Love your tree.

Happy May!  I feel like as I get older these months fly way too quickly sometimes.

I will be totally honest, not much new to report here on the homefront.  Just lots of running, and a few attempts at healthy meals and smoothies. And work, of course.

April ended well, I ended up getting in 135 last month, which is my highest so far by 2 miles!  I did my long run for this week today after work.   To be totally honestly, I almost didn't do it.  I've been feeling kind of worn out the past few weeks.  I told myself I could walk and that we could just do 3 and call it a day.  As always, I get in a groove around 3ish miles and could keep on trucking.  Three turned into 11, which, coincidentally is exactly the number I was looking for with my marathon training schedule. Sa-weet.

As I run, I do math in my head about the marathon, breaking it up into small chunks in my head.  The last time I ran 7 miles, I was like, "Okay, 7 times 4 is 28, so if I can do about 3+ of these runs, I can do it."   Or, my 5k runs---"it's just under 8 5ks back-to-back."  For some reason, doing this really works for me--Dude, I can actually do this.  I may not do it fast, but I can fucking do it.  As daunting as the thought of 26.2 miles seems--I'm not overwhelmed at the thought of it.  At least not yet!   Every time I hear Daft Punk's "One More Time" on my running mix, I always imagine myself throwing that on at Mile 25 and just playing it on repeat until I cross the line--this weirdly gives me tingles all over--like, every single time, dude.



I watched a great documentary today called, America The Beautiful.  It was made a little while back in 2007 (holy shit, that's already 6 years ago?) and in the briefest way of summarizing, it deals with America's infatuation on superficiality in our society.  How women and men compare themselves and try to live up to impossible standards of beauty, and how we are set up to fail.  It hit close to home, because as often as I try to talk myself up and love who I am, I fall victim to the same comparisons.  Sometimes I look in the mirror and poke at the hips inherited from my mother and wish I had the money to make them smaller.  Or how silly I look when I smile--my cheeks are so high and big, that my eyes almost squint closed.  Or how small my boobs are since I lost the weight and how I would like to have me some bigger knockers.

The documentary loosely follows a model who is doing high-class fashion runway shows, getting great contracts, scantily-clad with more make-up then a drag show entertainer.  And she is gorgeous, I will give her that.  She is also TWELVE YEARS OLD.   Basically she hits it big for a while, the jobs dry up in the US, and she heads to Europe where she has a little success in London, and then moves to Paris to try and pick up speed.  They measure her waist--96cm, or 37.7 inches.  They tell her she is too big, and they only want to dress models with waists 90cm/35in or less as they save on fabric that way.   They interview another young gal later on in the movie, and she's 5' 10" and 130 pounds.  She is a rail.  They tell her they can't hire her until she is 115 pounds.

This is her AT 12....

Jesus Christ--us chicks get mind-fucked by the media on both a conscious and subconscious level. Don't get me wrong, the guys are not free from this either.  And you know, thinking about it now, it seems so silly--why do we make these comparisons?  Why can't we embrace who we are?  Why are we so easily influenced?  Why do I spend the time doing that to myself?!

FACT: My calves are jacked and could probably kick someone's door in. Awesome.
FACT: My eyes are huge, and I love it. *BLINK*
FACT: My ass could single-handedly bring men at war to peace.  Seriously, it's fantastic.

So that's where I'm at--and like I said in January, I'm working very hard at stopping the comparisons to other women.  Just can't do it--we're all built completely different from another.

As a wise African woman explained to another woman in the documentary:

"Do you see that tree?  Do you like that tree?  Well, look at that tree, do you like that tree?  Do you say this tree isn't pretty because it doesn't look like that tree?  Do you say this tree is ugly because it doesn't look like that tree?  You're a tree.  I'm a tree.  You've got to love your tree.  Love your tree.'"

Right on.



That all said, venting done,it's time for dinner, folks.  Trying out a turkey-loaf recipe--we'll see how that panned out...







Go Fork Yourselves,

Krissy<3

Late recap/Marathon Training--COMMENCE!

