The Cat and the Hat

My mom and I went to the dollar store last week in search of tins for cookies and candy. We found them and my mom also found a pink santa hat that looked like it would fit a baby. She bought it and I didn't even question it which is odd considering there are no babies in our family or no babies even remotely close to being born...

We get home and my mom goes to her sewing machine. She sews on an elastic band to the pink santa hat. She tells me it is for Sox, the cat. And she proceeds to put it on. It lasted about 20 seconds and that was that.

Sunday night while watching the Sound of Music, I decided we should take some family photos with the cat and the hat. (my brother was at a friends house and missed out on all the excitement).

2010 In Concerts

I went to a lot of concerts/shows this year. Maybe it's because this is the first year I have actually taken the time to write them all out? I am horrible at ranking, but I definitely had my favorites (they are in italics). I averaged about one concert a week. That really puts it in perspective. I think I got most of them. Here is to a great concert year in 2011! Anyone else see some good shows in 2010?

2010 Concerts

January

26- John Mayer and Keith Urban Crossroads Taping, The Factory Franklin, TN

February

9-John Mayer w/ Michael Franti and Spearhead, Birmingham Jeffferson Convention Complex Arena Birmingham, AL

10-John Mayer w/ Michael Franti and Spearhead, Bridgestone, Arena Nashville, TN

21-Howie Day, 3^rd and Lindsley Nashville, TN

March

1-Dave Matthews Band with Alberta Cross, Lotto Arena Antwerp, Belgium

3-Dave Matthews Band with Alberta Cross, Heineken Music Hall Amsterdam, Netherlands

7-Dave Matthews Band with Aleberta Cross, 02 Arena London, England

13-John Mayer, Freedom Hall Louisville, KY

15- Muse w/Silversun Pickups, Bridgestone Arena Nashville, TN

31-Tegan and Sara, Ryman Auditorium Nashville, TN

April

5-Vampire Weekend, Ryman Auditorium Nashville, TN

11-David Gray, Ryman Auditorium Nashville, TN

19-Owl City, War Memorial Nashville, TN

May

1-Jimmy Buffett, Bridgestone Arena Nashville, TN

10- Barenaked Ladies with Ingrid Michaelson, Ryman Auditorium Nashville, TN

19-Music Saves Mountains Benefit with Dave Matthews, Emmylou Harris, and a bunch of others… Ryman Auditorium Nashville, TN

25-Josh Rouse, The Belcourt Theater Nashville, TN

June

10-Conan O’Brien, Third Man Records Nashville, TN

12&13- Bonnaroo Music Festival, Manchester, TN: Dave Matthews Band, Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z, Weezer, Phoenix, Norah Jones, Regina Spektor, The Avett Brothers (I saw parts of other shows, but these were the shows that I saw 50% or more of…)

15-Patty Griffin, Ryman Auditorium Nashville, TN

18-Dave Matthews Band, Deer Creek Amphitheater Nobelsville, IN

19-Dave Matthews Band, Deer Creek Amphitheater Nobelsville, IN

22-Nashville Rising Benefit with Bridgestone Arena Nashville, TN

July

12-Band of Horses, War Memorial Nashville, TN

August

9-The Arcade Fire, Ryman Auditorium Nashville, TN

27-The Head and the Heart and Mt. St Helens Vietnam Band Concerts on the Mural, Seattle, WA

28-John Mayer, Keith Urban, and the Avett Brothers, Gorge Amphitheater George, WA

September

6-John Mayer w/Owl City, Orange Beach, AL

16-David Bazan and The Mynabirds, Lincoln Hall Chicago, IL

17-Dave Matthews Band, Wrigley Field Chicago, IL

18-Dave Matthews Band, Wrigley Field Chicago, IL

October

3-The National, Ryman Auditorium Nashville, TN

5-All for the Hall Benefit Concert Featuring Keith Urbam, Vince Gill, John Mayer, Dolly Parton… Bridgestone Arena Nashville, TN

9-Menomena, Mercy Lounge Nashville, TN

11-The Lonely Forrest and Margot and the Nuculear So and Sos, The Exit/In Nashville, TN

14-Local Natives, Cannery Ballroom Nashville, TN

29-The Avett Brothers w/ Chuck Mead, Ryman Auditorium Nashville, TN

30-The Avett Brothers w/ Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Ryman Auditorium Nashville, TN

