Today is Thursday!
Tomorrow I fly away.
I like dinosaurs.
Because why not start your day with a haiku?
As my poem stated, today is Thursday, and in The Land of Ali (not a real place), that means it’s Thankful Things Thursday.
It’s also the first day of December, so say your “Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit” and your month will be chock full of luck and good things.
(Hey Rabbit luck, wanna bring me a PR on Sunday? Excellent! Thank you so much.)
Now let’s get on with the show. Or the blog. And the thankfulness.
I’m thankful that I’m being smart during this mini taper. I really want to do well on Sunday at the half. Have I mentioned that yet? I keep forgetting. I want my legs to feel fast and fresh. I’m terrified I’m going to toe the start line with lead legs. That would suck. So I’m doing my best to try and avoid that by being smart. Part of this little “being smart” plan meant not going to my beloved Wednesday night spin class. Sad, but necessary. All day yesterday my legs felt super heavy, so an evening spin session wasn’t going to do me any favors. When I woke up this morning, my legs felt significantly better than they did yesterday. Good job, Taper Ali. You’re playing this game well.
I’m thankful I’ve had a training buddy leading up to the Vegas Half. Hi Brian! Cool running outfit this morning, man!
So to “Coach Brian,” thanks for pushing me, encouraging me to run faster and waking up with me at 5 am every day. You’re no Coach Cane, but I think I’ll keep you for a while.
Once the fall marathon season ended, my regular running buddies got busy. And injured. And moved to Brooklyn and stuff. Luckily Coach Brian stepped in, and while he doesn’t rock the hot pink compression socks like my favorite girls, he is doing a great job keeping me company during those tedious laps of the Reservoir.
This morning we ran five very slow miles. It was cold. I wore pink. Again.
I still like running alone sometimes, but I have definitely learned to appreciate having running buddies. And Brian is a good one.
I’m thankful that I just have to get through work today and then I’m off to Las Vegas! I already got the fancy little JetBlue email asking me if I want to check in on my flight for tomorrow and the answer is, “Yes! Yes I want to check in and fly away immediately! Thank you for asking!” I’m really excited about putting up my out of office response and not returning to the workplace until next week. I love my job, but I’m pumped about this getaway.
I’m thankful for Team Challenge. I can’t wait to run with all those crazy kids on Sunday. I’ve met such incredible people through this program. That is all for now.
I’m thankful my apartment is festive-ized.
If you’re thinking, “Aw, that couch looks so cozy and comfortable,” you would be wrong. It’s small. And not fluffy at all. And two people barely fit on it. No cuddling allowed. There’s no room.
Anyway. I love coming home at night and lighting my candles and maybe having singalongs to Celine Dion’s Christmas album. Maybe that’s what I do. Maybe!
I’m thankful for cozy sweaters. I basically give up even trying to put together decent work outfits once the temperatures start to drop a little. Jeans and sweaters. Ka-POW, I’m dressed.
I’m thankful for homemade chocolate chip cookies.
More specifically, I’m thankful for homemade chocolate chip cookie dough. That’s my favorite part.
I’m thankful cold weather running doesn’t scare me. I refuse to treadmill run. I hate it. I won’t do it. I’ll throw on a million layers, and I will still run.
(Remind me I said this when I am tempted to stay in bed during the next snowstorm.)
I’m thankful for all of your song suggestions on yesterday’s post. Really, thank you! There was a lot of new stuff in there that I hadn’t heard of. I’m pretty pumped to do some more downloading tonight.
I’m thankful for all of your constant support. I won’t get all cheesy here, but I will say that your constant, “You’re going to crush it in Vegas!” comments are giving me a ton of motivation leading up to Sunday’s race. I really don’t want to write a race recap about how I came close to a PR but didn’t nail it. You all seem to think that I can go sub-1:44:48, so I am going to do my best to make you proud. And really, thank you, from the bottom of my heart for your consistently amazing and inspiring comments. It means a lot to me. Except that you make me actually believe I can do anything, and that’s probably not true. I probably can’t fly. And I probably won’t ever successfully cook a chicken. Dang it. But I can try to run a fast half marathon, so game on!
