A Few Things I’d Like to Know…
| September 18, 2012 | Posted by Lauren under LifeontheRun |
Random musings on this rainy Tuesday morning. Some serious, others not so much….
I’d like to know…
How this amazing state seems to change every single day.
I’ve only been here for a few months, but I have already seen Vermont move through several seasons — each one more beautiful than the last. The flowers of spring, the rich green of summer and now, the firey reds of fall. I swear I wake up every day to see more color in the leaves. I’m in awe.
Yes, I’m talking about how much I love Vermont again. I just can’t help myself.
Don’t worry. You can all laugh at me during the 567889 days of endless winter.
Speaking of which…
Why, as a people, when we first discover something new, do we act as if we are the first person who has ever had that revelation/experience/life change?
I do this all the time. For instance, Vermont. I simply cannot shut up about how much I love this state. And Evan and I like to think we’re the first people who have gotten married here, fallen in love with the state, and moved EVEN THOUGH we know of other couples who got married at the same Inn we did and moved here soon after. Not to mention the fact that other people have lived in Vermont for years/their whole entire lives. I’m sorry. I know deep down that this is obnoxious, but I just can’t help myself. I need to preach about the wonders of Vermont and how everyone should move here (…but not really, because I sort of like it how it is in all its unpopulated glory).
I see people doing the same thing when they first become runners or first give up meat. We get it. Running and vegetarianism changed your life. I’d like to think that they have a sense of how annoying this is (and realize that running for only a year or two [or less!] does not, in fact make them experts), but like me and Vermont…they just can’t help themselves.
How something can be so delicious and so disgusting at the same time?
Candy corn and I have a love/hate relationship. Especially when combined with peanuts or…if you’re all out of nuts, peanut butter.
I swear it’s delicious
And on a related note, why I allow myself to eat so much candy corn that I make myself sick. There aren’t many things on this earth that I “binge” on. I have a strong sweet tooth for sure, but I can usually control myself to some degree. I don’t even really like most types of candy. But when it comes to these little waxy nuggets? I just can’t help myself. Someone please tell me how to break this addiction because Evan is just about ready to send me to rehab. And it’s only September.
Candy corn hangover — even Koli is concerned for my well-being
Why dubstep is so freakin’ great to run to.
I’m sure the artists weren’t creating songs with straight-edged marathoners like me in mind (in fact, I’m pretty sure my youngest sister, a dubstep enthusiast and part-time music promoter, is secretly mortified that her un-cool older sister is listening to her “underground” music), but I do know that I’m grateful. I can’t tell you why I love it so much. It’s basically the same beat and the same 5 words repeated over and over again. But whenever I’m in need of a pump up song, this is what is playing on my iPod.
How long runs can be so cathartic.
While listening to aforementioned song on my 17 mile run yesterday, I randomly started to cry. Not because I was in pain or suffering (that came later at about mile 12), but because I was lost in my thoughts. One thought led to another and suddenly the weight of all the fear and frustration that is affecting some members of my family crashed down on me and I found myself unable to hold back the tears. It’s a good thing I run on lonely country roads, because between the ugly tears I had streaming down my face and the weird noises coming out of my mouth, I’m sure I was quite the sight.
And then, as quickly as the feelings came on, they passed…leaving me feeling instantly lighter.
How the distance between 16.6 and 17.0 miles can sometimes seem so insurmountable.
Due to a miscalculation on an out-and-back portion of my run (math is hard when you’re tired and dehydrated), I got back to my house at precisely 16.6 miles…which, as you know, is not quite the same as 17. But at that moment, I was ready to call it a day. I mean, it’s close enough right? In all reality, I don’t think I’m getting any actual fitness gains from running that extra 0.4 miles. But mentally? That’s another story. Which is why, in the end, I forced myself to crawl past my house and run around the neighborhood like a crazy person until the Garmin beeped at 17 miles. I hated every single extra step that seemed to drag out forever. But what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger…right?
How my new marriage will be impacted by the adoption of a 24 year old child and her cute little puppy friend.
Prettiest waitress in all of Vermont
Okay, so I didn’t technically adopt her. But one of my sisters has moved in with Evan and I because she’s attending a nearby grad school. So far, it’s been nice to have a friend around (something I’m sort of lacking these days…what you get when you move to a town where the population is in the double digits and the average age is 75) and my saint of a husband doesn’t seem to mind. In fact, I think the two of them get along better than Caitlin and I do. Let’s just hope she doesn’t want to kill Evan and I after only a few months…
Koli is appreciating the friendship too.
Why the people I love have to live so far away.
I still haven’t been able to get down to Florida to visit this cute little nugget. She’s growing bigger every day and I just know she needs some Aunt LB in her life immediately.
So in love with those chunky cheeks
And my parents, who came up at the end of last week for a visit and didn’t stay for nearly long enough. Related: why, at 28 years old, do I still feel depressed after my parents leave. I promise I love my husband. I just want everyone I love to live in the same place.
