Running in Beauty

Unveiling of the New Blog

2008-01-18T10:29:00.000-08:00

I packed up house and moved into a new one.

The new address is located at:
http://www.gottapushfor9s.blogspot.com

Come stop by and say hi. I missed all of my running buddies!

This is the End.

2008-01-10T16:03:00.000-08:00

Hello to the Handful of you wonderful people who occaisionally popped up to see what was going on in Carmen's running land!

I'm closing up shop here on this blog. I've begun my marathon training for Eugene this week and am about 40% towards my financial goal of buying flight tickets, a hotel room, and a rental for the trip. I'm determined to make this a reality!

This blog reminds me all too much of how I've failed at my attempts to get back into the running groove and at this point, I'm tired of this blog. I may start up a new Blogger page but there is still that chance that I may just end my running blog days for a while.

I appreciate the friendships that I made through this outlet. I'm certain that this is not the final end though. I'll let you know if I get another blog.

Good luck to all of you who are doing PF Chang's this coming weekend. I'll be there rooting on some runners. Cheers!

P.S. Lisa, I'm interested in the Tumbleweed Running Club!

Peeking Back In

2007-12-09T06:33:00.000-08:00

Man, I feel really bad about myself but I know that I shouldn't feel this way and that I'm doing more than most people would.

The 5k that I was preparing myself for just started and I am still at in party clothes at home. I went to a snowflake making party (fraught with cookies, cocoa, posole stew, and frybread!) at my friend's house last night and when we got back to the apartment I ended up falling asleep on Superbad.

I feel like I always have these excuses for not making a goal and not running in general. I feel as though other people think that all I do is set these goals with out firmly being committed to them but I can't help what happens to me. After Thanksgiving day, I awoke on my mom's bed with a weird ache behind my right knee. When I got up to walk to the bathroom, I could feel sharp pains in both my ligaments (the huge ones, at least, I think they're ligaments. lol) and a little bit up the hammies. It stayed that way for almost a week and gradually faded out this past week. I don't know how I did it or what caused it but that has been my downfall.

I was doing so well too! In light of things, I ran a mile yesterday and did the elliptical for 10 minutes. I am going to make up the Fiesta Bowl 5k with the Reindeer Run 5k this coming weekend on the 15th.

The plan is to continue building a steady base of 3 miles/run and 12-15 miles a week til the end of the year. I am starting my marathon training at the beginning of 2008 with the goal of making to to Eugene, OR in May with the hubby. I hope all is well with you. :)

And a Wedding Photo!

2007-11-18T15:00:00.000-08:00

I am so glad that this is only a three day work week for me. Hopefully, it will only be two if I can get away with getting eight hours of leave approved on Wednesday. I'm so happy the holiday weekend is coming up. I still get conflicted over celebrating Thanksgiving but it's so hard to give up the spectacular turkey dinner and everything. I'm looking forward to finally being able to help my mom in the kitchen. I am so not a cooking girl but I've been learning thanks to allrecipes.com and my Cooking Basics for Dummies book.

I was supposed to run a 5k over the weekend but did it happen? NO!

I ended up falling asleep way late on Friday and wanted to throw my alarm clock in the toilet when it buzzed around 5:45 am. Brandon got up to turn it off which only meant that I went back to sleep.

Ah well. I still have my official first 5k for 2007 coming up on Dec. 9th to look forward to anyway.

On Saturday, I ran 2.2 miles on the treadmill with the intention or running another 2 miles that evening but that didn't happen since Brandon's grandma was in town and we went out for mexican food instead. I decided to make up my run today and was able to run 3.3 mi non-stop! Woo-hoo! This was on the treaddie and I agreed with myself that I would run my next two runs outdoors just so I don't weaken my legs.

We finally got some of our photos back from our wedding photographer. Here is a pic of my husband and I after the whole ceremony.

This Week:
Sun: 3.3 miles - 11:15 pace

I'm Keeping Up

2007-11-14T21:29:00.000-08:00

Yes, that is my evil husband lurking in the back!

Port of Subs is my favorite place for a healthy lunch or dinner. I just absolutely love the sandwiches from there. Subway gets old after awhile and I can't stand smelling like Subway bread when I leave the place. The Jalopeno chips at POS are to die for, as well! I heart POS even more these days because it makes watching what I eat even easier.

Although I'm excited about possibly running my first 5k this weekend for the year...I think what really gets me pumped for running is wearing my lovely new pearls (that I will purchase!) with a nice 50's vintage dress. I have a couple of friends that are going to teach me how to fix my hair in the retro style. They both love rockabilly and psycho-billy so they are so with me on my style change for the new year. I don't want to go pin-up though...I like the wholesome Sandra Dee look. lolLove this dress!

Tonight, I ran 3.3 miles. This evening, I made sure to run my first two miles with ease so I wouldn't burn out at the end. I took a small walking break after I reached 2.5 miles and I'm happy to say that I took off about forty seconds from my last time of 36:20. I ran 3.1 miles in 35:40. Woot-woot!

Already improving! What about that!

I'm afraid that the friend I mentioned a couple posts back who was supposed to run the 1/2 with me in January has already kinda bailed. She hasn't been running. I already kind of expected this. I'm miffed but oh well. I hate it when people say they're going to do something and they don't keep up with their end of the bargain. I have a life but I'm making efforts to squeeze in my runs. I just keep thinking it will all pay off when I'm at the starting line for the Eugene Marathon and buying my vintage dresses shortly before or thereafter. :)

This Week:
Sunday - Rest
Monday - 3.1 miles
Tuesday - Rest
Wednesday - 3.3 miles

Goals and Treats

2007-11-12T13:19:00.000-08:00

I just created a tentative race schedule for the remainder of 2007 and 2008. I'm slowly working my way back up to where I once was and am looking forward to running my first marathon in either May or June. I'd really like to run my 1st in Eugene just because I love Oregon so much.

I may be running my first 5k this Saturday in Fort McDowell or not. I have two friends who are doing a Breast Cancer Awareness walk this Saturday so I may support them in their cause. However, I am most definitely doing the Fiesta Bowl 5k in December. Last year, I did the 1/2 marathon and scored a PR. I was bummed to see that they would be giving out finisher medals to 1/2 finishers because I didn't get jack last year.

I have to prepare a running schedule for myself for 4 weeks. I made Brandon my witness that if I kept to my weekly mileage goals for the whole month, I could use my Zales card to buy myself something pretty. I am eying a strand of lovely pearls. I've never used my card yet and am itching to do so but I need a good reason.

I've also discovered a new goal that I really want to look forward to. I want to lose some weight so that I can fit into and look good in vintage dresses and attire from the 50's. I love the fashion from that era and want to look my absolute best when I buy a couple dresses. The thought of fitting nicely in a dress with a tiny waist inspires and drives me to run. Today, I ran 3.1 miles in our new complex's gym. I did it in 36:20 which is way slow for me and included some long walking breaks but I have to start somewhere, right?

Last Thursday, I ran-walk a route that measured almost 4 miles. It will be run-walk for another two weeks until I can build my endurance to run a full 3 miles non-stop.

I'm so glad my lover and I are back together.
Running.

Taking Baby Steps

2007-11-03T23:28:00.000-07:00

Somewhere along the way, I lost focus of my theme for this year: "Better, Faster, Stronger".

I feel like I got my running mojo back though. This time, I really got it back. My husband bought an iPod shuffle for me recently because it was high time my old one retired. I never even named it but it was with me for more than 2 years. Good run, old pal.

My new shuffle has a name. It's name is Cornelius.

Cornelius and I have big plans for 2008. This is the official year of the marathon for me. I'm planning on marking the calendar for late April or early May. I have to get my fitness and aerobic capacity back up there.

As for the moment, a friend (also my co-worker) and I have psyched ourselves up for the PF Chang's 1/2. I only have about 10 weeks of training. It's doable. I say this because I'll be doing some long walking breaks. It would be a different story if I was running non-stop. I hope this friend doesn't bail on me.

as the dust settles

2007-09-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

It has been way too long. I know.

The countdown for my wedding ran out almost a month ago. Brandon and I were married in a traditional Navajo ceremony on August 25th. Every bride always dreams that she will be thin and svelte on the big day but me? I was actually the heaviest I have ever been before and I can pin that to not running since forever. Forever is a bit too long of a word. I'll just say until the summer began.

I still have not posted pictures of my wedding on any of my blogs except for a small photo album on my MySpace page. I still have yet to see the rest of my photos from our photographer but I'm really in no big rush too. We're married and that's that. We're together forever now. I doubt there will ever be a time I will have to throw Brandon's saddle and boots out the door and leave it there. That's the Navajo equivalent to a divorce. The woman decides she has enough and all she has to do is set his things outside the hogan door and that's that! lol

I've started getting back into fitness about a week ago. A group of friends at work have gotten more health conscious so we decided to stop eating out so much and bring our lunches to work everyday save for one day of the week where we actually get to go eat out. We walk a 25 minute loop around the Historic Willo District of Phoenix and then go back to the break room to eat. I'm supposed to be in competition with one co-worker since we've both gained about 50 pounds since high school. We're trying to see who can lose 10 pounds first.

The scale already says I lost 6 pounds from last week but I'm not really counting it as a loss since I had just drank a crap load of water before getting on the scale.

I hope to be running a full mile at the end of next Friday. I'll be in Portland all next week for a training. I sure hope my hotel has a fitness room or has a park nearby!

motivation from yesteryear

2007-07-24T12:24:00.001-07:00

Last night I went to the gym after indulging in more frozen pizza than I should have allowed myself for dinner. At first I was going to skip my evening workout since Brandon wasn't going to go but then I was inspired to go after seeing pictures of him and I when we were first dating two and a half years ago. I couldn't believe how structured my face was with a magnificent jawline and pointy Cher-like cheekbones in all their glory. Fast forward to today and these fine specimens are hidden under chubbs that I have accumulated over the years from being "too comfortable."

Not to sound vain but christ, I was a doll!

Seeing those pictures made me long for the self-confidence I used to have when it came to my body. So instead of bunking down in front of the telly for the evening with Bret Micheals and his dating reality TV show for entertainment, I put on my gear and drove to the gym.

Since I ran my heart out on Sunday, I figured that Monday's workout would be active recovery. I alloted time on the upright bike, the recumbent, the elliptical, and lastly the treadmill. Oddly enough, I ran into a friend of mine there who knew me from "magnificent jawline and Cher cheekbone" days. I was a little embarrassed to see her so she could see how I've let go. I thought the feeling would go away but it didn't.

Tonight I am running easy. 3 miles if I can. Followed by some weight training for the legs.

Tuesday:
Upright bike -- 11 min (avg level: 10)
Recumbent bike -- 10 min (avg level: 10)
Elliptical -- 6 min
Treadmill -- approx. 12 min. (mostly walking at an incline of 5.0-9.0)

The Hogan

2007-07-23T00:44:00.001-07:00

The Hogan
Originally uploaded by carmen-nazbah

I know I promised pictures of the trip I made to the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest and honestly, I haven't uploaded them to my Flickr account yet. I always forget to do this after I come home from work. Instead, I did post a picture of the family hogan (Navajo: "hooghan", pronounced "hoe-WUN"), which is our traditional dwelling for both home and ceremonial use. My wedding will take place in a hogan.

Right now, my cousin-brothers are renovating it as you can see that it's in dire need of a face-lift. The logs are not supposed to be showing but will soon be covered with compacted red dirt. I don't know how they are going to cover up the plywood though. My mom was telling me that her and some family members also cleaned out the inside and put up some Pendleton blankets up against the walls.

I have about a month to go until my wedding. My main concern is getting my measurements to our seamstress to get started on my traditional dress. Hopefully, we can make a weekend trip back up to the reservation this weekend to see her in person so we can also pick out the color.
--------
As for running, I'm very happy to report that my fitness has increased. When I first started out, I was so out of shape that I was feeling tired ALL the time. Going to the gym was such a chore and my body rebelled against me while I ran. I felt so sluggish and even after the run my body would feel totally drained. It wasn't even energized.

Now I can totally tell the difference. I especially felt great after running 3.1 miles today. It's the longest I've run all summer without having to take a walking break. I believe I was able to do it in about 32:13 or something. I didn't feel any pain in my knee until near the last minute or so. I'm going to work at strengthening my leg with some weight training so the knee pain will subside.

The other day, we went to Chandler Fashion Square so I could get some retail therapy in. I bought some high end Biolage hair products to pamper my hair in preparation for the "big day". Then we headed to Under Armour to get new workout gear. I bought some new capris, two wicking tanks, and a support bra. This was the first time I've ever spent nearly 40 dollars for a bra! And let me say, you definitely get what you pay for! For a moment, I thought I was running as a flat-chested 12 year old! haha

I hope to get in at least 12 miles by the end of the week.

Road Trip!

2007-07-12T11:53:00.000-07:00

Two nights ago (Tuesday) Brandon and I went to the gym for our usual 40-45 minutes of cardio workout. It was another late night workout and one that I almost skipped out on because I was too tired to even want to work out. By the time we finished our workouts, it was 12:30 am. Holy crap! We really need to start committing ourselves to working out between 8 and 10 pm. I can't afford to feel groggy and unrefreshed at work the next day.

The other day, I had to take leave without pay from work to travel back to Gallup, NM to deal with a traffic complaint. The summons I received declared that I would have a warrant issued for my arrest if I failed to appear before the judge. Scary sounding! The real pain in the ass is that when I arrived at the court house, I had been told that I had two options: I could pay the damn fine and plead no contest along with admin fees ($55, my ass!) or schedule another appearance within 30 days.

I was so pissed because I sacrificed 8 hours of pay from work, I spent money on gas for a 9 hour roundtrip, and money on food!! The lady sensed my annoyance so she told me that I could have my hearing telephonically. I agreed because I straight out told her that I know for a fact that I was not guilty for the charge.

Ugh!!! I wanted to punch something when I walked outta there but Brandon and I figured that we would at least make something of the trip so we visited some Indian Jewelery stores and made a capricious visit to the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park. I have never been to both even though I've passed them several times on the 1-40 to Holbrook and Flagstaff. I'll post pictures later but the petrified wood was amazing!

Tonight I'm due to run again.

I've only been managing to run 2 miles at approximately 10:45 pace. Feels so slow to me but I can't expect to run 9:30's overnight!

Bonafide 24 hour fitness gym member.

2007-07-06T12:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening, Brandon and I finally got around to signing up for a family membership at 24 Hour Fitness in Tempe. Thank goodness for the family deal because we saved an extra hundred bones. Unfortunately, the hundred bones was gone by the end of the day anyway because we stopped by Micheals afterwards to browse the silk flowers selection and I ended up buying some calla lily stems and other necessities for our wedding reception centerpieces.

Later that night (around 10:40pm) we drove back to the gym to get in our first workout. I decided to trot on the treadmill with the new shoes that had been giving me knee problems just to see if the knee would act up while running on a even surface. And it didn't! I only ran a mile and a half and then walked at an inline of 5-8 for another three minutes.

I finished out the w/o with 10 minutes on the recumbent bike.

I love that gym. During the time of day we end up going out to get our cardio on, all of the treadmills are practically free and I don't have to wait for nothing. I'm going to start going to some classes next week.

I haven't been doing much lately aside from last minute wedding stuff. I finally selected my wedding cake design but now I'm having trouble finding high quality orange silk tiger lilies in town and online. I thought orange lilies were common but all I'm finding are the white ones or the pink stargazers! Arrrgh! I need to find some to place on my cake as well as in our centerpiece arrangements which are made up of citrus-colored calla lilies, orange-red zinnias, and some tigerlilies.

We're going to New Mexico this weekend to tie up some loose ends. We need to purchase some generators since the place where my wedding will be taking place (uncle's residence) does not have electricity. I'm also looking for table cloths and whatever else I may have overlooked.

Only 6 weeks to go!

Participated in a planting activity over the weekend with some co-workers. We planted a small community garden in Phoenix. All the seeds are native to central Arizona.

Merrily we run along, ahem, jog

2007-06-28T15:55:00.000-07:00

I have to start doing a better job of logging in my "runs". I put quotations around run because I personally don't consider it a run if I have to stop to walk. What I am doing at the moment is more like jogging and then walking, jogging and walking. So would this be called, "jogalking"?

This week, I've managed two sessions of "jogalking" with Brandon. Our evenings mysteriously are eaten up that the only time slot we've been able to jog was at 11 pm. On Sunday evening, we didn't even get finished until Midnight! It's just that I feel so tired after work and battling infamous Phoenix traffic on the Loop 202 that I just want to zombie out in front of the computer, watch some TV, go out for some dinner, let it settle, and then browse stores for no apparent reason at all.

I'm going to have have to cut out all this BS next week. Next week, I lay the smack down.

This weekend, I'm signing myself and Brandon up for a gym membership at 24 Hour Fitness. I've recently become more consciencious about the health impacts of running outdoors especially with the air pollution content that Phoenix metro has. Just the thought makes me feel like weekly running outdoors will clog my lungs up with particle gunk. Therefore, I'd feel much better running indoors on a treadmill during the week and running outdoors on the weekends.

A friend of mine already has a membership at the gym we're going to commit to so I'll be starting out a workout routine with her soon. She's aching to shed some baby weight and me...well, I just want to look a sexy, toned beast for my wedding which is only two months away!

Going back to running...
My left hip and my right knee (inner area below knob) have been stinging lately. I'm not sure if my new shoes are to blame but I'm going to test whether or not they are. On my next jog, I'm going to wear my old running shoes to see if I can tell a difference. If so...I may have to buy another pair of shoes. Otherwise...I'll have to take leg strengthening more seriously. I was telling my best friend this morning that because of the resulting pain I get from running on both my hip and my knee, I feeling like I'm walking around like I have a stick up my ass. He just laughed.

Getting back on track

2007-06-24T22:33:00.000-07:00

Some photos from my trip to San Carlos, Arizona.

San Carlos Lake

My kick-ass Toyota Prius rental.

A pic of me by the lake. I look like I have hamster eyes.

Sometimes I don't know where the heck my weekends go. It's almost as if I'm not even getting a day off from work at all. On Saturday evening, Brandon and I had dinner (Navajo tacos!) with our wedding photographer, who is also our friend, and his family. We arrived at six o'clock and did not leave until well after mid-night when our eyeballs tinted red from fatigue. ha And I wondered where my day went! I was supposed to leave at least by nine pm so I could get in a run but that didn't happen.

Today was a lazy day. I didn't feel like doing much of anything. My main accomplishment of the day was doing three loads of laundry. I'm going on travel again for work. Tomorrow, my boss and I are driving to Parker, Arizona to meet with two representatives from the Colorado River Indian Tribes Environmental Office. I've never been to Parker either. When I was in San Carlos last week I was not able to get in any exercise so I'm hoping that my Parker trip will be different. Even just a 30-minute walk will do.

Last Friday, I took a break from all the reading I was doing at work and went to a website with a calorie-calculator for daily calorie intake. I'm trying to lose weight within the next two months for the wedding. According to the calculator, I need to limit myself to approximately 1,900 calories if I am putting in 35 minutes of cardio a day. Today was the first day on my diet.

Since this is my first week, I increased my limit to 2,100 calories so my stomach and appetite can adjust to the smaller portions. Otherwise, I'll be getting headaches, feeling lethargic, and just basically being a grumpy, mean gorilla all week.

I'm off to do a 2-mile jog now with my love. I sure hope the heat is tolerable tonight. :(

The Return...

2007-06-17T23:35:00.000-07:00

It's official.
I'm back.

I used to blog for a bit on a wordpress account but found that it wasn't as fun as blogger was so I decided to switch back. I think that because most of my fellow running blogger enthusiasts are on blogger, it also makes it easier for you to provide comments and encouragement.

