I'm [Still] With Cupid

I'm doing it again....running a mile through downtown OKC in my undies, that is. 

Cupid's Undie Run, taking place in over 40 cities on Valentines weekend, is a 'brief' run and a big party, all to raise funds for the Children's Tumor Foundation - the world's largest non-government organization dedicated to ending Neurofibromatosis (NF) through research. 

NF is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body causing blindness, deafness, learning disabilities and severe chronic pain. Currently, there is no cure and frighteningly few treatment options. NF affects roughly 1:3,000 births in the U.S. and is in desperate need of new discovery.

So...you get the cause, but why the undies? It’s simple. We run in our undies because people with NF can’t cover up their tumors. They can’t put clothes on to feel more comfortable, so why should we?

Each donation helps us #endNF. It also helps me reach an incentive goal: 

• sunglasses
• socks
• undies
• a robe
• an open bar tab on the day of the event

Last year, I raised over $500, thanks to you! This year, my goal is to meet or exceed that number. Any amount helps, no matter how small. All proceeds go to the Children's Tumor Foundation. 

You can donate here: https://my.cupids.org/amandamartin. You can also use that link to sign up to run with me, even in a different city! 

If it is in your means to make a donation, it would be greatly appreciated. If not, I won't hold it against you....just consider saying a few prayers that we have unseasonably warm weather on February 13th.

#ImWithCupid #endNF #CupidsUndieRun

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#I'mWithCupid

Friends, family, colleagues, people with money to spare…….

I will be running through downtown Oklahoma City this Valentines Day in my undies. 

Yes, you read that right, but it’s for a good cause! The Cupid’s Undie Run will be taking place Feb. 14 to raise support and awareness for Neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic disorder that causes severe tumor growth all over the nervous system as well as blindness, deafness, learning disabilities and chronic pain. NF affects mostly children, but only because there is no cure and few treatment options, meaning people with the disorder rarely see adulthood.

Everyone who signs up to run a mile in their undies (rain, snow, sleet or shine) is asked to raise money. I have set a personal goal of raising $500 by Feb. 14 and need your help to reach it! As I write this post, I'm only $35 away. Every $1, $5 and $10 donation helps. It helps #EndNF and it also helps me earn cool swag like a t-shirt, the official "I'm With Cupid" undies, an open bar tab on race day, or a plush, fuzzy robe. You can donate at http://my.cupids.org/abradley15. You can even sign up to run with me, if you’d like! Proceeds go to the Children’s Tumor Foundation.

Now, let me introduce you to Oklahoma City's NF Heroes, Cooper, Allen, Logan and Wyatt. The quadruplets reside in Oklahoma and three of the four have NF. They are the reason why we run. Don't they melt your heart?

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation and help #EndNF. If not, please disregard this blog post. I won’t hold it against you.

Stay tuned for pictures and a recap. Keep up with me (and my outfit) on race day via Instagram! And also, maybe say a prayer for sunshine....

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featured writer.

You know you've made it big when you become a "featured writer." At least I like to think so! ;)

I felt so honored when my friend Amy over at A Runner's Grace asked me to do a guest blog post and share my story on running with Exercise Induced Asthma.

Go check it out and while your at it, give her blog a good read. It is jam packed with tips, encouragement and inspiration for all the runners out there...or anyone, really!

Enjoy! And tell her I sent you.

{a runner's grace}

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The weather outside was frightful...

The weather outside was frightful....but my run was so delightful!

I ran my first half marathon on Sunday - in twenty-degree temps, to boot. Like 13.1 miles wasn't hard enough as is, Mother Nature had to intervene and make it miserably cold. I would be lying if I said I didn't think about chickening out pre-race....BUT, I showed up, I gave it my all, and I'm so glad that I did.

The start line at the Route 66 was by far the worst part of the entire race. It was freezing, I was hella-nervous, I was shaking (from the cold and the nerves), and I was considering jumping the corral fence and heading back to the car. But once that gun sounded and people started moving, all my fears went out the window. As Cole and I crossed the start line together, we were showered in confetti and a smile spread across my face. We started running, and within half a mile I was [almost] warmed up...with the exception of my face and fingers. By mile 3, I was feeling good. I found my rhythm, I found a nice man with chicken legs to pace myself off of, and I reached a comfortable body temperature. I considered taking off a layer of clothes, but decided to keep going (and I was glad I did....I needed that layer around mile 10). 

