"Ouch, my ass hurts."

So, where have I been? Working 2 1/2 jobs. I am still teaching two art history courses, but I recently have been hired by the US Census Bureau as an enumerator. To add to that hot mess, I just recently did some intensive interviewing for an office manager/reception position. I got the job, wooohooo, and that starts full time on Friday. So, needless to say between teaching, enumerating (gotta love the gov't - why can't they just say "counting?") and interviewing, things have been kinda nuts.

But this weekend I finally managed to get a run in - and for some crazy reason I thought trail running sounded like a good idea. The Viper, Martini and I hit up O'Neil woods on Sunday.

Now, I have to preface all of this by admitting that I got my woods/trails mixed up. There are so many different woods and trails in our area, I honestly though we were going to a trail that I had hiked before -- I was wrong. It wasn't until The Viper informed me that we were driving with Martini, since he didn't know where the trail was, that I realized, "Oh shit - I've never been to this trail before." And about a half a second after that realization The Viper continues to inform me that "Martini says this trail is really hilly." If Martini thinks it's hard - then damn - I'm screwed. This is the guy who actually places in races and stuff. I was already worried about slowing the boys down, but now it was inevitable. But being quick on my toes, I decided that Dobson would want to come. I could blame my ridiculous pace on the dog! :-D

We got out there, Martini lights years ahead, and The Viper, Dobson and I began to run. I like the feel of the dirt under my shoes, so much nicer than pavement. The trail seemed nice enough at first, then - THE STAIRS. You try holding onto an eager 60 lb puppy while running down a seeming never ending series of staircases. I did not like this portion of the trail - running down stairs sucks. But then things leveled out, the scenery was nice with a babbling brook to boot. I had to seriously pace myself and walk when I needed to, but I was determined not to flake out, I had to really try. Going back uphill was a bitch. The hills were steep and at times gravity really pissed me off, but I ran up every hill (though the last being so steep you're practically forced to walk near the summit.)

I did one loop, was grateful for The Viper and his encouraging words. After some much needed hydration I sat in the grass with the Dob and relaxed. After another loop with Martini, The Viper joined me in the cool grass. We waited for Martini.

I felt good about myself, I got out there and really worked hard. The entire car ride home was I was reveling in my accomplishment until I started feeling twinges of pain near my ass. Odd, I thought. I got out of the car once home and the first words out of my mouth, "Ouch, my ass hurts!"

Today, the ass not so much, but my calves sure are screaming.

Finally

I got out there. Finally I sucked it up, laced up the kicks and ran. It's a beautiful morning here in Akron so I figured best to take advantage. Not to mention, if I want to train for my first 10K in June I need some base mileage to start out with.

My plan was simple, gear up, listen to some tunes and run for about 20 minutes. I know this doesn't sound like much, but I've never ran distances of more than 5 miles, so I wanted to take it nice and easy. I chose a route around the neighborhood that took me up and down a couple of small hills where I got to see some great architecture and soak up sun. I contemplated taking Dobson with me, but decided I needed this run to be just me and my tunes.

I love running with music, it keeps me motivated and I find if I sing along it helps me keep my breathing in check. It always amazes me how much a song can do for my spirits when running. So I have decided to share what is currently on my ipod shuffle with you!

Coldpay - Viva la Vida (note: I ALWAYS start every run with this song. Just gets me going!)

Duffy - Mercy

Katie Perry - Hot N Cold

Taylor Swift - Love Story

Steve Perry- Oh Sherrie

Kevin Rudolph - Let it Rock

Cake - The Distance

Weezer - Hash Pipe

Estelle - American Boy

Jimmy Luxury and The Tommy Rome Orchestra - Cha Cha Cha

Gwen Stefani - Now That You Got It

Pussy Cat Dolls - When I Grow Up

Metro Station - Shake It

The Go-Go's - Our Lips are Sealed

Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out

Tegan and Sara - Walking With A Ghost

Gwen Stefani - Wind it Up

I normally just let the shuffle do its thing. I've been know to dance while running, I just about always get a chest pump in and it's not unheard of to see me running with my hands in the air just getting down. What can I say, I like to dance. :-D

Rosalie Recommends!