November

1- Mumford and Sons w/ Cadillac Sky, War Memorial Nashville, TN

4-MGMT, Ryman Auditorium Nashville, TN

8-Sarah McLaclan, Ryman Auditorium Nashville, TN

12-Dave Matthews Band, Madison Square Garden New York, NY

13-Dave Matthews Band, Madison Square Garden New York, NY

December

2-Reggie Watts, Third Man Records Nashville, TN

12-Cold War Kids, Third Man Records Nashville, TN

17-Garth Brooks, Bridgestone Arena Nashville, TN

21-Garth Brooks, Bridgestone Arena Nashville, TN

December 24

A clothed Santa! and the train engine.

December 23

A cute little Christmas tree.

December 22

I didn't take my calendar with me, so here are the last three installments.

A helicopter.

Merry Christmas...

Merry Christmas! Happy holidays! Happy Festivus! Happy whatever you may or may not celebrate.

Wishing you all the best! May you spend the day with family and friends and enjoying eachother's company.

My family typically does not do a traditional Christmas meal. This year we are making homemade pizza. I made the dough earlier and we have lots of toppings for a great meal.

This picture is from Santa Rampage. It is one of my favorite events and I talk about it year round. I am already looking forward to next year!

And The Thunder Rolls: Part 2

I had such a good time at the Garth show on Friday, I decided I needed to go again.

I was able to find great tickets for face value on Sunday night for the early show tonight. Friday's show was a lot longer (and he played one of my favorites, More Than a Memory), but I still really enjoyed tonight's show too.

I am off to Charleston, WV to celebrate Christmas with the fam. Safe travels to all those traveling this week!

December 21

Another train car.

December 20

Today is some sort of dozer. I am not an expert or anything so I don't know exactly what kind it is...

December 19

This is rather boring. A railroad car.

And the Thunder Rolls

So last night I went to a concert. I seem to go to a lot of concerts. But last night was special. I got to see Garth Brooks. And I had never seen Garth before. Shocking I know.

I am self proclaimed ticket snob. I am spoiled. I get good seats to most shows I go to. And I am very lucky. I know this. But every once in a while I don't have good seats.

And last night I had what were quite possibly the worst seats I have ever had. Second to the last row of a 16,000 seat arena.

And who is the only person I would happily pay to see a show knowing I was almost in the last row?

Garth Brooks.

And it was so much fun. So much fun that I am going to try to see another one of his shows on Monday or Tuesday! (He's doing a 9 show benefit for flood relief.)

So we realized that we could go up to the last row and have more room to dance. So I was actually in the last row for the last half or so of the show. That's the silver metal wall behind us at the very, very top of the Sommet.

December 18

Today totally makes the shower make sense.

A naked Santa for the shower! And a brush to wash his back!

I am caught up!

December 17

So some of the items in this advent calendar seem to be a little bit out of place. Take today. A shower. But the hot and cold nobs are really cute!

December 16

A red couch. I sat the bearded man on the couch so you could get a little perspective.

December 15

So things have been a little busy since Wednesday. So it's time to play catch up.

A table and chairs with a lamp on it?

December 14

I love bread as much as the next girl, but umm, this is a little unrealistic. The loaf of bread as almost as big as the girl. If this were scaled to my height that would be a 6ft loaf of bread. I couldn't get the full perspective because she kept falling over until I tilted the loaf back. Also, again with the extra hair. Why? I would think the loaf of bread would be lost before the head of hair.

December 13

Today? A fire truck. My grandpa worked at a fire station. Whenever I see one, I always think of him.

December 12

A wood cart, an axe, and some "logs".

December 11

A nice little fireplace. I love the flames! Now if only I had a real one right now...

December 10

Today's Lego figure really isn't too exciting. A man and his briefcase. They could have at least given him a popped collar or something.

But, it does get a little better. Each day there have been a few random extra pieces. My friend, who has the exact calendar, and I both hope all the extra pieces will combine for one really cool figure at the end of this Advent Calendar Journey. Today's extra piece? Hair.

Why didn't I get any extra hair with the girl???

December 8

Today brought me a dog. And a dog bowl...with hot dogs? Or sausages?

Also, TWO people mentioned that they loved the Legos. And in case you wondered how the Lego Advent calendar works, I took some additional pictures. But basically every morning I open the flap and pull out a little plastic bag with pieces. On the inside of the flap is a diagram of what the figure should look like. Pretty easy.