That’s all for today. I’ve got work to do! Have a great day!
YOUR TIME TO SHARE: What are you thankful for today? If your answer is “chocolate” or “running” or “not having a Crohn’s flare-up anymore” or “Will Ferrell,” then we have a few things in common.
0 Responses
That may be the best haiku I have ever read! And I’m proud of you for not being afraid of cold weather running! I refuse to do it! Perhaps it’s time for me to suck it up and get out there?
Good luck in las vegas! If there’s any city to PR in – sin city is it! Can’t wait to read all about it!
Have a wonderful trip and a wonderful race and a wonderful time spent with friends, other runners, and Brian! Tell him good luck, too! You will rock it!
Have FUN!!! I am grateful for the treadmill–LOVE it 🙂
Have a great race and fabulous time in Vegas! My husband and I were married there 🙂 Not eloped crazy style, but real Mandalay Bay by a waterfall style. It’s a great place!
Good Luck!!
GOOD LUCK!!! And thanks for your inspiration, maybe now i will drag my lazy butt out of bed every. freezing. morning!! 😛
Uhm, yes. Brian needs new running clothes. Hellooooo Christmas gifts!
And that’s very unfortunate about your couch. It DOES look super comfy and big. Camera lies.
you will kick batootay!!! you’re such an inspiration!!! 🙂 thanks ali!!!
Brian better watch out because the injured one is coming back soon! (I hope, I hope). In the meantime, I’m going to pretend you are running with me in the pool. So I guess I am thankful I have access to a pool. 🙂
Save travels and good luck!! And have fun. And Happy Birthday to Brian!
I downloaded Shake Senora by Pitbull after your post yesterday, I’m thankful for it because it makes me think of Beetlejuice (beetlejuice, beetlejuice) and the amazing dance scene.
Have fun!! Your going to kill it.
I am thankful for running keeping me sane when work is stressing me out.
Homemade chocolate chip dough is the best, thing, ever. The cookies are pretty damn good too – but why bother?
GOOD LUCK!!!! Have sooooooo much fun. I’m jealous : )
Totally off topic buuuuuuuuuuut…..WE MEET IN TWO DAYS! YEAH!
I’m thankful that my long-distance boyfriend is coming home four days earlier than I expected. I’m also thankful that my dad is taking me to a Top Chef finalist’s restaurant for my Chanukah gift this Saturday. I’m so excited that it’s kind of embarrassing.
GOOD LUCK!!
Best of luck in Vegas! Just think, you will be running during Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week! It’s the first year to have such an awesome week 🙂
Dude, I was having some serious BK regrets this morning. It took me sooo long to get to work. Boo subway delays. Also, I miss running with you. And I don’t even care that I say this every time I comment. I like your festive decorations! I will try not to spill mimosa on your couch when I come over for brunch. VEGAS SO SOON, GOOD LUCK!! <3
Hey Ali! Been reading your blog for a few months, but never comment. Just wanted to say:
1) Love your blog! You keep me very entertained at work.
2) Totally agree with your hatred of treadmill running. I braved the DC snowstorms to avoid 10 mile runs on the dreadmill.
3) Good Luck in Vegas! You’re going to be amazing!!!
I’m thankful for Will Ferrell. Even in his most awkward films (i.e. Kicking and Sceraming), I still love him. Don’t ever make me pick a fave between Elf and Anchorman.
I’m thankful that I get to skip my morning class and stay in bed for a bit longer.
I’m thankful that I got all the pepper spray out of my mouth and hair. Somehow all the sparkles are still in my hair though.
I’m thankful for my grandma saving me the last two waffles.
I’m thankful that it’s not raining.
I’m thankful that my – extremely apathetic – university stood up for itself.
You’re going to crush Vegas! I can’t wait for the recap.
You will crush Vegas, DUH.
I’m thankful that I’m flying to Savannah, GA tomorrow and running a race (to be immediately followed by brunch and mimosas) with my besties who moved down there this summer. I’m also thankful that I wont have to wear a parka for the weekend. Yay for warm weather!
