Three Things Thursday

1. Don't get me wrong. I like this Indian summer we're having here Wisconsin. Really can't argue too much when we've got temps in the upper 70s, sun, no clouds and barely any wind. The thing I don't like? I'm kind of over the whole, "dripping so much it looks like I just stepped out of the shower" phase when it comes to my runs. If I was running at noon, during the hottest part of the day, maybe I could understand. But I went for my run at 6 p.m. tonight and by the time I got home 4 miles later, the sun had set and it was starting to get dark. And I was still dripping wet. Hey Mother Nature. Let's compromise. How about upper 60s? That would make me happy.

2. Uh, what am I going to do this weekend? The Badgers have a bye week and the Packers don't play until Sunday night football. That's a lot of extra time to fill. Oh yeah. That's right. I've got a 25-mile bike ride for breast cancer awareness on tap along with having to fit in an 8- or 9-mile run. And a whole lot of extra time to enjoy the outdoors. Can't wait.

3. I can't avoid it. I've got to mention something about Steve Jobs. I admit. I'm not the type of person that needs everything Apple. Yes, I have an iPod (two actually - a shuffle and a classic). Yes, I considered getting an iPhone, but I ultimately went with a Droid. I like my PC. I don't have an iPad. But I like the Apple products.

I keep going back to that commencement speech Jobs gave at Standford in 2005. He said some great stuff. Things that apply to all aspects of life. And because this is my blog, I can do what I want. And I'm putting those nuggets of information here. Mostly for me, but maybe they'll make you think as well.

"You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever."

"You've got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle."

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."

Yes, they're the three quotes that everybody has been throwing around on Twitter and Facebook. But that must mean the man when on to something when he said them if they still pack a punch six years later. I think the man knew about more than just computers. RIP Steve Jobs.

2010: A look back at the year

It's kind of hard to believe that 2010 is almost done. Personally I'm still trying to figure out what happened to the month of January. Or March. Even July. It just seemed like the year flew by. It was full of some exciting moments and some great opportunities yet at the same time there were a few disappointments and struggles. But overall it was a pretty good year. Let's take a quick look back at some of the highlights:

January 

I said hello to my 30s and celebrated by completing an indoor triathlon and picking up some first place hardware, going out for some tasty Mexican with friends and catching a Division III college basketball game.

February

There was a new man in my life. OK. Not a man of the human kind. I finally caved and used some birthday money to treat myself to a Garmin 305, which I named Gus. We feel in love instantly.

March

I recorded my highest mileage month ever when I logged 72.5 miles.

April

I got locked up. Well not literally, but I did spend an evening at Alcatraz when I flew out to San Francisco to visit my college roommate. There was also wine tasting in Napa Valley and a 4-mile run through a very hilly cemetery. It was a great trip. And one that I'm glad I took since my friend recently left California behind and moved back to Chicago!

May

My dad caught the walking bug. His company was a major sponsor of the Sole Burner, a 5K in my hometown that raises money for the American Cancer Society, and since they were paying for employees' registration, he decided to walk the 3.1 miles. It was cute. Dad was worried about being able to cover the distance. But he rocked the 5K. I was glad I got the chance to do it with him (well, I ran). It was the first of three 5Ks my Dad did this year.

I tackled the half marathon for the first time since battling The Monster. I finished the Green Bay Half Marathon with a lap around Lambeau Field and set a new personal record in the process. I'd say that was a good way to reintroduce myself to half marathons.

June

I survived swimming through whitecaps, biking into a nasty headwind and running up a cliff road at the High Cliff Sprint Triathlon. And set a new PR at the event in the process.

July

Looking back, July could be remembered as the month of racing. There were three races - the Firecracker 5K, the Trek Women's Sprint Triathlon and the Scheel's Sunset 5K - all within a two week period. Of course the highlight might just be finally getting my picture taken with Bucky Badger at the Firecracker 5K. Seriously. How can a Badger fan go 30 years without getting a picture?

