Stroller Arm, running injuries parents get

As a SAHM I spend a lot, and I mean A LOT of miles pushing a jogging stroller, definitely more miles than not. While it's been a great arm and core workout, I've run (quite literally) into a problem.

While doing a track workout with my coach (Ron Byland, Mile to marathon, I ❤️Having a coach, best thing I've ever done for my running.) we were running drills and he kept telling me to engage my right arm and that my right leg wasn't firing as hard as my left. Then he asked which arm I pushed the BOB with, doesn't take a genius to figure out where I'm going with this.... 

I've got a serious case of stroller arm. Not only that but I was worried I was getting the dreaded planter fasciitis because my arches always hurt, but, after coach pointed out stroller arm I really started to pay attention to my form while running and noticed I was pronating differently with the stroller than when I run without. 

Luckily there's no harm done and I've turned into an ambi-pusher for life but, overall good reminder to stop (not literally) and check your form and make sure it's on pointe! 

Quick video of running drills to help your form!  

Me running 

4th of July 10l, 4 min PR! Speaking of stroller runners, see that double stroller over my left shoulder? Her and I battled the whole way and I just barely beat her, pushing her 7 mo old twins #beastmode 

My arm looks like it's pumping here at the end! 

Camptown Babies

(Sung to the toon of camptown ladies)

All the mommies sing this song,

Doo-da, doo-da

All the mommies up all night long

Oh, de doo-da day

Baby's been up all night,

Baby's been up all day,

I bet my baby's getting 1 yr molars,

Somebody get me away.

Oh, the baby cries and won't shut up,

Doo-da, doo-da,

Give me a beer in a big red cup,

Oh, de doo-da day.

Baby's been up all night,

Baby's been up all day,

I bet my baby's getting 1 yr molars,

Somebody get me away.

I gave her Tylenol and Ibuprofen too,

Doo-da, doo-da,

There wasn't much else poor mom could do,

Oh, de doo-da day.

Baby's been up all night,

Baby's been up all day,

I bet my baby's getting 1 yr molars,

Somebody get me away.

I've got a huge weaner

Hey perv, I know why you're reading this and, I don't want you to be disappointed but, this is actually about boobs. 

I did it, I am a champion. The baby is almost 14 months and is still nursing. But now I'm done. My goal was a year and I would have been happy with six months. I was a nut about pumping and storing milk so I probably COULD have been done at six months and baby'd still be drinking bilk. Chest freezer for valentines 2013 still a win.

Once I made it to a year I decided I'd start to wean after Hawaii, nothing like a boob to calm down a crying baby on a plane! 

There were a couple days before we left where Kit wouldn't nurse before bed and I was devastated. It's a weird feeling because on one hand (and this is my own fault) I don't want to be so tethered to the baby and now daddy can help put her down. On the other, I LOVE nursing. It sounds really weird but I love the bond I have with my baby. The countless hours we've shared, her cradled in my arms. The seasons of Gossip Girl we've watched together. Watching her little lips smack while milk dribbles down her chin, the way she looks up at you and smiles. Part of me is so sad it's coming to an end.

 But I'm ready. Before, I wasn't ready but now I know it's time for us. I barely slept last night because I knew for sure my boobs were going to explode after 24 hours of not nursing. Good news, they didn't. It's been 5 straight days she hasn't nursed before bed and I'm proud because it's one of those moments you're like, hey, I can do this! 

Slowly but surely we'll get rid of the boob altogether. I remember one of the best pieces of advice my mom ever gave me was this, rushing out the door to baby's baptism and I was panicked making sure we had enough in the diaper bag to be gone for an hour and she grabs me and says, 'Beth, do you have a baby and a boob? Then you're good to go.' No truer words have been spoken. 

Kudos to every mommy for making the best choice for YOU and YOUR baby. Being a stay at home and nursing has been easy as well as rewarding for me and I'm happy with the choice I made and now I'm happy with the choice to be done! 

Here's to hoping my boobs don't explode in the process! 