The last time I left off I was working for the Navajo Nation in Window Rock, Arizona. I was a recycling educator and had been living away from my fiance', who was still living in Tempe and working like a maniac for his company in Scottsdale. We endured a 9-month long distance relationship, seeing each other every other weekend or so. Fate was kind when my best friend let me in on a vacancy where he was working in Phoenix. I applied in April, was interviewed, and accepted a new position in a pesticide program. I moved back to Tempe and began my new job in late May.

I'm still working on behalf of Arizona tribes in the environmental realm. I love being able to work my 8 hours and then going home to my fiance' and our cats instead of a lonely, shabby studio apartment. Our wedding is still taking place in late August and everything looks great.

I haven't been running (much) since my foot injury last December at the Arizona Road Racers' 30k, where I was able to meet the wonderful Phil. I just couldn't find the drive to lace up my shoes and hit the asphalt or the trails. Runner's slump? I think it was. As a result, I slowly gained back some of the pounds I had lost and didn't feel as jolly and grand as I once did when I ran daily.

But that will change this week. In fact, tonight I hit the asphalt for the first time in almost two months. I ran my first mile in 11:05. Not bad. I thought it was going to be in the 12's. I'm trying to get used to my new shoes that Hubster bought for me yesterday...Brooks Ariel.

Not soon after 1.5 miles did I begin to feel stinging in my knee...like I was landing wrong. I think it's the shoes correcting my pronation (motion-control) and my legs aren't used to being corrected! I'll see how it goes for the rest of the week. I'm going to walk tomorrow and run a little on Tuesday. Alternation will go on like that for the rest of the week. However, I'm on travel and will be away from a computer until Friday. I will be in San Carlos, Arizona attending an Environmental Investigations Training. In the coming months, I have to work towards earning all of my credentials to become a federal Pesticide Inspector.

I've never been to San Carlos before so I'm very excited. It's home to Apaches. I hear it's gorgeous. Anyhow, it's good to be back. I've missed the community here.

almost there-- a clean slate

2007-01-15T21:24:00.000-08:00

Brandon is getting my new blog up and running as I type. I have to be getting to bed pretty soon as I have to wake up at 3 am to get ready and hit the road for Window Rock (work).

Please email me at:
cnazbah_chief at yahoo dot com

...if you want the new blog address.

Of course, I won't be updating it until tomorrow sometime and it will be plain for a bit until I have time to spiff it up.

Congrats to Denise and Pat for a job well run yesterday!

reflection on 25

2007-01-11T23:26:00.000-08:00

Thank you very much for all the birthday love. I still can't believe that I'm finished with one-quarter of my life and consider myself very lucky to have been blessed to live this long. Even on myspace I was blown away by all the love! Of course, I knew my close friends would wish me the best but everyone else was a complete surprise. I certainly felt special. Yesterday, I thought of a friend who was near and dear to me. Audrey passed away last Decemember.

She was only 24.

She was this incredible person...perhaps one of the most influential people I have ever had the chance to encounter. I know she had so much more to live for and accomplish. Her most untimely death changed my perspective on life and living to the fullest. Maybe because of her, I've become more aggressive in my willingness to help others, to not be so mean, and to chase after dreams with reckless pursuit and not being so fearful of rejection.

In the past year, I've learned to let go of people who were weighing me down and not to focus on the negativity. I'm a lot happier because of it. If they continue to talk shit, that's their problem--not mine.

I've learned that even the smallest contribution aids in change. Just yesterday, I wrote a memo to my program's staff and requested a staff meeting with our boss and our program's supervisor. I got tired of all the complaining, the lack of communication, and the lack of accountability. I can't believe I had the nerve to walk into my program supervisor's office to demand a meeting! I bet after I air out my frustrations, I'll be on the shit list. Oh well, nobody was going to do anything about the situation anyway. At least I could say, I tried. I'm still thinking, who the hell is this woman?

I've been open to my feelings with loved ones. It's still hard for me to say mushy stuff like, I love you, but life is way to short to be ashamed of saying such meaningful expressions. It makes people happy to hear words of appreciation and affection.

I've learned to be more patient and considerate of other people's perspectives and beliefs. I used to be so quick to judge, to label. Most people can surprise you if you just allow the time for their true person to come out. If this wasn't so, I wouldn't have made such a close friend over the past year. (Trish) :)

I've come to realize that every tomorrow holds promise to achieve greater accomplishments but don't be so caught up in it that I forget to live for and enjoy today.

Thank you, Audrey. You have helped me more that you will have ever known. You will always be dear to my heart. Art nerds forever!

work it, work it

2007-01-10T14:43:00.000-08:00

I'll have my new blog up this weekend. Finally! New address at my personal domain where I can be a gatekeeper.

Went to the gym last night and did the usual circuit for a total of 40 minutes (got to the gym late). I went home and did some squats and other leg work while watching Pride and Prejudice. Good movie. I cried at the end. Love stories are grand to watch when you're actually in love with someone instead of being sad at the end because you have no one.

I'm putting in at least an hour at the gym today and pushing my time on the elliptical to 40 minutes.

Ab work and arms tonight.

Better. Faster. Stronger....people.

I am so gonna kick some ass this year. I can feel it.

Tomorrow, I turn 25.

Some non-running fun

2007-01-10T12:57:00.000-08:00

Was tagged by Renee.

Find nearest book.
Name book and author.
Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond

Turn to page 123.
Go to 5th sentence and copy the next three to blog.

Much as the Industrial Revolution changed the environment for moths, farming changed the environment for plants. A tilled, fertilized, watered, weeded garden provides growing conditions very different from those on a dry, unfertilized hillside. Many changes of plants under domestication resulted from such changes in conditions and hence in the favored types of individuals.

Tag 3 others.
Deene
Teacherwoman
Firefly

the makings of a bridezilla

2007-01-09T12:17:00.000-08:00

Today we had another 8 hours off from work because our Navajo Nation president declared "Administrative Leave" for all branches. Today is Inauguration Day of our President, his Vice-President, new Council Delegates, and other elected officials.

I chose not to attend because I don't agree nor am I happy with the amount of money they've put into the festivities. People are always complaining that there is never enough money in our budgets to put forth to services for our people and yet it's extravaganzas like this that suck up all that money. I despise politics.

I still have work to do but I'm doing it at home to save me the hour-long roundtrip from my home to my office.

Save the Date: This morning, I went to a party store to take a gander at their wedding invitation sample books. I was searching for some Save-the-Date cards to send out. They didn't have much of a selection so I finally decided that it would be best if Brandon and I just made our own on the computer. He's a talented graphic designer anyhow.

We shall send them out at the end of the month.

Who to Invite? I was thinking this morning in the shower about which of my friends I would invite. We're trying to keep the wedding a relatively small affair. Brandon and I agreed that we would only invite ten of our closest friends and 5-7 of the friends that we actually have in common together.

I've gone over the 10-mark by 5 people and it's so difficult to axe who the 5 would be. At least, I know there are definitely 5 people I want there and they're all my best friends.

Photographer: We agreed that our close friend would take our photos for us. He's a talented photographer. His website is here. Brandon and I have until May or even late April to shape up because that's when we're going to take some photos for the wedding invitations. hehe

I think for the rest of the day, I'll be emailing my friends for their mailing addresses. Ugh. I've put off this planning for so long that now it's finally catching up with me!!! I hope I don't become a bridezilla. lol

BTW, we're having a Navajo Traditional Wedding. I found this painting of a Navajo bride, groom, and medicine man on the web. It'll kind of give you an idea of how our wedding will be like. If you're interested, here is a good read on an article written by a Navajo medicine man on how the wedding used to be like in the past and how it's been altered a bit in modern times.
Read here.

IMAGE REMOVED.

Workout:
Tonight I'm headed to the gym for more elliptical time and some leg workouts.

more 'woe is me' crap

2007-01-08T07:40:00.000-08:00

Went to the gym yesterday afternoon after having breakfast solo at Denny's and slaving over laundry.

I'm gradually building up my time on the elliptical trainer. I forget how difficult it can be sometimes. Elliptical time: 31 min. Incline Treadmill (walking): 15 min. Reclining bike: 15 min.

I was walking at a slow pace of about 3.2-3.4 on the treadmill with an incline of 6-7.0. Every 4 minutes, I would lessen the incline to 2.0 for about 2-3 minutes. I thought that this would help stretch my fascia. Now I think that was a bad idea. Mind you, I DID stretch before I got on the treadmill.

After I got home, my arch was hurting more than it normally does after the gym. There was tightness on the left part of the top of my foot (where I felt initial shooting pain during the 30k.) It's a noticeable ache where I have to massage and ice.

I thought I'd give an update on the pain: I hardly feel anything in my actual heel. It's always near the top of my foot and directly under my arch or near the instep. I don't have pain when I wake up in the morning either. While I can feel an ache when I generally walk around, the pain increases when I walk for more than 10 minutes or so. Anymore than 45 minutes of standing and walking and it heats up or throbs.

I don't think it's so much plantar fasciitis anymore.

This is really frustrating me because I can't seem to get an answer I can work with from the doctors I've seen. I feel like my only choices for treatment is going to an actual orthopedic doctor which means I have to go to Albuquerque or Flagstaff now.

Do you think treatment from an acupuncture therapist or a chiropractor would help? (I feel like I have built up pressure in my foot.)

I HATE THIS!!

UPDATE: I scheduled an appointment with a Podiatrist in Flagstaff who specializes in Sports Medicine. It's next Tuesday though. Still, I'm feeling more optimistic about this already.

my sights for 2007

2007-01-07T11:23:00.000-08:00

It's been a while--again.

Hello running world. I miss you.

First of all, I wanted to cheer on all the runners who are counting down to PF Chang's Day next Sunday. I'm proud of your commitment, determination, and heart thus far. It's been a pleasure keeping up with you.

I'll be there next weekend in Tempe. I may be volunteering at the Scottsdale Running Company's tent. I still haven't gotten word back on it so it's still up in the air. I"ll keep you posted.

What has Carmen been up to?

Not much. After a short hiatus, I got myself back to the gym. On Friday evening, I put in 30 minutes (20 min elliptical, 10 min incline walking). Yesterday, after a full morning's worth of housecleaning I drove myhself to the gym to put in 55 minutes of hard cardio action. (25 elliptical, 15 reclining stationary bike, 6 minutes upright bike, and about 10 minutes of incline walking on the treadmill).

I don't think my gym offers personal training but there is this girl that I always see working out in the weightroom. I think she's about my age and I'm thinking of asking her to show me the ropes around the weight room. I've very intimidated but I know I need to get over my lame fear.

When I walk the treadmill, I can still feel an ever so slight dull pain in my left foot. After every workout, I ice my foot down and compress it with my arch bandage. If anyone can help me, I'd be very grateful if you could point me in the right direction to some websites where I can learn about some foot stretches. :)

I've made a pact with myself that I would not try to start jogging until mid February or even the first week of March. If I do have the beginning of a stress fracture, I don't want it to get even worse. Better safe than sorry, I always say. I'd rather be out of commission for a few weeks rather than enduring months of regret.

I have two big races that I wanna run this year.
1) The Shiprock Half-Marathon (early May): this is on the reservation with spectacular scenery.
2) The Frank Maier Marathon in Juneau, Alaska (08/04): I shot the idea of running a marathon together as part of honeymoon to Hubster. He loved it and was so hyped up for it. I've never been to Alaska either so I'm super excited to be going. (BTW, we set our wedding date for July 28, 2007. You'll be reading quite a bit about the wedding preparation this year in my blog!)

2006 in review

2007-01-02T16:22:00.000-08:00

2006. I feel that there is a lot to be said about my running this past year. More importantly, there is a lot to be proud of and much had been learned.

Triumphs:

I ran my first half-marathon on Jan. 15 in Phoenix (PF Chang's Rock and Roll 1/2 marathon). I remember that my goal was to beat an old classmate's time of 2:17 but unfortunately, I was tanking near the end but still finished with a respectable 2:22:23.
5k PR of 29:12 in July despite early morning sizzling Phoenix temperatures.
10k PR of 1:00:08 in November at the New Times 10k in Tempe. The first time I noticed a difference in my running after training at high altitudes.
1/2 marathon PR of 2:14:49 in December at the Fiesta 1/2 marathon in Scottsdale.
I ran my first 30k (18.6 miles) in December near the White Tank Mountains in Surprise, AZ. To date, it is officially the longest distance I have ever run at one time.

Follies:

After running my first 1/2 in January, I was constantly getting sick and had too much to do for school (my last semester of undergrad) that I didn't run consistently for almost 5 months! I finally started a training program again in June.
In August- September I was transitioning from Phoenix to the Navajo reservation for my first post-college job. It took nearly 5 weeks to fully adjust to an elevation change of +5,000 feet. I was not at all into running during this period.
After one of my 8 or 9 mile runs in November, my heels started hurting. I thought I was developing plantar fasciitis so I worked on correcting my form.
In what was supposed to be my 2nd to the last long run until my marathon debut, fate intervened in it's most cruelest ways during the last half mile of my 30k and I sustained an injury to my left foot which crushed any chances of running the marathon I was training for. I still don't know what exactly it is: a stress fracture (Jones fracture) or a case of plantar fasciitis. It feels like both.
Near the tail end of December, I finally admitted to myself that I could NOT run the PF Chang's marathon in Jan 2007. Turbulently angry emotions soon followed.
I ended the year doing absolutely no running on doctor's orders.

A couple things I've learned:

Tape both of my arches with wide bandages for runs more than 8 miles. The bloody things always start chafing.
The importance of constant hydration every mile and GU gels every 3 miles will stave off post-race headaches and lethargy.
Sip small amounts of fluids lest I want to pee in the bushes or on myself in a race with no restrooms.
Always carry extra safety pins.
Bullfrog Sunblock gels work wonders.
Little setbacks only encourage me to work harder.
I don't run for anyone else but myself and my health.
The endorphins usually don't kick in until after 2 miles. Be patient, lassie.
Bananas work wonders for running less than 5 miles.
My little Sony mp3 player kicks more ass than an iPod.
It's all about the high energy punk songs, 80's dance music, and Dean Martin.
I am awesome!

In early 2006, I finally declared myself a "runner" shortly after my 1st 1/2 marathon. It's not a term that I feel can be tossed around lightly. One must earn the title. One must put in the time and the effort. One has to feel the temporary pains and fatigue of long distance running and speed training.

To me, a runner is one who harbors a deep passion for what most people believe is ridiculously rudimentary: simply placing one's foot ahead of the other mile after mile. It's a passion that imbeds itself in a person even when one is put through the anguish of sidelining injuries, defeat, and performances that finish just short of a well-sought PR.

A runner is one who is never completely satisfied with a stellar race performance. After crossing the finish line, they are already thinking about how they can improve on their time, their form, or their pace. When they set a goal, there is no way that they let anything get in their way of achieving that goal.

Most people cannot fathom running for hours on a stretch of road in the sun. Some would rather watch paint peel than run for the same amount of time. Only runners can understand this delight.

It is something that I proudly tell people about myself when we are introduced for the first time.

As my running performances improved and I was running longer and faster, I became enthralled with visiting running stores. I found more delight in shopping for GU gels than regular food, running shoes instead of flip-flops, moisture-wicking running shirts instead of casual clothes. It's funny how I am now recognized as a regular by a couple of salespeople at Performance Footwear in Tempe. It's comforting in some way to have them ask me about how my training in going.

This year I also became a regular RBF member. I've met great friends through this running blog community that I never would have met through racing alone. All of your encouraging words and helpful advice help me more than you can ever know. Thank you friends.

Most of all, I love it when my friends ask me in surprise, "How is it that you can stand to run more than 6 miles?"

My answer is always the same, "Because I love it. It's who I am."

2006 was an incredible year for me. It will only get better in '07.

note

2007-01-02T09:09:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's already the second of January and I haven't even gotten around to posting my Review of 2006 and my Hopes and Goals for 2007.

I think it will take at least a week to get my new blog up and started given the way things have been going. I'm forever traveling and on the road. This weekend I was all over Northern NM and in my hometown of Kayenta. Next weekend, I will either be back at the blockade site or in Kayenta planning a surprise party for my mom.

The weekend after is the PF Chang's marathon. It took a lot for me to commit to stopping along the race course to cheer on fellow half-marathoners and marathoners that I know. It still really sucks hardcore for me not to be running. I get a knot in my stomach thinking about it. I'm also looking forward to meeting some RBF'ers at the pre-party. Count me in Firefly!

I'll will mention where my first marathon will be and when in my 2007 post. However, I will leave you with my motto for my running in 2007. It is stolen from a Daft Punk song (hehe).

"Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger".

Download it if you have the chance. :)

members only

2006-12-30T17:34:00.000-08:00

I will be changing my blog address soon. I'm privatizing a lot of my accounts on the internet to keep certain people from getting access to them. It's almost 2007 and it's high time I get a new blog anyway.

I will be letting you all know what the new address is soon. The new blog will have more security permissions. It sounds way techie. hehe Being engaged to a computer guru has it's perks. :P

Consider this an invitation to a members-only club. lol

short and sweet

2006-12-29T12:07:00.000-08:00

There isn't much to be said these days.

I can't run so what's the use? I find myself getting really jealous towards people that are able to run--even towards my own fiance'! I forgot to mention that the day after I saw the second doctor I was pulling out of the parking lot onto the main road. There was a young lady jogging along over the bridge and I felt like she was taunting me (of course, she wasn't). I was soooo jealous.

Now that Ann has let me know that the Valley of the Sun race is not a full marathon but only a half, I have been trying to look into other marathons that will take place in the Western half of the US near the end of March.

This one looks enticing.

Other than that, I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things again. I went to the gym last night. Whoopee! The gym has some new cardio machines! 4 new treadmills too!

I went 20 min on the bike, 10 min on the elliptical (hardest 10 of my life!) and then walked on the treadmill for 10 minutes.

Last but not least, HAPPY NEW YEAR all!
Be safe. Have fun!

I'm out.

P.S. On the phone yesterday, Hubster said to be checking my mail box for my belated X-mas gift. He's hinted that it may be a Garmin. *crosses fingers* I hope! I HOPE!

Protesting for the Holidays

2006-12-22T08:55:00.000-08:00

If you haven't noticed already, I've finally admitted to myself that I'm not capable of running the PF Chang's marathon. It's less than a month away and I know that it will take that long at the least, to be able to run a couple miles comfortably.

I was really angry for the first couple of days after my injury. So angry that I wanted to punch something or demolish something. One of the hardest feelings for me to deal with is the one that arises when you've worked so hard for something only to not be able to do it. However, I'm over that storm.

I decided that it would be better for me to run the Valley of the Sun marathon in Mesa, AZ. It occurs on March 11, 2007. I knew that it was the better choice for me because after running the 30k in the almost isolated desert landscape, I found that I loved running there more than I did on city streets and people cheering. In a sense I realized that my runner's niche was running out in the open, encapsulated by nature, and relying on my own will to get me through instead of relying on the cheers of other people.

I'm happy to say that my foot feels a whole lot better. The arch and heel don't hurt as much. Pain is minimal. I would have to say that I feel the most pain along the grove near the back of my ankle. It still tightens but I'll be doing stretches to relieve it soon. The doc at the private clinic was much more helpful and I'm glad I saw her.

I will begin working out on some stationary bikes and the elliptical for the next two weeks and ease back into running on the third week with a mile being the most I'll run.
----

I'm not feeling very cheerful and full of glee this Holiday Season. I usually get all happy over making cookies for friends but not this year.

