tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48551415420061722372024-03-12T19:27:51.562-07:00The Blonde BulletKelsey: the Blonde Bullethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11798235426603662742noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855141542006172237.post-14343909319983725392011-05-07T12:28:00.000-07:002011-05-07T12:28:47.744-07:00Goodbye from the Blonde Bullet :(<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUTftOcfJWUxAsLuOJx9mvQR2c9XvRKX2nDjnHSaSba2fRUJtEQHwX7SZUjaQo0KwGa6Ex1NfszDoo9SZovWnt9TNucFCvK8LycCLJFTCi8BOwEIQHJEeRXXguMVkoThk78MN-3ceSP8/s320/goodbye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUTftOcfJWUxAsLuOJx9mvQR2c9XvRKX2nDjnHSaSba2fRUJtEQHwX7SZUjaQo0KwGa6Ex1NfszDoo9SZovWnt9TNucFCvK8LycCLJFTCi8BOwEIQHJEeRXXguMVkoThk78MN-3ceSP8/s400/goodbye.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I started this blog for two reasons: 1) I wanted to become a runner. 2) I wanted to become more comfortable with my voice as a writer, especially on the web. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I cant believe I'm going to say this but, mission accomplished! It's been a year and a half since I started this blog. When I started I couldn't even run a mile, my asthma was horrible and acting up daily, I was partying most nights out of the week, and I wasn't writing even though I love to write. I was unhealthy and stuck in a rut. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">How things have changed. Now, I can run at least ten miles, I can run an 8 minute mile if I try really hard, I run 3-5 times a week, I ride my bike, I walk everywhere, my asthma rarely bugs me, I eat MUCH healthier and I take care of myself. I'm no longer the unhealthy, unproductive party animal. And even better, I've been writing stories, guest blogging, publishing here and there and working. The point is that I have improved. I've changed. I've accomplished. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But now I'm at another pivotal point in my life. Thinks are stable, and moving in the right direction but it's time for me to really focus on the accomplishments that I dream about. I no longer need to focus on becoming something, I now need to focus on doing more. Doing what? Publishing. Blogging. Taking pictures. Learning. Finding gigs. Racing more. Running more. Reading. Expressing my passions. Getting closer with my friends. And unfortunately, theBlondeBullet.blogspot isn't moving in the same direction. It's become dispassionate and stagnant to me.Not to mention, I don't feel like I can commit to the time or focus this blog needs to be good. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This community has taught me so much. You've all inspired me, taught me, made me laugh and motivated me to keep running. Without this blogging community, I honestly don't know if I would have continued running. You all taught me what to expect and how to stay motivated. And now, I can't even imagine my life without running! So thanks. And gosh darn-it, I'm keeping this profile and I WILL continue reading and commenting! </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Who knows, maybe I'll start the blog up again or maybe I'll start a completely different one soon (this is likely). But either way, I'll miss this community and I'll miss this blog! </span></div>Kelsey: the Blonde Bullethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11798235426603662742noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855141542006172237.post-36107528425997304012011-04-25T10:23:00.011-07:002011-04-25T10:23:00.342-07:00Rest: FIRE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.legaljuice.com/fire.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.legaljuice.com/fire.gif" width="336" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The rundown:<br />
Thursday: Beers and chats with friends</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Friday: Dinner with Mr. Wonderful, stroll around Phoenix. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Saturday: 1) Farmer's market in the AM. 2) Beer and bikes festival in the afternoon. 3) Nap time. 4)Birthday Party 5) OVEN EXPLOSION</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After coming home from a long day of fun, Mr. Wonderful and I wanted to make some cookies. So we turned on the oven for the first time to get things baking. But in just a matter of minutes black smoke was billowing out the top of the oven. So we turned it off, because we're smart like that. But the SMOKE GOT WORSE. And it BILLOWED. And I coughed a lot. And my asthma growled inside my chest. And Calypso looked scared. And then we panicked. Mr. Wonderful said <i>get something to break into the fire extinguisher with</i>. And I said <i>we need a hammer! WHERE IS MY HAMMER</i>. Mr. Wonderful says,<i> JUST GRAB ANYTHING</i>. And so he uses a bike pump. And he grabs the fire extinguisher and we point it in the oven where there's big flames and an excessive amount of smoke. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And then the fire goes out. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And now there is a white, blanket of powder in every nook and cranny of my studio. Seriously, it's EVERYWHERE. On my keys. On pencils. On my TV. On the floor. On the dishes. On the couch. On the dog. I drank some water... it was filled with powder. Gross. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sunday: Sweep, mop, mop again, dust, dust again. Sit. Cough. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Welcome Home! </div>Kelsey: the Blonde Bullethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11798235426603662742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855141542006172237.post-33636790375427509102011-04-22T12:45:00.000-07:002011-04-22T12:45:21.100-07:00Run: Downtown Haiku<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/p/phxca/phototour/phxca_phototour14.jpg?Log=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/p/phxca/phototour/phxca_phototour14.jpg?Log=1" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I moved downtown and I love it. Tuesday, I went for my first city run, and... sometimes, a haiku says it better. <br />
<br />
Downtown run was fun--<br />
Until a car pulled out fast.<br />
Jump, screech... but no smash. <br />
<br />
Lights, people and sounds:<br />
Energy of a city. <br />
But pollution: yuck.<br />
<br />
Another stop light!<br />
Must pause my Suunto again. <br />
Training is ruined. <br />
<br />
Shops, food and culture <br />
Although there's nowhere to run,<br />
I love this city.Kelsey: the Blonde Bullethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11798235426603662742noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855141542006172237.post-52259460866033231472011-04-18T10:00:00.004-07:002011-04-18T10:00:02.072-07:00Rest: Tax man<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ideaphotos.com/Pictures-Photographs-Pics/Paying%20Taxes%20Wtih%20a%20Smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://ideaphotos.com/Pictures-Photographs-Pics/Paying%20Taxes%20Wtih%20a%20Smile.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">I always thought paying taxes was fun: Spend an hour reflecting on your year and then get a few-hundred-dollar bonus! Free money! How neat!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
This year I owe about a grand. Which is a TON of money to me. And I want to die. Boo tax season. Boo. And that pretty much sums up my weekend. I hope you all had a better one that I did! </div>Kelsey: the Blonde Bullethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11798235426603662742noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855141542006172237.post-43400647143918166072011-04-15T10:00:00.002-07:002011-04-16T16:46:38.142-07:00Rate: Vegan?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thevibe.socialvibe.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/vegan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thevibe.socialvibe.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/vegan.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm thinking about going vegan. I'm already a vegetarian and I already avoid cheese because I'm lactose intolerant. But God I love cheese. So I often go on pizza/burrito/cheesy/greasy binges. These typically leave me feeling very, very ill. They're really good for training too (Not!). I also think calcium is very important. But I really do think I should be vegan. I'm so torn. What to do!? </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'll leave it to the jury. Should I go vegan? Yay or Nay?!</div>Kelsey: the Blonde Bullethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11798235426603662742noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855141542006172237.post-76576377593682057992011-04-13T10:00:00.000-07:002011-04-13T10:00:08.670-07:00Run: Beans, rice and broccoli<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.worldcommunitycookbook.org/season/guide/photos/broccoli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://www.worldcommunitycookbook.org/season/guide/photos/broccoli.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I am so stuffed. I mean STUFFED. And the best part is, I'm not stuffed with a greasy pizza or massive burrito. I'm stuffed with healthy food. Mmmmmmmm.<br />
<br />
I have already mentioned that I haven't been very motivated to run lately, and I think a lot of this is because my runs haven't been very fun. As in, I've been feeling out of shape no matter how much I run, and I've been feeling tired after only a mile or so. What gives?<br />
<br />
Of course I assumed that I've suddenly became the worst, most out of shape runner ever, but then it hit me: DUH. NUTRITION. I'm not getting the nutrients I need! <br />
<br />
