Undressing Runners, Trespassing Yoga & (not) Passing up Tacos!

Sup kiddos? Keep it real? Rock n rollin? I hope so. As for me, I’ve just been tryin to stay gold.

Chi Marathon training is in full wreckx n effect. It’s goin good so far. This weekend’s long run was with WRRC’s Run My Hood series. And it was hot.really hot.and humid. But crushed a 14 miler…Followed by a pool party!!!

If that wasn’t a salt water pool to start with, it is now.

This run started bright dark and early with a smaller group of folks who needed the extra miles.

“You’ll never shine if you don’t glow.” -Smashmouth #NeverForget

We got in a quick 6 miles before heading back to meet up with the sleeper-inners.

This group is known for running in various states of undress.

I’m not gonna lie, I had a really hard time on the second part of this run. The sun was up and it was really really hot. I struggled. It was just one of those bad runs we all have from time to time. As soon as we finished I started to cramp up a bit and had to bust out an impromptu yoga sesh in a stranger’s yard.

I CANNOT believe my “friend” took this photo of me and put it on the internetz. At least a passing car gave me a honk doe…I still got it, baby!

Even though it wasn’t the best run, I’m thankful I had friends who helped me through it – especially the last few miles!!!!

And afterwards, of course was the funner stuffs! Woot wooot!

Oh, and we couldn’t wrap up the morning without one last mandatory group photo.

See, various states of undress, I told ya.

Double oh, this may have also happened…

Don’t judge us early-morning-taco-eating-margarita-drinkers. I mean, we’d been up since 4am for crying out loud. It was like afternoon to us. It’s 5am somewhere, #amiright?

Other than that, the mileage is starting to ramp up. 45 big ones this week. Stay tuned for updates…and more taco pictures.

How bout you? When is too early for tacos/margs? Ever down-dogged someone’s yard? How undressed do you get (when you run)?

-Scott

Sun Runs, I’m Sir Mix-A-Lot & A Whole Lotta Bull!

Things around here have been crazy whack funky! So bizzy I’m dizzy! But I’ve managed to keep my Chicago Marathon training on point. All it takes is a 4 am alarm…oy!

The sunrise and I like to cuddle. I’ll be honest, it burns a little.

I’ve been trying to mix up my runs by changing locations frequently. It helps to have the new scenery, of that there is no diggity, no doubt!

Sunrise, I eat you! Unless of course you can melt all those gnats off my neck…Then I only nibble you.

And when you change locales, you also change the cool things you get to see.

Did you hear about the cow that was artificially inseminated? It’s true, no bull!

Besides mixing up the locales, I’ve also mixed things up by going to various group social runs. That does wonders!

Before the run, 96 degrees…Kanye and Taylor look thrilled.

Besides helping my runs go by fast (literally), the other runners also always like to replenish our carbs and swap run stories afterward.

After the run…Kanye and Taylor had to bail. Some of us wore shades to hide our glowing cat eyes…some didn’t.

This is true at the sunrise hour as well.

This morning run was in 98% humidity with a dew point at 74. The staff literally had to mop the floor under our table when we got up to leave!

I feel very lucky to have so many runner friends and so many run groups that I can join up with on any given day. It really does help the running!!

More morning social miles – all smiles!

So there’s a quick visual update. Sawwy I’ve been so bad about blogging recently, but like I said, it’s been crazy whack funky around here! Hopefully it will get a bit more chill soon! That would be on fleek! (I hope I’m using all the slang correctly)

How bout you? Mixing up your runs at all? Got any other bovine jokes? Been on fleek lately?

-Scott

Race Discount for YOU, Check My Flow, & It’s (hopefully) Race Day!

It’s been a good week of runs for me, I think even Kanye would agree…

Josh is excellent at photoshop.

A TNSR run is always fun.

Trying a new running form.

Tho the day before’s run on the track was whack.

The clouds and the noises they made were scary, but I got the run dun before they cried on me.

But the day before that was pretty phat.

A baby run and a papa run.

OK, that’s enough freestylin. I gotta focus on this weekend – RACE TIME! Well, I hope. My last two races have been cancelled due to massive Texas storms. And as I write this it is storming again. Hopefully it will clear up before the race.

I was lucky enough to get a free entry to this race – Rock the Block 10k. That said, I’m dreading it a little. I ran this race last year and wasn’t a fan of the course.

Last year’s poster. The route hasn’t changed. Who likes an out and back – I mean, honestly?

But at least I know what to expect since I’m familiar with the route.

And we’re off! -Photo from Dallasnews.com

And hopefully the rain clouds will help keep it kewl this year – last year it was friggin hawt!!!! But I still ran a PR (with a horrible positive split) of 46:00.

