when running doesn't suck

Finish this sentence:

Running is _______.

For me, some days running is okay. Running is there. Running is fun(ish). Running is a reason to make a killer running playlist. Running is something I do, due to the fact I wear a leotard 5 days out of the week. 

Running is a lot of things. Like an excuse to take di to the gusting selfies. 

After giving up on my 5K to 10K app (because ew, running is not that fun for me), I decided to just work on my pace. La la la--everybody's working for the...faster paces. That's how that song really goes. 

I was running my weekly 5Ks in about 29.5 minutes. Now...to you speed runners who somehow magically run 3.1 miles in 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and so on minutes...bless you and your calves and your legs. When you are done with your heel wings, I will take them, please and thank you. I signed up for a race and made it my goal (and destiny) to run this race in 29 minutes. I was going to shave of those pesky 30 seconds and I was going to do it with style and a lot of heaving breathing. 

But...

I put so much pressure on myself to run it in 29 that I turned into a crazy mess with anxiety ridden cramps. I was a ball of fun to be around the night before the race. Just ask Freddie. My thoughts (and words) went a lot like this that night:

I mean, if people can run 5Ks in 16 minutes why can't lil' me run it in a loooong 29 minutes? 

Why does my body hate me? 

Oh my gosh. I'm not even going to do it in under 30 mins.

All of this for nothing.

Why did I start back with running?

I am the slowest.

The clock is going to say 30 minutes.

It's the chocolate. I should stop eating that every night. 

That's it. After today I'm going to change what I eat.

Blah. Blah. Freaking blah. You've all said it before and you've certainly all heard it before. Moving on.

Ricky laughed at me and tsk-tsk'ed at me and patted my head and told me to just have fun. Not to turn on my running app, but just to blast my music and have fun. 

Have Fun. Have Fun. 

Mother Nature also decided that she would have fun by making the weather drop to a breezy 37 degrees the morning of the race. 

Easy, Breezy, Beautiful Freeze Warning. 

I listened to the man who feeds me every day (I mean, he's pretty smart and I like to be fed), and when the gun blared for us to begin, I just pressed play on my music, ignored my MapMyRun app, and was off. 

That's me saying pooh-pooh to the weather and MapMyRun app, too. 

I don't really remember what went through my brain during the race. Mostly because I'm halfway certain my brain was frozen along with my fingers and toes. You know when you get so cold that you can't feel your nose and you know snot is running down your face, but you can't really feel it? Yeah. Me. That morning.  There I was, frozen and with no idea what my time was, when I came up to the finish line and saw that the clock said 28 minutes.

And I nearly pooped my pants. In the excited way, obviously. 

BECAUSE REMEMBER??? I WASN'T EVEN GOING TO BE ABLE TO RUN IT IN UNDER 30! MY BODY HATED ME!

I ran my first 5K, 3 years ago, in 34 minutes. Goodbye, 6 minutes. You are not missed! Don't come back! Here's your hat, what's your hurry! And all that. 

I spent the rest of the day eating bagels and pizza because I mean, I basically ran a marathon, right?...

You know the movie 28 Days Later? This is a still from my upcoming movie 28 Minutes Later. Wink.

Running is something that sometimes sucks and sometimes makes you want to stop and cry while finding the nearest hot tub, but running is also something that makes you feel invincible and like your body really can do amazing things.

Because your body can do amazing things.

Thanks, Running. 

When I say Sweetwater, you say...

beer. Or, you say 5k. In this case, 5k would be more accurate. I have lived to tell the tale of my second 5k, the Sweetwater 420 5k.

Words I never thought would come out of my mouth or out of my fingers onto the keyboard: my second 5k. The Universe has tried its hardest to make it clear to me that running is so not my thing. I'm all like, "Universe, dude, come on. Just let me be free to run." And the Universe is all like, "Emily, dude, stop. Seriously, I will make you miserable." And I'm all like, "Laugh laughsies. I'm going to do whatever I want." Basically, all of this means I envy the people that say things like, "Good morning! Just ran 15 miles--feeling great! Can't wait to run 18 tomorrow!"

