This is what Christie said to me while we were running down the middle of a snow covered street Saturday morning. It literally felt like we were in a Nike ad with the caption “Running doesn’t get snow days.”

We knew there was a chance of snow but when I woke up it was still clear. No snowflakes whatsoever.

But between the time I left my house and the time I got to Christie’s at 7:00, this is what happened:

Seriously. Unfortunately this caused Kimi to not be able to meet up with us (she lives out in the boondocks – still trying to convince her to move her cute little ass closer to us – no luck so far ), but since I was already there Christie and I decided to put our big girl panties on and get it over with.

The beginning of the run was rough. It was dark, slippery, and tough to get our footing. Stupid snow. It was snowing pretty heavily and hard to see sometimes. But once the sun came up, and were on roads where we could run right down the center of the street, we were able to pick up our pace a little. The 6 miles flew by and it actually ended up being a lot of fun running in the snow!

• Mile 1 = 9:50
• Mile 2 = 9:34
• Mile 3 = 9:39
• Mile 4 = 9:35
• Mile 5 = 9:27
• Mile 6 = 9:20
• Last .09 = 8:15

Hellooooo, negative splits. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen you……. And a 9:33/mile average pace – been awhile since I’ve seen you, too! Not too bad with running in that weather. Not.too.bad.

And because we’re big nerds, we all sent virtual high fives when we were finished.

I really meant it when I said we were big nerds. But we’re fun big nerds. And I kinda love it.

And would you know that after I got home and showered, the snow had stopped and the sun even ended coming out later in the day?! Seriously. No joke. Cleveland weather is ridiculous.

How was the weather by you this weekend?

The cute little Caitlin tagged me last week in her 7 Random Facts posts. I started thinking about it and figured why the hell not.

Seven Random Facts about Heather:

1. You all have to know by now that my nickname is Heatha. It’s really not a spelling error, it’s meant to be that way! One of my best friends, Jen, got married about 10 years ago and we all got pretty smashed (that’s what you do at weddings, right?). Anyways, I was in the bathroom and she came in there looking for me screaming Heatha! Heatha! and I yelled back Jenay! Jenay! (I’m pretty sure I was sticking my arm out under the bathroom stall waving to let her know where I was, too – because, you know, she wouldn’t be able to find me in the small, 3 stall bathroom). And that’s it. The nicknames stuck and we still call each other those names to this day.

Jen and me on New Years Eve a few years back – I swear we do a lot more than just drink together.

2. I sucked my thumb until I was 6 years old. This is why I now have Invisalign (and a lot less money in my bank account). I remember my mom and dad put this hot pepper liquid on my thumb one time to try and get me to stop. Well, I forgot it was on there and I had to run to my neighbors house for water because my mouth was on fire and I knew my parents would not have been happy with me. I can’t remember the outcome (if my mom and dad ever found out about this), but I remember being so embarrassed. Maybe this is what finally made me stop?

3. I worked at McDonald’s for 7 years (all through high school and then college). I was even employee of the year one year, which got me nothing but McDonald’s stock that I still have and know absolutely nothing about. I eventually became a manager and would come home from college (University of Toledo) every other weekend to work. It was a pretty sweet job since I was in charge and mostly everyone who worked there was my friend (C’s dad worked there, too!).

4. I’m a landlord. When C’s dad and I got divorced (we were only 27), C and I moved in with my parents for about 6 months. And as much as I love my parents, their house was just too crowded (C and I were sharing a bed at the time!). So I bought a condo and C and I lived on our own until we moved in with J a little over a year later. It was quite possibly the best year of my life – I loved living with my little guy by ourselves. I swear it’s why we’re so close today.

One of the few pics I could find from the condo. It doesn’t show too much of the place, but it was too cute not to post!

5. J and I met playing on a Cleveland recreational kickball league. A good friend of mine worked with J at the time and asked us both to be on the team. Holtz didn’t know it at the time, but he was playing cupid! J and I had a lot in common (big breakups) and we pretty much hit it off immediately.