Mile 6 was my favorite mile. As we ran through the streets of a very fancy neighborhood, I heard a dog barking. When I turned to look, I saw not one but TWO Bernese Mountain Dogs playing with each other. Its safe to say I was smiling for a good ten minutes. I was still feeling strong here, like I wasn't even tired. I thought back to how I felt after the Remember the Ten 10k in April, and was incredibly proud of the progress I had made since. Hello, confidence boost.

Mile 7 - My shoe came untied and I lost my pacer friend when I bent down to tie it. I hope you finished strong, Mister. I had to pee pretty bad by this point, but I didn't want to wait in line. Good thing I have a bladder of champions.

Mile 8 - I tried my first GU. It was weird and sticky, but surprisingly tasty. 

Mile 10 - I hit a wall. The course had turned north and we were running up the Arkansas River with nothing to block the wind. It was cold, my face was stinging, and I was tired. I was real glad I still had on my extra layer of clothes and gloves. My knees were aching and I got my first calf cramp (not sure how I remained cramp-less for so long, but I'll take it!). Lots of walking. I ate my second GU and tried to soak up the energy. 

Mile 12 - Holy crap. I knew I was almost done, but I also knew I was exhausted. At this point, I didn't care what my time was, I was just ready for the finish line to come into sight. It was nice to have several big hills at the end of a long race...said no one ever. 

Mile 13 was surreal. As I turned the corner and saw the finish line, I heard a man yell, "Finishing is winning!" That statement hit me like a sack of bricks and I suddenly became very proud of myself. Even though my time was slower than I had hoped for, I was about to cross the finish line of a half marathon. Wow. I started running a little faster and passed a few people as a smile spreading across my wind-burnt face. I heard them call my name as I crossed the finish line. I got a lot of high fives, a heat sheet put around my shoulders, and a surprisingly heavy medal around my neck. I felt like an Olympian. OK, not really, but I was really proud. 

My lips hurt real bad!

In a way, the cold weather was a blessing. It kept me from sweating and getting too thirsty or over heated, it kept me from thinking about any aches and pains, and it kept me going when I wanted to stop. The thought of being done and out of the cold was far more important than the thought of stopping to pee. So for that, Mother Nature, I thank you. Now, I feel like its my duty to myself to do another half marathon in less frigid conditions.....the OKC Memorial, maybe?! 

After the race, it took me a few hours to warm up. Taking off my sweaty clothes and putting on dry sweats and UGG boots was a game changer. Warm soup and a blanket didn't hurt much either. The day after the race, I was a little sore in my hips and knees, but over all felt great....besides my lips. My lips were incredibly wind burnt and chapped.....

My thoughts during the half:

• Pre-race visits to the bathroom are majorly important.
• So many pig tails. How can anyone run in pig tails?! Bounce bounce swish swish - ugh!
• I love dogs (I already knew this). Dogs on the sidelines make me smile. Thank you, onlookers with dogs, for making my run so much more enjoyable.
• GU is my new best friend and something to look forward to.
• I heart hand warmers. 
• People who run shirtless in sub-freezing temps are mega-crazy.
• Gotta pee gotta pee gotta pee. 
• Someone should hand out some Kleenex. My nose is like a fire hydrant right now. 
• Run a little faster. Don't use up your energy. Push yourself! Don't wear yourself out too early.
• Take in your surroundings - don't be so zoned in that you miss what the course has to offer.
• So glad I'm not running in a tutu today.
• I'm thankful for those Kentucky runs where I got a little hill action.
• I'm also thankful I inherited my Dad's long stride. When I'm too tired to run, I at least have a uber-fast power walk. 
• Did I just get botox? My face is frozen.
• Hot soup. Hot yoga. Hot chocolate. Hot summer days. Hot fireplace. 
• Finishing is winning. 