Seriously? You people are not my friends.

I learned several lessons throughout my experience with this race:
1) Running a Disney race as my first race spoiled me rotten. I am that little girl in the toy store who expects only the best and finest things. (Belle and the Beast were not there to send us off at the Start line. My pre-race dance party was nowhere to be found, and instead of running on the flat ground of the Epcot countries I was running through hilly neighborhoods in Decatur).
2) Georgia is hot.
3) Running alone is about as smart as the 127 hours man who decided it was a good idea to go hike alone and not tell anyone where he was going. However, I managed to keep all my limbs so I win that round.

I say these things in jest, of course (ish). The race started at 11am. I started in the middle of the mob of runners. I had Miss I Am Determined To Run This 5k In 20 Minutes Or My Life Will Be Over to my left and the We Are Only Dating Each Other Because We Both Run An Obnoxious Amount couple to my right. Yeah! Let's do this! Off we went. I felt like I spent the first 1.5 miles with people flying by me. I was the slow car on the interstate that really doesn't belong in any lane even though there's that sign that says MINIMUM speed 40 mph.. I kept looking behind thinking surely every single person has passed me and I am holding down the fort here at the back of the line. Somehow there were still people back there...but I still looked back every now and then just to make sure.

Side note: I did manage to find myself a "running partner." Enter Mr. Moaning/Heaving/Spitting man. It actually wasn't that bad (other than the constant spitting), because he was vocalizing all the pain I was feeling. I found a winner!

The last mile was mostly up hill. I am fairly certain the person that made the route didn't get in a good April Fools Day joke this year and decided to make up for it by adding in that hill for the last mile. REALLY FUNNY. I was laughing so hard. That was officially when I realized there was no longer anyone passing me because they were all walking. Psh, walking shmalking, right? WRONG. I caved and gave into all that peer pressure and start walking up the hill. My little Jiminy Cricket conscience was reminding me that I ran the entire race last time and now my time would be longer. My little Emily Moore body could care less and enjoyed the walking break.

As I ran and crossed the Finish line I saw "34:50" on the clock. Say whaaat? Did I really finish a few seconds faster than the race where I ran the entire time? I still haven't figured out that mystery. Or maybe it isn't a mystery and I should just speed walk everything because apparently I can speed walk faster than I can run...possibly?

Whatever the case, I finished! Someone asked me why I felt the need to run another race and honestly, nothing feels better than that feeling of accomplishment when it is all said and done. I could definitely win an Olympic medal in exaggerating and complaining (as I'm sure you all can tell), but I really am glad I went through with both of these races.

Plus, check out my new sweet(water) shirt (the actual reason I sign up for races...)

Also, BIG bonus of the day: Kate and Nelly waiting at the Finish line not only cheering, but cheering with a bowl of creamy dreamy Flying Biscuit grits for me in their hands. Y'all are the best. Want to follow me to any and all races I run in the future? Just think about it---it could be great...

for the fans

A couple of people have mentioned my lack of blog updating recently. Knowing that I now have two readers is almost as exciting as Christmas morning (!!) so I figured I should please the people, suck it up and write something.

Several of my biffles (a.k.a. blogs that I stalk) use excuses like a) Ohh my baby has the stomach flu :( or b) I'm graduating this semester and am drowning in homework or c) I never get to see my hubby so he wins over the blog, to describe their blog slacking abilities. I wish I could use one of those, however I did not pop out a baby, get back in school, or get married within the past week so basically...

I'm lazy. And uninspired to write about anything. So just as any other uninspired blog writer would do, I am going to babble on endlessly about my week. Buckle up and get ready for this ride, baby.

We have exciting news in the Nan.

Oh hai, Yogli Mogli

That's right, more frozen yogurt up in here! Now there really is no reason to ever leave Newnan, right? Two whole frozen yogurt stores?! For all of you who are not in the know, frozen yogurt is the new cupcake. Once upon a time, cupcakes were the thing. Then frozen yogurt literally come out of nowhere and, if it were up to me, it would stay foreversies. 