                  Proof! 

    Saw his shirt at Whole Foods, I need it

When 58 seconds is more than 13 minutes

It's been a full week since I ran Maui Oceanfront. The toilet doesn't seem so low, the stairs don't seem so steep, and I'm an entire toenail lighter. 

I'm done receiving 'likes' and 'favorites', and my friends have stopped texting about how awesome running a marathon is. To which I always reply, you don't have to be smart to run. 

So here I sit, me and my Post Race Depression (PRD). It's the craziest thing, I didn't even train very long for this marathon, two and a half months to be exact. And I hired a coach so it was really easy, and besides running, took little effort on my end. So why am I so bummed? I pushed a human out of my body and within the year, made that same body run 26.2 miles. In 4 hours. Without an epidural. That shit's badass. 

But I'm not happy. I really, REALLY wanted my time to have a three in the front. 3:59:59 would have made me so proud! 

I ran a 4:00:57. My fastest previous time was a 4:13:47 which means I cut 13 minutes off my time. Baller! Except I don't feel like that. I'm so hung up on 58 seconds that I can't see how awesome 13 minutes is. Heck, my first marathon was a 4:50! Which should make me feel awesome except I always feel the need to qualify that time by interjecting that, 'it was the year they cancelled Chicago so yeah, it was hot'. Like anyone cares and like 90% of the population even knows the difference.  

So every day for the past week I stare at my time, hoping that magically, it'll change. I read and reread my splits. Willing them to be faster. Remembering the course and different spots I could have picked up 20 seconds. Or 5. Going over the race and wondering how it could have been different. 

But it doesn't change. No matter how long or hard I stare, 4:00:57 stares back. And this is why 58 seconds is longer than 13 minutes. It's lasted a week longer than if I had run a 3:59:59. 

And maybe that's why I run? I run because it's fun and (though I need to keep reminding myself) 58 seconds isn't that big of a deal, it's closer to my goal than I've ever been and a hell of a lot closer than when I started. Running isn't based on one singular race, nor should it be. Running is the culmination of the heart and soul you put into your training, the sacrifices you make to prove you have what it takes. It's the couch to 5k program you sign up for or the Disney Dopey Challenge you complete, it's the friends you make and the swag you earn. It's not one race or one time, it's a lifestyle. 

And, as we all know, the best way to kick PRD is to sign up for another race. Any thoughts?!! 

           Got some cross training in! 

    Girl after my own heart😍

Maui Oceanfront Marathon or MOM

I'm not sure if it was the 13 min PR or running in paradise but, Maui Oceanfront Marathon (MOM) is one of my favorite races. The whales at mile 14 pretty much solidified that. 

The cool thing about MOM are all the different running options and the fluidity of your registration and ease of changing events. Big thumbs up to the race director. He provides;

Point to point:

Early start marathon (4:30am)

Marathon (5:30)

15k

Out and back:

Half, 10k, 5k (some time, not 5:30, but I didn't look because I didn't really care)

Two days of packet pick up, one in each of the populated areas in Maui so that made it super easy to get. Nothing fancy but, you're on Maui, why do you want to waste time indoors at an Expo? I was in and out in 10 minutes AND I got to meet the race director, Les Wright (@runtahoerunmaui). If, for no other reason, sign up for this race for his emails, he's hilarious. I'm sure it's because it's a smaller race but, as far as race emails go, A+. 

 Festivities started at about 5:15 with a Hawaiian blessing which was dang cool. And I'm even pretty certain he wasn't just speaking jibberish. They played the conch, I got goosebumps and then we were off. They do have headlamps for sale, I didn't need one. The street is pretty well lit and enough people around you have them so you probably don't. AND! I got to meet some runner tweeps. @ericasara and @runrjr, they came to get married and decided to run too, too cute!