For the first part of this weekend, Hubster and I are traveling to Burnham, NM. It's located on the reservation. There is protest blockade standing there as we speak. The protestors are concerned Navajo citizens and elders who are taking a stand against Dine' Power Authority and Sithe Global Power, two energy companies that are going to build yet another power plant in the area.

Protestors are in dire need of more people support, money, supplies, firewood, and food. We're going out there to help with whatever we can and to add our support because we feel strongly about environmental injustices that occur on our homeland.

If you have the time, take a look at this video. It's about the blockade.
For more information on the situation you can visit: www.desert-rock-blog.com

wal-mart is here to save the day!

2006-12-21T08:45:00.000-08:00

After doing half of my dreaded laundry last night, I headed over to the Indian super capital of the world-- the Gallup Super-WalMart. hehe But for real...it could be. I heard that the Wal-Mart in Gallup grosses the most money of all the Wal-Marts in the US. Crazy. I've learned that it's best to stay out of there on the weekends during the first of the month or else you'll be imprisoned there for the rest of your life!

My main mission was to find me an ace wrap to put around my foot and an ice/hot pack. I ended up browsing around and spent an hour and a half when I was only supposed to be in there for 30 minutes max.

In the first-aid aisle, I found this nifty little arch bandage. What sold me was the claim that it helped ease plantar faciitis because it supports the arch. My arch has been hurting the most when I walk. I also bought a cold/hot compress and an ice bag. I couldn't make up my mind between the two so I bought both.

I'm also changing around my diet. I'm hoping that even the slightest healthiest change will make a difference in the healing. Do you know what kinds of foods would be good?

My sick leave was approved for this afternoon so I'm set to get my second opinion. I'm also thinking about seeing a chiropractor just to get some kinks out of my skeletal system. I think I'll do that next week. In high school, I used to work afterschool in a local chiropractor's office. It was neat getting free treatment. I felt so loose that I felt like a dream.

update on the foot

2006-12-20T19:30:00.000-08:00

Nothing was accomplished at the hospital the other evening. If any of you have any Indian friends then I'm sure you have heard them joke about the crappy care we receive at the IHS hospitals. IHS stands for Indian Health Service. In some cases, you're better off spending money elsewhere than to be waiting a whole day to be seen at the ER. There were some times that I went to receive care where I felt like the doctors were purposely misdiagnosing just so they wouldn't have to deal with more complicated treatment.

I remember one time, I mildly expressed that I may have been dealing with depression and I was immediately sent to the mental health clinic. The doctor there only asked me a few questions and in as little as 20 minutes I was sent out the door with a prescription for Paxil. I was freaking out. For heaven's sake, I could have been a prescription junkie!

Anyhow, notice in the previous entry how Deene told me not to go to the IHS. lol I knew better and went against her advice.

I did get a couple of x-rays done on my left foot. They did not show any breakage and the doc said that even if I had a stress fracture, it may have been too small to see on the x-ray. That doc was frustrating. He had very little knowledge of sports medicine and leaned toward a stress fracture but wasn't thoroughly convinced that it was. When I mentioned plantar faciitis (like you mentioned, Phil) he completely ruled it out even though part of my heel and the middle of my arch hurts when I walk on it.

Then he proceeded to talk to me like I was training completely blind without proper guidelines and information. That really pissed me off. I was ready to leave at that point.

I knew it was useless when even I had to remind him to remind me to ice my foot. He also told me no running for a week. I thought it should have been more than that...like 2 or 3 weeks. Maybe I'm just being a baby. I didn't even get any medicine, crutches, nothing!

So I made an appointment with a private clinic in St. Micheal's. I will be seeing another doctor tomorrow afternoon. We'll see what he/she says and what they give to me.

Other than that, I'm still bummed and mad. Why did this have to happen to me? The anger really hit me this morning. I keep trying to tell myself that I'll just have to wait and see if I will be healed in time for the Lost Dutchman Marathon in mid-February. The pain is gradually subsiding now. Even though, I'm smart enough to stay off of it and not run.

sigh

just when you think you've cleared a hurdle

2006-12-18T20:48:00.000-08:00

ok, now i'm starting to freak out!

i think i may have sprained my foot. the left side looks a tad swollen but it may just be me being paranoid. i've noticed that when i try to ignore the pain and walk normally, the area that hurts the most heats up really fast.

i'm not sure how long i should let my foot be before i have to get it checked out by the doctor. i'm sorta glad that i haven't made any commitments to the big marathon such as announcing to the world that i'm raising money for the eastern navajo child drive by way of our local newspapers or have even paid my marathon fee.

still, i'll be bummed that i won't be able to give myself that birthday present of running a marathon days after ive turned 25.

tomorrow i will begin icing my foot, avoiding any unnecessary walking, and will compress the area with an elastic bandage. if anyone has any other suggestions on how to heal and deal--please let me know.

damn.

i think it may be a metatarsal stress injury...feels like the second or fifth...i can't tell. shit.

recovery...one two three

2006-12-18T13:44:00.000-08:00

I'm sore again. I'm hobbling around and getting by one small step and wince at a time. I think I did something to my left foot somewhere during the last .6 miles in yesterday's 30k. I felt it tighten and it felt like cramping. Now today it feels really tight and hurts when I walk on it. I hope it goes away soon. It's really annoying. Oh, the dilemmas of flat-footed runners. hehe

My body is finally adjusting to all the super long distance runs. Usually, I am just completely haggard and downright drained when I finish that I fall asleep when I get home or deal with some insane headaches. Yesterday was different...it felt like I had just come back from a 10 mile run. Still difficult but not all that bad.

Ugh. Back to the office tomorrow. I've been away for three weeks.

Desert Classic 30k race report--kinda

2006-12-17T21:40:00.000-08:00

Today signaled a big milestone in my running.

I ran 18.6 miles--officially the longest distance I have run ever in my life. Though that will change next week when I do my last long run (20-22 miles), I have to recognize today.

I wish I could give a thorough race report mile-by-mile but I can't. Truthfully, I don't remember specifics of each mile. As mile by mile went by, I was running in the moment and tried to concentrate really hard on maintaining my pace.

I set out with a goal of keeping an 11-min mile pace. I finished the 30k in 3:25:08 chip-time according to the official results on the Arizona Road Racers site. That indicates a pace of 11:01, close to my goal! While my overall goal was to finish under 3:30, it was more important that I finish the second half of the race strong. I did just that and I'm mighty proud of myself.

Today, I finally realized that it was true what experienced runners reiterate time and time again--running is 90% mental and 10% physical. It really is. At certain points, I had to concentrate hard on the thoughts I was thinking about at the moment rather than the throbbing/stinging sensation that was biting at the area just under the side of both of my arches. I thought I was in trouble early on in the race when my left arch had already begun to chafe even though I had affixed a heavy duty, duct-tape like bandaid under each arch. I worried about whether I would have bloody feet at the finish line.

Ultimately, I had to put the pain out of my mind and believe me, it was a battle. Pretty soon, the pain went away. Maybe it was still there but I think I did a pretty good job of thinking about other things and not focusing on the pain.

At the same time, I made certain that I would appreciate the beauty of the desert scenery. This morning was simple gorgeous. Overcast, yes. Nonetheless, it was still beautiful. What an experience and it made it all the more worthwhile that not many people get to have this same type of experience. I felt very lucky. At certain points along the route, I couldn't see any one in front of me except for an open stretch of road, the desert scrub, the White Tank Mountains, and endless distance of blue sky. I totally felt like Forrest Gump--running, running, running. It reminded me of that part in the movie where he was running alongside that giant lake that reflected the sky.

I didn't think I was capable of achieving a negative split. I thought about how awesome it would be to do that and I did!!

I began to feel the burn of fatigue over the last couple of miles. What really helped me to finish strong was seeing fellow blogger, Phil, at the top of the hill that signaled .2-.3 miles left til the finish. He ran with me, we chatted, and he let me pull away to capture all the personal glory at the finish line where Hubster was waiting. It was a big deal, Thanks Phil. :) And congrats to placing 2nd in your age category!!

There are not too many times that I give myself enough credit for the things I achieve. But by golly, today was my day. It's not everyday that just anyone can say that they ran 18+ miles. I remember passing mile 16 or 17 and wondering what the hell I was thinking--forcing my body to undergo such extreme exertion. I chuckle but I serious said out loud to myself, "You're crazy woman! What the heck were you thinking? What the hell are you doing to your body!"

At the end of my 26.2 in January, I'll be able to look back on days like this and smile because this is all worth it.

Lap times:
mile 1- 10:33
mile2- 11:22
mile 3- 11:31
mile 4- 11:05
mile 5- 11:37
mile 6- 10:54
mile 7- 11:29
mile 8- 10:56
mile 9- 11:06
mile 10- 11:00
mile 11- 10:45
mile 12- 10:21
mile 13- 10:56
mile14- 10:32
mile 15- 10:59
mile 16- 10:38
mile 17- 11:13
mile 18- 11:02
finish 18.6- 7:18

I don't know if you can tell from the times but I was taking 20-30 sec walking breaks every 2 miles either to drink gatorade or down some gu gel packets. I went through 5 packets. hehe

hunger that could slay dragons

2006-12-16T11:20:00.000-08:00

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Pearl Harbor II won't be happening in my stomach tonight or tomorrow morning because of the big 30k I've been waiting to do for some time now.

Well, it started when Hubster and I went to a kickin' new bar last night in south Scottsdale. It was so cool because it's a punk rock club and they played a lot of 80's music too. The cool Depeche Mode type of stuff, not the cheesy stuff. The beats were light and happy too. They had this really cool band from Tucson playing and they were extremely good--like the cooler version of the Killers. They said they had a MySpace page but I can't remember the name of the band for the life of me.

We came back to our apartment late and as expected, I woke up late and with a hunger that could slay some mythical dragons. At that point, I was ready to eat anything. So I opened the fridge and eyed an unopened package of roast beef and cheddar cheese at the bottom. About a week ago, Hubster said he cleaned out the fridge and I assumed everything left in there was still good.

I opened the roast beef and plowed right into it. I couldn't even smell the rotted stench coming off of it. I must have been that hungry. Ten minutes later, Hubster got out of the shower and I told him I couldn't wait for breakfast so I ripped into the roast beef his mom bought. I guess he smelled the rotten odor as soon as he got out of the bathroom and was bewildered so he went to check the expiration date. It said "Consume before 9/16/06". DAMN!!

Now I'm all freaking out. I threw up what I could and felt so bulimic for doing so. Gross, huh?

I'm really hoping I don't get sick. I've been looking forward to the 30k for way too long. :( Pray for me, puppies.

P.S. I found the band we heard last night. They're called "The Year of Acceleration" from Tucson, AZ. They were amazing. Listen here.

the highway woman

2006-12-11T11:40:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry for the sparseness or the sparcificity (I know they're not words, but hey, can't a girl be creative?) of my posts. In all honesty, I haven't run since the big PR finish at the half-marathon last Sunday. I am penciling in a 3 mile run this evening and there is going to be no way around it. I HAVE to run. I say that with excitement more than I do dread.

I've been on the road a lot for the past week. The driving exhaustion finally caught up with me last night. In fact, it's been taking it's toll every single night after the work day was over. As you may have noted in my last entry, I was in Santa Fe for three days. On Thursday, I took my recycling certification exam and left Santa Fe at about 1 pm. I drove around Albuquerque looking for a place to have lunch at and then went on my merry way back to Gallup. I was supposed to take the Yukon back to Window Rock and pick up my car but I was way too tired.

Isn't that disgusting?? That I'm an environmental recycling educator and I stress clean and green all day long yet when I travel I'm resigned to drive a huge gas guzzling vehicle. Ugh. It's like it negates my whole purpose.

Anyhow, I was at the office on Friday morning for only 2 hours and then had to leave for Soccorro, NM again. It's about an hour or less away from ABQ in the southernly direction. I had my first Board of Directors meeting with NMRC. It was kind of overwhelming because everyone had such vast knowledge of legislation and bill passing and all of that. And there I was...little, sweet, naive recent college grad. hehe It was cool though...the people involved are super nice and offered to help me with anything I needed help with.

That night I drove back to Gallup and the next morning I drove back home to Kayenta which is another 3 hour drive. I stayed the weekend since my sister's birthday was yesterday. I planned this surprise party for her. It was a tiny one with only my mom, my sister, my sister's boyfriend, me, and the baby present. We decorated with a Hawaiian tropical theme.

Best of all, we had the famous Navajo delicacy on the menu: mutton ribs.
Greasy but damn good.

Right after the party, I had to drive from Kayenta to Tempe which is nearly a 5 hour drive. I'm here for my 40-Hour hazwoper training at ASU East all this week.

I feel like I'm coming up with excuses to justify my absence from running and it's making me look bad. I really should be exercising more determination in keeping to my running schedule. Sometimes it's just really hard. However, the break stops tonight.

The theme for today is 3 miles or bust.
Happy Monday to ye all.

P.S. Since I have full, fast internet connection at home now...I'll be catching up with all of your blogs. If you've noticed, I haven't been commenting. I'm sorry about that...especially when I get such great support in return from all of you. Expect some words from me tonight. :)

my own stomach is making me sea sick

2006-12-06T23:13:00.000-08:00

Today will be day number 4 of not running. Today, I was going to power walk (I'm still sore) on a local trail here in Santa Fe. I'm here on business and taking a training course on recycling and working in a recycling facility. I've been here since Tuesday and have been bored to death with the city of Santa Fe. Just driving around all the adobe structures (adobe stores, homes, gas stations) makes me nauseaous (sp?).

Last night I stayed in Albuquerque with my fiance's uncle and his family. Early this morning, I took off an visited an Einstein Bagels and Starbucks joint on San Mateo near the freeway. I really wanted a bagel with a pumpkin smear and a pumpkin spice latte. One of these items, I believe, is the culprit in my being sick all day.

By 9:30 am, I was making repeated trips to the bathroom during presentations to barf. The smells of EVERYTHING made me nauseous and the water I drank made my stomach all sloshy and even more sick. It was awful! As I stood over the toilet for the umpteenth time, I vowed that I would not consume pumkin-anything for the rest of the year. The thought of pumpkin makes me sick. blah.

I suffered all day and even had to endure standing around in freezing temperatures for a recycling facility tour in Santa Fe. I so wanted to strangle our tour guide because he wouldn't quit yapping and just let us be on our way. It was obvious we were all freezing our reproductive organs off!

Now it's past midnight and I haven't had a bite to eat since lunch. I still feel sick but I think I'll be well enough to eat some breakfast.

Hopefully I'll get to power walk when I get home this evening.

I hope I didn't get food poisoning. :(

BTW, 'Sex in the City' is on right now. What is so hot about Kim Cattrall? She is so annoying.

yay

2006-12-04T17:18:00.000-08:00

Thanks for your suggestions Deene, Ann, and Renee. I am looking into the programs you suggested that I run for.

Kids, I AM SORE!!!!

I totally know how my grandma feels now when she has to have help walking up stairs or getting up from a chair. hehe

My 2nd Half-Marathon

2006-12-03T09:48:00.000-08:00

A GREAT DAY!

I ran the Fiesta Bowl Half Marathon this morning in Scottsdale and had two PRs!

10 miles = 1:42:something (7 minutes off from last year)
Half marathon = 2:14:49 (7:35 minutes off PF Chang's time in January!)

More details to come later on in the day because even the moment I woke up was interesting in it's self. I'm so freaking happy.
---
Last night, Hubster took me to eat some pasta at Mimi's Cafe in Mesa in preparation for the next day's half marathon. It was nearly 10:00 pm when we finally left and I was feeling anxious about how late it was. I should have been in bed already because the race was beginning at 7:30am the next morning. Before heading home, we made a quick dash to Target and then to a grocery store for my pre-race essentials: bananas, bagels, and Gatorade.

I was in the sack by 11:00 pm and planned on getting up at 6:00 am to get ready and allow time to get to Scottsdale from Tempe. I set my alarm on my cell phone and so did Hubster.

So faux pas #1 happened.

Both alarms did not sound off as they should have and I didn't awake until 7 am. I knew when the alarm on my running watch went off. It's set to go off at 7 am every morning. CRAP!! I looked at my phone and saw that the alarm went off so how the hell did I not hear it!! I scrambled outta bed and got ready as fast as I could. We were out the door by 7:15 and made it to the race site by 7:30.

Faux pas #2. Wrong Start.

I didn't know exactly where the starting line so there went any chance of racing on time! Oh well. After a few seconds we found the registration area which was freaking .3 miles away from the starting line. How inconvenient! I didn't know that at first because there was a START sign nearby so I assumed it was the start. Nobody was there. Just then the announcer came on the speakers and announced the half-marathon runners were 3 minutes in to the race. CRAP!!!

So I ask the lady at the registration if they had any timing chips and they said no. I had to use my watch. I said Thanks and went on my way to the start sign, started my watch from there and ran across the street (Indian School Rd.).

I looked ahead and noticed a festive colored balloon arch and a crowd of people just before it. It was the 5k crowd and they were getting ready to start. They started when I arrived near the starting line. At least that was convenient. It took three minutes to get to that point so I noted the extra minutes and just kept running.

There was an official on the course and I asked him which way the half-marathon runners. He redirected me and I was off. Last runner to start...as usual. IS this my trademark as a runner?? lol

Mile 1: 10:28

Faux pas #3. Gurgling Stomach = Trouble

I don't know what it was. The bananas. The dinner from the night before. Something did a number on my stomach. It was bloated and gurgling for the first 2 miles until I found a port-a-john near the water people. Thankfully no one was inside. I guess that was one Pro of starting off really late. hehe I think that was the fastest time I ever spent in a restroom so can I count that as another PR? lol

Mile 2: 11:41 (I forgot to press my split button on my watch at 3 miles)

Mile 3: 8:57
From there, all seemed well. I took my first GU gel at mile 4 and life was gooood. I was more chipper than usual and smiled at everything from the branches of trees gently swaying in the wind, a bird on a lightpost, and the clouds gliding in the sky.

Mile 4: 10:20
Mile 5: 10:33--I don't really remember anything at this point but I remember thinking that it sure was going by fast.

Mile 6: 10:33 -- I'm almost halfway there and the great thing is that I don't feel as tired as I usually am. Good thing I chowed that pasta last night! This the mile I start catching up to the runners. Finally! The thing that irked me was the girls/ladies who were traveling in 3-paks and hogging up the road. What the hell happened to courtesy! Oh well...at least I passed them.

Mile 7: 10:13 -- I was running in the more elite parts of Scottsdale and where Hubster's office building is at. I sure wish he was somewhere nearby alongside the course to cheer me on. Ah well, I'm still feeling good at this point. Passing more people and remember thinking about how thankful I am to be a runner. I love you legs!

Mile 8: 10:01 -- I take part of my 2nd GU gel only because there is no water stand nearby and I need something to wash down the gel. I start to finally feel a tinge of fatigue...but not enough to offset my stride. I begin to think about the IronGirl 10-miler the other day. If I was running it, I would only have 2 more miles to go...and wow, I'm making great time!

I say a small prayer to Nihima Nahasdzaan Diyin and Yadilhil Diyin and ask for strength and power to keep chugging at my pace. I thank them for helping me get as far as I have gotten in my running and in my life. I remember thinking..."life is good."

Mile 9: 9:59 -- Finally, a water stand! Now I can take the rest of my gel. Only 4 more miles. I can start to feel my left arch chafing. Damn, the only thing I forgot was to affix a band-aid there. In a couple more miles...Hello Blisters!! I'm still feeling great.

