On April 7, The PR Girl did something she never thought she would do: THE PR GIRL RAN A MARATHON. Yes, yes, yes, thank you. Congratulations may be sent in the form of J.Crew gift cards.
On May 4, this PR Girl is also doing something she never thought she would do: she will run the Mini-Marathon. Seems a bit anti-climatic, doesn't it? I mean, going from 26.2 miles down to 13.1 in less than a month might be a let down for some. But I am looking forward to the mini just as much...but it's more of a dreading, I-need-to-get-this-over-with feeling. You see, in order to get to my corral, I must walk past Marathon Man's store that just recently opened. What's the big deal, you might ask? Well, this store's concept was developed entirely during our relationship. In fact, I'm the one who spurred him on to open said store. I suggested the color scheme. I helped write and edit the business plan. I offered input in the research, planning, and design of the store. For good grief, I came up with the name of the store. Now, he has gone and trademarked the name I created. There is no bitterness, no anger pent up in me. Just sadness at the injustice of it all and frustration at the painful consequences of a deadened relationship. I truly want the store to do well. I want Marathon Man to succeed and be happy. It just really, really stinks that complete strangers are able to enjoy and rave about what a great place it is, and I won't ever be able to even step foot into a place that I put so much time, energy, and emotion. I know it's silly. It's just a little shop. But it's something that we both cared so much about, and it was what I thought was going to be a new era in my life. I was eagerly anticipating the adventure of the two of us being a part of a downtown family business.
So you may now understand why running in a race in which Marathon Man had signed me up and discovering that I must walk right past his ("our") newly opened store makes me a little anxious. But more than that, I am hoping that it will be yet another step in giving me closure - maybe even the final step of the moving on that I so desperately need. Marathon Man is a good man, but he really did a number on me. So hopefully after May 4, I can say no more to that.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
A Newbie's Guide to the Gym Subculture
- Men and women actually go to the gym to workout, not to get a date. In some bizarre way, I find this very encouraging and also realize that for years I have mentally misjudged the single gym-goers of the world. Throughout the sets of my leg presses and bench lunges, I haven't observed any awkward pick-up lines like "Do you squat here often?" or gym-based flirtations. For the most part, individuals keep to themselves. In fact, the gym almost seems like a gathering for anti-social individuals who do their best to not get caught looking at someone else. Now trust me, I do not go to the gym to get attention from the opposite gender. I hide in a corner on a Harbinger yoga mat and plank-away. But let's be real here: I might want to take all of this as a sign that I really need to start upping my reps.
- There's always that toned, good-looking blonde in the tight leggings whose sole purpose for being there is to remind you just why you keep doing all of those planks, crunches, and lunges.
- The "awkward eye contact" that can sometimes happen in day-to-day life occurs ten-fold at the gym. Even when you think you aren't staring at someone, you probably are. Blast those walled mirrors.
Feel free to add to this list!
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Gu, Blisters, and Ice Baths: Does This Mean I'm Officially a Runner?
Sunday was a hard day. Emotionally, spiritually, and physically. I will save the emotional and spiritual traumas for my journal (isn't it lucky?) and cover just the physical, push-through-the-pain-type of day I had.
After church, I did the longest run of my life...wait for it...a whopping 9 miles. I know, I know...it's no ultra, but for all of you marathoners out there, just remember that you were once at this place too - maybe when you were eight, but still...
So I'm running, covered in my Under Armour compression-gear, North Face mittens, and REI skull cap, and I'm feeling good at the one mile mark - the place where the road comes to an open cornfield.
That's when I learned my first running lesson of the day:
1) A newbie checks the temperature. A runner checks the windchill.
Uh, can I get a face mask please?! And I'm not talking about the kind that gets you a 15-yard penalty. Thankfully, the 5° F windchill only lasted for a couple of miles. And so I pressed on...
At mile 4, I wondered if I was going to make the next five miles because the cold and wind were starting to get to me.
That's when lesson #2 arrived:
2) GU gel must be the nourishment of the gods.
Within five minutes of swallowing the gooey substance, my lungs and legs both felt powerfully unstoppable. Now if only GU would heal wounds like the ointment Haymitch had sent to Katniss. I sure could have used that, because..
ENTER: Blisters.
CUE: Emotional Breakdowns and Semi-Hyperventilation at Miles 5, 6, and 8.5.