The past few weeks an average weekday has looked like this:<br />
Breakfast: Coffee, Oatmeal<br />
Lunch: Carnation Breakfast Shake with Almond Milk<br />
Snack: Peanuts, and an occasional vending machine binge consisting of Cheez Its or Crackers<br />
Dinner: About a cup of rice and some veggies, 1-2 glasses of wine<br />
<br />
The weekends, of course, look something like this:<br />
Breakfast: Coffee, Oatmeal<br />
Lunch: Tacos or bar food, beer, chips, candy<br />
Snacks: Chips, candy, peanuts <br />
Dinner: Pizza or pasta, chips, candy, wine and/ or beer<br />
<br />
Now both examples aren't very nutritious, but honestly I'm more concerned about the former. Although I was trying to lose a little weight, cut out junk food and save money by drinking the Carnation shakes for lunch, I don't think I'm getting even remotely enough nutrients.<br />
<br />
See, the thing about being a vegetarian is that I need to be extremely intentional and meticulous about what I eat if I want to feel my best (especially while running). This isn't as easy as it sounds. Vegetarians not only need to make healthy choices, but they need to pair different foods each meal in order to get the same nutrients that someone who eats meat would. For instance, a meal of rice and broccoli is good, but there isn't enough protein. Add black beans, more veggies and possibly some cheese and I might as well be eating a chicken breast. <br />
<br />
The other thing is that although it's obvious a vegetarian must eat a lot of vegetables to make up for a lack of major vitamins one gets from meat, the vegetarian has to eat much larger quantities of those vegetables. Each meal should contain a green vegetable, and not just a handful. The veggies should be a huge part of the meal. They should often be the main course!<br />
<br />
With that said, I was definitely not getting enough nutrients during the day, and, especially since I run after work, my runs have been suffering. On top of that, it's practically pointless for me to be restricting myself during the week, because I make up all the calories on the weekend! <br />
<br />
So now that I've had that epiphany, it's time to make some serious changes. I foresee something more like this:<br />
Breakfast: Coffee, oatmeal with raisins<br />
Snack: Fruit and nuts<br />
Small lunch: Steamed vegetables, salad, rice and/or tuna<br />
Snack: Carnation shake<br />
Post work (or am): Have a GREAT run<br />
Dinner: Rice, beans, vegetables and dairy (cheese or milk) with some orange juice OR pasta with veggies, olive oil, and fake meat. 0-1 glasses of wine during the week. Splurge <i><u>a little</u> </i>on the weekends. <br />
<br />
I'm off to a good start. Tonight I made myself a WHOPPING serving of a nutritious and yummy concoction: 1.5 cups brown rice, 3/4 cup black beans, 1 teaspoon of grape seed veganaise, 2 cups of broccoli, 1/4 cup of parm cheese, a few sprinkles of salt, pepper, garlic salt and Mexican chili powder. And a cup of orange juice.<br />
<br />
Hopefully I will feel better on my run tomorrow. Fingers crossed!Kelsey: the Blonde Bullethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11798235426603662742noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855141542006172237.post-45192356662221033382011-04-11T10:53:00.022-07:002011-04-12T15:09:50.919-07:00Rest: Going local<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://images4.cpcache.com/product/usa-us+cities-united+states/130544004v9_225x225_Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images4.cpcache.com/product/usa-us+cities-united+states/130544004v9_225x225_Front.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If I met me today, and I told myself all the cool things I did this weekend, I would think that I'm a pretty cool cat. Unfortunately, I typically fail to be as proactive as I was this weekend. Most days I would meet myself and think <i>hey you're kinda lazy.</i> But not today, no no. not. to.day. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Friday: </b></u>Drive to Tucson post-work. Mr. Wonderful cooked a delicious Pasta Marinara and then we walked to the Gold Nugget and played some pool. The Gold Nugget is a quaint, rustic dive bar with cheap drinks, a jukebox, three pool-tables and traditional bar decor consisting of leather, wood and neon lights. I lost twice... it wasn't my night. But hey, I had fun anyways. If I try really, really hard, someday I'll be good at pool, right?</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://goldennuggettucson.com/images/golden_nugget.JPG?1300481774" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://goldennuggettucson.com/images/golden_nugget.JPG?1300481774" width="400" /> </a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Saturday:</b></u> Ran in the rain. It was cold. I was ill-prepared. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then, headed to Monument camera where I bought a new camera lens. This place is epic. It's full of old cameras, film and equipment and the guy that works there knows pretty much EVERYTHING about camera. The building itself it horrific, but it's a gem inside:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://pics3.city-data.com/businesses/p/2/8/8/8/4592888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://pics3.city-data.com/businesses/p/2/8/8/8/4592888.JPG" width="400" /> </a> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sadly, it was to rainy to take pictures. So we made lunch (YUMMY vegan burritos. Rocked my freaking world! Who knew Mr. Wonderful is such a good cook!?), and then headed to Bookman's for some camera books! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2297/1628570560_c8db2c7dfe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2297/1628570560_c8db2c7dfe.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our last stop of the evening was the video rental store. I haven't been in a movie rental store in over 2 years... I think. They're kinda outdated... but it was awesome. Not only was their an epic amount of films to choose from, the store was employed with the nerdiest, most film-geek looking people I've ever seen. It was awesome. The movies were also organized in really helpful ways such as "Oscar-winners by year," "directors," "Criterion," "classic actors," etc. They also had free bags of popcorn. For dinner, we had Italian-style pizza at a cute little local bistro. It was delicious. I love pizza... MMmmm... now I want pizza. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.filminfocus.com/uploads/image/mediafile/1220470037-1b48711993cabc613c604a882823ced7/300x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://www.filminfocus.com/uploads/image/mediafile/1220470037-1b48711993cabc613c604a882823ced7/300x225.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">We rented The Last Days of Disco. It was awesome. I think I have officially put it into my top ten favorite videos list. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51G08HBMVJL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51G08HBMVJL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Sunday:</b></u> I ran hills for practically the first time. 7 Miles. It was awesome. So much fun. And Gates Pass is beautiful. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.canadiancyclist.com/races10/cyclinghouse/cyclinghouse1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://www.canadiancyclist.com/races10/cyclinghouse/cyclinghouse1.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">And we ended the wonderful weekend by taking pictures at the beautiful Mission San Xavier Del Bac. I can't even begin to articulate how ornately stunning the interior is, and how breathtaking the building itself is. So I won't even try. I took lots of pictures. Be patient and I'll post them for you soon. I have a an old film SLR, so I have to get them developed. I know, how archaic of me. It really was beautiful though. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Y<i>a, Europe? You think you got some fancy cathedrals? You aint got NOTHING on Tucson!</i> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.vaticanassassins.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Jesuit-Mission-San-Xavier-Del-Bac_Arizona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://www.vaticanassassins.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Jesuit-Mission-San-Xavier-Del-Bac_Arizona.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">The moral of the weekend is: Be proactive with what you do and support local businesses. </span></b></div>Kelsey: the Blonde Bullethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11798235426603662742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855141542006172237.post-90526360687495665622011-04-08T10:38:00.001-07:002011-04-08T10:38:00.361-07:00Rate: The Nook: Evolution or a total sell-out?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blogkindle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/barnes-n-noble-nook-ebook-reader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://blogkindle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/barnes-n-noble-nook-ebook-reader.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
Fer me berfday, Mr. Wonderful got me a Nook! Coolest present ever! I was pretty much shaking with excitement. And then I did a dance. I dance when I'm excited. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Nook came at perfect timing because my bookshelf has definitely reached full capacity. Like, there are books on top of the bookshelf, there are books on top of the books in the bookshelf, and there are books stuffed in a box on top of the bookshelf. I guess it's time for a new bookshelf. <br />