Mile 10: 9:55 -- My time is 1:42:44 for the 10-Miler. I so would have kicked ass at the IronGirl the other day. However, I remember how boring the course was and patted myself on the back for deciding to run the Fiesta Bowl Half this year instead of the IG. Oh boy, now I can feel those blisters. Another thing I forget to wear is my cap and I can feel the sun beating down on my face. Damn...I never run without my cap!!

Mile 11: 10:03 -- Only 2.1 miles to go and I'm making great time. I just may make my first goal of finishing at 2:15! Just keep chugging along, Carmen. Geez, those chafing on my arches is beginning to burn more. Must put the pain out of my mind. Mind over matter!

I can definitely feel the fatigue really set in and I don't have anymore GU gel left. I remember passing a water stand. One of the guys yelling "Gatorade!" I immediately head in his direction because I need some electrolytes stat! As I'm passing him, I hear him say, "It's diluted!" DILUTED??! What the crap! I need it full-strength...my muscles are screaming here! Oh, well.

Mile 12: 10:15 -- Only a mile and .1 to go. I am soooo going to have bleeding arches...or at least it feels like it. My legs are screaming at me to take a walking break but I look at my watch and if I keep my 10 min pace, I just may make it under 2:15:00. Sorry legs, we have to keep chugging along.

I remember passing a small park halfway into the final mile. I can feel myself slowing down and the fatigue is really setting in. Just then, I feel a sudden burst of wind go past and take this as a sign that the Holy People or spirits giving me a sign that they heard my prayer miles back. "They're supporting me and cheering me on!" I think. I pick up the pace but gosh...my feet are screaming bloody murder!

Mile 13.1 FINISH! 11:46 I swear...that was the longest mile ever. As I try my hardest to sprint to the finish line...I feel a cramp in my right calf and have to slow down. I see Hubster by the finish line with his camera and I smile big and bright because dammit...I am under 2:15:00! I surpassed my goal by a quarter of a minute!!!!!!!!

I freaking rock, yo!

2:14:49

Take that gurgling stomach! Take that late start! Take that crappy alarm clock! I still made my goal. With my finish, I took off 7.5 minutes from my half marathon finish back in January! My feet and arches are burning but it's not enough to overcome how proud I am in my achievement. I seriously rock.

Next race: Arizona Road Racers Desert Classic 30k (that's 18.6 miles) -- DEC. 17.
I have about a month and a half left until the marathon. I was doubting it but I think this finish has encouraged me to keep going.

I want to run for a cause or a native organization and raise money for them but I don't know who/what to run for. Navajo kids? Navajo women battling breat cancer? Help.

time is relative

2006-11-26T17:23:00.000-08:00

I scavenged this from Deene's blog. Apparently, all the cool kids are doing it. Goddamn peer pressure. hehe

I forgot to mention that you can only jot down 'one word' answers. Happy procrastination!

Yourself: Stressed
Your Partner: cuddly
Your Hair: greasy
Your Mother: gentle
Your Father: bastard
Your Favorite Item: ring
Your Dream Last Night: bombing
Your Favorite Drink: tea
Your Dream Car: dunebuggy
Your Dream Home: ecofriendly
The Room You Are In: dining
Your Ex: disgust
Your Fear: snakes
Where You Want to be in Ten Years: fertile
Who You Hung Out With Last Night: mom
What You’re Not: patient
Muffins: LARD
One of Your Wish List Items: garmin
Time: work
The Last Thing You Did: aspirin
What You Are Wearing: Queen
Your Favorite Weather: cool
Your Favorite Book: ceremony
Last Thing You Ate: cereal
Your Life: a mystery
Your Mood: anxious
Your Best Friends: laughter
What Are You Thinking About Right Now: Powerpoint
Your Car: beat-down
What Are You Doing At The Moment: procrastinating
Your Summer: Diego
Relationship Status: superb
What Is On Your TV: trash
What Is The Weather Like:cloudy
When Is The Last Time You Laughed: minutes

literary regurgitation

2006-11-26T17:13:00.000-08:00

I feel so. so. so.

fat!

I haven't done any running. I've been on the go every single day since Wednesday afternoon. I had a headache all day in conjunction with elevated stress.

I don't feel like running.

I'm not looking forward to this week at all. In Albuquerque for the conference. I'm steamed that I'm forced to stay there from Monday to Thursday. For pete's sake, I'm only presenting on Thursday! Why must I waste Navajo Nation money staying there only to sit on my ass doing nothing for the other days. My good conscience wants to go back to the office to work on stuff I have been putting off but my bosses are forcing me to be there all 4 days.

A waste of time and money, I say!

I am so annoyed when I think about it. To make matters worse, I have to pay up front for a hotel and all along I thought my program paid the tab up front. Instead, they have this system where tribal employees pay for their meals and lodging out of their own pocket and then submit the receipts later to get a reimbursement. It bugs me that I have to compromise my own budget for travel. We're the largest Indian nation for god's sake...you would think we would have an unblazenly simple system.

I'm in a bad mood.

Usually I go off on a list of things and people that have gotten on my shit list for the moment but I'll spare you the tirade.

*think happy thoughts, think happy thoughts*

Run Asdzaan! Run!

2006-11-20T14:44:00.000-08:00

This Navajo girl is so loving running again.
An intimate letter to running will be added soon.

*I did not take the above picture but it's one that is widely recognized. It's a picture of a young Navajo lady running during her female puberty ceremony which we call her Kinaalda. (Pronounced Kin-all-DUH) I had one when I was 13 years old. I didn't run very far and I wish I had but the distance is usually up to the girl.

oversight

2006-11-17T14:55:00.000-08:00

I've been kind of running. I just haven't been blogging about it. Mainly, it's because I'm not proud of the lack of time that I'm putting in but mostly, it's because I haven't had the drive to log into blogger and blog. I know...I'm one lazy mofo.

Since the 10k on Sunday, I've only run twice this week. Three if I include this evening's 3 miler. The first run was only 2 miles and some time on the bike because I arrived at the gym late. Yesterday, I put in 3 miles on the treadmill and 20 minutes on the bike, which I am counting as 2 additional miles.

I wasn't going to run today but I kind of have the bug for it so I'm going to satiate that runner's ache. I was going to attend a fashion event tonight. It's called "Fashion for a Cause" which is being hosted by Miss Navajo Nation and an AIDS awareness organization that my roommate used to work for. It's because of her that I know some gross sex slang that I probably shouldn't even know but hey, that was apart of her job. Education. :P

I didn't have anything else going on tonight and thought that I'd go to support the cause even if it meant having to endure some annoying mannerisms and behavior some models. Luckily, some friends of mine are going to the movies tonight and I decided to tag along with them instead--thus, saving me from mental moans and groans in response to some of the dumb things I hear the models say.

I've got a conference I'm presenting for in another week and some days in Albuquerque. It's a Navajo Infrastructure conference aimed at providing infrastructure development information to our navajo communities. Of course, I'll be presenting about recycling and beautifying our communities. I went around town this morning taking pictures of roadside litter. About 80% of the litter or more is recyclable.

I'm using these pictures in my presentation.

In addition, I took some pictures of water bottles, aluminum cans, some local newspapers, and some magazines and catalogs for examples. I stopped by a friend of mine's office who works as an attorney because she said she had some magazines (gossip mags) that she needed to get rid of. When I got there, she said she forgot to bring them and instead gave me NM Bar Bulletin mags and one Cosmo mag.

I used the Cosmo mag in a picture along with my Runner's World, Her Sports, and some Avon catalogs. It's supposed to be for my paper recycling slide.

I just noticed what's on the Cosmo mag and it has SEX written all over it! Definitely, not material for my audience of community leaders and council delegates! haha I'll have to crop it.
BTW, I was elected as one of the Board of Directors (2007-2008)for the New Mexico Recycling Coalition!! My first real elected gig! I just got word of it today.

PR also means Pretty RAD!

2006-11-12T16:57:00.000-08:00

As I promised, and we all know that my blog needs to be livened up with images. :P The pictures are out of order and I didn't have time to fix that but enjoy!

This is me stretching after the race. Someone tell me if this is an appropriate stretch or am I inviting injury? I don't want to be the runner girl who does stretches that will kill my running career. hehe

Forget the sign...I've toned down and lost some extra tire rolls!

My magic shoes.

My goofy expression means I'm telling Hubster about the interval between mile 4 and 5 where I flopped and the 20-sec difference would have meant a sub-60 min PR.

It's all about PR'ing!

See, I told you I ran a 1:00:08 10k!

I think this was right at the finish when I was about to raise my hands in the air. I hardly ever do that but this time I was happy I made my second goal. I know the two ladies right behind me too. I was happy to see them during the run! They're both Navajo girls, like me!

Still amazed at my time and washing down the glory with some Gatorade.

I was fortunate to have run into a friend from college while I was stretching. Nanibaa and I go way back since freshmen year of college in English class. We were laughing about how weird it is to know that our friends are all working professionals now.

I left the grizzly for last--I'm not going to hide the dirty either! Just look at those saliva stains at the mouth and the pit sweat so proudly displayed! Nope, runners aren't ashamed of these things at all!

A little taste of glory!

2006-11-12T09:46:00.000-08:00

Other than the big mishap of getting confused as to where the starting line was because I was late and therefore did not step across the mat to activate my timing chip, the race was SUPER! About .1 miles down the way did I realize that I was not approaching any mat and was running on the wrong side of the course but didn't want to turn around and be Official. It was a mental thing.

I ran according to the time on my watch so I'm sure that the time I report is as accurate as a timing chip. Though I didn't beat my first goal of running a sub-1 hour 10k, I did however, only miss it by 9 seconds.

I ran the 10k in 1:00:08. Mile 4-5 is where I really messed up. I slowed down horrendously to stretch my hammies and that mile registered as 10:40. :(

Who would have known that a simple time out to stretch would make or break my goal! I'm still happy though!!!! :)

I took more than 6 minutes off my time from last year!

WOO-HOO!! (but I'm still bummed that my name will not appear on the official web results.) I do have pictures as proof, though. I'll post them later on today. Right now I need to shower and go eat.

YAY for MEEEEEE!!!

less than 9 hours til the 10k

2006-11-11T22:40:00.000-08:00

I'm getting ready for my 10k right now. I ran a fast 3 miles today...something I should not have done as now I am kind of sore all over. And I should not have ran so fast after not running for five days. Oh well...live and learn.

I'm hoping to get a finishing time below 1:02:00. Wish me luck! I'll try to post some pics as well. Good luck to ann and phil.

I'm about ready to go to bed now. I've spent the last hour deleting my entire playlist on my mp3 player and reloading it with some old and new songs. I put my player on auto-shuffle and here are ten random songs that came up in honor of the 10 kms I will run. :)

1. "Never Die" by Tiger Army
2. "She's a Rebel" by Green Day
3. "Best Day Ever" by My Chemical Romance
4. "Kill Caustic" by A.F.I.
5. "Happy Holidays, You Bastard" by Blink-182
6. "Be My Lover" by La Bouche
7. "Touchdown Turnaround" by hellogoodbye
8. "We Got the Beat" by The Go-Gos
9. "Cupid" by Pistolita
10. "An Evening in Roma" by Dean Martin

so there you go.

GODDAMMIT!

2006-11-09T15:42:00.000-08:00

I SOOOO don't even want to run anymore.

I sigh when I think about how many miles I have to run.

My runs have become sluggish and unfulfilling.

Am I ready for a marathon?

What the hell am I thinking?

Regardless, I have the New Times 10k this weekend. I haven't been running much lately so there goes any hope of a sub-60 minute race. ARGH.

And my dumb left ankle is starting to hurt. Sometimes I hate my feet. I know the way the pound the ground is the root of all my running problems. Sucks.

GODDAMMIT! ( I say that when I am so stressed.)

i'm supposed to have weeks like this or life wouldn't be fun.

2006-11-08T09:33:00.000-08:00

This is a week where running can take a number or choke.

I haven't been feeling it all week. I misplaced my headphones a week ago and finally went out to buy some a couple days ago. I have yet to try them out. You have to have some serious focus to run without music and the last couple runs I did before my big hiatus were done without music. I just ran out of things to think about.

I voted in my tribal elections yesterday. I didn't bother with Arizona or county elections because of my own personal political opinions which I will not bother to mention because this 10-minute blog will end up going the whole hour.

In short, the Navajo election affects me the most and therefore, was the most important to me. We had a race between the presidential incumbent, Joe Shirley Jr., and the woman who was trying to become the first elected female Navajo Nation President, Lynda Lovejoy. In the end, I voted for Joe Shirley.

There was a lot of controversy (aren't they all) surrounding this particular race because of traditionalists who say that the Navajo Nation should not have a female leader or chaos would ensue...the end of the world and culture kind of thing. It's amazing she even made it through the primaries. Sadly, this just goes to show how much of our tradition is being lost if people are willing to put a woman in office despite oral tradition and teachings.

Don't get me wrong, I think women are capable leaders. WE have very influential, smart, and ambitious women who work for our Tribe. However, when it comes to leading our great nation--it's a warrior's responsibility. A woman's responsibility should be to lead in the home. Afterall, it is her children that will become the future leaders of the nation. If she's a good leader in the home, then we will have great leaders of the future.

This is just how I view it from my cultural perspective.

And I'm sure that our male leaders who run into problems at the office end up venting to their mothers anyway and asking for advice. hehe

BTW, Joe Shirley won. (whew)

Oh yeah, the baby shower went great over the weekend. Here is a picture of baby Adezdiin (pronounced "Uh-dez-DEEN")--our shining light.

Slow Start but so worth the drag

2006-11-03T08:59:00.000-08:00

I awoke early this morning to make up the 1.8 miles that I was not able to complete yesterday. The night before, I was overconfident in that I thought that I could possibly run 3 or 3.5 miles. I should know myself better than that.

3.5 miles at 6 o'clock in the morning? Who the hell am I kidding?

My alarm rang at 5:55am but I wasn't able to pull myself from my covers until 6:15am. I groggily walked to the window and looked out to see how light/dark it was out. Everything was well lit but the streets were still covered in shadows. I walked outside my door and stood for a minute to gauge the temperature.

Frankly, I was trying to reason that it was way too chilly to run a couple miles. Unfortunately, it was not cold enough to justify a missed workout.

So I walked back inside and changed into my running clothes. Laced up my smelly shoes. I noticed that my left ankle was still a little sore from the yesterday's run but I thought that a couple miles wouldn't compromise it's ability to perform. Yes...looking for more excuses. hehe

Finally I set out at 6:40 am without a sweater. About 0.3 miles into the run I regretted going out without a sweater but I didn't want to turn back around so I continued running. Conveniently, my route heads east first.

As I mentioned in previous entries, Navajo people have been instructed since forever that one greets the dawn by running in the eastern direction. The Holy People (our deities) are out and about at this time and those that can wake up early enough are the ones who receive their blessings. I felt really good running into all those "luxuries of life" this morning and before I knew it the grogginess and my near-frostbite wore off. (I'm exaggerating about the frost bite but I felt like my arms were going to shatter at the slightest tap.)

Sometimes, a Navajo individual can shout out into the dawn as they are running. The shouts are like a Woo WOO! type of sound. It lets the Holy People know that you are out and it identifies yourself. I forgot to do that this morning. Most people would feel silly but I've gotten used to it.

My younger brother (by Navajo clan kinship) is teaching me how to properly pray in Navajo to the gods early in the morning. Pretty soon, I'll be a pro and I can appropriately pray for the right things just prior to an early morning run. Sweet!

I happened to run 1.9 miles this morning--making up for the deficiency yesterday. I feel even better about the fact that I was out so early. :)

time to dust of the pepper spray

2006-11-02T18:51:00.000-08:00

I was supposed to run 7 miles tonight. I fell short by 1.8 miles because let's face it--daylight savings time is NOT on my side. It gets dark by 6 pm and it's only going to dark faster as winter mozzies on into the Southwest. I'm lucky that my training classes get out by 4 or 4:30 pm but I've had things on my agenda for the past week that things are b-a-n-a-n-a-s!

I don't know what I am going to do once my training workshop is over because then I'll be stuck at the office until 5 pm. What I've been doing is getting 1.5-2 miles out of the way at lunch and running the remainders after class is out. I know that in most magazines, trainers laud this approach because it reduces your chance of injury.

However, I feel like I'm cheating my body out of getting a good workout when I break up a run into segments. But as long as I get that one long run in during the week right? Isn't that what counts?

I'm making up my miles tomorrow morning at 6. I have to be extremely careful because I run by myself--especially in this town. Gallup has more than it's share of "lost souls" wandering about at all hours of the day and probably night. In fact, I passed about 3-4 inebriated men walking along the street this evening. Guess I'll have to carry the pepper spray with me tomorrow morning.

AS for the Halloween party, I don't have any pictures to show for myself. :( And I was being camera shy myself so I doubt my friends got any pictures with me in it. Some of them are here in town right now at a birthday dinner for a colleague but I can't bear to miss Grey's tonight. I'm so behind that I don't know what the heck is happening. I might as well wear a paper bag over my head.

This weekend is my niece's baby shower. I still have a lot on my planning plate. I have to by things for goodie bags, prizes, and props for the games. My sweetie is renting a car and he's coming to my house this weekend. I'm so excited! I haven't seen him in three weeks!! This long distance thing is so very hard!

Another friend of mine is due any day now and I'm thinking of organizing a shower for her since she tells me that no one has offered yet. Yet another friend is due next month. So many pretty Indian babies!

2006-11-01T08:32:00.000-08:00

For the past week, I've been in training to learn how to use a new project tracking software for our division. It's supposed to make our departments more accountable for the projects that we undertake and to make information regarding these projects more accessible for the vendors and the public involved.

The first day we covered the very basics of GIS which was way easy since I still remember a thing or two from my GIS course I had taken two years ago. Now we're actually getting into the project tracking application. It's fun--for me that is.

Although, I am a bit groggy from last night's festivities. I went as a hardcore My Chemical Romance groupie. I had the greasy mop of messy hair going that was accented by a bright red headband. I had on black eyeliner lining my eyes. For the emo/goth look, I smeared on some bright red eye shadow from Manic Panic and some coal eyeshadow. Then I dressed my lips in bright red lipstick. I simply wore my old MCR t-shirt, some black pants, and my old ratty black Chuck Taylors. I found some old black gloves lying around and I cut the fingers off of them and it completed my ensemble. It was awesome. hehe

My friend Heather thought that I looked more like a geisha.

Anyhow, we had some food and played a very exciting and fun-filled game of Taboo. My throat ached afterwards from all the shouting. I was the belle of the ball because I miraculously shouted out "Pavarotti" from only two clues: 1) he sings and 2) he's fat.

I mean, how in the world would a rural Navajo girl know about Pavarotti in the first place? haha That's what they were puzzled over. But hey, I've watched one too many informercials for the 3 Tenors album when I was younger.

Another friend, S, was up at one point giving the hints and one of his words was "festival". He gave "enchilada" for one of his hints and we were like WHAT??? How the heck do you get enchilada from festival? haha His justification was that they have an enchilada festival in Las Cruces, NM but I thought it was funny. haha

Prior to all the fun, I did get my 5 miles in and a little more. I ran on the trail again and I think I need to wait another week before I run the trail again because it makes my ankles all sore from the uneven terrain. I run the risk of twisting my ankle everytime I hit a large or unexpected bump.

I registered for the New Times 10k yesterday. I'm determined to finish in one hour at the most but my secret goal is to finish sub-60 minutes.

Hope you all had a good halloween!

like a bee

2006-10-31T09:08:00.000-08:00

It'll take me a while to update my blog again. I'm not sure if I was hit by a hacker but yesterday my blog was down. I told Hubster about it and I think he restored everything.

Anyhow, I ran 4 miles yesterday on the trail outside of Gallup. It was kind of tough as I accelerated up hills.