Do not worry. I just had a few girl-moments on those barren country roads due to the fact that these blisters were Marathon Man-related. If you knew how I connected the two, you wouldn't think I was that weird. Bless my over-analytical, desiring-of-approval self.
After the sobs subsided, around mile 7, I learned my next lesson:
3) With freezing temperatures, blowing snow, and icy patches, a person can grow semi-accustomed to giant, unopened blisters forming on her foot.
Still, those anti-blister socks are looking pretty good.
After 9 miles, I walked into my house with sore calves and aching feet. I decided it was time to do what Marathon Man always did after his runs - take an ice bath. Well, before I fully committed to such a cool endeavor, I wanted to ease myself into it first. I tried just an ice-cold foot bath.
The final lesson of the day:
4) Ice baths are for hot-blooded men who like the thermostat set under 65 degrees.
Agh...so painful. We are talking Jack Bauer-kind-of torture here. I barely made it for 30 seconds in the soaking tub. Maybe when it's 90 degrees outside, I will try again.
So even though Sunday began as a horrible day, it ended much better. I survived 9 miles and could have kept going! One year ago, I never would have thought that possible - I was lucky to get in 5 miles. At this rate, the Mini is gonna be breeze. But before I get too delighted with my almost-double digit mileage, I still have a marathon to get to first.
After church, I did the longest run of my life...wait for it...a whopping 9 miles. I know, I know...it's no ultra, but for all of you marathoners out there, just remember that you were once at this place too - maybe when you were eight, but still...
So I'm running, covered in my Under Armour compression-gear, North Face mittens, and REI skull cap, and I'm feeling good at the one mile mark - the place where the road comes to an open cornfield.
That's when I learned my first running lesson of the day:
1) A newbie checks the temperature. A runner checks the windchill.
Uh, can I get a face mask please?! And I'm not talking about the kind that gets you a 15-yard penalty. Thankfully, the 5° F windchill only lasted for a couple of miles. And so I pressed on...
At mile 4, I wondered if I was going to make the next five miles because the cold and wind were starting to get to me.
That's when lesson #2 arrived:
2) GU gel must be the nourishment of the gods.
Within five minutes of swallowing the gooey substance, my lungs and legs both felt powerfully unstoppable. Now if only GU would heal wounds like the ointment Haymitch had sent to Katniss. I sure could have used that, because..
ENTER: Blisters.
CUE: Emotional Breakdowns and Semi-Hyperventilation at Miles 5, 6, and 8.5.
Do not worry. I just had a few girl-moments on those barren country roads due to the fact that these blisters were Marathon Man-related. If you knew how I connected the two, you wouldn't think I was that weird. Bless my over-analytical, desiring-of-approval self.
After the sobs subsided, around mile 7, I learned my next lesson:
3) With freezing temperatures, blowing snow, and icy patches, a person can grow semi-accustomed to giant, unopened blisters forming on her foot.
Still, those anti-blister socks are looking pretty good.
After 9 miles, I walked into my house with sore calves and aching feet. I decided it was time to do what Marathon Man always did after his runs - take an ice bath. Well, before I fully committed to such a cool endeavor, I wanted to ease myself into it first. I tried just an ice-cold foot bath.
The final lesson of the day:
4) Ice baths are for hot-blooded men who like the thermostat set under 65 degrees.
Agh...so painful. We are talking Jack Bauer-kind-of torture here. I barely made it for 30 seconds in the soaking tub. Maybe when it's 90 degrees outside, I will try again.
So even though Sunday began as a horrible day, it ended much better. I survived 9 miles and could have kept going! One year ago, I never would have thought that possible - I was lucky to get in 5 miles. At this rate, the Mini is gonna be breeze. But before I get too delighted with my almost-double digit mileage, I still have a marathon to get to first.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Shopping for Running Shoes: What's a PR Girl To Do?
I now know more about the hip flexor than I ever cared to know. I didn't even know I had a hip flexor until 6 weeks ago. Now, after three weeks of resting due to a pulled hip flexor muscle, I have officially started my marathon training. And that means shopping for new running shoes!
Like any preppy girl, I can take on a retail shopping experience with ease. But when running shoes are on the shopping list, I have very little clue as to what I am doing or what I want - besides the requirement that my shoes look cute. A couple of months ago, I would have merely relied on Marathon Man to take me to Blue Mile and pick out the perfect marathon-training, forefoot-striking shoe for me. Alas, now I am left to search on my own and muddle through words like supination, pronation and stability.
