Rainy Days and Mondays
Forgive me for my absence, Innernetz. I’ve been in a funk lately (two points for everyone that just started singing “Give up the Funk” by Parliament) and kicky new rain boots just haven’t been able to lift me out of it. In fact, my kicky new rain boots mock me. They mock my pain. Mockers. Mocky McMoccasins. You see, my new rain boots are Chooka’s rockin’ turquoise Tattoo City.
For those of you too lazy to click over or who get distracted by the champagne fountain of never ending linkage on every web site, I’ll describe them for you. What? Oh come on, you know what I’m talking about. The champagne fountain? If you’ve ever been to a wedding with a champagne fountain you know that it starts innocently enough. You take a glass from the top of the cascade and two hours into the wedding reception after you’ve slaked your thirst following the Electric Slide, deftly dodged the bouquet toss, and worked your way to the bottom tier of glasses, you are so drunk that you forget where you are or why your tongue is down the throat of a guy dressed in a valet parking uniform. That’s not just me, is it? IS IT?!
Anyway, to prevent a linkage meltdown that will have you on some page featuring ambiguously dressed boy bands from Thailand, I’ll describe them for you. They are turquoise. They have various tattoo related images stamped all over them. Oh hell, that description doesn’t do them justice. Just go look at them but come right back. No linky-linky!
Well? What did you think? They rock, right? How could they not cheer me up, right? Because, Innernetz, they remind me of the tattoo that I’m not going to get. You see, I told myself that after I finished the marathon I would get myself a tattoo. I have a cool one designed by Mr. Dingo himself. He rocks almost as much as my rain boots. I don’t have any other tattoos and this tattoo, this post-marathon tattoo, was going to have a lot of meaning for me. Alas, I don’t think it’s meant to be. My short runs (eight miles or less) have been great. I feel strong, I feel invincible! However, for the past three weeks my long runs have been disastrous. I’m not going to give you a blow by blow of my 14 mile run because, basically, it blew. Determined to finish the run, I hobbled the last 5 miles. I got to the front of my building and had to call Mr. Dingo to help me up the stairs to the apartment. He swooped down and carried me away. It was an Officer and a Gentleman moment. Without all the kissing. I can’t really blame him. With my face red and puffy from crying and snot hanging from my nose, I made a less than attractive romance movie heroine.
My leg was a mess. With my knee swollen to Saturn-like proportions and unable to bend, I dashed off a poor me e-mail to Lesley, my bloggy running guru, at JustRunJustLiveJustBe. Lesley gave me some great advice and even helped revise my training schedule. A week to recuperate, a few fantastic short runs, new running shoes, stretching exercises, Advil, and a mental pep talk and I was on my way! NOT. My 16 mile run tonight was aborted at mile 9. Mile 9! For those of you not mathematically inclined, that’s 7 miles short of tonight’s goal and 17.2 miles short of an actual marathon. Yes, it was my knee again. Not only that, but in my obstinate persistence to complete the 14 miles from the week before, I think I sustained a stress fracture to my foot. I’ve had stress fractures before. Years of soccer, horseback riding, and lodging my size 8 ½ up people’s asses has made me thoroughly familiar with the throbbing and sharp pain associated with the injury. In short, Innernetz, my marathon dreams are fucked.
I have only four weeks left until the marathon and it’s simply not enough time to recover. I knew after my 14 mile run that things were not looking good and it sent me into a mild depression that I have been trying to fight all week. I was depending on tonight’s run to give me the mental and physical boost I needed to make it to the marathon. Instead, after having Old Man With Walker almost lap me on tonight’s run, I’ve been sitting in my nasty running clothes crying, “Why me?! Why me?!” wondering if Tonya Harding had somehow managed to whack my knee with a tire iron when I wasn’t looking.
This past week, none of my usual storm cloud dispersers have been able to lift me out of this funk. Not my favorite massacre scene from 30 Days of Night, not teaching, and not even walks with Dingo Girl. For some reason Dingo Girl has decided to turn over a new paw and instead of having to beg and plead just to get her to walk around the block, she wants to RUN! Run everywhere. Run downstairs. Run around the block. Run to the park. Run, run, run. See Dingo Girl Run. Run, Dingo Girl, run!
So, that’s where I am these days. It’s not like good things haven’t happened to me this week. The Cougar came for a visit, I got a gift certificate to a fantastic spa, blah, blah, blah. I didn’t want to write a whiny post but that’s just where I am right now. I feel defeated. I feel like a quitter.
And now Dingo Girl needs to go for a walk run. It’s raining. And my new rain boots are still mocking me.
Posted on Monday, September 29, 2008 at 01:57 PM.
