The only constant is change

I need to remind myself of that occasionally...

My son is leaving home at the end of August for his first adventure...starting college at Tulane University.   I am so proud of him!  Student (and parent) orientation is this weekend.  Like most teenage boys he didn't want his mother to join him on this trip.  I told him I would not hang out with him I would just wear a t-shirt that says "I'm Will's mom"  :)

Will at the Tulane Crawfest Music Festival

After 8 years, moved into our new office space last week. The new space is cozy...a euphemism for smaller.  But my office is brighter so I can't complain!

Another change...no more walking!  I haven't walked one step during my run in the last 2 weeks.  With my coach's voice in my head..."That's it"  "You can do it...keep running!"  Hope I can still make that claim after my 8 mile run on Friday!  The first mile is always the most difficult...after that you get in a groove... 

See below for for an accurate description of how I feel/look when I run :)

Since I run like a girl...I wonder if this is a girl dog :)

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”
-Andre Gide


PS. Putting Gail and Danna on the spot...I am waiting for your guest blogs....and you know I am not patient :)

Please donate
Your friend Newbie

Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page

http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

India is still there

Strange title but I have a story about this...as I usually do...

I had the opportunity to visit India on a few occasions.  But, I always came up with good reason not to go.  My children were too young to leave for such a long time, the trip was too long (3 transfers and 18 hours!), the weather was too hot (it can be 120 degrees at times),  cows wander the streets.  As you can see...many "good" reasons!  But the real reason was that I was intimidated to travel such a long distance by myself and visit an unusual country.

After saying I would visit many times but not actually following through, the Indian team manager told me "You are writing it (visit to India) in water".  I had never heard that expression before and he said it was an old Indian saying.  I emailed him last night to confirm the definition: "it is only loud talk, But will never materialize. "  Thanks for responding so quickly Winfred!

I told a friend the story recently and said I regretted not visiting India when I had the chance. She gave me a odd stare and said "Well India is still there".  Of course!  I still have time to visit India.  So the point of my story is, running the marathon was similar for me.  I was "writing it in water" for awhile.  But not anymore :)

Are you writing something in water???

As I said before...you can find anything on Google Images :)

Now on to a completely unrelated topic...

Does bowling count as cross training?  I will ask my coach but I think I know the answer, especially if drinking and bowling.  That reminds me of a question I was asked recently.  Are you giving up drinking during your marathon training?  What????  The thought had not even crossed my mind!  Of course not.  Like I said yesterday...I run to eat and drink so why on earth would I want to stop drinking during my training.  I am taking my training seriously but not THAT seriously. :) 

Sent to me compliments of my only tea totalling friend

PS.  I know my brother will be disappointed...but I did not include any pics of his favorite narcissist today.  You're welcome Ed!

As always, please donate.

Link to my blog
http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page

http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

Sometimes we can't see the forest thru the trees...

For anyone who hasn't visited Ravinia...you MUST GO!

I've lived in the Chicago area my entire life and always THOUGHT about seeing a concert at Ravinia but never got around to it...  But...It's later than I think so why pass up another chance when I received a last minute invite :)

“To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities as you do at conclusions.”

Benjamin Franklin

Jimmy Cliff was fantatic!  Everyone had a great time...especially the little kids running around and dancing...what a joy to see everyone just letting loose and swaying to the music!

When we arrived, I asked the attendent the fee for parking.  I jokingly asked if it was free...he said sure.   Free parking :)  Damn!  I wish I had been bold enough to ask for crazy things before!  I will donate the $20 I saved to RMHC



Learned how to create a collage using Picasa. I am like a child with a new toy...collaging everything!  Multiple pics of me to annoy my brother :)

Jimmy Cliff Lyrics

“But I'll keep on fighting for the things I want
Though I know that when you're dead you can't
But I'd rather be a free man in my grave
Then living as a puppet or a slave

So as sure as the sun will shine
I'm gonna get my share right now of what's mine
And then the harder they come, the harder they'll fall, one and all”

-Jimmy Cliff

Another thing I should mention...I run to eat and drink!  Ok...it's just one of the many reasons I run but it's probably close to the top of the list!  Had a great dinner at a new place last night, Zak's (delicious)  And, looking forward to lunch today with an old (or maybe I should say former) work colleague.   Heading to a place for lunch that I love but haven't visited in a long time.  White Chocolate :)  It's been a long time since I've had my favorite Filet Cobb Salad.  Steve is the orignal smart alec who donated the exact amount I requested in my blog.  Thanks for starting that trend Steve!

