brush that dirt off my shoulder

I may have told you this before... I'm kind of a big deal you know. Lately I've been busy busy busy with fun, active, and glamorous life pursuits.

More active than ever before in my life:

- hot yoga classes -
- kickball team -
- rollerblading -
- dating -
- running -
- indoor soccer team -

And, of course, dancing. No, not dance classes. Ok I did rock 1 hot Zumba class and will return when my schedule allows. My dance has been in posh bars with my best besties. Rocking out to all sorts of tunes. Last weekend I think I heard Ace of Base played 3-4 times between RBar and Lit Lounge. If you ever go to Lit Lounge, please be advised that they have a great DJ yet hot as Hades temperatures. And I'm not saying hot people. I'm saying sweaty people. Picture that.
Delightful.

All this action has been exhausting. And rewarding. It may be all the endorphins typing, but I'm happier and more at peace than I was in my former sedentary days. Don't worry, I still find the time to sit on the couch and watch DVR'd tv for hours and for going out to eat. Often.

In the glamour department: I ate delish shellfish at Atlantic Grill on Monday night with my roomies and Jenny May of Swede Records (fellow bridesmaid in Liza's upcoming wedding). She was here for the weekend and if I get my way, Jenny and her Swede will be moving to the Upper Eastside come springtime.
Aside: do you know that Jenny has 978 followers. Un-be-liev-a-ble.

Does anyone have a picture of this blogathering?

What have you been up to blogland? I'm so behind at my blog reading!

as promised

This is the best pic of me, post-race. I don't even look as gross as I felt (in this particular shot!). You can tell it was hot by my rolled up sleeves and red face.

Looks like I'm doing a touchdown dance of sorts. Everybody does that, right? If you don't, then you should try it. Believe me. It's hot.

Ran my 10K

I did it. I ran my race and I won! finished.
I even ran at a faster pace than I expected. Less than 11 minute miles. Yes, this is fast for me! Most runners would say this is pretty slow, but for me it is an improvement.

As I ran I thought about all that stuff I said in my last post and I was so grateful for the ability to move and run and enjoy it all. I also thought about the finish line and my peeps waiting there and cheering me on (thanks peeps). My mom even came into the city and surprised me by coming to my race! It was a very sacot moment and I had a wonderful day riding that high I always get after races.

This 10K was my running goal for the entire year. A milestone. I did it and I'm super excited and proud of myself (as always, wink wink). It was pure raw ownage.

Thanks again for all of your encouragement and love. In return I would like to encourage you:


Also, when my lovely Mom figures out how to download from a digital camera and emails me a picture (she took about 200 - true story) I promise to post an uber sweaty and gross shot of me after the race... you're welcome ahead of time.

Dare You to Move

I have my 10K (6.2 mile) road race on Saturday. Tomorrow. Yikes stripes. And I've never run more than 5 miles before. Yet, I know I can.

I can do this.
My body can do this.
My mind can do this.
My spirit is yearning to do this.

Which begs the question... who the heck am I? For almost my entire life I was a sedentary person. And proud of it. My exercise of choice was walking or sunbathing (I'm sure laying in the sun burns lots of calories because it sure makes me sweat). While I still enjoy both, I now have a new love. Did I say love? Yes.

I have always always loathed physical exercise and avoided it with a passion. Even starting with awkward stupid gym class in middle school. I was voted off my 8th grade field day team because I was that bad. In high school my gym teacher was so lamespice that I luckily had a choice of playing whatever sport was happening (in our gym slash basement that had lots of poles going thru the middle to hold up the rest of the school) or walking (check) or lying on the floor (check check). Woops, I mean doing Richard Simmons Sweating to the Oldies videos or random old ab workout videos and sometimes lying on the floor instead of participating. Obvi.

Clearly I've always had a rock hard body. That is a lie. I always despised exercise while carrying on a juicy love affair with food. I've never embraced my flab or anything like that, but I guess I just hated working out hated slash gained weight with diets never wanted to do all that hard work to get rid of the flabby parts. I mean, have you tasted ice cream? I love ice cream more than I hate flab.

Anywho. When I started running last year I never expected it to become something I'd actually enjoy. I do. I enjoy it, look forward to it, and I schedule running into my week.