My current New Balance shoes are a bit semi-minimalist, so I thought I would try to find a shoe with a bit more cushion in the front, since I am going to be doing a lot more mileage. My thinking is that this may lessen the stress on my hip muscles. So, after hours of online searching and a trip to DSW to try on some candidates, I selected the Saucony Guide 5 from RunOutlet for about $55 (full retail: $110).
Thoughts so far:
First and foremost, Saucony is the antithesis of "Cute". I understand that they make good running shoes, but why, oh, why, can't they be nice to look at as well? I found cuter Saucony men's shoes than women's shoes. So unfortunate. But, I decided to sacrifice looks for functionality. This neon yellow shoes was the best I could do.
Over four runs and 11 miles, and I'm not yet in love. In fact, after run1 and run2, I thought I might have to go back to my NB's. Afterwards, my heel bone hurt (presumably from my walking cool downs since my heels don't touch the ground when running) and the balls of my feet burned from either all the friction or my thick SmartWool socks. I decided to stick it out, though. Run3 and run4 felt much better. The heel feels fine now, and I switched out my usually delightful SmartWools for some average compression sport socks.
No hip pain yet! Did the shoes make a difference for the hip? Probably not. Better stretching and icing probably have more to do with it. But I am curious enough to see if the Guide 5 will see me through a marathon.
So at your next spring marathon, look for a newbie, preppy girl laced up in some not-so-cute Saucony's. And if you feel up to it, give her a sign of encouragement. This PR Girl sure will need it.
Like any preppy girl, I can take on a retail shopping experience with ease. But when running shoes are on the shopping list, I have very little clue as to what I am doing or what I want - besides the requirement that my shoes look cute. A couple of months ago, I would have merely relied on Marathon Man to take me to Blue Mile and pick out the perfect marathon-training, forefoot-striking shoe for me. Alas, now I am left to search on my own and muddle through words like supination, pronation and stability.
My current New Balance shoes are a bit semi-minimalist, so I thought I would try to find a shoe with a bit more cushion in the front, since I am going to be doing a lot more mileage. My thinking is that this may lessen the stress on my hip muscles. So, after hours of online searching and a trip to DSW to try on some candidates, I selected the Saucony Guide 5 from RunOutlet for about $55 (full retail: $110).
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| Saucony Guide 5 |
First and foremost, Saucony is the antithesis of "Cute". I understand that they make good running shoes, but why, oh, why, can't they be nice to look at as well? I found cuter Saucony men's shoes than women's shoes. So unfortunate. But, I decided to sacrifice looks for functionality. This neon yellow shoes was the best I could do.
Over four runs and 11 miles, and I'm not yet in love. In fact, after run1 and run2, I thought I might have to go back to my NB's. Afterwards, my heel bone hurt (presumably from my walking cool downs since my heels don't touch the ground when running) and the balls of my feet burned from either all the friction or my thick SmartWool socks. I decided to stick it out, though. Run3 and run4 felt much better. The heel feels fine now, and I switched out my usually delightful SmartWools for some average compression sport socks.
No hip pain yet! Did the shoes make a difference for the hip? Probably not. Better stretching and icing probably have more to do with it. But I am curious enough to see if the Guide 5 will see me through a marathon.
So at your next spring marathon, look for a newbie, preppy girl laced up in some not-so-cute Saucony's. And if you feel up to it, give her a sign of encouragement. This PR Girl sure will need it.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
I Dress Like Kate and I Didn't Even Know It
The day before the Berlin Marathon, I was so excited to find a Zara near the hotel where we were staying around Wittenbergplatz Station. Sadly, Zara has yet to make it to the Fashion Mall in Indy. My experiences have been limited to 6th Avenue in New York. I bought the Straight Lace Dress in Navy (right) at the Zara in Berlin for around $60. By the way, is it so hard to find models who can stand straight with good posture?
Indy Dining Series: Adobo Grill
Sit-down Mexican restaurants usually bring to mind a strip-mall eatery with the words Mi, El, or La in its name that serves its drinks in over-sized plastic cups and its salsa from bulk-sized GFS containers. Every now and then, one of these restaurants will indeed seem to be more authentic than the rest, maybe even offering something made from scratch in the kitchen - that is highly doubtful, though.
For years, The PR Girl has been looking for a Mexican restaurant that is set apart from the suburban, strip-mall stereotype. A place that delivers authentic, fresh, modern cuisine with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Where can such a place in downtown Indianapolis be found?
