Masq Half 2015

This year has been a tough motivational year for me. I seem to have lost my MOJO and replaced it with NOJO. Seriously. So, I have not been doing much in the way of running or walking or run/walking. And, I'm getting older. It is harder to just go out there and do it without training and it takes longer to recover. Everything hurts. Sadly, I have been more along my old self of only "training on race days" lately and haven't signed up for a lot of races. But, without a race, I might not exercise.

I really like local races and I really like races with a fun theme. It gives me an excuse to put on a costume. I do not like running. YEAP, I said it. So, races give me an excuse to get out there and force myself to exercise. It's so much more fun with a crowd and with course support. And, I really do like the folks at Purpose.Race.Events. Small, local, fun. Good support. Friendly races. Friendly people. So, I signed up for the first (hopefully annual) Masq Half at the JW Marriott. This race also had a 5K and a 10K. Past years they have had a Pajama Pancake Run in October, but couldn't do it this year, so they also combined a Pancake 5K with this race. Both 5K followed the same route. The race was also coordinated with a Masquerade Ball at night, but I was flying to Kansas that afternoon, so no ball for me.

Packet pick-up this year had 2 options. Thursday night at Fleet Feet at the Rim or Saturday morning before the race. Because I like them and I think volunteering is important for any race organization, I volunteered to help with packet pick-up on Thursday night. I donned my INKnBURN mummy costume for the occasion. Any excuse to dress up, you know? It was small, mostly folks who work for Purpose and their children. A few other loyal volunteers. All very nice. I think it went smoothly. People gave their name and were looked up on an app (not my job) and I found their bib and someone in the back found their bag and shirt. A few folks changed races. A few folks signed up. There was some sort of number issue with relay races, so they had someone to help make sure those bibs were appropriately assigned. One person complained about the lack of information on the website. They wanted more information on parking. Only about 25% of racers picked up packets on Thursday, so I was worried about Saturday morning.


When I arrived on Saturday, the packet pick-up line was LOOOONNNGGGG. I didn't have to stand in it, but it seems like it moved quickly and it was cleared out before the race start at 0730. Sorority Girl and I met up with a few other INKnBURN ambassadors and took the obligatory pre-race pictures. I have so many INKnBURN outfits, but chose Nerd for this day. It seemed appropriate.  Sorority Girl wore Pirate. We also had Monarch and Calavera and MayTheFourth in our little groupings.

 There was quite the storm the night before and even the JW lost power and was running on generators. So, bathrooms were out of order and we had to find bathrooms in the staff areas. That was OK, too. Staff guiding us was very friendly. But, the rain stopped and the weather was great for running. All the races lined up together at the start. We had a brief announcement, and a prayer, and we sang the national anthem. Then we were off. I was signed up for the half, but had a flight to catch and was worried about time. I asked about switching to the half and was told they were sold out, but I could run that distance and just let the timers know I didn't do the half so I didn't get put into the wrong category for prizes (ha ... would have been closest to podium finish for me), but that I would receive the half medal. OK, that's cool by me.

Since I have NOT been training, I decided on 1 minute run/1 minute walk intervals. Sorority Girl was on board with that also as her training has been only slightly better than mine. We passed the turn-off for the 5K and somewhere about mile 2, my knees hurt. Since the next day was pretty important to me, I decided I needed to just walk it in. Sorority Girl decided to just walk with me. By about mile 3, the race was back on the golf cart paths of the resort for the rest of the route. We reached our turnaround point and I was actually relieved not to be continuing on for the half distance. Volunteers were cheerful and friendly and the company was great. We saw photographers during the last mile and decided to pick up some running again ... at least for the pictures and the finish line. The announcer saw us coming and said "who will come in first?" Well, when it's the two of us, we come in side by side. There is no sprint past one another.

We picked up our medals. Got a bite to eat. And took a few "thank goodness I'm done" pictures. Had to rush home, shower, put on compression socks and catch a plane.

As usual, I like Purpose events. Very nice people. Great course. Great support on the course. The shirts are always nice and I like the bags (but I do have a lot). I like the shirts because they have cute designs and don't have a lot of sponsor logos all over it. And the food is generally pretty good. The medals are well thought out. Check this out. Look close and it's a pair of running shoes that also are a mask. Super cute.