In spite of everything last week, I decided, instead of to sit down and write something about my feelings about it like a lot of folks, I'd just keep to myself-do my running and keep up with everything in my own time.  To me, it didn't feel right to promote my blog with a post about the tragedies.  I don't judge the people that did, to each his own--everyone has their way of working through situations like this.  This is just how I dealt with it.  I'm am simply happy that those responsible are being dealt with, my friends and family there are safe, and that there is the hope to move on from this. 

That being said--onward.




Super cute Maria, and no make-up woof-worthy me.

Last (last, last) Sunday, I took part in the Austin 10/20!  10 miles (well, 10.3ish per my Garmin, damn tangents) and every half mile was a live band! No joke, pretty great.  I met up with a new friend and co-worker at the start and we ran together for about 2 miles before I felt "in my groove" and took off.  I had warned her, don't worry--I didn't just bust a move on her, haha.  The first mile-ish was pretty packed and we had to do a little dodging, but it opened up after that.  It was a fairly easy course that actually had some of the 3M Half course in it--so some of it was familiar.  The best part about this race were the ice-y towels near the 10k mark--I was already throwing some water at my head at the water stops, but these were something else--the little things, kids. 

I'd planned for under 2 hours--was hoping, anyways.  At mile 9 I realized I was at 1:35ish--and I said to myself, "SHIT, I can do this under 1:45!"  So, I swear one of the only hills on the course was the one JUST BEFORE the finish line (really, guys? really?), but I booked it and crossed the line in 1:44:01!

Stolen, sorry. Not to stoked after the last hill, not worth the money!

After I crossed the line there were more of those delightful iced towels, and I just plopped it on my face, like a collapsing tent.  Then deliriously walked what I thought was in the right direction to my car--which turned out to be the wrong direction, and then back tracked...so I ended up running 10.3ish, and walking another 2ish.  So almost a half that day...Nice.

Finisher medal, woot! Squinty sun face, FTW. 

 I'll be honest, though the time was a good one for me--recovery was a little tough this time around for a distance shorter then the half--well, just my left hip, really. Come to realize that without thinking about it, I've worn out my purple Pure Flows! OH NOOOOoo!  First it was my Kinvaras, now this.   I've got my blue Pure Flows and my Pure Connects left, but this girl is going to need to new sneaks SOON.

This all said--marathon training starts!  Yeah, it's early, but I would rather start early then get behind late in the game.  I've had some great runs in the past week, so I'm feeling really motivated.  All the training plans I've seen run somewhere between 4-5 months, so I'm kind of just tweaking and making a hybrid program.  I'm also trying not to make this marathon about time--the goal is to finish.  So, when it comes to tracking my runs, I find the best thing for me is to omit my timing.  It stops me from comparing myself to everyone else, and has me really focus on the distances.

Anyone with tips on this 26.2 stuff--send it my way--posts, articles, anything--I want it all!

Everything else has been good, really.  Pool is getting warmer by the day--I've already been in a few times freezing my ass-cheeks off, but soon it'll be at optimal temps-yay! Work is crazy, but that goes without saying, really--but, there are really good things on the verge of happening there.

Hope everything is well on your end of the world, my people.


Go Fork Yourselves,

Krissy

I'm not a prayer person, but...

Thanks for putting it so well, Saucony.

Krissy

Do it anyway.

It's like I couldn't pull my hand away from grabbing my wallet.  I don't know what happened--it was like a runner's rufie.  When I got the email confirmation, I had realized what I had done.

Woke up with black eye and a male genitalia drawn on my face, too.

I'd been looking into signing up for a full marathon for months now.  Since my first half in January.  With every double-digit run I felt more and more compelled.  I held off because I couldn't find anything that would work monetarily.  I can't afford a ton for travel and hotel expenses.  

LO AND BEHOLD...The Baystate Marathon.  A "fast" marathon in Lowell, MA--a short drive from my folks house in New Hampshire.  Not a ton of people, I think it's capped somewhere around 2000, lots of people trying to qualify for Boston in 2014 (not me).  That all being said, I'm like 99.9% sure I'll be last over the finish line--BUT DAMMIT, I'M GOING TO FINISH.  Last summer I started running, and I could BARELY jog 2 miles straight-and since then I've finished a bunch of 5ks, 5 Miler, 10k, will do a 10 miler race this weekend, and two half-marathons.  All those I thought I'd never do.  When I did finally do my first half-I thought for sure I would finish 3+ hours, and I killed it (well, for me) at 2:25.  The second one I didn't do so well on--it was hot, humid, we'd only slept an hour and a half, and ate WAAAY too late.  It was fun, don't get me wrong--but to be turtle-heading half the race is not a good feeling.  A learning experience with a best friend, you can't party down in Disney and expect a PR the next morning--worth it, though.