Just a bit sweaty at the end.

I’m going for a negative split and another PR, so come back in a couple days for the recap!!!

Other than that, the fine folks at Spartan Race have sent me a discount code to share with you:

They do these obstacle races all over the USA (and I think internationally too), and they have different distances you can choose from…

But hurry up and use the code MEMORIAL because I believe it expires pretty soon!

So there ya go, kiddo. A week that was pretty on fleek. And now I best be goin cause my rhyme is done flowin.

How bout you? Running this holiday (US) weekend? Ever run a Spartan Race…or going to? Do you have any race predictions?

-Scott

Runnning in Yellow, Beer Mile, & Belch Prayers

What up, playas? Beachy keen, I hope. I’ve been bad about the blog recently. Just so flippin busy all the time. But here’s what’s been goin down…

I’ve been running, natch.

I drew a line for you, oh what a thing to do, and it was all yellow. Yes, it’s nike+, add me: piratebobcat

I’m still in pre-training mode for Chicago Marathon, so that just means trying to keep the mileage at a decent number to try and stay fit and healthy.

And you know that thing runners do when they finish a run and look at their gps and realize they’re a little short of the next mile and so they run circles around the block until it clicks over? Yeah, well the other day I was a qtr  mile short and so I ran laps around a giant fountain. The people eating nearby thought I was nuts.

Me and my fountain training partner. Yes, it’s instagram, add me: piratebobcat

And if you’re familiar with me, then you know how I love me some tacos. Well get this – a new Torchy’s opened up near one of my go to running spots. So the little group I was with had to go there post-run…natch!

I make bunny ears look good. Yes, it’s snapchat, add me: piratebobcat

And here’s some exciting news: I’ve signed up for a couple races!!! And the best part, both of them are free! One is a 10k that I’ll post about another time. But the other is this week – the annual TNSR Beer Mile!

The happy group last year pre-race.

I think this is the 3rd or 4th year for this unofficial race. But it’s raised a few eyebrows as it’s gone on. And this year it will raise a few more because TNSR will be providing MichUltra, race bibs, etc. Getting closer to official!

If you’ve never done a beer mile – here’s what happens.

1-Drink a beer

2-Sprint a quarter mile

3-Repeat until you reach 4 beers/1 mile total.

I’ve done the TNSR beer mile twice. It’s a VERY tough thing to try to do. Last year I felt like death during the race – it was awful.

Sloshing to the finish. I think my face/posture sums it up.

The first time I did it, I came in 2nd place overall. I felt much better during that race. The difference – I was able to burp out all the carbonation along the way. I really really hope this year’s experience is more like that one. Please, pray for burps for me!!

A trophy, yay!

Come back soon for the race recap!!!

Until then, I’m proud to be giving out a few more blogger shout outs to the latest dope individuals who contributed to my Chicago Marathon Charity Fundraiser. Thanks so much to: Running Wild, Run to Race, & Darlin’ Rae  I promise I’ll get on your thank you pics/videos soon!

I’m overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity. I really am. Thanks so much! If anyone else wants to donate, you can do so HERE.

How bout you? Ever run a beer mile? Ever run circles to make the next mile click over? Will you pray for burps?

-Scott

Running With Kanye, Blogger Shout-Outs & Free Beer!!!

Not sure how it is where you are, but the weather has been gorgeous this week round here. I took full advantage by hittin the pavement. With the social run always being a highlight.

Oh hey, look…Kanye joined us. Again, I was assured that there was no photoshopping in this pic. (click to enlarge to see the non-photoshopping)

I got in 4 fun miles with the gang.

Don’t mind us, just running through.

And then after the run, we were treated to free beers from a local liquor rep! Score!

Free is good.

This week also saw another track workout. The weather was in the freaky forties early in the morn. Felt good, but I didn’t think I’d have to bust out cold weather gear for like another 8 more months.

Yes, I wore pants for the 400’s. Yes, I’m a baby when it comes to cold.

I know the Texas summer is looming, but it’s nice to have this little break in temp. I’ll take it!

That wrapped up a 145 mile month of April. Hopefully I can continue this and have a really great race at the Chicago Marathon. Speaking of which, the lottery winners were announced this week – Congrats to all who got in and to all those who are running for charity, like my pal Helly On The Run – Can’t wait to see you there!

There ya go, short and sweet. But I can’t go without another blogger shout out. Thanks so much to This Mama Runs for Cupcakes! You helped me reach my Chicago Marathon Charity fundraising goal!!!!!! I’ll get to work on your personalized picture!

