My hump, my hump, my hump, my lovely little lumps

Matt "the Bullet" tagged me forever ago so here we go!

1- How would you describe your running 10 years ago?

In 1997 I played on the Varsity Soccer team at UTC. I played the second half of the season with braces on both of my knees. My coach called me a running target. My Q Angle was so bad that there was nothing to do but put me in the braces. I had to be at PT at 6:00 every morning to get my IT bands stretched and the knots in my quads worked on...it was a pain!!!!

After that season, in 1998, I quit and shortly there after I had surgery on both of my knees (bilateral release). Needless to say I was not running. I was 22 and my metabolism was such that I was still eating whatever I wanted with no side effects (in my lovely lady lumps) so the need to work out (and I deserved a break (by god), I had been working out since I was 8), did not seem that important.

2-What is your best and worst run/race experience?

Best: My first race
I had no idea what I was doing. I had no expectations. I had no goals. I just wanted to see what a race was like. And I did good!

Worst: not there yet
I say that because I truly believe that I am still learning what it means to race (or do you ever really stop?). I have done three 5Ks this year that have all been 5+ minutes slower than my first (and best) race. But in each of these races I learned something...to pace myself, to prepare and how to work through pain. So, I can not say that I have had a worst race.

3. Why do you run?

What you gon' do with all that junk?
All that junk inside your trunk?

No really (well...yea, really) I run b/c I need to compete. Until 1998 my life consisted of soccer, swimming, basketball or rowing. Every sport has a goal...an event...something to work toward...and my mind is wired that way.

Should I be running...probably not...would I get up at 5:30 if there was not a race on the schedule August 23rd...probably not. THAT is why I run.


4- What is the best or worst piece of advice you've been given about running?

Best: Recently Bill reminded me how to get rid of my side stitches (to only exhale on the foot plant on the side of the stitch).

Worst: None...I love all the advice I get because it means so much to me.

5- Tell us something surprising about yourself that not many people would know.

I like (gasp) the treadmill.

I tag...whomever would like to be tagged (I think I have read this on just about everyone's blog!)!

Take Care,
Molly

You don't want no drama,
No, no drama, no, no, no, no drama
-Black Eyes Peas

And in this moment it feels so right

SO....I am off of facebook for a moment....and the excitement is fading (or is this denial slipping into the 12 step program?).

My rehab took place in White Sulphur Springs West Virginia at a lovely little place called the Greenbrier. In actuality we visited this little slice of heaven for my Mom's birthday. It was an amazing trip and one that I will not soon forget.

We did cooking class, rode horses, swam in the indoor and outdoor pools, went to the spa, visited the bunker (cool story, check it out) and ate and ate and ate.

I will post pics soon but right now I need to submit myself for a reality check.

In the past two weeks I have forgotten about weight watchers, ignored my workout schedule and I have been completely and utterly self conscious.

The Greenbrier is an AWESOME place. I loved almost every second of it. The seconds I did not love were those when a skinny mother of two walked by in her short shorts, tank top and visor with a coffee in her hand, a tote bag over he shoulder and (in my eyes) the world at her feet.

Needless to say my own perception of myself versus this image was not good. Compounded by the fact that I have not been eating well, I have not been working out and I do not feel good in my clothes.

So, here we go (again). Tomorrow is another day. I am not sure how many times I will let myself get away with saying that...regardless, tomorrow is another day...5:30 workouts, weight watchers portion control and appreciation for the body that God gave me, that carries my crazy brain around all day, will all resume.

Now is time for the tangible. I will loose 15 pounds by the end of August. That is about 2 pounds a week and I KNOW that I can do that. I know that I WILL do that.

On the running front my next scheduled race is August 23rd. My goal...I will say it early and I will say it often... is 30 minutes. I have two months to do it and there is no reason that it can not be done.

So there...everything is on record...and now, let the games begin.

Take Care,
Molly

It's crazy I'm thinking
Just knowing that the world is round
And here I'm dancing on the ground
Am I right side up or upside down
And is this real or am I dreaming
-Dave

6 Word Memoir

Addicted to Facebook

Going to Rehab

Take Care,
Molly

And heal and grow and recreate and raise and nurture

Riverbend 5K Race Report

Thursday morning I laid in bed after the alarm went off and wondered if I should get up and run. I was worried what my frame of mind would be race day if I had another bad run. I decided to get up and find out. I did not take my watch, I did not want to worry about times...only running.

