Big Girl Panties and other August Goals!

Running it’s time for us to take a break.

I’m still feeling super ACCOMPLISHED from tackling the San Francisco Marathon and becoming a marathoner. Buuuuttt….I’m so over running. I’ve been dying to do some other type of workout. Also the vacationing, the crazy orientation programming, and running for miles means I’ve been treating my tummy like a garbage can of delicious crap. It’s time to reign that ish back.

August it’s time to put on the big girl panties and get back to some basics.

1. Sign up for Pure Barre (1 month unlimited $100)

I loved what Bar Method did for my body when I was taking those classes. However the $175 membership just got out of my price range. Pure Barre is even more expensive with $220 a month unlimited membership but they offer a newbie deal of $100 for a month…holla! I’m just going to do the single month and I think in September I will be giving classpass a try. In term of my budget, I’ve decided investing in my health is a big plus and helps me stay on track financially. First, going to classes really helps me maintain a schedule. I’m more likely to say no to happy hours and I’m way more likely to come home to cook. Plus my sister is getting married this January and, as vain as it may sound, I would like to look my best. My Mom and Sister are probably going to order a million photos from the photographer which will cover their respective homes until the end of time and I’d like to look FABULOUS. Let’s actually try to bring on my wedding fit for this one. BLARGH!

2. Whole 30

I’m going to try to start my Whole 30 sometime around August 3rd…I think. Anyways, I just need a restart with my eating. I also really really NEED to start bringing my lunch and not eating crap at work. I think getting back to real whole foods for the month of August will set me up for success with my eating. Perhaps in September the focus will be clean eating & tracking my food. I need to get into that bridesmaid dress.

3. Budget, budget, budget

Destination weddings are DUNZO. I’m going to pay for my sister’s wedding ish in CASH. Also really focusing on sticking to my budget and spending on experiences NOT THINGS. Cleaning my apartment and really getting minimal. Less crap, more experiences, and living within my means. I’m going to make this happen.

Alright kiddies, hope you’re having a kick ass Thursday.

Besos,

lbg

The San Francisco Marathon! I’m a marathoner!

At the beginning of training my marathon goal was 4:30 and then I went on vacation and my training went to zilch and my goal became please baby Jesus let me finish this race. However I was thinking that I would be stoked if I could tackle the course in 5 hours.

AND BAM – 4:58:14!!! I am officially a marathoner!

I was fearful of the 6 hour cut off and being swept up by the bus. I mean it’s SF so there’s no bus like at the Brooklyn Half. San Francisco is basically “hey at these times we open the streets and start shutting down water stations and you may have to run on the sidewalks soooo there may still be a finish line up”. To be honest I don’t know which is worse… the bus sweeping you up or all that.  Anyways, neither of those happened to me and I AM A MARATHONER!!!

Ok, let’s talk about the days leading up to the race. Nervous, check. Excited, check. What have I done feeling!!!, check. I focused on drinking water in the five days leading up to the race. I walked a lot and tried to just focus on being positive. On Saturday, I hydrated and worked on my playlist for the big day. The boy and I drank coffee and stayed in our PJs until pretty late in the day. I didn’t eat too much since my tummy was full of nerves and kind of upset. We headed into SF around 5:25 to meet up with my running buddy for a 6pm dinner at an Italian place and get our carbo loading on. I ate up there and had an amazing glass of red to tackle the nerves. My homegirl was sweet enough to let me crash in her hotel room since her sister had cancelled. I said goodbye to the boy and focused on just chilling with my girlfriend and getting ready for race day! Aghhh!

My plan was to enjoy the first six miles of the race and stay a steady pace while the crowd thinned out. At that point, along the Golden Gate Bridge, I figured I’d pop in my earbuds and start enjoying my playlist for a little boost. I figured there’s so much energy at the beginning of a race that I wouldn’t need the music and at mile 6 the music would give me a sort of second burst of energy. In addition, I was pretty concerned about my phone lasting the entire race since I felt like I would need my music at then end (which I did!) and finding family and friends post race. I also decided not to run my besty Strava since he’s a HUGE battery suck. It all worked out and my phone even last post race for some photos, uber, and facebook. This just makes me want a Garmin GPS watch more.