So, taking those lessons, we press on to 26.2.  Like I said, I've got my 10 miler this weekend, in May I signed up for 5k just to keep my juices going.  In July, my husband's family has a yearly reunion at this camp-like resort (think Dirty Dancing without Swayze-esque drama) and they do a 5k--which I'm so up for this year.  Goal is to PR at these 5ks.  So, under 28:00 ish.

Late April, early May starts the 26.2 training.  I'm tossing up using Higdon or Galloway--I used Higdon for both 13.1s, but I keep hearing amazing reviews for Galloway and surprising times with his method. I've been asking the twitter #runchat peeps for what they feel is their fave--leave it below, though, too...you know, if ya feel like it.

You know, it kind of scares the crap out of me, but I feel like it's a good thing.  There are far too many things in this world we don't do because of fear--whether that be of failing, of what people will think, or of change itself.  And it's bullshit.  We all have to get over ourselves (legit, mind over matter) or you can live with regret no matter how small.  Like I said a post or two ago---time passes no matter what you choose to do, so instead of not---Do it anyway.

I feel like this has been the "Krissy Runs" theme.  This song came on randomly on my iPod when I was driving home and thinking of the marathon and whether or not to do it.  Question = answered.

Peace, Love, Distance, Speed, AND

Go Fork Yourselves,

Krissy

FUTURE MARATHONER (uh, nah nah nah nah.)

Catch up time, kids..

Holy hell--hi, guys.

It's been way too long, and I'm so so sorry. 

So, I got this promotion at work--which I suppose should be a good thing, but it's just been bananas.  Between being short-staffed and having to run between back and front offices, AND do interviews with people...it's just like..Ugh.   My writing has suffered for it--but let's try to let go of that negativity and move on here.

We picked our random winner for the Chobani giveaway!!  Jeffery (follow him @FireRunner2379)!  That was a great giveaway--the two week build-up was getting intense for me--but it gives more people more chances to get in!  I have two more giveaway lined up--I will pull the trigger on one of them at the start of next week.  This one will be yummy....Lara Bars.  YEAH DUDE--stay tuned for that action :)

We have about 10 days left until the Austin 10/20 (10 miles, 20 live bands on the route!).  I'm totally stoked.  I wish it was a half--but the 10 miles will do.  The third double-digit race in 2013--yeeeees.  The only downside is that I've had to really push the running into high gear to be ready for the race--so yoga has had to strap itself into the back booster seat.  After this race, it will be easier to implement a better running/strength plan.

So, guys, I'm a genius.  And a nerd.  Annnnd kind of a dude.  But, I have found a way to make my treadmill runs insanely fun:

Videogames.

...and while running. It doesn't get anymore badass.

No joke, I used to do this kind of this with our old elliptical a few years back, and wasn't certain I could pull off all the button mashing with grace while running.  Turns out--I can :)  The past couple weeks, pretty much any time I want to play games, I get my ass up and go to the treadmill with my controller in hand.  I racked up 10+ miles on the treadmill the other day--just leveling up and watching a bunch of cut scenes.    If anyone wants to know--it's this great RPG I'm playing called 'Ni No Kuni." Totally addicting--and really awesome for putting up big miles (well, big on my scale).

The hubs and I are pretty into videogames...Nintendo, Playstation, Xbox--We've got multiples of each in our house..did you think we sat around waiting for each other to SHARE A CONSOLE--gtfo.

On another note--the folks over at Today's Miles talked to me a few weeks back, got my favorite racing distance, picked a color--and sent me an awesome shirt out of the blue! 

Neon Yellow--13.1--Awww yeah.

 

 

Thanks again, folks--it's so soft and sweat wicking--love it!  Head over there for your customizable distance shirt!

