Lex Vegas!

Hello, New World!

This weekend, I visited a new city, ran a half marathon, and generally basked in glorious merriment with one of my BEST friends, Marisa.

AND... to top off my weekend... today is the first official day of Spring Break 2015.

I say official because I started off spring break a little early with the stomach flu. I started feeling pretty icky on Wednesday evening, and couldn't make it through our training run, despite the gorgeous weather. So, I barely ate dinner, I went to bed early, and woke up Thursday morning at around 6 almost unable to stand up. Full blown stomach flu. Double Dragon. 'Nuff said. I had to call for a sub that very minute, and I HATE doing that. Nothing worse than feeling physically awful and THEN having to worry about a substitute. Thank GOD I have an amazing team that I teach with, and they were gracious enough to pick up the pieces of my scrambled lesson plans. I spent the rest of the day fading in and out of consciousness. Literally. Didn't leave bed until about 6pm, when I scratched out some more crappy lesson plans, showered, forced myself to stay awake until Heffe got home from class (okay, until Heffe WALKED IN THE DOOR from class at 9:30), and passed out again until Friday morning at 7am. I already had Friday scheduled as a personal day to travel for said weekend merriment, which was a blessing, given the horrific timing of sickness. Ugh. Talk about a physically and emotionally exhausting 24 hours. Every time I woke up from the sickness coma, I had anxiety about not being able to travel for said merriment with Marisa.

Meesie and I have had this trip planned for MONTHS. She is a crazier runner than me, and found this random but amazing race (Run the Bluegrass), and then convinced me and her running club buddies to do it with her. In fact, I can remember the exact day she convinced me- I signed up for Run the Bluegrass AND the Flying Pig Marathon on the same night. She cray.

Run the Bluegrass is a relatively new race, this only being its 5th year of existence. It is in Lexington, and begins and ends at the legendary Keeneland Race Track. The race takes you through the (not so) rolling hills of private horse farms. The online pictures were beautiful, and even though I knew the hills would be tough, I had months to train for it, and I'd be up for the challenge! 

Enter God laughing at my plans.

So when I woke up on Friday morning, I was determined to at least get to Lexington to support Marisa and her running group. I took my time, and pulled my life together, and kept telling myself that I need to at least make it to downtown, I need to at least make it to the "Hell is Real" billboards, I need to at least make it to the outlet malls... etc... until I got to Marisa's house in Independence, KY. I made it! Woohoo! It was like slow motion running... except I was woozy and I was hobbling.. but I finally made it! Meesie and I don't get to see each other too often, and that first moment was all kinds of Disney music and fireworks. :) We did a quick tour of her house (since we figured out it had been 4 FREAKING YEARS since I'd been there... some friend I am...), loaded up her car, and made our way to Lexington! (By the by, on our way, we passed the Big Bone Lick State Park... and immediately had to google Sugartit, KY... but that's a blog for another day!)

So we made our way to the race expo, and I swear, my heart pulled me through the entire building. As soon as we stepped inside and saw the medals we would EARN the next day, something went off inside me and I forgot for a few minutes that I was feeling sick. Walking through the expo, collecting my bib, seeing all my fellow runners... I haven't been in a "race" since .... I can't even remember and I missed that feeling of "yeah I'm kind of a bad ass and you all freaking know it!!!!" :) 

After the expo, we checked into our hotel, and took naps. Me, because just as quick as I forgot I was sick, I remembered I was. Meese, because girlfriend loves her some naps! Some things don't change, and I love that!!! :) But in our defense, when the hotel is this cute and cozy, how could we NOT take naps?

 The hotel bar! Super cute.

 See the horseshoes? Do the horses wear horse socks? Is anybody listening to me? 

Not entirely sure we were allowed to go upstairs, but we did anyway!! #cantstopwontstop

Once we were recharged, we reviewed the race details, and grabbed a bite to eat at a downtown Lexington restaurant called, Saul Good. :) Can't make this up. Not only was this my first full meal since Wednesday at lunch, our server talked us into EACH getting a pizza, and thus, the Double Decker Pizza was born.