I decided to focus on running my half just like any other race. Once I hit thirteen, I would focus on three more miles and getting to sixteen. At that point, it would be all about two mile increments until I hit twenty miles! Once I hit twenty miles, I would start my backwards counting to the finish. For me, this worked out really well! I would have to say the only downside is that the course wasn’t super well marked. At certain times, there were no mile markers or only mile markers for the other races. SF Marathon runs a 5k, a first half, and a second half marathon and the full marathon all at the same time. Also some of the mile markers were in crappy spots. I mean, this is a far from magical mile marker placement.

Also this course was crazy hilly which I knew but I think I managed to run strategically. I think on a flatter course, I could have been a bit quicker but this just makes me feel like it’s even more of an achievement. This first half is filled with steep San Francisco hills and the bridge has an slight incline so that’s a bit tricky too. Miles 12-17 are in Golden Gate park and those are truly rolling hills which I wasn’t as prepared for but I did a pretty good job. However by mile 19/20 I had to include some walking on the hills since my body was definitely feeling it at that point. The last 6 miles of the course are flat – thank baby Jesus! Still by the time I hit the end, I doing a combination of walking and running. I did manage to run the last .6 miles strong and cross the finish line with a smile. It was warm and sunny and I didn’t even need my post marathon blanket. It should be noted San Francisco has been having unseasonable warm weather for the past week which freaked me out! Last Sunday was the hottest day with a high of 82! This is pretty much of unheard of for a SF summer. Luckily it had cooled down this week but even by 6:00am this Sunday it was 60 degrees.

Early Morning shot as I made my way to my corral.

I was rocking my shorts and tank top so I felt ready if the sun should pop out early. It wasn’t scheduled to come out until 11:00am right at the time I hoped to finish. Thankfully it stay pretty moderate, very little wind, and cloudy until about 10:45am.

Half way done. The runners for the second half are about to join us. I can’t figure out if this was a bonus or not. A second group of runners all full of energy and ready to go…I’m trying to just get by and they’re like woo hoo mile 3!

Running by Baker Beach and some Michael came on my playlist as I went up and down on all the little hills. This part of the race was super pretty and green which helped.

Mile 15! Just keep swimming, you’re almost to mile 16.

I kept telling myself that’s my walk from my office to the BART train, you got this.

Only about two miles to the finish line and Tupac’s “I get around” came on and I felt like ok, you can do this.

Longest 2 miles EVER!

BUT THEN YOU WALK AWAY A MARATHONER!

That’s all that I got for you, kids. This marathoner is taking the day off and recovering.

Maybe even getting a pedicure for my sad little feet.

Besos,

lbg

Running Away from Mi Vida but first an iced coffee in Gotham

I am have a shitty day. Just straight up shitty.

I want to be someone that wakes up feeling like I am winning at being a grown-up. Maybe this feeling doesn’t exist and everyone else just does a better job faking it than I do?

I don’t want to fight with my boyfriend because his Mom loves him but is basically crazy (as all moms are) and now his day is ruined. Seriously, I’m sorry your mom drives you up the wall but do you have to be a pretentious jerk face??? Should jerkface be one word or two? Sigh, it doesn’t matter.

The best thing about being a grown up is I can run away to one of my favorite cafes and order a strawberry blonde beer and macaroni and cheese. Seriously, not around the block or even hide out at a friends like when you were a kid. I can legit runaway to someplace I love. Until I’m more of a Batman type than a vengeful Joker and then I will return home and restore peace to Gotham.

Well apparently it’s really hard to save Gotham and our fight continued…it is now Monday and I’m hopeful that peace with reign again. Being in a relationship is by far one of the hardest things….especially when you and your parter are strong, opinionated people. I wish one of us was more easy going and by us, I mean him.

It’s Monday, so let’s debrief the following things that are on my mind.

1. Marathon….so underprepared.

2. Supplemental disability, I feel screwed by big university employer and now need to secure some supplemental coverage.

3. Turning my week around by focusing on gratitude, optimism, and general grown-up attitude.

4. Make some time to clean the casita.

5. How am I going to run this damn marathon????

6. Coffee….I need more coffee.

7. Please let today not kick me in the face.

Alright, I’m going to try and be productive at work today and also work on my marathon playlist for ultimate success. I’m also going to need a second coffee today. We’re having a mini heatwave in the East Bay and it’s never 72 at 9:00am so it’s going to need to be an iced coffee. Yes, I live in northern California with a temperate year round climate, so yes this means it will be oh so hot later on.