I love me some froyo. Please never leave me.

Last week was spring break for the majority of Georgia which meant I had the week off from "my" kids. It was nice to have some time to...well, do nothing and I was kindofnotreally wanting to start this week. Pshhh, how could I forget how much I actually love children. I walked in today and Nicholas looked at me and told me how nice I looked. Then we had this lovely conversation over PB&Js:

N: So if I want to be your boyfriend what do we do?
E: We spend time together and go on dates.
N: What's a date?
E: When you really like someone you take them out somewhere like to eat, or to see a movie, or to do anything you want.
(N stares into space with some PB stuck to his lip)
N: Alright, I want to go see a car movie and then go get you some chocolate ice cream.

I'll work on the concept of froyo with him, but remembering chocolate is my favorite? High five little man.

On a completely different note, guess who is a smartypants and signed up for another 5k?

That's right, me. The person who loves running and never ever complains about it at all. Have I mentioned I love running and never ever complain about it at all? Hopefully, you've had time to get your giggles out about that piece of information. Should I have mentioned the 5k before I went off about eating my weight in froyo? Anyways, come rain or shine or hyperventilating and passing out, I'll be hitting the pavement (do I should like a real runner?) come Saturday. Most importantly, I get into the Sweetwater 420 Fest fo free. So basically, I'll be giving my race bib tear-off for a wristband to the highest bidder. Let's see how badly some of y'all want to go...

Let the bidding and sucking up and wooing begin.

been there, done that, got the t-shirt

Great success! (said in the Borat voice obviously) The 5K has been run. I am alive and had a great time. Emily Moore had a great time running?! I know weird, right? I'm sure you are thinking, "But you wasted so much time complaining." My response to that would be...erm well, true. Call me crazy. Think of it more like freaking out rather than complaining. Mmkay?

Let's start the story from the beginning: Once upon a time an imprudent girl named Emily signed up for a race.

Fast forward to February 26. Full from a supper of carbs, (everyday should be a race day so we can nom on carbs for dindin) I shot up awake at 4am. I tried to be in bed by 8pm the night before, but the roomies were not having it. Two hours of AFV (punch me in the face) and Kindle reading later, they were still not wanting to sleep. Have no fear, we all managed to doze off and get a few hours of sleep.

Now the story gets really great. Ann, sweet little Ann, has never gotten up before 10 am. While I am slightly teasing, she had a hard time accepting the fact that she had to be up by 5 am. (which technically means we should have started waking her up at 4 because that is how long it takes Ann's brain to process that she needs. to. wake. up.) At 5:09 I caught a glimpse of Ann sitting up in bed, squinty eyed and bushy haired, staring at the wall pondering what the meaning of life could possibly be at that hour. From that moment on, Ann forgot that time does in fact go on. She was stuck in 5 am land. Ann's response to everything that happened for the rest of the day, "because it's 5 am!"
Examples:

Person 1: "Why is the parking so weird?" A: "Because it's 5 AM!"
Person 2: "Why does everyone look so crazy?" A: "Because it's 5 AM!"
Person 3: "Why did my sunglasses just break?" A: "Because it's 5 AM!" ---p.s.-it was 6:30 at this point

Let me preface this part of the story by saying that Disney is superior to all other earthly places. I think I would go into shock if I ever ran a race anywhere else. Would there be a 6 am warm up dance party with a DJ? Would Belle and the Beast be hosting the race? Would the countdown to the race be Be Our Guest instead of 3-2-1? Would all the Disney princesses be lined up cheering me on? Would I get an endless supply of goody bags and food and Powerade? A true Disney win. No other place can compare. Many will try, many will fail. Brittany and I spent the hour before the race dancing the Macarena, doing the Hand Jive, Gettin Low, and Making it Rain. All pre-race necessities, of course.