I had a really good run. No side pain, good rhythm and I felt good.

Thursday and Friday I drank water like it was running out. I was NOT going to be dehydrated. Friday night I got to Scott's Gramma's birthday party late so I could eat something at home.

Saturday morning I got up at 5:45, had my coffee a Luna bar and a bottle of water.

Around 7:00 Alan picked Scott and I up and we headed down to the race. I was pretty nervous at this point. I was not sure if I was prepared enough, not sure if my side stitches would come back and overall just not sure of myself.

Getting to the race site always calms me. Seeing so many people there, so many ages, so many sizes...seeing all these people really puts me in my place.

So, here us the pre-race shot:

It was nice because it was not too hot and there was a little drizzle going. I thought about last year a lot...this was where I ran my first, and only, 10K. This year was not nearly as crowded as last year. Not sure if it was the weather (it has been really hot here) or maybe the gas prices kept would be travelers away. We got our T-Shirts, our chips and stretched out.

Soon we were headed to the start.




The first mile was good. I decided that I was going to stick to the 4 minute run/1 minute walk no matter how hard it was to stop at the beginning. 4 minutes blew by fast and we were still packed in like sardines, and I did not stop...deciding to stop and walk at 8, and I did. The first mile has the two hardest hills of the race and luckily the second hill fell in line with the second walk break.


Mile 1 : 12:07


I was a little disappointed, but this was still a minute plus faster than what I have been doing on the treadmill since we got back.

Then it hit me..all the side stitches that I have had, to this point, started just past a mile...and there was no sign of a stitch in sight.

The second mile went by really well. The run 4/walk 1 plan was going great and I was really feeling good.

Mile 2: 11:04

Then the trouble began. Right after I hit the second mile marker it hit...yep, the side stitch was back. I was PISSED at that damn thing. I was on track to go 34 minutes...that was all I wanted to do, take 1 minute off my previous time...and the damn thing was back.

When the side stitches have hit in the past I have "tried" to run through them and I have eventually stopped. So, at this point I decided that my goal for the last mile was simply to stay with the 4/1 plan. No matter how slow I had to run I was not going to stop and walk. And that is what I did.

Mile 3.2: 12.51

Here is the finish

So, in retrospect , there is the good and the bad.

The good...a mental victory. When it comes to pain I am a quitter (for lack of a better word). Running through pain, or discomfort for that matter has not been a hurtle that I have overcome and I did yesterday. And the second mile was by far the best I have run this year.

The bad...if I had stuck to my pace I would have come in at 34:41...not hitting 34:00 as I had hoped, but still a PR for the year.

Alan did PR for the year...beating his pace of 41.22 in the Chicamauga Chase



The interesting thing is the "official race results" have me coming in at 35:25 and Alan coming in at 40:03...who knows. I'll stick with my watch/and their clock time.

I think we were both glad to be done...

...and having our post race pancakes.





We did not get a pit crew picture this year...but, as always, lots of love to Momma and Scott who were there for me as always!

******************************UPDATE********************

After talking to Alan last night I have decided to embrace the 35:25 time. Because of all the people and when we actually hit the starting point probably was 30 seconds in. Also, the clock starts when the fist person hits the starting point which explains the clock time!

Take Care
Molly

In times like these
In times like those
What will be will be
And so it goes
And it always goes on and on
...On and on it goes
-Jack Johnson

Made me sad to think it was dead

Well, I officially have a side stitch problem.

Friday

30 minutes on the Elliptical

20 minute swim.

Saturday

off

Sunday

45 minute WALK

Monday

50 minutes yoga

Today

Mile 1: 13:42 3 minute run/2 minute walk (4.8/3.8)

30 minutes on the elliptical

So Sunday I left the house at 7:30 AM to beat the heat and get a run in and the side cramps hit again. They literally make me bend over at the waist...I have NO idea what is going on! So, I walked...tried to pick up to running a couple of times with the same "symptoms" returning.

I was REALLY frustrated Sunday.

This morning...same thing. I was convinced that I was going to MAKE myself get through 3 miles...I got through one and had the man on the treadmill next to me checking on me...got off the treadmill and hit the elliptical. I could feel the presence of the stitch on the elliptical (if that makes sense) but it was not cramping like it did when I ran.

Help...please...race on Saturday!!!

In other news..

I joined Weight Watchers Online. I have to admit that I had a bit of a negative perception of WW. This is going to sound awful, but, I really thought of WW as something only people who had mega pounds to loose joined.