Also has anyone watched the Rhi Rhi video for “Bitch, better have my money?” If not, please do. While an interesting video concept, not what I expected. I do enjoy the jam though.

Let’s make Monday happen, kids.

besos,

lbg

The Bitch is Back with stories on destination weddings, running, and poor decisions

YIKES IT’S BEEN 20 DAYS! #BADBLOGGER

Vacation was great! There were some ups and downs as always when you’re going on Destination Wedding Vacay for someone else. These are the things I’ve learned about destination weddings that your friends try to sell you on as your own vacation plus their own wedding, so win win right? Ummm…actually kinda wrong but we’ll get there. You should know that I have been to 4-5 destination weddings at this point in mi vida. And yes, Budapest was by far the farthest.

Don’t get it twisted, you clearly love this person if you’re going to travel out of the way for their wedding. Well, you or your partner love this person dearly. That being said you should expect/prepare for the following:

1. Plan for extra time to enjoy your vacation at what is hopefully a beautiful location. I would strongly recommend taking your extra vacation days AFTER the wedding and arriving as close to the wedding date as possible. The earlier you arrive the more likely you are going to be roped into pre-wedding shenanigans which most likely will come out of your own pocketbook. You will feel obligated to attend to be a good friend/bridal party/ officiant whether or not you really enjoy said activity or the forced company of the bride’s family, groom’s sketchy frat buddies, etc. Extra days after the wedding ensure you get to do what you want, with who you want, and are under no pressure to pay $50 to meet the bride and groom at brunch place you would have never picked.

2. Try to get an itinerary from the happy couple earlier rather than later. Also try and figure out if there are important events that they want you to attend. Rehearsal dinner? Post Wedding brunch? Or you needed me to set up chairs on my vacation that I paid $1250 to fly out here and see you get married…yea…awesome just what I wanted. #truestory Like I said, arrive as close to the wedding as possible.

3. Know that on the day of the wedding, you should just be prepared to roll with the punches. Don’t plan activities or sight-seeing in case the bride/groom needs you….to run and buy fake eyelash glue. #truestory. It’s kind of their day anyways and you don’t want to miss the wedding shuttle since you were day drinking on the ocean and underestimated how long it would take you to cab back to your hotel.

4. Pad your budget a little bit. Destination weddings can be unpredictable and that dinner with the the bridal party two nights before the wedding may cost more than you anticipated. Especially if the groom springs it on you upon arrival. #truestory

5. HAVE FUN! It’s going to be different than you expected and probably less of a vacation but this person is your homie. In the words of Bryan Adams, “Let’s make it all for one and all for love.” One day all the suck will fade and you will be left with beautiful over glossy memories.

In other news, I am undertrained for this marathon. People, I may have realized that training for a marathon with two destination weddings and my busiest time at work just prior to said marathon was a HORRIBLE idea. HORRIBLE. I am still going to attempt it since according to marathoners I still have “enough” training to not officially kill myself. Plus I paid over $100 bucks for this race so not showing up is just not an option…..I may regret this later. The marathon has a 6 hour time limit and my only goal is to not be swept up by the race bus. Please baby Jesus help me out with this one.

Last but def not least, your moment of zen.

Besos,

lbg

Old, Tired, and trying to fake my way to a Happy Sunday Funday.

Dearest Interwebbies,

It’s been two weeks basically since I blogged…how did that happen. #worstbloggerever

Anyways, I have a couple of theories on that matter and the coffee is brewing so let’s just have some coffee and catch up, shall we?