The whole shebang:

A "flap":

Please note that I had to do a little more than just put the head on the snowman. But these are Lego's here people. And if you can't put something together with just the picture and not step by step instructions, you probably shouldn't be playing with them...

Oh, and in case you don't live in Nashville, it is cold here people. Really cold. I am ready for fall. Fall of 2011.

December 7

A piano to go with the drum set!

I am off to see a theatrical version of a Christmas Story tonight! I've heard good things.

Bitchcakes has a great post on running. Check it out. And I have to agree with her, Florence and the Machine's Dog Days are over is a great song to run to. In fact the whole album is!

December 6

I am not a cat person, but this is just my kind: plastic!

The Dog Days Are Over

Friday around noon I left for Memphis to go run my second half marathon this year. Considering last December I wanted to run a single half marathon I am very pleased with this portion of my new year's goal.

I got to Memphis with my friend and we went to straight to the expo to pick up our packets. While there I was convinced to sign up for the Country Music Half. It was cheaper to register there and I got a free shirt, plus I would have ended up registering it before the month's end anyway. After packet pick up we checked in at the hotel, did a little shopping and then were on the search for food. Every place in town had a minimum of an hour wait, so we opted for Whole Foods where I ate two very large pieces of pizza, a small salad, and a chocolate chip cookie. It was 8:30 and I was ready for bed. I laid out all my gear and got to bed.

5 AM came pretty fast. I got ready and ate my normal race meal of fruit and a luna bar and a few swigs of Diet Coke. We met up with the rest of our group and headed downtown. The race was very well organized and we dropped our bags at bag check. We also watched a friend WIN the 5k. I was a little nervous, but that's normal. We all made our way to our different corrals. I did a quick jog and met up with a friend who I ran 9 miles of the race with.

They used a wave start and I started 10 minutes after the first runners. The first 3 mile were pretty easy and we were keeping a good pace. We were running through downtown, so the sites were more interesting. Right after mile 3 we turned on to Beale which was a nice hill. Right before mile 4 I realized I hadn't reset my Garmin from my run on Wednesday. UGH! So I reset it and it was 30 minutes behind. At that point I knew there was no way I could use it for my exact time, but as a guideline. Mile 5 was through the St. Jude's Campus and was a really neat part of the race. I took a GU right before St. Jude's. We proceeded to run through a residential area and a park. Around mile 9 I was feeling ROUGH. I got another GU and I told my friend to go ahead and I was going to slow down a little bit. And slow down I did. I was pretty much taking water at every mile after 9. And walking through the water stops. Poplar Avenue might have been a rolling street, but it sure was a long one. I would finish running up one gradual hill and start to run down it only to see another hill in front of me. Plus, the downtown buildings seemed so far away. During miles 9-13 I thought about walking, never doing another one of these again, and flat out stopping.

But, it really wasn't as bad as I was making it out to be. I was fine. Tired, but fine. And at that point I had less than a 5k left. I could do it. And do it I did.

I haven't looked at the splits from my watch, but my official time: 1:58:53. Even though I wanted to do better, I will take it! My training really slacked off after mid-October and I didn't get a long run in over 10 miles either. So, my time was 4 seconds faster than country music which is nothing at all, so I have some work to do for the next one. I do know that I felt much better after this race and I wasn't walking around in a daze for 20 minutes after either! I definitely have some things to work on for the next race. Overall it was a great race and I am glad I did it.

Part of my running group that made the trek to run in Memphis

I finished and am alive!

The Bling!

December 5

How cute is this drum set???

December 4

A cute little construction tractor.

December 3

A cute little skate board, ramp, and hat.

December 2

This little guy was waiting for me this morning. Not quite as cute as yesterday's snowman, but still cute.

Tonight I am off to a Christmas Party AND a Reggie Watts comedy show at Third Man Records. Reggie Watts is also in one of my favorite Seattle bands Maktub. I do know this, if I ever leave Nashville I am going to miss the kick-ass stuff that happens here.

AND

Tomorrow I leave for Memphis to run my SECOND half marathon this year. (And I am nervous and scared, but not quite as much as I was in April...)

December 1

So I usually buy an Advent calendar of some sort, usually of the chocolate variety. But for the past few years I have really wanted a Lego Advent Calendar. This year was finally the year I made the jump. This might become a new tradition.