 

Let's see--Easter peaked it's head in on us last weekend.  I make my husband and my brother-in-law a basket every year.  I generally don't eat tons of candy, it was pretty easy to restraint myself.  Back in those 230+ pound days, I would eat a bulk bag of those Mini Eggs (thin crunchy coat, delish chocolate on the inside...) in a day.  THOUSANDS of calories in one day.  This year I took a handful of those, a handful of jellybeans, and washed my hands of it.  Since I've started running, I know how to use simple carbs as instant energy (instead of pleasure eating and melting into the couch), and that's exactly what I did--use it up in a nice run :)  Granted you can exercise out a bad diet, this is beyond true.  But, if you're like me and rarely eat the stuff--your body goes into sugar-rush mode and all you can think to do is burn it off.

 

Also, this April Fools'--my baby sister turned 21.  Way to make me feel old.  Joking aside--she's such a strong girl(woman)--so smart, hilarious, my mini me.  She doesn't put up with bullshit and I love her. 

Me on the left, my now grown up sister in the middle, and my brother--Circa 1993.

 

That's all for now, folks--just wanted to touch base with everyone.  Keep your eyes peels for my Lara Bar giveaway next week! 

 

 

 

Peace, love, and go fork yourselves.

 

Krissy



 

 

Happy Spring/The Mojo Has Returned

Well, first day of spring here, people--Look how quick that was!  I know my friends and family in the Northeast just got some more snow dumped on them yesterday--but here in Austin it's been spring for a while.  I am channeling warm weather vibes your way, guys---receive it with open arms!

Glad to see people responding to the Chobani giveaway so well.  I thought this would be the case, so that's why I'm welcoming entries until next weekend.  Remember, you can put an entry in EVERYDAY of the contest.

I'm such a giveaway whore.  I love to review and give stuff away that I can put my support behind.  All these companies have been so awesome to the blog--and I've got even more coming up!

Okay, so I'd just like to report that my workout mojo is back!  Though it's been quite warm and I've taken to running inside on the treadmill--I mentioned last time that I was incorporating more yoga for strength and flexibility and I think that's really been good for my head.  Mentally when it came to workouts (well, my workouts were just runs, really.) I was feeling beat, and even though I know what it's done for me--I had no motivation.

Weirdly enough, I was on facebook (PS: Goforkyourselves has a Facebook page now--but I'm not crazy about Facebook, honestly.)  and saw a TeamSparkle ad that reinvigorated me.

Right on, sparkle sisters.

I read that, and I was like--"Well, fuck, Krissy--what are we doing? I can sit and feel like shit for a half an hour--or I can run a 5k upstairs."

Needless to say...

Anyways, I felt the need to let ya'll know..Between the yoga and running, I'm feeling good.  I have no idea what the scale says--but everything fits just as well, so I'm good :)

Started doing my long runs again last week with 7+, and I'll do 8ish this week at some point.  Gearing up for the 10 miler in 3 weeks--woot!  I also signed up for a 5k in May--just because I miss those little local races--and this one is called "The Ants in Your Pants 5k"...so I mean, obviously...

I tend to smoke local races--so I'm stoked.  Lots of speed work at home--cranking up the tready to 7+mph on the shorter runs.  That's pretty fucking fast for me, guys.  I think my Brooks had some smoke coming out of the soles after running at 7.5, haha.


Anyways, hope everyone is doing well--Follow me on Twitter with the button to the left--I love to hear from each of you--Comments/Concerns/Bitching--all of it!

Time to hit the road.

Peace, Love, and Go Fork Yourselves,

Krissy :)

Running on the low burner/CHOBANI GIVEAWAY

YO!  What's up everyone?  While I'm waiting for the noon sun to subside for a run, I thought 'Yes, writing time.'

So, I'm about 10 days into scaling back running days--and I think, so far so good.  Yes, technically I AM training for the 10 miler in April--but I'm trying this whole "less is more" mentality.  The past few weeks I haven't run long, BUT have been focusing on speed and endurance of said speed.  It's gone pretty well--I'm able to get on the treadmill and roll above 6 mph for my 5k runs on there.  Also, lots of interval work, too.  5ks on the treadmill worth of 2 minutes and 5.5-6 mph, and 1 minute of 7.0+ mph.  I've been running about 4-5 days a week now--BUT have added strength.  I need to work on my upper body.  It's not terrible, however, girlfriend needs some work. 