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So here's my predicament. I'm a English major nerd. I love books. I love literature. I love writing. If I had it my way I would do nothing but read and write all day long. Ok... I guess I'd throw a couple runs in there also... but if this was a magical world where I wouldn't get fat, I'd still have calf muscles and I had an endless supply of endorphins, then I may even skip the running. Please don't hate me for saying so. <br />
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Anyways, I have now officially converted to an E-book user. Which is great. I mean, I can download books on the fly, it's super light-weight and great for traveling and I can hold it with one hand so I can have a glass of wine in the other. What's not to love? However there's a part of me that feels like a lit major SELL OUT. I have abandoned my love for the written word... sort of. Or at least my love for the smell, feel and look of a real, tangible book. What have I done?! Am I a total sell out? Can you even take me seriously as someone who reads when you see me with that Nook?! Oh the turmoil. <br />
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Predicament number two is that my bookshelf is extremely cumbersome. I'm seriously tempted to ditch the shelf and sell all of my books. I mean I've read them all so they're just sitting there taking up space. They're like trophies. And I'm moving soon to a studio and I'll need all the space I can get, not to mention they're heavy. So what do I do? Do I sell the books? Do I abandon my loves?! I don't know if I can do it. I'm so attached. The thought just kills me. But sometimes you just have to rip off that Bandaid, right? Right? WHAT AM I TO DO?! </span>Kelsey: the Blonde Bullethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11798235426603662742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855141542006172237.post-29842736880580390292011-04-06T10:58:00.004-07:002011-04-06T10:58:00.707-07:00Run: It's hot again. Dangit!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bTsMNdZrpTWKzBwPvYshZZGT2PyWUyafPQx1uK-wMumCHyMlxfQeFF_Z7xdLfpJUBbhpD1vzIHqOdkGJQZeWy5jCCZ3mN1gLbm75KL8ssRFcrvsVyp6gP5t8vnprtRQm_ryLHZte6A2_/s1600/IMG_2036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bTsMNdZrpTWKzBwPvYshZZGT2PyWUyafPQx1uK-wMumCHyMlxfQeFF_Z7xdLfpJUBbhpD1vzIHqOdkGJQZeWy5jCCZ3mN1gLbm75KL8ssRFcrvsVyp6gP5t8vnprtRQm_ryLHZte6A2_/s320/IMG_2036.JPG" width="261" /></a></div>It must be nice having a spring. I wouldn't know. Ours lasted about three weeks. If it doesn't cool down one more time before summer, I might have to head North ASAP and soak in some cooler weather before permanently adjusting to 100 degrees plus.<br />
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It's been 90-95 all week. FUN. What does this mean for my running? GOOD QUESTION. This means that I must passionately convert to early-birdism. I must become a morning person. And not just a roll out of bed early and go to work person. I must start waking up at 445-5, put on my running shoes and bust out a great workout before heading to my cubicle. I really want to be that person. I really do... But my bed is just so comfortable and my dog is so cuddly and it's so dark outside! UGH!<br />
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It also means I have to carry water even for a short 30 minute run. So this weekend, I had to bust out the trusty fuel belt. <i>Hello fuel belt, I've missed you!</i> The fuel belt is pictured above. Sorry for the grainy picture, and I'm growling in the picture... in case you weren't sure. RAWR. Anyways, I like to fill one bottle with an electrolyte water, and the other bottle with just water. Typically I end up pouring half of the untainted water all over myself. I'm convinced this helps. I ran the other day when it was about 90 degrees out and I ended up soaking wet by the end of the run. I'd say half sweat/half water. It's times like these that I wish I were a cyclist... at least they get some wind in the heat!<br />
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What about you all? Any tricks to staying cool? Do you wear a fuel belt or something else?Kelsey: the Blonde Bullethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11798235426603662742noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855141542006172237.post-51114073004595871002011-04-04T10:22:00.009-07:002011-04-04T10:22:00.143-07:00Rest: My weekend was awesome. Was yours?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZ6-VcpFP0IJJzZcgbMYDsydv3D2FlMw6J2la_XmA6EJAnYxptNwLjUpsevImftK-Kk-qNHTuBZfryfo7l4PtWVvClCh19d63gPpB_0wZKAfsbA54aDwxte62JvGPxs9WFMowo-_mcrR_/s1600/me_and_lauri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZ6-VcpFP0IJJzZcgbMYDsydv3D2FlMw6J2la_XmA6EJAnYxptNwLjUpsevImftK-Kk-qNHTuBZfryfo7l4PtWVvClCh19d63gPpB_0wZKAfsbA54aDwxte62JvGPxs9WFMowo-_mcrR_/s400/me_and_lauri.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I must say, it really was a WONDERFUL weekend. It was just one of those weekends where everything went well and everyone was in a good mood (besides my allergies.. they were horrible! But I'm trying to look past that little bump in the weekend road). It was my bestie's B-day on Saturday (that's her and me pictured above) but Mr. Wonderful and I were really looking forward to a T-town weekend, so we decided to split the weekend up: half in Tucson, half in Phoenix. What a great idea! The fact that I had a three-day weekend helped things run smoothly. Weekend awesomeness included, but was not limited to: </span></div><ul style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Tucson Street Fair! WAHOO (see pics below). Too bad AZ hit a record seasonal high and we had to trek the streets in 96 degree weather. I'm sorry... isn't it April?! I'm not ready for the heat. I'M NOT READY. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">6 Mile Tucson run. Oh I just LOVE running in Tucson. Can someone please find me a job in Tucson so I can move there?! Otherwise I'll have to become a hippy, grow a garden, make bad desert art and live in a commune. This is the only way to survive in Tucson. Tempting... but I suppose not realistic. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Bestie's Birthday party. She turned 24. Lucky her. I'm 25. I'm old. The whole gang showed up. I was drugged up and Benodryl and Sudafed and ended up having a fabulous time being over-enthusiastic and giggly. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Babysat my nephew. Have I told you lately how ADORABLE my nephew is? He's quite possibly the cutest kid in America. Heck, maybe even in the world. He's currently working on crawling but seems to be closer to walking than crawling. He can't seem to go forward on his belly. He just starts to scoot backwards... like an army drill in the mud. And then he starts crying because he wishes he was going forward instead of backwards. Then I start laughing. He makes really funny faces when he cries. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Relaxed, read blogs, wrote some things and read on my new Nook!</span></li>
</ul><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Good weekend huh? I know you're jealous. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And now.... The Tucson Street Fair Story Board!</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There were a ton of people there. So that was cool. And a lot of the art was actually good, so that was cool too. It was about 2 miles of this (exciting picture, I know): </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2oL6lcx7-ziKTGzeT4kyODBy0CUy_LsBTSnUYppvluZmeLROigp4jIcGZiXC0662axYRlRgqjtsCDZGwIAKxxpdfxYUMOeGXxouKYw-7t-bvs6FnuIHaxic96pl_bQovX8iYfSc0CV3s/s1600/IMG_2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2oL6lcx7-ziKTGzeT4kyODBy0CUy_LsBTSnUYppvluZmeLROigp4jIcGZiXC0662axYRlRgqjtsCDZGwIAKxxpdfxYUMOeGXxouKYw-7t-bvs6FnuIHaxic96pl_bQovX8iYfSc0CV3s/s320/IMG_2020.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
After grabbing some brewskies from some very excited retirees, a large sign caught my eye: </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzmy21v54V9NliQvG0UkTtH7eR63aetPVs40f6AS-hxHYQOKQS-1LExQqBST80hsy-nldCRn8dI6wScT5INyLZF47UxL2F4g-gAEE2yn5jwE6rABPSIHh4-u_2GNs-sbm8agUql9vrAHE/s1600/IMG_2025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzmy21v54V9NliQvG0UkTtH7eR63aetPVs40f6AS-hxHYQOKQS-1LExQqBST80hsy-nldCRn8dI6wScT5INyLZF47UxL2F4g-gAEE2yn5jwE6rABPSIHh4-u_2GNs-sbm8agUql9vrAHE/s320/IMG_2025.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">They had 17 different types of honey.. WHAT?! We tasted about six of them. They were damn good. My favorite flavor was desert wildflower... don't ask me to explain what that tastes like. After selfishly wasting the booth owner's time... I was almost guilted into buying a jar. Luckily Mr. Wonderful pulled me away in the nick of time! He's always good at stepping in when I'm about to make really careless decisions. One time he had to stop me from buying a car because I felt bad for wasting the sale's guy's time. This really happened. I'm easily persuaded. Anyways, here's the honey (yummy): </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cJM0VXkgYhmNmmqwHe1SE495gBY0fUtjIgEv3uIuw9OR0_h2AOLZgTEuG2s0jo251XsRmLuOMsnc-fRk6au037lWFv2ICeg4brcjCCRMzq_atKelYVa_UGoBX5qTlou7PWmlZiXWmYR1/s1600/IMG_2024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cJM0VXkgYhmNmmqwHe1SE495gBY0fUtjIgEv3uIuw9OR0_h2AOLZgTEuG2s0jo251XsRmLuOMsnc-fRk6au037lWFv2ICeg4brcjCCRMzq_atKelYVa_UGoBX5qTlou7PWmlZiXWmYR1/s320/IMG_2024.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then I saw a guy wearing shorts with little American flags all over them. I found this to be the corniest, funniest thing I'd ever seen. So I took a picture: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6vCIcj88ocRm9KSA44iqSLdKYDFMFJ-G8JUBz33Eao3MEkKgmpT4Rkw7AinHasjhuNQL9nWkCsgzsLK-sOxHnOVPg10JYhZnfR6nxnyBVQaWOAVMSrREmKwBW_0gxZm3IolpUbH-_FdO/s1600/IMG_2023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6vCIcj88ocRm9KSA44iqSLdKYDFMFJ-G8JUBz33Eao3MEkKgmpT4Rkw7AinHasjhuNQL9nWkCsgzsLK-sOxHnOVPg10JYhZnfR6nxnyBVQaWOAVMSrREmKwBW_0gxZm3IolpUbH-_FdO/s320/IMG_2023.jpg" width="183" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Do you see the flags?! Even better, was this sign that was supposed to say Cowgirl Up.... do you see the typo? Please tell me you do.. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-T2cIwpNj6TbUeSF5ffeyCfPFZSaKmVd8LLe1HLjjQ_HYBSUCpeXggB5pB6q-OUNNe_lFqk23UOaxX2zDtHyvQKeRIeZXNl-GMr8ESM8FHXYyyhI3q8FB9SkNDC_HiipES83zf6Z_G402/s1600/IMG_2028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-T2cIwpNj6TbUeSF5ffeyCfPFZSaKmVd8LLe1HLjjQ_HYBSUCpeXggB5pB6q-OUNNe_lFqk23UOaxX2zDtHyvQKeRIeZXNl-GMr8ESM8FHXYyyhI3q8FB9SkNDC_HiipES83zf6Z_G402/s320/IMG_2028.JPG" width="305" /></a> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">There were also cool festival people. Can you see him doing fun tricks on a unicycle?! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrlw9bPPLEmD1X8YyGjADCCAjIa6XMw1gl7ywX1FFaTX5rGcjvYgtMM0gdQ_AEB_ta9mectKBSYjzwxGuR-bLVEmgxh3TND1oTwzQ7KATe8VF80pSjmlC_qtovDPEqFCHZt5r7aotn03b/s1600/IMG_2027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrlw9bPPLEmD1X8YyGjADCCAjIa6XMw1gl7ywX1FFaTX5rGcjvYgtMM0gdQ_AEB_ta9mectKBSYjzwxGuR-bLVEmgxh3TND1oTwzQ7KATe8VF80pSjmlC_qtovDPEqFCHZt5r7aotn03b/s320/IMG_2027.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And decadent and greasy festival food that I somehow restrained myself from eating. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYGOc-wAAY_nBoExg5GlqgRY7dtxPYetsIjsLB_CYI8TNQlZnxCiZ3SgegFKL3BqmLKWyQrendvlqQgXCBMR6_9w_d96LT8VKJb24UYqLyn5wFmJUL0kpO1pjujbCYSgFo5q1ix57nkB7/s1600/IMG_2021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYGOc-wAAY_nBoExg5GlqgRY7dtxPYetsIjsLB_CYI8TNQlZnxCiZ3SgegFKL3BqmLKWyQrendvlqQgXCBMR6_9w_d96LT8VKJb24UYqLyn5wFmJUL0kpO1pjujbCYSgFo5q1ix57nkB7/s320/IMG_2021.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We ended the day at this booth, which I then found out was the entire reason that Mr. Wonderful's libertarian friend wanted to go to the festival. Apparently, these are a big deal? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0yFN7kKdZlUl4aKrXtvPJi_bWGl-QhWHZXw6Sf1FEX8IL0mJBiyDtSEEZdNBUMiokinx2WHAZkiCczn1HOehmVBiHBM9oJVc3_xKV0fS6N0seRZ_QBF3KBH7SRzTyeVbdbT4QVJvdKho/s1600/IMG_2029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0yFN7kKdZlUl4aKrXtvPJi_bWGl-QhWHZXw6Sf1FEX8IL0mJBiyDtSEEZdNBUMiokinx2WHAZkiCczn1HOehmVBiHBM9oJVc3_xKV0fS6N0seRZ_QBF3KBH7SRzTyeVbdbT4QVJvdKho/s320/IMG_2029.jpg" width="220" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Have a happy Monday! </span></div>Kelsey: the Blonde Bullethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11798235426603662742noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855141542006172237.post-66635182122580907462011-04-02T10:34:00.001-07:002011-04-02T10:34:00.567-07:00Rant: Part 3: Evaluation bloggonation station<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/114/278659657_e60d74ea68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/114/278659657_e60d74ea68.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
In my re-entry into the blogosphere, I want to do things right. I want this to be one of my most favorite things to do. However as I’ve already mentioned, I’m so torn. I want to write about running, but I also want to write about clothing, writing, music, work, my feelings, cooking, my adventures, my dog, wine, my friends, my trials, my thoughts, the things I learn, photography and so much more. <br />
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But how does one incorporate all the wonderfulness that makes her who she is? I know every single one of you could care less about at least one of the things on that list. But I also think a good blogger can make it all work. Below is a list of things that I think make a good blogger. But hey, I’m no pro (I mean come on, I took like, a 3 month hiatus). I’d like your input too. What do you think makes a good blogger? <br />
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A great blogger… <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. </b></span>Has a sense of humor about oneself. This is so important. Readers can smell pretension and ego. The stench seeps through the shiny computer screen like pit stains in a photograph. Shut Up and Run and Confessions of a Pioneer Woman have this trait on lock down. They both, in very different ways, have the ability to brag, tell tales, or educate without any sense of betteratism (betteratism = An inherent, chronic condition leaving one in a constant state of feeling better than all those around them. I make up words now). They laugh at their faults, tease those around them including themselves, and always come back to a humble, introspective conclusion. <br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. </span>Is either extremely funny, extremely magnetic, or extremely interesting. You don’t have to be all of these all the time. And most days you can even cut out the “extremely,” but ever so often, a good blogger has one of these extreme qualities. (eek, I’ve got some work to do). <br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. </b></span>Is either a great photographer, a great writer, or an extremely talented/intelligent individual in his/her field. I’m not saying that a good blogger MUST be one of these things all the time. But I do think a GREAT blogger with staying power and lots of fans becomes at least one of these things very often. (ugh, even more work to do!)<br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4.</b></span> Is loyal and detail-oriented. Okay, I think I may fail miserably at this one. A great blogger is loyal to his/her readers. She doesn’t miss posts, her posts are regular and she does not make a lot of errors or typos. <br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. </b></span>Continually provides fresh, relevant information. ‘Nuff said. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Shucks, I’ve got a lot of work to do. Please, enlighten me. What do you, fellow bloggers, think makes a GREAT blogger? </div>Kelsey: the Blonde Bullethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11798235426603662742noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855141542006172237.post-63732613960377720472011-03-29T09:48:00.001-07:002011-03-29T09:48:00.280-07:00Rest: Dallas Trade Show<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nobuggy.com/state/texas/images/map-texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://www.nobuggy.com/state/texas/images/map-texas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This weekend wasn't much of a weekend due to the fact that I was working for most of it. Lucky me right? Don't feel too bad for me... I get a comp day on Friday. Yay for three-day weekends!<br />
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One of my newest challenges as a runner is learning how to fit in my workouts while I'm on the road. This is something I fail at miserably. Loneliness of hotel room + time difference + me NOT being much of a morning person no matter how hard I try + leg exhaustion due to walking all day + not much extra time = NONEXISTENT WORKOUT <br />
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See, post-tradeshow running is especially challenging because the reason I'm traveling is so that I can walk around tradeshows... meaning I am on my feet, walking around ALL DAY LONG. It's tiring... even for a runner... really. However, I have been <b>slowly</b> improving my travel workout record.<br />
<br />
Very Slowly.<br />
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Slooooooooooooooooowly.<br />
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Still, I won't admit to you my weekly mileage for last week... it's kinda embarrassing. Anyhoo, low and behold the awesomeness of a tradeshow:<br />
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At times... it feels like a fantastical, amazingness wonderland:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkoaTsfSsXcght4tzXnCxzyGI-l1MkPCcDXYDfqobVJVD4MqEP52VsUyXdfjFIWld6fabzFy9UTjoD8iNPISU7LssrYNlSGsLBMC_4qqHcCZ16Zf4vF1YPVhs_M3a0OxiG6T3urY5Td24/s1600/IMG_2016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkoaTsfSsXcght4tzXnCxzyGI-l1MkPCcDXYDfqobVJVD4MqEP52VsUyXdfjFIWld6fabzFy9UTjoD8iNPISU7LssrYNlSGsLBMC_4qqHcCZ16Zf4vF1YPVhs_M3a0OxiG6T3urY5Td24/s400/IMG_2016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Or a complicated ballet that only well-dressed women, men in tuxes and fat female statues can do...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnfiscH1LbWs_h68Higc0rBJww8rrPFl-3c0F1KiuweXBi4y1R3mwJ41KkdXtHnHDd8kUdZgqEbO-6T9FVuOM0c52KXDTu5KVElBT3FZDaGc21ZBsaGRlvMTw5dJ3tr7k8ILdsBZDLQ2u/s1600/IMG_2009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnfiscH1LbWs_h68Higc0rBJww8rrPFl-3c0F1KiuweXBi4y1R3mwJ41KkdXtHnHDd8kUdZgqEbO-6T9FVuOM0c52KXDTu5KVElBT3FZDaGc21ZBsaGRlvMTw5dJ3tr7k8ILdsBZDLQ2u/s400/IMG_2009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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But really it's kinda like an overzealous shopping mall:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdA8V1OzVRQhlbXvnujjiN_u-_OKARtFwQvrcRcbKIGsfaPQPmgA4iKYjFG9wjuqFWx6vjeEVxumXb8c0A63dwCpoJyyUPq3Ffkssnv30vr1mPUoZT1U5BbEz35YPamSqBmrhzClwGxLn/s1600/IMG_2018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdA8V1OzVRQhlbXvnujjiN_u-_OKARtFwQvrcRcbKIGsfaPQPmgA4iKYjFG9wjuqFWx6vjeEVxumXb8c0A63dwCpoJyyUPq3Ffkssnv30vr1mPUoZT1U5BbEz35YPamSqBmrhzClwGxLn/s400/IMG_2018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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And it's also very, very lonely :(<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtK-dRM9Zq45Dicsz2wASXSkjGpBG66NdSNBfAhYDY4QtF2JIe1ngA1SU6LDen6afLVhs_7fPPUpPumhBkj-iSqOzQLfGsdzYePZrTBlhhYOsKsYXAYXO4usueP48TVPAIJn_sDWcFdUL/s1600/havens1-R4-014-5A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtK-dRM9Zq45Dicsz2wASXSkjGpBG66NdSNBfAhYDY4QtF2JIe1ngA1SU6LDen6afLVhs_7fPPUpPumhBkj-iSqOzQLfGsdzYePZrTBlhhYOsKsYXAYXO4usueP48TVPAIJn_sDWcFdUL/s400/havens1-R4-014-5A.jpg" width="361" /></a></div>Kelsey: the Blonde Bullethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11798235426603662742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855141542006172237.post-85540909942498733962011-03-23T10:00:00.008-07:002011-03-23T10:00:04.462-07:00Run: My return to blogging. Part 2: Why I run<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuX3e_l8yYPCWjYOdeAXwKzgicC7z5jvPPouQ3xJFctu4BGorCQEl8Sn4t9Ed25YDW2PWkHRv2z9cqVfCVBdxLmVPDGm9gT0prh8SHbBHkuRSld-E9afxBZBvfIb7_PAiWW5c6FLAPnn9V/s1600/1147740-R1-E037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuX3e_l8yYPCWjYOdeAXwKzgicC7z5jvPPouQ3xJFctu4BGorCQEl8Sn4t9Ed25YDW2PWkHRv2z9cqVfCVBdxLmVPDGm9gT0prh8SHbBHkuRSld-E9afxBZBvfIb7_PAiWW5c6FLAPnn9V/s400/1147740-R1-E037.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Every once in a while, it’s always good to sit back and remember why we do the things we do. Truthfully, the last two weeks I have not been very enamored with running (I know, great time to start blogging again, right?). My runs have been dull and long. My speeds are slowing and my mileage grows shorter. My motivation is low. It must be. Spring. FEVER. <br />