*A huge thank you to Cole for putting up with my running complaints, encouraging me, making me go on long runs when I didn't want to, helping me even when I didn't want your help, reminding me of how far I've come, and running this race and so many more with me. I'm so glad you ran the first part of the race with me even if it made your time slower...and I'm still impressed with your time, even if you got beat by Katie Kramer. 

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Thoughts on half marathon training

My thoughts while training for a half marathon in the form of GIFS.

Before I started running on the reg:

Trying to decide if I should do a half marathon:

When I signed up for the half:

How I imagined training for a half would be:

How it really is:

When I try to run with Cole:

Thinking of my non-run workouts as "easy days":

When I have a really great run:

When I have a really bad run:

When its time for my weekend long run:

In the middle of said long run:

Around mile 8: 

When I finally finish my weekend long run:

Telling people about my training:

Trying to train while working 15+hour days on the road (ie: Color Breed Congress horse show):

How Cole runs [insert heart eyes emoticon]:

How I run:

 Me, dealing with leg cramps:

Cole, dealing with chafing:

Dealing with soreness & recovery:

When people try to give me advice on running:

When I cross the finish line:

Talking about my accomplishment, probably for the rest of my life:

My advice to everyone:

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Just Peachy.

I love halloween. I spend a good 352 days dreaming up my costume each year and look forward to the big day for months. When I realized the annual halloween party fell during the two weeks I had to be out of town for work, I was crushed. In all seriousness, I almost cried. It was like taking candy away from a two-year-old. Thankfully, the Ghost Runner's 5k Dog Run, which Chloe and I were already signed up for, was having a costume contest. Clearly I had to dress up; Princess Peach couldn't wait another year to make her debut. I had to tweak the outfit a little and come up with something for Chloe, but I was so in.

Playing dress up never gets old, but contrary to popular belief, running in a tutu is not all its cracked up to be.... read as: running in a tutu causes extreme chafing on your inner thighs leading to lots and lots of pain, sometimes even bleeding. Thank goodness for Gold Bond. I'm sure I looked super cool when I kept reaching down my tutu to pull down my compression shorts mid-run.

You might remember last year's dog run when Chloe was well behaved and kicked butt.....this year was slightly different. The second the race started, she thought she needed to run like a sled dog. She pulled and yanked and tugged the entire 3.1 miles (I guess I'm too slow for her) until we approached the finish line.... It must have looked scary because she planted her butt and refused to cross. How embarrassing, Chloe. Everyone was watching......

After the race, the costume contest took place. Sadly, Princess Peach and Toad did not place :( We were beat by an OU football player and cheerleader. I was extremely disappointed that I ran in a tutu and underwent extreme chafing for nothing. And I especially hate to lose to a sooner. I hate OU. Go Pokes. The silver lining is that I still got to dress up for halloween; the chafing was totally worth it. The other silver lining? Cole got second place. He's so dang fast, what a stud.


If you ever want to make your own tutu, follow this tutorial. Its super easy and makes you feel like a princess fairy. Notice: glitter goes everywhere.

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I'm only half crazy.

I've run a lot of 5ks in my life. I also ran that one 10k. What I've never done is run further than 6.2 miles....until recently. 

Running a half marathon has been on my bucket list for a while. I've attempted to train for one a few times before but have never gotten very far. Its a big commitment and life is hella-busy. Training is tough, its discouraging, the weather doesn't always cooperate and its easy to give up. But this time around, I'm sticking with it. That feeling of accomplishment I had after my 10k is something I want to feel again, and I'm ready to push myself to get there. 

Sunday morning, Nov. 24, I'll be in this crowd of Route 66 Half Marathon Participants, lining the streets of Tulsa, Okla. Can you feel the butterflies? 'Cause I sure can. Some people might say 13.1 miles is crazy......but its only half crazy.

One would assume that being on the upward side of 5'9" with an athletic build that I would be a fast runner. Those people are wrong. I'm not a fast. Heck, I run slower than AOL in '99. I blame my Ronald McDonald sized feet for being too large to pick up properly. I run like a weirdo (seriously, my form is all jacked up), I struggle with Sports Induced Asthma, and my knee likes to pop out of place on the reg. I am also very good at coming up with 1,000 reasons why I shouldn't run. But, I have the guts to get out there and try, to overcome my fears and struggles, to push myself and to be a better me. Regardless of what my time is, it will be a new personal record because it will be the furthest I've ever ran. And that, my friends, is a huge accomplishment.