I've read comments (on active.com) from ppl who were complaining they didn't feel safe on the course, couldn't have been further from the truth, felt safe and comfortable the entire time (kind of a lie, I got pretty uncomfortable at mile 18 but can't blame the course for that). The road isn't closed and you run on the shoulder but traffic is courteous, plenty of cops and just tuck in behind someone bigger if you're really scared. Was super cool to see the moon reflecting off the ocean and to hear waves crash before the sun came up and ride started going back out. 

The aid stations were great, I knew it was a small marathon so brought a fuel belt for peace of mind but really, besides carrying my gu and Energy bits, wouldn't have needed it. I can't believe how spunky our volunteers were at 6am! They do not offer any energy gel but do have clif(?) bars and other assorted goodies. Water and Ultima to drink. 

It's pretty flat until about mile 11 then you hit some pretty aggressive hills through 16. That being said, I was more worried about them then I needed to be. Plus it's prime whale watching area so you're distracted. After 16 it's pretty flat until mile 25 where there's a slight uphill for maybe .5 miles then downhill and flat to the finish. The toughest part for me were the last 8, flat and direct sun. Plus there was no breeze. Make sure you wear sunscreen! Or run really fast so you don't have to bake like I did, lol!

I finally got to see whales at about mile 14, an awesome breech. Which is good because, unlike Pacific Whale Foundation, I don't think MOM offers refunds if I don't see a whale. 

The medals are solid, the art is way cool and they're heavy duty. Can't wait to get my race poster framed. I got my race pics THE NEXT DAY! That's amazing. I attached one, don't have a manatee (sea cow, get it?) I'm buying them. 

I think people who complain about this race are people who probably aren't happy about much. You're running. In paradise. What could you possibly be unhappy about?

This race came at the end of a two week trip in HI so yeah, maybe I shouldn't have eaten the Costco size bag of chocolate coconut covered macadamia nuts or snorkeled the day before the race, who knows. It's a great excuse to get to maui and run. Highly recommended. 

Was shootings for 3:59:59 and ran a 4:00:57. A 13 min pr so for sure bummed there's not a three in the front but still happy! 

Ran hard and safe for #megsmiles

You get a license plate holder!!!

Hawaiian Blessing at start

Me and my training buddy at the finish.

 

 Post race photo op, I'm about as salty as the Ocean here.

   

My professional race pic, don't worry, I'm buying it. 

Front

                            

Back. Isn't it cute? The Island with our race route on it! 

                                  My splits, I forgot to stop my garmin. Stupid last four miles. 

My first (non-virtual) race of the year!

It's on! I had originally signed up for the Kentucky Derby Half but plans changed and we aren't flying out until Monday after the race. Can't say I'm not bummed, especially after a 10mi @7:46 pace! Since I'd already done all this training, I thought I may as well run something else, especially since I think (hope) winter is finally over in MN.

This weekend marks the 36th running of the biggest race in MN, Get in Gear. It's kind of like our kick off to the racing season. I did in store registration at Marathon Sports because you could pick up your packet there AND receive an $15 off coupon! (Who can't use an extra pair of Asics?!) I'm officially signed up for my first 10k since last January and first real live race since last September. I've been logging great miles (while on the treadmill, they've been speedy) and the weather is supposed to be 68 and sunny.

I can't wait to see how my body reacts to a race after having a baby! Wish me luck!

LSD, and not the fun kind

It's been said (most recently by my buddy who pr'd at Boston, sub 3, and is training for an IM so I tend to trust him) long slow distance makes a long slow runner. This being said, is it better to run long slow miles or not to run at all?

In light of this weeks events I feel like running a couple miles is the least I can do for the victims in Boston and for the running community. However, I have a 17 wk old who decided, after six weeks of sleeping through the night, she was done and has only slept through the night three times in the last three weeks. On top of that, I think she's teething, on top of THAT, she's already started having separation anxiety. Including dad. On top of THAT, old man winter won't stop f'ing with Minnesota so I've been relegated to running on the treadmill listening to toddler tunes while my darling daughter jumps along with me.

I'm exhausted. But I can keep going and I will keep going because there are three people who don't get to keep going.