I’ve been facing some ridicious fatigue in the past few weeks. Fatigue as in I come home from work and lay on my couch for an hour and am in bed by like 9:00pm. In what feels like a moment, it’s the next morning and I can still barely wake up at 6:00am. It’s really bizarre and I know I’m working pretty hard at work but it’s not my normal M.O.. The only thing I can really contribute this fatgue too is the fact that I recently changed my birth control (BC). Actually strike that, my cheapo pharmacy changed my pill and this new bad boy showed up in my mailbox with a note saying “This the same as your old pill but this is the new brand we now carry.” As a lady that’s been on and off my fair share of pills, we all know this is never true. The generic version always makes you feel differently than the OG pill and you kinda have to be willing to go through trial by fire to be on BC. I’ve had pills that made me cry like a lunantic, become depressed and ragey, or even better yet break out like a 15 y.o. kid. AWESOME! I hate having to change pills because it never fails you have to try at least one shitty pill  before you hit the BC jackpot. I was super happy on Reclipsen, no real side effects, enjoying mi vida, and BAM Apri shows up in the mail. WTF???? The only thing I can suspect for this chronic fatigue is the DAMN Apri. Of course, since I’ve been in this game for a while now I know the drill. My doctor is going to say you have to give it three months so no point in calling. I’ve got one month under my belt and month two isn’t feeling any better. In the meantime, my casita is becoming home to the rat king and running is almost non-existant.

Running which I used to love is now like a chore…maybe there’s too much training for a marathon and I’m just a half kind of girl. Or maybe it’s that my first one shouldn’t have been during my busiest time at work…or maybe I just say yes to too many after work cocktails which blows my running motivation. Or it’s the DAMN Apri.

It’s probably D) All of the above. Being tired though makes it crazy hard to run, that’s no joke. At least my weight is staying static. Thank bebe Jesus. Although it’s still like 4lbs from where I’d really like it to be. Hey, when you’re 5 feet nothing 4lbs matters, bitches. It’s like 10lbs for regular sized people.

I did interview for a job the other day which is #winning but it’s one of those sneaky bastard jobs where the salary portion says “commesurate with experience” and I’m thinking you’re gonna need to offer me at least $8 -10 grand more than what I make so we’ll see. Plus we finally have AWESOME people at my job that I kinda love working with it. I mean it’s been a rough almost fours years but so many improvements and increased funding have made it a LOT better. Long story, short, I’m not gonna trip. I’m just going to wait and see if I get a second interview and leave it to the gods.

Since I haven’t been running on Saturday mornings (slacker) I’ve been chilling at Farmers Market which I ADORE!!!! All the fresh summer fruit and tons of yumminess. Seriously, it’s my church. I love wandering around the produce and tasting stuff and buying crazy veggies, lemon cucumber anyone?

I still have a half unpacked suitcase from Hawaii, my bad. However found my passport and am stoked for my Budapest trip!

There was some other depressing things on the personal front, such as several people dying which is always sad and depressing even when they’re old. Plus it all kinda clustered around the 1 year anniversary of the death of my Grandma…sigh, all the feelings. Hence to say I’ve felt pretty on and off melancholy this week.

I’m gonna try and pound out another catch up post later kiddies but I’ve got to eat some breakfast and try and bring running back.

That’s right bitches, caught you off guard with that motivational ish. BOO-YAH!!!

Oh and here’s your moment of zen.

Aretha besos,

lbg

I haven’t written for the longest time….woahhhh oh oh oh…for the longest tiiiimmmme!

Dearest Interwebs,

It’s been a million and one years but your favorite lbg is still trucking along making bad choices and trying to pretend that I am a sophisticated grown up. A good blogger would of actually looked at the last time she posted and write a proper summary. You’re not on her blog but I assume you’re hear for the shenanigans, to feel better about your own situation, or to learn from my mistakes. Anyways, I’m glad you’re here to kick even if it is only for my 80’s references and love of Salt-n-Pepa.