So, I'll be signing up for next year. It's really discounted right now. But, before then, I'm signed up for Illuminations, Missions, and Alamo 13.1. I would do Cocoa, but I'll be out of town that weekend. Hate to miss it. They have a few more races coming, too. Illuminations in March in Austin? And SpaGirl is in 4 locations in 2016. I wonder if I should do them all.  Maybe ...

Little Lace Box October 2015

Little Lace Box is a subscription box for women. It's curated for women by three sisters and isn't really described as a "lifestyle" box, but curates their boxes around particular themes. They used to be a monthly box and that is changing after the April box. I think because of their popularity, they grew really fast. They put so much thought into the curations, it has been challenging keeping up. After April ... the subscriptions are going to every other month ... six times a year. I had an annual subscription ... so it extends it out 18 months for the remaining 9 boxes. No complaints. This is my 6th box. I have 6 more coming.

You can purchase a bi-monthly subscription for $59.99. 3 boxes over 6 months for $149.97. 6 boxes over 12 months for $269.99. If you have a recurring subscription, you can email them to suspend subscription for any reason and then resume when  you are ready.  I purchased mine when the annual (12-box) subscription was $383.90 ($31.99/box). Shipping is between the 20th-23rd each month and they bill monthly just before shipping.  If you like items you receive and want more, they have an on-line boutique where you can purchase more. For every dollar you spend in the boutique or on the purchase of the box, you get a loyalty point.  50 loyalty points is one dollar to spend in the boutique.

In the process of searching for items for their curated boxes, they come across items that just don't fit the theme, but that they love and want to share. So ... the luck that takes the form of finding valuable or pleasant things ...found itself as theSerendipity pouch. The Serendipity pouch will be sent on the months that the Little Lace Box is not. I have received a few Serendipity pouches from Little Lace Box. I should share that they went "live" in September for $9.99 per month, so subscribers of the regular LLB no longer receive it as a free bonus in the off months.

 
I was really looking forward to my box when it arrived. I always am, because I have loved their curation. I appreciate the text message about shipping. In August, they had a few hints for the items in the box and I thought it was going to be an ongoing theme, but I haven't seen hints since.

I opened the box with enthusiasm. Of course, there was a fold-out detailing the items in the box. This month's theme was Authentic Autumn and the box was developed to transition into the next season and compliment a personal style.

First was a Fall Pashmina. The color options included Amethyst Orchid, Stark White, Cashmere Rose, and Soft Cream. The Orchid and Rose are apparently shades of pink and lavender. I received Stark White. The description says the fabric is 100% Pashmina Cashmere, but I am not sure I've ever seen 100% Pashmina. I am not an expert, so I can't really comment too much. I received Stark White and was pleased with it because the Rose and Orchid don't seem to scream Fall to me.  But, the white is a color I will use to brighten up my wardrobe. It is lightweight, but doesn't feel thin like summer scarves. Retail $32, but I can admit that I've seen similar for much less in New York on the streets. A few years ago, these were hard to find, but now they seem a dime a dozen.

The next three items in the box were from OFRA cosmetics. OFRA is Leaping Bunny certified, so no animal testing. Included were Absolute Face Primer, Eye Gel Primer, and Liquid Lipstick in either Rio or Santa Ana. OFRA has been in the last few boxes and Serendipity boxes, so I didn't feel like I was getting something new and original. Not being exposed to a brand that is new to me. I don't wear a lot of makeup, but when I do, I like a good primer, so I'm happy for another to try. I've never used an eye primer, but I'm excited to see if it can minimize creases and wear spots. I received the Santa Ana color and it did NOT work on me. Just a strange red that I can't explain. My blond friend received Rio and said it was very orange. Retail value $35 for Face Primer, $19.50 for Eye Primer, and $19.90 for Lipstick.

Travalo Skyline Portable Fragrance Decanter: Interesting concept and new to me. This is a way to take your favorite fragrance with you on carry-on and fit the 3.5 ounce per item limit. It's interesting. But, for me, I am not committed to a single fragrance and I love the tiny rollers I have received in other boxes and those are not a problem for carry-on. But, it will make an interesting Christmas gift at an exchange or for a few friends I know who are particular about fragrance. Retail $24

MintTeas: Tiny tin of mints made with organic tea, fruit and herbs. OK ... I carry mints with me. I'm cool with this. It doesn't feel luxurious, though and I really want luxury. Retail $2.99

Bonus Tea Forte Sample: I drink tea. The packaging was super cute for this teabag. It will make it into my rotation.

