 miles on them. Why are they just now giving me a blister? I wore my usual socks. The blister is on my right Achilles. The only thing I can think is that I wore my newer pair of the same shoes at the race on Saturday, with my usual socks, but I wore an additional pair of soccer socks over them. Maybe the double socks got a blister started, and it just got further aggravated on yesterday's run?

Race Report: Cupid's Chase 5K - Chicago

Alternate title: What feels just as good as PRing?

So, after my last post, I changed my mind about today's race. I decided I was going to pace my best friend Genevieve. If you can believe it (because I can't), my mom, who is usually very competitive (you should see us play volleyball together, kind of scary), said I should pace Genevieve. Her exact words were something along the lines of "You know what your own PR is, have fun, run with your best friend, and help her do well." Perhaps my mom was biased; so has often commented that Genevieve is her other daughter.

Anyway, it was COLD this morning. I think it warmed up to around 12 degrees when we got to the race. Because I wasn't going to be pushing myself as hard, I bundled up. Five layers on top and four on bottom. (No, I'm not exaggerating - I think I set a PR for layering!) I meant to take off my track pants and windbreaker for the race, but once they were on, I didn't want to take them off. And I didn't want to pin my bib to my windbreaker, so I broke rule #1 of racing and wore the shirt during the race.

Amanda, Kelly, Gen, me

Bibs for the Virtual Run for Sherry
The race shirts said "unavailable" or "available."

We met up before the race with Kelly and Amanda, and ran into Nicole and Kate. I actually know Kate from my childhood - our parents were neighbors before we were born, and we would play together when our moms got together for coffee. (Kate and Nicole ended up placing #1 and #2 in our age group!)

Kate, their friend, Nicole

Earlier in the week, Gen told me she wanted to get sub-40 for her time. I paced us with my Garmin, but she decided when we would take walk breaks. I didn't tell her our pace, just that she was doing awesome, or I would encourage us to start running again. Our first mile was 12:09! So maybe I should have been a better pacer and started a little slower. The second mile wasn't quite as fast.

I made Gen take a pic of me + Chicago during the race (I'm facing the camera)

Nicole zooming past (part of the course was 2-way)

When we got close enough to the end and could see the time on the finishing clock, I think Gen got discouraged because it was over 40 minutes. I reminded her that it took us a bit to cross the start line, and it was a chip timed race.

Also, we were pretty close to the finish and there were two people in front of us and I asked if she wanted to pass them. Gen said no, but I didn't like that answer.

Sorry dude, you're about to be chicked x2

We crossed the finish line ... Garmin said 39:49!!!! I was so happy, it felt just as good as achieving my own PR!!! Gen needed a few minutes to compose herself (I told her that meant she did it right). Once it set in, she was happy about the time! She realized she took 3 minutes off her 5K PR in about 6 weeks. Not too shabby! (Our official time was 39:47.)

Post-race, Kelly, Amanda, Gen and I went to breakfast at Nookies, where I proceeded to remove a pair of pants and two tops right at our table. What can I say, I'm classy. If you're keeping track, that left me wearing three pairs of pants and three shirts.

Anyway, if you ever get a chance to pace a friend to a PR, do it!!!! It will feel awesome when you help them achieve their goal, I promise. Now I understand why my cousin Judie is a coach!

Don't forget, every $5 you donate to the American Cancer Society before Feb 14 = 1 entry in the raffle for a swim lesson with Judie in Lisle or Rolling Meadows!

I'm Doing This For Me

Since I've started really getting into running, and thus talking more about running, one thing that's bugged me is the response from what I'll refer to as the "non-running peanut gallery."

I'm sure I'm not the only person who has encountered these folks. And I know they exist in the non-running world.

They are friends or "friends" who just don't "get" running. And they make comments about your running. Not necessarily criticisms, not quite judgement. But definitely opinions that seem to imply you, the runner, are somehow crazy or addicted. (In a bad way, not the good way that we like to think we are.) That there is something wrong with, or at the very least, questionable about what you are doing. Or, rather, how much you are doing it.

Since this is my blog, and therefore it's about me, I'm going to comment on it, and then (hopefully) I'll be over it.

So I run. A lot, by some people's standards. (But a little by others ... who cares, the only standard that matters is my own.) And I race. A lot. I do these things because I enjoy them.

I don't have kids.
I live with my parents.
I spend over 2 hours every workday commuting.

So those hours I'm not working, commuting or sleeping? I want to do something I enjoy. And I enjoy running. So that's what I'm going to do. It makes me happy. Right now running and my job are the only things making me happy.

So why would anyone question me doing something that makes me happy?

I'm an adult. I don't need the world to approve of my life. I only need to worry about making myself happy first, and then my loved ones, and then my boss/co-workers. In that order. (And then find a solution for world peace, right?) I don't need my friends to approve. But at the very least, it would be nice if, aside from my running friends, they were supportive. Or happy for me. Or at the very least, not judgmental.

