I'm on ABC's The Chew today!

Well, I'm in the audience, but same difference, right?! 

A few weeks ago, as we were watching daytime television, I decided I wanted to go to a taping. I mean, what's the use of living in NYC if I don't take advantage? Totally random, I know, but that's how I roll.

The only taping I had ever been to was for the Rosie O'Donnell Show. I was working at Disney and her show took over the Beauty and The Beast theater for a week (yes, I'm showing my age and I'm totally ok with it, dammit). I wasn't at all interested in going. This was the during the height of her popularity and we're talking sleeping in the MK parking lot just to get a chance to be on the show, no thankyou. Then a co-worker went and got the Bear in the Big Blue House Cha Cha Cha Doll. OMG, yall. I needed that doll in my life. So, I gathered a few crazy friends and we camped out all night, and alas, no Cha Cha Cha Doll at that taping. Boo. I was super pissed, but I got a kush ball (remember those?! Yes. I'm ok with my age. Shut. It) But don't you worry. I found it and bought it. In case yall have no idea what I'm talking about, I found this video for your musical enjoyment:

Yes, it is amazing. My 19 year old self had to have this doll. Why? I still don't know but watching this totally had me rolling, so clearly it still makes me happy.

And we are moving on.

We all know better than to think I'm getting my happy ass out of bed for a morning taping of GMA or The Today Show, but did you know that a lot of shows tape during the day?! What?! I know. We happened to be watching The Chew at the time, so that's who I looked up and applied for tickets for. And guess what? We got them!

That Tuesday, my audience member partner and I decided to make a date out of it. We woke up at a normal hour and headed to 67th and CPW (which the area is so residential, if you didn't know the studios where there, you'd totally miss them) to see Mario Batali, Clinton Kelly, Carla Hall, Daphne Oz and Michael Symon.

Confession? I have no idea who any of these people are. I'm not a foodie. I don't watch reality TV. And if we are really being honest, I'm not even the demographic. Everyone in line was older and housewife-esque. I was very concerned they could sense I didn't know anything and I was going to get kicked out at any moment.

But they didn't. In fact, it was a lot of fun! The audience warmer/ comedian RC Smith was super awesome. He was really funny and apparently an actual stand-up comedian. Everything seemed really laid back. The studio was small, which the magic of TV makes look HUGE! During commercial breaks, Carla comes out and dances with the audience. They played I will survive and Clinton joined her. It was hysterical. The hosts seem like they are having a blast and love what they do. . .and why not? I'd love to get paid to eat! Too bad, I'm pretty sure it involves cooking. That would be a bad bad plan.

Bonus? Paula Abdul was the special guest. Better bonus? The audience got label makers! What?! Don't be jelly. We are talking PC connectible multi-faceted label makers. The thing is huge! But I'm super excited. I have no idea what I want to label first!

Once the taping was over, The cast came out into the audience and talked to them. I thought that was really nice, you know even though I had no idea who they were. Later, as I was researching for this post, I found out Daphne is Dr. Oz's daughter. I didn't realize he was old enough to have a daughter close to my age. The other hosts, besides Clinton Kelly, were all on one kind of cooking competition show or another. This show was only their 101st. I didn't realize they were so new, but it's definitely a cute show, especially if you are into food. Even if not, they have other segments and it's totally worth it. . you know, as long as it's not on at the same time as The Price is Right. I jest!

Figured since it was a food show they would feed us, but no. After smelling all the delish-ness they were making, we were starving! So we ended this cute date day at Shake Shack, where we found the perfect time to go without a line. What?! Win Win!

The loot!

Verdict? I totally want to go to more show tapings! I didn't realize it could be this easy and fun! What next? The View apparently tapes in the same studio. . . hmmmmmm. .maybe next time! I wish I would've figured this out months ago!

What's your favorite Daytime show? What show would you like to watching a taping of?

RnR: NOLA

I've been looking forward to this race, since last year's. I saw the medal and was super pissed I didn't take a chance and run it. It was a few weeks before my 1st official half, so I wasn't sure if my body could handle doing something like that (little did I know. . .) and even though I was trained, I still didn't believe I could do it. So, 1 year and 9 halfs later, I finished my 10th half in my hometown!

I think this was my favorite race to date! I'm not trying to be bias. The roads were a mess (it felt like I ran a half marathon entirely on cobblestones and I got my 1st blister ever), it was freezing in the morning, then hot! (and I was totally overdressed in capris and knee socks. . dying, I tell you!) and I didn't even stay sub3, but there is definitely something to say for running in your hometown! I loved knowing exactly where we were running. I was starting to fade after mile 9, but then I knew The St. Louis Cathedral was coming up, so I got excited again. I kept giving myself landmarks to get to and it worked!

Ready for the picture tour? Warning: It's obnoxious!

