The half marathon is over! Am I relieved? Yes. Was it as bad as I thought? No. Did I want to die at mile 11? Yes. Overall, it was a lot of fun. This was my first half marathon, and I definitely would run one again. I never have considered myself a runner...but I think I could enjoy another half marathon. I am not convinced, nor do I have the desire (yet) to run a marathon. I highly admire people that can go that far. I learned that running is very much a mind game. I am a pretty active individual, in semi-good shape. However, towards the end of the race I had to tell myself to keep going. The race ended on a hill in Prospect Park; I wasn't too happy about that. There were occasions when I was tempted to walk a bit, but was able to talk myself out of it. I also liked having a running partner; someone to talk with, and push me! I need to thank Bryndee for that! My favorite part of the race was when I approached mile 10, and a man was dressed up as superman giving everyone his "power" to finish the race. It put a smile on my face. I also appreciated all the people on the sideline cheering us on! I ended up running about a 9:40 mile pace throughout the race.
The night before a big group of us went to eat at Sambuca, a delicious Italian restaurant. I know you are probably only suppose to carb load the few days before the race, but I used it as my excuse the entire week before the race! What am I going to do now? I better sign up for another race.
Michele, Mel, and Bryndee
Didn't quite get enough to eat at Sambuca, so we headed to Magnolia's for dessert!
My days in NYC are coming to an end. Sad, but true. If you remember, I presented a "To Do" list in a previous post. Attending Phantom of the Opera was #5 on my list. So thank you Karen for being my date! The last time I saw this play was when I was 10 years old. The only thing I could remember was the amazing chandelier that came down at the beginning of the play. I grew up loving the music. It was either Lesley playing the piano and me pretending to be Christine with my opera-like voice, or dad blaring it on the stereo system. Can I just say that the music is truly amazing, brilliant! The play itself is quite interesting...a very unique story, but the music is on the top of my Broadway musical list. I occasionally complain that the city is too overwhelming, and stressful, etc. It is nights like this where I love being a New Yorker. After the show Karen and I took some fun pics in Time Square and ended the night right with some Cold Stone ice cream.
Last year the roommates in SLC kind of got obsessed with the TV reality show, "So You Think You Can Dance". We maybe re watched certain dances over and over and over and over again! Last night Mel and I spent some time watching you tube videos of Allison and Ivan. I am getting pretty excited for the show to start up again. Mel came across a couple imitating Allison and Ivan's modern dance piece. Which couple do you like better?
One of my favorite childhood movies is the hit show, Troop Beverly Hills. Yes, the movie with Shelley Long, and Coach. Jenny Lewis even plays Hannah Nefler! I've been a You Tube junkie lately and have spent way too much time watching videos. I came across this video and it put a smile on my face. I remember when I was younger, I wanted so badly to be one of these girls, dancing, and selling cookies. I never did have the opportunity to be a wilderness girl. I have the entire movie memorized...not sure why I am admitting this. Some of my favorite lines include:
Rosa: Patches? We don't need no stinkin patches. Jasmine Shakar: Excuse me officer, don't you know who this man is... Cheech Marin: Annie Herman, boy yoy yoyng...wanna wrestle... Are you related to Pee Wee? Freddy: If you contributed anymore to this marriage, we would be on welfare. Phyllis: I may be a beginner at some things, but I've got a black belt in shopping! Troop: We're the girls from Beverly Hills, shopping is our greatest thrill..5, 6, 7, 8! Phyllis: He permed me!! Chica Barnfell: Can we just quit now? Phyllis: Not until we sing Kumbaya! Room service boy: "Aliento de perro!" (Spanish for, "dog breath.") Velda: Isle 13...COOKIES! Tessa DiBlasio: Wilderness girls don't bluff!
Alright enough already! I can't believe I am dedicating an entire blog entry to Troop Beverly Hills. My favorite part of the movie is when the girls put their heads together to raise money for the annual jamboree! Enjoy!
Trivia: When Velda and Annie go into the Beverly Hills Hotel, two joggers pass by. Who are they? What famous Beach Boy song is playing as the movie starts?
Julie and I survived living together for three years in cougar country!! We had some fun times at Liberty Square, Hampton Court, and the Promenade. It wasn't too long ago that we were playing BYU intramural football, introducing each other in our church talks, skiing at Targhee, and winning ward talent shows! It is crazy to think how different our lives our now. Kate Lewis was born on March 30, 2007. What a cute little family! I am excited for you Jules.
Since living in New York I have picked up a few eating habits that probably aren't the best for me: 1. yogurt covered pretzels....love them and can't get enough! 2. Rice Krispie treats from Starbucks. (only$1.95) 3. Plan bagel, plain cream cheese, lightly toasted...I am such a New Yorker! 4. PIZZA (the cheapest meal in Manhattan) 5. Toffee Nut steamer (low-fat milk) from Starbucks...helped me survive this bitter cold winter! 6. Panini's 7. Dale & Thomas popcorn...chocolate chunk is the best kind. 8. pita and hummus 9. cherry coke (needs to be with grenadine) 10. pepper jack cheese 11. wings 12. Okay I think this is enough...as you can see, the list isn't a very healthy list. As the summer months approach, I am really needing some discipline in my life. I will say, it is hard to eat healthy in this city. Food at the grocery stores are outrageously priced, and who wants to make a meal for 1? I was informed that family pictures will be taken in June. We all know what this means!!!
Didn't quite get enough to eat at Sambuca, so we headed to Magnolia's for dessert!
Mel, Me & Karen getting pumped for the race
A little stretching before...
The Manhattan 8th Ward bunch! We did it!!