This evening, I am due to run 5 miles. Hopefully I can put them all in as I have a costume party to go to and some green bean casserole to make. Ahhhh...busy, busy.

easy peasy weekend

2006-10-30T07:24:00.000-08:00

I didn't do much running this weekend. I used the excuse of: "Well, it IS my recovery week anyway. I ran 3 weeks and now taking a week easy." I skipped out on Friday's run to make up for dinner and a movie with some new friends. We watched The Prestige and ate some Applebee's afterward. I must say...it's nice to have a bankaccount that refills itself every two weeks because I don't have to order the cheapest thing on the menu anymore. This is one reason why it will be hard to go back to graduate school after working. :(

On Saturday, I ran about 3 miles and tried to be quick about it. I was invited by Miss Trish to her mom's house for a cookout in honor of her upcoming 21st birthday so I attempted to be on time. The food was good and we played a fun round of Pictionary afterwards. Her little brother and sister are both soooo adorable and friendly too. :) Thanks for inviting me again!

I spent the better part of my weekend cleaning up the apartment and working up a big sweat while doing so. I also did a lot of SHOPPING! hehe Well, not Mean Girls type of shopping...just some necessities needed around the house. I hate it because I can't make up my mind and I'm a stickler for having color coordination.

Hope you have a good week.

I'm off to the hotel to attend a training for my department. See ya.

running through the barrio

2006-10-27T07:56:00.000-07:00

Since I've been here working for the tribe and having moved to a new area knowing only a small number of people--I complained and lamented in the fact that I was lonely. Gallup, NM is not exactly the easiest place to go out and find new friends who are not into the bar scene/party scene.

So you would think that after many a solitary evening spent, I would rejoice at having been invited to dinner and a movie with some young attorneys and my good friend, S. Instead, what did I do?

I ran.

I wanted to hang out badly but in the deepest part of my heart, I wanted to run more. I took two days off for recovery and because things are getting hectic for me at work. I was about to take a third day off because I had a big headache after work and I had some lower abdominal pain going on. Plus, it rained the previous night and it was very chilly. I decided that I would spend the evening with some new friends.

That is...until I spent a couple minutes outside cleaning out my car and taking things back and forth from the car to the apartment or garbage. I had gotten used to the cold and pretty soon, it felt like the chill invigorated me. I began jogging back and forth from the car.

Though it was getting dark, I knew I could put in two miles--one at the least. I hurried inside and put on my running gear and headed out the door. Last night was the very first night I ran the neighborhoods of Gallup. Usually, I run the trails.

It felt like old times--like I was running an evening in Tempe along my old route in the residential area. I felt so good. I paid attention to my form and noticed that I was landing more on my heal than the forefoot. My shoes are so comfortable that it seemed like natural tendency to do so. Afterwards, I altered my form and began landing on my forefoot--and the calves were feeling it.

Also, living in Tempe and Phoenix I've grown accustomed to passing people on the street without recieving a warm hello or acknowledgement. So I was quite surprised (!!) when two people I passed on the street gave me a hearty hello. I was really taken aback! haha

Anyhow, I ran 2 miles tempo and I felt like I could take on the world.

Boy, I love those types of runs.

plantar faciitis, damn you.

2006-10-25T07:34:00.000-07:00

Ok, my right heel is still kinda sore. There is some slight throbbing going on. I'm really bummed and hope that I am not developing plantar faciitis.

Last night I was talking with Hubster on the phone and asked him if he could buy me a pair of Born shoes for work so that my heel would be extra cushioned. I accompanied a friend on a shopping excursion this weekend and she's somewhat of a shoe fanatic. She told me that nurses and other people that stand on their feet for hours on end prefer to wear Born brand shoes.

I guess they are quasi top of the line. I wouldn't know much about shoes. All I know is that it's time to retire my Doc Marten boots for awhile. Christ, I've had them since I was a senior in high school. (Sentimental attachments). They still look good. (in my eyes).

I need to take better care of my feet because they're taking a beating they have never quite known before. They do a lot for me.

Anyhow, I'd appreciate some advice on how to heal my feet (fast). Are there certain things I should avoid doing to prevent it from worsening? What remedies should I be applying to help the healing along?

I was going to do my 4 tonight but I'm going to skip today again. Recovery is key, here.

Thanks, Phil...for offering your help. :)

*whimper....*

P.S. My running shoes are still quite new. I've been running in them for almost 3 months now. They are well cushioned. I don't think it's the shoes.

almost 10 miles.

2006-10-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

In total, I did approximately 9.8 miles yesterday. I did my 2 miles at lunch which was my first lunchtime run ever. It actually gave me a good feeling knowing that I was out gettin my exercise while most other tribal employees were stuffing their faces.

Right after work, I changed into my running clothes in my office. I'm glad that I received a long sleeved wicking shirt at the race over the weekend because it's getting nippy here. I anticipated that it would be chilly so I wore my new race shirt for the long run. It's big on me (I should have asked for a Medium) so I had to make sloppy alterations of stuffing the loose parts of the sleeve into my running bra straps. How is that for ingenuity? haha

I was doing well until I got to mile 3-4 where I came across an intersection. At one corner, there is a house and those people don't chain up their dogs. I began to hear barking over my music and so I looked around and started walking. I repeatedly had to loudly SHHHH the dogs to keep them at bay but one of them got brave. I stopped dead in my tracks and he slowly inched towards me. Finally, I resorted to picking up a rock and throwing it in his direction. Only then did he turn around. DUMB DOG!

I'm going to make a complaint to Animal Control about their unchained dogs. They need a warning at least because there are kids that sometimes walk alongside that house by the road. They could get hurt.

That incident played with me mentally as I've had bad experiences with loose dogs so the last couple miles were a struggle. They were also taxing physically.

I was only supposed to go 7 miles but I went for almost 8. I don't have a Garmin so I go by time. I figure I'm doing 11 min miles so I keep track of miles that way.

I can totally feel the toll of the run today. My heels are sore from all the pounding. My quads feel like I've done a thousand lunges. However, I'm taking this as a sign of getting stronger. What doesn't kill us only makes us stronger.

Close but no cigar: ABQ 5k

2006-10-23T08:36:00.000-07:00

I was hoping to have PR'd at the 5k this weekend in ALBQ but alas, it was not to be. *sniff* It's quite alright as I haven't exactly been training for speed. I could list a bazillion excuses as to why things didn't go as planned but I'll leave what I think really mattered in my 5k demise. (Ok, I'll stop being dramatic.)

totally forgot about lining up late and thus, I was slowed down by the slower runners at the start
this frustrated me and I ended up speeding up too early
speed running during the first mile caught up with me a half mile later and I didn't do so well on the second mile
dumb kids zipping in and out in front of me. Oh well, kids will be kids and I'm just glad they're out there running too.
forgot the coveted mp3 player and had no My Chemical Romance to rev me up for the final stretch
didn't get much time to stretch in the beginning

I also have a new appreciation for hills. This particular course was all flat and I now realize that even though going up hills slow me down, I end up runing faster downhill and makes for faster time.

Also, this was my first time going all out at 5,000+ ft elevation and boy was I winded at the end. I sprinted to the finish line with horrible gasping and my stomach was hating me all the way because I SO wanted to throw up!

I came in at 29:36 which is a 9:32 pace. At least it's another sub-30 minute 5k. I would have been very disappointed if I went over.

What can I say, "Defeat and Disappointment only makes one work harder."

To answer Ann's question, my next race will be in November for the New Times 10k on Mill Ave in Tempe. I definitely need to beat last year's time which I think is "in the bag".

As for today, I will be doing 2 miles at lunch and 7 miles after work. I didn't get to do my long run again yesterday as I was feeling extremely beat.

However, yay for new long-sleeved wicking shirt from the 5k!

ever high-fived a spider?

2006-10-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening was a good evening to run. The temps were nice but got a bit nippy near the finish because of the sweat that formed on my t-shirt. I parked "Sally", my car, at the Sports Complex and began my run there.

I looped around the Fairgrounds before taking to the pedestrian sidewalk alongside the main road. Approximately 22 minutes into the run, I stopped briefly to stretch out the hams, the quads, and the inner thighs. Stretching always gets me back into good form and spirits when I'm doing a long run and it seems like it'll be forever before I reach the finishing point.

The most awesomest part of my run??

Getting high-fives from the spiders and their web threads along the bridge rails. How is this so? Well, I forgot to mention that I was running into the sunset and so the light illuminated the threads of spider webs latched onto railing by the sidewalk bridges. They waved and bobbed with the gentle breeze--totally making them look like extended palms from a cheering crowd along side a race route.

It was just really invigorating because I felt like I had a small support section cheering me on by the bridges. It was just the coolest thing ever.

I ran uphill into St. Micheals which is not an easy thing to do because to do so means running uphill for 10-15 minutes. I turned around by St Micheals Chapter House and ran back down the hill into Window Rock. Eventually I looped once more around the Fairgrounds and then ran back to my car for a total of *dun dun DUN*

6.4 miles in 1:06:00 at a 10:18 pace

I made good time despite the long uphill running. Super awesome. I had extra incentive to run fast because I was due to meet a friend for a 7:30 dinner in Gallup.

I missed watching Grey's Anatomy but good thing they do an encore on Friday evenings. Evenso, I wouldn't have missed my 6-miler for the world.

another 5k update, just shy of a PR

2006-10-19T08:07:00.000-07:00

So I ran another 5k yesterday evening. Like I mentioned before, it was sponsored by the Navajo Special Diabetes Project (I can't believe they don't have a website cuz it's like a big thing on the rez!) and therefore it was non-competitive. They weren't timing any runners and I can see now, why I didn't get a time at my last 5k in Tuba City. The objective was just to get people out there moving--either running or walking. They even had country line dancing going on inside the gym. lol

Luckily, I had my watch on to record my time or at least my approximate time. They didn't do the best job in the world of marking the course or designating where the finish line was so I had to approximate.

I was also busy trying to get boxes of water bottles out of my car for my co-worker to hand out to runners when they came back in on behalf of our program. The run was just about to start when my co-worker piped up that he needed at least one more box of bottles. So I had to dash back to my car and I noticed that the runners had taken off and I was late by at least a minute or more.

It was a psychological battle for me knowing that I was in last place as a runner and even though I knew it was because I started off late--it still made me frustrated. However, I began passing people during the final mile when the hills started getting to most. I'm very proud that I can deliver even on hills now and they don't pose much of a challenge anymore. :) It also feels awesome when I can pass runners faster than me on these hills.

Therefore, I was overjoyed to see that I ran a sub-30min 5k with all the inclines on the race course. I was shooting for a 30:30 but shot that down by a minute. I stopped once to retie my shoe so I may have even run the whole thing in about 29:15 or so which is so close to my 5kPR. I totally kicked tail on this one and knowing that it was more challenging than the course on which I set my PR is major kudos!

Now just imagine what my time would be if I were to race at Phoenix elevation! Ooooh the possibilities!

I have another 5k coming up in Albuquerque this weekend. I originally wanted to do the half-marathon but I'm not ready for it. The time it took to adjust to the elevation here really threw me off schedule but hey, I'm still running and keeping up those miles!

As for this evening, I have 6 miles planned.

Does anyone know of any half-marathons in the 4 Corners area (AZ,NM, CO, UT) that will be taking place in late November? I'll be ready by then! I'll have another PR to blast.

a storm that nearly threw me off

2006-10-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

I did it. But it was hard.

Everytime I plan to leave the office right at 5 pm, I never leave until 30 min or 45 min afterwards. I wonder, if ever, when will I be on time? Indians always have this joke about being on "Indian time" when one is chronically late. I think it's lame actually. It used to get me irritated when I was apart of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society in college and the meetings would never start on time because the e-board members would jokingly claim, "Indian time!"

About the run, I was going to run this giant 8 mile loop but upon parking my car up the hill at a local motel I practically tore my car interior apart looking for my fuel belt. (I later found it on the bed in my apartment! hrumph!) So I had to improvise and run a 4 mile loop nearby the St. Micheals School and Mission. It was quite serene because it has this countryside landscape.

I used to run this loop two two years ago when I was a fish and wildlife intern. Then I was barely getting back into running and the hills used to kill me! I was ecstatic when I could run up them with little difficulty! :) Great job legs!

Afterwards, I ran a mile uphill back to my car. Trouble started a-brewin' in my stomach and it wasn't pleasant at all. I swear I was going to have a huge accident in my "intimates". I can't even remember what I had to eat the other day but it was starting up something fierce in my stomach.

Blah, so then I had to drive all the way down to the grocery store to use the public bathroom. After the storm was quelled in my gullet, I went back to my car to drink some Gatorade and take another GU gel. They have this new flavor, Lemon Lime, and it's gross! It took guts for me to swallow it.

It was already getting pretty dark so I drove to the shoddy gym and hoped that no one was running on the one working treadmill. As I walked up the steps to the cardio room, I could hear a familiar whooring of the belt and I prepped myself for disappointment. Luckily, the gal was using the loud treadmill and not my favorite one.

I hopped on and ran my heart out until I reached 3 miles.

So there you have it...8 miles.
Even if I had to take a large break in between at 5 miles, I still ran. But I am freaking about the possibility of my stomach acting up during the marathon. I don't think I can hold my "storm" for very long. Arghh....

How do you guys deal with this?

preparation starts at lunch

2006-10-16T14:11:00.000-07:00

I wasn't able to run my 8 miles yesterday hence I am making them up today after work. I had a nice lunch by myself today at the local pizza place. I ate there a couple times years ago with some colleagues and remembered that they had decent spaghetti. I figured that I needed to carb up early so to Party Pizza, I went.

I had a nice little garden salad, two breadsticks, spaghetti with meatballs, and a Dr. Pepper. My lunch companion was Lance Armstrong--on the cover of my latest issue of Runner's World, that is. hehe Right afterwards, I went to the grocery store to buy some bananas so I wouldn't have to make a trip there on my afternoon break. While there, I passed the floral section and was reminded that it was National Boss's Day by the tiny, jubilant balloons.

I ended up buying a card and some donuts on my paltry budget for the head honcho. Talk about a suck-up, huh? Hey! Anything to make a good impression while I'm on my probationary period! haha

The fiance' and I had our two year anniversary over the weekend. We spent it hanging out in Flagstaff and walking around downtown. It was nice. We even went vehicle browsing since we're in the market for a Honda Ridgeline. It was a fun weekend. I feel great knowing that I'm about to marry the funniest man alive.

I have to prepare mentally for my 8-miler.
I am a lioness, I am a gazelle.

a tuba city weekend

2006-10-13T19:20:00.000-07:00

I was disappointed yesterday after work because I could not tie up my project in time to run the 5k I had scheduled for myself. I didn't even get to run, period! Afterwards, I had a two-hour drive back to my house in Kayenta. And to top of the string of bad luck, I didn't even make it back in time to watch Grey's Anatomy!

Come on! Can't a gal get a break here!

Today, my co-workers and I set up a booth in Tuba City for the Western Navajo Agency Fair. It was my first time really engaging with the public about recycling. The public knew more about recycling than I had first given them credit for but I was still some help in telling them about some of the lesser known recyclables such as inkjet cartridges and used motor oil.

About 90-95% of the people I came across knew of relatives who did their own oil changes and dumped their used oil on the ground! I was appalled! Flagstaff and Page are both towns that are an hour away from Tuba City and it is where the nearest auto parts stores are that will accept used motor oil and batteries.

Sadly, we don't have the facilities yet to collect such hazardous waste so until then, all we can do is refer people to the bordertowns.

I was very happy at the receptiveness of the people towards recycling. They promised me that they would start separating recyclables from their trash and use the tote bags we gave them when they go shopping at the store.

It's a tremendous feeling to be helping out in that small way. :)

Anyhow, I ran a 5k earlier this evening that was sponsored by the Special Diabetes Project. Navajo people have an alarmingly high rate of developing diabetes but thankfully this taskforce is doing a good job of bombarding people through radio, billboards, and special events such as the 5k to spread the word about working towards a healthier and more active lifestyle.

The first mile of the 5k was tough. It was all hills! It was also my first time trying to keep a fast pace at this elevation. Thank heavens much of mile 2 was all downhill so I was able to recover and keep a consistant pace for the final mile.

During the final leg, I saw an old chum from ASU who was among the 5k coordinators. It was a nice surprise. HIm and his wife rooted me along and it made me feel so good that I picked up the pace a bit.

The sad thing was that I wasn't able to see how well I did because the race coordinators were not jotting down times for runners other than the first 4 males and females. I was bummed but it's alright. I ran for fun and at least I got a cool t-shirt and a water bottle out of the whole deal.

This weekend, I have 8 miles to run but I'll wait until Sunday. Tomorrow my handsome fiance and I are headed to the fair to watch the parade, wander around the fairgrounds, browse the booths, and ride some rides. Last year, we were among the only young people who joined our elders in our traditional song-and-dance which is a social thing. Maybe we'll do that again.

This site has pictures of a Navajo traditional song and dance.

steady as she goes

2006-10-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

I'm still at work.
After 5 pm, which is quickly beginning not to be abnormal for me. :(

Just quickly wanted to note that I ran 4.25 miles the other day when I was back home. It seemed to take longer than usual.

And I saw my baby niece too! She came back from the hospital and she is just the most gorgeous little thing I have ever seen. My sister and I almost have the same voice so she kind of perks up when I talk to her. It's cool!

Her name is Adezdiin, which is Navajo for "shining" or "brilliance". I'll double check because I think I may just be touching the tip of the iceberg in terms of meaning.

Happy weekend all!

i get paid enough

2006-10-10T18:36:00.000-07:00

I was scheduled for a 4 mile run today but work has me working overtime. I'll have to make it up tomorrow. I have my first recycling presentation tomorrow so I hope it all goes well.

By the way, my sister had her baby yesterday.
I became an auntie for the first time to a joyous baby girl.

We're still trying to come up with a name for her.

Good news and Ugh news

2006-10-08T13:16:00.000-07:00

Mile 1: 10:38
Mile 2: 10:01
Mile 3: 9:55
Mile 4: 10:07
Mile 4.5: 5.00

4 min break to stretch out, down 2nd GU pack and drink water

Mile 5.5: 10:25
Mile 6.5 and 7: 14:46
------------
Total Mileage: 7 miles
Average Pace: 10:07 (minus the break)

I had a good workout this morning. As stated in the last entry, I was crazy for admitting that I actually missed treaddie running. So I ran my whole 7 miles on the treadmill so I could keep an eye on my pace. I was trying to average a 10:20 pace and so I'm happy with running under that pace at 10:07.

I have noticed that my legs are not quite as strong as they used to be. I can't describe how I can tell but I can tell. I'll have to get really serious about joining up a gym in Gallup and having a personal trainer to show me the ropes about developing some strength with weights.

It doesn't take a genius to say that running at high elevation has made my running down here in the Valley considerably more easier. I did not feel short of breath or tired on the entire 7 miles. Usually, when I get to my last couple of miles, I'll slow down quite a bit by at least 30 seconds.

Didn't happen this time!

I whooped ass. I wanted to take this time to give a shout out to Denise, aka Firefly. Her blog has really inspired me. When I first read her blog during the summer she was running 12 min/miles or so and now she is running sub 10 min/miles! That improvement has made me more dedicated to my running and I know that eventually I'll get down to sub 10 min/miles as well. Awesome job, Firefly.

This coming week I am running two 5ks back to back. There is one on Thursday in Twin Lakes, NM that is being sponsored by the Navajo Nation Special Diabetes Project and it's FREE! The next day, I will be running another 5k at the Western Agency Navajo Nation fair in Tuba City, AZ. That will be quite a busy day because my program is setting up a booth for Elders Day that day.

