Confessions of a {Vegetarian} Long Distance Runner–Part 2
| June 29, 2011 | Posted by Lauren under LifeontheRun |
When it comes to recycling, I’m a little obsessive-compulsive. No, I’m not going to come to your house and pick your recyclables out of the trash, but I do find that I am physically incapable of throwing my own plastic bottles away.
No, not my bags – that picture was lost when my computer got crushed. But you get the idea.
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This proved to be a bit of a problem when I found out that my new apartment doesn’t have recycling pick up (the horror!). Fortunately, I quickly learned that you can bring your recycling to Whole Foods and recycle it there. So every week, I schlep my bags of recyclables over to the grocery store. Perfectly normal, I assure you.
Yet I can never actually remember to bring my reusable shopping bags with me when I go grocery shopping. It’s okay to keep taking new bags as long as I recycle them, right?? Don’t answer that.
On a run, if I look at my watch near the end of a mile to see that my split is averaging out to just over the 8:00/mile mark, I speed up for the last bit until my average pace drops below 8:00. Because obviously there’s a huge difference between a 7:59 and an 8:01 mile.
No matter how fast I’m actually going, running in the rain makes me feel like I’m flying. On rainy days I leave my watch at home so as to not ruin the illusion.
I have the same lunch every.single.day. No really. Okay, so sometimes the type of bread changes, but nothing can compete with my beloved tempeh, avocado, spinach, tomato and cheese sandwich. Nothing.
Okay, so my sandwich doesn’t look quite this fancy…but almost
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Speaking of bread – my sister got me a bread machine for my birthday. It is both my most treasured appliance and the bane of my existence. I’ve been averaging a new loaf of bread a week…of which, EC is lucky if he gets one slice.
If anyone has any awesome bread machine recipes, please send them my way!
I am running the Marine Corps Marathon this fall simply because it’s on my list of “must run” marathons. But I have no idea how it got there, since the only real exposure I’ve had to it is the one miserable year my parents ran in the late 90’s. Not only was it pouring rain and cold, but within the first few miles, my mom was knocked over by an overly ambitious marine, twisted her ankle on a curb, and spent a good deal of time in the medical tent. While she ultimately finished the race (my mom is pretty bada** if you didn’t know), I didn’t exactly leave the race marveling over how fun and exciting it was.
I’m spending the week in San Diego for a conference and the thing I’ve been most excited about (hand’s down!) is running around the city. There’s no better way to explore.
And, trust me…if you got to wake up in the morning to this view, you’d be excited about running too.
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But unlike so many other running bloggers I follow, I hate running in the morning. Hate it. I would rather deal with the heat of the afternoon than slog through the early morning humidity (though I am working to change this, for the sake of my own physical health).
Except when I’m traveling. For some reason, when I’m in a new place, I look forward to getting up early and starting the day off with a run. I stopped trying to understand this a long time ago.
Whenever I’m traveling somewhere, or at some kind of conference with lots of people, I scope out everyone around me. If I see someone wearing a running watch, dri-fit shirt, or carrying around a backpack with running shoes tied on, I instantly like them. And if you’re wearing a Boston jacket or a Garmin, watch out – I’m probably going to want to be best friends.
I still have my March marathon training plan tacked up next to my desk. I haven’t looked at the thing in 3 months, but I won’t be taking it down until I can replace it with a new one next week.
I love free samples. Of anything. So much so that my habit of seeking out “free things” was a running joke with my college friends. If we’re at Whole Foods together on a weekend, you better believe I’ll weave around the store trying everything before I do any shopping. And please don’t tell me how many germs are hiding in those sample bowls. I don’t want to hear it.
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While food quality is important, EC and I rate restaurants based on how nice their restrooms are. We have a very complex scoring algorithm for rating each new place that we try. All our favorite places have fancy (clean) bathrooms.
Ever since EC told me I could start borrowing his fancy camera a few months ago, he has created a monster. I’m now convinced that I’m pretty much a professional photographer, and have more photos of random things than I’ll ever use.
I am unbelievably, embarrassingly clumsy. I don’t mean to be, but if I’m not falling and hurting myself, I’m accidentally knocking into other people’s stuff.
For the record, I do not know this family.
But to the Rodriguez’s – I’m so sorry for the less than straight rows I’m sure you found your picture frames in the next morning. I hope you had a wonderful wedding all the same.
Even though I miss my Mac, I have to admit that using a PC since my computer’s unfortunate accident has put me in blogging heaven. I hate to admit it, but nothing compares to Windows Live Writer (dear Apple – why can’t you get on the ball with that??).
