No One Said it Was Easy

I Heart Nerds

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 03:40:00 +0000

Oh mama, I didn't realize how long it's been since I've updated this. Rest assured, I've been running and walking my big fat ass off. It's currently still hovering at around 8 pounds less than when I got dumped, but looking slimmer and slimmer. Muscle? Weird mirrors? Loving oneself? Who knows.

Wanted to pop in to say that I wore my ridiculous I Heart Nerds shirt on my run tonight, and have to say, it is the most hilarious thing ever to hear the thugs in my 'hood who normally yell shit like, "Hey mami!" and "sssssssss" and that kissie noise, yelling out, "I'm a nerd!" It totally made my day.

My contacts were killing me

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara) — Thu, 22 May 2008 20:29:00 +0000

Last night I went on a run. I needed to. The dog's separation anxiety is back in full force and my stress level has suddenly gone off the charts for reasons I can't talk about here. It's all going to pass, but in the meantime I needed to get my heart pumping.

There was a slight problem. The wind was insane. The palm trees looked like they were going to snap off. Palm fronds were littering the streets and sidewalks. The sky looked like armagedon, but there I was running with a little black dog.

It was so totally worth it because I gorged on a cheeseburger and 3 vodka tonics for dinner at the HMS Bounty. I needed a little meat and vodka in addition to heart pumping, I guess.

Here's some old stats I haven't put in here:
4/21 - Run 2.1 miles, pilates
4/22 - Run 2.1 miles
4/24 - Walk 3.69 miles with Catherine

4/29 - Run 2.6 miles

5/7 - Walk 3.7 miles
5/8 - Run 2.1 miles

5/13 - Run 2.1 miles
5/14 - Run 1 miles, walk 3.6 miles

5/19 - Run 1 mile, walk 3.6 miles
5/21 - Run 2.1 miles

catch up

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 18:36:00 +0000

I can't believe I left that post up for so long. I have some runs to record, but have zero recollection of them, except for Friday's and this morning's runs.

4/1 - 2.1 mile run
4/2 - 2.1 mile run
4/3 - 3.69 mile walk (reservoir with Catherine)
4/4 - 2.1 mile run, 15 minutes of this terribly annoying Pilates tape that I have no intention of ever repeating.

4/8 - 2.1 mile run
4/9 - 2.1 mile run, 10 minute pilates tape, buns and thighs. (Note: I hate it when exercise tapes call my ass 'buns,' I find it very twee and annoying. Why can't they say ass and thighs?)
4/10 - 2.1 mile run

(Here's where I took a week off smoked a shit load of cigarettes, sunk into a bit of a post vacation depression and drank too much. Yay!)

4/18 - 2.1 mile run, 10 minute pilates tape, ass and thighs (back in the saddle, but it was a ROUGH run. I cursed myself quite a bit for the smoking. Cough.)
4/20 - 2.1 mile run (This morning I put on my sports bras and tennis shoes thinking I would need the extra support for a hung over walk with Lula, but as soon as I stepped outside I realized what I really needed was a good hard run. So I did. And now I feel nice and smug. Which is one of my favorite feelings to feel.)

And I kicked a kitten*

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 19:09:00 +0000

I'm a little ashamed of something I did on a run last week. I don't know why, but lately I've been feeling a lot of rage on my runs, and in addition to cursing out cars who glide through four way stops or make right handed turns just as I'm about to cross, I flipped off a group of kids. And not teen-ager kids, kid kids. 10 year olds.

To be fair, these kids give me trouble every time I run past their building, one has gone so far as to scream in Lula's face. Why did he do that? Why would you scream in a dog's face? For one, the adults that are 'supervising' the kids are leering and cat-calling every time I run by. For two, they live in a building that looks almost identical to mine, and my apartment is tiny, I can't imagine they have much space in theirs, so they're spilling out onto the street. For three, they don't know any better. No one told them it's dangerous to fuck with dogs you don't know, and even more dangerous to fuck with their owners.

So last week, I was running by, just warming up, so I was going at an easy pace, and one of the boys started yelling, "Andalé, andalé," which normally I would have found funny, but I had walked Lula by them a few minutes earlier and they had tried to hit me with their jump rope. I had had enough. So I raised my hand over my head in a one fingered salute and continued on my way.