Our Navajo Nation is broken down into 5 agencies: Eastern (where my fiance' is from), Western, Central, Northern, and Fort Defiance. My hometown of Kayenta is in the Western Agency so going to the Tuba City Fair, which is a little over an hour away from Kayenta, has been a tradition for me since I was a kid. I ALWAYS go every year. I love to indulge in steamed corn mutton stew and frybread, buy jewelery from vendors, watch the parade, and hang out at the carnival to ride some rides.

I also have my first presentation on recycling at a conference in Kayenta on Wednesday. I'm a bit nervous but will try to kick butt.

But I'll tell ya, I'm still stoked that I ran 7 miles today! It's been almost 2 months since I last ran that distance!
-----

In other news, I finally got to watch the Oprah segment where she and her bf went on a road trip and visited the Navajo Nation. It was horrible and I was angered by how the segment was edited. It had overtones of "Woe is me," all over and it pissed me off. They just made life on the rez seem really deplorable and it's not that bad at all.

I love where I come from. I know that we deal with poverty, alcoholism, domestic violence, etc everyday in different Navajo households but we still have a rich culture and have what I think is the highest percentage of fluent speakers among different American Indian tribes. I forgot who it was (oprah or gayle) that wondered why we just couldn't move away and get away from the situation.

What was neglected to mention was that our Holy People, our deities, had placed us on a specific portion of land that are protected by 4 sacred mountains. These mountains designate our boundaries so that we'll always know where we are at. Therefore, this land is sacred to us and so many important events have happened here that we could never dream of leaving it.

Our stories and our Navajo religion connects us to the land, our Mother Earth. As a people, this earth is who defines us.

In my presentation, I try to stress this to my audience and especially the younger generation in hopes that it will inspire them to protect and care for our environment and practice recycling.

I could go on and on about what I didn't like about the Oprah segment. I can't believe that such an influential woman, especially being a part of the minority, would portray our people using stereotypes. The pow-wow and the hoop dancers are not apart of our culture though some people have adopted the activities and engage in them for fun, competition, or because of a spiritual reason. Yet, I've heard that Oprah producers insisted that it be performed for them. Ugh. It's really discouraging.

And the truth is that most elders would rather live without the conveniences of running water, technology, and electricity because they say that they don't need it. I think it makes them feel like it detracts from having a closer relationship with the environment.
/end un-related running rant.

Honk if ya love me!

2006-10-08T03:37:00.000-07:00

FYI: I did an hour and three minutes of running like I said I would. It was a glorious run albeit there were some tough steady climbing inclines--the kind that last for 6-8 minutes!

It took at least a good 15 minutes to get comfortable with the idea that I was running right alongside traffic. I don't like the idea of people gawking at me when I run. It's different when I am running a race. Anyhow, sure enough, I started getting a couple honks after the initial 15 minutes.

I kinda liked them, contrary to what I said before about unwanted attention. It's not like I had my butt hanging out of tiny daisy duke running shorts and a tight, skimpy tank top on. No siree, I had on a pair of sweats, my short sleeved Arizona State shirt, and a white running cap. Therefore, I took all the honks as expressions of encouragement and vehicular "ALL RIGHT!"s. Who knows, for all I know, they could have just been honking because they're SunDevils fans! :P

The only part I didn't enjoy was having to make tiny detours around canine roadkill. Poor dogs. There were two of them and my heart felt sad as I passed them because they were handsome mutts.

I felt pretty badass running the whole thing. Sure does make one proud when they follow up on what they set out to do!

BTW, I'm in Tempe for the weekend right now. I have a 7-miler scheduled for this morning. I'm anxious to see how the running experience will differ here for me being that I've spent a good month at 7,000 ft of elevation.

Dare I say, I miss the treadmill. I may do my whole 7 on there.

here's the plan, stan

2006-10-05T14:25:00.000-07:00

So I only have 2 hours to go until I get off work. I'm about to take my 15 minute break so I'll run to the store to chomp down on two bananas and give it time to circulate.

I'm really exciting about putting in an hour of pure running--maybe even 6 miles at the most. I'm not planning on running the trail this evening. I'm headed up to St. Micheal's which is about 2 or 3 miles from where I work. St Michael's opens up into Window Rock and when you follow the main road, it's actually a roll down a steady climbing hill.

I plan on running down the hill into WR and maybe into Tse Bonito or up to the Navajo Nation Council Chambers...then I will turn around. I've never run alongside the main roads here. I hope that I don't get any hollering or cat calls. I seriously HATE such attention. It's as bad as making me feel like I'm running completely naked.

Wish me luck!

Oh yeah, it rained really hard here this morning. I'm hoping that it doesn't rain while I run. It'll put a damper on my spirit.

still trying...and feeling weak, weak, WEAK

2006-10-04T19:06:00.000-07:00

I went running on the trail again yesterday(the pictures from the previous post). I'm now following the marathon plan on the Runner's World website..."Your Ultimate Marathon Training Plan." So I ran my 4 miles and then some.

I took off from the starting point early so I wouldn't have to worry about skinwalkers this time. hehe Mile 1 was pretty relaxing but as I tried to keep pace on my 2nd mile I felt so weak! I couldn't shake the weak feeling the entire way except for one moment when my adrenaline spiked from a jackrabbit who scared me.

During the last couple of legs, I sincerely felt like my limbs were made out of aluminum because it was such a chore to push on. Here were my measley times.

Mile .3-1 = 6.39
Mile 2 = 11.39
Mile 3 = 14.38
Mile 4 = 14.26
Mile 4-4.4 = 5.00

I think I'm not fueling up properly. I feel like I don't have much time in the afternoon to run around and try to make a peanut butter-jelly sandwich or run to the store to get something besides a banana. It's like I'm too busy to do anything and I'm hating it!

Today I had a rest day but tomorrow I'm scheduled for an hour run. I'm going to make it my priority tonight to prepare my sandwiches ahead of time.

"It's peanut butter- jelly time!!" (hehe)

a breakthrough

2006-09-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

I quickly wanted to THANK YOU all who stopped by to leave an encouraging comment. You all made me feel better about where I am at this point in my running. In fact, it was the comments that helped me chug along and complete a 4.5 mile run yesterday evening.

I forced myself not to worry about my pace and thus, it was a very enjoyable run. I felt like I made some breakthroughs in my running. FINALLY! I'm not skimping on my distance anymore and it must be correct what most people say..."slow and steady does win the race."

I will come back to blog more about last night's run. Although it was pleasurable, I made the mistake of running too far out and so I returned back to my car when all was dark. I was so scared! I had a small container of pepper spray and I felt safer in having it but being Navajo and constantly hearing stories about skinwalkers as a kid...I wasn't sure that mace was enough to deter a skinwalker. Childish fright...but (haha) I still have fears about them as an adult.

Luckily, I said a small prayer before I started off on my run and asked the spirit of the surrounding plants to watch out over me and to keep me safe. In particular, I sought the protection of the sagebrush or ts'ah.

I had my cell phone with me and snapped a couple of pictures of what my trail looks like.

game on

2006-09-28T14:07:00.000-07:00

I swear--I'm constantly switching sides on a see-saw where one side thinks I will be ready for the marathon and the other side doesn't think I will be so it suggests the half-marathon with a goal of blasting my time of 2:22:23.

The other evening, I thought I had made up my mind about not doing the marathon. But after I read about Bella's struggles of near abandonment of her first marathon (Portland) but her intent to keep on running and race this coming weekend, I regained my running spirit.

Yesterday, I signed up for a month membership to our local fitness center in Window Rock. It's not exactly 24 hour fitness caliber but it'll do. They only have three treadmills of which only one works properly. Thank goodness people are not frequenting the gym with vigor yet. I ran on that one good treadmill yesterday. 3 miles with one break.

Not too shabby given that I'm recovering from a cold.

I believe that I lost my will due to frustration. My main running trail is infused to heck with hills but it's the safest, most frequented trail that I have no choice but to use it due to safety issues. The evening prior to yesterday, I ran that trail and felt like such a loser because I couldn't run more than 5 minutes after my initial 10 minute run. I'm too hard on myself and I know that I can't help it because a) I was still a bit sick with a congested chest b) I was coming off a week long break from battling the cold c) I was not properly "carbed" up and d) the elevation was making me angry.

Therefore, I thought that maybe I'd feel better if I ran on a flat surface. Thank goodness for that one working treadmill. My form was more fluid and my stamina was right on. I'm glad I ran yesterday because now I feel like I CAN do the marathon.

I'm dreading the upcoming winter months though. I'm worried that we're going to have one heck of a winter given the unusually long and abundant monsoon season that hit us. It's times like these that I wish I had my own personal treadmill.

This evening, I'm trying for 4 miles on the treadmill. If I can eek out an additional mile, we're golden.

My Mojo says HI

2006-09-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

Today was supposed to be a long run but I ended opting out because it was getting dark and I have to get a powerpoint presentation finalized for tomorrow morning. I have an important meeting in Flagstaff tomorrow afternoon. Weren't it not for that, I would have completed at least 5 miles today.

I believe I covered 5k distance this evening.

I went down to my old high school track. It's not quite the same as the last time I really ran round it a couple years ago because of the cool new astroturf and the springy new track covering. (Obviously, I don't know the technical terms for both! ha) But everything looked and feeled the same.

Everytime I run the old track, I remember the time during my junior year when our school put everyone through a physical fitness test to comply with some state or national test. At the time, I was taking a chemistry class and we weren't given fair warning as to when our class had to go out to the track to run our mile. One day out of the blue, a messenger was sent to our class and we were told it was our turn to run along with a couple of other science classes.

Unfortunately, I went to school that day in a skirt and some flats. Remarkably, I was the second girl who finished and the 10th overall. I ran a mile that day in about 8:06 with the worst gear possible. haha

As for the evening, I feel a bit more confident in my running.
Yesterday I felt extremely distressed about my lack of progress. Today, I felt like I was getting my mojo back. I was able to run my first mile in 9:52 min. I think I ran my second mile at about 10:30-ish because I ran the other practice football field adjacent to the track once. I took a five minute breather because it was rightly deserved because it was the first time since I've been on the rez that I've run more than 20 minutes non-stop!

I ran my last 1.2 miles around the entire school campus in about 12:48 minutes. Slowly but surely, I am getting back to where I once was and it feels reassuring and wonderful!

And for a treat, I came home to a nice warm mug of Navajo tea...only the best tea in the whole wide world!!

Sun- 3.2 miles, avg pace=10.30ish

Adjusting

2006-09-16T22:37:00.000-07:00

Elevation.

It can be your best friend during training...and then again, it could feel like you're absolute worst nightmare. Since I've moved back to the rez, I feel like I've digressed to remedial runner.

I try not to let my lackluster runs get the best of me but it's hard when I used to do 3-4 mile runs with no problem. Now I'm lucky if I can even run just under 3 miles...and that's with lots of walking breaks to catch my breath!

I was really discouraged a couple weeks ago because I thought that I should have acclimated to the high elevation by now. It's taking me a lot longer than I thought. The actual difference in elevation didn't make sense to me until I put it into relative distance last week.

I'm running at an altitude that is a MILE higher than what I'm used to!

In Tempe, the elevation was about 1600 ft or so. In the high hills of Gallup, NM where I run the elevation is about 7000 ft! With a difference like that, no wonder why I'm still not where I should be after close to a month! I think another problem I have is that I want to run at the pace I am used to running in Tempe but I can't here without losing all my breath after only 4 minutes and feeling like my chest is tightening.

Maybe I'm pushing too hard too fast.

I've been thinking and thinking alot about whether I have adequate time to train for the marathon in January. I haven't stuck to my Higdon plan and I'm already behind. I have to scrap that plan and go with a 16-week one now. I have this idea that if I fall behind on this new plan, I'm not going to do the marathon during PF Chang's but will do the half-marathon instead. Maybe I'll shoot for the San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon.

I'm not going to give in the towel yet though.

In the mean time, I'm still adjusting.

Must Watch BB

2006-09-07T19:44:00.000-07:00

Am I so lame for skipping out on a 3 mile run today to watch the last episode of Big Brother 7 All-Stars before the Season Finale next week? haha

Before I moved in with my roommate, I had never even watched a single episode of BB. Now she has me addicted to it! Last week, Will was evicted from the house which left Janelle, Erica, and Boogie.

After tonight, it's down to Erica and Boogie.
I was rooting for Janelle. *sad face*

Was the episode worth a missed 3-miler? I'm still mulling over that decision, folks but I'm feeling some big time guilt. This is precisely why I never really watched TV before I moved here to NM. I always thought that people let precious moments of their life pass by while they sat glued to the telly watching others live theirs.

Sadly, I've become one of the telly goons.

But...it's just one show! After next Tuesday, I should be okay. That's when the Season Finale will air and then I won't have anything to keep me from running.

I know!

I will wake up early tomorrow morning to make up for the missed 3 miler. Now if I can just get pass the habit of hitting the snooze button.

Puff, Puff gasping for air!

2006-08-31T20:27:00.000-07:00

Wow, these posts just get more and more sporatic! I am too afraid to post from work because once I get started, I just go on and on. The girl who I am staying with in town doesn't have internet connection either so I have to head to a local coffee house to do my blogging and emailing business. Very inconvenient but I notice that I'm slowly weening off my internet dependence! ha

I'm finding it difficult to get in 3 consecutive miles during each of my outings. I feel pathetic but really I know it's because of the elevation difference. I just feel so sluggish when I get past a mile. All the trails I have ran this week all have hills so that doesn't make things easy for a girl who feels like she's starting all over again.

I know that soon I'll come to appreciate all the hills but for now...for now... I guess I'm okay with it. hehe I wish I had a digital camera to show all the pictures with you. Be patient, my dearies, they will come next month when I have the funds to get a new camera.

I have a friend here who I met when I was interning for the tribal fish and wildlife dept 2 years ago. Her name is Sonja. She is the one who gave me the heads up on some of the local running trails in town. She's trying to get back into running as well but she's coming off a hip injury of some sort.

This evening was her first day out on the trails. She brought along her Jack Russell named Chip and walked with him while I took off an tried to run 3 miles. I'm encouraging her to train for the PF Chang's 1/2 marathon because I think she still has sufficient time to do it. She seems up for the idea. She also wants to do the 5k portion of the Duke City runs in Albuquerque. Needless to say, I believe she is my running buddy. She's a pretty fast runner too so she'll be a great pacer once she gets back into the swing of things. KUDOS!

Yesterday, I only ran for 20 minutes on a well-used public trail behind the UNM-Gallup campus. This trail has hills too! Hills, hills, everywhere! And great elevation too! What more could a runner ask for?

On Sunday, I ran 30 minutes at the Ridge in Kayenta. I kicked ass on that one hill that used to be so menacing to me in high school. I was quite surprised! I remember back then, I used to run that loop with my best friend and she used to find it hard to run up it without stopping so I told her to come up with a mantra to repeat as she climbed. Being that she was a scrawny, boney chick with no musculature whatsoever (haha), she told me she used to say "Beautiful legs, beautiful legs..." over and over to get up and over. lol Soon afterwards, I adopted her mantra. hehe

Work is going great.
I'm learning more and more new things everyday about recycling. In a month, I am headed to Las Cruces, NM for a Grant Writing 101 workshop so I can finally learn how to write grant proposals. I have great ideas and projects in mind for my department's recycling component. Who knows...maybe one day we'll finally have our own Recycling Center!

Settling in

2006-08-26T17:45:00.000-07:00

At this very moment, I am sitting at home.
Home is the home that I grew up in on the Navajo reservation. Earlier this evening, my mom cooked up a pot of mutton stew with squash and corn with a side of frybread. This is a true Navajo delicacy. Right now, she is in the living room lounging on the sofa reading The Navajo-Hopi Observer newspaper with some twangy country tune playing in the background from KTNN, our Navajo Nation radio station.

All of that constitutes home for me.
Dii shi shighaan. (This is my home.)

You all are probably wondering how the first week of work went. Well, it was eye-opening and wonderful, yet very exhausting. The first day had me reading personnel policy manuals and other job-related material. I was introduced to my fellow co-workers, everyone on our division's floor, and briefed by my boss about what was expected of me in this position. I am essentially the department's 'recycling program public educator and developer' as well as the biological surveyor. I'm up to the challenge of what is in store. While part of me is scared because of the overwhelming load, I'm still excited and eager to do my best.

On Thursday and Friday, all I did was drive around the huge expanse of our reservation from the west side to the eastern side and noting the condition of several solid waste transfer stations. I'm not sure how exactly huge our rez is but it is really huge. It is slightly bigger than the state of West Virginia. Just the trip from Window Rock to Tuba City took 3 hours and this had us driving through Hopi land. Before then, I had never been through there before.

I am learning a great deal about the reservation that I did not otherwise know. My co-worker, Jim, is an older gentleman who has been driving the tribal vehicle we've been traveling in and has been giving me local information about each area we drive through such as illegal dump sites, sites that have been cleaned up, what families live in an area, what historical buildings used to be where or what type of past socio cultural events used to occur in a given area. It is all very enlightening and I'm learning a ton about local history.

In Navajo relations, Jim is my "little father (uncle)" or shiyaazh. This aspect of my work environment is what I enjoy a lot--having kinship ties through our clans. I definitely would not have this had I worked off the reservation. It allows for comfort and a familial type atmostphere at work. I am only related to one other person in my department--my boss. He is my grandfather or shinali.

Each day of work had been leaving me extremely exhausted so needless to say, I haven't run since I last posted. I am running this evening at an old site just outside of town called "The Ridge". I used to run it in high school and has a couple of killer hills. I'm anxious to get out and get some red dirt on my Sauconys.

This coming week, I am starting my marathon program. I have selected Hal Higdon's Novice program. Hopefully, it works out. Good luck to all who also start their programs this week.

I am trying my best to catch up on all the blogs and comment but it's difficult given that I am on dial-up. *sigh*

Happy trails.

back in full effect

2006-08-20T23:10:00.000-07:00

The Workout
Mileage: 4.0 miles
Pace: 9:55 min/mile average
Type: Intervals

Dudes, I wish I could say that this was my first run on the rez because it was supposed to be. Alas, I am still here in stinky old Tempe. On Saturday when Hubster and I drove out to Anthem so I could buy some business casual attire from the GAP outlet. Right before our drive out, we had the oil checked on my car and the mechanics at Midas told us that our transmission fluid was leaking.

Could you imagine our grief and outrage especially after we just had repairs done on the transmission?? ARGH! And Hubster had even asked the repair guys at Good Works if there was anything else that needed work before they handed our car back to us and they said NO!

So I was presented with a dilemma because by the time we found out, it was too late to take it back to Good Works and I couldn't do much as almost all repair shops are closed on Sunday. On top of that, I couldn't contact my new boss and tell him the news so now...I'm making the dreaded call in to the office tomorrow morning at 8 am to tell him that I won't be in until Wednesday.

I was due to return to my home in Kayenta this afternoon and my ma and I were going to have a traditional prayer done by a medicine man so that I have a good first week at the new job. So I called her this morning and asked her to tell the medicine man to pray so that he could ask that my new boss be extremely understanding when I give him the news tomorrow. hehe

So those bastards at the repair shop better fix up my damn car tomorrow!!!

---
But about my run. Good lord, I haven't run since last Tuesday and have instead been eating cookies like a mad woman. My friend Kim called me and I told her about my cookie binging and she made me feel better by saying, "Dont' worry about it. I'm sure it was just all you dealing with stress." hehe

What she doesn't know is that Tollhouse chocolate chip cookies are like crack to me!