Tags: Dingo Girl, La Vida Loca, Leaps and Pounds, Marathon Madness
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Comments & Trackbacks
Oh, I’m so sorry! You will get there, just maybe not this time! I am rooting for you!!! You have already run a billion miles more than I will EVER run. And a lot of us for that matter.
Those rainboot ROCK! It’s too bad they are not cheering you up. They didn’t cheer me up, either, because I am jealous of them.
Hopefully the knee issue is something that can be healed by time/rest. I know there’s a marathon in your future! And rainboots in mine!
Well for shiz. I have nothing helpful or inspiring to say, and even though I know about your no-kill policy, I would mangle DingoGirl for mocking you; just say the word.
Aw, I’m sorry you’re down. I know what it’s like not to reach a goal. I don’t suppose it would make you feel any better to know that the majority of people can’t run as far on a good day as you can on a bad one?
I’d get the tattoo anyway. Tattoos always help.
oh my dingo baby, i am so sorry to hear all this. i am sending you tons of huge internet hugs and good thoughts. it sucks that this marathon won’t happen but i’m sure it won’t be the last. you just take good care of yourself. and let me take you out for some drinks.
ps - your boots are awesome!
Aw that totally sucks!! But the silver (or turquoise) lining to your cloud is that your rain boots TOTALLY rock!! And someday you’ll make it into a marathon!
Things must be bad if the coolest rain boots ever don’t cheer you up.
Don’t stress about the marathon! It’s not like you’re a quitter who decided your time was better spent in front of the T.V. with a bag of fritos - it’s your god damn knee’s fault.
You’ll run a marathon one day!
jane — Jane, I would rather run another 14 miles than do the boot camp that you did. That boot camp sounded tough! Thanks for the encouragement.
saratogajean — Mr. Dingo keeps telling me that I’ll run a marathon—just not this one. He’s right but it’s still difficult to get over the disappointment. If you got rain boots, you could wear them to the Daytona Bike Rally. All the cool kids would want to be like you.
Kori — I’ll pass the word along to Dingo Girl. She needs to watch it!
Shania — I keep telling myself that when I first started I couldn’t run 2/10 of a mile (I kept track of my distances even then) and that running 14 miles before having to call it quits is pretty damn good. But it’s still disappointing. I’ll have to set a new goal. Maybe Spanish lessons. I don’t think I can get injured doing that, can I?
blakspring — Drinks for sure! And chocolate!
stealthnerd — The rainboots are a lot of fun. I figure, if I have to limp for the next few weeks, at least I’ll be doing it in style!
Megkathleen — I think next time I’ll go with a less aggressive training program. But fritos and T.V. don’t sound too bad about now. Hey, did you get your cute whale rain boots?
Oh, my Dingo friend. I’m so sad. We must chat foot issues and stress fracture-- yikes. And we must make drinking plans instead of marathon plans. Don’t argue, it’s law.
Oh honey. I’m sorry… I know. I’ve had a head cold for the past few days (I swear, I only only get sick when I’m running regularly) - and haven’t made more than a mile and a half. (Dude. Listen. 1.5 miles.
Do I not suck????)
But those boots are way cool.
Oh no! I know all about knees messing up plans - I can’t cycle because of my left knee, and I used to participate in week-long cycling tours.
But then again, you should really listen to your body. It’s not like you don’t have the determination or the right mindset to complete a marathon, but to be honest, the first guy who ran a marathon died on arrival.
Maybe it would be a good idea to set yourself a new goal? Dare I mention the thesis? See, if you complete that on time, it will give you a huge ego boost. And it won’t hurt your knee.
justrun — I can’t thank you enough for you help through all of this. I’m not going to argue with drinking. The law’s the law, right?
Ree — Sorry you can’t shake that cold. It definitely makes running much more difficult than it already is. 1.5 miles is great! You haven’t been running very long and it took me forever to work up to that distance!
Marjolein — I have to find a new exercise now. Although, I don’t want to lose the health gains I’ve made or regain the weight I’ve lost there’s no need to emulate the first marathoner. You are right about the thesis. I began it (again!) in earnest last night. It’s due in little over a month!
okay, Dingo? Those boots are HOT.....THE COOLEST THINGS EVER.
I understand funk....oh, speaking of “Give Up The Funk)--have you seen the mastercard commercial with the little boys dancing to that song? Find it on You tube if you haven’t. It’s the best commercial EVER.
Anyway, I understand funk, and despite the fact that I’m grossly overweight, I think I may sport a biker chick look......complete with leather shorts and a leather vest (with nothing underneath) and chains AND THOSE BOOTS. I love those boots.
