Category: Fun and Nonsense

Seasons Change

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It is finally the end of wedding season this year. Five out of five weddings complete….and already two on the calendar for next summer. This past weekend we headed out to the country for my cousin’s wedding on one of my uncle’s farms. The weather was beautiful, the ceremony was short and being able to see the whole family was a bonus.

My 14 year old sister…who is as tall as me

As soon as the ceremony was done, we headed back up north to Cleveland to see the Browns take on the Packers….I’ve been waiting for this for months! Football season is here! We barely made it in time, and I was excited to see I wasn’t the only who wasn’t wearing orange or brown. Although I did hear some fans calling me out for carrying around my giant cheese. Overall, it was a great game. I’ve always wanted to see the Packers play in person. Regular season and in Lambeau Field would be ideal, but I’ll take what I can get. It was an exciting game, and even though we lost, I know it will be a great season. Afterall, the Browns beat the Packers last year in preseason and then they ended up winning the Super Bowl…maybe history will repeat.

Are you a Browns fan?

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If you are, then you are like many other Clevelanders who have been waiting all year for football season. To some, it is the best time of the year. And the fact that it lasts through February, makes it even better. And this is the year, right? The Browns will win the Super Bowl?

Well……

I fully support you and your dedication.The most important people in my life are Browns fans.

But….

I am a proud Green Bay Packers fan, and now I lost most of my readers. I have been a Packers fan for as long as I can remember. I am more than excited that they will be in Cleveland tomorrow. So you can bet that I plan on being at that game. I’ll be leaving my cousin’s wedding early (don’t worry they’re already married, it’s their second ceremony) driving three hours back to Cleveland, just in time to see the game. So I apologize if you can no longer read my blog, but hopefully my choice won’t be too upsetting for too long. And don’t worry, I still love Cleveland!

Once a Muskie…

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Always a Muskie. I’m proud to be a Muskie and I’m sure there are a few readers who would agree. Many people have never heard of Muskingum or can even pronounce it. One of the best things I’ve found from going to Muskingum are the friendships. Sure everyone has their college friends they still keep in touch with, but there’s a special connection coming from a small school. I’ve ran into random people who went to Muskingum, and you instantly connect. You can pretty much talk about anything, and usually find out you both know many of the same people, even if you graduated years apart. Another bonus, I walked uphill both ways to class in snow. I could go on and on about Muskingum, but it’s just something you have to experience for yourself.

While I’m on this Muskie kick, I got to spend some quality time with some of my favorite Muskies this weekend. Not only did we live together on campus, but we ran those crazy hills together. We headed on over to Legacy Village for some Cheesecake Factory, I’m not a fan of cheesecake, but I’m a fan of food. It’s great to catch up with these girls and know they’ll always be an important part of my life!

These are Muskies

These are Muskies

These, are also Muskies

Auto what?

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I wanted to switch things up a bit today and tell you about something that many people have never heard of. While most of my life has been consumed with running, I do have another hobby that I unfortunately pushed to the back burner. On and off in the past seven years, I’ve spent a few summer Sundays on the pavement, not running, but racing my car. When I was 15 my dad introduced me to autocross, and well, that was all it took. I spent the whole year waiting for my drivers license, not just because I was excited to drive, I was excited to race.

By definition autocross is “a timed competition where drivers navigate one at a time through a temporary course marked by traffic cones, rather than racing on a track with multiple other cars” I define it as fun. All I wanted for my 16th birthday was a helmet and my race numbers, so much for being a girly girl.