I'm sure the break was needed and it sure did serve a purpose because I feel like I'm a little faster now. I'm averaging 10:00 min/miles and if this is just training, imagine what I could do on a half-marathon! I could totally beat my old PR of 2:22:23 by a good 12 minutes!

I'm back, dudes! And I'm back with a vengence! Now I just need to get adjusted to the elevation once I get there to Window Rock and then it's all smooth sailing and a ton of hard work!! Maybe an occaisional cookie or two as well!
---

Sun. - 4.0 miles, 39:30

Carmen Cookie Monster

2006-08-16T20:18:00.000-07:00

First off, I just had to post The Cookie Song as sung by our beloved Cookie Monster.

And the second clip comes from The Family Guy. I laughed my butt off because for the past two days, I was scarfing down cookies like crazy.

short and sweet

2006-08-16T17:43:00.000-07:00

The Workout
Type : Cross-Training
Elliptical for 20 min
Treadmill incline walking 15 minutes

Not much today.
Just went to the fitness room and did my thing. I got it out of the way earlier in the afternoon. Hubster came home early from work to spend time with me and tonight I'm having a girl's night out with some of my friends as well as dinner again tomorrow night.

I'm trying to see as many people as I can before I leave.

Hope everyone had a good day!

Wed. - 35 min Crosstraining
Tues. - 4.5 miles
Mon. - REST
Sun. - 8.0 miles, 10 min./mile

holey moley

2006-08-16T12:22:00.000-07:00

Rabbit is hella CRAZY!!
That is why I wuss out and get band-aids as fast as I can. hehe

Some promised pics of my trip to San Diego

2006-08-16T11:36:00.000-07:00

Maybe I should have smiled but I was standing next to a freakin' mummy sarcophagus! haha I snapped a photo of the one in the background but I accidently erased it. I was sad because I really like the ones with Osiris's green face. He's my favorite Egyptian deity, especially when he has the green face. This was inside the Museum of Man.

Campbell's Soup I (1968)
I had to take a photo of my favorite soup, Chicken Noodle

A couple examining the Campbell's Soup I piece up close

Cowboys and Indians (1986) This one was interesting because of the Indian images that he chose to use in this piece. I'm wondering why he chose what he chose.

Marilyn Monroe (1967) -- This was the highlight of my visit

Outside the San Diego Museum of Art

I have some more pics but I need to fix them up. Hubster forgot to charge his camera battery so we had to resort to my dinky camera phone. :( I'm not even sure if I should have been taking photos inside the museum but I needed proof that I saw Warhol's stuff!

I'm Turning Batty

2006-08-15T23:27:00.000-07:00

The Workout
Mileage: 4.5 miles (approximately, might be higher)
Type: Started as tempo but ended as intervals

I getting goddamn sick of the treadmill now. Today I had a hard time focusing on my stride and the fact that the complex fitness room was full did not make matters any better. When I first started running, I was the only one in there and it was all good. Then my mood went from happy and free-spirited to annoyed when people trickled in.

I guess I just dig my runs because they're moments of solitude. I can think and concentrate on whatever it is that I think about. But add people and then I start getting distracted i.e. wondering what they are thinking about, how their days went, where they shop at, what type of groceries they put in their cart, relationship status, etc.

My mind starts getting erratic and I feel like Woody Allen's character in Annie Hall. (We just checked out the movie from Blockbuster this evening.)

Ugh.
I couldn't even decide on the type of workout I wanted to do. Therefore, we had a mix of tempo and intervals going on.

I'm really anxious to get back to my outdoor runs because I want to see how fast I am running. I can't really get shit down on the treadmill. And while I do like looking at my quads contract and relax as I walk around the fitness room with it's wall to wall mirrors, I don't like looking at myself when I'm running. I've never been a fan of mirrors. I just don't like looking at my reflection.

So now you can get a sense of the delusional side of me.

I felt like I had to run 6 miles or so because the other day I baked two dozen Tollhouse chocolate chip cookies and I must have eaten half of them all by myself! I just can't help myself when it comes to this recipe. It's the devil!! After I'd gobble a number down, I'd feel like I want to throw it all up not only because I feel guilty but because I feel like the sugar is hardening at the bottom of my stomach and just sitting there, doing nothing.

The only good thing that came out of today was that I finally got the car out of the car repair shop so no more chumping it on the bus.

I'm starting to get nervous about my first day at the new job. It's less than a week away now. The anxiety may have fed into my uncontrollable cookie grubbing earlier today. I was a straight up cookie monster. That reminds me of this internet fad song my fiance' is always singing. It's called The Cookie Monster song. It goes something like:
C is for Cookie.
That's good enough for me.
Cookie, cookie, cookie...
Cookie starts with C.

Gotta adore my better half. I love him.

Oh yeah, the reason for renting Annie Hall this evening was because I came up with this idea of wanting to watch The American Film Institute's 100 greatest movies of all time. I went to the website and noticed that they had a giant list of 400 movies. Included in the bunch were the Top 100 and 300 other nominated movies that didn't make the list.

I then found a random number generator site and picked out 10 random numbers between 1 and 400. I chose 8 movies just in case the local Blockbuster didnt' carry the ones on my list. So this evening, we rented Annie Hall and an old movie called "How Green Was My Valley".

I like Phil's idea of listing every day of the week's workout so I'll start doing that as well so I can keep better track of my numbers.

Tues. 4.5 miles
Mon. REST
Sun. 8.0 miles

Dishing the Scoop

2006-08-13T22:56:00.000-07:00

The Workout
Mileage: 8.0 miles
Type: Base, with small hills

Yes, let's get 'the workout' out of the way first, shall we? As I stated before in a prior entry, running is always tough to get back into after such a relaxing break as I had the pleasure to enjoy. However, I'm glad that I read Ann's latest entries. She really inspired me to nix my original plan of running only 6.0 miles for my long run. Instead, I set out to run 8.0 miles and I DID.

I ran them miles like a free-ranging horse would do on the rez--instead, like usual Carmen fashion, I ran them on the treadmill again. I was very lazy all day because of a semi-insomniac weekend I endured but finally kicked my ass into gear around 5 pm which is still a little too warm for me to run outdoors. I didn't want to wait until it cooled down later in the evening so the treadmill was the only way to go.

I put on my trusty Reebok spandex shorts, an old ratty tee of a rez band (Coalition) with the sleeves cut off, my Headsweats cap, and my mp3 player. Fortunately for me, the first song to set the mood was AFI's Kill Caustic from their Decemberunderground album. The song put me into concert mode, which fills me with childlike joy, and I was off with my legs a swingin' and my face grinnin'.

I ran 5 miles straight and then quickly ran home to use the restroom.

When I came back, I thought the last three miles would fly by but it was a battle to get through! Ugh. I just hate stopping, walking, and then resuming. I feel so weighted down afterwards. I think this is exactly why I canned doing the famous Jeff Galloway 'run-walk' marathon program. Bless his heart but it's not for me.

I figure I didn't finish in usual fierce lioness mode because I didn't have fuel with me. Fuel for me is Gatorade swigs or a punch to the gullet with a GU gel. Hubster and I are currently slumming it and eeking by on a paltry budget so no fancy pick-me-ups for a while until we get paid. :(

However, I finished my 8.0 miles and thanks to Miss Ann. Kudos, chica!

----
I'm sorry I haven't posted my pics yet.
I've been very lazy when it has come to blogging. I'll get to it eventually, my pretties. Don't worry your pretty little heads.

I don't want to make this entry any longer than it has to be so I'll leave you with a bulleted list of the great news I wanted to share. I will then elaborate on it over the next couple of days with short posts dedicated to each bit of news.

I passed the cursed Genetics class with a B. I was aiming for an A but a B is just as good, especially for such an intense load.
This means, I am now an official ASU alumni.
ASU won't be stealing my money anymore.

I declined to take the job in beautiful Canyon de Chelly. Boo-hoo. :(
I have a perfectly good reason for that.
I was hired by another Navajo tribal department as an Environmental Specialist.
It's permanent and pays way more than I could ever have imagined I would deserve being that I'm still green and fresh off the college graduate wagon.
This means, I am moving to Window Rock, AZ for good.
For at least the next 2-3 years anyway until I make my way to Flagstaff, AZ to get into NAU's Environmental Policy graduate program.

For a runner, this means HIGH ELEVATION training!
...and also great running trails. No more loops through suburbia, for me!

In unrelated news, I was invited to see Shakira with a friend who bought very expensive 2nd row tickets. His friend bailed so he chose to invite me!
I'm not a huge Shakira fan (I only bought her Laundry Service album) but she rocked!
Pictures coming soon.

My next run will be a 10k during the 60th Annual Navajo Nation Fair.

I'm also looking into doing the Duke City Half-Marathon in Albuquerque on October 21-22.

I tried looking all over for decent liver concert footage of AFI performing Kill Caustic (the song of the moment for my running)...this was all I could find.

coincedently, I almost had the chance to see them here in Phoenix. I had just recently reconnected with a good friend who had an extra ticket and had I found him sooner, I would have gone!! Argh!

I'M BACK! Didja miss me?

2006-08-10T08:44:00.000-07:00

I know I am slacking.
I have a couple pictures to show from our trip to San Diego.

I didn't do the 3-miler since I was exhausted from the drive over. However, it was still possible for me to get up and run since I found out later that Balboa Park was just a hop, skip, and a jump away from our hotel.

I also have loads of great news to share but for now I need to wash my face, clean up the kitchen, and then get ready to run on the treadmill.

It's always hard for me to get back in it after a long break. I'm sure some people are thinking, Geez, doesn't she love running enough to actually be aching to run by now?

Yeah, those people.
They annoy me.

I'll have to gripe about them later but they're the kind that think a real runner hurts themselves because they love it so much. What in the world is a "real runner" anyway? Is there such a thing?

I didn't think so.

excruciating.

2006-08-03T20:15:00.000-07:00

Ugh.
Will this week ever end already?? I have never ever done so much studying in my whole life! I don't even have time to run. My brain is auto-focused on the class. So much material, so little time! I was thinking that if bad people who go to hell are relegated to torture such as this...I wanna be good! Jebus! I wanna be good! hehe Luckily I am Navajo so I would probably just turn into mist or something. lol But it was just a thought because, seriously, I'm in HELL!

I'm not doing any running for the rest of the week either. I deserve some rest and relaxation, for real!

My brain hurts, my eyes hurt, and I'm getting tired of Red Bulls.

Must Pass...Class

2006-07-31T19:48:00.000-07:00

The Workout
Mileage: 3 miles
Type: Easy (but kinda intervalish with tiny hills)

This week is jammed back with non-stop studying. I might as well call this the Carmen's Running and Studying Ball and Chain blog because it's all I ever write about! However, this week is so very crucial. It's literally life or death for my degree because if I don't pass, I can't take it again because I've already taken it so many times already.

I have a good grasp on the material this go round as I've been going to class every single day and spending some of my weekends in a study group at the library. One of my study partners is prepping to take the MCAT and aims to get into med school and I'm hanging around him so much I feel like I'm doing the same thing too! haha This class really is that intense.

I have my second exam tomorrow, a quiz on Thursday, and the final exam on Friday. It's so convenient that my rest week coincides with this week. I have easy runs all week with some crosstraining. I feel like it's helping to stabilize my anxiety and to offset the calorie-dense foods I tend to eat more often when I'm stressed.

I definitely need to schedule an outdoor run this week though. I'm starting to get attached to the treadmill. :( Not a good thing!

I was surprised when I came back from the gym this evening Hubster usually kisses me and gives me a hug when he gets back from work but this time I was so self conscious with my after-workout BO that I told him not to. I STINK!! I exclaimed.

So he says Maybe you should stand in the closet. There's something in there that might make you smell better.

I said, I hope it's cake!

He just gave me eyes that expressed, Open the door already you nerd!

So I open the closet door and sitting on the shelf was an orange fireball of a bouquet of flowers! I was so dumbfounded I didn't know what to do. I just grinned and grinned and gushed. hehe It has all my favorites in there: tigerlilies, daisies, orange-pinkish roses, and eucalyptus leaves.

The little card in the bouquet says:
My dearest Carmen,
I am so proud of you. You have achieved so much and only have more to accomplish. I LOVE YOU! --b

Sometimes I don't realize how lucky I am. :)
Thank you Hubster and you are my heart!

intermission: band-aid, please!

2006-07-29T22:44:00.000-07:00

Mileage: 7.1 miles
Type: Base
Pace Average: 9:55 min/mile

I just had to get in this long run, folks. I just had to!
And to think that I did it all on the treadmill again! If this keeps on, I'm going to be the "treadmill queen". :P I really didn't have any option but to use the complex's fitness room again.

This time there were no annoying kids that were burning holes in me with their annoying stares. Just me, the treadmill, and King of the Hill on the boob tube. I had my jams pumping in my ear but it just helped to have something to focus on.

I've abstained from a real long run for so long that I completely forgot about foot chafing! I had planned to take a break once I ran 45 minutes straight so I could down a GU gel. Around 40 mintues I began to feel the familiar burn of my left inner arch rubbing against my shoe. I thought I could hack out the rest of the 2.7 miles I had left to run without having to abandon ship for a good 10-15 minutes to run back home to grab a band-aid.

Folks, I couldn't.
The burn became too intense so I made a quick dash for home and luckily I still had some giant bandaids left from the time I wrecked on my bike three weeks ago. While I was applying the bandaids to the chafing area, I successfully recruited Hubster to run with me. :)

Band-aids...they are definitely an essential...and a lifesaver. I heart Johnson and Johnson! lol

I finished the remaining miles I had left.
So altogether I ran 7.1 miles. The back of my legs were definitely burning and on the verge of cramping when I was done. I briefly stretched.

Then we went home. I had some yogurt and that was that!!

This upcoming week is an easy week. After three weeks of hard training...it's time to take a step back to rest up a bit. Happy running all!

joy?

2006-07-28T20:39:00.000-07:00

The Workout
Mileage: 6.o miles
Type: Endurance

I suck. Today was only the second time this week that I ran. :( I deserve a hard pinch to my arm or something.

I woke up this morning with the feeling that I absolutely, positively had to put in a couple miles before riding to class. So I fueled up with a 'nana, threw on some workout clothes, and hit the complex's fitness room. I ran just under 2 miles at a 9:50 pace.

Then I showered. Booked it to class on my bike.
Endured the 2.5 hours and had info overload. These last two days have been major info overloads. They leave me feeling frustrated and cranky moreso because I'm so confused and the only antidote is to read, read, read which eats up a lot of my time. We're covering transcription and translation. Blah. I've always hated this stuff.

Then I went to work and learned how to work the software that analyzes the carotenoid junk in the bird plasma I've been working with. Sigh. It took a while for me to get it and I wasted three hours doing that. Next week....JOY...no, really, that was sarcasm. Next week I have to do part two of my extraction process and use the software to analyze it. UGH.
Lab rat, I am not. I'd rather be outside catching the birds.

Then I huffed it back home on the bike and got the mail. I am anticipating my employment forms. I recieved the official letter of the job offer yesterday. I'm going to keep it and frame it. Ahhh...I don't care how inadequate the pay is--it's my first real job after college but it's a stepping stone to becoming a wildlife biologist! :) Gotta pay my dues.

No forms so I went back to the complex fitness room and ran a little over 4 miles. I ran the first 2 pretty fast, the 3rd moderate, and I was gasping for air on the 4th. I felt my heart flippity flop and I got scared so I slowed down. It was uncomfortably humid in there so maybe I was overstressing my body.

Oh yeah, I became annoyed when some lady came in the room with her 5-6 year old kid. The kid instantly got on the elliptical and started playing around with it. Periodically she was stare and stare at me, then go back to messing with the machine. I sound like a witch but one of my pet peeves is kids who STARE at me. I feel like their breaking my DNA strands apart with each stare!! Dont' parents teach their kids not to stare at people these days???

So yeah...I'm rambling.

Tonight Hubster and I are headed to the movie theatre to watch "My Super Ex-Girlfriend". Then tomorrow is an all day love-romp with my beloved Genetics material. Joy.

Feel Me Flow, Yo

2006-07-24T23:05:00.000-07:00

I did it.

The Workout
Mileage: 6.3
Type: Base, no hills

Though monotonous and therefore, challenging, I did my 6 miles on the treadmill today. Including a warmup, it came out to about 6.3 miles. Before heading to my complex's fitness room I tried to download some new tunes for my mp3 player. I tried to go old school. I'm only 24 so "old school" generally means the late nineties and the fiesty part of my college years. Fiesty meaning crazy. hehe

Feel Me Flow - Naughty by Nature
808 -Blaque
Heartbreaker - Mariah Carey
Hot Sexy Punkie - Sean Paul
Changes - Tupac
Gettin' Jiggy Wit It - Will Smith
Too Close - Next
This is How We Do It - Montell Jordan
Silver and Cold - AFI

I grew up during the rise of bubblegum pop and astonishingly enough, I forgot to add some Britney and Backstreet Boys to the mix. haha

Anyhow, I've been feeling extremely sluggish lately. It makes it hard to get into the groove of things when I set out to run. I partially took care of this problem by finally swinging around Scottsdale Running Co. to buy some new packets of GU. I'm such a vanilla type of person--literally. It's the only flavor I can stand in GU gels.

So I downed one before my run and another run around 4 miles. I've been so busy with school and studying that I keep forgetting to buy some new groceries. Not having a running car for a couple of days last week didn't help matters either. I noticed a dip in my energy because I usually fuel on bananas or yogurt every 2-3 hours and since I didn't do the shopping, I had to resort to buying pretzals or lattes during my class breaks. Not having the right mix of groceries also forced me to eat out on campus more times than I was comfortable with.

So be sure to eat right...it helps alot!

I finally did some shopping an hour ago so I should be good. But I'm back on track again folks...I'm a woman on a mission.

playing catch up

2006-07-24T13:03:00.000-07:00

First of all, hats off to Phil for setting a new 5k PR this weekend when all most of us Arizonans could do was scoff at the temperatures let alone run in it. ;)

I am struggling to keep up with my training schedule. I had an important exam that threw me off schedule since Wednesday and I've been scattering about trying to get back into gear. So for a short synopsis:

Wed. July 19 & Thurs. July 20 = did not run

Fri. the 21st
I had planned for a 30 min easy run with Trish at a park but the weather decided to turn on us and eventually, it was the lightening that scared me away. Luckily, she had some guest passes to a local gym so I did a brief 15 min run and some weight training before closing time.

Sat. the 22nd
Trish and I planned the night before to do an early morning hike at one of the "mountains" in Phoenix. If I had hurried with getting ready, we might have had time to drive all the way to Piestewa Peak but the sun was ascending fast so we decided on hiking South Mountain.

It was really fun! I don't know how many rabbits we saw as well as lizards. I was also fascinated by the ants there as well. (For those of you who don't know, I once worked in a research lab on campus that used ants as research organisms.) Before this weekend, I had never met T in person and we had such a wonderful time that I had no regrets in meeting at all. In fact, we had so many commonalities intact. I was telling her that it's a shame now that I've finally met someone to do outdoorsy things with, I'm leaving for the rez in 3 weeks. Boo-hoo. :( I suppose we'll resume our activities when I return.

We spent at least an hour and a half out hiking around.

That evening I tried to run outdoors on my usual route but it was stinkin' HOT! It was 9:30 pm when I took off and I couldn't manage to do more than 2 continuous miles. Hubster reminded me of the story in the current RW issue about the young kid who had overheated and died from an intense training run in the heat so I relented to walking the last mile. By the last half mile, I was slowly trudging along and was definitely feeling overheated. My arms were so slick with sweat and moisture that I knew I wasn't cooling properly.

Miraculously, I made it home.