And here was today's figure.

Worst Passport Picture Ever

So I didn't need a passport to travel to Springfield, MO over Thanksgiving break, but a few times on the drive, you could have fooled me.

Instead of a Thanksgiving recap (it's coming!) I am going to talk about passports. Specifically passport pictures.

I was 16 in my first passport picture. It was taken at the AAA in Kanawha City on MaCorkle Avenue. I needed a passport to go on a two week trip to Europe with a group from high school between my junior and senior years of high school. For some reason I had a day off school and I was able to go get the picture taken. I don't really think there is much I could have done differently to get a "better picture". Little did I know that this picture would haunt me for the next 10 years.

When I got my passport picture taken I didn't think I looked that bad. And then I got my actual passport. It seems the United States was using some new technology: scanners. This new technology caused my skin to turn a different color. Why couldn't they just laminate a hard copy of the picture to the passport like they did with my friends who applied at the EXACT same time? At the time I thought my biggest concern was the fact that my skin was off colored. Boy was I wrong.

A picture is worth 1,000 words and my passport picture leaves me pretty speechless, except for a really good laugh.

I don't even know where to start. The bangs, the eyebrows, the mock turtleneck, the sweater over the mock turtleneck. wow.

I do know this. Despite my horrible picture, my old passport always provided good laughs for the people who looked at it and for me as well.

When I studied abroad our passports were often collected as a group and then passed back out to us. Whoever was passing them out would usually just look at the picture and hand it to the person. With mine, they always had to look at the name too.

When I was flying home from Amsterdam in 2007, I showed my passport to passport control. The passport agent looked at my passport and looked at me. He proceeded to do this about 5 more times. He asked some questions. I told him it was an old picture and sheepishly giggled. He stamped my passport and said to me, "You look much better now." I waited for my friend on the other side. She asked me what the passport agent and I talked about because he didn't ask her anything. I told her everything and she could hardly believe it.

We got to our gate and had to go through security. This time my friend and I went together. We handed our tickets and passports over. The agent took an extended look at my passport and told me to make sure I didn't get that haircut again. We both had a good laugh.

2009 rolled around and it was finally time to get a new passport. I guess I could have gotten a new one sooner, but I sort of liked my old one with all of its stamps and I am too cheap to get a replacement if the old one is still good. I went to another AAA. This time it was in Nashville. (Passport pictures are free for members!). I was ready for a great picture. Well, I was ready for a picture without bangs.

And they have changed the passport photo rules. You can't have an open smile. WTF.

I guess this one will have to do for the next 9 years.

Happy traveling! All this talk of passports makes me want to plan a trip!

The Return to the Gym

I haven't been to the gym regularly since mid-October. So for more than a month, I haven't been on any sort of exercise schedule except for a minimum of two runs a week. And I have been eating whatever the hell I feel like. This is all pretty much a recipe for disaster. And it's the first time in almost 7 years I have let it get this out of control. I am trying really hard not to beat myself up about it, but it's hard. Clothes don't fit the way they once did. Flab hangs over my pants. I am just softer in general.

But this week I have made a conscious effort to make some changes. I went to the gym for a second time in a row today. I went to a new yoga class that I really enjoyed and I did the arc trainer for 60 minutes. Even though I felt good and better about myself while I was doing these activities, it was still hard. I would catch glimpses of myself in the mirrored classroom and instantly notice my stomach rolls. Or when we would hold our arms out I would notice the flags on my arms and wonder if anyone else sees them or is it just me? When I was on the arc trainer I noticed my pants didn't quite fit how I like them too. This was all a little frustrating and saddening. Frustrating because I know what kind of work I am going to have to do to get back to where I want to be and saddening because I let it all happen. Were those Peanut M&M's really worth it? How about that Sweet Ce Ce's Fro Yo? And what about all of the other crap I ate? No it wasn't really worth it, but what is done is done. I can only change from this point forward.

Despite all of these upsetting realizations, I also knew I needed to tell myself I have come a long way. And sometimes pictures are the best way to show ourselves just how far we have come. I also know what helped me to lose so much of the weight. Tracking Weight Watchers points and lots and lots of cardio and weights.

August 6, 2003

November 13, 2010

Both pictures are taken with a good DMB friend of mine. I picked them because it's a pretty good comparison of how drastically my weight changed, especially next to him.

