My hair makes me not want to work out.

Really stupid, right? But I seriously don't think I am the only one that feels this way. There are days when I just can not get out of the house for a run first thing or just don't want to face the cold. I have greasy hair. You can read more about that here if you feel so inclined.

I must wash daily. Much to the dismay of every stylist that I have ever encountered. Otherwise, I really look like I should be more of a bag lady. I have tried every powder, spray solution that I have heard of and nothing works. I just end up with greasy hair that has specs of white in it. Gross. I know.

So in an effort to save myself some embarrassment and self pity, I just wash my hair everyday. But then, if I work out that means I have to wash it twice a day. Which is even worse.

So I switched to this apple cider vinegar and baking soda method which has worked wonders. But it still did not eliminate needing to wash and STYLE twice daily.

Seriously, I am not the type of person that wants to spend hours daily primping. I have zero desire. But I want to run and I want to look cute.

Think, think, think.

I think I came up with a solution. At least one that works for me.

First, when exercising I do the first grade hair style of one pony with the sides up and one pony holding the bottom ( will post a picture once I take one). Then I go run. Sometimes I use a headband, a hat, whatever. It really doesn't matter.

When I come back before I hop in the shower I undo the bottom pony, get out a duck clip, pull the top hair into the duck clip and refasten the bottom pony.

In the shower I wash the top pony (duck clipped portion of my hair). When I get out, I take it all down, comb together and style as usual.

It is amazing how this takes five minutes and I look like I have just done the entire hair process. It works for me and makes me love running that much more. Because I feel more like a guy....like I can get in and out with little to no trouble.

I hope I am not the only one that worries about my physical fitness versus the presentableness (so not a word) of my hair. If so, oh well maybe I am that shallow.

Shakeweight.

Just an update on the Shake Weight. After the company charged my card THREE times and I fought with them endlessly. I never received it. I was able to get a refund after HOURS of time on the phone. Frustrating.

Is it not the most annoying thing in the world to try to go get something and in this modern world where we are supposed to click a button for something to arrive we can't do it. Then, to have it compounded by ridiculous hours of wading through a voice over trap to get to a person where they really have no authority or ability to help you.

I think that working in these capacities must be one of the worst jobs on the planet. No one is happy when they have to deal with you. No one. No one ever calls and says, "hey, my transaction was flawless, thanks." Maybe I will do that some day so that I can spread some good transaction karma. I always try to sit there on the phone and calm my boiling blood by repeating, "it is not this persons fault, it is not this persons fault" over and over. It rarely works. My blood still boils.

I did see the Shake Weight at Wal Mart the other day and I am now thinking of buying it there.

So, I have no review and I would not order from the Internet. If I get it at Wal Mart, I will let you know.

Just got back.

From twelve miles and I feel good. Sweaty and sticky and cold (I am in Houston where it is unseasonably cold) and I feel good. This is amazing, because I have been so anti running lately.

One of the things that I realized is making me anti running is that I have upper back fat and a pooch. I run a ridiculous amount and I still have this. ANNOYING.

That being said, I am making some major over hauls in my diet. One step at a time. I strongly believe that one food item, group, etc can cause major imbalances in ones system.

Ralph and I gave up sweets for lent, so that is a start. In addition, when I return from this work trip I will be eliminating dairy to see how this takes. I have soy yogurt and almond milk here with me now to start developing the taste on my pallet. I have also switched to stevia or sugar in the raw when I must sweeten something.

Looking for solutions. Day in and day out. Isn't that what we all do?

This gal that works at my grocery store cut out corn and lost 87 pounds. Seriously, EIGHTY SEVEN POUNDS. Is that possible? Yes, for her.

I figure I have ten. I think dairy and sweets should get me ten. If not I am seriously thinking of taking a knife or vacuum to my upper back.

Oh, and yes I do love being a mom. Despite the aftermath (three year aftermath to be precise).

Renewed spirit.

I just met a gal at a conference. I think my spirit is back. Right now all I want to do is go run. I am going to write this up and let you know.

RUN ALLISON RUN.

Still running away.

Napa is a few weeks away, and I have been pounding the pavement. I am at the point in this journey where the fun and excitement has worn off and the irritation of the process is here. But I am still pounding the pavement. Trying to find inspiration. Does anyone have some they can share with me? I am in Houston for work next week and hope

....see, I started writing this over a week ago and can't bring myself to finish it.  HELP ME!!!!!

10 things running has done for me.

One of my running, blogging buddies Allie did this and I thought that it was a great idea. I think it may bring some joy back to running for me, which right now I am lacking. Inspiration is desperately needed out there. So, here it goes.....

1. It gave me a way to shed those final baby pounds.
2. For a long while it was a great escape. It allowed me to be alone with my thoughts. The simple rhythm of pounding the pavement provided a sense of calm in a world of chaos.
3. It gave me something that my daughter can be proud of. Not that there are not other things, but for some reason my three year old thinks that the fact that I run is something that is pretty darn cool.
4. It forces me to move. Movement is necessary for life and with this ridiculous, lofty goal that I have taken on I am forced to move. Whether I want to or not, I have to move. Otherwise I will kill myself at my next marathon.
5. It taught me that there are so many definitions of the best. Even my worst marathon time is one of the best things I have ever done. Best for me is different than you. That is ok. We are all winners when we are out there running. For this competitive gal, that is a true life lesson.
6. It makes me a little more forgiving of the things that are left from having a baby. My body is capable of so much more than I was back then. It may never look the same, but I am stronger and more able than ever.
7. Running gives me a buzz. A nice, healthy, legal buzz.
8. It makes my skin look better. I have struggled with my skin my entire life, so this is a big deal.
9. It has let me see some paths and parts of the country that otherwise I would have never crossed. My love affair with SF is so deep and strong because of running. Who knew that Fresno is actually pretty and that Redding, CA is one seriously breathtaking place of God's country?
10. It reignites my spirit. It gives me self knowledge, inspiration, physical and emotional health.

I just need to remember each of these right now. I am in a really bad slump. I hope I come out of it.