Even July thought it was too hot to stick around.

Serious dilemma:

I just realized the Providence Half is 2 weekends away. 

My training for the month of July thus far? A 3 mile walk and a slow 6 mile run. 

My running shorts see more action from sleeping in them than anything else. My running shoes are only used to run from gate to gate in the airport- which by the way, why haven't I been wearing tennis shoes to travel before now? Yes, they are a little bit of a bitch to get on and off, but when my connecting flight is 2 terminals away, I am not afraid to run for it. Then again, this is pretty much the first time in my life I'm wearing shoes I have to tie. Yes, I have come to terms with the fact that I am a princess. Get over it. But I digress. The point is I haven't been training. 

And let's not even talk about the nutrition. I don't think there is any in New Orleans style food. And sweet tea does not double as hydration.

In case you were wondering, that's where I have been jetsetting back and forth from for the duration of the  month of July- give or take a handful of days. Why? I had a family emergency that I don't feel like talking about (and I don't think has hit me yet) and I had a vacation planned previous to that. I'm so just ready for my life to get back to normal. . Or whatever is as close to it as possible. More running outside and sleeping in. That's all I ask.

I think I need to give up on the minimalist running movement. For now at least. My legs really hurt and I don't know when that will stop. Foam rolling and stretching seem to only be a temporary fix. I decided I wanted to do it so I would be less prone to injury but clearly I've been too lazy to stick with working on my form and whatnot, and I'm injuring myself worse (I think). If anyone has any tips, that would rock. For now I need to go get another pair of Defyance 4s so I can break them in and rock RI. 

On another note? Today makes 3 months of being smoke free, what what!! My co-worker and I went to Lululemon at lunch so we could get my celebratory headband. I made the mistake of trying their running clothes on. I knew better but I had to. I tested the theory that their pants make anyone's ass look amazing and it's true. Dammit. Now I have to have them in my life. I will come up with my bankrobbing scheme after work.

And before you decide to take away my blogger card, I give you a self portrait.

I couldn't even zip it last year.

Too much life. Not enough time.

One day, I'm going to get around to telling you properly how amazing Seattle was. It's not my fault. The universe keeps tripping me up with seriously messed up curveballs.
Until then. Please look at some pictures. This is my collection of a few of the sculptures I liked.

Rusty, the horse. Yea. I named him.

After race delirium as we walked (and I use that word extremely loosely) back to the car.

From the front.

Trying to get out before Fred got a "from behind" pic.

Technically a functioning sculpture.

Dance steps.

Slacker alert: Not a Seattle recap.

One day when the world stops turning so fast, I will get around to letting the blogosphere know how Seattle was (how many times can I say amazing before I need to find another adjective?). Until then these are some pictures I didn't know existed until they showed up on facebook. Isn't that the best way to find out about them?

I was really excited to be there. Hence the skipping.

Getting my bib.

Just in case you were wondering: This is about as close as I got to that needle.

Stay tuned. It's worth it. I promise.

Seattle stole my heart.

I rocked it! Loved everything about this. More deets when I get back to the east coast :)

Technical Difficulties.

It is 60 degrees in Seattle. I think weather.com is broken. That has to be lies.

Very happy lies for me, but lies nonetheless. 

Anyway. Mission: Revive The Dark Knight (my ipod) has become a success. So I’m not freaking out about flying cross country without every single one of my songs. I have a very strong connection with my playlists. It would have been a disaster if I would have had to chose only a few to put on my nano.

I have settled on 2 outfits that I will bring, but non-running clothes are still up in the air. 

And that’s about all that’s semi-going right.

Rock-n-Roll- 

You have been put on notice. Thank Allah that I decided to be semi-responsible and map out plans for this trip. The hotel that we are staying at, the website says is 3 blocks from the finish line/ expo. When I google mapped it- it’s 13 fucking MILES away. Are you KIDDING me?! What the hell is wrong with you? You have just made my life unnecessarily difficult. So now, instead of researching touristy things I might want to do, I have to make a new plan. In 12 hours. Yes, I probably should have double checked earlier, but that’s supposed to be your job. Don’t you have a fact checker/editor? I’m sure I could loan you one of mine. You officially suck in my book. 

And you won’t let me see the fucking medal before I cross the finish line?! You showed off that golden pile of sideways poop like it was genius and I can’t see this one? Is it truly that ugly? That thing better be made of platinum, designed by Milton Glaser and able to cure cancer or I’m going to throw it at the closest person. Remember, your medals are heavy and I’m a pissed off.

This is not a good way to start a vacay. Just sayin.

Portugal 5 miler.

First race in awhile that I wasn't meeting anyone to run with. I did see friends along the course cheering, but it was just me and me. This race helped me realize that I may be physically strong enough for next weekend, but mentally I'm lacking. 

Anyone have any tips for regaining confidence? 

It was a very hot run and I'm almost happy that the forecast for Seattle is rain on Saturday. 

Ben and his peeps were also there. I wanted to go say hello! I kind of stalk you on the internets, but I thought that was too creepy. If you're not in the loop check him out here.

And can we please talk about the extremely rude NYRR volunteer? I love that this race had tech shirts in women's sizes. I don't know why I ever pretend my boobs can fit into women's sizes, but I did. I realized the error of my ways and was hoping to exchange it at the race. I didn't realize this was such a big deal until I asked and the lady freaked out on me. All I wanted was to exchange the shirt. I didn't want an extra shirt. I wanted a shirt that I could actually wear. And I'm southern. When we want something, we go out of our way to be extra nice (which might be the problem right there. New Yorkers don't know how to deal with that sometimes). She acted like I asked her to rob a liquor store. Really lady? I realize you are up at an ungodly hour on a Sunday volunteering your time, but next time? Stay home. No one wants your time if you are going to be so rude. It really upset me for a minute. 

So, I followed my last long run with an amazing brunch at Vinyl on the UWS. Yall. Their bathrooms are themed- Cher, Dolly Parton and Nelly. It was awesome sauce. Unfortunately, no pictures. I was trying to change into dry clothes as fast as possible. I think I'm becoming a professional at changing clothes in public restrooms. 

I will. I did.

Thank you, East Village.