Me with the matchmaker, and a horribly old, bad picture – sorry, Holtz.

6. I would much rather eat cookie dough than actual cookies. I have all the will power in the world when it comes to cookies, but that will power doesn’t even exist when there’s cookie dough around. I’m a total addict. That’s why I don’t bake as much as I’d like to – I seriously end up eating my weight in cookie dough. I always end up with a horrible stomach ache but it doesn’t matter. It’s too good NOT to eat!

7. I secretly hate that I am so tall (5’9″). I’ve ALWAYS been the tallest of all my girlfriends and I’m usually pretty close to the height of the guys, too. I can never wear heels without being self conscious and lower heels are definitely not as cute. It pretty much sucks. I’m always in the back of pictures or the silly girl in front with her hands on her knees because if she stands up straight her monster height will block everyone else. The only person who I’m never taller than is my dad (who I obviously get my height from).

This is me, my dad, my mom, and sis on Christmas day. I’m so much taller than both my mom and sister and I’m not even wearing shoes!

And here’s me, Andy, and Christina. Check out Christina’s feet. She’s on her tip toes and I’m still towering over her.

I can still remember being down at the Basement (hell yes, went there every weekend!) many many years ago and some random guy at the bar saying to me “What are you, like 6 feet tall?”. Ughhhh……still gets under my skin.

Damn, that wasn’t easy to come up with!

Now, tell me one random thing about you……………..

Hey there, and Happy New Year!

Gosh, it’s been awhile since I last blogged. It was really nice to disconnect and take a break for a bit. But I’m back now!

So much happened over the holiday break that I’ll be nice and provide you with the cliff notes version.

Lots of traditions were kept:

Taking this photo was such a debacle. This is the best pic we could get with both pups, so you get a nice shot of Diddy’s butt. You’re welcome.

Tons of family time was had:

Someone got a ridiculous amount of wear out of his new hat:

I swear to you he has worn that hat every day since Christmas. He just wears it around the house. Great purchase by mom!

And hangovers were nursed:

Me, Alana, and Kimi enjoying ourselves a little too much at the #holladays party. Which resulted in me being #holladrunk and spending most of yesterday on the couch (it’s been awhile since I’ve done that!).

Angelo’s marguerita pizza = best hangover cure ever.

You’ll notice that I didn’t mention running. I ran the Holidays Virtual 10k, but other than that I don’t think I ran more than 3 miles at a time (and maybe 3 times at most?). I’ve been spinning and boot camping it up instead. The change has been nice! But I have a lot of plans for running in 2012. After being out of business for almost 4 months last year I’m hoping that 2012 is my comeback year! I’m a little scared I’ll jinx it, though, so for now that’s all I’m saying.

Hope everyone had a kick ass holiday and New Years!

Do you have to work tomorrow? Luckily I don’t go back to work until Tuesday………yes!

Because, thanks to you guys, J, C, and I WON THE GINGERBREAD HOUSE THROWDOWN!! Hell to the yes!

I can’t really take the credit, though, because the idea was all J. He texted me this picture when we were brainstorming ideas:

And I was immediately sold. (it’s a little blurry, but I think you get the idea)

J’s mom and dad made the real pretty house and his sister and brother in law made the “Ho House”. Hehe (I seriously laugh out loud every time I think of that).

Bragging rights for a year. Pretty sure I can live with that.

And if my day wasn’t already awesome after I tallied up the votes, I met up with Kimi tonight and she got me the BEST Christmas gift. Check it:

COASTERS made from my NYC Marathon bib and medal! I literally gasped out loud when I opened this. Seriously, so cool, right? What an amazing keepsake. I’m going to have to pull out my bibs from Pittsburgh and Cleveland so that I have a full set! If you’re interested in some coasters of your own, contact Ellie. From what I hear the process is pretty painless.

Has Santa come early for you this year??

Today was the Annual Fall Classic 5k and Half Marathon. I ran the 5k and J ran the half marathon (quite the role reversal for us!).

The weather was perfect and it was really JUST A GOOD DAY.