Please donate...large amounts preferred...if I hit my goal before the marathon I might stop blogging.  Um no!

Your friend Newbie

Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page

http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

Does writing a blog make me a narcissist and an egomanic???

According to my brother it does!  Funny story and since I am a narcissist I want to tell you all about it... because it is about me :)

From Dictionary.com

Definition of narcissistic personality: personality disorder characterized by extreme self-centeredness and self-absorption, fantasies involving unrealistic goals, an excessive need for attention and admiration, and disturbed interpersonal relationships.

Definition of egotism: conceit.


Writing this particular post is really making me smile.  My one and only sibling, Ed, is two years older than I am.  Lately he likes to tell people I am his older sister.  What is that all about Ed? :) 

Anyway... back to my story, we are at our old friends daughter's high school graduation party.  Two of our friends come up to me, when Ed is standing nearby, and tell me they really like my blog.  I am surprised because I did not share my blog with them but my friend did.  Ed rolls his eyes and says that I am a narcissist and egomaniac because I am writing a blog.  Funny because Ed has never read my blog!  I try to explain I am writing the blog to leverage social media to hit my $10k goal but that just caused another eye roll.  I will forgive him if he makes a large donation....

So in honor of my dear brother Ed (he really is a great brother...most of the time) I am posting not one... but many pictures of myself!  Let's call it a day in the life of a narcissist :)

I whined about the heat, but not humidity yet.  It was like a swamp at WFG on Sunday.  But, again...if I can do it...anyone can do it.  So get out there and get moving!  Like yesterday's quote...It's later than you think :)

Damn!  It was hot and humid!

It was so humid my camera fogged up for this photo!

Lunch at Gibsons...after a cold shower :)

Please donate
Your narcissistic friend NewbieMarathoner

Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page

http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

When will I stop whining about running in hot weather??

Probably not anytime soon!  The weather is expected to be in the 90's all week.

I ran 6 miles on Friday with Coach Mary Ann.  Her direction: "I just want you to run an easy 6 miles...no hard effort...you should be able to talk the entire time."  The thought running through my head...and confirmed after the run... running 6 miles when it's 85 is never EASY!  But...OK I will try...

I don't mean to be discouraging...in fact the opposite...after all my whining about it...I was able to run (no walking) for 6 miles on Friday.  If I can do it, you can too!

After the first 3 miles, Jan and Mary Ann had to leave and left me to my own devices.  I really wanted to walk a bit, but with my Garmin and heart rate monitor on...Mary Ann would be able to detect if I walked.  I felt like a home bound prisoner with one of those ankle bracelets!  After dumping a bottle of water over my head I finished the next 3 miles...without walking.  Now if I can only keep that up for 20 more miles, I will be golden!

I will share a little known secret with you...guess it will not be a secret anymore.  :) When I I travel to Florida on business, I always found a good reason to stay at the beach.  After a long run, jumping into the hotel pool (in my running gear) felt incredible!  Usually I had the pool all to myself but on a few occasions I had some strange looks from the other business travelers heading out for their meetings.  I wish I had a pool to dive into on Friday!

I'm not in the photo but reminds me of pool on the beach in Florida.  Surprisingly I could not find a pic of "women jumping into pool with running gear" on Google Images :)

So... if you are HOT after a run...find a pool and JUMP IN!

“Carpe diem! Rejoice while you are alive; enjoy the day; live life to the fullest; make the most of what you have. It is later than you think.”