I have decided that I need a weekly installment for my blog. Every Wednesday to spruce up your mid-week hump day I will post a Rosalie Recommends! In this weekly blog I will include five items I find worthy of discussing.

The first item will relate to running or biking in some manner; don't expect these items to always be traditional, I'm going to take a lot of liberties here!

The second will have to do with food. I love food, I love to cook and I love to eat - I just want to share the wealth.

Item no. 3 will relate to shopping - perhaps a good cheap find or something I just realized I absolutely couldn't live without.

I like to read so the fourth item will be a book recommendation. There's only one problem with this - I have a tendency not to finish books. I'll get about 3/4 of the way through... then .... well.... I hope to recommend books I've read all the way through, but I make no promises.

And for the final item, it's anything goes!

So enough of the explanation, here's the blog!

Rosalie Recommends!

1. The Sports Authority Outlet

You can find some great deals on running apparel here. Shorts for $5, shirts for $10. I've never had any shipping or billing issues. The only caveat - shop fast. I've put things in my shopping cart that are gone by the time I check out!!

2. Mayonnaise

So yeah, I love mayo. If it were socially acceptable, I'd dip my french fries in it. I know it's not the healthiest, but since it's one of my favorite condiments, it had the be the first food I recommend. I've even been known to make my own. Need a recipe, click here. I like it on pizza too. Now before you all go running to hurl in buckets - I'm not the only one. If it's good enough for Bill Rodgers it's good enough for me!

3. Crown Bindery

I love to plan and be organized. I have always had a super hard time finding a planner/organizer the suites my needs ... but not anymore! These organizers are amazing. You can make them work just about any way you need them to. I highly recommend for all of you super organized freaks like me out there!

4. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

This book might not be for everyone, it's in the metaphysical section at Borders, but it's one of my favorites. When I need to find focus I turn to this book. It's calming and inspiring - just makes me feel like life is going the way it is for a reason. It's short and a fast read, so give it a look see.

5. Taco Bell Bean Burritos

I love Taco Bell, I could eat it nearly every day and not get sick of it. (And no, I don't put mayo on my burritos.) The bean burrito really is a thing of beauty, so tasty and so good. Now before you go knocking fast food, just consider that the bean burrito really isn't that bad for you. At 370 calories, 10 grams of fat (3.5 saturated and 0 trans fat), 11 grams of fiber and 14 grams of protein, you just can't beat that with a stick! The only downer, 1,270 mg of sodium, so don't go overboard with the burrito goodness!

I hope you find my recommendations helpful, and at the least - interesting!

I Have a Plan

I bought a new pair of sunglasses yesterday, spring must be on its way!

I finally feel as though I am emerging from my dark hole of Byzantine hell and I'm getting the itch to be active again. Wooohooo! Dobson has gotten more walks in the last two days than he has in the last few weeks combined, and when I see the runners and bikers speeding past I have the urge to be out there like them. This is monumental as up until now my only urges have been for McDonald's, shopping and redecorating.

With this renewed spirit for outdoor activity I have devised a plan, kind of. I have desperately missed my bike, so I was thinking to get back into shape I would do nice short bricks on the towpath. I figure the first time back out, I'll take it super easy - 4 on the bike then run 2. This isn't based on any method or Runner's World article, it just seems like something I would enjoy and something that won't kick my ass. I don't want to feel discouraged the first time back in the saddle. Then I'll up the miles from there!

The ultimate goal: The Jim Klett Memorial 10K. It's not until June 19th, so I have plenty of time to get my ass into gear. I will devise a plan at some point and keep all posted on my progress!

It feels good to have a running goal again! (Let's just see how good I feel 20 minutes into my first long run :-P )

I'm Not Dead

I'm not dead. I'm just writing. The thesis goes to the advisor and readers tomorrow.

The Viper has bribed me with jewelry, haircuts and trips to etsy.com to get this thing done. What a wonderful boyfriend.

I don't know what running is, I don't know what exercise is. I only know things Byzantine, liturgical, "provincial" and to the general public, simply all things boring.

I'll be back. Soon - I hope. But not before some serious boozing.

Wish me luck because I know I'll need it.

A Day in the Life

Running? No...