• I got to watch my husband run his second 1/2 marathon (and PR!):

• I ran a fun 5k with Christie and averaged an 8:44 pace (which is unheard of for me these days!):

This is Christie pointing out the fact that they wrote our ages on our bibs. Thanks, friend.

• I actually got to be one of the cheerleaders for a change

Which may have been my favorite part of the day. I am LOUD and have no problem screaming my face off. I don’t hold back – I jump up and down, yell, scream, high five, and love all of it. I’m pretty sure our little group woke up any part of Strongsville that was still sleeping this morning. And I’m fine with that.

Here are two of my favorite shots from today:

J bringin it home. His face just shows it all (pain, determination, and exhaustion).

Miss Kiwi and her “orange juice”. I may have had my fair share of this “OJ” after the 5k – and it may have been delicious.

I’m seriously head over heels in love with the running community. I had such a blast being a runner AND a spectator today.

Congratulations to all the other runners today (Allison, Mike, Jen, Kali, Ryan, Jess, Masa, Joe)!!! You guys were AWESOME.

What made today a good day for you??

One week ago today I was celebrating finishing the NYC Marathon AND my birthday. I even saw two other ladies running the race wearing shirts saying “It’s my birthday!” – I guess November 6th isn’t just about me? Weird.

The first gift to myself after we got back to the hotel (and after my much needed ice bath) was a huge Diet Coke.

Diet Pepsi can suck it. Diet Coke is where it’s at.

Then the celebration continued at a restaurant literally ten feet from our apartment (thanks for not making me walk anymore that night, guys!). Celebratory (and complimentary!) shots were in order:

And the food was phenomenal. I could be wrong since I was mad hungry at this point, but I quite possibly could have had the best burger of my life. It was that good. Best post marathon meal yet.

And the food didn’t stop there – it was my birthday, remember??

I think those are my “I just ran a marathon and am happy but have been awake since 4am” eyes.

There wasn’t any cake, but there was pumpkin and caramel cheesecake, a red velvet cupcake, and key lime pie. My stomach couldn’t really handle too much that night, but I may or may not have dominated that key lime pie Monday night. Maybe.

And it didn’t stop there!! What’s a birthday without presents?

Some of you may have seen this on Facebook and/or Twitter:

Did anyone figure out what was inside?

Sigh…………so pretty…….

I put it on the necklace with the 26.2 charm from my parents and I haven’t taken it off since. I love it. I’m pretty sure this is the best present my husband has ever gotten me. I love it, love it, love it.

It was a damn good birthday. Not sure how this one is ever going to be topped…..luckily that’s up to J and not me!

What’s the best birthday gift you have ever gotten?

Since yesterday was dedicated to J (who says THANK YOU for all the congratulations!), I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to dedicate today’s post to two people I am lucky enough to call my friends.

Kimi is that girl you meet and immediately want to be best friends with.

She’s down to earth, honest, loving, and pretty darn cute.

We met through our blogs and clicked instantly. It didn’t take us long to start tweeting, then emailing, then hanging out. And finally running together!

Well, Sunday was the best way I can imagine supporting my friend.

She ran her first marathon and I was lucky enough to run 2 miles of that amazing accomplishment with her!!!!!

Kimi was pretty damn amazing. She set a goal, trained hard (while being an amazing mom and wife, and still maintaining a social life), and finished that marathon on her own terms. I’ve always told J that Kimi inspires me because she runs for HER. She sets her own goals, knows her limits, and does what is right for her, no one else. That’s not always an easy thing to do.

I am so incredibly proud of her for this accomplishment and honored that I was able to be a part of her day. Thank you for letting me share that experience with you, Friend, I’ll never forget it.

Oh, and congratulations, Marathoner!!

Now, Andy , is a different kind of friend:

He’s an honest, tell it like it is, kind of guy. And an amazing runner.

One who, in fact, ran his first marathon yesterday, too, and set a goal to qualify for Boston. On his first try.

And despite being in the urgent care Friday night for a pinched nerve he still met his goal.