So here's my question, today I could barely scrape myself off the sofa (who am I my grandma?!) but I got dressed and jumped on the tread. I didn't go fast, almost 9 minute miles but I went. Was it worth it?

Is it better for a runner to log 5 slow miles than zero and taking a rest?

I'm sure i'll run again tomorrow and probably the next day, but should I? All I know is that now I have to.

#runforboston

Boston

I can't stop thinking about the tragic events that occurred yesterday in Boston. I always joke about runners being superior and good people but deep down I really do think most runners are good people. I hint understand why a peaceful, exciting event like a marathon would be, COULD be a target. The bombs went off at 4:09 into the marathon, my best is a 4:13 and with Boston electricity, that's when I would have been crossing the line. That's me. That's my running family, us middle of the packers, joe-schmo, run because we love it and work hard to fit it into our schedule, runners.

No matter where I go, I bring my running shoes and nobody will ever change that. Each time I run I'll think of all the people touched by this tragedy. The lives and limbs lost, the safety stolen from innocent people and I'll run hard, I'll run furious.

You can't take my steps away from me or my family, goodness will always prevail. You think you scared us? You just made us stronger.

When you lace up today, lace up for Martin, for Boston.

I ran 10 miles

I got on the treadmill even though I didn't want to. Went to Disney with the in-laws last week and I'm still exhausted. I wanted to sit in front of the tv and eat my Costco size bag of dried coconut while the baby snoozed. But. I didn't. I got dressed and thinking the baby would only sleep her usual 40 minutes, took off as fast as I could go thinking I'd eek out 3 miles, 4 if I was lucky. I hit 3, 4, and 5 easy. Baby hadn't moved once. So I figured as long as I went 5, I may as well do a 10k, then I hit 7, and 8 and once I hit 8 I wanted to hit 9 and eventually 10. Baby woke up at 9.37 miles so I put the pedal to the metal and ran a 2:53 last half mile. Longest I've gone since the baby's been here. Maybe I'll do a full. Yeah, probably.

I feel good now, we'll see how I feel tomorrow.

Ps, quit flippin' snowing! I can't do one more run on the treadmill!

Virtual Insanity

I've found the most amazing thing, virtual races. It's virtual insanity!

I first read about them spring 2012 when I ran a world running day 5k but just recently found them again in December. It was a charity race I found on NYC Running Mommas blog, I thought, what the heck! I'm 9 mos, 3 weeks pg and I get to say I ran a 5k!

Since peanut is only 3 mos I'm still trying to figure out a schedule so weekend AM races aren't really in the cards yet. But you know what is? Virtual races!!!! I love the Internet, I love running, and I love medals! Virtual races are my favorite because I can do them while the baby is napping or playing with me in the gym, I can do them while daddy is holding her upstairs or I can do them pushing the stroller. I can do them at 5am or 10pm, the virtual running world is my oyster!

The latest virtual race I've signed up for is actually a series called 'Get out and Run' put on by US Road Running. For $13.99 ($19.99 if you want a tech shirt) you sign up for a 5/10k or a half and then complete it within the month you sign up. After you complete it you post your results on a message board. Since runners are notoriously moral, honest, good people, your results are by runners honor. Why lie? You're not competing with anyone so the only person you're lying to is yourself and that feels ishy. Did I mention you get a medal? I love swag and this monthly series comes with a personalized medal! I ran a 49 minute 10k for March and I can't wait to get my first medal. Maybe a half for April?!

I also just completed a 5k called The Virtual Bacon Challenge, an awesome group of online running friends who love bacon and running!

And last, but not least, I signed up for the Digital Running 'interstate challenge'. I need to run either a half or a full in two states to earn a medal. Swag!

So, there it is, with a three month old baby (who just rolled over for the first time today!) I'm already out racing again and it feels amazing! I love running.

US Road Running Virtual 10k

Virtual Bacon 5k

NYC Running Mama virtual 5k fundraiser (3 days before baby!)

