Renovating Kaeti

Guess what, ya’ll? I won a brand new shiny bicycle through the fabulous MizFit!!

I guess this means I should probably learn how to bike, huh?

But for serious, I will soon be kicking it around town on my bright yellow Fuji Crosstown 2.0 and couldn’t be happier. See, my former bike was stolen last summer and this was a Very Sad Day. Now I have no more excuses when it comes to my cross-training. And the money I’ll save on gas by biking to work can go to more important things — like shoes, feeding my kombucha habit, and stalking Minnesota Twins players* yoga classes.

Also worth checking out today:

• Every wondered what runners are good for (other than being a bit nutty and talking about our bodily functions too much)? Well, we’re good at being heroes. So there.
• I hate to admit it, but this article over at PickTheBrain challenged me to face some of my own thought patterns that I’m often reticent to acknowledge.
• Speaking of self-help and introspection, are you clinging to outdated notions about yourself that are holding you back?
• Cranky Fitness reveals how to feel (even more) uncool whilst exercising.
• This just in: Healthy eating can taste good! I am looking forward to trying these recipes (via Mark’s Daily Apple). Check out even more delicious recipes in our archives.
• Vanilla explores the intricacies of the mating rituals of runners. Hey there, baby. Nice form (ifyouknowwhatImean)!

This weekend I have a long run on the books (I’m up to 6 miles now). Here’s to hoping my legs don’t fall off. What awesomely fantastic and healthy things are you all doing this weekend?

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*I tell ya … the administrative costs alone. Who knew these endeavors toward marrying into the MLB could be so fiscally demanding?

Sara and I got to the lake early, picked up our numbers and chips, and then went back to the car to stay warm.

Shortly before the race started, we warmed up a bit and stretched. Because we’re hardcore like that.

Note: This is not an example of an effective stretching program.

We started out of the gate strong and when we reached the hills we cursed our fate and gave up powered through with the strength of 10 American Gladiators.

We finished with a flourish, and then immediately broke down into tears of pain and nausea joy and celebration. It was a moment worthy of a Lifetime made-for-TV movie.

After cleaning ourselves up, we headed for the post-race food table. I think Pearson’s Salted Nut Roll sponsors every race in this city. But really, what’s not to love about post-race ‘nanners and nut rolls?

Big congratulations to Sara on finishing her first 5K! Also, many thanks to Stacey for taking photos and to everyone who came out to cheer us on. And thanks to the Minnesota Twins for giving me free baseball tickets.

This Sunday, one of my bestest good friends and I are running the Minneapolis Recycle Run 5K. There are many reasons this event will be awesome:

• Free Twins tickets (and a T-shirt AND a water bottle). I love swag.
• There won’t be a sheet of ice around the lake like last time.
• The finish line isn’t positioned at the top of a hill.
• I will be running 3.1 miles rather than, say, 26 odd miles.*
• I am not prepared (at all) and will be running for the sheer joy of it. Any shaving of my 5K time will have to happen later.

I wonder if it’s going to be anything like Steve’s donut run in Iowa. Maybe if I recycle things during the race, it’ll knock seconds off my overall time? I’m particularly good at recycling and reusing dirty clothes from my laundry hamper, other people’s humor and the same three stories over and over again.

Hopefully there will be loads of embarrassing inspirational pictures to post on Monday. Have a great weekend everyone.

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* Good luck Boston marathoners J-Money, Nitmos and Robin (and anyone else kicking it up Heartbreak Hill). I’ll be cheering you on from my very-comfy office chair on Monday.