 Neese and Meese. :) 

 Victory Golden Monkey Banana Whatever 9.5% Beer for Meesie!

This is the stuff dreams are made of. 

 Double Decker Pizza. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Obviously, we did not finish either, and then promptly went back to the hotel. After a quick nightcap, we hit the sack early. We had places to be in the morning!!

Reason number a million why I loved this race... it started at 9!!!! Most races begin during the 6 or 7 am hours... not this one! Amazing.

So amazing, in fact, that it was STILL 20 degrees when we started. Hello, Kentucky... it's the end of March. Stop snowing, and start pumping that southern heat already! Besides the entire feet freezing and not being able to feel our feet until mile 3... it was a pleasant experience! ;) 

Here we are with Meesie's running pals, the Tristate Running Club!

The start line!!! Can't you just hear the pounding beat and AC/DC's "Thunderstruck"????? Always a good adrenaline kick!!!!!

About mile 3.... holding strong! This was also one of the ugliest spots on the course... and it's still not even that bad!!!! So pretty. Glad we had such amazing scenery to take our minds of how badly our legs were burning!....

(disregard the screen shot) 

I'm glad we saw this elevation chart AFTER the race... we clearly had no idea what we were in for!!! Think of those back country hills that make your tummy woozy and a little car sick... yup. That's what we ran!! For 13.1 miles!!!! It was hands down, the TOUGHEST race I've ever done.

I've said it once, and I'll say it a MILLION times, running is like 2% physical ability, and 98% mind games. This race was a legit half marathon... but it was really just another run during marathon training. How freaking crazy are we. Why, yes, I'd LOVE to self-induce more panic and anxiety than humanly necessary and register for an actual RACE with other people and logistics to work out, when I could easily run this weekend at my own pace and on a trail I know and love. So throughout the entire 13.1 miles, I kept thinking... "well, shit, Sciato, you ran 20 miles last week, this should be a CAKEWALK. You have 13 miles again next weekend when you are traveling again, followed by 20. Do NOT let these hills get in your head... but maybe you should tell Meese and her girls to go ahead and beast mode through this hill and you'll catch up on the down side... NO DON'T VERBALLY GIVE UP... You can make it one more hill... Don't verbally give up... Don't verbally give up... Holy mother my legs are burning but you can see the top of the hill.... Breathe.... breathe.... 'And I would walk 500 miles and I would walk 500 more just to be the....heavy breathing... heavy breathing..... LOTTA VODKA......LOTTA VODKA.......and pizza wine and chocolate and more.....".... 13.1 miles of mind games. But....

We made it!!!! Sweet victory!!!!!! Look at us go! And Meesie even got a beer!!!!

After we finished shivering and congratulating ourselves for being masters of the universe, we decided it was time to head back to Independence. We stopped for Starbucks, and made our way back to Casa di Himmler. We showered, snuggled her furrbabies, and did what we do... nap. :)

Okay! Powered up and starting to rehydrate! Just in time to get ready and do a WINE TASTING! Okay!!!! We also made our way onto the Kentucky Backwood Wine Trail, and I'm not even mad. I'm impressed. Meese and only 48 hours recovered from Double Dragon Neese did good!

Wine tasting kind of took the wind out of our sails. #runnerprobs #perpetualdehydration And I was still trying to prove to myself I was NOT sick anymore.  We grabbed dinner and went back to Meese's for March Madness. But really, it was March Calmness, as we were asleep within about 30 minutes. :) 

The next morning, we went to ....

This is the restaurant where Marisa and her boo Aaron had their rehearsal dinner. Sunday brunch was just another level of merriment for us. Truly an amazing place. We were lucky enough to have the place almost completely to ourselves before a large party arrived.

 We obviously earned these breakfast cocktails. On the menu, there was an option for "bottomless"... I've got my eye on you for next time, Bottomless Mimosa! 