Clearly over excited

A few days later happened to be the driving school, which my dad highly suggested doing, to make sure I would like this before I started to race. After all I had the helmet, I had to try it out. I also had the optimal car to drive in autocross, a Mazda Miata. I seriously didn’t plan this all out, I didn’t even like my car when I first got it. It’s been a long time since I first got out on the track, but I can guarantee I was nervous. This car was my baby, and these people wanted me to drive around dodging cones, at a semi fast pace? Sign me up for more, I like going fast! My race number was 52ES. E-stock being the category my car fell under and 52, being my lucky number. I had the option of putting “L” at the end, for “ladies” but if you’re going to do this, go all in. I wasn’t the fastest, but I sure had fun, and everyone accepted me. I was also able to beat my dad a few times…around that same time, he stopped going….;)

Determination

Over the years, I started feeling more comfortable and would push my car harder and harder, sometimes causing it to spin out, but that was all part of the fun. It was my summer time sport that I looked forward to every year. But once I went to college, my racing wasn’t in autocross, it was in cross country. My freshman year of college, my car was supposedly seeing its final days. The brakes weren’t reliable and it was just too small to take back and forth to school. I upgraded into a bigger 4 door sedan just like everyone else, a Mazda 3, still an eligible car for autocross. I took that year off though, simply for the fear of anything happening to my new car. I finally had the guts to take it out, but only attended one race, and was extremely cautious. I’m pretty sure 80 year old ladies were driving faster than me. Last summer I was ready to really push it hard. The only reason I had the guts…I was in a ditch 6 months early, and knew if my car could save me then, it could handle a few swift turns on the blacktop.

The joy was short lived 😦 I had to get replacement tires this past winter and I’m just not ready to scuff those up yet. But next year, there’s always next year.

Bicycles and Buckeyes

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Saturday began the busy weekend, I honestly don’t remember a weekend that wasn’t busy, and I know I won’t see another one until late July. After finishing finals ( Yes, finally done with Saturday morning classes!) we headed down to Westerville for the Tour de Cure. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned and Nicole was injured within her first hour of riding. But her uncle was still out there riding the complete 100 mile course so we set up camp at the finish line to support him. It was for a great cause, and even though she was injured, she was able to raise almost $700 for ADA. Somehow I was convinced to sign up for the 100 mile ride next year. We may be scaling it down to 30 or 60 miles after hearing stories about the course.

Sibling Support

The rest of Saturday became considerably better. We checked out The Pub, which I didn’t know was a chain. I knew of the restaurant in Rocky River and I was excited to find it down in Columbus. And I found authentic blueberry ale from Maine, which could be a new favorite! It just so happened that The Pub was right next to Dave & Busters, and we decided to check it out. I’ve haven’t been there since after prom in high school, its a little different when you can play skee-ball and have a drink in the other hand. You also realize that those prizes in the gift shop aren’t really worth the money you put into playing games. But it was fun, and I still kick butt at skee-ball 🙂

Sunday was unbelievable and overwhelming. I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but knowing that there would be close to 10,000 graduates, I knew it would be big. This was also the first time I would be inside the Shoe, which by the way, is more amazing than seen on TV. It was incredible to see the line of soon to be graduates walking in, and walking in, and walking in. This line seriously went forever.

2011 Ohio State Graduates

President Gordan Gee gave a great speech, as well as an entertaining joke by House Speaker John Boehner. The bell began to ring as the graduates went down to receive their diplomas then made their way to exit the stadium.  But with that many people, we would have been there all day if they had said each name, so I’m glad it went quick. It was impressive to see such a great ceremony in only a matter of 2.5 hours. I was also able to find one of my closest friends from high school before she received her diploma.

One of my high school besties

All in all it was a great weekend, even with Nicole’s injury. Now I’m starting to countdown until my finals for my MBA….only 5 months and 2 days until I finish!

Congrats Nicole!

And don’t worry Columbus, I’ll be back Saturday for round two!

Columbus, let’s play!

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For the next couple of weekends, I’ll be leaving the beautiful shores of Lake Erie to head to Columbus. All of which, I’m looking forward to, knowing they’ll lead up to my big trip to North Carolina!

First, I’ve completed my list of the 25 half marathons I’m going to be doing! The next challenge comes with organizing when I’m going to run these. April and October are full months, so I know these will have to be done each year. Other than that I have no schedule, except for a few races I’d like to do next year. 2012 race tab will be up soon!

Second, the Tour de Cure comes to Columbus this weekend! I’m not riding because I have a a final in the morning, but Darren’s sister (Nicole) is riding the 100 mile century ride. Yep, 100 miles. I’ve give her so much credit for doing this, and for a great cause.

