Poll: Which February Virtual Race Should I Run?

I'm torn between two virtual races in February, so I thought I'd tap the Hive Mind.

Choice 1: For the Love of the Kids 2nd Annual Valentine's Day Race
Charity: Hole in the Wall Gang
Cost: $27 (limited slots, so I'll have to decide soon)
Dates: Feb. 14-16 (would have to fit it in with work)
Perks: Performance shirt (shown left); really good medal

Update: Can you believe they sold out already? So, it's a total moot point. Don't I feel a right nitwit ...

Choice 2: 3W Heart Throb Virtual 5K
Charity: Athletes Serving Athletes
Cost: $21
Dates: Feb. 9 (same weekend as Rhythm & Blues, so it would mean running two days in a row, which I usually don't do)
Perks: Much cuter shirt (shown left); cotton-blend, but girl-fit available. No medal, but random drawing prizes (some of them pretty good)

Plans and Schemes for 2013

My feet ache already.

As I've been filling in my calendar with work and Reserve weekends, I've been doing my race planning as well. I'm so je ne sais quoi that I've actually started a spreadsheet of races for which I am signed up and races I would like to run.

The next few months are shaping up thusly:

January: Two virtuals for which I am already registered. I thought about an in-person as well, but the Reality Fairy hit me in the head.

February: One of two possible virtuals, depending on who has the better shirt/bling/deal.

Just to show the Reality Fairy what's what, I am seriously thinking about Rhythm & Blues 5K; if I go by myself, I could actually drive there, run the race, get the bling, drive home, clean up, and be in the pew for church on time. I presented the idea to Mister last night at dinner, and I think he liked the idea of the race-within-a-race idea almost as much as I did. He challenged me to PR to make it really worthwhile. (Is it tacky to wear one's medal up for communion? I guess that's the sin of pride ... I'm totally wearing it at lunch, though.)

March: Not only signed up for Color Me Rad, but I've found myself as a team captain for three other runners. (Registration is still open, and you are welcome to join Team Chunky Wonder Woman of course.) I am going to have to do some shifting around of my work schedule (long story).

Turns out that the Navy marathon, which also has a Wounded Warrior 5K, is occurring during Mister's Reserve weekend. He's going to look into the possibility of getting permission to drill down at NAS Corpus Christi (and maybe get fitness credit). This base is near and dear to us, and it would be a nice way to round off his Navy career (or rather, my living with his Navy career).

April: I'm seeing if I can get permission to attend this year's Texas Library Association in Fort Worth. Not only is my book boyfriend one of the keynote speakers, not only will I be able to arrange dinner with one of my dearest friends who lives in the area (you heard me, Natalie!), but I would also sign up to run the 5K and run with some of my favorite librarian friends. I am obligated to run at least one race while wearing my Tough Chik singlet; if anyone is tough, it's librarians--we manage budget cuts, difficult clientele, and changing technologies all while wearing a smile.

I will pause my planning, as I see the Reality Fairy swinging her wand ominously. If I'm front-loading, it's because I dread running in the summer.

Then again, that's when I began this crazy dream ...

Object Lust: Running Case, Unsolicited Commercial, and Purple Passion

Good thing I ate my black-eyed peas and cabbage for the New Year because it seems I won a goodie from Groovy Baby Action Gear. It's a tight fit with my 'Droid, but it works. It will nicely take care of my pocket-less problems with my running skorts come warmer weather.

If it seems I have a bit of a love affair with this Etsy shop, it's kind of true. The sleeves --seen here and here--are cute and super comfortable. She offers so many fabric choices that I have a difficult time containing myself. There are a couple versions of purple that I will need at some point.*

Speaking of purple, I have been entering every possible give-away Enell has offered for their purple sports bra with less success. I think I'm going to suck it up and just buy it, since it will go with my Tough Chik singlet really well.

Speaking of give-aways, I've finally gotten it together to get a Facebook page myself. I've got a little over 30 "Likes" going right now. I'm thinking of some give-aways myself when I hit the 50 and 100 mark (said she in her optimistic voice). So, "Like" early, "Like" often.

* Just a reminder that the owner has kindly offered a 10% discount to my blog readers if you use the code NOTICIBLYFOXED. You probably want to follow her on Facebook too.

It's Not About the Weight (Except When It Is)

Toaster Time Machine

I am not making losing weight one of my 2013 resolutions.

Yes, my weight gone down significantly--that's going to happen with consistent movement and (semi-)mindful eating. Where I get frustrated is that there is no predictable way to control the number. My hormones fluctuate and I retain water (no matter how much water I drink). I get sick, and I have to cut back on my activity. Someone brings cake to work--and I have a tough time saying no to cake. Even when I record everything I eat, I never seem to lose the recommended pound a week. For me, this is a recipe for crazy, and I have enough of that in general.

What I can control is how often and how long I engage in activity. I can control only having one helping of dinner and filling up with veggies, fruits, and/or another glass of water. I can control the number of races in which I participate and how I train for them.

If there's going to be a bumper sticker, this is it: Losing weight is a byproduct, not the goal.

That being said, I do dream of being able to walk into shop for pants in the "regular" section. I dream of being able to buy a geeky print skirt or dress from Etsy without having to special order it. I dream of being able to buy cute workout clothes without studying fitting charts or searching racks. Already, however, I can buy a girl cut t-shirt from Woot, and it fits without my boobs distorting the image or too much back-fat ripple; that feels like a definite start.

If, however, weight loss is your goal, that's cool. It's just not mine. Instead, I'm going to try to run/walk at least 500 miles, run a total of 12 races (virtual and in person), and do a 10K before the end of the year. I'm pretty sure in all of that I'm bound to lose some weight somehow.

SHM Cumulative Half Marathon: Day 4 - Finish!

Completed (with 0.1 miles extra).

Also finished the monster for 600 Monsters Strong. (It's very squishy.) I had been waiting for a PO Box; if it doesn't get sent today, it will be sent the beginning of next week.

I hope somehow my small contribution helps.

Let there be peace. May our children not be afraid.

SHM Cumulative Half Marathon: Day 3

Had to watch my time, as Mister had to go to court this morning. Still managed to get my 3 miles in. Just 3.5 miles to go, which means a little longer run tomorrow. Hopefully.

One and a half ears left on the monster plus assembly. With some effort, I can have it finished by today. Hopefully. 600 Monsters Strong is working on getting a PO Box, plus one of the organizers has been sick, so I'm not sure that it will actually be mailed this week. As long as it gets done, I'm okay with that.

I'm actually thinking about what specific goals I want for this month, as well as this year. Let me finish this particular short-term project first, though.

Happy New Year!

Even though it would have been nice to start the new year with a run, the rain and achy joints made it ill-advisable. I'll be back at it tomorrow.

I have, however, been knitting until my fingers are sore. I have only the ears left to knit, and then assembly. I suspect I will have that finished tomorrow, so that I will be able to mail it on Thursday when I finish my 13.1 miles.

I suppose I should declare some resolutions at this point. I'm going to try to lose weight; that's a byproduct of the running rather than a reason. I'm not sure about setting mileage. I'm still striving to at least one race a month.

If I'm declaring a goal, I want to learn to love the body I have--right this minute. Don't waste time complaining that it's not enough of this or too much of that. Right now, it's a pretty good body, and I intend to appreciate it as it is now and as it will change over the year.

I look forward to wonders in 2013.