I do my best thinking while running, showering, or lying in bed. Now mainly while running.
Some people may figuratively run away from stuff and try to escape their problems in life. I used to do this in mind and spirit as much as humanly possible - deny or avoid problems. Until I didn't. As I realized that denying and avoiding problems didn't make them disappear (more like they come back to bite one's ass) I was forced to start facing my real life stuff and dealing with issues. That is a story for another post, but let's just say I became a girl with gumption.

It is that gumption that led me to tie the running shoes and start running. Running in turn has helped me more than I can say. Ok, I can say how much: this much (picture me openning my arms real wide). Running has become an extension of my therapy. A place where I think about and face all my problems from work to family to grey hair. I now face all the crap that comes my way in body, mind, and spirit when I run.


Where can you run to escape from yourself?


Yeah, that's the best line in "Dare You to Move" by Switchfoot. It speaks to me today. I'm not running away from life these days. Nope. I'm running towards something. Towards myself. Towards freedom. Towards something greater than me- towards my Creator who made my body so able to move and to run. [Thanks for the book about spiritual running Mom!]

Today is Good Friday. A big day for Christians everywhere. So, fitting with the day and also the theme of my post I'll share this sweet quote from Hebrews 12:1...

Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.


And with that, I dare you to move.

Dare You To Move - Switchfoot

oh, you want my digits?

I think someone should start a Facebook Group called "Can I... can I... can I get your number Uptown Girl??". Apparently it's the latest and greatest thing to do.

I had three people ask for my digits this week and one simply offer his own.
What is going on in the universe? Oh, thank you for asking. I will fill you in.

I went to this running club on Wednesday for the second time. Yes, it was St. Patrick's Day. Yes, I love all things Irish. Yes, I punked out on celebrating this year so that I could run. Yes, I am a major athlete now, go figure. I was running at the same pace as a couple of other girls and we ran our marathon our 3.5 miles together. After the run, two girls asked me for my phone number so we can run together again. I'm pretty excited because I've been hoping and praying for a running partner to help me stay motivated. Awesome.

Next. Last night I went to see my coworker's band play. One of the residents (aka doctors-in-training) I work with asked me for my phone number so that he and I could coordinate taking the train downtown to the concert. Did I end up on a date with him last night? Maybe. That remains unclear... he was quite attentive... and he did buy my drinks... what else would I want in a date??

Last but not least, a guy I've been emailing with and def stalking interested in via internet dating (as interested as you can get without meeting someone...) finally asked me to get drinks and gave me his number. Way to step up that E-game. What a baller. I suppose that even though I don't call boys as a rule, I'll be calling this one. Now is when I miss the days before Caller ID and *69. What I would give for a drive by call. Oh to call, hear his voice, and hang up. A girl can dream. Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories...

With all the digits flying to and fro, I'm starting to feel a little bit like Yvonne here.

Rezzy Roundup 2

As I think back on my New Year's Rezzies, and even where I was at one month ago, I have to say that I'm doing quite glitteringly great. As one would expect of an Uptown Girl, I suppose.

Rez 1- I would like to grow an inch or 2. I think I'm well on my way. Lately I've really been feeling taller. You know when you stand near other people and sometimes feel short or tall based on everyone else's heights?? I've been feeling pretty tall.

Rez 2- I will kiss a handsome man this year. Please read the previous 2 posts to learn that no where in the descriptions of my dates dates did I mention kisses. I'm being picky with this one. I have precious lips.

Rez 3- PREVIOUSLY RESOLVED

Rez 4- I will be more dedicated to my running. This is the one I wanted to tell you about most! I signed up for my 10K. It is on April 3rd and I'm so excited about it. Running a 10K was my personal running goal for the whole year, so if I am able to complete the run without collapsing, I'll have to set a new goal. Impressive? *Glitteringly great*? I know.

Rez 5- I resolve to party. More. Working on it. Between celebrating my sister's engagement last weekend and going out with friends from out of town this weekend, I may have to change this rez to party less.

Rez 6- I will stay in touch. Not doing so hot here, however my friends from Georgia are staying with me this weekend and we are going to do lots of catching up. That counts for something right?

Rez 7- PREVIOUSLY RESOLVED

Rez 8- I will take suggestions from you... Obvi! Any questions or post ideas? Lay it on me...

How are your rezzies coming along?

run run stop jump run

In honor of Run Til I'm Fun (and maybe a little bit due to the fact that my gym membership ran out and I'm waiting to renew), I ran outdoors last night. Out.of.Doors.