I don’t have any running advice, or recuperative advice----because, well, I don’t run....but I can say “awwwwww, you poor baby’ alot, and see if tht helps!!
I’ve never been to a wedding with a champagne fountain.......I want one of those in my house, with a COCONUT RUM fountain. Yumm--O!!
No worries Dingo! And anyway- you don’t need to run a marathon to get a tattoo! You’ve got your bitchin rain boots and a helluva lot of miles on those no doubt svelte runner legs of yours. Treat yourself! (I’ve got 2- but they are so small they are practically invisible because I am a wuss.) But just keep it up! Lots of ice, lots of advil, and if you have to walk then you have to walk. Either way- you can do it! (Insert The WaterBoy clips here)
OH, my friend. I am so sorry. I can only remember how pissed I was when I couldn’t do my piddly run, and that was just a 5K. I cannot imagine how I’d feel if I were thwarted from a marathon. I am sending you gigantic hugs through the internet, and if I had extra cash floating around in this crap economy of ours I’d be sending you gigantic bottles of wine and your very own copy of Breakin 2: Electric Boogaloo.
That all being said, your boots are smokin’.
oh lady, i think this freakin funk has been making the rounds! i hope that you see your way out of it soon! maybe the tattoo isn’t meant to be for now, but you’ll know when the time is right. and in the meantime? those boots are so cool! i love them, and want them. feel better! xo
I forgot to tell you that is great news about Dingo Girl! She must be feeling better!
Oh, dear, I wish I could commiserate but you runnin’ fools are a whole new breed to me. But I get that it sucks to have a goal, work your knees to the nubs to achieve it, then something beyond your control prevents it from happening.
I say get the tattoo anyway, as a promise to yourself that you’ll finish the next marathon.
I’m sorry you’re down sweetness! I hope you don’t give up completely on your marathon dream. (oh and we should totally chat some time about being non-committal about tattoos...seriously) It sucks that this happened when it did, but I’m glad you’re taking the time to rest and heal. (as annoying and depressing as it may be.) Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help cheer you up.
Shelly — I would like to think I could sport the biker chick look. These boots are a start. A champagne fountain and a coconut rum fountain! Day-um! It’s more expensive to drink at your place than it is the Mexican restaurant with $1.50 margaritas!
MsCatalysta — The WaterBoy is probably the only Adam Sandler movie that ever made me laugh. Probably because he’s “the debil!” I’m considering the wuss factor in getting my tattoo. It’s going to be a small tattoo.
Lara — I think a magnum of wine and Breakin 2: Electric Boogaloo would be perfect. Can you send Chester over as well? Oh, and I nice soft, blankie. That should do it. As for Dingo Girl, yes, she’s feeling much better. Thinks she’s Lassie.
brookem — I’ll wear my boots in anticipation of eventually getting my tattoo. Yes, this funk is making the rounds. We need a bloggy spell to dispel it for good!
thecoconutdiaries — Ouch! Just reading “work your knees to nubs” makes me want to pop and Advil and go back to bed. I plan on running a marathon at some point. It’s just not going to be this one. Hey! Maybe I’ll run the Cowtown Marathon and youc an come up and cheer this crazy runner to the finish!
Rachel — Thank you so much, Rachel. Yes, we need to chat about tattoos. Did you chicken out? How close did the needle come to your tender flesh before your an screaming from the tattoo parlor? I’m imagining that I will stop and start at least 10 times before I actually plop my butt into the chair.
How the hell do I keep missing your new posts?? I CHECK EVERY DAY!
sigh.
Here I am again. Late.
I’m really sorry about your marathon. That totally blows. I wanted to start running but my knees said Nay, nay.
I just jump around my living room now. It seems to be okay.
So sorry about the marathon… but you’re not a quitter!
The boots however,are freakin’ awesome and I want a pair too.
“I feel defeated.” Well, you well know that I’ve felt that way for the past few weeks. I wish I had some sage advice to life you out of the doldrums, but as I’ve clearly been unable to do so for myself, I have none to give. On the other hand, I can barely run a mile, so you could lap me, like, 9 times. So there.
Shame you aren’t closer to chat/have a beer with; sounds like we both need one right now…
Crissy — My posting has been sporadic lately. I won’t hold it against you for missing one or two—but no more than that! I’m going to try jumping around the living room. I hope the only thing I break is the ugly lamp we have in the corner.
Tara R. — Get a pair! They come with a purple background and a black background. You should wear them to WK’s next parent/teacher thingy.
GeekHiker — What if every time I lapped you, you handed me a beer? Wouldn’t that be fun?!
It’s really a shame you can’t run in your rain boots. Imagine the statement!