Horace

(If I read this quote from Jan's POV it is about death...but to me... it's about living life! )

Please donate

Your friend Newbie

Link to my blog
http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page

http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

I love running when it's 85 degrees... Um no!

Due to circumstances beyond my control (pesky work obligations and conflicting schedules) had to meet my coach at 11am on Friday.  Not ideal since it was already 85 at the start of our run.  I've heard you add 20 degrees to the temperature and that is how it really feels when you are running.  I can attest to that!  I avoided running in the summer heat last year (I had more sense back then) but with the marathon in October I have no choice but to train in the heat.  Have I already asked... who is the idiot who signed me up for the damned marathon?   Oh right...it was me!

More about my 6 mile run tomorrow...let's just say dumping a bottle of water over my head at mile 3 felt awesome!

Looked slightly different after my run :)

I am NOT the one on the left with the buff arms!

On to my rebuttal to Jan's guest blog.  Again I want to say "bless your heart Jan" and you know what that means!  For anyone who doesn't know what it means...look up the definition in Urban Dictionary. I have the feeling you will want to guest blog more often.

First, everyone stop taking me literally.  Just because I need $71.40 per day...doesn't mean you only need to donate $71.40!  In most situations I believe less is more...but not in this one.   The children of RMHC would like $1,000 or should I be really bold and say $10,000 per day!  Any takers?  Jan?

Running like a girl?  Last time I checked I am a girl.  I will try to butch up and run less like a girl in the future :)

About the grim reaper...Hardly!  My "death" comments are about living life.    But, so Jan will stop giving me "feedback" I will put away my sickle for a bit.

Please donate $10,000 (and I might stop blogging!)

PS.  If you didn't receive the daily email update yesterday (I didn't) you can use the link to read Jan's guest blog.  It is short and funny...like her!

Your friend Newbie

Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page

http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

If feedback is a gift...then it must be my birthday!

Hello everyone,

My dear friend and marathon inspiration is my 2nd guest blogger.  She is as funny in person as she is in this guest post.  I did not ask ASK her to guest blogger recently...she just decided she NEEDED to today...  Bless your heart Jan :)  If you are from the south you will know what this really means...another new thing I "learned" recently.  Hope you enjoy Jan's post!

Jan's Guest Blog

This is my first time …ever….to guest blog.  So please forgive me if I am not very good at it.  I am Sue’s running friend, Jan.  I asked Sue if I could blog today as a way to attest to the incredible progress she is making.  I think she is very accurate when she talks about how her coach Mary Ann is making such an impact on her.  Today Sue and I decided to run together…but not really “together”.  You see, I am a slow runner.  I am old AND slow!!!!  Sue ran today 4 miles without ever walking….see I am not able to do that.  She was diligent, fast, focused and running like she stole something!!!!  (new phrase that I told her)  (by the way…I am the one that taught her that new word she blogged about a few weeks ago.)

Since I have now attested to her speed and complimented her dedication….can I give a few thoughts on her blogging.  She needs to talk about how her life is so good….I told her today she mentioned dying, death or something like that too often.  She is far from the grim reaper in real life but in blogging….she sounds “dark” sometimes.  So now that I told all of you about it, my bet is she watches what she says…just a little more carefully J

One more thing while I am talking about Sue…..she definitely runs like a girl.  Since I am so much slower than her…I see the rear view of her often.  She does wear very cute outfits….but she runs like a girl!!!!

In honor of me writing about my friend, I will donate the measly daily amount she talks about….IN EVERY BLOG!!!!!!  I will do my part…have all of you ????

 
Thanks for letting me be part of this.  Hope to hear from others

Jan

Newbie's comments
Jan my birthday is July 10th...but thanks for your opinion!   Rebuttal coming tomorrow.  See below for a pic when we were still friends :)

After a run in 85 degree heat!  We are smiling because the run is over!  I am smiling because I just dumped some water on my head :)

Please donate...$71.40 or any measly amount will do!

Your friend Newbie

Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page

http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020