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But taking into consideration my re-entry into the wonderful world of running blogs, I can’t help but think this is a good time to evaluate the reasons I do run. Some are shallow and some run deep, but all keep me moving. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I run because… </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1.</b></span> I have horrible anxiety when I don’t. There’s nothing like a hard workout to get me feeling normal again. You’d think post-great-workout I’d feel tired and lazy… but it’s actually the opposite. I almost always experience clarity in my thoughts and a zealous sense of motivation. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2.</b></span> I like the feeling of being (seemingly) in total control of my body. I get this feeling especially in my long runs. That cliché “it’s just me and the road” feeling is oh. so. true. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. </b></span>When I run, I can eat more. I have been known to eat an ENTIRE 12” pizza all by my little self. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">4.</span></b> I like having calf muscles. They’ve only recently become a part of my life. Let’s give a hand to my growing calf muscles. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. </b></span>I’m already in constant competition with myself to improve myself (how vain, I know), so why not focus that energy into the art of running. I run to see myself improving at something. It makes me focus with a strategic plan. Ahhhh, plans. I just LOVE coming up with plans. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">6. </span></b>Running gives me endorphins. I’ve even been known to be that creepy girl smiling in the middle of a run while cars drive by—passengers gawking and scratching their greasy mustaches. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">7.</span></b> It helps me lose or maintain weight. This obviously varies due to the wonderfulness of #3. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">8.</span></b> I like working hard….alone. I was never good at group work in school. I was the kid who would either end up doing the entire project or absolutely nothing. Balance isn’t one of my fortes. Running let’s me work my little buns off and work towards specific goals without the distraction of other people. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>9.</b></span> It’s good for my health and asthma. Nuff said. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>10. </b></span>It’s fun. Racing is fun. Running up hills is fun (and horrible). Sprinting is fun. Running 10 miles or more is fun. Reaching a PR is fun. Watching my body transform is fun. Being in the sun is fun. Running. Is. Fun. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Next: </b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Run: My return to running. </b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Part 3: Evaluation bloggonation station </b></span>Kelsey: the Blonde Bullethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11798235426603662742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855141542006172237.post-63853965475183100122011-03-21T10:00:00.004-07:002011-03-21T10:00:05.334-07:00Run: My return to blogging. Part 1: The Ys<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglgCN-3qRKyGGb46YHudOfYJ2Pd0wUplYhtW8Sr19LATBTSXenBYO9EkT1L50jncPbHK6ehG40UHVSr82Ry9gngoPoU5QPOsiV_bO5hNYkSS30T-K8IevgJuQsyxVtQkP8FRY9PunvBw/s400/dancing+bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglgCN-3qRKyGGb46YHudOfYJ2Pd0wUplYhtW8Sr19LATBTSXenBYO9EkT1L50jncPbHK6ehG40UHVSr82Ry9gngoPoU5QPOsiV_bO5hNYkSS30T-K8IevgJuQsyxVtQkP8FRY9PunvBw/s400/dancing+bear.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I may be well-rested, but turns out, hibernation is kind of boring. I missed it here, and I know you’ve missed me cyberworld... haven’t you? Today marks the day of my official return to the world of blogging. And what better way to dive in then to provide you with a three-part series featuring yours truly? I know, you’re so excited you can’t help but quiver.<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
Part 1: The Y’s <br />
5 Reasons why I needed a break: <br />
1.</b></span> I started my first 9-5, which = an exhausting, exciting, daunting, embarrassing and consuming change to my life. Daunting because the idea of only having 16 extra days off a year makes me want to puke. Embarrassing because I feel like a sell-out for choosing a career that does not saturate my being in writing, reporting and art. Consuming because it takes a lot of focus to be good at any job. Exciting because it’s fun, I like it and I’m good at it. (I think exhausting is pretty self explanatory.) </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">2. </span></b>My words became dull. I started blogging to force myself to run while forcing myself to write. I started to blog because I knew it would be good for my well-being, and I liked having a venue to express my experiences with my new-found sport. But somewhere along the line I started writing for my readers (I love you… but that’s not the point). I was writing posts that I thought might sound good to other runners instead of posts that I enjoyed writing. And the thing is, they were getting increasingly more boring. So screw that! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. </b></span>I felt like I was too slow of a runner to be writing about running. I know, tisk tisk. But don’t worry, I’m over it. We all have to start somewhere!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. </b></span>I didn’t want to write about running anymore. I mean, I love running… but running isn’t the center of my life. It’s a major part of my life, but it’s not everything. I would like to write more about how running has enriched my life, rather than how my life revolves around running. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">5. </span></b>I wasn’t sure what I really wanted to write about. <br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">5 Reasons why I am back to blogging: </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">1. </span></b>I kept running! Even though I wasn’t blogging, I kept running. I’ve improved my time and mileage and I am enjoying it more and more. This means, that I was not merely running so that I would have something to write about. This means that I love running. I really do. [Insert inspirational music here and photo montage here.]</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">2. </span></b>I’m hoping you will still like me if I write about other things that don’t involve sweat, sun and my hear rate. As sexy as that sounds, I have other redeeming qualities. I promise. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">3.</span></b> I really, really do miss writing. I miss all sorts of writing and I intend to consume myself in all genres of expression, but I really do miss this blogging community—reading your blogs, making friends through comments and learning from your accomplishments and mistakes. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">4.</span></b> I realized that I can write about whatever I want. There’s nobody making me write boring posts about my weekly mileage (no offense to similar posts… mine are just boring due to lack of impressive stats). Neato. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">5. </span></b>I have time now. I have adjusted to my life schedule. Way to go me. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Next time: Run: My return to running. Part 2: Why I run. </b></span></div>Kelsey: the Blonde Bullethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11798235426603662742noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855141542006172237.post-62321990786686205312011-02-12T15:16:00.000-07:002011-02-12T15:16:20.203-07:00Rest: Like Most Animals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.spoon-tamago.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/great-sleeping-bear2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://www.spoon-tamago.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/great-sleeping-bear2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">I'm hibernating. Will arise in spring better than ever. Just sit tight please. Thanks! </span>Kelsey: the Blonde Bullethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11798235426603662742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855141542006172237.post-7327916775112940922010-12-29T13:22:00.001-07:002010-12-29T13:25:38.227-07:00Rate: Christmas is [Mr.] Wonderful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz20UQ5Tg0c4N-Xjc13zvWi1YWww85l2TeYO_q58LhItn3jU7QBwBL6UyEizR77IA8YnSpMRzOqImYeNTZv7KogJrWMzg4-FM-F5i4MNGdKGP29-CInl9RS8UwQy-B2vwFT4QT_3vKOUCR/s1600/Womens-Heart-Rate-Watch_367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz20UQ5Tg0c4N-Xjc13zvWi1YWww85l2TeYO_q58LhItn3jU7QBwBL6UyEizR77IA8YnSpMRzOqImYeNTZv7KogJrWMzg4-FM-F5i4MNGdKGP29-CInl9RS8UwQy-B2vwFT4QT_3vKOUCR/s320/Womens-Heart-Rate-Watch_367.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">I just wanted to take a minute to announce...... </span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