There is no way I would want to be where I was in 2003 ever again. That summer and following semester are where I hit my all time highest weight. I look back at the pictures from that time and I can't really believe it is me.

I need to learn to not be so hard on myself. In the end, a few pounds in the grand scheme of 100+ lbs weight loss really isn't that big of a deal.

I am thankful that I know what I need to do, even if it will take me a while to get there.

Change of Plans

So I didn't get up this morning and go to the gym. Instead I slept in and got 9 hours of sleep. When I woke up? I felt the best I had felt in a week! No puffy eyes either. I also didn't have to drag myself out of bed to get ready either. So I packed my gym bag, made my lunch, and had a great breakfast of a bagel thin with almond butter and a banana and I was only a few minutes late to work!

Immediately after work I high tailed it to the Y with my US Weekly and my iPod. My 60 minutes and the arc trainer flew by and I just felt better. Sweat and all. I headed home, but not without a quick stop for a diet coke, to start dinner. No clue what I was going to make either. I ended up cutting up a yukon gold potato, coating with olive oil, and a spice mix of garlic, cayenne pepper, and salt and baking in the oven. So, so good. So good when my roommate came home she tried one and then I told her how she could make it and she made the exact same thing. I also had some leftover salad with tomatoes and a garbanzo/green bean/kalamata olive/balsamic vinegar combo I put together.

Now I know a lot of you read The Pioneer Woman. But, I am not sure how many of you have seen her Thanksgiving throw down with Bobby Flay. I watched it last week and the Pumpkin Bread Pudding totally caught my eye. I didn't make the bread pudding tonight, but I did make his pumpkin bread recipe used in the bread pudding. I added chocolate chips to one loaf (I made a double batch.). And this might be one of my favorite pumpkin breads. And it would be simply decadent if you used it for french toast!

And even though I made not one, but loaves, I had two tiny slivers with a glass of milk. The rest of it is going to work tomorrow!

Oh, and I have issued myself a challenge of sorts. I weighed myself this morning and it wasn't pretty. At. All. And I have decided I am going to LOSE weight this holiday season. Anyone else with me or am I the only crazy one?

The Carrot in Front of the Horse

Confessions:

• I bought a magazine (US Weekly) in order to make myself go to the gym tomorrow morning.
• I don't remember the last time I went to the gym.
• I didn't go on my long run this morning...my running buddy bailed, I have been sick, and my feet have been bothering me.
• I have been sick since I got back from NYC. I have been going to bed early...some nights before 10 and sleeping until about 7, if can.
• Something is not right with my feet, they have been sore since my run on Wednesday. Today was the first day they started to feel better.
• I made banana bread and it was only ok. My roommate thinks it's awesome, but she can't bake, so anything homemade is awesome to her.
• I am going to Springfield, MO this year for Thanksgiving. While Thanksgiving is my FAVORITE holiday, I'm a little nervous about the unfamiliarity of Springfield. I've never been there and I don't know my way around. It's not like I really hung out with any high school friends in Charleston, but at least I knew where things were. I guess I need to get used to it...I'm going to Springfield for Christmas too. And I am dreaming of a flight to Springfield at Christmas. 7 hour drive. One.Way. UGH.
• I am still suffering from post vacation depression, but at least I have Thanksgiving this week!

A To Do List

I have fallen off the exercise/nutrition wagon hard. I am surprised my body isn't bruised. Well, there may not be any purple or blue-ish bruises, but the bruises of my clothes not fitting are starting to make their mark.

So I have a to do list:

• Get back into a normal exercise routine
• Find a yoga class to go to. My beloved teacher was fired...
• Finish the Memphis half marathon in 2 (TWO!) weeks. I once had lofty time goals, but now I just need to cross the finish line.
• Drink more water.
• Lose about 20 lbs.

And now I leave you a video of one of my favorite new bands. The Head and the Heart.

I am Caught in a Love Hangover

Seriously. I love these people.

I just got back from a long weekend in NYC, where I got to see my beloved Dave Matthews Band. (These were my 95th and 96th shows, but shhhhhhhh. Let's just keep that between you and me.)

LOVE!

I feel a post-vacation depression coming on soon...

Consistency

Running and eating Fro Yo from Sweet CeCe's is the only thing I have consistently done recently that isn't related to Sarah is thankful.