When you visit us in Vermont, we take you to the cheese factory. Life is exciting here.
And finally…
How the heck I allowed myself to be talked into running an ultra relay the weekend after NYCM with 5 other crazy ladies?
Amazing team photo designed by the super talented Sarah OUaL
Read more info about the team <– post by OUaL
Okay, actually I do know…but that’s a story for another post.
I have never raced the weekend after a marathon. And I’ve never done an ultra relay (i.e. 200 miles with only 6 people, instead of 12). An ultra relay with some speedsters who are gunning for a win. This is either going to be the best double ever or the worst decision I’ve ever made. Stay tuned…
Luckily we’ll have the support of two awesome recovery-aids to get us through the miles: Pro Compression and Compex. Something tells me I’m going to need all the help I can get!
This is so true – I’m 37 and I still hate it when my parents leave, especially now we live in Califoria and they’re in the UK. The first time they flew home from a visit, we were all crying so hard that strangers in the check-in queue started crying as well, I kid you not!
And the MOST obnoxious newbies are new mums. Having a baby IS life changing and amazing and the best thing ever,it really is…but you would honestly think that some new mums are the first mums EVER!! Kind of like when our friends started having sex and they were the first people to discover sex in the world EVER!!!
But Vermont does look gorgeous – you’ve convinced me that a trip there is needed!!!
Cathryn @ myheartscontentblog´s last post ..Goodwill to all runners!
Haha!! So true! For some reason, these women seem to forget that people have been raising babies since the beginning of time. I like to hope that I won’t fall into that trap when I am a new mom…maybe by acknowledging how obnoxious it is now I will ensure that I’m not so insufferable later….?
I love fall in your area. It is so beautiful. Winter is beautiful too. Snow is pretty when it isn’t city slush! I do remember my freshman year it was the coldest place on earth on mt washington. Nearly froze that winter.
Everyone is talking about peanuts and candy corn. I am going during lunch to buy some candy corn. I can’t stop myself any longer.
I want to come visit the cheese factory.
Ahhh! Don’t do it!! I’m warning you – that combination is like crack. You’re better off avoiding it altogether.
And I almost froze to death during the one winter I spent in Maine, so I’m a little bit nervous about how I’ll survive this winter…
I HATE the accidental gap in long runs. You’re talking to a girl whose Garmin told her 16 miles on Saturday, but then she realized that it was screwed up in mile 1 and the route was probably closer to 15.8 or 15.9… and who has then spent the time SINCE then beating herself up for not running 16 full miles and for how much slower that means the run was. It’s a weird runner OCD thing, I suppose.
Liz @ An Interesting Year´s last post ..Marathon Training — Week 13
What is it about running that brings out these crazy OCD tendencies??
…For the record, though, 15.9 miles is just as good as 16 in my book. I know it’s easy for me to say (and slightly hypocritical after my long run yesterday!) but 0.1 won’t make or break your training. Think about how many race courses seem long or short because the Garmin isn’t completely accurate. Those race PRs are still legit though, right?
Those cheeks are amazing. You need to come down here immediately and start smooching them before I eat them off. And this totes applies to the cheeks on both ends of her body.
Christina´s last post ..Dreaming
Please don’t eat them! I’m coming soon!!
I feel the same way about my home state — Oregon. I wake up (almost) every day, grateful to live in such a beautiful place. Okay, I guess that is easy to say on this 89 degree day in mid-September. Maybe I don’t really feel that way in February…!
Although I’ve been to other states in New England, I’ve never made it to Vermont. It is definitely on my list of places to visit and hopefully even run a marathon there one day.
Kristen @ Happy Running Mama´s last post ..Boston or Bust
Just after leaving my comment above, someone sent me this link to new candy corn Oreos…
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/07/candy-corn-oreos_n_1865397.html
Kristen @ Happy Running Mama´s last post ..Boston or Bust
Those look incredibly dangerous. …but I think I need to try some ASAP!
And you definitely should visit Vermont. I know I’m a little biased, but it’s my favorite state in all of New England.
I completely agree with you about Vermont. Absolutely love it there. My son attends college in Colchester and being from MA, we go up to visit him (at least that’s our excuse) every chance we get. Can definitely see us relocating in the future.
I love me some candy corn too. But actually I REALLY like the candy corn pumpkins. Same substance, different shape. Totally different experience. I have not yet found my way to the candy corn this year because I am still binging (is that a word?) on the gobs of gummy candy that I brought back from Germany (it’s SO good there!).
I can’t wait to follow the Ragnar Vegas team! You are going to have so.much.fun. and you speedsters will kill it!!
Corey´s last post ..Hood to Coast: The Mother of All Relays – Leg #3
I just found your blog, and SO glad I did!! I LOOOVVVEE Vermont AND have a ridiculous addiction to candy corn; I think that automatically means we’ll get along famously. Look forward to reading regularly!
Meaghan´s last post ..I Took a Vacation Day To Run My Own Marathon…
Haha! Totally agree! Thanks for reading
Wow, a Marathon and an ultra relay! I love the picture with all the very important facts of your participants.