Running

Since I typically write about my attempt to keep the sexy going on and running, it’s only fair we have a little update. I have to be the WORST SF Marathon trainee ever! Well let’s back up a bit. I headed out to Hawaii for my home girl’s wedding on May 20th. I had planned to run on Monday, Tuesday before I left and signed up for the Hibiscus Half on Sunday (while in Hawaii). Did I run on Monday and Tuesday? Of course not. I had a million of work things and trip prep – so yep, no running. I preceded to drink away my vacation, enjoy the sun, surf, and hawaiian pork err’day. I slept for 2 whole hours the night prior to the Hibiscus Half because I was out at the bars with my homegirls. Despite all that I got my hella tired ass up and tackled that bad boy in 2 hours and 14 minutes! Holla!!! The humidity was NOT my friend. I was walking to the race start from my hotel at 5am in the morning and the weather was so perfect until I had to run. The first 3 miles of humidity hit me hard but my body adjusted and I somehow managed. I was able to see the sun come up as I ran behind Diamond Head which was AMAZING. I would ABSOLUTELY recommend this race even though you’re running on the highway for part of it (which is totes SKETCH) but you should knock it out at the beginning of vacay. I came back from Hawaii and this week have not run once!!!! SLACKER! I finally confided in my friend Heather that I just hadn’t hit a single training run this week and she was like WHAT ARE YOU DOING??? Apparently this is not the proper way to train for a marathon. Since I can’t remember the last time I blogged, you should know I did run a 15 miler in here and that is my longest training run as of yet. Today I ran 14.5 miles and it was TERRIBLE but I DID IT!!! Monday, will be all about bringing the training back and letting go of my party girl diet. The marathon is on July 26th so I still have all of June and most of July to get there. Prayers are being accepted.

HAWAII aka I’m poor and made bad budgeting decisions

I had an amazing time and I wish I could of stayed longer to be honest but with the Budapest trip/friend destination wedding coming up I just didn’t have the vacation days to spare. I do have to say that I prefer Maui over Oahu but I still had an amazing time. I spent more money than I budgeted so that REALLY sucks. I had a great time and don’t regret the extra spluring BUT I should have budgetted more. DAMN. This month will be pretty tight but as long as I just say no to buying lunch and don’t get crazy on the weekends I will be okay. Basically I need to cook and drink at home. I also applied for a higher paying job so there’s that but let’s keep that on the down low.

WORK…..sucks

This week starts Orientation for all our new frosh which means the next six weeks will be filled with crazy. They will all be pre-med or pre-business and their little hearts will break when they realize their test scores won’t meet course requirements and that we have 8 majors that you have to apply too (aka some of you will be denied entry). There will be laughs, new friends, panic attacks…you know Tier One Research Institution freshman shenangins. I will present, host small advising sessions, individual sessions, and cry everytime I look at my inbox to see another 20 emails from new frosh each day. There is a lot of fun to be had but generally you leave exhauseted each day and by the final week I’m just that lady that crushed your dreams and is running to the bar right after work.

Speaking of work, this lbg needs to get her beauty sleep….ok, I need to finish my wine and THEN get my beauty sleep. I mean my freshman think 34 is ancient so hopefully I can pull a 30 with some water and sleep.

Night homies!

Oh and for your moment of zen

Besos,

lbg

Aloha dreaming and the baddies of training

MARATHON TRAINING UPDATES!

• Week 5 (last week) was a goodie and a baddie.
• Baddies included only getting in 2 of my 4 scheduled runs. YIKES!
• Goodies included that I did my Wednesday 7 miler and the big ole 13.1 miles on Saturday!
• Goodie is I fueled with almond butter and NO ISSUES! Thank you Justin’s Nut Butter!
• Baddie is that we’re officially headed into uncharted waters in Week 6 since….um…yeah I’ve never run past 13.1 miles
• Goodie is that WHOA I’M GOING TO RUN FARTHER!
• Week 6 just started with a lovely 5 miler on Monday. Holla. I felt good afterwards and even did a little ab work while watching the last 20 minutes of Call of the Midwife. I heart PBS.

BUDGET AND POOR GIRL UPDATES!

• I was a pro and saved for my Hawaii plane ticket, air BNB, and have a nice little chunk of change saved for Hawaii drinks, luau, adventures. None went on my credit card!!!! Holla! I leave on the 20th eek!
• I saved for my Budapest ticket and wrote that nice check to my boyfriend. We will be buying our tickets hopefully this week. No credit card!!! Winning
• I’m doing my best to live within my means but my credit cards are pretty mostly static….no movement which sucks. Although I’m doing some research and working on killing one.
• More research on loan forgiveness for public interest employees but I still need to consolidate my loans to Direct Loans to be eligible so that will probably be a task post ALOHA vacay.
• Sigh, it sucks to in debt but I’m going to do my best to really stay committed. This weekend I didn’t buy some on sale Aldo shoes ($50) that I know I would of worn a lot but A) they weren’t in my budget  B) what I really needed are sandals for Hawaii. I just said no and walked away.
• Baby steps!