I fessed up, now it’s your turn. What confessions do you need to get off your chest this week?
Hahahaha! Love this! I look like I got into an epic battle this week based on my bruises on my shins. Why? Because every time I walk around at the gym, I walk into the elliptical. I swear, they keep inching further into my path. Such a klutz! I’ll also confess that while I really need to you to come back to RI, the time difference is clutch for late night chats. Hope you enjoyed a beautiful California run this morning!
And I’ll be waiting for another late night chat tonight!
I used to take my recycling to Whole Foods when my apt complex didn’t recycle. And I do the same thing with the plastic bags now when I forget my reusable ones (which is a lot of the time.)
So cute! My favorite part about traveling is running in new places too. I’ll never understand the people who say “why would you exercise on vacation?”. Really?! Isn’t finding new running routes the best part?
I’m super clumsy too, and my doctor told me in the next few weeks, pregnancy is going to make me even clumsier. I’m terrified.
I hope you’re enjoying San Diego! Looks beautiful.
I agree. But I guess maybe it’s because I don’t think of it as exercise – it’s something I do that’s fun (this may also sound strange to many people).
And be careful in the next few weeks! Stay away from sharp objects!
Mmm.. that sandwich combo sounds like it’s to live for. I’ll definitely try it!!
Speaking of which – you MUST try our favorite bread recipe: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Flax-and-Sunflower-Seed-Bread/Detail.aspx
Ever since we found it, we stopped trying different kinds.
Enjoy!
Thank you!! That bread looks amazing! I can’t wait to try it.
Lauren!
I am obsessed with recycling too. And I will actually take your recyclables out of the trash. Yep, I’m that crazy.
I’m bummed because I am going to be in San Diego next week and we totally could have met up!!! It’s been way too freaking long.
I love my Mac too, but I have heard rumors that about the Windows Live Writer – sounds heavenly.
I can’t believe we’re missing each other by a week! I’m so bummed. Seeing you while I’m out here would’ve been amazing! I guess that means I’ll have to plan another trip.
Yay!
My mom uses these fabric bags that you can fold up and put in an attached teeny tiny pouch. It comes with a hook to put on your keychain or wallet or handbag so you are never without it. Maybe that’d be perfect for you too?
haha, that sounds perfect. Maybe I should look into those.
I love these, Lauren! Wooohooo! MCM! I haven’t run it yet but I’m excited you’re coming to DC (again)! I will be there to cheer all my friends (bloggy and otherwise) on. We definitely need to do food sometime that weekend, too, if you’re not too busy:). I think Steph (runforfun-Stephanie) are gonna try and go somewhere to eat after:).
Also, I am a total clutz, too. I have at least three bruises on my legs at all times, and I never know where they came from. I also have a really bad scar on my shin that I got from running into a dresser drawer. It was only a little cut so I have no clue how it turned into such a horrible scar!!
I have one of those too! But from falling on my face at a gas station (that wasn’t embarrassing….) And I’d love to meet up while I’m in DC. We should definitely make plans!
DC has a tax on plastic bags now, which is great because it really helps people remember their reusables! I never have them when I run errands after work though, so that is kind of annoying.
Hope you are loving your trip in SD!
Yikes. I think that’s a great idea, but I’d either be broke, or wise up quickly.
I am such a clutz too! I loved this post…helps me to know that I’m not alone.
My house is outside the city so we don’t get free recycling. Instead my dad (who lives 5 minutes away and is within city limits) brings a recycling bin over to my house every week.
I’m definitely a huge recycling nut too.
I have to admit that I do go a step further. When I went to London a couple weeks ago I held onto the magazines I read on the plane ride over until I found a recycling bin (I had to carry all my things around too)
haha, I love that I’m not the only crazy out there. I will bring things home from work, so that I can then bring them to WF to recycle, but have never carried something across the ocean. That is dedication right there.
I know.
I wanted to recycle them in the Toronto airport but I didn’t see any bins around my gate so across the Atlantic they went. 
Two years ago my dad took me on a crosscountry road trip as a reward for getting my first masters. We made it a green trip and really looked for things like that. We drove a Prius, bought sandwich materials ahead of time so we wouldn’t waste other materials and we picked up bottles and papers that we saw along the way to recycle when we found a place. I guess my OCD with recycling is genetic.
I love MCM!!!!! I ran it 3 times so far and could do it every year!
I’m super clumsy – mostly when running – and I got some badass scars to prove it!
I’m getting better with recycling…please don’t hate me
I also CANNOT run in the morning – I’m trying to get used to it though!
whenever I’m traveling, I always smile goofily at people in running gear. They probably think I’m a wacko! Confession: I brought my work Blackberry with me on vacation because I said I would check in regularly, but failed to turn it on. Um, oops?