If you say Acapulco Joe's, I will grant you grace for blindly following the erring trend of so many who have gone before you.
Mark this, for on March 1, 2012, The PR Girl's quest was fulfilled. She found what she was searching for at 110 W Washington Street. She found her answer at Adobo Grill.
1. Tableside Guacamole
There are some dishes that simply must be made fresh and eaten immediately. If not, flavor and quality are lost. Guacamole is one of those dishes. If you have ever been served a side of soupy guacamole with a greyish-brown tint to it, you understand what I mean. The PR Girl is obsessed with avocados and cilantro (after all, they are her favorite color), so of course, she adores when they are put together to make a delectable bowl of freshly-made guac.If you order Adobo Grill's appetizer of guacamole, a server will bring a cart to your table with all of the fresh ingredients needed to make my favorite Mexican treat. This restaurant gets my patronage for that alone.
I only took two years of Spanish in high school, so naturally, I struggle with pronouncing items on the menu. Fortunately, I can say arroz con pollo, so I won't ever starve. I can't say the name of this dish, but it is what I usually order at Adobo. The sliced chicken breast is stuffed with mushrooms and cheese and covered in a poblano (mild chili pepper) sauce and pico de gallo. 
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Okay, so this is a little corny, but when you are out on the town and in a good mood, the mariachi band works. Be careful, though, if they come to your table and ask to play a song. Make sure you notice the Tips Please sign on the guitar before saying, "Sure. Why not." Marathon Man had to cough up a tip on our first date, because I thought it was all complimentary. I guess, Indy is more like New York than I thought. - Part of the building was at one time a bank. Down in the basement, there is a large vault, still with the giant, circular door hanging wide open. That's where Adobo stores its liquor.
- Adobo has offered Groupons before. Keep your eye out!
Friday, December 7, 2012
Are you there, Abs? It's me, The PR Girl.
For the past two weeks, I have been hitting the gym like an Olympic hopeful. Now before you think this is merely to give me something to do for a couple of hours each night, I do have some motivation for this intense dedication.
1) I have an audition in March.
My local community theatre is doing South Pacific, and I have always wanted to play the lead, Nellie. Well, that requires some skin being shown on stage to hundreds of people. Even though I would only be wearing a tasteful 1940's two-piece swimsuit, The PR Girl wouldn't want the audience to demand refunds at intermission.
2) I have a marathon in April.
I need to look fit and trim for all of those photographers lining the course. My entire body will look haggard, blotchy, and probably worse than this guy. Hopefully, the cameras will focus on my soon-to-be rock-solid calves and quads.
3) I want to look good in a bikini by Memorial Day 2013.
Now I know you're thinking, This vain, little PR Girl just wants to show off the hot body that she will have in six months' time. No, no, no, not so- well...it was a bit true back when Marathon Man was still around. In fact, I told him back in August that my goal was to look good in a bikini come Memorial Day. His face, of course, lit up like he had just won the Boston Marathon. My reason was two-fold: 1) so that my body would look healthy and 2) so that he could enjoy the view. So now, I will just stick with the former reason. I do want to look healthy and fit. But just because I may eventually feel good enough about myself to wear a bikini, does not mean that I would actually go out in public in one. Because the truth is, the only place I have worn a bikini is in my master suite. Growing up in a conservative family, one-pieces are all I have ever felt at ease wearing. In a bikini, I feel like I'm walking around in my underwear, and I don't know if I could ever wear one out in public. Even if I had gone through all the liposuction that there was to offer.
So come the end of May, if you are at your neighborhood pool and see a tall brunette in a black halter bikini covering her bare torso with her arms, you'll know that The PR Girl reached her goal. But she may be just a little embarrassed about it.
Here is my gym regimen that (with the help of Lars and bodybuilding.com) I put together. My upper body is in decent shape, so I'm really working on the areas that have been screaming for help for the past decade - Abs, Glutes, Quads, Hamstrings, Calves, and Lower Back.
So come the end of May, if you are at your neighborhood pool and see a tall brunette in a black halter bikini covering her bare torso with her arms, you'll know that The PR Girl reached her goal. But she may be just a little embarrassed about it.
Here is my gym regimen that (with the help of Lars and bodybuilding.com) I put together. My upper body is in decent shape, so I'm really working on the areas that have been screaming for help for the past decade - Abs, Glutes, Quads, Hamstrings, Calves, and Lower Back.