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I GOT AN AWESOME HEART RATE MONITOR! <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Mr. Wonderful did good. <br />
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I am now the proud owner of a Suunto M5 heart rate monitor and foot pod (which measures distance and speed). Isn't she cute (see above)?<br />
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On top of that, my mother (aka Santa Claus) got me a nice pair of running capris and and a running shirt and long-sleeve top layer. And I must say, she bought it for me just in time... it's like 40 Degrees here today! I know all you East coasters are facing a blizzardy death, but I've been enjoying the breezy and beautiful 75 degree weather.. until now. Ah, but I do love the built-in hand warmers in my top later. Delightful. <br />
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Well at 5AM this morning I sported my new clothing and my new Suunto and all the passing cars and pedestrians may have mistaken me for a pro... until I started running at turtle pace. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">But good gear = good runner... right? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">I'll be super fast in no time... right? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">I WISH. However I have been diligently doing my PT exercises and I am feeling better and better. I'll bring you up to speed in the next post. Promise. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
Now here' s a question for y'all.... How does one start rowing?! I would really like to try rowing and my knees would greatly appreciate it if I took it easy on them sometimes. So please rowing experts, advise! </span>Kelsey: the Blonde Bullethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11798235426603662742noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855141542006172237.post-64809418263309062272010-12-18T12:02:00.003-07:002010-12-18T13:03:22.262-07:00Run: 5K FAIL<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheay0BYOfwxniV8L5XiUmE6rV4Hw0Z68wXoGV51wU5uua5gmBoIhRrGJ_x2DOLMsWRgl0qPEKdG8Xhd0npO4NiFa4UIGSpSsLrzsLDNHtyyO6hYR5HmuhX5ZVroBOavusmKt5mCcHfPuow/s1600/jingle_bell_5k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheay0BYOfwxniV8L5XiUmE6rV4Hw0Z68wXoGV51wU5uua5gmBoIhRrGJ_x2DOLMsWRgl0qPEKdG8Xhd0npO4NiFa4UIGSpSsLrzsLDNHtyyO6hYR5HmuhX5ZVroBOavusmKt5mCcHfPuow/s400/jingle_bell_5k.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-race. I'm on the left.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
First of all, Hello running friends! I miss you! I've been a very bad blogger, but you've all been there so let's just forgive me and move on. Splendid. <br />
<br />
As of December 18th, 2010 at 9:30 AM (MST), I have officially run my third race. Clearly, I can now go pro. <br />
<br />
Clearly, I can now run a six minute mile without breaking a sweat. <br />
<br />
Clearly, I weigh 95 pounds and my diet consists of only rice, beans and vegetables. <br />
<br />
Clearly, I have arrived.<br />
<br />
.......</span> </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
................<br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">........ <br />
<br />
....Oh wait, I lied. <br />
<br />
Today was in fact, a BUMMER. Let me explain. Problem number one lies in the fact that I have no monitoring device. I have no shiny Garmin on my wrist and no Nike chips in my shoes. I do have an ipod, but the app I downloaded most definitely does not work (I know I'm slow, but a 30 minute mile is a bit ridiculous, right?!). So basically I have no way of training efficiently. I base my times off of MapMyRun, a stopwatch and a hunch (ex. <i>I feel like I was running pretty fast today. Must have been a 9 minute mile kind of day</i>). This is a very ineffective way of doing things and I do not recommend it. Basically, I may be much slower than I thought. <br />
<br />
Problem number two: I came down with a cold last week. Perfect. And the fun little thing about being an asthmatic is that most head colds turn into chest colds... AKA BRONCHITIS. So although yesterday I was feeling springy and almost 100% over my cold, today I woke up with four pounds of phlegm in my chest and a wicked cough... <i>cough cough.</i> <br />
<br />
And so I head to the Jingle Bell 5K ready to rock it, thinking that I clearly run 8 minute miles. I end up coughing my way through the first mile, and spending the next two miles wincing away my chest pain and desperately trying not to vomit due to lack of oxygen. Already phlegmy asthma lungs covered in new phlegm just don't work they would they are supposed to. I couldn't run fast if my life depended on it. <br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And so I ran an embarrassing 30 minute 5k. I know many of you run 15 minute 5ks so please don't laugh. I'm fragile. And I have bronchitis. Probably. So there. <br />
<br />
So here's the plan. With any and all Christmas money I get this year (got to love the grandparents) I'm buying a Garmin. Then, I am going to COMMIT to 2-3 days of speed work a week along with my regular workouts. I am not going to focus on distance for now because my knees just aren't ready for it. My goal is to run two more 5Ks in January and at least a 10K in February (if my budget will allow). I'm also going to drink a lot of vitamin C so that I never get sick again. <br />
<br />
The end. </span></div>Kelsey: the Blonde Bullethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11798235426603662742noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855141542006172237.post-58791880563866266402010-12-02T13:36:00.000-07:002010-12-02T13:36:50.532-07:00Rate: Asthma in the cold<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.abdn.ac.uk/mediareleases/uploads/media2/asthma-image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.abdn.ac.uk/mediareleases/uploads/media2/asthma-image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm a firm believer than physical activity and exercise substantially minimizes asthma symptoms. I believe this for a number of reasons, but the most recent being that since I have started running by asthma has improved greatly. I used to have attacks weekly, and I was constantly using my inhaler, and now I rarely have a major attack and for the most part, I only use my inhaler before and after runs. </span><br />
<br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well that was until winter came. But for some dang reason the cold air really gets my asthma riled up. (that may not be a scientific statement... but I swear it's true!). And this has really affected my running routine. I'm trying to incorporate speed work into my running schedule (did a fartlek workout yesterday-- so much fun!) but it's difficult when I start wheezing within a half a mile with no other logical explanation besides the cold air is making my lungs angry. </span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So what's a girl to do? Just keep running.</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> So now I'm learning to continue running, even after I am wheezing and slowly bringing my shoulders to my ears as it becomes difficult to breathe. </span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well it's always good to have a new challenge to over come :) </span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And that's all, I just wanted to share. Any one else have trouble breathing in the cold (especially any of you asthma folk)? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(Disclaimer: I'm on my lunch break and therefore didn't have time to proofread this thoroughly so I apologize for any typos or poor grammar). </span></i></span>Kelsey: the Blonde Bullethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11798235426603662742noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855141542006172237.post-37956851746208038272010-11-28T21:04:00.001-07:002010-11-28T21:08:27.055-07:00Run: Turkey Trot 10K<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H4AzUllJnMA/SxKpeBSRlaI/AAAAAAAACc8/KuJXx2kg1A8/s1600/turkeytrot01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H4AzUllJnMA/SxKpeBSRlaI/AAAAAAAACc8/KuJXx2kg1A8/s320/turkeytrot01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Mi Amigos, Red Mountain Turkey Trot was my first "real" (timed and fast) race... not that I really raced it or anything; I just ran it. My ITB is still very fragile so I had low expectations. I did however, have higher expectations for my pre-race routine, which failed miserably:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">6:00 AM: Wake up; real excited</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">6:15 Am: Have somehow gotten ready at lightening speed, however I'm sadly out of coffee filters</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">6:16: Drive to Starbucks, buy coffee, get gas, drive home</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">6:50: Pack up bag, drink protein shake</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">7:00: My cousin arrives</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">7:05: Can't find keys</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">7:06: "Oh, they're where they should be" (on key hook). </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">7:07: [in car] "Oh sh**, where are my keys? I just had them!"