 My "Best Sandwich" and Meese's biscuits and gravy! nomnomnomnomnomnom

Well, that took me to the part of the weekend where I had to say goodbye to my bestie... so sad. Our time together is never long enough, but man, was this a necessary jump away from normal life! :) 

Marisa, thank you so much for being such a gracious host to a sicky Sciato, and I cannot wait to see you again very soon!!!!!

Until next time, New World, wherever your travels may take you... 
Mine will be taking me on my second spring break trip very soon....... EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

But wherever I am... 

I'll still be here... Just bein me. :) 

Cheers. :)

Power Songs

Hello, New World!

As Heffe and I finish up week 8 of marathon training, we have found ourselves in quite the Midwestern Winter conundrum. It's cold as sssshhhhh and snowy and all kinds of White Witch Narnia. We can't run outside without risking super clumsy behavior and/or debilitating injuries. 

So. We get to train on treadmills! Yay!!!...  

I didn't know what I was capable of as a HUMAN until I had to train for my first marathon on a treadmill. Sure. It's easy to walk or run a few miles here or there, especially to warm up for a workout. However, spending 2-4 hours on a treadmill is a COMPLETELY different story. 

The first time I ran 6 miles was outside, and it flew by. The first time I ran 6 miles on a treadmill was torture. I've learned that during 60+minute treadmill runs, I NEED to get to a very very BLANK place in my own head... Somewhere between asleep and driving a long, quiet distance by myself... Oh, and I'm running the whole time, aka, trying to actually not fall off the machine, focusing on correct form, calm breathing, trying not to cramp, readjusting my clothing a million times because I sweat more indoors than out and my sports bra is leaving "vampire bites" on my rib cage, and wondering if those pains on my toes are blisters that will pop during the run or if I'll need to bust out a sewing needle to fix them after. If I can't get to this Blank Space... I'm stuck in the same place that wakes you up at 2:30am to ask you if you remember that time 3 weeks ago when you stuck your foot in your mouth, and wonder if your relationship with the cashier at Kroger will ever be the same. 

Something that I've found helps me find this Blank Space is finding RIGHTEOUS tunes. Nike+ (that I used to use) referred to these songs as "Power Songs". My Nike+ coach would say, "Tap a Power Song to get you to the next milestone." Don't mind if I do. 

Here are a few GEMS that are on every running list I've ever had. You are not allowed to judge or make fun of me for my choices. I'm sure whatever motivates you would not necessarily motivate me.

*The following list does NOT include some songs...  Thank you for NOTHING iCloud. I need to re-upload:

-"Defying Gravity" and "No Good Deed" from the musical, Wicked

-"Immortality" and "When You Look At Me" by Celine

And... in no particular order...

Okay, confession. I did pick this Kanye song to be last. Music is the food of love! Play on, play on, PLAY ON. My eternal optimistic outlook hasn't let me down yet. My whole point is that even though my feet are gross, I have weird aches, and "vampire bites" on my rib cage... I have something no one can make fun of me for or take away from me... I have pride that today I am stronger than I was yesterday. Stronger mentally, stronger physically, stronger emotionally. It sucks for now, and hopefully the weather breaks soon so I can enjoy a few weeks of training before the race... But at least I know, that since I'm taking care of myself, it's not going to killing me. Some might think it's weird or even borderline masochistic... But I KNOW this is making me stronger. 

What are your Power Songs? What helps you focus through a tough workout or long run? 

We gotta help each other!

Cheers :)

My Ode to a Clean Bathroom

Hello, New World!

It's Thursday, and this is the middle of the 6th week of marathon training!

I've run 121 miles in the past 6 weeks, and am pretty proud to say that (as of tonight) I've only skipped 4 runs for a total of 22 miles. Not too shabby for a busy Sciato!

I'd like congratulate myself on being a master of the universe for the following reasons:

1. I've seriously cut the booze out of my life. There have been a few nights of excessive inebriation, but compared to the 2 week eating and drinking BINGE that was winter break, I feel like a new woman!