August

It was hot. And humid. And the thought of running long distances outdoors wasn't appealing. So I decided to take my long run indoors. But not on the treadmill. Nope. Instead I ran 9 miles on the indoor track at the YMCA, where 11 laps equal a mile. For those keeping track that's 99 laps. A lot of running in circles. Maybe I should just learn how to get up early during the summer.

September

I became one of Lady Gaga's little monsters when I drove my dad and cousin down to Milwaukee for her concert at the Bradley Center. The concert was actually pretty amazing and well worth the trip down. And most importantly, my dad had a great time.

September was also the random meeting of an elementary school friend at the expo for the Fox Cities Half Marathon. It was a great mini-Columbus Elementary School reunion among three good friends and the race wasn't too awful either. Set another PR.

October

 While I could make the argument about the Badgers being a highlight for the entire year (hello, Rose Bowl?) I'll stick them in the October slot. Because after opening the Big Ten season with a loss at Michigan State, Bucky came on strong with back-to-back wins against then-No. 1 Ohio State at Camp Randall (so wish I could have been there) and then on the road at Iowa. Those were the two games when I first looked at the schedule that had me worried. I was thinking best case scenario they'd split. But Wisconsin pulled it out. The magic continued through the rest of the season, where the Badgers ended up outscoring their opponents 235-84 over their final four games on their way to an 11-1 record, a No. 5 BCS ranking and a chance to take on TCU in the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day. Magical. (Note: The picture is actually J.J. Watt after the Badgers beat Northwestern in late November.)

November

The Santa Scamper is supposed to be a fun run. It's held every year before my hometown Christmas parade and it's a one-mile run down the parade route so there's a ton of crowd support! I'm not sure if it's because I was so freaking cold or if all the running I've been doing this year has paid off, but I posted my fastest mile time ever, 8:56. I hope to lower it even more at next year's edition.

December

Las Vegas. Need I say more? There was sightseeing. A ton of walking. A moment when I straddled the state line and the right side of my body was in Arizona while the left half of me was in Nevada at the Hoover Dam. And oh yeah, that whole half marathon thing. Even though I was sick and my legs were dead tired and decided to revolt at Mile 10, I still had a blast. Great trip.

And I'm crossing my fingers that everything goes to plan today and I'm able to sneak in a 9.7 mile run, which would put me at 600 miles for the year. That would be the most miles I've ever run in a year before.

Overall I'd say it was a good year. But I'm looking forward to seeing what 2011 has in store.

Tuesday: Bullet point style

I'm hauling out the bullet points today. Some stuff to say, but not a lot of time. So short and to the point it is.

• Ended up getting stuck at work late on Friday. Partly due to a bigger story that came together late in the day and partly due to the massive storm that rolled through Oshkosh right about quitting time. And since it was coming down in sheets - sideways - I refused to drive in it. So sitting at my desk late it was. Kind of threw off my post-work plans. So no run.
• Saturday I spent a good chunk of the day driving around in swanky cars. For a good cause. It was the Drive for a Cure event at one of the local car dealerships. There was a fleet of 100 cars. You went, signed up and drove a pre-determined 11-mile route. The dealer would donate $1 to the Susan G. Komen fund and since breast cancer is something that has touched my family - my grandmother passed away due to it when I was 4 - it's a cause I support whole-heartedly. So I drove. Four different cars - a Nissan Altima, a Lexus sedan, a sporty BMW sedan and (my favorite) an Acura TSX - 44 miles. A good time. For a good cause. I felt speedy. But thankfully I wasn't speedy when I drove by those cops who were sitting out on the route taking radar.
• I had an 8-mile run on the plan for Sunday. I was going to add on an extra quarter-mile and count it for MCM Mama's Mama Goes Masters virtual race. It was ugly for so many reasons. Look for the race report soon.
• I haven't run since Sunday.Blame it on that ugly run Sunday. Hoping to sneak in a run on Wednesday after my nephew's birthday party.

That's it. Hopefully I'll be back to somewhat regular blogging (and blog reading) habits soon.

Three Things Thursday

1. The fog is still out of control. And since it was dark and I was alone, I headed over to the YMCA for my 6-mile run on the treadmill tonight. That's the furthest I've ever run on a treadmill. And that last mile? It was tough. Good thing I had some college basketball to keep me entertained.