Now I just avoid their building, crossing to the other side of the street before I get there and crossing back after I've passed. It's not convenient, but I seriously can't stand the little fuckers. Especially when there's another group of kids a few buildings closer to me that always, ALWAYS make way when I'm running down the side walk and always ask politely if they can pet Lula before they reach out to touch her. Ever since I've made the change, my runs have been super fun and pleasant again, and nary a finger was raised to flip.

3/24/08 - 3 mile walk, .64 mile jog

3/25/08 - 2.1 mile run
10 minute pilates buns and thighs

3/26/08 - 2.1 mile run

3/27/08 - 2.1 mile run

3/28/08 - 3 mile walk, .64 mile jog
10 minute pilates buns and thighs

3/29/08 - 2.1 mile run

3/31/08 - 2.1 mile run
7 sets lunges

*I would never kick a kitten.

Bruised knees and ego

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 01:43:00 +0000

I went for a horrible run tonight. I felt sluggish and off the whole way. I always sprint my last block and a half and tonight just as I fell out of pace I caught my foot on one of the many cracks in the sidewalk and took a gigantic fall. A lady walking by tried to help by telling me to be careful. A little late, lady, a little late.

I'm icing my knees and hoping my old body can recover.

3/19/08
2.1 miles
arms

3/20/08
walk 3.69 miles

3/21/08
2.1 miles

Daylight Savings Time

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 21:14:00 +0000

DST plus a 15 minute early departure from work made it possible for me to run in the actual dusk, which meant everyone and their vicious dog was out for a stroll.

I'm getting a little bitter about dog owners and the dogs they can't seem to control. I'm frustrated because Lula when faced with a dog growling and snarling at the end of a poorly controlled too long leash obviously reacts. I don't know what to do other than run in my old neighborhood.

3/18/08 - 2.1 miles
7 sets lunges
3 sets leg raises

Cujo

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:56:00 +0000

There's this dog on our run that is behind a fence with semi wide bars. This dog runs out and chases after us every time we go by. I thought this dog was totally harmless just in for a bit of a chase, but the last two runs I've been on Cujo has reached out and tried to bite Lula, last night he made contact.

I spent the rest of the evening examining Lula's face for puncture wounds and I haven't seen any. I'm sure the dog isn't rabid, I just wish the dog wasn't so vicious. If it happens again, I'm going to have to write a letter, I think. A stern one.

3/14/08 - 2.1 miles
Sit-ups
Push-ups

3/17/08 - 2.1 miles

To be honest

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 18:20:00 +0000

I walked a mile each way to the bar. Where I drank and ate a cheese burger and fries. But, it was a mile each way, and I did walk pretty fast because if my neighborhood at 7pm is a little scary, it's super scary at 11pm.

I also went for a not as brisk walk at lunch time. I'm going to try to add that in when weather permits. I hate sitting around sweaty for the rest of the afternoon, so it's going to have to be a miracle summer of cool weather for it to happen often. Fingers crossed!

3/13/08 - 3 miles walk

Walk in the park

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 19:29:00 +0000

I've been a little bored with running by myself. Words two years ago I never thought I'd hear myself say. So I offered to go running around the reservoir with Catherine to change it up. I'm really familiar with that run, and I feel comfortable enough with my slow pace now not to be embarrassed by running with someone. Catherine did not feel the same way. She has the problem I had two years ago. She doesn't want to run with anyone. So we walked. I needed a little break from the Koreatown.

It was a gorgeous night. The jasmine was so thick in the air, it felt like we were being tricked. All in all, it was great. I hope I can convince her to run it sometime soon.

3/12/08 - 3.7 miles walk

Hip update

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:16:00 +0000

I don't know if it's because I've been running more miles with less intensity, or because I added a Calcium supplement back into my routine or if it's because I'm doing more with my workout than just running, but my hip that was killing me after workouts is now only slightly bothersome. I'm going to look into going to a Yoga class soon, but I really hate sitting still so I have a hard time actually committing to doing Yoga.

3/11/08 - 2.1 miles
3 sets arms
a couple of push-ups
a few sit-ups

It's hard doing floor work with Lula around. She likes to sit on me or next to me or behind me. It's cute and annoying all at the same time.

With a little help from the Skinny Mirror

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:24:00 +0000

This whole running/eating less/trying harder thing really seems to be working. While the scale continues to puzzle me because the me I'm seeing reflected in the mirror seems thinner, I am feeling pretty good about myself. I have to keep reminding myself that it's not the number on the scale it's the number of cat calls you get while running. I'm telling you, my neighborhood is seriously the best place to run if you're looking for a little positive reinforcement shouted to you from a passing car blaring mariachi music.