Third, the class of 2011 graduates from the Ohio State University Sunday. Not only is Nicole riding in the Tour de Cure this weekend, but she is graduating from OSU on Sunday. Big weekend for her!

So this weekend will be busy, but fun. And I’m hoping to get some runs in at new places. As well as a congrats to all 2011 graduates 🙂

Weekend Update

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After work Friday I headed to Second Sole to pick up my race packet for the Girls with Sole 5k. I wasn’t expecting anything big, just a shirt and probably some info about the race. I was impressed with all that was included. We got a huge recyclable bag, candy, massage oil, coupons to some great restaurants around the area, and the shirt, which was a light cotton and true to its size. Other small things were included, but they weren’t as fun. I also may or may not have picked up a few small things for myself and future races.

Ralphie not included

D and I also decided on more states for my 25 Challenge, mostly places that we know someone so we’d have a free place to stay. I’m looking forward to starting it next year. This year is all about Ohio and the beautiful state I call home 🙂  Saturday was the usual four hour morning class, followed by the new tradition of going to Fat Heads Brewery in North Olmsted. I’m obsessed with their Blueberry Ale, seriously so good. While we were there I kept seeing runners come in, drenched with sweat. Not so appetizing. The bartender told us that they do this each Saturday during the summer. A group of runners start downtown or near Cleveland and run from bar to bar, eating and drinking during their workout. How fun, right? Made me feel guilty that I hadn’t run yet, and was already planning on a nap once I got home.

Saturday night we headed to the Jake to hopefully see the Indians win. Unfortunately they didn’t, but we saw some of D’s friends and as well as made an enemy. You can’t go to an Indians game, claim them as your team, and then bash them the whole night. Needless to say, it was one against many in our section. But it was a good time besides for the heat, and seats right behind Grady are totally worth it.


Sunday was the big day. My first 5k in a year and a half. Woke up tired, and strangely nervous. Headed to Rocky River and was pleased with the current weather, about 65 and sunny. The set up was great. There were probably 10 vendors, real bathrooms, and a DJ. About 5 minutes to race time we listened to the goal behind the organization, followed by a song and national anthem. That’s when the heat came and after 10 minutes, I was already feeling exhausted. The race started and I planned to go out slow, I didn’t have a pace or even knew what time I wanted, I just wanted to do it. First mile 8:35. Not bad. Second mile I slowed so I could try to keep on pace the whole time….that didn’t go as planned. Second mile 18:40. What! I made a habit of not looking at my watch until mile markers so I had no idea I had slowed that much. There were some small inclines and a water stop in mile 2, but I had no idea how bad it was. I tried to be a little quicker for the last mile, but by this time, the humidity wasn’t helping. Finish 29:01. My slowest 5k ever. Ever. All I could think of was how disappointed I was in myself. This is not what I had wanted, I was thinking 27 minutes at the worst. I’ve never felt this let down before, and I knew the hot topic of friends would be “How’d you do?”

I spent the next couple hours laying on the couch, not feeling like I had even ran earlier. I was still upset and knew I should have ran faster. I’ve been running and putting in the mileage. Looking back now, I knew part of it was the humidity. And after finding the results online, I feel a little better. I was 6th out of 25 in my age group, and times overall for everyone seemed to be much slower than most 5ks. I refused to let this race get the best of me, so I ended up doing extra miles on the treadmill that night. Looking into the future, I need to do more speed work, I need to get my times down or else I’m going to feel defeated. A year and a half later I’m still struggling with the mind game college times versus post college times. I’ve accepted the fact that I will never get down to my PR, but I have to keep going. I’m putting it in the past and focusing on my next two races. Winking Lizard and Huntington Duathlon. From here out, I’m getting much more serious.