The magic words, "Be Our Guest" were said and off we went! The first half mile was reminiscent to what running a race in a can of sardines must be like. Brittany and I acted out the game of Frogger by weaving in and out of traffic (a.k.a the walkers, dun dun dun). The course for the 5K was described as taking the runners "through the 11 countries of World Showcase, the Fountain of Nations, Spaceship Earth, and the Leave a Legacy monument." That was code for "through the wonders and mysteries of backstage at Epcot with a quick jog around a little bit of Epcot." It was actually really cool to go backstage and the whole course was lined up with cast members cheering you on and clapping. (Also with security guards to keep you from wandering off backstage...)

Once we ran the 1.5 miles getting to the countries, Brittany decided she felt great and would do a little leap every time we entered a new country. Really cute considering I was going for more of a fall to the floor and curl up in a ball every time. Photographers were sitting throughout the course snapping shots of the weezing runners. That's really cute, not. No one wants to see a picture of me sweating with a painful look of death on my face. To prevent this from happening, Brittany and I smiled and pretended to be easily prancing along without a care in the world. Now, I haven't seen the pictures yet, but I'm willing to bet they are fabulous. (And by fabulous I mean, they would have looked better if Brittany and I had not tried acting blissful and carefree. Cannot wait to see those beauties). 

By the 2.5 mile marker I started to slide behind, meaning I had a really great view of Brittany's back. Far off in the distance... The cheering cast members were starting to get annoying and I couldn't believe it was only 2.5 miles. Whyyyyyyyy? And that is when the Biebs saved me. My go-to pump up slash favorite song ever is shamefully "Baby." Who in their right mind wouldn't like Justin Bieber and Ludacris singing? So, during my impending hour of death, Justin told me to quit playin because we were an item and man oh man, that did it. I was going to finish. this. race. I quickly quit playin and caught up with Brittany before we hit the last 500 yards. We came around a curve and there it was standing in all its glory (with a heavenly light shining down on it): the finish line. I then got the world's third largest adrenaline rush. The clock read 00:34:35(36,37,38). I was not going to let that clock read 35 minutes without being on the other side of the finish line. I feel like I took one big 30 yard leap in 2 seconds and was done.

Whoa. Did I really just do that? Did Brittany and I just finish? YES. yes yes yes. We should have done the Yes dance. Instead we got our medal, got some blue Powerade, got our picture taken, got our food goody bag and met up with our chEARleaders. (Get it? Disney is so cutesies). Joseph even brought us some doughnut holes for our finish. He knows what's up.

All in all, this was an amazing experience. I am so glad I got through my complaining freaking out phase and did it. As good ole Walt said, "If you can dream it, you can do it." Word, Walt.

Here are some pictures!

Shout out to my chEARleaders Mom, Ann, and Joseph! Also to my running buddy, Brittany. I literally could not have done it without you. Seriously, I needed you leaping into every country to get me through this!

Shout out to anyone who actually read all of this! You're the best. 

seven days

You're thinking about it, aren't you? That girl from The Ring. With long black hair hanging over her pale face. Eerily standing in front of you warning you, "Seven days...."

Oh, you weren't thinking about that. Well now you are.

Forget the scary girl, the static on the TV, and the ring itself. My seven days countdown is a little less dreary (what am I saying? it is just as dreary, right?)

A week from now I will be SO happy. Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy today as well. But this time next week my quads will be burning, my calves will be screaming, and my lungs will be collapsing, BUT I will be smiling because this race will be ova'.

Bring it on concrete roads, hot Orlando weather, and weak ballet legs.

Side note: if your TV randomly goes to static in the next seven days (or you see the ring), it is not my fault. 

just because

insert inspirational (and entertaining) blog post here

I could write about what I've been doing(spending 24/7 with kids), or what I've been eating(Kashi bars and Fuzziwigs), or what I will be doing(sleeping, cooking, running/keeling over from running, and eating what will be cooked). Instead, I am going to let you use your imagination on this blog post. What is/was/will Emily (be) doing?