 Good Morning, blurry Superdome (exactly how I felt.)

 Good Morning Runners!

I do like the set up of the NOLA race. The Runner's Village was in Lafayette Square and the corrals lined the outside of it. Perfect if you ask me!

 Hello, Parking spot.

Another great thing about a local race? Having friends with friends who live by the start. We parked a half a block away in gated parking and got to use a real bathroom. I also did the VIP potty which will be another post.

 Hello, Start line!

 Hello, Lee Circle!

 Hello, St. Charles Avenue!

 Hello, Awesome Cheerleaders!

 Hello, Walgreens! 

I totally watched a few runners duck in here. Maybe for sunscreen?

 Helloo, New Orleans Hamburger! 

Little did I know, that's where I'd be eating my post-race celebration dinner!

 Hello, Beads in trees!

Mardi Gras was a couple of weeks ago and we were running on part of the parade route.

 Hello, Pink Crane?

 Oh! It's a Demo Diva. 

(only in New Orleans)

 AWESOME BEAD PUPPY ALERT!

Yes. I did that. My only regret? Not posing like I was on a bull.

 Another Bead Puppy. I spent the rest of the race looking for more, but that's all I saw.

How much fun are they?! 

 Street car Statue in front of Fat Harry's. These were also fun to look for.

 Another one in front of Superior Grill.

sidenote: I totally climbed on one of these a few Mardi Gras back. True Story. I was drunk.

 A waiter for Commander's Palace walking to work.

I saw a few of them. Obviously our route messed up their route. Sorry!

 Best Idea ever.

Right before this sign, I was totally thinking I needed to start taking in more electrolytes. I wasn't expecting it to be so hot! It was freezing the night before and that morning. But I forgot it's a different kind of cold. Oh well. 

 1st attempt to take a picture of myself while running a race.

Clearly, I was enjoying the hell out of this!

 Yes, Mr. Pelican, I concur!

 The WWII Museum!

 Lucy's Retired Surfer Bar. I used to love going there!

Pay attention to the people by the stop sign. . . 

 He was proposing!!!

 Most Epic Cheerleader Ever. She was AMAZING!

 She ran with the soldiers for a second and encouraged the hell out of them and me.

 Rocker Dude! 

 Crescent City Brewhouse. I spent a NYE there once.

 Jax Brewery. Where Pat O's on the River is.

 St. Louis Cathedral! 

It was so gorgeous that day. I needed the motivation at that moment, too.

 Cafe Du Monde! 

What I wouldn't give for a beignet right now.

 Tujague's.

 This is where a RnR photographer stopped me for a promotional photo. 

Be on the look out, I might be famous soon!

 French Market.

 My High School!

 I knew once I saw this I was close to done, because the finish line was behind this:

 Hello, NOMA!

 Best Part of the Race?

My Daddy ran a little bit with me! 

I can't express to you how amazing it is to have your family on the course.

 The End.

The finish line festivities were super crowded and it looked like everyone was having fun. 

I wanted to stay longer, but I needed food more.

Half Marathon #10!!

PS: Did this happen to anyone else?!?!

My beads bled on me! Thank goodness I didn't wear a white shirt.

An expo and PureLove

Yes, I will admit it. I'm terrible at getting my recap up as fast as I want. I don't know how those bloggers get their recaps up the day of or after a race. I love them for it, but I don't know how they do it. As I try to get back to normal from visiting home and whatnot, I will leave you with this:

My new love! 

I have been wanting to get my hands on a pair of these since their launch last year. At the time, I had just bought 2 new pairs of Brooks Defyance 3s and I had gotten hurt from trying to incorporate my Nike Frees too quickly into my training. After that, a new pair of minimalist wasn't really going to happen. So, my fascination for them quickly died.

Then, I noticed how close RnR: NOLA was to my birthday :-)

I decided a new pair of PureFlos would be the perfect present. I also decided buying them at the expo would be an awesome plan, so I could potty like a rockstar. But, I didn't get to the expo until Saturday afternoon and VIP was sold out (along with a vast amount of the merch. I don't know if they just didn't order a lot or if the NOLA race was going to be that large). Boo.

 The expo was right next to Mardi Gras World!

 Mardi Gras fun!

 At the Claim Your Journey/ Run Louisiana Booth.

Did I mention Fred is now a blogger?

Anyway, a very nice man birdie told me that there were some stickers still at Varsity Sports on Magazine. . . so off we went!

I heart Magazine Street!

I got my new shoes. I got my VIP sticker. I got a free tshirt for buying shoes!

I put them on as soon as I got in the car and it was love, people. I can't even explain to you how amazing they felt. I wore them the rest of the day and I was tempted to wear them for the race (around mile 9, I really wish I would have, too!). I haven't run in them yet but I'm sure they will be amazing. The hard part is going to be incorporating them in as slow as I need so I don't get hurt this time. 