"Give a girl the right pair of shoes and she can conquer the world."

Now that its in writing, I can't turn back....and that is a tad bit scary. Luckily I have a fancy new pair of Brooks running shoes, courtesy of Keep It Local and Red Coyote. I also have a large selection of running headbands and a cute, cold weather zip up for those brisk fall runs in the near future. In the right shoes and outfit, I am invincible - Carrie Bradshaw would back me up on that. Here's to 13.1, ya'll.....wish me luck!



***Big shout out to Cole for encouraging me on the reg. For re-talking me into this half every weekend when its time for my long runs. I'm sorry for the million complaints from, "I just suck at running" and, "I don't feel like it today," to the always popular, "My feet hurt, I'm so sore." I'm also sorry for being the world's worst running buddy. You're a champ for putting up with me, trying to help me even when I don't want to want to listen, and signing up for this race and many more with me. Thank you!***

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Remember the Ten

This past weekend was Stillwater's "Legends Weekend." Am I a Stillwater legend? I like to think so. Clearly I had to make an appearance! The weekend festivities included the Stillwater Arts Festival, the Stillwater Public Library Book Sale, Cowgirl softball games, Cowboy baseball, the spring football scrimmage, live music events and the 7th Annual Remember the Ten run. Whew! What a line up.

The event of my choosing? The Remember the Ten 10k. Guys, this may have been the biggest athletic event of my life thus far. It sure felt like it to me, at least! I had stuck to my 12 week training schedule like white on rice. I was ready.....and I was nervous. Real nervous. I haven't felt that deep stomach butterfly feeling since 2008 right before my last Hunter Over Fences class (for those non-horsey people out there, thats a jumping event horse show). I knew I could do it, I knew I would finish, I just really didn't want to be last and I was super worried about side cramps (don't worry, I ate bananas at breakfast, they worked!).

I had planned my outfit, planned my race strategy, had a playlist ready to rock and had the perfect breakfast fueling me. What did I forget? To check the weather.... The tank top I packed wasn't quite going to cut it. Luckily Cole's parents have a closet stocked with athletic gear that I was able to raid.

As the race began, I really had to hold myself back. I wanted to rush out of the gate, keep up with the pack and get a head start. But I didn't. I saved it for the end, when it mattered (and I'm really proud of myself for that!). While running, I was constantly made aware that Stillwater has a lot of gradual inclines. I never noticed them while walking to class, but believe me, they are there (my still-tight calf muscles are all the evidence you need). I was also made aware that all the hydrating I did pre-race was effecting my bladder in a bad way. I had to keep myself from taking a pee-break in Ag Hall.

I was lucky enough to stick with two other girls for about 4 1/2 miles of the race. I called them Peachy and Frizz. The three of us were in constant rotation, passing each other over and over again. They kept me going when I started to slow down, and I hope I did the same for them. I was starting to get pretty tuckered out around mile 4, but after allowing myself to walk up a hill and catch my breath for a few minutes, my second wind finally hit. Mile 5 passed right by the house I lived in my junior year of college - I had walked this course on the daily. I knew exactly how far I had left before I reached the finish line. As I ran through campus, my adrenaline really started to kick in. I only had half a mile left.....I wanted to sprint. I started to, but then noticed I was ahead of my goal time. Slow it down, Amanda, you don't need to sprint just yet!

6.2 miles will make a girl look tired & flushed.

As I neared the home stretch, an older man who had already finished was cheering for me. "Its just around the corner!" he said. "Keep going!" Thats when I couldn't hold it back any more. I started going faster, I left Peachy and Frizz in the dust (sorry for beating you). I saw Cole, Ryan and Shiloh standing on the side lines cheering me on.... I noticed a lady in yellow who had been in front of me the entire race; thats when my competitive nature took over. I kicked it into high gear, flew past her, beat my goal time by three minutes and finished with a new personal record. I was pretty pumped to say the least. Not only was I not last, I did better than expected. Naturally, I wore my medal the rest of the day like some kind of Olympian.