So glad you’re enjoying CA! It’s so gorgeous
LOL! This post cracked me up – especially the picture of you knocking over the picture frames. Ha ha ha.
Oh, and I have 800 reusable bags and I leave them at home 80% of the time. Or I forget that they are sitting in my car (because I’m awesome like that). I do reuse the plastic ones when I get them!!
I’m definitely more of a klutz… remember when I fell on our winter run THREE times!!! hehe
Love these confessions Lauren!
Free Samples are my FAV! They always have free stuff around South Station when I’m getting on the train, it rocks.
My crazy confession- I only wash my hair when I workout which is only 4X a week. OOps!
haha! Nothing wrong with that. I won’t confess how often I wash my hair, but I’ll give you a hint…it’s not very often.
Another great post…hmm
I knew I loved my husband within two weeks of meeting him and chased him around the first week
I wearmy sneakers with bright blue laces to work
I sleep with pillow under my legs for support
I stretch my it band and calfs and ice all day
I love sappy girl movies and they make me appreciate the hubby even more, ps I love you, need I say more
I have an unhealthy obsession with pink berry
I am way too excited about going to a duelingiano this weekend
Enoguh! Another awesome post, not surprised!
lol Lauren!!! That last picture is just too funny! I guess when you’re running, you’re graceful, but when you’re around perfectly arranged picture frames – kidding! Thanks fora good laugh
I have to say, I pretty much adore our bread machine, too. As for confessions: I’ve recently discovered fruit smoothies in the morning (yeah, I know, late on the bandwagon), and I can’t imagine starting my day without it!
I’m glad you’re enjoying San Diego! I can’t wait to hear more about it!
Haha I love all of these. It makes me feel a little better about my crazy/irrational/just-plain-weird habits. I have a lot of anxiety about throwing away anything recyclable too – my thoughts instantly go to a land fill and I feel guilty. Also, I’m in love with my mac but am so jealous of WLW and wish Apple could make some progress! Every other program I’ve tried for Macs has been terrible.
Hope you’re enjoying running in California!!
Oh No, I think you just confirmed me getting a PC… I never thought this day would come where a PC was better than a MAC. I was just talking to my husband about windows live writer. It takes me forever to write posts on this computer… You really think it’s worth it?
Well…I don’t know if I’d say it’s worth it. I love WLW, but I also love my Mac. Once mine is fixed I will happily take it back and go back, even though it means I’ll have to give up WLW. I just think Macs are better computers overall!
If you’re tech-savvy you can split the hard drive and run Windows on your Mac just so you can use the program to blog. Or you can try using Mars Edit. It’s not free (sadly) but it’s way better than Ecto. It’s what I usually use to write posts on my Mac and even though it pales in comparison to WLW, it is way better than using the WordPress dashboard.
When I had a car, I simply kept my reusable bags in the trunk so I always had them since I would forget to take the to the store on a regular basis. Now I don’t forget them because it’s SO much easier to carry groceries home with the reusable bags than with the plastic bags. Those five flights of stairs will get you every time…
MCM is awesome!! But that may just be because it was my first…
So…sometimes when I have the bags in my trunk, I forget them until I’m in the checkout line. There’s really no excuse for me!
I didn’t know MCM was your first! I am really excited to do it, just because it’s such a big race.
I’ve ran the MCM the last 2 years, and running it again this year, and it’s a fantastic race!!! You’ll love the energy, and cool sights. And the weather in DC in October is great for running. =)
I’m so happy to hear that!! I’ll admit I’ve been a little nervous because I’ve heard some negative things lately, so it’s really encouraging to hear someone say that it’s a great race!
First of all, I am SO happy that you are enjoying the bread machine!! I am glad that it is making you so happy (and yet tempting you). Although, i AM a bit jealous that EC gets to enjoy it and i am missing out
Secondly, i can’t WAIT for the marine corps!!! it’ll be SO GOOD to have to here in DC with me!! i enjoy our marathon weekends. send me a list of treats that you want me to pick up to pump you up!
Lastly, I love your blog. true story. it gets better each and every time that i read it. thanks for making me smile and also giving me some incredible advice. you make me want to be a more consistent runner! not to mention try some of your delicious recipes!
love you sister <3
When you come visit, I will make you all the bread you ever wanted.
i totally do the WF shopping bag thing and ALWAYS forget my shopping bags!!!
and i also speed up at the end of a mile (moreso in a race) to go below whatever it is i need to go below. i always have my ‘cut off’