Or is that even necessary? Anyone run in The Brooks Pure Project? How do you feel about them?

Expedition Training

The Disneyland Half sold out a few weeks ago. Clearly, the universe had other plans for when I should get my coast-to-coast medal (Tink and Princess 2013 anyone?!). Let's hope The Tower of Terror 10 miler goes differently. And even if it doesn't, I can't complain too much. I already have another Disney trip planned for May!

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[insert clever pet name here] and I have decided to participate in the Expedition Everest Challenge. Why? Because once you see the compass medal, it's done. (see? Bling is important people. This year is the 5th anniversary. Fingers crossed they do something special!). And there is a special place in our hearts for Jack Sparrow's compass. One little glitch? My love's knee will not allow for running, so we are going to walk it. No worries!

In an effort to walk faster, I decided to give ChiRunning another chance, but this time get the book devoted to walking. I'm not finished reading it, but I tried to focus on the few techniques I learned in the book during the other weekend's long run partial fail. I noticed when I take my walk breaks, even on a good day, I usually don't walk faster than a 15 min mile. But when I was applying ChiWalking, I got up to a 14 minute mile! That gives me a lot of hope with Disney's 16 minute mile pace cut off.

From what I've seen via the internets, it isn't like a regular Disney race with characters and whatnot, so I think we will be good. Plus, as long as we are super clever, we might even finish the race before the faster runners! I hear the scavenger hunt is a little tricky. . but I also hear they are revamping it a little this year, so we shall see and report back!

We started training a few weeks ago, but took a hiatus for different reasons. It works perfectly with my regular training, too. I use it as my Sunday recovery walk after my long run. This past weekend we focused on hills to get fast, but next week we are back in! 9 weeks to go.

Any tips on walking faster?

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

See ya in the morning, NOLA.
Ready or not.

The evolution of a [blog] design.

If you haven't been to my actual page recently, I finally got around to designing myself a blog header. One day I will get around to designing the whole page; maybe even before the second coming? Anyway. What kind of a designer would I be if I continued to use a standard template? A lazy one, that's what.

Don't worry. Being as finicky as I am, I'm sure I'm going to tweak it all the time. I've already switched the road out twice. It's hard designing for yourself bc there is no client to say "that's what I want!" and to know when a design is done. I can barely decide on what I'm going to wear on a daily basis, much less a design for me personally. You can imagine the fun it was deciding on my personal branding, let me tell you.

So, how did you decide how you wanted your blog to look?

Would you pay for a personalized design, use a standard template, or google the internet for one if you're just blogging for fun?

TourPass: Thoughts?

here

I received an email about this a minute ago and my first thought was "Really RnR?! You had to start this the year I'm not running an obnoxious amount of your races? Of course you did!" and my second was "That's totally badass."

If you're running or planning on running multiple Rock-n-Rolls to go for the heavy medals this year, you should check it out. It's $300 and you can register for as many races as you want (that are on the list) for the rest of the year. The list includes 5 of the races I ran last year. If this would've existed then, I would've saved at the very least $100. . which then could've gone back into the RnR coffers with merch purches, but whatev.  Who knows? Maybe I would've gone for the Rock Idol. Even with this list of races, you could easily achieve Idol Status.

The only downfall would be if their races are still running the way they were last year. I understand hiccups and whatnot when events the size of these are put on, but c'mon. None of the 7 races I ran with Competitor didn't have a serious issue that affected me personally. I hope the growing pains have worked themselves out (we will find out this weekend won't we!) because this company really has potential to be great.

I'm impressed with this option and I'm hoping this is a test run, which will get bigger and offer more options. It's such an encouraging way to get people to run more of their events. I also noticed that they have added RunnersTraveling, sponsored by Orbitz to their site. Smart move considering all runners who are traveling for races nowadays. Now just get your branding together, quit booking Bret Michaels, have your events run more uniformly, quit making it so damn hard to pick up your bib and this company should grow quickly.

source

I've also noticed they've added a new heavy medal to the mix. Random but motivating, I'm assuming for those on the west coast. Now what about a southern one? Or an east coast one? With the addition of all the races to the series, there are so many more heavy medal options. I hope they continue to add to the list. Maybe in a year or two roll out an entirely new set of designed Heavy Medals? That would totally get me to run multiple of your races again. I mean, who really needs (or even wants) 2 heavy medals that look exactly alike? When the time comes that I can start having race-cations again, I can always be persuaded with a sweet ass medal. Right now, I only have NOLA on my list (and a DC bib that I don't plan on using. Anyone want it?) and I'd do the disaster that was the New York 10k again, only because it's in my backyard.

Who's planning on running more Rock-n-Rolls this year? Does the TourPass make you want to run even more of their races? Anyone going for the Rock Legend? We can be twinkies!