I'm just about to roll over for mommy!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JkIs37a2JE

Two, or three, a days

As I mentioned earlier, I don't always have time to run more than two miles at a time so I've been breaking runs into segments of however far I get to go until those segments equal 4,5,6 miles.

But is it even good for me? I'm logging miles but at only a couple miles a pop, am I getting the same cardiovascular advantages? I'm running faster but shorter. I'm pretty sure a race director won't let me run 13 miles in a couple mile segments throughout an entire day.

I ran two-a-days in college and know elite runners often go long in the AM and speed in the afternoon but they are finely tuned athletes. I, unfortunately, am not. And I'm running 2 miles, then 1.47, then 2.2 not, 18, then 10x800 at 5k pace. Am I doing more harm than good?

I feel like I'm perpetually doing speed work and I'm having a hard time keeping up. My legs get tired by the third leg (pun intended) and then I just feel like they're junk miles.

Does anyone have any answers or thoughts for me?

I'm watching man vs food as I write this and all I want to do is eat a 7 ingredient, 7lb breakfast burrito instead of running 7 miles...

Toenails are trophies

As much as I'm clearly freaking out about the scale, I kinda don't mind my body.

My stomach isn't as toned as it used to be but now all the extra skin makes it look tan. It's a start on my lifelong quest to be golden brown.

My butt and thighs make squeezing into my pants almost uncomfortable but I have hips! It sounds weird but I've always wanted hips and now I have them!

And boobs?! Don't even get me started! I'm usually a 'B' at best, now (or at least ever 2.5-3 hrs) I'm a full 'C'. I finally have some shape and I feel kinda hot.

Do the new dimples in my butt and angel wings make me self-conscious? Hell yeah. But the way I look at it, after I run a marathon I usually lose at least one toenail, which is disgusting, but doesn't bother me because I'm a badass and just ran 26.2 miles and I didn't get last place (at least not yet).

I think that is how I need to embrace my body. Does it kinda gross me out? Yep but I'm a badass, I just birthed a human being and I'm keeping her alive with nothing more than my huge jugs. She could be the President, win a Nobel Peace Prize, or be an Olympic marathoner and I spent 9 months growing her. In my body! That's amazing! I think going up a size in jeans is a small price to pay for creating life.

I need to wear my new body with pride. Dimples are the new missing toenails for this stage in my life and I couldn't be more proud.

Gooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllll!!!!!!!! (Read like an Italian soccer announcer)

No, I haven't started playing futbol but I do have a couple goals bouncing around in the net which is my head.

I know hitting 1000 miles for a year isn't anything amazing but I was still proud because I accomplished it while pregnant. It was something I could strive for, a constant while everything around me was changing.

This year is the same but different, more difficult but not. I'm physically in a better position to log miles, run races, and get a PR. However, I now have another human life to support. That includes sacrificing sleep and time. I can barely find time to shower before husby gets home let alone run, and if I can run its 4 miles, 5 max or in 2 mile increments. That's no way to train for anything. (We'll find out for sure April 27 at the Derby Mini Marathon, anyway!) I just started participating in 'Run this year' to keep me on track. I probably won't hit 2013 miles or kilometers but each month is a new challenge to look forward to!

Since it's already March, I think it's time for me to set some goals or at least get them down on 'paper'.

-I'd love to run 26.2. I've been craving one but not in a position to sign up for one at this point. Not until I see how the munchkin does in the BOB. Three months to go!
-reference the movie Mighty Ducks at least once a week (believe it or not I'm 10/12 on the year)
-lose the last 10 baby lbs I keep telling myself are in my boobs but I know are in my butt and not in a hot J.Lo way.
-quit eating mega stuff Oreos. This is a more immediate goal BC I am making myself sick.
-repeat of last year but, WO more days than not. At least it keeps me active.
-one WO a week has to be something other than running.
-get out of the house more. Seems ridiculous but with a baby, everything is a production and I talk myself out of it. I'm sure part of that is MN winter...
-let myself nap. I'm horrible at this, I'm exhausted right now but as soon as the baby sleeps I bet I hit the treadmill and not the pillow
-be better at managing the time I have, I'm sure this will be easier once we have a routine established.
-be a better wife. I love my husband so much and want to make sure he knows it. I feel like I'm so wrapped up in keeping the baby wrapped up I don't pay enough attention to my husby.