2. Is anybody else excited for Daylight Savings Time this weekend? A whole extra hour of lightness! That means I can start running outside after work and won't run the risk of becoming roadkill on the side of the road because some driver can't see me in the dark!

3. I've got a date with my tax returns tomorrow night. I've been putting off doing my taxes for way too long. And I know once I sit down to do them, it won't take me that long. I'm just procrastinating. But tomorrow night? Me, my W-2 and other tax stuff have a date. It'll be an exciting Friday night.

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Head over to Anne Marie's blog, Goals for the Week, and check out a cool running apparel giveaway!

Bring on the randomness!

Ms. Ironman-in-training Leana over at Runner Leana tagged me with the Gorgeous Blogger Award. Thanks Leana!
I'm supposed to tell you six random things about myself. As this award is spreading through Blogland, some folks have been putting together their six random things based on a theme. So here it goes, six random things from my weekend.

1. I had to make one of those expensive Target runs this weekend. Seems like it always happens: I run out of a bunch of stuff (body wash, shampoo, toothpaste, face wash, moisturizer, etc.) all at the same time, leading to an expensive Target run. This was one of those runs. On the plus side, I may have splurged and come home with some Reese's Peanut Butter eggs.

2. I love coupons and grocery store sales. I had to get some cereal for breakfast. I had a coupon for $1 off two boxes of Frosted Mini-Wheats plus some Personal Perks grocery store reward. What that means? I got a free box of cereal!

3. If you think about seasons in terms of cooking, spring has officially sprung. I went to my parents' house for dinner Sunday (well, and to hijack their TV to watch the Badger game) and we had brats on the grill. First time since last fall!

4. I really wanted to finish reading "Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen" by Christopher McDougall this weekend. So close. But not done yet. Really interesting book by the way. While it's a great book, I don't think I'll be tossing my shoes in favor of barefoot running anytime soon.

5. I'm going through Olympic withdrawal. Good thing March Madness starts this week with conference tournaments leading up to Selection Sunday!

6. I feel a little guilty about skipping my long run this weekend. I've even tried rationalizing that the three short runs I did do Saturday and Sunday add up to the mileage I was supposed to do, but that isn't even helping.

There you go. Six random things I did or thoughts that ran through my head this weekend. Now it's time for me to pass it along...

Teacherwoman at Dare to Tri, Libby at From 0 to Runner, Suzy at Running on my Time, MCM Mama, Mel at Tall Mom on the Run and and Anne Marie, you guys are it!

Three Things Thursday

1. Looking forward to my first date with Gus on Saturday. The plan calls for a 4-mile run and since it's supposed to be nice, I'm heading outside with Gus. Even though I could probably have my first meeting with tomorrow since I don't go into work until late. But during my run tonight on the treadmill, my left ankle and left knee area were a little tender. Hmmm. Not good. Hopefully a rest day will cure it.

2. Of course replacing my running shoes will probably also help. It's long overdue. Just waiting to get my tax return. Shoes and Green Bay Half Marathon registration. That's what I'll be doing when Uncle Sam gives me some cash.

3. Sunshine. Not only was it sunny out today but Badgergirl's blog got some sunshine sent her way from Suzy and MCM Mama. I'm supposed to pass the sunshine along to 12 other blogging buddies, but it's been passed around quite a bit this week. So if you haven't been tagged, consider yourself tagged.

I've been tagged for randomness

We're playing a game of tag here in the blog-o-sphere. And not one, but TWO people tagged me. MCM Mama and Libby both tagged me and gave me the Beautiful Blogger award. Instead of some long-winded acceptance speech, I get to tell you guys 7 random things about myself. I'll try to come up with some random stuff I haven't mentioned before.

Here we go...

1. I've only broken one bone in my entire life. I broke my right wrist in kindergarten. I wish I could say I was doing something super dangerous - but really, how dangerous and dare devil-like can a 5 year old get? - but I just fell off a piece of playground equipment. The boys were jumping off these concrete barrel things we had at my school, I was standing up there, peered over the edge and lost my balance. Fell down and broke the wrist.