2. I have packed my breakfast and lunch, and I have cooked dinner at least 4 nights a week since the beginning of the semester. Since I've been running an average of about 20 miles per week, Sciato's been HUNGRY... but has been good, and made sure to pack lots of fruits, veggies, and protein-packed snackies for in-between meals.

3. I have stayed on the straight and narrow and kept up with my to-do lists at school. Fire drills keep happening, but it is what it is...and I have effectively put my foot down. I have set realistic expectations for myself, and I am holding myself accountable for only doing what I can actually do. Balance, balance, balance. 

4. I have had at least 100 oz. of water a day for the better part of the last 6 weeks, and can feel dehydrated when I have even a little less than that.

I have health issues, this is no shock to anyone. One of the self-diagnosed issues I have is what I like to call "hyperactive instantaneous dehydration." I'm clearly overreacting, but it is a little crazy. Whether it is my OCD out of my habit of drinking so much water, or if it is a real physical thing, my body acts differently when I don't drink at least 80 oz of water a day. It's bad. Like we're talking if I have too much coffee and not enough water to balance it out (waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah), I feel hungover the next day. I feel it most in my stomach, and I get RLS, and my head ACHES when I don't drink enough water. 

So, I buy 2-3 gallon jugs of drinking water every week at the grocery store, and go through them all at school. I carry at least one water bottle with me at all times. I make sure to drink a FULL glass of water as soon as I wake up, and a FULL glass of water before I go to bed. 

All of this being said... besides the trail/treadmill, school, and my bed... the place where I have spent the most time in the past 6 weeks is...

Il bagno.

I have made ABSOLUTELY SURE to clean the porcelain thrones in my house every single week (if not more often than that) and I am ACUTELY aware of germs lurking in public places.

Ladies, I congratulate you on being the most disgusting creatures in the world. Seriously. It's sick. Having sore muscles from all the running 80% of the time only exacerbates the pain when trying to hold a squat for the amount of time it takes to get 100 oz of water out of my bladder. 

I'd like to take this opportunity to bow down to the ladies who have survived the teaching profession with fully functioning bladders. We DON'T get to pee whenever we want. It's a simple task that so many of us take for granted. Free flowing. It sucks and it sucks and it sucks some more. I can HARDLY EVER hold it for the 2.5 hours in the morning that I have my students without a break after morning coffee and about 40 oz of water. "Mrs. Kent, why are you sweating and walking funny?" "Because my legs are sore and my face is trying to sweat urine." #sciencelesson

My plea to YOU, New World...

IF YOU SPRINKLE WHEN YOU TINKLE PLEASE BE NEAT AND WIPE THE SEAT.

 WITH BLEACH. 

pleaseandthankyou.

I have yet to find a decently clean public restroom, but when I do... Oh New World, when I do... it will be like the end of a long run meets ice cream cake meets Friends marathon meets Justin Timberlake meets Pearly Gates.

Until I find my nirvana in an outhouse nutshell...

This is me, being over-hydrated me.... gotta run before I spring a leak...

Cheers ;)

525,600 Somethings

Hello, New World!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!

This Monday marked the first week of FLYING PIG TRAINING!!!!!!! I have had a few crystallizing milliseconds of the imnotoutofbreathsoicanthinkaboutotherthings running groove lately, mostly about the transition into a new year. 2014 has been the hardest, but BEST year of my life, and even though I know 2015 will be even better, I cannot transition into the new year without acknowledging at least part of why 2014 was so beautiful.

The song, "Seasons of Love" keeps creeping into my mind as I continue to write, edit, and revise this post. How should I measure the year 2014? 

In daylights- 365. Easy. Funny how the only daylight that I really remember was on July 12, 2014. :) (Yup! That's our wedding day:) New World, did you know I got MARRIED this year to the LOVE OF MY LIFE???? :))

In sunsets- Heffe and I are in the process of collecting pictures of our most memorable sunsets to put up in our master bedroom

In midnights- How many nights did we stay up watching dvr-ed "Survivor" on Wednesday nights after Heffe came home late from class:) Doesn't matter- best night of the work week:)

In cups of coffee- This may actually be THE way to measure the year. Okay... 365 x 2 ... or 3.... or 4.... Don't judge me, New World!