</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">7:08: Walk inside, grab keys (still on hook) drive to deep east Mesa (45 minute drive). </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">7:30: "OMG! [step on brakes] Am I on the wrong 202?! (There's two 202's in Phoenix... God knows why)</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">7:32: [After two minutes of panicking, pull off road, check GPS on phone, realize I am indeed on the correct 202, flip a U, and get back on 202.]</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">7:50: Arrive at Red Mountain Park, race destination</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">7:51-8:00: [Realize my water bottle leaked inside my bag. My running cap, which keeps my ears warm, which is a CRUCIAL necessity to my running capabilities, is soaking wet.]</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">8:05 Walk up large hill to sign-up booth, realize I forgot cash</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">8:12: Jog back to car</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">8:20: Jog back to sign-up booth, sign-up, jog back to car to prepare and stretch</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">8:30: I have to pee</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">8:45: The line for the bathrooms is too long. Must hold it.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">8:46: I forgot my inhaler in my car</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">8:48: Run back to car</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">9:00: Run up to starting line, seconds before the race starts with a very full bladder</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Next time.. I'll be better prepared.</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I ended up having horrible ITB pain in the last 3 miles (probably because of all those warm-up runs to the car) but I didn't walk even though at times it was excruciating. We started off at a fairly fast pace for me, and it felt comfortable and good, however as soon as the knee pain kicked in, we had to take it down a notch.</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To make a long story short, I apparently overcompensated profusely and ended up pulling a muscle on the bottom of my right (not the leg with ITB pain) foot. I've been limping for days.</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I think the lesson there should be not to push myself too hard, but hey, it was my first race and I'm glad I ran through the pain! So there.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am not as glad that I am apparently the most forgetful person on the planet.</span></span>Kelsey: the Blonde Bullethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11798235426603662742noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855141542006172237.post-85439531599145350102010-11-23T10:00:00.000-07:002010-11-23T10:00:01.092-07:00Run: Why I carry pepper spray<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://toddcomplexshow.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/angry-dog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://toddcomplexshow.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/angry-dog1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
No, I didn't get attacked by a pervert. That would've been a better story. BUT I did get attacked.... sort of. <br />
<br />
You see, I live in what Phoenix likes to call "Central Phoenix," which is a big word that describes downtown, uptown and midtown, all of which, are far from mimicking a real city feel. But Central Phoenix is the closest thing we've got to a real city. I live midtown. It's fun, I love it. There's lots of cute restaurants, thrift stores, coffee shops, antique shops, and random specialized shops. Ya know typical city stuff. There's also a lot of homeless people and crack heads. And I run at 5:30 AM, when it's still dark. So I carry pepper spray, just in case. (It's really a safe neighborhood but you've got to be safe, right?)<br />
<br />
I dread the day I have to use, said, pepper spray. <br />
<br />
<br />
So I'm on my way back from a 3.5 mile run. The sun is barely rising creating a beautiful "midnight blue" landscape... if you will. The birds are starting to chirp. The air is cool and refreshing. I'm listening to my ipod in runner's bliss; basking in the wonderfulness of not having knee pain.<br />
<br />
And then I hear a faint noise through my music. It sounds like someone screaming. It sounds like someone screaming, "watch out." And as I peacefully glance behind me I am shocked at the site of a 20-pound, screeching, angry little mut running towards me with his fierce, little fangs shining out at me. Who would've thought such a small dog could look so evil. <br />
<br />
And then I hear the most inhuman sound. It's a deep, loud but breathless sound, likened to the voice of Chubaka. Oh God, that voice is mine. I'm screaming "No." And then I wrip my head phones off and clear my throat and let out a few stern "NO's" while aiming my pepper spray into his eyes. But I do not pull the trigger. No, I just aim it at him with a steady hand, ho[ping he'll back off. Finally, the dog freezes; alarmed at my ability to discipline. His owner calls, and he meanders back into her arms. <br />
<br />
"Is he aggressive?" I ask.<br />
<br />
"Yes!" she replies, "sorry."<br />
<br />
Hey, no problem [jerk].Kelsey: the Blonde Bullethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11798235426603662742noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855141542006172237.post-83851664499448380012010-11-22T10:00:00.005-07:002010-11-22T10:00:01.385-07:00Run: Trails and kicks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXZueGzc5q3BhWcX9LMOyofxO8aExwRs5tcvMAdIZO_iBB1eNc5H2ftYGPXLorCNEO5g92FvjQzbJu97hr0ybT6FC3Wq_AMp_oCdmxDAeqfE497j7__tcm0g_IlX_bc7hzvL5eRI9eXak/s1600/Photo+on+2010-11-21+at+17.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXZueGzc5q3BhWcX9LMOyofxO8aExwRs5tcvMAdIZO_iBB1eNc5H2ftYGPXLorCNEO5g92FvjQzbJu97hr0ybT6FC3Wq_AMp_oCdmxDAeqfE497j7__tcm0g_IlX_bc7hzvL5eRI9eXak/s400/Photo+on+2010-11-21+at+17.10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">First of all, behold my new KICKS! They are the </span><a href="http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/ADI1593/" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Adidas AdiZero Tempos. </a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">They are much lighter than my old Sauconey's and they hug my foot in a wonderfully soothing way. So far, they've felt comfortable, light and supportive and my knees feel pretty good too. I just LOVE getting new running shoes... or any shoes for that matter. Don't you? </span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sometimes I catch myself smiling at them, admiring their wonderfulness. I even show them to my friends, my non-running friends, with enthusiastic glee, "Aren't they rad?!" And the </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">said friends agree -- because they're my friends.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rALqy7-CuvU/Sdf9wdbX0eI/AAAAAAAALtg/5Ow09EEf5OQ/PHX.200904+EMail+19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rALqy7-CuvU/Sdf9wdbX0eI/AAAAAAAALtg/5Ow09EEf5OQ/PHX.200904+EMail+19.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Seco</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">nd of all, I did some trail running today. I mean, for the first time in my running career, I meandered away from the asphalt, sidewalks and that cushy, weird pavement-like material found near a lot of city parks, and hit the trails.</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Needless to say my new shoes are already quite dirty. </span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ah, but it was so wonderful. I ran through the Phoenix Mountain Preserve through a rocky set of paths named "Dreamy Draw." The preserve was relatively vacant, the trails were narrow, rocky and packed with hills, rivets and rocks and storm clouds were bubbling over the horizon. It was perfect. </span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And I man-handled those paths. I did. I ran up, down and side-did and I pretended I'd been trail running for years. I sucked in that beautiful, clear air and I soaked up the scenery consisting of cacti, rocks, dirt and Palo Verdes. It was freeing, really. And if it wasn't already beautiful enough, I ended the run just ahead of the storm but right in the middle of the calming sprinkle.</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ahhhhhh, picturesque. </span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My knees, however, might spitefully turn on me and kill me in my sleep. </span></span>Kelsey: the Blonde Bullethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11798235426603662742noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855141542006172237.post-52501568972126313762010-11-08T08:00:00.000-07:002010-11-08T08:00:13.279-07:00Rest: Back in the [running] [life] game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.propsunlimited.com/pics/Games%20Monopoly%20Go.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://www.propsunlimited.com/pics/Games%20Monopoly%20Go.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh running, how my body hates you... and yet loves you.<br />