CRUSH IT.
Good luck in Vegas! <3
I am thankful that I am healthy and my marathon training is going well. I am thankful that I finally finished my stinking performance review write-up at work. I am thankful that I only have to work 2 more weeks before having 2 weeks off for the holidays. I am thankful I read your blog because it makes me smile 🙂
GOOD LUCK in Vegas! You will get that PR (and have lots of fun doing it!)
I’m thankful that my husband loves me because I’m kind of a pain in the ass. I’m thankful for green tea and peppermint hot chocolate. I’m thankful for my snuggly dogs. I’m thankful for my bloggy friends. I’m thankful for TACO SALAD THURSDAY.
I’m not thankful that I’m not going to Vegas. My twitter feed and google reader are depressing me with tales of packing.
But, even though I’m so jealous that I could wet my pants, I want you to murder that race course with awesomeness.
You WILL crush it in Vegas! Good luck!!!!
I am a long-time reader of your blog, but I don’t really comment. I just want to tell you you are definitely going to PR in Vegas. And the reason I know is becuase I was in a very similar situation myself. I ran my fastest half in January (Manhattan Half) with a 1:45.18 I then battled a stress fracture, came back and ran my first marathon in October (Steamtown) and then I decided to run a half at the beginning of November just for the “fun” of it (Not really, I wanted to PR), despite the fact that I had done zero speedwork, and most of my runs were garmin-less and didn’t feel that fast. ANYWAY, I ended up running a 1:40.08 that day. And if I can do it? You most certainly will.
Good luck! 🙂
I despise cold-weather – seeing your picture made me dread winter! It just makes me so much less motivated to run. Yuck. Although, we have had a pretty amazing Fall in NY minus the random snowstorm!
Have a safe/fun/PR-crushing trip to Las Vegas!
I’m Thankful for Will Ferrell too. Every time I watch Elf I die laughing when he does that “SANTA!!!!! I know him!!!!” thing.
I’m also thankful for my down comforter and flannel sheets, that it’s Thursday already, and that the scratch in my throat last night didn’t turn into a cold this morning.
Have fun flying out to Vegas! Don’t forget that planes dehydrate you even more than normal do drink lots of water!
and GOOD LUCK IN VEGAS!!! You will rock it!
I am thankful for Snyders peppermint patty pretzels! I am thankful for my day off tomorrow as I travel to D.C. for the hot chocolate 15k!
Vegas is going to be awesome – awesome place/awesome race destination/place where yes, you will kill that half.
I am super thankful for running today! Nothing can cheer me up more than a good run. Also, I ran today in my I <3 SWEAT shirt. People were jealous of the awesome shirt, I don't blame them.
Safe travels! Can't wait to hear your race recap!
I know I won’t miss regular NYC winter runs, but I’m already sad about no more NYRR races! Even in the snow, I loved the Ted Corbitt 15K and Manhattan Half every time.
I’m thankful that I’ve been getting plenty of sleep lately, and also for my makeshift version of pumpkin coffee: pumpkin pie spice added to ground french roast, enjoyed with half-and-half.
I am thankful for vacation days where I can drink my coffee and watch the Today show.
Good luck in Vegas this weekend!
Brian must have been incredibly uncomfortable this morning! This thinking about khaki.. and the probably chaff that ensued..makes me cringe.
I am thankful that Justin and I are getting our puppy on Saturday! Woop.
Yay for planes! Crush the half…
I’ve been meaning to ask: where do you get all of your wonderfully cozy looking leg warmers? I’d definitely be more up to braving the cold in shorts if I had some of those babies warming my calves!
Discountdancesupply.com has lots. Any dance retailer will carry good ones!
Thanks for the tip! 🙂 Best of luck in Vegas. I admit I’m super jealous of all you blogger girls heading there this weekend!
Can you share your love for outdoor running in cold ass temps please?! it scares the crap out of me and I just HATE it. Please share, because I need to do more of it this winter and hate the dreadmill but do it for said fear of cold running! Can’t wait to hear how you did and have fun in Vegas!!