In inches- Oooooh the measuring and re-measuring of rooms for new furniture

In miles- Well, I have run through 2 pair of running shoes (300 miles x 2) and my car reached the 100,000 mark :)

In laughter- The sound of my 4 nephews laughing is the BEST sound in the world! How many times I completely lost it laughing with friends? How amazing it is to hear the people around you laugh without reservation!!

In strife- As I sat back and reread my posts from the year, it was easy to see that this has been a trying year- dealing with family health and all its implications, my own health issues, the stress and anxiety of wedding planning, professional/personal life balance... it's been a tough year. However, I'm proud that even though parts have really been difficult and have shaken me to my core, I still try to have a positive outlook, and try to give 100% to all I do. Half-ass is NOT in my vocabulary!

Journeys to plan- OUR HONEYMOON WAS THIS YEAR!!!!! Most absolutely amazing journey to date :) Whenever I think of those precious 10 days Jeff and I spent together, it just makes me smile. :)

Truths that she learned- Wow. I think the biggest truths were truths about myself. What I'm willing to do, give, sacrifice, fight for. Truth about myself. It's big stuff, New World!

Times that [s]he cried- insert Kourtney Kardashian, "Why are you crying? What are your tears for?" It's no secret that I cry more than the average human new born. If it's not brought on by stress or booze, it's brought on by compassion or empathy. Or a really good Hallmark movie.

Bridges she burned- I sincerely hope I have not burned bridges in 2014. One of the hardest parts about moving to Columbus was leaving my great friends and amazing J23 family. I hope you all know that even if I have not done a great job of keeping in touch, I think of you ALL so often!

The way that she died- Jeff is definitely an "all things happen for a reason" kind of man. He helps me to realize that there is something for us to learn from every tragedy, and those that have been called to Heaven in 2014 will certainly be held in our hearts forever.

Well, as the song goes, "the story never ends," and even though 2014 was the most incredible year to date, the best IS yet to come.

Bring it on, 2015! You've got some big shoes to fill. :) 

Until next time, New World

This is me. Bein me. :)

Cheers. 

Word up!

Hello, New World! 

I've been pretty bad about blogging lately. So. For your convenience:) here is a Pinterest story to catch you up on the last month or so...

Sciato has been trying REAL hard to do this lately!!...

...So I've started taking this approach!!...

... But some people don't get it, and then my sarcastic pants come back on...

... And the ones that didn't get the last one are also probably the ones love to put raisins in evvvvverything. You know who I'm talking about! But why!!!...

... Than be surrounded by downers and negativity... Or eat anything that tastes like raisins...

... SQUIRREL/shiny things/wine/funny memes... Whatever!...

... I had to ask 2 people via text message which color of brown boots to buy this weekend... 

... Or anyone with an attention deficit and inability to make decisions lol...

... But at least I can appreciate a good citation....

... And a children's book at that... This quote and lots of quality time spent remind me constantly that I really have the best husband, family,

and friends... 

... And back to the beginning... I'm really trying to act out of intention rather than habit...

... Yes, I intentionally signed up for 2 major races this spring... Eeeeeeeeek!!!!...

... Which will make training a bit difficult...

... So I'm ESPECIALLY thankful for a husband who understands the entirety of training for a marathon, and will hug me when I cry because I have to run instead of eating pizza and nugs...

:)... To eat pizza and nugs with me...

... But training does mean I get to eat like a kid at a carnival for 18 weeks...

... The anxiety of starting training over Christmas, and Clark Griswoldisms of the holiday season are REAL... Which is why Scary Sciato has put on positive pants and will be the jolliest ------- this side of the nut house... ;)

... Gotta remember this. I'm only one person...

... And this is all that REALLY matters...

... So I can suck it up for 10 more days until I can sleep for 2 weeks straight. :)

Until Christmas break, New World...

This is me. Bein me. 

Cheers. :)