2. I once managed to break down smack dab in the middle of an 80-mile stretch of road between exits on an Interstate. My friends and I were on our way back from Los Angeles after seeing the Badgers in the Rose Bowl. The tow truck driver asked which way we wanted to go. I told him, "Take us east."

3. My favorite color is blue. But there's an awful lot of red in my closet. Does it have anything to do with the fact that I'm a Badger? Hmmm.

4. I went out for cross country in middle school. I was in eighth grade so we had to run 1.5 miles. I quit after one season. I hated running long distances. But I was a hurdler through my freshman year. But I stopped because I used to get freaked out I'd hit my knee on the hurdle.

5. My brother is 4 1/2 years older than me. Who cares, right? Well, it means I have issues dating anyone older than my brother. Not sure what that means.

6. I tried living out of state away from my family. Graduated from college and got that whole, "I'm a big, independent adult" mentality. I moved to Indiana. Hated it. Moved back to Wisconsin after exactly 365 days. Not kidding.

7. I love flip flops. I wear them all summer long and only switch them out for my running/biking shoes. I wish shoemakers would come up with some kind of running flip flop. I'd be in heaven.

There we go. Seven, hopefully, random things that I haven't mentioned before. I hope you enjoyed. Now I'm supposed to tag 7 bloggy folks.

Mel at Tall Mom on the Run
Kristie at Vegan in Dairyland
Sarah at Chasing Iron
Lacey at Common Objects and Everyday Events
Runner Leana at Runner Leana
J at Morning Runner
Jess at Run Girl Run

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And what do you think of tutus? Do you like 'em? If so, head on over to Tall Mom on the Run's blog. She's got a super cool tutu giveaway going on.

And if tutus are you're style, what about Road IDs? They're a good tool to have if you're heading out on the bike or for a run or any other activity where it's good to have identification on you. Head over to Tricia's blog where she's got a giveaway going.

Three Things Thursday

So many other bloggers do this, so I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon.

1. It's been a hellacious week at work. I'm working a second shift, but it always happens that I end up having to go in early a few of those days, so I end up working a split shift. And my days get broken up. And there isn't time to fit in a run or workout. And I get crabby. Add to it trying to fit two weeks of work into one week and I've been a slightly frazzled Badgergirl this week. And no runs? Kind of crabby. But I had a bit of time this afternoon, so I laced up the sneakers, threw on my new running duds and headed out the door. Three miles never felt so good.

2. I have an indoor triathlon coming up on Saturday. And I haven't stuck a toe in the pool since before Christmas. Oops. My Monday morning swim class is still meeting, but two weeks I was dealing with The Cold That Would Never End and this Monday I woke up with a nasty headache. Guess I'll just wing the 8 minute swim portion on Saturday.

3. That indoor triathlon is also my last race in my 20s. Sunday? I turn the big 3-0. Not sure how I feel about that yet. I'll let you know on Sunday.

Thinking happy thoughts

Coming over to post on my blog reminds me I should really do some updating over on that right sidebar. It's no longer 2009 and I've got some tentative plans for a 2010 schedule. Maybe later this weekend.

I was right, my legs were screaming at me on Thursday after the crazy run/bike workout I did on Wednesday night. So I took the day off. And it's Friday today, I had intentions of heading over to the YMCA after work, but I got caught up in a project at work and was there later than I was hoping. And I was hungry. So I went home.

Tomorrow morning. Badgergirl and the treadmill? We've got a date. And this time our meeting will be done before the Badgers try to hand Purdue its first loss of the season.

So with no running or biking news to report, I give you a list. Lacey tagged me and asked me to list 10 things that make me happy. Weekends make me happy (and I'll try not to include that on the list, or else I'll make it No. 11), so the timing is appropriate.

Ten things that make me happy....