Sun. the 23rd
I was tired the whole day. I accompanied Hubster to his posh office building so he could catch up on some work while I studied for my class. Studying always makes me tired. :(

That evening, I was still sluggish but headed to the gym for 6 miles on the treaddie. That wasn't to be realized because my stomach was still full from dinner and I felt like I was going to give birth to alien babies at any second so I only ran a little over 2 miles and ended with 25 minutes on the upright and recumbent bikes.

Hopefully today, I can get in that long run.
Better late than never.

BTW, I decided no more outdoor runs for me unless the temps are in the mid 90's. :(

slug

2006-07-20T17:15:00.002-07:00

In one word--

drained.

It's not even capitalized because it would take too much energy to even hit the Shift key to capitalize the 'd'. heh

I studied well into the night and the early morn. My prof did not disappoint. The exam about skinned me ALIVE! I'm scared to know how I did but from chatting outside of class, not everyone had a good feeling about their grades.

I didn't even run last night even though an easy 45 min run was schedule. I thought that failing the exam was way worse than missing just one night of running. I have intervals scheduled tonight but I'm too tired to think about it right now.

After the exam, I had a quick lunch with a classmate and fellow blogger then headed to the lab to extract some carotenoids. Blah. Let's just say that I'm glad I'm not making a career in clinical laboratory studies. hehe My poor eyes and my poor nostrils from whiffing ethanol every now and then.

Then I had to endure a long, HOT, sweaty bike ride home.

Now that I'm back home I have to worry about finding someone to jump my car so I can get the damn battery replaced. After all this...all I can think about is having one giant Cinnabon cinnamon roll for dinner.

It's justified. lol

for my happy feet

2006-07-19T20:33:00.000-07:00

I forgot to even mention that the Brooks shoes I had purchased a week ago didn't feel so hot when I got home and walked around in them. So I finally got around to going back to the running store to get an exchange. I was fitted for an Asics pair but unfortunately they didn't have my size. (Me and Bigfoot share the same size, I swear!) The nice guys there offered to order it from the company and call me when the order arrived.

Then I received a call yesterday saying that Asics wasn't going to have a new batch in my size til September! I couldn't wait that long so back to the store I went. This time I was fitted for a comfy new pair of Saucony's. They match my mp3 player! :)

The awesome thing was that they were cheaper than the Brooks shoes so I was able to grab pepper spray and a Headsweats (these are RAD!) visor to make up for the difference. When I ran the Iron Girl 10-miler last December, Hubster bought me a Headsweats cap with the IronGirl logo and name on it for me. I wear that hat every damn day back and forth from campus. I swear by them for keeping sweat at bay and keeping my noggin cool.

By the way, I neglected to mention I'm not doing the ARR #4 5k this weekend. I was browsing an issue of RW while doing x-training the other day and found that the San Diego Track Club is hosting a 3-miler at Balboa Park while I'm in town so I'm doing that instead. My first time running in a different city and my goodness, San Diego nonetheless!

Good luck to all who are doing the ARR 5k this weekend. I'll be thinking "cool" thoughts for ya.

Hear! Hear!

2006-07-19T15:34:00.000-07:00

It's not quite official yet but I GOT THE JOB!!

Yay to new experiences and resume building.
Boo to having to live without Hubster for approximately three months! :(

Double yay that I will now be training at higher elevation (from 1,100 ft in Tempe to 5,500 ft) and in beautiful scenery. Remember those Canyon de Chelly pics? That's my new office. :P

Triple yay that I will be nearby for the birth of my niece in September/October!

Through all the yays, I will definitely miss Hubster but we've weathered the long-distance thing before.

shakey leaf

2006-07-18T22:04:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling a bit loopy lately, hence the dry and seemingly skeletal posts. I've been feeling as anxious as a dog who recognizes the route to the vet clinic this week. I have my first Genetics exam on Thursday which is akin to having my life on the line. Just thinking about it makes me sweat bullets.

I also have an interview scheduled with someone from the Navajo Nation regarding my application for a temporary wildlife tech position this afternoon. I bought this interview question and answer book over the weekend and have been skimming through it as best I can without neglecting my studies. The good thing is that it's a phone interview but at the moment, I feel that I'm not adequately prepared. Maybe I'm making a big fuss over it but I'd rather be somewhat prepared than sounding like an unsure recent college graduate.

Hopefully, the interviewer happens to be a running enthusiast as well and we can bond on that. hehe

When I get anxious, I feel like I swallowed my heart and it's about to rip out of my chest to plot a mutiny against me. Ugh.

Other than that, I'm still on track with my running schedule. Yesterday I had a scheduled day off and the only thing I did was ride my bike to class. As for today--
The Workout
Mileage: 4.5 miles
Type: Tempo

This workout was divided into 10 minutes of warm-up, (2x) 10 min tempo/2 min recovery, and a 15 minutes cooldown. I had to cut my cooldown short because the gym was closing. However, I did get a good workout. On the tempos, I was running at an approximate speed of 9 min/miles and as fast as 8:30 when I got into a groove. It was awesome!!

Sometimes I hate doing tempo workouts because time seems to crawl by slower than usual. I'll be running and then looking down at the clock to see how much time I have left to go only to realize I have minutes instead of seconds. How I get through it is beyond me.
----
Lastly, I feel like I have not been giving adequate attention to other running blogs. After Thursday is over, I'll be back to regular commenting but please don't think I forgot you or think you've been boring. lol It's just one of those weeks.

P.S. Could you suggest some typical interview questions as well as some to-do's and not-to do's? I'd appreciate any help!!

no title--that's how original i am today

2006-07-16T22:40:00.000-07:00

The Workout
Type: Cross-Training
15 minutes stationary bike
15 min elliptical
10 min rowing machine
20 min incline walking (treadmill)

Short and sweet.
I'm working on a homework assignment right now but thought I'd write down the workout before I forget. I'm sleepy. :(

Today I had wings on my feet

2006-07-15T20:02:00.000-07:00

The Workout
Mileage: 5.8 miles
Type: Hills

I was dreading this particular run all week.
All one needs to say is "hills" and I'm already doing a 180. jk

The good thing is that I got through with it. Like I promised, I did said run at the gym. Oh how I love Saturday mornings. My treadmill was waiting there looking forlorn before I arrived. It saw me and I swear I could see energy halos coming off of it. Needless to say, it stuck it's tongue out at the crummy Woodway machines because it was picked. hehe

There was hardly a soul there and I loved it.

The miles were just flying by today, I swear and the hills were not as menacing on my legs as I thought they were going to be--especially coming from a week and some days without hill/incline training. So I have to say right now Good job legs! They are starting to feel super strong. :) I felt absolutely sensational when I was done. Boy do I love that runner's high!

Tomorrow is my scheduled day of cross training. I 'm glad that I made a calendar of specific workouts for each day. It's such motivation to be able to write a check mark with my red pen after I've accomplished the daily goal. Who would have known that the biggest difference in motivation would have come from such a simple act!

Right now I am preparing dinner. On tonight's menu is Sage seasoned porkchops simmered in beef broth and a side dish of green bean casserole. It's getting to be known as my specialty aroudn this house. hehe I've posted a pic of it in progress.

About an hour ago, we came back from watching Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth which is about the global warming crisis. I was expecting a little more but nevertheless I think it's an essential film that EVERYONE needs to see.

And I don't know if I mentioned but Hubster and I are headed to San Diego the first weekend in August. We hitting up Street Scene where a menagerie of our favorite bands will be playing (Tool, My Chemical Romance, The Shins, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Bloc Party and a couple others.) I made hotel reservations today!!!!!!! It's my way of rewarding myself for finishing up my final summer classes for my degree. :)

somebody HOSE ME DOWN!!

2006-07-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

The Workout
REST

I'm seriously really IRRITATED right now.

Hell, I've been crabby all day long man! Why?
It was stinkin' 113 F today and maybe even slightly higher in some areas. Shit, I felt it when I rode to school and when I was mulling around doing errands in town.

I'm the type of person who tries my best to withstand the heat as best I can. I feel like a wimp if I have to withdraw from the heat and be a whiny little baby about it. But Today? I felt downright bitchy but I kept it to myself. However, Hubster got the bad end of it later in the evening when I felt like the apartment wasn't cooling down and I had to walk back and forth to our laundry facility to do some loads.

I was preparing to do an early AM run for an hour tomorrow but considering that it's 10:30 pm right now and about 105F (!!) I'm not going to take my chances outdoors. I'm headed to the gym to do a treadmill workout.

When I was younger I was always in and out of the ER because of slight heat stroke or dehydration. Me and IV bags were like this...*crosses fingers*. The last thing I need to be doing is hooked up in a hospital when I've got studying to do for an exam next week!

My gosh! I really feel for the homeless folk here. I hope they find decent shelter and decent AC over the next couple of days. I'm sure I have experienced hotter temps but it feels like the hottest day I've survived that I can remember.

Blah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

However, it could be worse.
It could be not only over a hundred early tomorrow morning but it could also be bloody humid as well!

another chestnut

2006-07-13T20:16:00.000-07:00

I have nothing exciting to blog about other than to leave the outcome of my workout today. Tonight I am resigning myself to a night of laundry and Genetics. Fun stuff.

The Workout
Mileage: 3.5 miles
Type: Interval Training

I had a crummy treadmill today. Usually I run on a Precor machine but this time I arrived around what seemed like peak hours (around 6:20 pm) so my treadmill was taken. I had to run on a Woodway machine and it just rubbed me the wrong way so I was irritated the whole time but the workout had to be done. I'm such a finicky runner. Those ways sooo need to be shed.

My Chemical Romance carried me through the last 15 minutes. :)
Note to self: put AFI songs onto mp3 player.

Be vigilant Phoenicians!

2006-07-13T12:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening, Hubster and I went out to dinner. We were headed for one of our usual Mexican cuisine joints when I decided at the last minute that I was craving pizza instead. There was a new restaurant next door so we headed over there.

The indoor decor was very cozy but the service was terrible! We waited almost 25 minutes for our appetizer to come out and when it did, so did the rest of our order. The waitress hardly came around to check on our drinks and our status. I was very perturbed and Hubster was ready to walk out when the damn appetizer came out.

Anyhow, when we first came in we choose a table in the northeast corner of the establishment. Hubster was creeped out by a framed drawing near our table of a pair of owls, which in Navajo culture as well as some other Indian tribes are messengers of bad news. To make it worse, we were facing the north direction which is also considered a bad direction for traditional Navajos. So we moved to another table which was located right near an elevated TV.

Access Hollywood was on for a bit before a local AZ newscaster came on to report on live coverage of a Phoenix community meeting with the Phoenix Police Dept. They were meeting to discuss a crime spree of sexual assaults, rapes, burglaries, murders, and serial shootings that have plagued the area.

Hubster has always worried about me when I have decided to run at night. Lately, he has been riding his bike and following me on my routes. Most times, I sighed at having to bring along my cell phone because it irritated me and my form. (I know, it's dangerous!) So he made me watch and listen to what the police dept was telling the public.

I was freaked out that some of the shooting incidents were almost nearby my route and took place right around the time I run. In addition, I had been thinking about jogging at Kiwanis Park in the evening and the serial rapist has been hitting areas along Baseline Rd. (Kiwanis is on Baseline).

Before then, I had this innocent and naive outlook on the world and scoffed at the chances that something could happen to me. Afterall, who would mess with a woman who is 5'10" and could put up a fight? ? I forget that people don't fight fair and use weapons to subdue their victims.

So now, I'm going to curb the night runs as much as I can and exercise utmost caution to protect myself.

Sometimes I forget how scary the world is. Please be careful when you are out running...because you just never know.

Maybe it was a good thing the framed owl picture shooed us away from our initial table because I would have never come across the news.

For more info on the crime spree in Phoenix, go to the Silent Witness website.

the beginning of starting again

2006-07-13T00:47:00.000-07:00

First off, I just want to thank those who stopped by and left good messages that wished a speedy recovery from the bike wreck. Thanks!

I had lunch with my best friend JC the other day and apparently, he had once gotten into a wreck with his bike on the way to campus too. So he told me to expect to wake up with soreness the next morning which was exactly what happened. I was as sore as a mutha this morning. I thought about hopping on the transit bus to campus but ended up riding my bike. Yay brave Carmen! I rode much slower though.

So I was counting the number of weeks I have until the marathon and I have approximately 27 weeks, more or less. No sense in beginning the Higdon 18 wk plan until the last week of August so I decided to work on my 5k training until I near the first week of September. Then I will switch over to the marathon plan.

I've been getting magazines of Her Sports + Fitness in the mail over the past couple of months. I suppose the free issues came as a perk of one of the races I entered last year. It's a very good magazine that provides us regular everyday women with athletic female role models such as Lokelani McMicheal, who by the way is my new inspiration (along with Lance Armstrong).

In the most recent issue there was a plan for a better 5k. It lasts for 8 weeks and provides enough intensity for me to improve my fitness, stamina, and time without burning out. So i thought, What the heck! I'll try this.

As soon as I made up my mind, I went to work on an Excel spreadsheet to create a running schedule calendar for this month with a check off slot under each day. Today was Cross-Training day (60 min) or I had the option of running 45 minutes, easy.

The Workout
Running Mileage: 3.1 miles
Bike ride: 10 min ea x 2

I was not able to run the full 45 minutes because you know...I had to consider that I almost broke my bones the other day! haha I thought a 30 min run was appropriate. I also included the bike ride to and from school, 20 minutes. That should be enough.

Here are my lap times:
mile 1: 9:52
mile 2: 9:45
mile 3: 10:15

I was going to walk after 2 miles to catch my breath but ended up slowing down to a trot. That explains the slow mile 3 time. I'm trying to stay consistant with each mile time but I find it hard to run slow for the first 2 miles. My goal is 10:05 miles. Ah well. I'll return to that problem after I start the marathon program.

for now I suppose the faster times are acceptable given I'm under a 5k program now.

Well, I gotta get to bed now. Adios folks and happy trails.

P.S. The heat was brutal tonight. I ran at 10 pm and it was still hotter than a mofo!

she hit the concrete hard in an almost gnarly way

2006-07-11T22:08:00.000-07:00

I am seriously trying not to make excuses but I still have not run. It was on my to-do list today. That is, until I took a major spill on my bike on the way to campus today.

I was an idiot and put uneven weights on my handlebars. (Long story but my regular backpack was dirty from a banana I left rotting in there so I had to use a shoulder bag.) Catastrophe was inevitable as I was also late and riding like a mad woman for class. I made a fast and sharp turn and before I knew, my wheel locked (probably from the bag knocking into it) and all I could do was go with the flow of the fall.

What's funny was that my first instinct was to "pancake". I played some high school volleyball so it was pure instinct to lessen the impact but landing on my belly. haha

Some nearby painters helped me to my bike and realigned the chain on my bike.

I considered skipping class and going home to lick my wounds. Both knees were scraped and I have a huge boody red deep scrape on my left elbow. However, the superwoman in me wanted to go on with the show and kept riding to campus. What's worst was that I spilled right in front of a passing transit bus. lol

I was telling a classmate that the sadist in me actually liked the fall. Crazy, I know but it made me feel tough for getting back up and riding on. Maybe I can take mountain biking afterall. Big kahunas for someone with a fear of falling. lol

I'm considering a session on the elliptical but we'll see.
I still feel like my knees and elbow are on fire. :(

Update: My left arm is now experiencing a dull ache as is my wrist. I did not do the elliptical. We'll see what tomorrow morning brings.

Canyon de Chelly pictures

2006-07-09T20:07:00.000-07:00

A black and white snapshot of the south end of Canyon de Chelly (Chelly is pronounced as shay).

Another shot of the canyon. It was here that we were fortunate to watch four Ferruginous Hawks fly up around the sky, cute chipmunk like critters scurrying about the rocks, and a pair of rabbits! Definitely all signs of good luck!

Hubster took this shot of me and I tried hard not to squint because I hate that dimple that forms on my upper right cheek. lol

This is the famous Spider Rock where our deity Spider Woman lives.

If you look closely, you can see the Anasazi Ruins in a cliff alcove. I can't remember the specific name of this ruin site. I'm still amazed at how they were able to build such structures and live on cliff edges. I told Hubster that I wouldn't have made such a great Anasazi because I'm such a scaredy cat. I have a great fear of falling from high places.

This is me pretending to tell some magnificent story about the canyon. heh

Hubster and I saw this coffee shop sign prior to driving towards the park entrance. Changing Woman is perhaps the most important figure revered by Navajos. It is after her that young girls are molded to take after in our puberty ceremonies. Because I'm such a latte fiend, I told Hubster that it was a must that we stop there on the way back.

This is me at one of the coffee shop tables. And the iced vanilla frap we ordered was definitely among the best I have ever tasted! If you are ever in the area, be sure to stop by Changing Woman Coffee. You can't miss it!

I have been a very bad girl. I only managed to put in a 3-mile run on Thursday night. I have just eaten a big enchilada meal prepared by resident chef, Hubster, and I'm still full. I don't know if I can put in a run tonight as it is pretty late.

We all have these types of moments don't we?

I'm hoping to get back on track tomorrow and for the rest of this week. Oh yeah, I've decided on Hal Higdon's novice marathon plan. So it's time to shape up folks. No more monkeying around! I'm anxious to start because it means I have restored motivation and I still have yet to actually log some miles on my new shoes. They have already been affectionately dubbed, The Beasts.

also long overdue

2006-07-08T23:00:00.000-07:00

I finally bought my new shoes today!
Thanks to Ann's advice, I visited Performance Footwear in Tempe where my gait was analyzed and I was given expert advice and information on the biomechanics of my stride and pronation tendencies. I was quite horrified to say the least at the magnitude of my overpronation! lol

These new shoes are a dream!
Marathon, you had better be scared now.

Running in Beauty

Unveiling of the New Blog

This is the End.

Peeking Back In

And a Wedding Photo!

I'm Keeping Up

Goals and Treats

Taking Baby Steps

as the dust settles

motivation from yesteryear

The Hogan

Road Trip!

Bonafide 24 hour fitness gym member.

Merrily we run along, ahem, jog

Getting back on track

The Return...

almost there-- a clean slate

reflection on 25

work it, work it

Some non-running fun

the makings of a bridezilla

more 'woe is me' crap

my sights for 2007

2006 in review

note

members only

short and sweet

Protesting for the Holidays

wal-mart is here to save the day!

update on the foot

just when you think you've cleared a hurdle

recovery...one two three

Desert Classic 30k race report--kinda

hunger that could slay dragons

the highway woman

my own stomach is making me sea sick

yay

My 2nd Half-Marathon

time is relative

literary regurgitation

Run Asdzaan! Run!

oversight

PR also means Pretty RAD!

A little taste of glory!

less than 9 hours til the 10k

GODDAMMIT!

i'm supposed to have weeks like this or life wouldn't be fun.

Slow Start but so worth the drag

time to dust of the pepper spray

like a bee

easy peasy weekend

running through the barrio

plantar faciitis, damn you.

almost 10 miles.

Close but no cigar: ABQ 5k

ever high-fived a spider?

another 5k update, just shy of a PR

a storm that nearly threw me off

preparation starts at lunch

a tuba city weekend

steady as she goes

i get paid enough

Good news and Ugh news

Honk if ya love me!

here's the plan, stan

still trying...and feeling weak, weak, WEAK

a breakthrough

game on

My Mojo says HI

Adjusting

Must Watch BB

Puff, Puff *gasping for air!*

Settling in

back in full effect

Carmen Cookie Monster

short and sweet

holey moley

Some promised pics of my trip to San Diego

I'm Turning Batty

Dishing the Scoop

Puff, Puff gasping for air!