All in all, I want these goals to push and motivate me to be a better mother, wife, runner, person.

What you get by achieving your goals is as important as what you become by achieving your goals. - Henry David Thoreau

Ps, just finished season 5 of Gossip Girl on netflix and I'm dying for season 6! Guilty pleasure...

I run for these two!

Where there's a will, there's a way!

I'm nervous I've bit off more than I can chew (and if you read my previous blog, you know that's quite a bit) by signing up for the Derby Mini-Marathon April 27. I ran all the way through my pregnancy, I "ran" a 5k three days before I delivered and ran 1000 miles in 2012 with 30 coming after the munchkin got here. My love for running combined with lack of sleep and typical postpartum haze led to an overconfident lapse in judgement and I signed up for the half.

Ever since husby and I started spending time in KY I've wanted to run this race (actually 26.2 but knew that was a long shot 5 mos after a baby, for my ability level anyway) so I pulled the trigger on this race as my comeback race thinking it would motivate me to get back into shape.

That was before I realized babies eat every 2.5-3 hours and feedings can take up to an hour. I'm not great at math but I'm pretty sure that leaves me 1.5-2 hours to go to the bathroom, eat, shower, brush my teeth, do laundry, clean, sleep, change diapers, change diapers, change diapers, wash dishes, pump. All of this one handed because as soon as I set a sleeping baby down, she wakes up and we start ALL over again.

You might ask where dad is? He's here but up until a week ago Munchkie screamed bloody murder while in his arms so it was just easier to do it all. Thank God she's turned a corner and is daddy's girl to the core.

Where there's a will there's a way. Somehow I've managed to eek out several runs a week and even scored a 7 mile during an unusually long nap. Daddy has been a big help as well as bebe sleeping through the night (fingers crossed, three nights and counting!).

I have 57 days to get in gear and I can't wait. Ok, gotta go, babe is napping!








5k three days before baby!

Baby's first race!

My first 5k win, 6 months pg!

Daddy's girl

I love this face!

I'm Fat, Relatively Speaking

I know I'm not fat, not by any standards but I don't feel very good about myself. After having a baby 11 weeks ago I need to stress less about what I look like but after last night I know I need to make a change.

Since I live in Minnesnowta and have a little babe to take care of, it's not as easy to lace up and get out the door. In preparation for post-partum I purchased a treadmill so I could sneak off while baby napped. Unfortunately that's exactly what it is, downstairs for a quick mile, maybe two until the green light on the monitor turns orange and you need to run back upstairs to scoop up your bundle of joy.

Since I came home from the hospital I've only had 12 lbs to go and that's where I've stayed. I heard nursing moms lose weight like a champ but I'm so hungry I can't stop eating! I eat all day long and then when I wake up in the middle of the night I'm starving so not only am I stuffing my face during the day, I'm doing it at all hours of the night. And the worst part is, I cannot stop. I was actually gaining weight. I was burning 500-1000 calories a day and gaining weight.

It all came to a head last night in the treadmill. I was running in a sports bra and at 1.4 miles all of a sudden my workout ended. My belly is so big that it bumped the stop button on my treadmill. I get the hint, I need to do a sit-up.

Any moms out there have a tip for me? I'm close to clicking on those Internet ads asking if I'd like to shrink belly fat....