1. Curling up in my recliner with my blanket and a good book.
2. Warm, hot showers
3. Crawling into bed with freshly washed sheets
4. Macaroni and cheese
5. Hugs from The Rugrats
6. The lake
7. Badger victories
8. Family get togethers
9. A good run
10. The outdoors after a fresh snowfall
11. Weekends (I couldn't help it)

I'm supposed to tag some folks. I'm not sure who's already done it so if you're up for the challenge and want to let us know what makes you happy, tag, you're it!

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And for those of you looking to score some sweet schwag without having to enter a race, head on over to Running Circles Around Turtles for a spiffy giveaway!

Like free stuff? Check out this giveaway

You can't argue with the chance to win free stuff. There's peanut butter Clif Bars, Clif Kids Mixed Berry Twisted Fruit Snacks and a Headsweats visor. That's a good box o' stuff! And the peanut butter Clif Bars? Delicious. My favorite flavor. Go to The Daily Cadence and check it out!

I admit, it's a little odd to see

A sports-related note, but taking a breaking from running, biking and swimming...

For the first time, Brett Favre, the Green Bay Packers quarterback I grew up loving, takes the field tonight, wearing Viking gear and facing off against the team he thrived with for 16 years.

Packers versus Vikings. On Monday Night Football.

And I'm stuck in my office. Working the night shift.

This is just so wrong. But at least I've got a TV within 10 feet of me.

And a bit of advice for the Packers defense? Hit him hard boys.

Races from a different perspective

I saw a race from a different perspective today.

From the eyes of a volunteer and a spectator.

Today was the Fox Cities Marathon, the site of my first - and only - half marathon two years ago. Last years I missed it because I was still recovering from the attack of The Monster and this years I didn't sign up because I haven't been getting along with running so there was no way I was prepared to run 13.1 miles.

But I wanted to do my part. So I signed up as a volunteer. And I spent the morning handing out Mylar blankets and offering words of congratulations to half marathon finishers and then spent a portion of the afternoon standing along the course and cheering on marathon runners to the finish.

As I was standing in the finish chute, I saw the elation as people crossed the line. Finishing their first or 40th half marathon. Seeing the result of weeks of training and long runs. Seeing the excitement on their faces when they realized they just set a new personal best.

And I realized I wanted that too.

I want to put in the miles, hours and sweat to be able to cross that finish line myself next September. I want to see if I can best my half marathon time from 2007 and see if running 13.1 miles is easier the second time around. So starting tomorrow it's my goal, get ready to tackle the half marathon again. Those 13.1 miles should be scared.

While coming to that realization that I wanted to add another half marathon to my list was a big thing, that wasn't the best part of the morning.

No. That came courtesy of a woman whose name I don't even know.

I was standing there with a Mylar blanket in my hands when she crossed the finish line 13.1 miles after she started the run. While she was walking through the chute, I reached out and offered her a Mylar blanket. She smiled, nodded. I wrapped the blanket around her shoulders, told her congratulations and to enjoy the recovery period, because she deserved it.

And even though she had just run a half marathon, she turned, smiled at me and said, "And I thank you for all that you did today."

And with that, she walked to the back of the chute to claim her medal - a sign of what she had done today and in the days and months leading up to that moment.

Yes, I've run races and done triathlons. And I've relied on those volunteers and know what an important role they play. But I never thought about that when I signed up for the volunteer role. And to have that woman take time out of an amazing day for her just to thank me, made me realize I need to do the same thing next time. Because volunteers are important, just as important as our friends and family who stand by our sides when we decided to tackle these events.

The jet's loud, but a moment of silence for the Raptor please

A moment of silence please.

No thoughts of running. Or biking. Or swimming.

Just a moment of silence for the F-22 Raptor, which will no longer be made after the Senate rejected additional funding for the fighter jet.

Sigh. The Raptor. An amazing aircraft. One I've had the chance to see with my own two eyes the last two summers at EAA's AirVenture (which starts Monday, but the Raptors won't be coming this year).

Just take a look at just a tiny bit of what that fighter jet is capable of doing.

Apparently tennis and radio do go together

There was a first for me today.

I listened to a tennis match. On the radio.

I grew up playing tennis, played in high school and still pick up my racket on occasion, although I wish I stepped foot on a court more often.