Yeah, I took my high-class arse to the streets rather than my rooftop treadmill. I mingled with the little people in the city. Serio, from the roof they look like ants. And really they're not so tiny afterall. They take up lots of room and I used up a lot of energy and burned countless calories dodging random people loitering or walking way slow on the sidewalk. Several near-misses.

I tested the RTIF theory (click the link to read about it and see a way crafty bar-graph) wherein the more layers worn while running supposedly corresponds with the number of comments from men. I wore my running pants, long sleeved tee, zip up hoodie, gloves, and this thing that went all the way around my head to cover my delicate ears and keep me from freezing. And my sneakers (obvi!).

Now, this ear coverer thingie was a bit mangled I must tell you. I bought it from some dude on the street for $5 purchased it from a notable designer whose name I really shouldn't disclose. It is made of fleece; black on the outside and pink on the inside. Like me (my hair is almost black and my eyebrows are jet black, so it works ok?). Anywho, turns out this item I bought doesn't fit. I guess that is what happens when things aren't custom made but purchased from just any designer. Last time I shop street table knock-offs at the Michael Kors Flagship. The ear thingie is huge and not adjustable. But, I really wanted to go for that run so I added a nifty safety pin to the velcro area and made it fit my head.

I decided that my ridiculous look would both: test the RTIF theory further and also take my usual sophistication down a notch so I'd fit in better on the sidewalk (can anyone tell me if that's what the commoners are calling it these days? side-walk?).

The results:

I had one possible comment. The fellow said: "woah woah woah get back here". He may have been on his cell phone or he may have been cat-calling me as I ran past. It was unclear. All a blur.

My outdoor run was a success. It was def exciting to say the least. Sort of like a track and field event. Jumping up onto and down off from curbs was like jumping over hurdles. Throwing my plastic water bottle at a rude man's head was like shot-put. Ok I didn't do this last thing. But that's just because it is too difficult to run with a water bottle. Duh. Oh, and all the hills on the UES were like running cross-country.

I even left the UES during my run. Well... that is a lie. I ran north into what I consider Harlem but is actually just more of the Upper Eastside. My sister says I'm not allowed to run there anymore. It is now outside the acceptable outdoor running radius for this high-class arse.

This post is dedicated to the girls who inspire me all the time over at RTIF.

Rezzy Roundup

Here I am Blogosphere. I know I've been MIA since Friday and that you were prob driving yourself crazy wondering what I've been up to. And while (in an attempt to retain some mystery) I can't answer that question... I will satisfy another desire of your heart instead. Lucky you.

I will re-cap my 1 month old New Year's Resolutions! Ready? OK!

Rez 1- I would like to grow an inch or 2. So far this one has been a no-go. But, don't fret, I will totes make it happen by NYE 2011.

Rez 2- I will kiss a handsome man this year. Again, so far a no-go. Sad to say I haven't had this kiss just yet. Hello? You know I would've told you. What kind of UG do you take me for?

Rez 3- I will get my very own NetBook. DONE and DONER. Got my Asus. And my friend's bf City John got Mr. Asus all pimped out for me. Thx City John!

Rez 4- I will be more dedicated to my running. Yup, still working on this one. One step at a time (I cracked myself up with that pun). I'm doing pretty great at the consistency actually but def want to increase my time and distance.

Rez 5- I resolve to party. More. Def going strong! I had a fun January being very socially active with friends (new and old). I'm kind of a big deal.

Rez 6- I will stay in touch. Hrmmm. Ok confession. I'm really not so good at keeping in touch anymore. I used to pride myself on this life skill but now give myself a C-. Yeah, you read that right, there is one area in life where I am less than average. When I lived in the burbs and had a car and stuff like that I would drive all over this great country of ours talking on my cellphone and calling all my peeps. Between cell phone laws, moving to NYC, and no longer driving a vehicle ever, I have decreased my stay-in-touch skillz dramatically. It feels good to get that off my chest.

Rez 7- I will wear my coat during work everyday this winter until someone resolves our office heating problema. DONE, doner, and RESOLVED. It's now kinda hot in here. Or is that just me?

Rez 8- I will take suggestions from you. Still waiting on those suggestions. Did someone misplace the suggestion box? My take on this is that I simply post on everything you want to know about and, therefore, there is nothing better left to suggest. Clearly.