Relaxing? Yes..

... and the puppy too!...

Thesis? Necessary Evil...

Dinner? Chili anyone?!

The kicks for the next few weeks? Not so much these...

as these!

It's February in Akron. Since running just isn't going to happen I have decided that I must commit myself to winter sporting of some sort. The options:

Hiking

Ice Skating

Downhill Skiing

Cross Country Skiing

Snow Shoeing

Chasing puppy at dog park

I tried downhill skiing once, in Austria (where the Alps are.) I don't think I'll be hitting up our local ski resorts, let's just say the Alps left a lasting impression. I will consider ice skating though, could be fun - right? The cross country skiing and the snow shoeing, I'd like to give both a go; they seem strenuous but enjoyable. As for the hiking - of course! Too many great trails not to try. And the puppy chasing, well that's a given.

Reports to follow. The scale has informed me it's time to get moving again. :-)

Bad Neighbor, Good Dog

Dobson has been the only form of exercise I have had of late, and today, well today was a day for the books. First, I must digress and take us back to Saturday night. It was approximately 11:30 p.m. when the Viper and I got home from a concert. Dobson was happy to see us and eager to play a game of fetch. Our apartment hallway is quite long, so we proceeded to take advantage of that great hallway and play fetch with our adorable pooch. Dobson was in utter glory bounding up and down the hallway chasing after his Kong tennis ball. Suddenly, our evening of revelry was disturbed by a loud knock at the door. The Viper went to answer while Dobson managed to grab a pillow off the couch and run around with it - typical puppy behavior. But who was at the door you might ask? It was our neighbor. She was frazzled. Overwhelmed. Fed up. She gestured wildly to the Viper, explaining that our "shared wall" was creating a cacophony of sound. The "constant" up and down was too much! And the barking - rue the barking! (Note: I did some record taking. At the height of his barking, he emitted 6 barks in one hour) After she left, we calmed Dobson down and within the hour he was quietly resting by the fireplace. So, no harm, no foul - right?

Wrong.

This morning I was going about my everyday business, just watching some tv and getting ready for the day ahead. Dobson wanted to play, so we played. We did not play fetch up and down the hallway, and I tried to keep his barking to a minimum. (I believe he may have had a 6 bark hour this morning as well.) While I was attempting to do my hair I heard a knock at the door. Could it be? Really? I mean really? So to the door I went and lo and behold - it's our neighbor. Before a word came out of her mouth I was explaining, "He's just a puppy" I said, "he's still teething!" I implored her to understand that "I am trying!" She looked at me blankly and stated "Well I'm wearing ear plugs and it's still too much." (No lady, the fact that you're wearing earplugs is too much. Seriously.) The exchange seemed pleasant enough but I was furious. My dog is a good dog. He listens to commands and he is sweet as pie. I grabbed his leash, my coat and gloves and we were off. I called the Viper near tears not knowing what to do. I want to be a good neighbor, but I am also a person of reason. The Viper suggested I find a field and run Dobson around, expel the excess energy.

I could not find a field, but I did find a trail. Summit Country Metroparks San Run park has amazing trails, so like a fool I chose to do one I had never done before and knew nothing about. I did the 1.8 mile Dogwood trail with Dobson. Easy enough, right? Again, wrong. It was hell, pure hell. I literally descended down a hill that was damn near straight up and down. I am certain now that Dobson understands the "easy boy" command. I knew at some point I'd have to go back up, but man alive - it was harsh. I was sweaty (as I was in no state of mind to put on my moisture wicking base layer before I left) and gross and my face was bright red by the time I came to the trail head clearing. At one point on my venture back uphill I stopped to eat snow. I STOPPED TO EAT SNOW I WAS SO DAMN FATIGUED.

After we got back home Dobson still wanted to play, so we played. Again, within the parameters that would not disturb the neighbor. I fed him his weight in ice cubes to help with the teething and I went on with the rest of my day. He's passed out in front of the fireplace again and my temper is finally starting to calm down.

The moral of this story. There is none. I needed to vent. Our Dobson is a good puppy and he barely barks. Yes, he's enthusiastic (he must get that from me,) but he is a four month old puppy after all...