I’m thankful that my dad is coming to visit tomorrow! Yay!
I’m thankful I’ll get to read your awesome race recap. Vegas is plenty fun. I’ll have to do that half someday…
I’m thankful that last night is hopefully my last all nighter of the semester since tomorrow is last day of classes. Hopefully I won’t be stupid and procrastinate on studying for finals. And I haven’t run in a week, but I’m thankful that I have time to run today. I will go at midnight if I have to.
You’ll crush it in VEGAS!!
you look like you were going to a soccer match, not running……shin guards and all
I’m thankful that I finally saw the movie Bridesmaids last evening. And made a huge point of pointing out how much I adored the cop in the movie.
Then on my way home, I got pulled over by 2 policemen… who weren’t so adorable. And then given a $100 ticket.
Good Luck in Vegas, Ali- you will rock it!
Funny that your post the other day was about your non driving skills….
I’m thankful I registered for my first full today. I’m beyond excited! Go get em in Vegas! Crush that PR and have fun!
I’m thankful I got to go on my first run EVER with my brother on Thanksgiving. It was a LOT of fun! I’m thankful for my job & the hard work of so many of my clients. I’m thankful for hot chocolate (YUMMMMM), and I’m thankful all sorts of Christmas songs! And for Christmas lights, because they are pretty!
Good luck in Vegas! You are going to crush the race, and I’m so excited to hear all about it! Safe travels.
I am thankful that I get to see you this weekend. I am also thankful that you introduced me to leg warmers. Last night I got home from pilates wearing capris and was chilly. I thought, “ugh, what a pain, I have to take my pants off and put on warmer ones.” FALSE. A pair of my fluffiest leg warmers later and boom, warmth. Did I mention I’m thankful I get to see you THIS WEEKEND in VEGAS!
I am thankful for chocolate and chocolate chip cookies. Although the Christmas Cookie Czar has banned them from being included in the Christmas Cookie Party. Also, if we break the rules we may not be invited to participate next year. I’m thinking some chocolate chip cookies may have to make an appearance so that I get banned next year. I will be thankful for that!
Here’s my thankful list for the week:
http://counselormusings.blogspot.com/2011/11/thankfulness-project-monday_28.html
You are going to rock Vegas, and you have a great person to push you along towards your goal! I’m so excited for you!
Good news: after using my oven for only cookies for about 2 months, I cooked chicken and didn’t give myself food poisoning. This means you can do it, too!
I’m thankful that I was home for 5 days last week. It was much needed, wonderful, relaxing, and filled with yuminess.
I’m thankful that my turkey trot resulted in a 10k pr by 2 and a half minutes! Granted it was only my second official 10k race but my training runs had been slower recently and I didn’t think it would happen. Yay progress!
-I’m thankful that my dad secretly trained for the 10k race all fall so that he could surprise my sisters and I and run the turkey trot!
-I’m thankful for all the new friends I’ve made this year. I say that a lot.
Ahhhh your dad ran with you guys?! That’s so cute! I love it. Go Mr. Margolin!
And in his race shirt from his last race (July 4, 1986!) 🙂 I guess I should hold on to all of mine…
I’m thankful my next project for work is in NYC and I won’t have to travel 4 days a week. That was really killing my social life and my sanity!
Crush that PR in Vegas! And then have many margaritas 🙂
I can’t believe you wore shorts today, it is freezing! I also hate the treadmill but just the idea of getting dressed for cold weather running tires me out. So many small parts and layers to think about. It overwhelms me… Maybe if I had an apartment with closets, or with more than 320 square feet, I wouldn’t feel so smothered by the idea of this. I don’t know. Good luck this weekend!!!!
Have FUN ! & safe travels! You’re going to KILL it…so excited for you.
I am thankful today for being able to get up early and knock out all of my workouts this week. You have inspired me to get up at the crack of dawn more during the work week! It’s so nice to get it done early. Major damage control from all of the southern cooking I ate over the Thanksgiving holiday!!