Run Across Georgia - What I Ate

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Turns out I was unable to complete the Run For the Heroes – Run Across Georgia. I made it just over halfway, to 132 miles before a swollen right ankle literally knocked me out of the running. I’m more than a little disappointed at not completing the 260-mile distance but it is what it is. There will be other runs.

I experienced an unending flow of support from family and friends via text and e-mail and my support crew was amazing. I’ll have more to say about them and the run later but for now, let me answer the most often asked questions I received from all of you (and by “all of you” I mean my female friends). Those questions are:

“How much weight have you lost?”

“What are you eating?”

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What's Really Necessary

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I woke up this morning with no voice. Tried to say hello to Snowball the cat and a croak came out. I've been battling a sore throat for a week now and thought I was winning but it caught up with me yesterday. Well played, lingering bacterial infection. Well played.

I went to Urgent Care (Them: Who is your primary care physician? Me: You.) this morning only because I leave for my epic 260-mile Run Across Georgia event this Tuesday and a sore throat and lingering cough is NOT in the game plan. She put me on antibiotics so hopefully I'll get everything cleared up before the start gun goes off at 4 AM on Wednesday. 

I was just in my tiny condo kitchen, cleaning up after some cooking when I went to use a soapy paper towel to wipe off the countertops and thought, "Whoops, I can't do that. Granite." Then I remembered...

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Things I've Learned Since Living Alone

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It's been almost 4 months in my little rented condo and I've come to a few realizations about myself and how I approach life. Here they are:

  • I'm capable of killing spiders (big ones!) on my own. Who knew?
  • I clean up more after myself when it's just me.
  • Except for the mail bin which will never, ever be under control.
  • I enjoy coming home to an empty house. Well, almost. There is usually a fat cat screeching at me for food.
  • I have very little interest in watching TV except on Tuesday nights. Who's That Girl and The Mindy Project make me happy. 
  • I regret all the years of looking down on people who refused to cook just for themselves. Now that I'm alone, truth be told, I'd happily eat cereal every night if grains were allowed in my diet.
  • I am horrible at realizing I'm about to run out of things and preparing accordingly. Last week saw me make an emergency lunchtime run for dental floss, cat food, aluminum foil, windex and tampons. 
  • Given the choice between writing and reading, I've been veering toward reading. However, the allure of writing is once again beckoning. Thank God. 
  • I am capable of eating an entire 90% dark chocolate bar on my own in one sitting. Okay, fine. Two 90% dark chocolate bars in one sitting. 
  • It took me 3 months before I could balance my checkbook. WTF??
  • While I'm not extravagent, I pay absolutlely no attention to money, coming in or going out. 
  • My hand towel holder fell out of the wall and I've decided I'd rather live with it versus going through the process of trying to fix the gaping hold myself. You call it laziness. I call it "living in the now." 

What? You were expecting life-altering realizations? It's only been 4 months, people. Give me time. 

That realizing I'd have to kill spiders lesson really took it out of me. 

Cheers,

Dena

Back On The Bike

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I had good intentions this winter of staying active on my bike. Bought an expensive trainer. Positioned the bike strategically in front of the TV. Rode it twice in five months.

Oh well.

So we’ve established I’m not an indoor cyclist. But I’m determined this year to spend more time on the bike. I’ve already taken the plunge and signed up to ride 24 Hours of Booty with members of my company. (Currently under debate: Should we go for time or distance?)

I’ve committed to riding every Wednesday night with a group called “Mary’s Ride” that does anywhere from 26-35 mile rides. Last year I was at the middle/back of the “B” ride. I rode for the first time this past Wednesday and started with the C ride until I build up my leg muscles and my confidence.

I’m fortunate in that my company is filled with skilled cyclists and we usually head out once a week on a group ride. I’d like to average at least 60 miles a week this summer.

This is leading toward a goal of eventually training for an Ironman. Before I throw swimming in the mix, however, I’ll have to deal with the fact that I don’t like to get my hair wet.

Details, details. Happy Friday.

Cheers,

Dena