I had to look up Cowtown...but Fort Worth is only 4 hours away. I’ll be happy to hold some water for you!
I am so sorry to hear you’ve been blocked from completing the marathon you’ve been training for but it seems to me that your body is saying, “Nuh-uh, no way, I need to recover and although I am very happy you’ve got me into better shape, perhaps we can find a less punishing way of getting fit and firm? Maybe one that involves totally freaking fabulous footwear?
Sending hugs! I would send a tiny piece of chocolate divinity, but it keeps gooing up my mouse…
I want a champagne fountain right now and I love the photo in this post, too funny! On a more serious note I an sorry to hear about your marathon woes… Have some chocolate and drink down the champagne, it always helps me!
Awe you poor dear. I’’m nuzzling your head in my (ample...okay not) bosom right now. It’s okay that you can’t do the marathon - a lot of people NEVER even run 9 miles. You’re amazing and awesome for even doing that! And you will heal. And you will run again. Your body probably just needs a break. I could be with you soon...my ankle is swollen and feels bruised - I’m guessing I strained a muscle or tendon or something. And my 1/2 is in 2 1/2 weeks.
Love the rain boots. Maybe if you eat chocolate while you wear them they won’t mock you.
nancypearlwannabe — I think if I ran in my rainboots I would finish first. Everyone would be so in awe that they’d just stop running.
thecoconutdiaries Water? Water?! I hope that’s with a splash of Jack Daniels!
O’Mama — Keep trying to send the divinity! Or maybe I’ll just send you my address.
DirtyLaundryDiva — I’ll have some chocolate as soon as O’Mama gets off her ass and sends me some divinity! The champagne? Mmm...already started.
Mel Heth — Thanks for the bosom nuzzle. I think I’m going to get all healed up and then start all over. I hope you can still compete! But even more, I hope your injury was one of those I’m too lazy to run I just want to sit at home watching Project Runway and eating ice cream type of “injuries”.
Awww, I am so sorry to hear you can’t run it. That would bring me way down. I am training for a half marathon for the Las Vegas Marathon Dec 7.
I’m gonna follow you on Twitter.
You’ll get back on ur running feet again!
Timaay — Thanks for coming by and the commiseration. I think I will be healed up and able to run a half-marathon by the end of the year and I am going to shoot for a marathon early 2009. My dream (and Tattoo!) will come true!
You may not make it to that marathon *this* time around, but I did bestow upon you an award. Perhaps it will ease the pain temporarily. Stop by my blog to pick it up.
Girl I ran my longest time on Sunday, and my run compared to your short runs are such a joke. Take your time your body knows when to rest. But I think you rock at 9 miles. I hope my body will last til my half marathon. I developed the black plague this weekend, so I am taking this week off and listening to my body. Hopefully after a week I will be ready to go back to work. I hope you make it in time for your marathon, if not there are always others, but my friend you only have 2 knees, unless of course you get replacements.
saratogajean — Aw, girl! Thanks so much! Maybe I’ll try to do one in Florida and you and the boys can come back me up!
wedding favors — Um, “wedding favors,” I’ve deleted your comment because it looks like spam to me. Delicious, chocolatey spam, but spam nonetheless. Especially since I am not sure what “informative information” you are talking about—how to yell at a bad dog owner? How to find your cervix? So, if you are a legit commenter, I am sorry but you’ll have to come back when you are not linked to a commercial site. A deliciously chocolate commercial site, but a commercial site nonetheless. I don’t mean to offend, but no spam.
Katie — Hi Katie! Thanks for popping over. Good for you for your Sunday run! Definitely do not run if you have the Black Plague. You need to take care of yourself. Plus, if you keel over on the track, they’ll just cart your body off and burn it. Feel better and thanks for the well wishes.
Oh, what a bummer! I’m so sorry, Dingo.
April — Thanks, April!
love the boots…
the marathon will have to be postponed for a year...you need two legs for everyday use...how else will you show off your boots!
I see what you mean. I’d definitely want to buy those boots, but actually putting them on would require a certain amount of mojo.
I still think you are freaking awesome woman… I can’t even run to the end of my driveway.
rosie — You have an excellent point!
Memarie Lane — The mojo comes with the boots. No experience necessary.
Kelley — Thanks, Kelley. It seems as if I’m going to be starting back at square one. Running to the end of the driveway.
Keeping your knee healthy does NOT make you a quitter.
I’m sorry that Dingo girl has decided to take on your marathon tasks for you.
I’m even sorrier that my *smart* female guinea pig has started winking like Sarah Palin. I think she’s been sneaking off and watching debates, interviews and other such things.
It’s frightening. Truly.