Then Colleen entered the picture and showed me the light. I have been impressed with her success on the program and hope to have the same results.

I want to loose 15 pounds...there were 10 to loose before the cruise and as I have mentioned many times there are now the 5 extra cruise pounds.

I joined Saturday...but consider that I REALLY started yesterday (more below). As expected I am realizing that my portions were really out of whack! I have rediscovered the feeling of being hungry (in a good way) over the last two days.

Last weekend was filled with a lot of fun on my parent's boat, The Hall Ass II (yes that is really the name...in reference to my father's company Hall and Associates) at Riverbend.

Friday night was the Black Crows, Saturday night was Anthony Hamilton and Sunday was America with our local orchestra. Lots of food and drink were enjoyed by all!

It was really hot, but everyone had a really good time, even Koz:

One final note...one of our fellow bloggers is in Baghdad, Iraq on assignment. Please keep Bill in your thoughts and prayers. You might check his blog every now and again...he has updated once from Iraq and is still running!

Take Care,
Molly

After two days in the desert sun

My skin began to turn red

After three days in the desert fun

I was looking at a river bed

-America

Molly and Scott's Great Adventure Part 4

The final chapter...

After Motor on our last night on the ship we were treated to a farewell dinner including (the traditional) Baked Alaska:

We stayed up late, drank too much, danced with the Australians and had a great time!

The next morning (tough due to the activities of the night before!) we got up and got off the ship (in Koper) and were greeted by Goran (who would lead us on our "land tour") and taken to our first hotel, in Portoroz. This hotel was VERY nice!

We got there too early to check in so we checked emails and went and checked out the spa. Scott (who was getting his first massage EVER) and I both signed up for a massage later in the afternoon. I really wanted to do a mud wrap too but there was not an appointment in time to meet Goran later that evening.

After we checked in our room, got our massages (very average) we met Goran and took a short trip to Piran.

I really liked Piran. It was a small port town that had an Italian charm. Below is our guide, Goran and the two folks who traveled with us (also sat at our table on the trip). Goran grew up in Piran, so one of the coolest things was that every other person that we came upon stopped and said Hi to Goran.

We walked up to a beautiful Catholic church that was being renovated after damage in the war. This church also gave us this beautiful view.

Another great picture from Piran.

After our trip to Piran we were treated to a "seafood feast". I had a caprice salad and pasta...not in the mood for seafood! Scott tried the Halibut and everyone else had prawns.

Goran was a sailor/fisherman when he was younger and this restaurant was owned by a very good friend of his (who he scolded for not cooking the pasta correctly.)

The next day our first stop was back in Koper. While we were in Piran Goran wanted to take us to a place that makes salt chocolate. Salt has a very rich history in Piran. Families would leave and go to harvest salt for 5 months a yeas. The place in Piran was closed and so we went back to Koper to go to a salt chocolate store. We picked up some salt chocolate but the neatest part of the store was that they literally had wine pumps...like gas pumps...where anyone can purchase wine by the gallon!

We then headed to the Postojna Caves. These caves were pretty cool, a lot of stalagmites and stalactites. It was also very cold. This is the only picture...it was against Slovinian law to take pictures inside the caves:We went around for about an hour in these caves and although they were pretty cool (literally and figuratively) I would have been fine with 30 minutes.

Next we headed to the Predjama Castle. I was not very focused on this castle b/c I was very car sick. I was sandwiched in the back of the care, Goran was driving his stick aggressively and we were traveling up winding roads. The only thing that I absorbed was that the prince was killed by a bullet while sitting on the toilet.

After being given the front seat, and subjecting Scott to the sandwich we headed to Ljubljana. This is where we got our first, clear view of the Julian Alps.

Ljubljana was another beautiful, Italian style city. We did not spent a lot of time there. We ate another "small"lunch of giant pizzas and walked the city a little bit.

In the back of this picture you can see one of the three bridges that come together at either side of the city. This is another example of the new, post war architecture.

And then we were off to Bled. After we settled in, in another nice hotel, we went out to have our Austrian feast. Check out this "platter for two" that Scott and I shared. Under all the meat (2 pork chops, several Cevapcici, two hamburger and two veal kabobs) war fries for five and a few scattered veggies n the side. We also had a very good apple strudel for dessert.

The first stop in Lake Bled was the castle on the Lake. This was a really neat place, beautiful views and out best views of the Alps.