Plank (4 sets at 1 min)
Crunches (4 sets of 30)
Oblique Crunches (4 sets of 30; each side)
Knee Raises on Parallel Bars (4 sets of 20)
Flutter Kicks (4 sets of 20)
Back Extensions (4 sets of 20 while holding a 10lb weight)
Bench Lunges (2 sets of 20)
My goal is 4 sets, but they burn so bad!
My goal is 4 sets, but they burn so bad!
Leg Press (4 sets of 15)
Currently at 120lb weight
Currently at 120lb weight
Calf Press (4 sets of 20)
Currently at 165 lb weight
Currently at 165 lb weight
My Running Wardrobe: When the Pearls and Polos come off
I love the warm weather. Summer is my favorite season. And that means putting together cute and bright outfits for running. Here are some of the things the PR Girl wears on those hot summer days.
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Old Navy Active GoDRY Tanks
Nike Tempo Track Shorts, 3.5"
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Be gone smelly feet! Summer or Winter, I am hooked on these.
Got them in August 2012 and have been happy. About time to start shoe shopping again.
And...CUE: December in Indiana. The weather hasn't been too cold yet - the coldest I've run in was about 30 degrees - but I have been able to put on my new cold weather gear a few times. I feel like a true runner in all my Climafit and UnderArmour glory as I run past the cows feeding on Hoosier farmland. Their stares seem to tell me they are envious.
Complete with the essential ponytail opening
No chance of frostbite, here. They keep my fingers so warm that my hands have started sweating and I've had to take them off.
A long, tight-fitting baselayer that keeps me sweat-free.
My favorite part of this shirt is the underside (see 2nd pic). I feel like I am a dressing for an 80's Techno party or preparing for Space Camp.
I wore this in the Berlin Marathon. I think it must scream, "Preppy Running Girl", because I get so many compliments when I wear it.
For the really cold days.
So comfortable, I even sleep in them. My new favorite clothing item.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Bikini by Memorial Day? Oh, yeah.
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| Anytime - Downtown Indy |
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| Anytime - Downtown Indy |
Now that Lars isn't with me in the gym, I am actually going to the gym every evening that I am free, which is most. I also put together a revised workout based on the exercises Lars taught me and some which I found online. My target areas are Abs, Glutes, Hammstrings, Quads, Lower Back, and Calves. After about 6 times, I noticed that I was starting to have a defined abdominal. I couldn't believe it. Bikini by Memorial Day, here I come!
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| Anytime - Downtown Indy |
The Best of Indy Series: Monument Circle
My first memory of downtown Indianapolis was going to Market Square Arena to see a Disney on Ice production when I was three or four. Since then, I have been downtown hundreds and hundreds of times. I love this city. It's not perfect, but it's a great place to live, work, or visit. Here's why:
Monument Circle
- Roundabouts are all the rage now, but don't blow this one off. It was probably the first in Indiana.
- Drive around the Circle. A couple of times if you want. And put your windows down while you're at it. Listen to the sounds of the Hoosier city-life.
- Walk around the Circle at night. Preferably while holding hands with your guy or girl. Trust me. You'll get all warm inside. It really is romantic.
- Visit during different times of the day and in every season.
- The Circle has a different look and feel during the working hours versus the evening hours. In the spring, on the first moderately warm day, watch as people rush out of offices to eat their lunches on the steps of the Monument, basking in the warm sunshine that has been absent most of winter. During the summer, see the sidwalks transform as Starbucks and the South Bend Chocolate Company create inviting patio spaces for customers. In the fall, look up at as the Colts Blue Horseshoe lights up the windows of the Indianapolis Power and Light Building. And at Christmastime, button up your knee-length wool overcoat and Burberry scarf and enjoy the Christmas lights streaming down the Monument.
- The PR Girl's Tips
- There are actually two driving lanes on the Circle, although they aren't marked. The right lane is for turning right onto the upcoming street. The left lane is for bypassing the sometimes backed-up right turn lane.
- There are 1-2 police cars always parked at the south end of the Circle if you need assistance.
- There is an entire sub-culture of motorcycle riders who park in front of the South Bend Chocolate Company on any given evening, especially if the weather is nice. They will hang out on the sidewalk there for the entire night.
- There is free parking on the Circle. If you're lucky enough to find any.
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