I love it when the Grand Slams come around, especially Wimbledon. It was the tournament that first made me fall in love with the game - watching Andre Agassi win his first Grand Slam title in 1992.

But since I don't have cable, getting a chance to watch Wimbledon was difficult. During the week I'd time my lunch break at work and park myself in front of the big screen TV in the break room. Or I'd be following the live results on the Wimbledon Web site when I was back at work. I'm lucky this weekend, NBC does decide to broadcast the men's semis and the men's and women's finals.

And since I was off work today, I was ready. Ready to park myself in front of my TV this morning and watch Andy Roddick take on Great Britain's Andy Murray - and the heavily pro-Murray crowd - for a chance to play in the Wimbledon final on Sunday.

One problem. NBC wasn't airing the match live. ESPN was, but let's not forget that no cable thing, and NBC's coverage would start at noon. But I didn't want to wait. I knew Roddick was playing right then. At 10:30 a.m. I didn't want to wait another hour and a half.

I jumped on my computer, did some looking and realized that Wimbledon's Web site had a free radio feed of the match, but no video feed. Hmm. A tennis match? On radio? Kind of reminds me of listening to a NASCAR race on radio. Hard to imagine.

Listening to the commentary was better than nothing, so I hit play. The commentators weren't bad. Real British accents and you could tell they were a bit pro-Murray. But still. Listening to them? You could hear the excitement in their voices. Got a feeling for how great this match was.

In the end the match was determined with a fourth set tiebreak. Big serves from Roddick, well placed shots by both guys. But Roddick ended up pulling out the win, earning his place in the final.

Sigh. I missed it. Yes, I could have watched the tape delay NBC was showing. But at this point I knew how the match ended, thanks to the radio guys, and it was too nice out to stay cooped up indoors. So I didn't watch it.

I'm happy to see Roddick back in the final. After a couple of rough years, it looks like his game is back to the level it was in 2003 when he won his only Grand Slam title - the U.S. Open - and 2004 and 2005 when he faced Federer in the Wimbledon finals. Actually his game looks better. It's not just about his big serve anymore. He's got the ground strokes, the volleys, the serve, the patience and shot making skills. A more complete game.

So you can bet I'll be up early Sunday morning, waiting for Roddick to take on Roger Federer in the final. Because getting a chance witness history - with Federer going for a record breaking 15th Grand Slam title - and to watch Roddick - live - is something I can't pass up. The early wake up call is worth it.

"I can play some tennis sometimes and not many people were giving me much of a chance at all. I knew I could stay the course, that I had a shot."

Andy Roddick in a post-match interview

Furloughs are meant to be spent outdoors. Not inside.

When I scheduled this furlough, I looked at the calendar and choose my week carefully. I had my choice, any week between April and the end of June.

I picked this week. Mostly because it's been a while since I had some time off of work and usually June is pretty nice here in Wisconsin in terms of weather.

Apparently Mother Nature didn't get the memo I'd be off this week. Because the weather? Yuck. Temperatures in the mid-50s (if we're lucky), cloudy and rainy. Just the kind of weather that makes me want to stay inside, curled up under a blanket with a book.

Which is basically what I've been doing since Saturday.

I was lucky Friday. Had a gorgeous day before the crappy weather kicked in. Sunny and warm. Very summer-like. So I took advantage of it, took a nice bike ride and then sat out on my patio with a book until it was time to get ready to meet my parents in Appleton for "Grease."

The show was really good. I'm glad I made the last minute decision to splurge and get myself a ticket. My parents have season tickets to the Broadway series, so if I want to see a show and none of my friends want to, I just buy a single ticket to the night they go. I don't mind sitting alone, besides, it's not like you talk during the show anyway.

Like I said, it was "Grease." Danny. Sandy. Rizzo. Kenickie. The Teen Angel, who just happened to be played by Taylor Hicks. Yes, that Taylor Hicks. The one from American Idol. He was good. Although I think he should stick to singing, the guitar and the harmonica. Because when the big ice cream cone above the drive-in open and Hicks started dancing? It was almost painful to watch, not to mention his eyes looked really freaky. He was only on stage for the one scene, "Beauty School Drop Out," and it was an entertaining one. He came back on stage after the encore and belted out his newest single, "Seven Mile Breakdown." Not bad.

