Puppy Love

Stacey has been my life long friend and is my maid of honor in my wedding.  She has always made me laugh and we always have so much fun together.  Recently (past 6 months), Stacey has been sending me emails at work which make me laugh, but have also made me realize that she has a deep passion for something other then her current career.

While many of us roll into work and start in on our normal routine; checking email, listening to voice mails, grabbing coffee etc.  I believe that part of Stacey's daily routine includes checking the various "Puppie's For Sale" websites.  I know that this is something that gives her great happiness and joy.  For practically every holiday and birthday, Stacey asks for a new dog (she doesn't always get one) but she asks.

Stacey has always had dogs growing up, but recently she has become more and more obsessed with puppies, and in love with her own two dogs (Riley and Boz, both of which are Morkies which is half Yorkie and half Maltese).  An example of a text message that Stacey sent me a few weeks ago read
"Hi from Boz!" with the below picture tagged along.

I had to smile, didn't you?!

Since Stacey cant have all the dogs in the world, she came up with an idea that she shared with me prior to my engagement.  One night when Stacey and I went out to dinner, she said "I have the best idea for and engagement gift! When you and Ben get engaged I am buying you a puppy!"  Once again, I had to laugh.  Well, I have now been engaged for 3 months and I told Stacey that I am just not ready for a dog yet, but I will be sure to let her know when I am.

As a result, she sends me links to adorable puppies in order to get me ready and see which one I like.

Today's pick was a Havanese/Dachshund Mix from Kalamazoo MI:

I can't help but think, is this the one???

Stu

Stu Mittleman is here this weekend for some interactive training for the upcoming half marathon.

In case you have never heard of Stu, here are some fun facts:

1)  Stu has set five National Records, most notably the American record for the 100 mile run (which he accomplished in 12 hours and 56 minutes), and the Six Day Race (578 miles).

2) Stu came in second place in the UltraMan (Double IronMan) in 1983

3) Stu is the author of the book Slow Burn.  The book elaborates on topics such as specific training tips,  food choices and mind set strategies.

I am excited that Stu is here and I will do my best to keep up....wish me luck!

Oh How I Love The Live Music (a.k.a Bagpipers) Outside My Office Window

......Happy St. Patty's Day!

Addiction

Completely addicted to Rue La La.  They have the best sales on designer brands, and checking their site has been a part of my daily routine for quite some time now. If you are not a member then sign up ASAP! http://www.ruelala.com

Motivational Comment From Co-Worker

I just had to share the below conversation with one of my co-workers (Rich)

Rich: So you and Christine are running 26 miles

Carrie: Correction, 13.1 miles.  We are only doing the half.

Rich: Thats good.  Did you know that the first marathon runner in history died after finishing the 26 mile run.

Carrie: No Rich, I didn't know that.

...The conversation continued with Rich explaining when the first marathon was and the history behind it.  Apparently it was during ancient Grecian times.

Half Marathon Update

Christine and I have been running religiously for over two weeks now, and have even recruited more members from the PCG team to run with us.

After registering for the NJ Half Marathon I received the below email, followed by Christine's response to the group email:

       From:     njmarathon.org

   Subject:    NJM Festival-Race Director Update #2

Update #2 ? Mar. 7 (8 weeks to the NJM Festival Weekend)

Timing & Scoring:

You must start in the correct time slot: Wheelchair = 7:55AM; Full = 8:00AM; Half & Relay = 8:30AM. If you line-up and start in the wrong time slot, you will be Disqualified (DQ?d).

On the Course:

I am pleased to report that we will again be using Gatorade-Endurance Formula (lemon lime) at each of our Fluid Stations with Gatorade served first and water second.

Fluid Stations: Most Fluid Stations are less than 2 miles apart and will be staffed by many service organizations and NJM charity volunteers.

Energy Gels: GU, energy gel (vanilla and chocolate) will be at multiple locations from miles 14 thru miles 21. Please be prepared to carry your own favorite gel packs that you have been training with and only take a GU if necessary. We will have 6,000 gels on the course to service our Full marathon participants.

Bananas: Located on the course between miles 13 and 22.

We will be again increasing our numbers of portable toilets at the Start/Finish area as well as along the course. On the course they will be located at or very near each and every Fluid Station. Please do not relieve yourself on private property!

I know many of you train with iPods or headphones. The NJM Festival organizers strongly recommend that you leave your headphones at home for safety reasons. You need to be aware of your surroundings w/r to fellow runners passing and the possibility of errant traffic on the course. Besides, there are so many distractions along the course the need for your favorite music really becomes secondary!

Christine's Response:

In summary, we are doing great!

Twitter Birds, Watch Out For This Twitter Bug!

                                              

Kim Kardashian's Music Premiere

Listen to Kim Kardashian's new hit single "Jam/Turn It Up."  I am undecided if I like the song, but I do like how all iTune proceeds for this song go to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.


Click Here to Listen

Born This Way Premiere