And there you have it: my brutally honest look back on January, 2010 and the start to my amazing resolutions. You heard it here first. No need to watch it on E! News tonight. No need.

Uptown Girl here.

Uptown Girl here.
Your one and only source into the scandalous lives of Manhattan's elite.
I know you've been lost without me. It's only natural.

So, you want to know what I've been up to these postless weeks? You want to know where I've been?

S-T-R-A-N-D-E-D

That's right, it spells stranded. My major daily internet addiction resources have been significantly depleted. Obvi, I'm no longer using the world wide web to blog and read blogs and comment on blogs and email and gchat while I work. You'd be amazed at how many work related tasks I've accomplished. And in record breaking time. Quite thrilling and depressing at the same time. Also, I don't own a computer (read: my laptop died tragically in February and I can't quite move on. Mourning period and all).

Anywho. You've missed me and that is the reason that I'm holed up in my room late at night secretly borrowing my roomie's epically slower than an upside down turtle in a race against time sorry excuse for a laptop (sorry Lovey, but you know I blog the truth, like Lightman would if he started a blog in his fictitious existence). And I'm extremely grateful to be using said laptop to clear my head slash post this post.

Where was I? Right. You've missed me, and you're dying to know what I've been up to. A crap ton... I'll make a list.

Uptown Girl Happenings During Excruciating Internet Absence

1. Travelled via bus to and from Virginia to visit my brother, sister-in-law, and the 3 cutest children that exist (since I am now grown).
2. While sitting with my niece (still in VA), she told me "Aunt Uptown Girl, you have beautiful eyebrows". Obvi. What a smart and observant child.
   
3. Attended a Chili Cook-off (in VA) among countless married couples and their myriad of children (most of the kids were in the basement with the babysitters, where I prob belonged). Yummy chili, interesting insights into the world of family life. When we piled into the minivan at the end of the night I thought it was at least 10pm. It was 7:29. And my niece said "can we go to the party now? that wasn't a party."
   
4. Started feeling like my head might explode on the bus ride back to NY. It did not explode. It did however brew a home-concoction I like to call sinusitis. As this is still lingering I finally started antibiotics today.
5. I've tried to rest as much as possible. I've watched way too much tv, fallen further in love with the DVR, and discovered a Peruvian cold remedy that knocks me out for hours on end.
6. skipping some steps due to passing my bedtime.
7. Celebrated Lovey's bday. Multiple times. Cake, beer, fairy wings, beer, cake, ice cream, love. I love birthdays. I love Lovey. Tons O' celebratory goodness. Partied like the rockstars we are. Ain't no thang.
8. Haven't run in 2 weeks. 2. weeks. Part bc I was travelling. Then part sinusitis/head-cold/sore throat stuff. And part laziness. Yes, I've let myself go. Did you read the part about the beer, cake, and ice cream?
9. At least I have beautiful eyebrows.
10. Getting ready for India. I leave next Wednesday. Can you believe it? Visa- check. Some of my travel meds- check. Knowing what I will pack- ? eeeeeek no no no.
11. Work happy (3) hour party with dancing and unprofessional behavior. But not from me.
    
12. You should also know that I had a great hair day today.
13. MISSING BLOGGING. I've realized how much I rely on blogging to get out my thoughts and feelings and ideas. And how much you need me. I'm so sorry for your loss in these last days and weeks. I will do my best to beg, borrow, and steal (prob steal) my way onto computers to post for you. Because that's the kind of Uptown Girl I am.

{threading. one day I'll share my secret with my nieces. and if you know this pretty girl from google images, please share with her the secret called "eye makeup remover". kthanxbye.}

I hope this post addressed your concerns and satisfied your curiosity for now. And remember, curiosity killed the cat.

xoxo,
Uptown Girl

run it

Last night I had my third running class. 3 down, 7 to go. woohoo...

After the first week was too easy, I switched groups from 'basic intermediate' to 'intermediate'. I really must be on the cusp because while that first class was easy peasy, my new class pushes me to my limit. And then some.

It reminds me of gym class. Or any sport I ever played. Or that memorable effing Field Day in 8th Grade when I got voted off the team. While humiliating, it was truly a relief to be removed from the team by a jury of my peers. Because then I could stop embarrassing myself and causing our team to lose by dropping eggs off of spoons, scoring baskets for the wrong team, missing the baton hand off in a relay, and whatever else I did in my attempt to be an athlete.