Good think it poured all day Saturday and continued raining most of Sunday. Because I didn't do much. It was still gloomy today, but I made myself get up and go to the YMCA, where I stepped on the treadmill for a 3-mile run before hitting the pool for 1,000 yards.

The weathermen tell me it's not supposed to rain tomorrow. I'm crossing my fingers they're right. Because I'm not spending my entire furlough cooped up indoors due to the cruddy weather. You hear that Mother Nature?

A review: "Running the Sahara"

Inspiration is big.

A spectator cheering on the side of the course. Words of encouragement from your family and friends when you tell them about your latest crazy goal. Or maybe just repeating a phrase to yourself, a phrase that keeps you going.

Back in February, Runner Leana asked her blog readers what phrases got us through the tough times. The times when we just wanted to stop. When I'm at the end of a run and it's hurting and I just want to stop, I tend to have the lyrics to Kanye West's "Stronger" going through my mind, particularly "Now that that don't kill me / can only make me strong" or the refrain that repeats throughout, "Work it harder, make it better / do it faster makes us stronger."

A couple of random readers, including me, won a free download of the movie, "Running the Sahara," a movie about the journey of three guys who run 4,300 miles through six countries over the course of 111 days. Their journey begins in Senegal, on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, and takes them through Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Libya and Egypt, where they end their journey at the Red Sea.

What those three guys did was inspiring. From the miles they logged to the conditions they dealt with. The injuries. The planning. The uncertainty of not knowing if Libya was going to let them enter. All while crossing 4,300 miles. And they never gave up. They knew they had an end point - Egypt and the Red Sea - and they kept going. Kept putting one foot in front of the other. And as a result they accomplished their goal, grew together as teammates and became different men.

While I got something out each minute of the film, I think the part that struck me most was minutes from the end. The runners had accomplished their goal. They had stuck their hands in the Red Sea and their journey was done. Standing on the beach, Ray Zahab was talking about the experience and goals. And what he said really struck me:

"Any limitations we have are ones that we set upon ourselves. If you think you can only run 5 or 10K, you'll only run 5 or 10K. It's where you set those goals, because really there are no boundaries."

It's up to you and me - no one else - to determine what we're capable, or not capable, of doing. Any goal is within reach as long as we believe we can do it.

If you get the chance, watch "Running the Sahara." Everyone - athletes and non-athletes alike - will get something out of it.

I usually ask the questions. Today I answer them.

As a reporter, I ask a lot of questions. Questions that other people answer. So when Tri Dave was offering the chance for me to answer somebody else's questions, I jumped at the chance. Here's what Tri Dave asked me:

1. If you could meet yourself at age 14, what would you say?
You know how you hate it when it comes time to run the mile in gym class? Bet you'll never believe that at some point in your life, about 14 years from now, you're going to like to run. And you've run longer than a mile and didn't die. Heck you ran 13.1 miles and didn't die. You will learn to love running. Trust me.

2. What is your favorite sport to watch?
I like to watch a lot of sports, but I tend to enjoy watching college sports more than professional ones. I think part of it has to do with the fact that the athletes are playing for the love of the game or their school rather than money. That being said, I love watching college basketball and hockey. And I like football - college or NFL - and tennis. And when the Olympics roll around? It doesn't really matter what the sport is. I watch 'em all.

3. What is your favorite month of the year?
Call me crazy, but I like July. I know it can brutally hot and humid here in Wisconsin. But I enjoy July. I tend to take some vacation. There's the Fourth of July. And at the end of the month? The airplanes descend on Oshkosh for the annual AirVenture convention, which is one of my favorite assignments for work.

4. How much of a nutcase is Izzie (Grey's Anatomy)?
I used to religiously watch Grey's Anatomy. But then I missed an episode here and there this fall and they took a break and I haven't caught back up. It all happened right around the time Izzy started hanging out with Denny again. I was confused with what was going on. I was starting to think she was a little wacky in the head then and from what I hear she kind of went off the deep end even more. Makes me think I should catch back up and resume my weekly Grey's Anatomy fix.

