Saturday, July 28, 2012

The 13.1 (controversial?) sticker

As you may or may not know, I'm training for my first marathon in October. In my training, I've run two half-marathon distances, and signed up for my first half-marathon as well, which is in 2 weeks (eeeekk!).

I bought myself a 13.1 car magnet on Amazon.com, and when it came in the mail, I wondered whether I could put it on my car now. I mean, I have run 13.1 miles twice. But I haven't run a 13.1 mile race yet. I did decide to put the magnet on my car, but I googled it anyway to see whether you're supposed to run a real race first.

I didn't find out the answer to my question because of the baffling negativity toward people who run half marathons from runners and non-runners alike. People who run half marathons were referred to as "quitters" and "failures." People who placed 13.1 stickers on their cars were criticized even more harshly for bragging about only making it half-way. Here is a quote from a forum that I absolutely refuse to link to because I do not want it to get any more attention: "Putting those stickers on your car is the equivalent of putting one on that says "I was too much of a pussy to run the whole race."". Written by a non-runner btw.


WTF? 

I know that nobody (other than my mother) reads this blog, but this is just something I feel like I have to say.

Seeing 13.1 and 26.2 stickers on cars every single day while I shopped, sat in traffic, or drove to my running group inspired me to train for this marathon. The stickers showed me that people who run marathons and half-marathons are regular people who sit in rush hour traffic just like me; not super-humans to whom I could never relate nor aspire to be like. They brought the marathon back down to earth, and helped me to believe that I can do it too. I can honestly say that if I had not seen so many of these car stickers, the likelihood that I would be running a marathon this fall would be much, much slimmer. And once I complete the full marathon, I sure as hell will place a 26.2 sticker on my car. 

Is it bragging? Yes, partially. I will be so proud of myself, and I'll want to sing it to the world. But I know that these stickers will also inspire people, like they did for me.

For what it's worth, I also see no reason why anyone should poo poo on other running distance stickers. 5k sticker?  Great! Running a 5k is a completely different experience than a longer run, yes. But that doesn't mean that less effort is put into each minute. In a 5k race you run harder and faster the entire time, put in 100%, and leave the race feeling contentedly exhausted. I even saw a 0.5 sticker for a crossfit enthusiast, which I thought was fantastic and worthy of a brag. If you only had to run 0.5 mile, would you run it at a marathon pace? NO! You'd go balls to the walls, and put it in everything you had. About once per week, I will run one single mile as fast as I possibly can and leave it at that. Afterward I wheeze for half as long as it took to run the damn mile, barely able to move. I can imagine that if I was running half of that distance, I'd feel the same way when I was done; as thought I couldn't possibly take another step.

Don't be ashamed, and don't let the cyber-bullying-ass-hat-wearing-dick-cheeses of the world make you feel bad about yourself for the things you choose to do with your spare time or the stickers you choose to place on your car.

Let your freak flag fly, as they say. Let it fly.

Word


Thursday, July 26, 2012

Vacation 2012

I can't believe it's already over. I took next to no pictures because I never carried a phone or camera, and I wouldn't have it any other way. My terribly inconsiderate MOTHER even asked me if I lost my phone, but this was after I didn't reply to this text sent at 7:00am:


But I did take some pictures so have a look you nosy voyeurs!

Friday, July 13, 2012

Summer Reading List 2012

Warning!: This summer reading list is pretty damn ambitious!

Warning! 2.0: This summer reading list is pretty damn dorky.

Do I care? No! On both accounts!

I think it's totally possible to get through this entire list this summer, especially with vacation looming (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). And, even if I can't get through all of these books, I cannot wait to try.

So let's read, people!



Married With Zombies by Jesse Petersen
Zombies? Say no more! I'm in! This is perfect beach reading material (10 days to go!).



Catch 22 by Joseph Heller
Can you believe I've never ever read this book? Me neither.



The House at Riverton by Kate Morton
Heard it was like Downton Abbey. Loved The Forgotten Garden, by the same author. It sounds like literary destiny.



Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
After many, many recommendations, I will finally cave and read this.



Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard
I admittedly know nothing about this book or the TV series, but I'm very, very curious. So here goes nothing.



Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
I liked the first book in this series well enough, so why not?



Golden Lily by Richelle Mead
I'm a ha-yuge fan of the Vampire Academy series. This is the 2nd book in a spin-off series that has so far lived up to its predecessor. Hopefully this one doesn't disappoint either!



A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russel;
After finishing Sarah's Key, I'm ready for another WWII book. I've heard this book is fantastic.



After Long Silence by Helen Fremont
I've had this book for years and never opened it. I figure it's time. And ditto what I said about WWII.



Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
Sounds very similar to one of my favorite series ever, The Fever Series. So I'll either be very fulfilled or very dissapointed.



The Dresden Files: Full Moon by Jim Butcher
'Cause I need a little male main character in my life.



Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Thank you, Mom, for the recommendation! Now please lend it to me. Thanks.




Matched by Ally Condie
T'was on sale. 'Tis dystopian me thinks. I bought it. The end.

What will I not be reading? Any more of that terrible 50 Shades series. I barely made it through the first book. It's not that I don't like a sexy book; I just hate a terrible book.

P.S. I used Pinterest for my images because it does all the work for me in terms of linking, uploading,photo credit, etc. I guess I'm just lazy.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

13 Days

Thirteenbdays until I am on VACATION!!!!!!! Whooooohooooodiddlyfartbam! I am so freaking excited!!!!!

Breathe, Sarah, breathe.

Ok. So. In less than two weeks, Joe and I will be hitting the beach in Ocean Citaaayyyyy. Citaaaaayyyyyyyyyy!

Ok. Let me try this again. I can't wait. I've already packed. Like, a lot. But not everything.


Everything I do and say and even think about revolves around the beach. That wreath I made? Just evidence of a growing preoccupation. I've also never worked out so much in my life. We're talking 6 days a week, people! And I can't. Stop. Buying. Shit.

Beach Shit. Beach chairs. Beach towels. Beach umbrella. Tank tops.flipflopsshortstravelshampoobookstotebagstowels. Aloe (and I rarely get sunburns. But just in case.)You know, all completely necessary, but shit nonetheless.

So cheers to threemotherfuckingteen motherfuckingdays.