I gave up Diet Coke for two months. That was two months two long. I had the best tasting Diet Coke last night.

Mumford and Son's was the best show I have seen this year, maybe even years. SO, SO good.

NYC in a week. I can't wait to see my wonderful friends!

Driving By

Just a quick post here. Still keeping up with my Sarah is thankful blog, but just wanted to post my unofficial results from my Germantown 5k Bier Run. Last year I ran this exact same race in 27:24. This year, I ran it in 24:50! Wahoo!

I am off to drink more beer :)

Thankful

I have followed Krissie with her thankful blog. I apologize for the lack of posting here. I've been a tad busy, but for now, check out my own thankful blog at Sarah is Thankful. And it is not too late to join the Thankful revolution!

28 on the 28th

It was my golden birthday which really only matters if you were born on a date after, say, 10 or so.

I had a blast. Whiskey Kitchen and the Patterson House with some of my best friends.

I recently uploaded a years worth of cell phone pics and will eventually be doing a narrative post based on my cell phone. Basically it comes down to the fact that I go to too many John Mayer concerts.

But until then.

This was 27.

And this is 28. So many good things are in store!

I Didn't Have a Camera By My Side

This morning I went for my first run since Wednesday. I met up with some girls from my running group at Percy Warner to run the nice and hilly 5.8 at 6 AM this morning. The sun wasn't up and the moon was shining bright. We were off and it was still dark. I remember coming to a break in the trees and it suddenly seemed light outside. After we turned a corner after the very last hill I suddenly struck with the sunrise. It was amazing and totally picture worthy.

A great run to start my Friday.

After work. I wanted to hit up the Lululemon showroom, before they closed before the new store opens. I treated myself to an early birthday present of running pants and yoga pants.

Also, I treated myself to the Williams-Sonoma donut cake pan and fall pumpkin bread pan. I can't wait to make some goodies using theses!

With A Little Help From My Friends

Let me first start out by saying I am independent to a serious fault and I hate asking for help.

So last night was run #12. "The Nasty". Just under 6 miles and a hilly 6 miles at that. It was warm, some would even say hot.

I finished in just under an hour.

I had a glass of gatorade and 2 ice pops.

I changed clothes and went to the bar. Instead of beer I decided to only drink water.

I had been there for almost an hour and I could tell something just wasn't right. I was ready to go, but I was waiting on a friend who said she would be there in 15 minutes.

And between the time she called and when she got there, I started feeling light headed and it was pretty obvious to myself and even to my friends that something was not right.

Things started to get blurry and I couldn't hear well. Before I fell, they made sure I sat down on the ground and put my head between my knees. Before I knew it, there was a small group around me. Someone had gone and gotten cold paper towels. Water was readily available. And chips and queso had been ordered, so I could eat something. Embarrassed would be an understatement. I just practically fainted in a bar.

While I absolutely hate asking for help, I am so, so thankful for my friends who where there to help with out even asking. And they made sure I got home ok, by following me home. Next time I am not going to let things get to this point, and I am going to ask for help in advance. I think I can apply this to other aspects of my life as well.

So, thank you Sara, Carmen, Dawn Joy, and Lindsey for all of your help last night!

And before you ask, I had eaten breakfast, lunch, and a small luna bar before the run. I also had been drinking plenty of water through out the day. I am not sure what caused it, but I made a doctors appointment today, to make sure everything is ok.

Ben Does Life

For all you runners, runners in training, and aspiring runners, watch this.

Ben sure does do life now.

There Are Bad Times, But That's Ok

So today marked week two of fall speed sessions. Some mornings I am awake before my alarm goes off because I am so ready to run. This morning was not one of those mornings. I wanted to be anywhere but running on a track at 5:45 AM. I knew the warm up and I knew my times, but that didn't keep me from doubting my abilities.

My two mile warm up went well. I averaged about 10 minute miles. But during the entire warm up, I kept questioning myself and my abilities to run a good race in December. That is 2+ months away folks. I wondered if I would be able to beat my first half marathon time from April (I'm competitive with myself, what can I say?). I also thought that my time from April had to be wrong because I feel like right now there is NO way I could sustain 9 minute miles for 13.1 miles right now, how could I have done it in April?