A 10K may not be much for some of you, but for me, its a big deal. After working on my 5K time for two years, I was frustrated. I wasn't getting faster, I wasn't getting stronger; I was seeing zero improvement. I hated running. So, I decided that instead of running faster, I'd run farther. It was the change I needed. I'm still just as slow, but now those 5Ks are a lot easier. I'm way stronger. My breathing is controlled, my endurance is better and my attitude is a thousand times nicer. I actually feel accomplished and proud of myself instead of being frustrated. Running has become something I look forward to instead of dread. For any of you wanting to get out there and hit the pavement yourself, try this 5k, 10k or 1/2 marathon training plan. It worked for me when nothing else did.

What's next, you ask? Chloe and I have a several dog races in our sights - the See Spot Run race in Guthrie and/or the Rub-A-Dub Race for Rescues in OKC. She's pretty pumped, lemme tell ya.

Side note: I also have to mention that Cole finished the Remember the Ten run in 16th place over all. What. A. Stud. I'm one lucky lady!

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Snail Mail, FTW.

I love getting mail, don't you? Normally my mailbox only sees bills. Bills, bills, bills. And a lot of way too tempting credit card offers and junk. To make up for this tragedy, I like to send myself goodies.  I could probably be featured on MTV True Life: I'm addicted to online shopping. It doesn't help that my Dad is now working for Amazon and gets a discount......

A while back, while reading my friend Danielle's blog High Heels & Shotgun Shells, I discovered the wonderful world of Birchbox. It is this snazzy little company that sends you a box of girly goodness for $10 every month. High end samples? Beauty products, hair and nail stuff, makeup? All tailored to my preferences? It just makes my heart happy.

After a particularly long week of work, I came home to a pink box on my doorstep. I saw it as I pulled in the driveway (I had been waiting patiently for its arrival). I felt like a kid on Christmas morning as I opened it.

This month, Birchbox teamed up with Women's Health for spring (each month has it's own theme!).

Considering I have been on a "health kick" lately (with the exception of the occasional juicy Big Mac and bag of Sour Patch Kids), I was pretty pumped. With my first 10k coming up this weekend, I need all the help I can get.

My April box included: Caudalie Divine Oil for skin & hair, Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle Spray, Supergoop Daily Correct SPF 35 Sunscreen (perfect for those long training runs!), LaFace Laboratories Beautiful Eyes Cream, and Hail Merry Macaroons - mm, mm, mmm!

My favorites were the hair protector, oil, and macaroons. I mean, who can say no to "healthy" vegan, gluten free chocolate coconut macaroons?! Not me. Also, considering I have a long, thick mane of hair, I am constantly searching for new products to treat and/or prevent split ends. This stuff is a strong competitor - it gave me soft, tangle free curls without weighing them down. Birchbox, FTW.

Now that I am superficially ready for Saturday's Remember the Ten 10k with Supergoop sunscreen, the perfect running outfit, a kickin' playlist and a cute JUNK band, its time to get down to business. My last long run is today, then its countdown to race day. Anyone want to sign up to walk the 10k to make sure I'm not the last one to cross the finish line?? I will love you forever and pay you in cookies if you do....

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Downtown in December

One day I would LOVE to go to New York City at Christmas time, walk through Times Square, see the giant Christmas Tree and go ice skating (basically live out a movie montage while "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" plays in the background). But for now, Oklahoma City will have to suffice, and I have to say, it is doing a great job. Devon Energy is putting on "Downtown in December" events, most of the restaurants and stores are decked out with lights and decor, and I am absolutely eating it up.