<br />
<b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This weekend I:</b><br />
Partied with the parents and Gma<br />
Babysat my adorable nephew<br />
Packed for Tucson<br />
Realized I left my wallet at work with my money, license and registration in, said, wallet<br />
Un-packed for Tucson<br />
Cried (b/c I'm dramatic), drank a beer, did my laundry and waited for Mr. Wonderful<br />
Mr. Wonderful and I went to Los Dos Molinos.... again (my name is Kelsey and I am a Mexican-food-aholic)<br />
Bickered about what movie to watch for about an hour<br />
Went to sleep<br />
Ran 5 miles<br />
Ate Bruschetta<br />
Mr. Wonderful left and I again cried, as per usual.<br />
<br />
The most important part of this series of events? RAN 5 MILES. Do you know what that means? That means that I am back in the game. That means that I can start training for a marathon again. That means that I can run a 5K faster than a turtle pace. That means that I can once again center my entire life around my running schedule.<br />
<br />
And this time I won't push myself to hard. This time I will only increase my mileage by 10% weekly and this time I will not do any hills or speed work until I am good and ready. I will also stretch... if I must.<br />
<br />
So hopefully this blog is about to take the turn for the better while I re-center myself my love of running. Question! Being in Arizona where the weather is all Topsy-turvy, when exactly is prime racing season for the rest of the nation? <br />
<br />
OH and I leave you with this fun fact: Here in Arizona, we don't do day light savings. But apparently Apple doesn't know that. So everybody's iphone automatically switched today and people were late for life... because we don't do daylight savings. HILARIOUS. Glad I don't have an iphone. <br />
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Toodles!Kelsey: the Blonde Bullethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11798235426603662742noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855141542006172237.post-74049882375823827122010-11-03T20:32:00.001-07:002010-11-03T20:50:20.263-07:00Rest: Thoughts on job hunting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ya'll thought I died didn't ya?! Nope, I was distracted by a series of events that looked something like this: intense moping; emails begging my former boss to pay me (still haven't gotten paid from former company); hours perfecting my resume and "brag" book; lurking of any and all job sites in my field; sending out resumes; completing five interview in one week (holy crap!); landing a great job, and training for said, great job.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Pheeeeeewwww. </span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now that I can say that I have a stable job with a stable company in a position that I enjoy, I feel I can outwardly discuss how horrible job-searching really is.</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Reasons looking for a job sucks:</span></b></span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. </b></span>You have to look impressive on paper. WTF?! I'm not a website... I'm not a business card... I'm a young person with a fabulous personality... DUH! Can't I just write you a three-page, free-form paper discussing why you should hire me? Who decided upon the resume format anyway? </span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">2.</span></b> Oh damn, my email had a typo... I guess that means I'm unhireable. </span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3</b></span>. Oh I get it, just because those baby boomers can't retire I have to compete in an already horrible market with people who are five times as qualified as me, merely because they are applying for a job that four years ago they would have considered below them?! Ya that's fair (to both involved parties).</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. </b></span>And then the fun part: I put on a suit, I spend $75 bucks at kinkos, I drive to the interview with the worst nervous stomach writhing of my life, I barely break a sweat (although inwardly trembling) while under interrogation, I present myself like I'm a hot new product (oh please, please, please like me), and I suck up to you, ONLY to find that I didn't get the job. </span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What I'm trying to say is looking for a job feels, to me anyway, completely degrading. </span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What are your thoughts? Do any of you actually find job hunting enjoyable?</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The great news is that I don't have to worry anymore. I have a great job working with seemingly great people. So I guess, for now, all is well.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And the Blonde Bullet is back from her hiatus. </span></span>Kelsey: the Blonde Bullethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11798235426603662742noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855141542006172237.post-22462612145944117752010-10-14T08:46:00.001-07:002010-10-14T08:49:18.155-07:00Rate: First week back for realsies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Mount Lemmon, Tucson AZ)</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's good to be training for something again, even if what I am training for is to be able to run for more than 30 minutes without knee pain-- that's something! </span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Monday: Ran 20 minutes and felt pretty good. I have to run really slow, I mean I think someone could walk faster than me if they wanted to. But it was worth it because I didn't have any knee pain until the last five minutes. My lungs felt good, my muscles felt good and me knee felt like it was improving. I stretched before and after, iced after and the pain went away almost immediately, which is exactly what my PT wants to happen. Which means I'm free to run two more times this week! Yippee. </span></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Tuesday: Decided that since I'm virtually broke, I should become a commuter. So I packed my backpack with high heels, makeup and an extra shirt and hit the road at about 2:00 PM. I was heading for Tempe, about a 13 mile ride, which should be easy, in order to meet the ladies for our weekly girl's night. It has cooled down quite a bit here... but it's not THAT cool. In fact, it was 95. When you're so accustomed to triple digit temperatures, you start to think that 95 sounds refreshing. Also, Phoenix is far from bike-friendly, so I ended up hauling it as fast as I could to keep up with traffic on very busy streets in order to avoid getting hit or at least in order to get honked at less. So to summarize, I was pedaling as fast as I could, in jeans and a tank top (as in, NOT a kit) and in 95 degree weather. Brilliant. Well 5 margaritas later... I took the light rail home. But I still most definitely consider that a decent work out for the day. </span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Wednesday: Drove to Tucson, messed with camera. Will make up for the lost day over the weekend. Oh and for those who were curious, it's a Minolta Maxxum 5 SLR. It's kind of old, but I'm so excited. I'm going through a photography book and teaching myself all there is to know. Should be splendid. Also received notice of an interview today!</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Thursday:* Ran 20 minutes. Tucson is a bit hilly, so that put some extra strain on my knees, but it was pretty much the same as Monday. Now I must do some strength training. Splendid. Killer abs here I come. </span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Friday:* I know it's not Friday yet. But I am absolutely positive (ok unless there's an earthquake or I have an asthma attack or something) that Mr. Wonderful and I are going for a ride tomorrow morning. Should be about 30 miles with a few small hills. He suggested we do Mount Lemmon.... ya right. </span></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So far, so good! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> *The above days are a bit switched around from my<a href="http://theblondebullet.blogspot.com/2010/10/run-rehab.html"> initial schedule</a>. This is only because I usually need a week to get in the swing of things. I am doing all the workouts on the schedule, I just mixed up the days a little. </span></span></span>Kelsey: the Blonde Bullethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11798235426603662742noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855141542006172237.post-79909201219895162132010-10-12T10:00:00.003-07:002010-10-12T12:22:43.002-07:00Run: Rehab<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My PT says I MUST start at 20 minutes every other day, and move up very slowly from there. So this is my somewhat pathetic climb back to being a distance runner. I've only schedule about a month out, because I have to see how the pain goes. I'm also training for a short bike tour with Mr. Wonderful. <br />
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The schedule includes riding, running, stretching (which means 30 minutes of intense stretching) and my PT exercises, which include the foam roller (oh the torture) and many other strengthening tricks she taught me. My rides are usually about 30 miles with a few hills, but I have left the exact mileage blank so that I can fill it in as I improve and whatnot. <br />
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It's going to be torture to train this slow... but it'll be worth it if I can run again!<br />
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<br />Kelsey: the Blonde Bullethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11798235426603662742noreply@blogger.com5