Next we took a boat ride out to the church in the middle of the lake.

I have to say that Bled was my FAVORITE. I sat still and wrote in my journal for two hours this afternoon...and if you know me well you know how unusual this is! If anyone is looking for the perfect honeymoon destination...this is it.

As you can tell, we had a wonderful time. I can not imagine anything that would have made the trip better. This was truly the trip of a life time!

Take Care,
Molly

Molly and Scott's Great Adventure Part 3

Our next stop was Kotor. We got up at 7:00 that morning, threw come clothes on and rushed up to the deck. (note picture below). Our plan was to watch the boat travel through the fjords of Kotor. For those of you, like me, who had no idea what a fjord is, it is a long narrow inlet with steep sides. A fjord is created by glaciers, which means that, despite the close proximity to land, the water is very deep. So, we were in this cruise ship surrounded by vistas that you would presume could only be seen in a smaller boat.

These two island churches sat perched within the fjord. One tid bit we learned on the trip...when you see Cyprus trees near a church it indicates that there is a cemetery there. The trees protect the grave site and the Cyprus root is very "smelly" which keeps the rats from invading the graves.

As we were arriving to Kotor we passed this little town. Notice the tall tower which is home of the church bells. As a ship goes by the tradition holds that the ship blows its horn three times. In response the patrons of the ship receive an enthusiastic ringing of the church bells.

When we arrived in Kotor Scott notices theses barracks on the hill. As a lover of photography, and especially aerial pictures Scott decided that we were going up there. I must admit I was not too excited...he went wine tasting with me, I could climb a mountain with him! I was drizzling when we got into the city so we walked about for a little bit to see if it would let up...we thought it had and we headed up the mountain.

The end result...we got soaked...all the way through...it took my shoes three days to dry out!

Because of the rain and the clouds we did not get many good pictures. This picture shows our climb from the city. Going up was not that bad. The hike is along a rock path...much more treacherous in the rain. It was going down, on the rocks, in the rain, with a bad knee that I was not too thrilled about! The good news is I probably would have gained 10 pounds if it was not for this hike!
Our final full day on the ship was in Ploce. Ploce is a small port town that, in the words of our guide, did not have a lot to offer. This was one port where we were strongly encouraged to take the excursion. So, Scott and I headed with a large group to the city of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Mostar is an interesting city because of the presence or many different religions and cultures.

In the picture below you will notice several mosques, as there is a heavy Muslim population. I visited inside a mosques, for the first time, on this trip...we also visited a Turkish house and a Catholic church. There is also a fairly large Catholic population in Mostar. These two faiths like together peacefully in this city.


I mentioned earlier that while the region is peaceful there are visible signs of the unrest in the 90s. Most of the destruction was seen in Mostar...a small example below.

Mostar is also where Scott found Cevapcici (Che-vap-chi-chi). Mostar is famous for this dish...it is "skinless" seasoned sausage that they serve with grilled flat bread and raw onions. We took the picture below later on in the trip...where it is served with a roll and other veggies. Scott said Mostar had, by far, the best offerings (although he tried it several times!)

Stay tuned for the last installment of Molly and Scott's Great Adventure.

___________________________________________________________

Workout:

Had a good run today...made me feel a lot better about Tuesday. Slowly but surely I should be ready next Saturday.

Mile 1: 13:20 (3 minute run (4.8)/2 minute walk (3.8))
Mile 2: 13:36 (3 minute run (4.8)/2 minute walk (3.8) )
Mile 3: 12:57 (same as above for first 8 minutes...last 5 minutes: 3 minutes at 5.0 and 2 minutes at 5.2)

Take Care,
Molly

Snap back to reality

A break in the Great Adventure for a few announcements:

Workouts:

I went for a run/walk outside Saturday morning. I ran 3 walked 2, decided to ease myself in after a 2+ week sabbatical. I felt good, the knee was good and all seemed really good.

Monday I did 45 minutes on the Elliptical.

Yesterday I went to the gym to run. SUCKED! I could not get through 2 intervals. My side was cramping like it has not cramped since I started running forever ago. I could not recover enough during the walks and as SOON as I started running again it killed me. So, I gave up running and did walking incline intervals. I have been thinking about working on inclines b/c I have not done that...but I envisioned myself running.

