The Sista/Brotha/Running Hood

Sooo here's the thing. Since the new year I have become a runner. Well, maybe I'm using the term "runner" a little liberally. I have started running, but what to me is running to most is, to be quite honest, jogging, or sometimes at best, shuffling really fast while sucking air in and out like a hoover vacuum cleaner.

I breathe hard, I stride out, but at the end of the treadmill run I am still at about 5.7 mph (about an 11 minute mile) which to those of you who are REAL runners you will know, this ain't so fast.

However I have discovered something utterly fantastic when I go running in the park. All those other running fools, they are pulling for me, and for all the other runners out there. That's right, they know what it's like to actually drag your butt to the park and run that big, fat circle, while dodging goose poop and breathing in exhaust from cars. They know the sacrifice, they want me to succeed. They helped me run up the hill past the zoo not just once but twice yesterday. Twice! (FYI the zoo hill is like, totally hard for me but I am slowly--literally slowly--improving). And even when my iPod died not even half way through my run I kept going, because I felt the support vibe. They thought I could do it. I didn't want to get kicked out of the secret runners are awesome club.

See I set this goal for myself about a year and a half ago that I would run in a 5K race in 2005 (well, that didn't happen, for unforseen reasons like, I was too lazy, drank too much whiskey, and ate too many breakfast burritos at Pete's Kitchen at 2:15 a.m.) and so I reset the goal for the '06 and told people I wanted to do it (oh accountability factor how you motivate me) and now I am going to be running in a 5K on May 14. And the best part of this 5K (well there are a few best parts): 1. There is free beer AND hot dogs after it; 2. It's sponsored by the Rockies so each runner gets two free tix to a future game; and 3. Free t-shirt. 4. Post-Race Party in Coors Field!

Not only that but a bunch of us Denverites are going to be running in relay teams or volunteering during the Colorado Colfax Marathon on May 21st. Most exciting, I know! And yes, there will be a big party after that in our backyard with beer, whiskey, hot dogs and maybe even ice cream cake.

And that's whatta gotta say 'bouts that.

Snappin' Dogs

So two weeks ago we ventured down to the new neighborhood hot dog restaurant if you will, called Steve's Snappin' Dogs. I had been anticipating with glee this visit for some time. Though the dogs were a bit overpriced and kinda messed up my belly the next day, I would go again, especially when it is nice enough to go outside. Steve's also got Best New Store on Colfax in the Westword. Here is a photo diary of Steve's.

Bad Knee

Today my bad knee hurts because I ran on it too much and now I feel like a geriatric. I feel like it is haunting me now. And I wasn't even running from anything, I was just running on the treadmill. RARRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!

Leah's Food Pyramid

So my favorite website, www.nataliedee.com, inspires me all the time. Yesterday it inspired me to make my own version of the food pyramid (click here to see Natalie's). This gives you a kind of general idea of my food intake.
It used to be cherry coke, doritos and beer. Oh what a long way I have come.

Funny Times at the Old Man Townie Bar

So most of you in D-Town or that have visited me in D-Town know that I used to go to the Squire a lot (The Squire is a dive bar along East Colfax for those of you who don't know--as townie as a city bar can get I would say). I used to go like, a few times a week, at least. Well last night Laura and I revisited it--for the first time since October--which was great cuz it was $2 you-call-its, and you could get top shelf stuff, not just well, which was wondeful. Here are some funny things that happened there last night:

1. We walk in and James Blunt is playing. Most of you have probably heard the "You're Beautiful" song. I admit, I like the song, not my fave by any means but sure it's sappy, it's heartfelt, it's heartbreak, it's about miss opportunities, all ingredients for a good pop song. But playing loud in the divey-ness of the Squire? Crazy! Weird! Then I talk to Sudi, the owner of the Squire, and I was like, "Sudi did you play James Blunt?" (Jokingly) and he was like "yeah, I love him" (this was serious). Point being, don't make fun of the music unless you are SURE the person you are talking to did not play it.

2. We were there from 10:30 til 1. James Blunt was played at least 4 more times. That just ain't right at the Squire.

3. An older man, perhaps 50-55 years old (later to find out his name is Howard), stopped me and was like "Miss, I just have to ask you a question. Did you play sports in high school or college? Cuz you look real athletic. I bet you played basketball or something." Me, laughing: "Yes, I did play basketball and volleyball in high school, but not college. I played intramurals there." Howard: "You didn't play in college? That's crazy! You should have cuz you have real great legs. I like athletic women." Me, still laughing: "Uh, that's nice, thanks" And I cheersed him and was on my way. Nothing like getting compliments from old men at the squire.

4. Before we left, Howard came over and gave Laura and I a hug. I told him I might put him in my pocket cuz that's where all the good people go. He seemed a little confused. He's out of the pocket now.

5. An older man, maybe around 70-75 came in on one of those cart things you see people riding in in Target sometimes. His name was Ken and he about fell off his barstool 2-3 times, which scared me (he got off his cart thing to have some beers and sit at the bar). But we cheersed with Ken and he seemed quite pleased.

6. There was a dude with a navy blue and white polka dot sweater on. He told us he has gotten kicked out of the PS Lounge before, another dive bar in our neighborhood that we love. After talking to him for a bit, I wasn't surprised about that.

7. Jack, another 60ish-70ish year old man, came in and was most excited to see me. We used to play trivia together sometimes at the squire. Jack is missing more than a few teeth. He gave me a hug and seemed pleased to make the reconnect, as was I.

8. I was told that I had a limp. This perplexes me. Has anyone else noticed I limp? I really need to correct that if I do.

I think that's most of the funny things. The biggest bummer is I forgot my camera. Cuz if this could have been a photo essay, I guarantee you would ALL have been more interested!

How Urban Are We?!?!

Stacy's made it back to Denver! Here we are on a nice spring-like afternoon downton D-Town. We were looking for Senorita Misterioso but we couldn't fine her. But we sure were stylin'! And check out Stacy's shades. HOT HOT HOT!!!

Tooting a Horn

So Saturday night got a lil crazy up in the mountain town and I ended up not playing just one but two brass instruments, that's right, tuba AND trumpet.

I loved it and I danced and Senor Misterioso loved it all, too.

Woo hoo!

Let Me Eat Cake

This is what I had for lunch today. It was totally and completely awesome:

Click on the cake to go to the Coldstone Creamery Website

It was freaking amazing!!!!