I mean, who runs a marathon at a 7:02/mile average pace with a pinched nerve in his neck??? Andy does.

And he totally deserves Boston. He’s the nicest guy ever. He never brags about how fast he is or complains when he runs slower with his friends (*cough* me *cough*). In fact, when we run together he’s always checking to make sure the pace is ok and that he’s not killing me. He’s just a great guy.

It so exciting screaming my face off watching him run to the finish line (I may have even gotten a little teary). I’m gonna be honest, though, and tell you it was rough waiting for Andy to finish. He cut it close and almost gave me a heart attack (you know, because it’s all about me).

Congratulations, Mr. Boston Qualifier!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey there!

It’s sure been a crazy week or so. But I want to start from the beginning……..(grab some popcorn cuz it’s a looooong story!).

Kimi was kind enough to agree to watch our 6 month old chihuahua, Biggie, while we went on our family vacation to Myrtle Beach this year. I will admit, I was nervous. But only because of how attached he is to us, not for any other reason. I was worried he would cry a lot or poop on her floors out of anxiety. I had no idea I needed to worry that he would escape!

In any case, we were already packed and 2 hours into our drive down to the beach:

When I got the call that Biggie had gotten out and couldn’t be caught. A friend of Kimi’s had opened their front door without knowing about him and left it open a little too long. Just long enough for the pup to run right out.

Kimi called me in a panic. She said she had seen him running between the same 7 houses or so but he wouldn’t sit still long enough to pick up. This is a problem we have with Biggie. He won’t go to others. He doesn’t like to be approached and picked up – he has to come to you. It still happens with me when he wants to stay outside!

And that sucker is FAST. Ridiculously fast. And he’s got the endurance of an ironman (irondog?)!

Anyways, after the call we decided to pull off the freeway and grab dinner to see what happened. We didn’t want to keep driving in case we had to turn around. And when I received the text “I don’t know what to do” I knew we had to go back. There was no question.

But here was the dilemma. See the extra kid in the car? Well, that’s my friend’s boy and he was coming with us because her and her boyfriend have 5 kids between the 2 of them and this way they could drive together instead of having to take 2 cars (2 cars = 2 times the gas!). So instead they had to drive separately AND they took C with them, too (sorry, and thank you!!!!!!).

J and I got to Kimi’s house around 9:00 Friday night. It was already dark. We spent another 2 hours searching but no one had seen him since about 7:00 and it was late. J and I both slept (well, kinda slept) at Kimi’s house that night so that we could get up bright and early and start looking again. And once the library opened we printed off 100 flyers and handed them out to every business, home, and local we passed.

But there was still no sign of Biggie. Talk about feeling defeated. I didn’t know what to do. C was in Myrtle Beach but I couldn’t see leaving in case Biggie was found. J finally made the decision for me. He said “one of us has to be with C and one of us has to stay here for Biggie”. So I caught an early flight down to the beach Sunday morning while J stayed back. He even went back out to Vermilion after he dropped me at the airport and covered over 30 miles on his bike looking for the little guy. There was nothing else we could do. We were just hoping and praying someone would call and tell us they had him.

And that phone call came a few hours later. I was walking from the pool up to my room and luckily had my phone on me. This is how the phone conversation went:

• Kimi (excited and out of breath): Heather, he’s here! He’s here!
• Heather (wide eyed and in disbelief): Where? He’s IN your house???!
• Kimi: Yes!! I heard barking and he was at our back door!
• Heather hangs up on Kimi and calls J.

When I called her back to get the details she said that she literally just opened the slider door and he ran in. Unbelievable. Like nothing had just happened. Like he hadn’t been gone for 3 days and 2 nights by himself in the fields and country of Vermilion. Un-freakin-believable.

There wasn’t a scratch on him. He was pretty damn skinny, which you can tell in this picture:

But other than that he was completely fine. Ridiculous. We’ve since been saying that he’s the badass dog from the streets. Don’t mess with him. (Allison, him and Harv could start their own gang!)

Monday morning J called a doggy daycare in the area and once he was confident Biggie would be fine there he packed up the car and left for the beach. He got there around 11:30 Monday night.