Yes, my running class reminds me of all of these times that I felt inadequate, lagged behind the rest of the group, and singlehandedly made my team lose in an athletic event. This happened quite often throughout my life and put a huge damper on sports in my mind.

Did you read that right? I said in my mind. I thought about it too much and too seriously. Never enjoyed the game, the fun, the camaraderie because I was too busy worrying about how stupid I looked. I was uber self conscious and aware of how completely uncoordinated and lamespice I was.

I found this quote a few months ago and may or may not have previously posted it on Own It... "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well. " ~Pierre de Coubertin

In my running class I am reminded of those times in my life when I had trouble keeping up with the group physically, and when I would mentally give up (and physically give up whenever I was allowed). But as of today I am owning it. I've been owning it with my running since February and I am so proud. I run to be physically fit and to challenge myself. I run because I can. So many of my patients would kill to be able to run (or walk). I run because I am grateful for my life and for my health. I don't want to look back one day and think "why was I so sedentary? why didn't I just get out there and use the life in me?"

It should come as no surprise that I am the very last runner in my group. Yep, I'm the slowest. I spend all 4 miles trying to keep up and not get left behind. Last week I ran right behind an old man with white hair (maybe 65-70 years old?) until the end of class when he smoked me. I told myself that "hey I may not be able to keep up with these young whippersnappers in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, but at least I can run like a 70 year old". Apparently I was mistaken. I don't run like anybody but me. Yesterday that old man was in a faster group...and I missed him... like the desert missed the rain.

"The most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle". Well, I'm struggling with my running. But I do think it is important in my life and so it is worth the struggle. Sort of reminds me of a book Lovey has been telling me about, the Kosher Sutra, living in the now and embracing the tension of life.

Also, I bought new kicks last night. I ascribe to self-bribery tactics. If shopping for sneakers gets me on my feet and moving... how can I not?

what is the worst that can happen?

Sometimes when I'm nervous about a situation I tell myself "what is the worst that can happen?" or "whatever happens here, there are def worse things in life".

I'm sure you can remember a moment when you felt anxious and had to calm your own nerves, sooth yourself, and maybe even lie to yourself a little to avoid a panic attack. Am I right? Of course I am.

Last night was my first running class and admittedly I was quite nervous in anticipation. During the work day I started my familiar mind games (I play mind games with myself, and I like it). I told myself that it would be fine, that there was nothing to worry about. I made a mental picture in my head.

I asked myself:

Self, didn't you remember to bring your running attire to work so you can go straight to class?

Self, don't you know exactly where to go for the first day?

Self, don't you have ample time to make it to the class and won't you be extremely early?

Having answered all of these questions correctly and realizing that I can be condescending even inside my own head and then feeling a bit of pride over that fact, I took a deep breath. And I calmed down.

It was short lived, however. After a minute or two my mind began to race all over again. I can be so rude to myself sometimes, you'd be amazed. For all you moms out there, I can only compare it to this: you have a cranky baby, you finally get the baby to sleep, you place the baby in the crib and walk away, you sit down and take a breath and relax for about 1 minute and then the baby starts screaming all over again. I do not have any children but I am a big sister and a lifelong babysitter. I think that makes me an expert in these matters. Anyway, yes, in the scenario my anxiety is the baby.

So I decided to pull out all the stops and move to the next level of calming myself down. I ran thru a list of "what is the worst than can happen". It went something like this...

Really, it is a running class for goodness sakes.

If I'm late I will simply try to catch up with the group.

If I miss it all together, I will just skip it and go next week.

If I can't run as fast as the others and they vote me out of the class I will simply go back to running on my own after the coach gets my digits.

If I'm freezing in my long-sleeved-tee in the non-Indian-summer-weather I will warm up as I run.

I will eat a banana on the way to class so I don't get starvation hungry as I run.

I will be sure to use the ladies' room prior to class (for obvious reasons).

If the hunky coach pushes me really hard and I start feeling faint as I'm running, I will go sit down and be fine in a few minutes.

If I trip and fall I will sprain my ankle and scrape my knee... or tear something... or hit my head... or break my nose.

Oh gahd.

I hope someone helps me get home.

Or to the hospital.

Or to the morgue.

Oh gahd.

I might die.

That is the worst that could happen. I really hope that doesn't happen. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Whew. That won't happen. Of course that won't happen, what am I thinking?!