But I really need to accept that my race in April and my race in December are two entirely different races. In fact no two races will ever be the same. So my training methods for each race will be different as well. I didn't do any speed work in April, but I am working on that now.

So back to the work out. The actual speed session itself was 800 meters at a pace I used a chart to find based on my 1 mile time trial from the end of last speed sessions and my most recent 5k. There is a lot of science behind that pace that I am not even going to pretend to know about. All I know is that I needed to run 800 meters in 4:04 and follow it up at 400 meters taking 4:04 to complete the final lap. And then do it 5 times total. Easy enough?

YES! I was amazed how I was completely beat after running a half a mile and then 1/4 mile cool down. It was definitely easier than last weeks workout of mile repeats. So I probably should have done 6 total since I wasn't too exhausted, but I did have to go to work today too.

Overall, I was pretty please with my workout and my abilities. Looking forward to next weeks speed session!

LOVE! LOVE!

What more is there?

I know some pretty great people. I don't talk to them every day, but when I do see them, we start up just where we left off. It's my wish that everyone has some people like this in their life.

94 and 95 you made my heart happy.

I Don't Even Know

Yes. That is my arm. My arm at a John Mayer concert.

Yes. That is my favorite black nail polish. I know, I know. I need a manicure

Yes. Those are Silly Bandz on my arm.

Yes. Those are John Mayer Silly Bandz.

I am off to Chicago tomorrow to see DMB at Wrigley Field!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Trying New Things...

So I went to a new yoga class that I did not like at all tonight. It really made me love and appreciate the other three classes I go to. It also made me remember that every teacher is different. So if you go to one class and you don't like it, try the same class with another teacher. I went to my first yoga class a little more than a year ago and I haven't been back to that teacher since, but man, do I love yoga.

AND.

I caved.

I succumb to the Zumba fad.

I was one of those people who would walk by a Zumba class and sort of chuckle at all the people dancing. Tonight I was one of those people dancing, horribly if I do say so myself. At first I was a little self conscious because my workout buddy for the evening (Another Sarah K) wanted to be at the front of the class. This was good and bad. Good because I could see the teacher. Bad because everyone could see me. I struggled at the beginning and also struggled at the end (let's just say I never learned to do the Macarena in the Mid-Nineties). But once Sarah pointed out that the short Indian man standing right next to me was doing it, I became a whole lot more relaxed and actually started to have a little fun.

Just in Case You Were Wondering...

I am taller than Keith Urban.

Nicole better watch out.

Nashville's Top 30 Under 30

I rarely talk about my work (other than to complain every once in awhile) or about the various types of volunteer efforts I am involved with, but I am going to make an exception and ask for a little bit of help from you my reader, all 35 or so of you, and hopefully a few new readers too!

On September 11 I will be honored as one of Nashville's Top 30 Under 30 for my various volunteer efforts in the Nashville Community. This event is sponsored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and all of the honorees are helping to raise money for this great cause. I love this city and I love how so many non-profits are able to THRIVE here. It truly is a great community.

I know not all of you will be able to attend the party, but there is still a way you can participate. I am about half way to my goal of $500. And I would be so honored if you would help me reach my goal! Every little bit counts. Online donations can be made here. In the donation message, please put "Sarah Brown Top 30 Under 30". More information about the event can be found at the Nashville Top 30 Website.

AND if you live in Nashville you should come out for the party! It will be a lot of fun! Tickets can be purchased here.

Thank you all for your support over the years on this blog! And welcome new readers!

Sing It To Me John

Gravity isn't one of my favorite John Mayer songs, but last night at the Gorge, I absolutely loved the interlude. And it spoke to me. Spoke to me

"Going forward in your life, just think about it, just think about it.

Think about how much energy you are using

on criticizing yourself before anyone else criticizes you.

Just think about how much energy before you leave the house.

Think of how many words you are using in someone else's voice when you tell yourself you aren't good enough.

.

.

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We are living in a world where too much energy is spent on criticizing ourselves.

.

.

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There is too much self-hatred going on.

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No more self-hatred. Just love yourself."

Amen John Mayer. Amen.

The full video can be seen here and it starts around 5 minutes:

Vacation Time

This time tomorrow I will have just landed in Seattle.

And.

I.

Can't.

Wait.

I need this trip.

I will be running on these roads

Don't worry. They aren't all hills.

And waking up to this

And most importantly, relaxing and spending time with family I don't get to see often enough.