Saturday, Cole and I took part in the SandRidge Santa Run 5k. As previously stated, I am not a good runner. I really dislike it and am incredibly hard on myself and get discouraged easily. But for some reason, I keep running, keep signing up for 5Ks and keep thinking I will begin to one day "like" running and get better at it (still waiting on that day to come....). After finishing the Dallas Turkey Trot at Thanksgiving (and actually enjoying it!) I was hoping to enjoy this race as well. Although it was cold and I was stuck at the back of the pack with the stragglers with a horrible side cramp, I managed to shave a minute off my Turkey Trot time, finish in the middle of my division, AND finish in a good mood (thats the big shocker). Good for me! Cole, on the other hand, got 5th in his division, hey oh! (Although he may or may not have been signed up under the wrong gender..... whoops!).

Saturday night we went out on the town to the tastiest Burger Joint in the history of the world (seriously), S&B. If you have never been, go. I'm not kidding. You won't be disappointed. I recommend just about everything on the menu, but the Elvis Burger and the Hot Mess Pie could possibly be two of the best things I've ever tasted in my entire 23 years. By the way, isn't the picture in front of the lights the cutest ever? I think so. 

Finally, Sunday night, we went downtown once again to a Thunder game. We sat in what I like to call the "French Fry Section," and my seat was right next to the Thunder Girls. Now, I'm not saying I believe in my head that I'm a professional cheerleader, but I'm not saying I don't. I spent the better part of the game memorizing their routines (I got it down pretty good - LETS GO THUNDER *shake shake, shake shake shake*) and feel that with a little fine tuning in the dance department, I could make the team. Thunder Up! Maybe I'll take some time off of running and try some dance classes..... Anyone want to join??!

OKC, props to you for being a good NYC substitute in my Christmas movie montage. Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds can be our stunt doubles at any time..... I'm sure it would be a big hit. 

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the dog days are over

I like to pretend I'm a "runner." Technically, I guess I am. I run several times a week, but I hate it. I don't think I will ever enjoy it....but I still make myself do it. Somehow I got the bright idea to sign Chloe and myself up for a dog 5k..... The Ghost Runner's 5k Dog Run sounded fun, plus it benefited a dog rescue, couldn't go wrong with that! It also killed two birds with one stone: keeping myself in shape AND giving a 70-pound city dog the exercise she needs. The latter has been a large part of my motivation.

Chloe and I definitely had our struggles during "training." Turns out getting a dog ready for a 5k is a lot more challenging than just getting yourself ready. However, I am very very proud of her - she kicked butt, finished the race, and didn't even dislocate my arm OR stop dead in her tracks (at least not until after the race when we tried to walk through a gate....). There were a lot of dogs that  had to be carried, had to stop in the shade because they were over heated, or couldn't finish at all. Not Chloe, she was a trooper. She got rewarded with a new toy afterwards and is currently shredding it to pieces.

Although the race itself went great, it took a lot of work and frustration to get there. Chloe, bless her heart, is terrified of bridges, metal grates, lawn mowers, garages, doorways, wood floors, stairs, and doesn't seem to understand that not everyone at Lake Hefner wants to say hi to her. Can you believe those jerks?!


I wish I could say this only happened on one occasion as we prepared for race day.........

But it didn't.....

Something about bridges, man. Maybe she heard a story about trolls? Luckily there were no bridges or changes in the pavement on the course.

When Chloe and I first started running together, it was a disaster. She was slow, uninterested, and didn't understand what I wanted. I wanted to run fast but couldn't run at a consistent pace. It was a mess. She has come SO far (as have I!). Turns out having a running buddy, human or canine, really helps you keep a steady pace and have more motivation to hit the pavement. She slowed me down enough to find a workable pace and I figured out how to communicate to her what I wanted her to do. As she matured, she got faster, too. Although this is nothing special for a lot of you, we are currently running 10 minute miles without stopping. Thats a huge improvement for me and I have Chloe to thank. Although she seems to enjoy sprinting down the street with Cole more, she still makes my runs much more enjoyable.....even if its just with a funny story to tell later about another bridge catastrophe.

 

Even though the dog days of training are over for now, she will still be accompanying me as I get ready to run the Dallas Turkey Trot with my brother and cousins on Thanksgiving, as well as the Midwest City Holiday Lights Spectacular Night Run in December (I hope!). If you want to start running with your dog, I recommend checking out Runner's World, they have some great tips! But make sure your dog is up to the task and start slow....and watch out for bridges :)

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