Foster Dogs of NYC

This is Zeke.
A Bulldog/Australian Cattle Dog mix.
Extraordinary!

He was left in an alley somewhere in Tennessee with a sign on him that read 'freak'.
He was rescued, renamed Zeke and is now adopted.
Isn't he amazing? I think he and George and Ellie would get along famously.
Nice work Foster Dogs Of NYC!

Yes, please!

REACHED THE BEACH!

Despite the big smiles, this was also a very challenging (and sometimes grueling) experience.

My body was definitely hating me when I started out on my 4:45 am 7-miler, head lamp and all! Like most of the Dames, I definitely had some painful moments in this 2-day bonanza...

The DAME crew was amazing. Nothing like time with girls to bond, share and laugh. I only knew 2 of them upon arriving at the Waterbury park and ride on Thursday, and by Saturday, yes - we were all real friends. Pretty cool. Stress, challenges and a unified goal (reach the beach!!) is always a good recipe for friendship...

And like in most things in life, experience is a huge asset. Here are some of the big learnings that I will remind myself of next year (if I am deemed worthy of a 'Dashing Dame' again):

Drink more water, and when you think you've had enough, drink more water
Bring a water bottle with a spout (not one those with the big opening so water pours all over you)
Gatorade tasted better than anything - bring some
Eat - sounds simple, it isn't. You want to barf, but got to eat!
Bring Starbucks instant coffee - hello?
Stretch after your run - again so obvious, but SO didn't happen
Bring 2 pairs of running sneakers (if possible)
Pack a pillow (and a sleeping bag)
Train before the event, faster + fitter = happier
And... pack lots of pink... I think I excelled at this one ; )

Until next year - there ain't nothing like a (Dashing) Dame.

It's on!

Dozen Dashing Dames!

Dress rehearsal

Last leg - Reach the Beach. This is embarrassing, but spirited!!
O said I need a hat with a big flamingo coming out the front of it - that would be pretty awesome. I think I will add some terry wrist bands - to go with the socks.
Now, I just have to worry about RUNNING.

The Muppet Show

Buttered popcorn and feety pajamas.

Irresistible smile

Love the chops on this big grizzly. Got ursus arctos on the mind tonight - this one is just full of charisma and charm, in my opinion. Looks like he might even carry a tune or dance - but not in a circus way.

Oli said "it's a good reminder to brush your teeth". He's funny.

Grin and bear it (sorry, I had to - Jane will appreciate it)!

bear image from 'metrognomevoices.com'

Growing up

This adorable yellow bedroom with twin beds reminds me so much of our bedroom growing up. Yellow + white + black = chic.
Mom's got wicked style!

Image from DOMINO magazine, May 2008

Reach the Beach

200 Miles.
24 Hours.
12 Girls.
2 Vans.
LOTS of PINK!

Yep, that's 'Reach the Beach' relay which starts a week from tomorrow. 12 ladies running 200 miles (3 legs each that average a total of about 16 miles per person) over a 24 hour period. We are called the "dozen dashing dames" and our unofficial uniform is lots of hot pink.
I am runner 12 - which means I am also runner 24 and 36... which happens to be the finishing leg - so fun, SO SCARY! At least we finish on a beach, literally... where there will be tasty food (anything will be tasty by this point) and cold beer!
I have been training for a week, which as anyone that runs knows, is ridiculous - because you need more than a few weeks to train for these things... but I will do my best and troop it out!

Stay tuned.

O in a nutshell

All that's missing is the blue cashmere sweater (and O, of course)!