It’s no wonder this happened at 10:00 the next morning:

It’s not lemonade in those red cups, friends. Hehe.

More on our vacation adventures tomorrow. There were some interesting nights:

But for now I’m off to spend more quality time with Biggie. He’s been on my lap pretty much all day. I missed this face:

Thank you again to everyone. It was really a stressful time for us and every time a tweet, Facebook comment, text, or email came through it really helped us stay positive in such a horrible situation.

Hug your pets tonight, guys.

Hey guys!! Happy Sunday!

I’m in a ridiculously good mood tonight.

1. Because Menchie’s opened near my house and now I can have my fill of frozen yogurt whenever I want
2. Because we just saw the movie, Horrible Bosses, and it was HYSTERICAL. Seriously, funniest movie ever. I may have even snorted once or twice I was laughing so hard (you are welcome for that information, btw).
3. Because I rode my first organized bike ride today!!!!

Never in my life did I think I’d be a biker. Biking is J’s thing. But since my ankle is being stupid still, and J has taken up running for me, I figured I’d give it a try. But when Kimi suggested we try this 30 mile ride I was a little worried since this is my bike:

Yes, that is a mountain bike. But I finally said “F it. Who cares what people think. I’m gonna try and see what happens.” (try before you cry, yes??)

The ride started out great. The weather was beautiful and the scenery was gorgeous (I said a few times that I felt like I was in a different state!).

But then this happened:

Poor Kimi took a fall! Luckily she just scraped up her hands, but it was scary for all 3 of us! Note to self: next time be prepared with bandaids.

She was a trooper and got right back up on her bike. She’s pretty much bad azz.

We made it to the halfway point with smiles on our faces.

Had a quick snack, filled our water bottles, and got right back out there.

But unfortunately, this ride had lots of hills. We live in the city. We’re not used to hills. I swear to you that it felt like we were constantly riding into the wind uphill. Well, my ankle started to really hurt around mile 22 and I got pretty crabby. I was downright pyssed. Ugh, I’m so over this stupid ankle. But what was I supposed to do? We were so close!

In addition to the ankle, my azz started to KILL around mile 25. Oh.My.God. Even with padded shorts it was so bad.

What am I doing wrong?

Anyways, we made it and finished pretty strong if I say so myself. 30 miles. Not too bad considering the furthest I had ever ridden before was 15 miles!

J and I both liked it so much that we’re 95% sure we’re doing another one this coming Saturday! It’s the Ice Cream Odyssey ride and you get ice cream cones at the rest stop. Ummmmm………..hello……….this is the most perfect ride for us EVER. We are ice cream dominators!

Well, I’m off to ice my ankle for the third time today. I’m taking care of it like it’s my JOB.

So, for all the bikers out there. Do you think I could get a decent bike on Craigs List? Where would you recommend a nice, but reasonably priced bike for a newbie??

Hope you had a great weekend, guys! Did you spend any of your time outside today?

I know I know, it’s not the weekend anymore. But I’m just getting around to importing my pictures, let alone having time to blog. It’s been busy!

I’ve never really done a weekend wrap-up post, but I think this past weekend deserves it. We had a cookout to go to every.single.day (Friday through Monday!). Luckily only one of those was at our house.

And just like everyone else on the holiday weekend we…….

…..hung out with good friends:

……celebrated blogger’s birthdays:

Happy Birthday, Alexa!!

……had splash contests:

(you know, because every family has the adults compete agains the kids, right?)

……ate good food:

My lil cousin, Lily – ain’t she cutest?

……roasted marshmallows (a must!):

……lit sparklers:

…….and ended the weekend with fireworks:

Plus, I got to spend a lot of time with this guy (and the creeper, of course!):

Now it’s back to the grind. I have to be honest, I’m kind of glad to be back to my routine (shhhhhhhhhhh – don’t tell, k? I sound so old when I say that!).

What about you? Were you ready to get back to every day life, or did you need another day to recover/party/detox/etc??