And if anyone else wants to donate, you can still do so HERE.

How bout you? Who all got into Chicago???? Good weather weather lately? Did you see any non-photoshopping?

-Scott

Lots of Christmas Runs, Stage Shows, Wild Yoga & Randomness Galore

It’s been non-stop gangbusters lately. Let me try and ketchup…

What am I up to? Oh, just making it rain, dear.

Of course, Christmas was upon us, and so the kiddos were amped.

1/3 of these folks had a wet diaper. Can you guess which one?

But the holidays don’t mean my legs get a break. And on Xmas Eve I met up with a big group of local runners for a morning run.

Getting my Zen on before the run.

Christmas morning I went on a solo run. I saw a surprising amount of people at the park.

For my long run this week, I got in a half marathon. It was really really windy.

At the last minute my run bud messaged me and said she’d run with me. So glad she did. It made the miles go by much faster. We didn’t take a pic, but here’s us at last month’s Thanksgiving Day race.

Such a pill…gram.

 

While we were at the show, the grandparents took the kids to the zoo…

Penguins is practically chickens.

Free turtle rides!

The next morning I met up with some more friends for a trail run. We got in 6+ miles, and even mixed in a little yoga…

Not sure if these are actual poses or not. But there’s no rules in yoga, right?

But it doesn’t stop there. Next we took the kiddos to see Disney Live…

Pirates vs Princesses. Guess which team I’m on.

Ha, I gotta say that it was drastically different than the ‘Once’ show – a lot less ‘F-bombs’.

Anywhoodle, that night my friends messaged me that they wanted to go on a second run for the day, but this time it was around a fancy neighborhood that is famous for their Christmas lights.

Tree Pose.

Look, it’s Santa flying! I know him!

I need to have these green spots checked out.

So there it is, kids. The reason for my blog-cation. It’s been a crazy train time around here. Hopefully things will relax just a bit, but it has been a fun ride!

How bout you? Crazy Holidaze? Gettin your workouts in? Any fun group runs?

-Scott

Social Runs, Hawt Runs, & Tex-Mex (guaranteed to not give the runs)

First off, thanks to everyone for your kind words about my last post.  I’m sure if any of her friends or family ever come across that post that they will appreciate all of your comments as well.

Anyway, it was a decent week of exer-ma-cizing.  Texas brought the heat, but I hung in there.  I got through all my workouts, but the hottest was at the Thursday Night Social Run.  Triple digits.  Even hotter heat index.  Full on blazing sun.  But we still had our fun…

Two Boston Qualifiers and me.  All smiles.  Weird hand gestures.

Of course after the run came the social part.  It’s always great talking with other runners.  I can pick the brains of the more experienced ones, and can share stories with those who are more newish.  We talk about races, training, etc.  For some reason my non-running friends don’t really care to talk running all the time.  Go figure?!?!

This time our run was hosted by a cool Tex-Mex joint in town called Chiladas.  And being it was National Tequila Day, there may have been a margarita or more involved.  The owner (and runner with our group) snapped a group selfie.

Four points if you can spot me. *Hint***there are chips and salsa in front of me*** Hope that helps.

I’m really looking forward to my next run in the morning.  The heat aside, it will be fun.  A couple of the groups I run with are merging for some longer miles.  The aforementioned TNSR, and also the White Rock Running Co-op.  We’re meeting at a very popular breakfast/brunch/post-run joint for some mileage.  They have the patio reserved for us.  Stay tuned for the results!!!

How bout you?  Have a good week exermacizing?  Ever get to run with people who you can steal advice from?  What’s better than post-run food and fun?

-Scott

3 Day Weekend of Runs, Monogramed Flip Flops, & Bringin Aloha Back!

I have been all out of sorts this week.  Having a three day weekend for Memorial Day kind of messed with my schedule.  I’m not complaining tho, the weekend was great!  Here’s what had happened.

I’ll say last weekend started on Thursday with a social run.

In my run fighting stance.

Following the run, my blog run buddies at hellyontherun and runsaltrun started a fun little game with on our Instagram accounts.  We were supposed to take a photo of what we were doing exactly at the moment and share.  What I was doing was enjoying the ‘social’ part of our social run…

Cheers to you from pouty faced dude.

Saturday morning I went and totally bro-style crushed a PR (PB) in a 10k race.

I know it looks like an industrial park, but it was actually a nature park.

I can’t believe I actually got photos with my feet in the air!  Later I got free candy from a guy in that van.

The next morning I got up and ran a trail run with a big group.  I was going to keep it at 5 miles, but I ended up running with a person new to the trail and she decided to go the full 7 mile loop.  I went with her so she wouldn’t get lost.  Afterwards I changed into my custom flippy floppys so my dogs could breathe.