5. How can you eat at a place called "The Brooklyn Grill" in Oshkosh, Wisconsin?!?
It's mobster themed. And we had our fair share of bad guys here in Oshkosh. After all, Johnny Depp did decide to spend a week here in town last spring to film "Public Enemies" and that's all about John Dillinger and bank robbers. Plus did you see the dessert they gave me for free on my birthday?

Do you want to play along? Here are the rules:
1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions).
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview others in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Reviewing the challenge

So remember last month I decided to join a fellow blogger and try a 33-day challenge?

Remember I was aiming to complete some kind of workout, whether it was running or biking or taking a walk, every day until the end of November?

Well, November's done. And so is the challenge.

I have to admit, I didn't get a workout in every single day. But 21 of 33 days I did something active. I mostly biked and ran, but I did fit in a walk or two. Sadly, I didn't dive into the pool and swim, but I'm going to make myself get back in the pool soon. Maybe sometime in December, cause I haven't swam since July (eek!) and I kind of miss it.

During the last 33 days I

... ran 21.75 miles.
... biked 81.2 miles.
... took a few walks, but didn't record any distances.
... lifted a few weights.
... ran a Santa Scamper and a Turkey Trot. I didn't see Santa or a turkey, but I did see an awful lot of reindeer.

And I don't know if it's because of the challenge, or because the nasty medicine has finally decided to leave my body, or a combination of both, but the number on my scale? It got smaller this month! Three pounds smaller! I know it's not a lot, but remember I'm looking at an extra 30 pounds the nasty medicine and the Monster left behind when they decided they'd overstayed their welcome.

Overall, I think the challenge was a success. I think I'm going to try to keep it up, maybe not aiming to hit the gym everyday. But 4 or 5 days a week sounds do-able to me, especially since the holidays have arrived.

Not quite what I'd call a normal day

It was a kind of mixed up day for me today.

Normally when I go to work it's light outside. Today? My alarm started buzzing at 4:45 a.m. Yes. 4:45 a.m. That wasn't a typo, the incredibly early wake up call was because I had to be into the office at 6 a.m. instead of my usual 8:30 a.m. So it was dark.

But at least it was still light outside when I got to leave at 3 p.m. Normally it's pitch black when I unchain myself from my desk at 5:30 p.m.

And heading over to the YMCA and logging 3.2 miles on the treadmill to nowhere followed by a 20 minute bike ride and STILL finishing before I normally would get out of work for the day? Beautiful.

It's only 6:30 p.m. and I've got nothing left to do tonight other than iron a shirt for work, watch some TV, read a little bit and maybe balance my checkbook. And chances are the checkbook's going to sit untouched.

Let's talk about clothing for a minute

So let's take a moment and talk about clothes for a bit.

My feet? They're happy right now. While I really do like the pair of black boots I normally wear to work, I bought a new pair of shoes this weekend. Work appropriate shoes. A pair of black Mary Jane-like shoes that have just a bit of a heel. And they are SO COMFY! I wish I owned five pairs of black dress socks, because then I could wear them every day.

Because honestly, which pair looks more comfortable to you?

Time for a weather update. It's cold outside. I know, it's mid-November. It shouldn't surprise me that the mercury in the thermometer is struggling to get above 35 degrees.

But when it gets cold in my office and I start to lose feeling in my hands? Then I get a bit worried. And so do my co-workers. Because they look over and see me wearing these and even though they're pretty sure they know the answer they ask me, "Um, you aren't expecting to type with those on, are you?"

And since it's cold outside and I've got the Santa Scamper and Turkey Trot coming up, I need to make sure I have appropriate clothing so I don't become an icicle. This past weekend I went to the Nike Outlet here in the City on the Water and bought myself some running pants and a long sleeve shirt. Add a few more layers, some kind of gloves and some head gear and I should be set.

And while I'm sitting in the office, I do have my scarf on but I've still got feeling in my hands. My mittens are sitting on my desk though, ready in case I need them.