I know friends tease each other, and give each other grief. That's part of "friendship," and I didn't earn the nickname Sarcastic Ass for nothing. (Although the older I get, the less proud I am of that nickname, so I am trying to tone it down.)

I won't go into detail about what I think is really behind these comments. (Insecurity.) Because that's an assumption, and maybe not a fair one, and this blog isn't about other people. (I don't mean that in a self-centered way, I mean that in the sense that with the exception of my Q&A posts, no one else gave me approval to talk about them in this space, so I try not to talk about other people in this blog, unless it's harmless and/or positive.)

At the end of the day, that is why I have this blog - it's an outlet to talk about running with people who "get" it. That's also why I love my running groups, and why I spend so much time running with them. They are supportive of my running goals, and they "get" it.

What do you think? How do you deal with the non-running peanut gallery?

Q&A with Nicole, who ran 66 races in 2011

Another Q&A post! Meet one of my newest runner friends, Nicole, a local runner who races a lot, and often wins her (our) age group. Even though part of me secretly hopes she's not at the races I'm doing, she's very sweet and good motivation! Best of luck for a great 2012, Nicole!

How many races have you done?
In 2011 alone, I ran 66 races, ranging in distance from 5k to the marathon. This year, I plan to cut back, and run about 50 races. In all of my racing career, I have run approximately 200 races!

I love collecting race medals!! Here are all of my 2011 awards

When did you start running?
I started running back in 6th grade. We had to do the mile run test in gym class and that’s when I learned that I had a little bit of natural talent. I started running on the junior high track team in the 800 meters and 1600 meters. In high school, I ran track and cross country. I did not run in college, but continued to run recreationally.

What's your favorite distance to race?
Oh, I simply cannot choose just one. I love them all, but probably 5k’s and half marathons the most. 5k’s are great because of how quick they are, and its fun to run fast sometimes! Half marathons are great because the distance is far enough to be challenging, yet short enough to do them frequently.

Why do you race as often as you do?
I just love it so much!! It’s what I do for FUN!! In the past couple years of racing, I have made so many new friends, a big reason I race so much is to see all my running friends! :) All week long, I look forward to starting my weekend mornings with a race!

What is the most races you’ve done in one weekend?
On May 16, 2010, I ran a half marathon at 7am in Chicago and then drove to Crowne Point Indiana, where I ran a 5K at 2pm that same day!! I’ve also done back to back (two days in a row) half marathon’s a couple times.

How do you pick your races?
I like to run races that I know friends will be at. If a friend tells me that they will be at a race, I immediately look at my calendar to see if I can join them. Also, this year, I am trying to pick new races - ones that I have never done before. Of course there are plenty of races that I will repeat this year, but I’m hoping for about 20 new ones.

Friends!! @ the Chicago Half Marathon on 9-11-11.

Do you budget for your races? Do you ever get free or discounted entries?
No! I really don’t, but I should!! I have never not registered for a race because I couldn’t afford it. I find a way to make it work.

I did win $50 at a race in Joliet once!

Which races do you look forward to doing every year?
Oh, there are tons! But, to name a few: the Frosty 5 miler in Channahon, Tiger 5k at Chicagoland Speedway and the Chicago Marathon!!

Left to right: 2009, 2010 and 2011 5K at the Chicagoland Speedway

What was your best race experience?
I had an absolute blast at Hot Chocolate 15k and the Chicago’s Perfect 10 miler at Navy Pier. I felt like I was flying at both races. I PR’ed at both of them by about 3-4 minutes, which is so so fun!

With friends after earning my new PR (1:14:58) at Chicago’s Perfect 10 miler!!

What was your worst race experience?
Chicago Marathon 2011. The heat got to me… I was hurting. At mile 21, I wasn’t sure how I was going to complete 5 more miles. I was so thirsty and sick to my stomach - it was miserable!!

BEFORE the 2011 Chicago Marathon with my cousin

Do you have a race routine? What is it?
I drink a can of regular coca cola before every race!! I just started doing this before the Terrapin 5k in August of 2011. I hadn’t eaten much that day and knew I would need some fast sugar… and then I had a great race so I still do it! I only “warm up” with a mile run in the cold winter months.

I always have a coke in my hand in pre race pics!

How do you prevent injuries? Deal with recovery?
Knock on wood, I’ve never been truly injured! I get sore and tired, but nothing that keeps me from running. Recovery? I just listen to my body. I don’t follow a specific training schedule - I just run what and when I feel like.

Do you have goals for every race? Or just "do my best"?
Sure I have goals, but they are very different goals for each race. I’ve learned not to make goals related to my finishing times. I have never PR’ed on days that I try to. I always run fastest when I least expect to.

What advice do you have for someone who wants to race a lot?
Have fun!!! And keep a fun running scrapbook like I do :) It’s where I store my race bibs, pictures, race stats and a small story about the event. Otherwise, all of the races start to jumble together.

Nicole is running the Chicago Marathon for Team CureSearch. You can support her!