3/8/08 - 2.1 miles

3/10/08 - 2.1 miles
6 sets lunges

Friday I'm in Love

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara) — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 15:44:00 +0000

If one ever doubts the possibility of never being able to have sex again, one should go running on a Friday evening. There was much hooting and hollering. Nothing like a self esteem boost on a lonely Friday night.

3/7/08 - 2.1 miles

Friendly Push

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 19:12:00 +0000

I was feeling seriously unmotivated last night and while I was on the phone with Catherine I told her to tell me if I should run or if I should slack. She merely said, "You will feel better if you run." I knew she was right, so I did.

I've been a little in the gutter these past few days and it's a complicated mix of knowing that Louie is in New York hanging out with people I absolutely adore and that we are no longer together to go on trips like that coupled with the fact that I might have to cancel my Belize trip for lack of funds. I'm still trying to figure it out.

3/6/08 - 2.1 miles
6 sets lunges

The Usual

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 04:53:00 +0000

I ran by my new favorite bar tonight. I wanted to stop and have a drink. Instead I'm drinking Bailey's and coffee. This is going to seem like a bad idea when I can't get to sleep in two hours.

3/3/08 - 2.1 miles
6 sets lunges
sit-ups. several.

Book Club Run

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 02:02:00 +0000

I know it's probably a bad idea, but I feel the need to tell you about it. Book club is tonight. Normally I drive all the way back to the East Side, walk Lula and then Louie would come home and she wouldn't be alone for all that long. Now that Louie is gone, and I live alone, it doesn't seem fair to leave Lula alone all day, then get a quick walk, only to be left alone all night, not to mention the fact that I'm driving a ridiculous amount extra because of book club that I almost quit because of some personality conflicts.

So today I brought Lula to work with me. I work in an incredibly dog friendly environment given the other circumstances, so yeah, I get to bring my dog pretty much whenever I need to, but I can't bring her every day. Anyway, I brought Lula and I brought my running clothes. We went for a run, and I'm going to straight from work to book club. Now here's the part where I get judged. And Lula is going to sit in the car... Yeah. I know! But I've done it before and she's fine. She is exhausted at the moment because we just went for a long run and I think I deserve a night with the book ladies drinking wine, eating cheese without driving an extra 30 miles to do it.

I guess what I'm trying to say is I need a mid day dog walker.

2/29/08 - 2.86 miles

The Guantlet

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 04:45:00 +0000

My usual route was ridiculous tonight, I was dodging cars and kids and bicycles and where there is normally only one dirty dog cart there were two competing dirty dog carts that made me incredibly sad I was running and not on a dirty dog mission. That said, it was a pretty excellent run.

2/28/08 - 2.1 miles
5 sets lunges

Jiggle

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:21:00 +0000

My run last night was a little painful. I hadn't gone for a run in 7 days, but it felt like I hadn't ever run before in my life. The jiggle. Oh, the jiggle. Thankfully after about a half mile everything seemed to tighten up and I was able to think about something other than my ass.

2/27/08 - 2.1 miles

2 Runs, 2 miles, 2 Days

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 19:22:00 +0000

I don't talk about what I do for a living, mostly because while I enjoy it, and it has some definite perks, it's one of the many ways I get to keep a bit of privacy in my offline life. That said, there's a big awards show on Sunday that I'm working on, and it's stressful. So I need to run. Lula needs to run. Last night I almost convinced myself I was too sick to run, but the look on Lula's little face when I got home, and the partially shredded quilt on my bed, made me change my mind.

I think it was wamez who told me one isn't supposed to run while sick because it lowers the immune system, but I had to do it anyway. It felt great.

2/19/08 - 2.1

2/20/08 - 2.1
5 sets lunges.

Run, Lula, Run!

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara) — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 19:55:00 +0000

She really seems to have a great time on our runs. Me? Not so much. My right hip has really started to bother me and I think if it keeps up another week or so I need to get it checked out. I hate that I have just enough insurance to stay afloat, not enough to technically cover this kind of thing. Lame. Literally.

2/15/08 - 2 miles

5 sets lunges
1 set of my crazy trainer's sit-ups

Reward

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 05:35:00 +0000

Have I mentioned I've been working a lot? 10 to 12 hour days? Poor Lula has had to hold it for 12 hours so I felt like had to go for a run with her. Running for dogs is a reward not a punishment, funny that.