The 25 Challenge

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Between my love for traveling and running, I’ve given myself a new goal, The 25 Challenge. This is not something I plan to do before I turn 25, I don’t think it would be possible, but something I plan to do over the next couple of years. One of my high school coaches had a goal of running a marathon in every state. She’s always been a big inspiration to me so I blame her for giving me the idea.  Scale it back to something I would want to do, run a half in half of the states. This isn’t a new concept, and I’m sure many people have tried or want to do this as well. I’m not setting a time limit, but I would like to average between 3-4 half marathons a year. Ran one and now I can’t stop. Yes, I could be crazy, but when I’m passionate about something, I tend to be an over achiever. This is where I need your help. I’m in need of 24 states to cover, and I only have a few in mind. So if you know of any races out of state that would be fun to run or states to see, let me know. I’m hoping to compile the list in the next couple of weeks. Here’s what I have so far, not much, but it’s a start!

1. Maine-Mount Desert Island YMCA Half Marathon

Reason: I have a slight obsession with lighthouses and my favorite (Bass Harbor Light) is actually in Acadia National Park located on Mount Desert Island. I’m doing this one next September.

2. Colorado-Need your help!

Reason: Within the next year or so I’ll be taking a trip to Colorado for some snowboarding and I need a half to run, anything between Jauary-March?

3. Arizona-Rock & Roll Arizona Half Marathon

Reason: When I went to Phoenix in April, I fell in love with the area. I’m already looking forward to going back in the fall.

4. Nevada-Red Rock Canyon Half Marathon

Reason: As if I’d need a reason to go to Vegas again!

5. California-13.1 Los Angeles

Reason:  One of my oldest and closest friends lives outside LA and runs marathons, so I might be able to convince him to run the half with me.

6. Washington-Seattle Half Marathon

Reason: I’m on a search for McDreamy, but since he’s leaving Grey’s 😦 I’ll just load up on Starbucks instead

7. Illinois-Chicago Spring Half Marathon

Reason: I love Chicago, I’ve never ventured into the city, but driven past it. I am determined to get there

8. Wisconsin-Cellcom Green Bay Half Marathon

Reason: Green Bay Packers, Start and finish at Lambeau Field. No other reasons needed.

Yes, these won’t all be accomplished within the next year, but it gives me something to look forward to and work towards. I appreciate any ideas of states and races. I love a good vacation, and when I can run, it makes it so much better!

A love affair…

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I was looking forward to having a long weekend to get plenty of miles in, but I cheated. I cheated on running with my bike. And I have to admit, I enjoyed it.

Back track, Friday after work I went out for what I thought would be a relaxing run,  I ended up doing more of a tempo run. I felt great, and since I can do the distance, I need to work on a quicker time. Saturday, after my morning class, Darren and I headed up to Eddy’s so he could finally get his bike. This is where it began. After numerous suggestions of things I think he may have needed, we got out of there and headed to South Mastick in Rocky River Reservation, my fav place in the parks. 12.5 miles later we were in love, with our bikes. I feel much better biking this summer compared to last, because I’m actually in shape, running and biking have turned my legs into beasts. Starving and energized we met up with my friend and her bf at Bonnie’s Lounge in Fairview Park later that night, good food and good company.

Sunday, usually a day I dread, was welcomed for once. We went and saw the Hangover 2. Good, still can’t decided if the first was better or not. Couldn’t waste the beautiful day, so we were out on the bike path again, this time south of Berea and into some not so populated areas. I won’t be going out that way alone any time soon. Only able to do 6. 5 miles, trying to beat the storm, but it still felt good to be out there.

Monday was my recovering day, I haven’t caught up on sleep since the Cleveland Half, leaving me exhausted, and my apartment starting to grow dust kittens. Ok, it could just be the fact that my cat sheds as much as I do, but I had a ton of things I needed to clean. Regardless, I had planned a productive day, until I found a stack of Runner’s World magazines and the Sex and the City marathon on tv. I did come up with some ideas for future races, more to come later this week! But an evening run was on the schedule and there was no way I could skip it after not running since Friday. Hello humidity! Probably one of the worst runs this year, overall I felt good, but couldn’t breathe. I was able to sweat out all of the bad food and drinks I had consumed this weekend.

Looking forward, this is pre-race week! The Girls with Sole 5k is Sunday. I’m hoping the humidity will calm down and the weather will cooperate. As of now it will be a low of 63 and a high of 77 with no rain 🙂 Right now, it’s just carbo load, not a problem, and some easy mile the rest of the week.