Don't worry blogland, obvi that didn't happen or I wouldn't be typing this right now. And I did calm myself down again quickly. And I laughed at myself. What's better than laughing, right? All in all the worries brought me laughter and I can't complain about that.

In reality not one of those scenarios occurred. The class was much easier than I expected and I'm debating moving up a level for next week. But, there was one scenario that a little bird (June To The C Leaver) warned me about and I didn't even consider. Remember when I imagined my running class here and imagined slash assumed that my coach would "be gorgeous, single, way into me" etc etc (yes, I just quoted myself)? Well, my coach was a woman. W-O-M-A-N.

So, even after all that time and energy I invested in worrying, I didn't even imagine the true worst that could happen possibility. That my coach would be the opposite of a the ideal man. My hopes are dashed. I am downtrodden. What is the world coming to? Since when is it ok for women to coach sports? Why did we do this whole feminist movement? To wreck my dreams? Women should not - NOT! - be allowed to coach (and neither should unattractive, married, gay, or taken men for that matter)!! It isn't right. How is an Uptown Girl supposed to get motivated to run in these conditions? How??? It is shocking and unthinkable.

What is an Uptown Girl to do? Find inspiration in blog-reading of course. The girls over at Run Til I'm Fun are about to complete a marathon. And they've been training and preparing. They are inspiring me one mile at a time. Go on over and wish them luck on those 26.2 miles! And after you finish, please find me a hunky male running coach. It is the least you can do.

Move More, Eat More

I remember listening to Dr. Laura years ago when I had a car and drove a lot and listened to talk-radio-psychology. She said the best way to lose weight is not dieting or getting crazy, but to eat less and move more.
Well, duh.

I'm not on a weight loss kick by any means, nor do I plan to start eating less. I just don't want to. I like eating crap and I like eating a lot of it. I eat healthy food, too. Before you ask the obvious question of "what is your crap to healthy food ratio??", I'll just offer this info: I'd say the ratio is at about 1:1 (fyi- you can be so nosey sometimes).

Anywho... I am trying to move more. I have a gym in my building and I sometimes neglect it. I am making a concerted effort to spend more quality time on the treadmill, catching up on my running and listening to my ipod. This requires me to be more disciplined than I am naturally. I have to set aside time- often cutting into my morning sleep/snooze button ritual. I know what you're thinking: "oh Uptown Girl, the horror!!". And I'll agree with you this once. Waking up any earlier in the morning than necessary is a horrific thing to do on purpose.
So, yes, I'm running more now, and I'm also walking the long 1.88 miles back and forth to work this week and foregoing my usual bus ride. The bus drivers miss my presence, I'm sure, bc I honestly think I am among the creme de la creme of their daily clientele. Obvi, and for these reasons: I am a posh Uptown Girl, I don't smell bad, I don't talk to myself, I don't talk to invisible people, I know how to use the rear exit door, and I never sit in the handicapped seating.
I'm really enjoying the walking btw. This is the perfect weather for it- not hot and not cold. The nice cool breeze seems to prevent sweat and everything. Good deal.

I'm not expecting this to lead to any significant weight loss, but just hope that I'll get a little more toned and increase my endurance to match that of an average and not-so-sedentary 28 year old. This woman at the nail salon asked how old I was earlier this week (rude) and I said I was 29. What is wrong with me?? My sister quickly corrected me, but why do I age myself in my mind? Mayhaps I'm just mentally preparing for my birthday in December. That has to be it.

Also, I joined a running class that starts next month to work on my endurance, speed, and technique. Ideally the coach will be gorgeous, single, way into me, and have a tip to share that will reveal a major flaw in my current running technique. And once I repair this flaw, running will be easier, less sweaty, and I'll be fast as lightening (look for me in the 2012 Olympic Games- I'll be wearing pink) with my newfound hunk of a man. After we fall in love, I'll say to him: Oh let's get rich and buy our parents homes in the south of France. Let's get rich and give everybody nice sweaters and teach them how to dance. Let's get rich and build our house on a mountain making everybody look like ants... you and I... you and I.

Ok, those last few lines are lyrics from "You and I" by Ingrid Michaelson and I'm a bit obsessed with the song. I heart it. And I really will sing that to my running coach if he is as amazing as I want him to be. Time will tell and I'll let you know how it turns out (but not for another month bc my class starts in October. be patient little one!) .