April Run Stats, Not too shabby

So I was diddling around on facebook today, gathering up the gumption to write this post about how awesome I am at keeping my new years resolution when I stumbled upon an article posted by a friend. It was a brief timeline of The History of Women's Running so I clicked on it. Funny how on the day I was planning about patting myself on the back about how many days/miles I ran in a row and here was an article celebrating those women who make my running possible. Oh I have goose bumps. It's so weird to me to fathom that there was a time that women couldn't run races. If I want to run a race, I sign up for a race, and then I run the race. Well except Boston. As I look at my April stats, I'm proud. I ran 22/30, have my highest mile week (pathetic I know but when you're not training for anything, it's fun to just go run) at 27.88 miles, and I'm still injury free. Despite how lazy I've been this past month, I've done darn good. I guess the next time I feel too tired to lace up my shoes, I'll remind myself that those women in the article weren't too tired to break down barriers for me, the least I can do is go for a run and honor their efforts.

I had this FloJo Barbie doll. I have to say it is one of my favorite presents, to this day. Thanks Mom & Dad! (PS, I say had because my bratty 6 yr old sister broke her head off)

Trail Run

It was supposed to rain all day. It didn't and the sun came out around 2 and taunted me with it's splendor while I was stuck at work for two more hours. Dreading the thought of heading home to pound the same pavement I pound every day, I kept mapping and re-mapping routes but nothing felt "right".Then I got an email from OB (other Beth, you met her here) asking if I wanted to run after work and maybe, should we do our trail? YES, yes we should do our trail. 4:30 came and my computer was shut down and I was out the door to Richardson Nature Area in Bloomington, it loops around Hyland park area. I think my app was off because we did 4.51 miles in 15:31. That is a 3:25 min/mil pace. That didn't happen. 

It was so good to get outside and run. 

I love seeing wildlife!

SO THIRSTY

Do you guys ever feel like no matter how much water you drink, it's not enough? That's how I feel today. Usually I stay hydrated by drinking 5-6 bottles of water a day but lately I feel like that isn't enough! I've even tried eating more fruits and vegetables than usual.

HELP!

I NEED This Treadmill

I've already sent it to husby, he knows I'm gunning for it. I need this treadmill, it's amazing. It lets you plot a route on Google maps, upload to the 'mill and then the treadmill follows the route while automatically adjusting for the varying elevation on the route you've given it. Come on, that's amazing.

The treadmill I'm talking about is the ProForm Offical Boston Marathon Treadmill. It doesn't ship until this fall so I have plenty of time to save up for it. Heck, it is my birthday October 7th....

While I'm kind of like a USPS worker, running through rain, wind, sleet, and snow, I know there will come a time where I need to be in the house more and might not be able to pop outside for a quick 6. Do you know the personal hell that will feel like on just a regular treadmill now?!

I NEED this treadmill.

The Day I Met Dustin-A Poem

Please don't be confused about Dustin

He's not my husband

He's a dear friend from my college days

And I thought a shout out to him would be, OK

I used to see him walk to class

Always on the sidewalk, never the grass

He often wore black, but sometimes flannel and plaid

A little WWF backpack is what he had

Before I knew him, I'd smile in passing

Little did I know, our friendship would be long lasting

I was looking at expanding my horizons,

So a new job I was a findin' (Not sure the end rhyme works here...)

I love our campus radio station, KMSU

So without hesitating, I knew what to do

The first time I opened the door,

What do I find?

But my new BFF, Dustin

A big desk he was behind

He had me fill out an application

But I knew it was superfluous

Because we'd just become best friends

He & I, Us.

We spent lunches at taco buffets at the strip club

Don't judge me, it's not as dirty as it sounds

And afternoons in the studio,

Working and horsing around

Sometimes it'd be with Gretel

Other times Royce or Clint

But no matter what

It was my friend Dust, he's mint

He didn't have a car

So I'd often give him a ride

But the favor was often returned

When I was too drunk to drive

He likes professional wrestling

Probably a little too much

But that's what makes him so special

His collection of stuff is pretty clutch

One of my prized possessions

Is a strawberry shortcake birthday card

It’s from Dustin with regards

So this is my poem for my old friend

He asked and I delivered

I hope it doesn't offend!