I ate so much candy corn before the age of 6 that I don’t like it anymore. But, it’s gooood stuff. I just know.
I keep waiting for that day to come! I’m usually sick of it by the end of the fall, but once it comes out again the next year enough time has gone by to make me forget.
Love that “Good Feeling” version and I agree dubstep music is great to run to! I love the David Guetta station on my Pandora. Also I agree with you on candy corn man that stuff is dangerous. I’m very much an addict too. With peanut butter, I can’t even imagine!
Chels R.´s last post ..Trust Your Power.
I’ve lived in VT my whole life (until the past 2 months), but I STILL tell people how amazing it is and think that all the seasons are beautiful every year! All 5 seasons that is – after the longgg winter comes mud season. Enjoy fall running before the snow comes! Are you doing any fall races in VT?
Oh yes…mud season! We started moving up here during the middle of it (which wasn’t as bad this year because the winter was fairly mild) and were so surprised by the fact that the town basically shut down!! I guess it’s the one time of year when people really don’t want to come to VT…
So far, I’m signed up for the Vermont 50 as part of a 3 person relay and the Harpoon Brewery Octoberfest race (http://www.harpoonoctoberfestrace.com/). But I definitely want to do a couple more before NYCM in Nov. If you have any suggestions for great fall races in the area, please send them my way!
It’s sold out by now, but you could run it next year – the Leaf Peepers Half & 5k in October is a great race!
That sounds awesome! Thanks for the recommendation. Will definitely put that on the calendar for next year!
Oh, I know the pain of running round my neighbourhood in circles all too well
And suddenly 0.1 miles seems like an eternity…but dammit, I NEED that extra 0.1 mile!
That relay team looks like pretty much the who’s-who of running bloggers. I am very jealous but also far too slow to have joined anyway
So much I could say here. But first, you are beautiful…seriously, your spirit shines through in so much of what you write…even the parts about candy corn. Ha! looks like we should be moving to Vermont for a year…not NC. I have family there…I should visit.
You sound like you’re in such a good place in life…family, running, friends, a beautiful state, a fun relay to look forward to after an awesome marathon…So much going on. 
Thank you Amanda!! And I don’t know – I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about Asheville, NC. It’s definitely up there on my list of places I want to visit someday! …but yes, you should definitely come visit!
I cry on my runs too! I thought I was a weirdo, but if you do it too, then it’s just cool. My tears come and go quickly as well. It’s such a wild thing!
Also, I just found out two days ago that I’m going to be an aunt. I crossed the finish line at my first half marathon and immediately received a phone call with the news. I started crying hysterically and yelling “I’m so excited!” I’m sure everyone at the half thought I was totally bonkers. Seeing the sweet cheeks on your niece made the tears flow again, though.
Thanks for sharing. Wonderful post!
B McD´s last post ..Vogue Runner
Haha of course. All the cool kids cry while they’re running
And congratulations! That’s so very exciting!
hate to admit it, i tear up every time i leave my parents. STILL. and we’ve lived apart since i left for college in 1999. yep. that’s a lot. is that your dad?? he is TALL! i’m sure you hear that all the time.
and i was wondering about that sweet baby girl and when you would get down there. so excited for yalls relay–i’m thinking first place! i may be one of the few people in the world that could care less about candy corn. strange, i know.
elizabeth´s last post ..A little ATL running love
Yep! That’s my dad. But he’s not really as tall as he looks in that picture. It’s a trick — he was standing a step above my sister and my mom. (He still seems super tall to me though, since I’m only 5’4″ and he’s 6′)
Three things…1) that photo of you with your parents is the sweetest, most awesome thing EVER, 2) candy corn contains crack and is therefore one of the most addictive substances known to humanity, and 3) y’all are going to have a total blast WINNING that relay
XLMIC´s last post ..Weekend Fitness Frenzy
I cry every single time I leave my parents. Even if my dad is in NYC for business and we just dinner, I tear up as we say bye. I’m 28, this can’t be normal. My college roommate used to say, “Susan, I’m pretty sure you’re the only person who cries when they come back to college instead of leaving college.” Oops.
ULTRA RELAY. TO WIN. I love it.
Susan´s last post ..ch-ch-ch-changes
Well I’m here to tell you that you were not! I cried every.single.time. I think my parents were convinced they were leaving me at some torture camp instead of college…
Just clicked over from SkinnyRunner and was excited to see that you are practically a neighbor (I’m from NH!) Most of the blogs I frequent online are written by people thousands of miles away, so it has been fun to read a few of your posts and know that, yes, VT is awesome! I’ll be back to read more!
Hello neighbor! We live super close to Southern NH – my sister is going to grad school in Keene! Thanks so much for reading/commenting.
I love all your random thoughts so much! Keep eating candy corn and taking pictures of Vermont and running FAST. PS) I’m listening to GOOOD FEEEELING right now
Laura´s last post ..1-year anniversary