I’m super excited for Hawaii!!! I still need to get a few travel sized things for the plane and maybe two day dresses (on the cheap). I’m hoping to get two dresses that I can use in Budapest and some other Summer activities but need to keep it under $30 dollars or so. I’m going to use my swim suits from last summer. I bought two for Zhiutanejo last August so those babies will do.

I also need to pick up a book or two for the beach and flight. Love vacation reading!!! It’s the absolute best. I can’t believe I’m leaving in 8 days!!!

Aloha homies!!!

Besos,

lbg

The Real World Blogosphere!!!

It’s been a hot minute….yes, I am a bad blogger. I disappear but hey at least I’m back now!!??

Alright let’s do some bullet point style catch up and then we can jump all in on this cray cray Thursday. Kayzo?

• Marathon Training has looked a little something like this:
• 
• I’m doing the 30 day ab challenge on days where I don’t run and actually remember to do so. I’m only on day 7 but aloha fit, kiddies.
• 
• I have 3.5 weeks until Hawaii!!! I have been putting off trying on swimsuits to exam the situation. Let me just also put it out there that I’m a swimsuit hoarder. Hopefully before Sunday, I will sort through my drawer and get rid of the ones I don’t need and find something suitable for mini-wedding vacay.
• I’ve been doing some SERIOUS cleaning and purging of the casita and it’s going well. There’s still more to do but I have two boxes at my front door for Goodwill. Holla, I’m feeling like a grown-up.
• Running is going pretty well but I haven’t had to go past that mile 13.1 marker yet which is when shizz will start getting real as they used to say about the “Real World.”
• I’ve worked the last two Saturdays and am very much looking forward to an entire weekend off, thank you baby Jesus.

This week the boyfriend’s parents were in town and it was very nice but effed up my training schedule. I barely did my first run last night so all my ish is gonna be crazy.

Wednesday – 4.4 mile – DUNZO

Thursday – 6 miler

Friday – 3 miler

Saturday – REST!!!!

Sunday – 11 miles (I have a 12k race that I’m running to and from to hit my 11)

BLARGH, there’s no wiggle room but that’s how it goes sometimes.

I need to get on the Mother’s Day planning with my sister. Although I found a pretty cute gift possibility on Etsy so that was a win. I also need to lock down the Luau tickets for the homies for Hawaii. May is going to go by HELLA fast and all I can hope is that I stay on budget and keep on with my running. I’m so excited for the Hibiscus Half!!!!! There’s also a small possibility we may try to hit up Greece for a day or two before our Budapest trip so fingers crossed.

I wish I had more to write, peeps, but really I’m just working working working.

Besos,

lbg

Humpty Hump Wednesday Update on the CRAY CRAY

Monday came and kicked off my Hawaii get fit in 50!

I roughly have fifty something odd days before hitting the Aloha State up for my homie’s wedding. Birthday cake and booze needed to be thrown out the window to make room for the veggies and marathon training.

This week so far has been pretty good with minimal snacking but hey slow and steady wins the race, right? I’m planning on a run today after work just to get the flow going. Next week, I’m going to have to bring it with 4 training days…..SCARY STUFF.

Water consumption, planking, running, and in general bringing my sexy back are a big focus this month.

Speaking of marathon training, I broke out my pocket book, and pulled out all the extra to purchase the following items:

MIZUNO SHOES

SPIBELT

I need to actually carry fuel and my phone and keys and probably other stuff because it’s 26 MILES OF CRAZY! I also felt like this was a good time to get a second pair of shoes for plenty of break in time. It’s getting serious y’all. I feel like you cannot kid around with 26 miles….I mean when you’re with a half it’s just all la-de-dah….I can make it happen.

This weekend I have a 40th birthday dinner for a friend and NOTHING ELSE SCHEDULED! It’s amazing! I cannot wait to clean house, do laundry, and run. Just some straight grown up chores and relaxing. I’m hoping to do some hardcore lunch prep on Sunday night.