2 miles

5 sets lunges
40 sit-ups.

She loves dumbbells

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:14:00 +0000

I worked just under 12 hours yesterday. Got home at 8:30PM to a very desperate dog, and decided that fear of my neighborhood be damned, I needed to give Lula a run for her money. We did two fast miles and then when I got back to the apartment to do my arm exercises with free weights, Lula hilariously thought the dumbbells were toys. Watching a 25lb. dog try to hold a 5lb. dumbbell in her mouth was worth the price of admission, that's for sure.

2 miles
3 sets arms
4 sets push-ups

The things in your neighborhood, just your typical Saturday night

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 04:02:00 +0000

We had a major deadline this morning that kept me at work from 7:30AM to 10:30PM yesterday, so I didn't get a run in last night. It was disappointing, especially since I had the requisite stress meal of a Whopper with cheese, French fries and to cancel all that out, a Diet Coke.

So I worked this morning and came home, read my trashy book on Mary Kay Letourneau, and took a three hour nap interrupted by the happenings on my crazy ass street. At one point I think I heard my landlord chasing some people off our front steps. How they got in our gate to sleep on our steps, I have no idea.

I woke up and needed a run. I didn't expect to see people passed out on the steps of the building two doors down, much less a couple of people handcuffed and being patted down by police one block over and two blocks down. I ran down 3rd street for a block before I had to abandon that idea. I was the only person in a sea of humanity moving faster than a snails pace and at one point, I was surrounded by tiny Central American men, they were trying to move out of my way, I was merely trying to move, and Lula was trying to get tangled up with a meter, a telephone pole and clearly distressed by the amount of obstacles she was being met with. Not the least of which the constant temptation to eat the errant chicken bones in the street. Twice I had to shove my hand in her mouth and pull out a chicken bone. If that doesn't make for an exciting run, I don't know what would. It's all a matter of perception, those things didn't make me feel unsafe. They just make me feel like I'm living in Los Angeles. I was just happy the cops didn't appear to be shooting anyone or beating them with billy clubs.

2.3 miles

One set of my old trainers crazy sit-up routine
5 sets lunges.

Finally!

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 05:16:00 +0000

I'm a little ashamed to admit that I've been nervous about running in my new neighborhood. It's not so much nervous for my safety, but more because I don't really know the area very well and when I don't know something I get uncomfortable. But I left Lula home for the first time since I moved into the new place, and I figured she deserved to go for a run and I definitely needed to get some tension out of my shoulders so I put my brave face on and a warm brightly colored fleece and did some running. It felt great. I think I need to put about 20 miles inot a neighborhood before I feel really comfortable, but this was a good start.

2/7/08 - 2.44 miles

4 sets of lunges
3 sets of my 3 arm exercises
40 sit-ups

Next I'll be requesting hot water with lemon

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:34:00 +0000

I hadn't eaten a thing all day except a hasty bad idea handful of chocolate chips washed down with a non-fat vanilla latte, and after cleaning the apartment, loading up another car load of crap from what I've decided is the apartment version of a bag of worms, I was starving and needed a drink. Not true. That is a lie, what I really needed was to go for a run, but it was just about to start pouring, I had a date with Tara and I was feeling very sad about being done with that apartment. So I really wanted a drink. Badly.

I went to the store to drop off the stupid steam cleaner and decided I needed to pick something up to eat, also, I knew Tara wouldn't have any white wine, so I needed that as well. As I was purusing the junk food aisles I felt nothing. Not a single chip cried out to be eaten, not a single cookie, instead I heard a weird noise coming from the produce section. It sounded like, "Eat me. You want a salad. And fruit. " What?

So, I bought a spinach salad, some pre-cut pineapple and a half a honey dew melon. It was quite possibly the most satisfying meal (with the wine, of course) I've had in a while.

I seriously don't know what is becoming of me. I hope this doesn't mean I'm getting old.

Rest assured, I made up for it by ordering French fries and another glass of wine later that night. I think I canceled out the positive effects. Maybe on purpose.

Run 1

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara) — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 02:38:00 +0000

I finally went for a run in the new neighborhood. It was just starting to sprinkle when I left the apartment, and it held to a light mist for most of the run. There are a couple of nice hills in the new neighborhood, but also a couple of annoyingly long lights at two intersections. So tomorrow if it isn't pouring like the forecast suggests I might try a slightly different route and see if I can find a better timed stop light situation.

1/26/08 - 2 miles