He's serious about his yoga skills.

I've heard that whole "skinny fat" thing that can happen to runners, and I think that's the sitch in this case.  My body fat percentage has gone down, but there hasn't been much movement on the muscle percentage.  And, trust me, I know I've completely neglected strength training since I started training last fall. 

I started at first by doing the basics, crushes, squats, planks, lunges, and push-ups.  I get bored quickly, though.  I might have exercise ADD.  Somebody coin that.  Then I started back into some yoga, but I needed some good videos.  At the suggestion of my friend Mel, I googled myself some Rodney Yee Power Yoga videos.   We have a big ol' iMac in our game/exercise room so it was easy for me to stream these in front of my mat.  Loved 'em!  I totally didn't feel like a dufus doing it, his voice is super relaxing and on point.  None of these "GOOD JOB, LADIES" nonsense.  I don't need that.  That's the last thing I need to hear when my ankle is at a 90 degree angle above my ass and my entire body is shaking.\

So that's been the other 3 days.  Sometimes I do it right after a run--feels delicious. 

We've been eating pretty well over here in the Go Fork Yourselves home--lots of clean eating.  My husband makes this stir-fry that is ridiculous. And easy.  We made a boatload together last weekend--portioned it out and froze them for various dinners.  That stuff, on top of some brown rice-Muah. 

Speaking of eating (I couldn't have planned a better segue)--My buddies at Chobani hooked me up with a case of the stuff a couple weeks back.

 



I had no idea what it was---a big refrigerated box!  Opened it and was instantly happy.  I got almost every single flavor to try out and write about.  Let's take a smooth little journey here...

Strawberry, Blueberry, Peach, Raspberry and Mango-Fruit on the bottom--but real fruit, and easy to love!

Blood Orange--So, it sounds odd, but I am so not an orange person.  Something about the fruit and it's little encasing--maybe it's texture, but I don't eat oranges by themselves.  I was pretty blown away when I tried the Blood Orange flavor.  Fruit on the bottom, but such a refreshing taste!  Easily on of the new favorites.

Strawberry-Banana-One of ALL yogurts staple flavors, and they do it even better in Chobani.

Pineapple--I usually love pineapple, but this one fell just a little flat for me.  It's still tasty, but it's missing the tart from the pineapple that I adore so, so much.

Pomegranate--I like this flavor, I really do--but the seeds are a little much for me. Sometimes they got stuck in my teeth, and because they're bigger it's like--Ow.  Not a bad flavor, though, I'm just not a fan of the hard seeds.

Lemon-  Ooooo, this is a little dream.  No fruit on the bottom here, but like a thick meringue of sorts.  A great, refreshing blend of sweet and just a hint of tart.  Om nom nom.

Vanilla- Really? The perfect vanilla yogurt.  I know--vanilla is so...well, vanilla.  But dude, I fucking love me some vanilla.

Honey- My first thought was "Honey in yogurt, eh?"  Here's the deal, though-it's great.  It's got the plain greek yogurt flavor with hint of honey that make this oh so smooth.  On of my favorites to eat with my plain shredded wheat!

And, the best for last here: Apple-Cinnamon.  I love apple/apple-cinnamon/apple-pie ANYTHING, but I wasn't sure how it would fare in yogurt.  Guys, it fare well.  So well, that THIS is easily my #1 flavor.  It's got the fruit and cinnamon on the bottom---and I dare not add anything to this EVER.  Apple-Cinnamon for life. I heart it so hard.  I wish I had more right now.


Have ya'll tried Chobani?  If so, where do you stand?  I hear they are working on a pear flavor--I really hope that sucker comes out soon.  Next to apples, a crisp pear is right up there for me.

Check this though--Chobani and I teamed up, and that's good news for your readers---I have ANOTHER GIVEAWAY!

Enter below, and Chobani could be sending you a case of awesome yogurt!  Giveaway will be open until March 30th at midnight, and you can enter everyday!

That all said guys, it's just about time to lace up and hit the streets.

With love and admiration,
Go fork yourselves,

Krissy


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