P.S.- Yippee is about 1/8 of the way done with its makeover. Makeovers are not fun. Makeovers are hard, frustrating, and time consuming. My 12 year old/make-up consumed/clothing obsessed self is very disappointed. Now, if I could just get it together enough to figure out how to make a killer header...

Good morning, February

February 1. Today marks the official countdown: in  25 days this will be me...

Looks just like me. Cheering, not out of breath, could keep running for hours. Oh wait, that's not like me, never mind.

25 days until I run (hobble, walk, scoot, wheelchair it...) a 5k. 3.106 miles to be exact. Run, baby, run.

This should be interesting...

I'm considering bringing back the 12 days of Christmas crafting: Valentine edition. My avid follower(s?) (Yes, I might have two followers) might enjoy that. Get yer scissors and lace heart doilies ready. 

HAPPY FEBRUARY

In 2011 I will...

New Year Resolutions. 

You've all made them at one point or another. So, what are we going to work on in 2011? Some of the usual like I will spend more time with family and friends, I will lose weight, I will spend more time reading, I will exercise everyday. Yeah yeah yeah, those are all well and good, but how much time have you added reading? spending time with fam? losing weight? You know how we played "let's take a good look at what we are thankful for" at Thanksgiving? We are going to do a New Year's version! Get ready. I am about to get down and figure out what I will really be resolving this year.

This year I will not have bangs. The cowlick inspired horn I had when I was a bangs head and three years old was obviously not enough to scare me away from the fringe forever. I experimented with the bangs (and the horn) again this year. Bad decisions all around. 2011 will be a bangs free year. Period.

This year I will smile more. Now, don't let this resolution fool you--it may sound like the usual default resolution, but it is not. I don't mean smile in the "I smile in the cheesy 24/7 no matter what happens" kind of way. Trust me, I've been on stage many times I know how tiring smiling can get. Ahh, the memories of achy, shaky cheeks or Vaseline on my teeth... But I am going to take my normal facial stance of mouth open/blank stare and make it more of an open mouth smile. That'll work, right?

This year I will learn how to prepare fondue. We got a fondue set for Christmas. Poor Russell had no idea what fondue was. After thoroughly explaining it to him he exclaimed, "Oh, so it's a snack?!" I have to make fondue so that I can give my father proper knowledge and culture.

This year I will run a 5k. And I really will, I've already registered and gotten all ready(ish) for my first 5k in February. So, even if I don't feel ready and I end up walking/jogging it, it is going to sneak up on me and I will do it. Santa brought me some nice running shoes :) He is such a helpful, resolution enforcing man.

Speaking of Santa, he also brought me this whole notepad of meal planning each week of the year. YES PLEASE. This year I will eat at home more and cook for my family. (They will eat healthier and looove all my cooking, of course). Minus Ann, she doesn't count for this one. Time to go use that new Williams and Sonoma gift card. And crack open that new cookbook. What goodies will we be eating?!

This year I will go to Disney. Shocking, I know. Disney is the best vacation of all and I'm sure I'll be needing the some of the best vacations this year. Obviously this resolution is code for I WILL VISIT MY LOVELY BROTHER LOTS BECAUSE I MISS HIM DEARLY.

There are lots of more things I hope to accomplish this year. This is the just the beginning of the list to bring me over into the beginning of the new year. The "older" I get (I am so old, chut up) the faster time seems to fly. I know just about everyone says this as they get older, but now I have realized how much truth is in that saying! 2010 was a busy year full of unexpected surprises, some good and some not so good. Was it a bad year? No way! (Especially because I survived, imagine that...) How can a year be bad when it is full of love from family, support from friends, ballet classes (and bruised toenails), pilates classes (iiiit's teaser time), drum lessons (a.k.a- therapy sessions), and babysitting and spending time with lots of precious little kiddies. That's right, the answer is it can't be bad and lawd knows it was far from it.

So, here's to a new year! Full of some new things, some old, some good, some bad, but I can't wait to start my new (bangs free, smiling, fondue eating, 5k running, meal planning, Disney going) year!

**HAPPY 2011**