Yes, I have my name on my sandals.

Then came the holiday day.  We actually got a little rain, and I mowed the yard in it…That’s safe, right?

After the mow, I figured I was already sweaty, so I went for another run.  It felt good to run in the rain.  I can’t remember the last time I did that!  Cool thing was that I ran to my normal park and it was all dressed up for a military presentation.  Being Memorial Day (where we remember our troops who died in service), that was really cool to see!  I’m glad I went on that run!

Following that, we went to a big BBQ, and so I decided to bust out a Hawaiian shirt.  I used to wear them ALL the time, but it’s been several years.  Maybe I need to bring aloha back…

The colors on the shirt were so bright, I needed shades.

The BBQ turned out great!  Backyard fun was had by all!  Even our normally not impressed daughter actually smiled for a photo…

She looks so hoppy. (Get it?) PS, all that stuff that looks like dirt all over her is actually chocolate. Must be nice to have the metabolism of a 2 year old.

After that, the weekend of getting up early, running and merriment caught up with me.  Sleepy time, here I come.  Still not complaining!

How bout you?  Did you have a good week/end?  Do you also run on your days off?  Jealous much of my sandals?  Aloha shirts – yes or no?

-Scott

 

I Saw a Real UNICORN on my Run!

I did, I really did, but before I get to that, let’s recap the week.

This week saw some crazy up and down weather, but I took it all in stride – literally (see what I did there?).  It started on Saturday with a hot and humid 10 mile run at around 8:30 per mile pace.

It continued Sunday with a successful yoga practice.

The window don’t lie.

It went on on Tuesday with a morning 4 miler at about 7:40 per mile pace.  Followed by a weight session.

It ran on on Wed with a windy track session.  I went 4 miles with an average pace of 7:04 per mile.  The 400’s are getting faster by the week – most of them around 80 seconds!

If you keep your race timing chip on, you can pretend to race each time you run!

It carried on on Thursday with a weight session followed by a social run.  I ran 3.5 miles at a 7:15 per mile pace.

Boom SHAKA Laka.

It was great to see some old running friends there.  And of course, after the run came the social part where we got to catch up with one another and swap running stories (for some reason my non-running friends don’t want to talk about running all the time).

I was getting in my Zen Zone. (BTW, click any image to enlarge and get a better look)

But what was even cooler to see was a real. life. UNICORN!  The route we ran took us by a few fields of wildflowers.  There were three or four photoshoots going on in said fields.  And one of them was a little girl with a unicorn!  I’m sorry I didn’t have my camera to take a pic, but someone did capture a half human half zebra on the run though…

Centar….Zebtar?

But for reals, the white pony had a sparkly tail and a horn on it’s forehead.  Chances are it was a fake horn that was attached to the horse.  So I did a quick net search and found the local folks who take the unicorn pics.  If you’re interested in taking Unicorn photos, here’s their website.  In the meantime, here’s an example of their work…

This is EXACTLY what I saw (but with a different girl).

But maybe not, maybe it was real.  I’ve written before about my fascination with North Korea.  And it was reported recently that North Korea has found an actual ancient Unicorn Lair.

So who’s to say what’s real and what isn’t.  Life’s more fun when you believe anyway.

I’m a humacorn.

How was your week’s workouts?  Ever see a ‘mythical’ creature?  How long do you leave your timing chips on your shoes after a race?

-Scott

Social Run & Dynamic Warm-Up Class

Last night I met up with the uber cool TNSR at Lululemon for the weekly social run. (click on images to enlarge)

Why no, there was no photoshopping involved. They’re just super acrobatic.

I cranked out a sunny/windy 5k at 7:45 per mile.

Not sure what I was looking/laughing at. I guess I was a happy runner.

There were a few people there who had just run and/or spectated the Boston Marathon, so it was cool to get their stories!  One of them is the super speedy Dr. Logan Sherman.  He’s still sore from his 2:30-something finish, but he and his co-horts from the chiropractic office took time to teach us some good dynamic movements.

Dr. Sherman instructing us.

Hey, I’ve done this in yoga!

I’ve done this in yoga too!

They might have been messing with us on this one.

But it was all smiles in the end.

It worked!!! Look how fast I am – like I’m a flying blur!

Anyways, some good tips.  I still need to read the handouts they gave us, so hopefully I can report back with some more specifics later on.

How bout you?  Do you do dynamic warm-ups before a run?  Did you know incorporating moving yoga poses in your warm up could help your running?  What could I have been looking at during the run?!?

-Scott