Friday, I will face my frenemy (the scale) and see all the damage Birthday 34 has left in its midst. The food and excessive booze have left me with super tight jeans and no desire to be prancing around in a bikini. Hence operation Aloha 50. My snacks are going to be almond butter and apples. I’m kicking all the bread, pasta, and grains to the curb and embracing zucchini noodles and kale. I’m just gonna veggie my way into beach shape! Woo!

Keeping on humping, homies! Friday is in sight!

Besos,

lbg

34 Stories of running, empty pockets, and April showers

Being 34 is exhausting. I have a strong feeling it has to do with all the drinking, eating out, and socializing that came with my birthday. Somehow I can’t seem to catch up on my sleep and running this week has been nil. I mean the last birthday happy hour was Monday and I think I’m focused on fully recovering at this point.

Sunday was the She Is Beautiful 10k in Santa Cruz and I ran a solid 55 minute race, holla! It drizzled a little during the race but it felt so refreshing and gave me a little boost as I ran through Natural Bridges. The race was sold out and it definitely felt that way, the shuttles arrived late/moved slowly, and I was unable to make it into my time corral. Despite all this I still had a really good time. It was overcast but still such a great day to be near the ocean. I love being at the beach and running, I mean c’mon just add wine and you’ve got perfection. I’ve run this race 4 years now and I have to say I do miss the smaller feel of the first years but it’s still a lot of fun. The energy is so positive and everyone is really friendly. The theme of embracing your own beauty permeates throughout the entire race. It’s a great race for first timers, walkers, and families. The post race festival was beyond over crowded so we grabbed our shirts and headed back to our hotel.

May feels right around the corner with my trip to Hawaii for my homegirl’s wedding, soon July will be here, and I will be headed to Budapest for another wedding. It’s so exciting but stresses me out a bit too since financially I’m in such a shaky place. For Hawaii, I’ve paid for my ticket and my hotel which is great. I just need to work out a budget for while I’m there. For Budapest I have about of a third of the ticket cost saved but I’m going to throw a chunk into savings with my April paycheck so that we should be able to buy our tickets in May.

I need to really work on my financial security, 34 make me feel like 40 is around the corner, and I would like to be able to retire someday. I was out for jury duty during the Spring Retirement Session but I’m fully planning on attending the Fall session so I can see where I’m at and what I need to be contributing moving forward for my future old lady adventures.

Between my student loans and credit card debt, I feel a little crushed. Having the two weddings this year really hurt my credit card pay down plans although I haven’t added to that debt so small victories. I just need to sit down with my boyfriend and review my budget and our living expenses. I love where we live but we pay a ton in rent and I don’t know if the second bedroom/office was the best investment since he uses it less than anticipated. I don’t know….I just know that I need some help because clearly the choices I’m making on my own financially are not making sense.

Oh yeah and I dropped my phone pretty badly in Santa Cruz. It’s holding on but that’s another cash money purchase that will need to be upcoming. I did not mean for this post to be a broke ass thirty something entry but there you have it. I mean if you can’t be a financial sad bastard on your own blog where can you??

2015 the theme word was INSPIRED and my action item is appearing to be to ask for HELP.

 Basically I’m Sandra Bullock in 28 days. I heart her.

April is the get serious month, peeps. We’re bringing the fitness and healthy food back with a vengeance. We will be in Hawaii swimsuit countdown and I want to look and feel good….I say this as I eat mac and cheese. I’m drinking water at least. Thank baby Jesus for that much. I also will be getting serious with my Marathon training – LOOK OUT!!!! Let’s set up some April Goooaalllss!!!

APRIL GOALS

• DRINK ALL THE WATER!
• Run 3- 4 times a week
• Plank for core strength – goal 20 out of 30 days this month!
• Stay within my budget!!! Just say NO to spending
• Work on cleaning out my clothes closet
• Bring my lunch to work also known as saving money!!!
• Read a book

I’m serious here, kids. It’s time to put the two week long birthday celebrating behind us and get back to reality. I’m considering a sugar detox to help with the eating and hopefully the race this Saturday will be perfect for a Marathon Kickoff!!!

I’m heading to Livermore on Friday for the race expo!!! So excited and did I mention there’s wine tasting!!!!??? 13.1 tastings to be exact. Isn’t that clever.

Alright my peeps, it’s time for me to call it a night and tackle some chores.

Besos,
lbg