This morning I had early meetings and did not work out. SO, I loose my Friday off day. Here is the plan:

Tomorrow: RUN
Friday: 20 minute Elliptical 20-30 minute swim
Saturday: Run 5K course

I am thankful that I signed myself up for the Riverbend 5K. I am not sure that I would be getting up and out this quickly if this race was not looming in a week and a half. I am also thankful because I stepped on the scale Monday morning to see that the extra weight I could feel in my clothes was actually there - 5 pounds!

Anxiety

hate, Hate, HATE this medicine I am on. Don't get me wrong, if I take it I am fine. But if I forget, or take it too late in the day...I am a queen BITCH. Poor Scott was the benefactor this morning when, out of the routine, I forgot to take it. I get antsy, jumpy and literally (I MEAN literally) want to punch something. Getting off of it ASAP. I need to do it with the Doc though b/c, obviously, just quiting it is not an option.

Thinking of getting of everything for good, again.

Croatia

Why Croatia you ask. As I mentioned in the last post Scott loves Rick Steves who does a travel show on PBS. He saw a special on Slovenia and Croatia and fell in love. He showed it to me and I fell in love. We literally traveled from the beaches to the Alps...where else in the world can you do that. Another cool thing is that it is pretty well undiscovered (I say pretty well b/c that is changing...the French have descended) so it is not as busy as other parts of Europe. There are still people who think that this part of the world is in turmoil and are afraid to travel there. You will see, in later Great Adventure Posts, that there are definitely still remnants of the unrest in the 90s, but everything is resolved.

And, there is this:



The Koz

Is great. He enjoyed his time with his friends while we were gone; but, I think he is happy being top dog again!

Momma

Happy Birthday to my Momma...the best mother and the best friend a girl could have!

Question

Does anyone know how to fix my sidebar? It has moved to the bottom of my screen and I can not figure out how to move it back!

Take Care,
Molly

You can do anything you set your mind to, man
-Eminem

Molly and Scott's Great Adventure Part 2

Our next stop was Split. It is the second largest city in Croatia. We spent the majority of our time just wandering and absorbing, as opposed to going to the sites, my favorite thing to do.

We spent a lot of time at the Market in Split people watching. This picture does not even begin to describe the "hustle and bustle" of the market! Everything you would ever need was available at this market! They even had a several underwear stands...thought of you momo.

This was my favorite booth...they sold the chicken and the eggs...guess we know which chickens were not doing so well in the laying of eggs department.

This was our only day that was split (haha) in half. All the other days, except one that I will explain, we sailed at night and would wake up in our next destination. So, it was kind of cool to watch the ship leave from and arrive to a port.

Our next stop was Kortula, the birth place of Marco Polo. The picture below was taken as we approached the city.

If you look to the right of the picture (left of the ship) above you can see what looks like a small tower. This is actually a bar. After we walked this small city Scott and I retreated to this tower for drinks (don't order a margarita in Croatia). We ended up talking to two couples from California who are probably still riding their motorcycles through Europe. Cool folks. From the tower Scott took this great picture:

Although our stay here was short we got two of my favorite "souvenirs". We purchased an amazing first edition painting of the harbor (which we thought was appropriate b/c we watched the boat arrive) and I got a coral, the stone of the Adriatic, bracelet.

That night we were off to Dubrovnik...one of my favorite places on the tour. The "feature" of this city, which is a must do, is to walk the city walls. These walls do a complete circle around Dubrovnik.

One of the things that interested us the most about this trip is that we literally went from the beaches (as you see here) to the Alps (later in Bled). From the city walls the views were amazing...including the city itself and the beauty of the Adriatic.

This picture (above) is the best example of the city and the ocean.

Have to throw a Molly and Scott picture in there too!

Around the right corner of this building is where Scott and I chilled for a while. Around the next corner was a swimming hole. When we got there we watched kids jumping off rocks and playing around. Later a man came strolling by in a causal work outfit, striped to his underwear and went swimming, about thirty minutes later he put his clothes back on and, I imagine, headed back to work.

This is one of my favorite pictures. Notice the classic, beautiful, red clay roofs...with satellite dishes on top!

While we usually had lunch on the boat we decided to spend the entire day in Dubrovnik without making the trip back to the boat. Scott is a big Rick Steves fan and we went to the pizza place he recommended. Check out our small pizzas (no wonder I gained 5 pounds!)!

If you have to chose a place to go in Croatia, Dubrovnik would be my recommendation.

Back to work...more tomorrow.

Take Care,
Molly