So, what do I think? Retail value was $133.99. Not bad for $31.99 that I paid. Still OK for $59.99 for new subscriptions. But, not as high as previous boxes. I am also not so sure that some of the items are things I would consider as having the listed value. So ... I'm kind of underwhelmed. Also, past boxes have seemed so well thought-out and this one seems a little rushed. The original creativity seems a little lost. I'm not sure that it fits the theme very well. My authentic self doesn't wear a lot of make-up. I loved that previous boxes had something that could be totally customized to make it really unique. Lip color, for example, is a tough one for many people. I would have liked a certificate to select a color that would be great on me instead of being sent something that just doesn't work for me. I'm actually a little underwhelmed. I know that no company can hit it out of the park every time. I'm really hoping that December will be more like past boxes ... unique and creative and spectacular.

December's theme is pulled from a great childhood story, The Little Prince. It's only with the Heart that one sees clearly what is invisible to the eye.

PopSugar MustHave October 2015

 PopSugar MustHave is a monthly lifestyle subscription box. I call it a Christmas stocking in a box and I look forward to it every month.  It's filled with items that I might not purchase for myself, but that I will use and love. Just a bit of luxury.

The usual subscription box is $39.99/month, but if you purchase 3 or 6 month subscriptions, there is a little discount. And, they have discounts every month if you find the codes. The current discount code is MUSTHAVE5 for $5 off your subscription.  Black Friday they had a special for $75 off a 6-month subscription. So, my $214.70 ($35.78/box) came to 139.70 ($23.28/box). Not a bad deal when you consider all that's in it. 

It's been a whirlwind past six weeks, so a little luxury was needed for relaxation. I had not paid attention to when my box may be arriving, so it was a pleasant surprise to see it on my doorstep. 

First glance in the box and I noticed 2 things. First was the card noting that for every box, PopSugar made a donation to Right Action for Women in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I appreciate that companies I support are willing/able to support good causes. 

Next thing I saw was that the other contents were eclipsed by the Savvy Sleepers Luxury Satin Pillowcase. Yes, I actually do use white linens. I know some people don't. The 100% satin is supposed to prevent sleep wrinkles, reduce hair breakage, and protect salon blowouts. Well, I don't do blow-outs, but the other benefits sound good. It is very soft Retail $36. Also a gift card for 20% off a purchase. 

After lifting the pillowcase, the other contents were revealed. 

  And, also, the trifold card identifying and describing the contents. 

 Who doesn't love comfy house socks? Anyone? So, I'm happy with Richer Poorer Hope Slipper Socks and I'm wearing them while I write. Soft and cozy. Grippers on the sole to prevent slippage. And pink to highlight the cause of the month. Of course, I feel like wearing pink isn't quite enough, but it identifies the cause, and that's important, too. Retail $15.

Every box comes with food. I've heard great things about Belgian Boys De Stroopwafel. It's filled with caramel to be crunchy on the outside and creamy chewy on the inside. But, with dairy and egg, this will be gifted to a grateful friend. I won't tell her about the 200 calories per waffle (400 calories per package, yikes!!) Retail $1.59

There were some liquid items that were bundled together in a plastic bag. I didn't have leakage issues, but I've heard others had trouble with the Honest Company Sea Salt + Sugar Body Scrub. I am a big fan of Honest Company and I like scrubs, so this is a win for me. I don't know if they did different scents, but I love the lavender vanilla. Retail $17. Also a coupon for 30% off a bundle purchase. I may consider using it.

In the same bag was It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product. It says it's sample size and not for resale and I can't find it on-line, so I am uncertain if the suggested retail is correct. But, It's a 10 partnered with Right Action for Women to provide financial assistance to women for screening. It's Leaping Bunny certified. It is supposed to offer 10 benefits in every bottle including detangling, defrizzing, shine, etc. I'm willing to give it a go. It smells fresh and clean and has a silky feel. Retail $11.96. This was listed as a Special Extra. 

Some fun items in the box included Easy, Tiger Brown Paper Liquor Bag Set. These are cute and fun and will be perfect for gifts of wine. Retail $8

And another fun item is Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling. So, Mindy is just plain funny and she says what the rest of us often think. And I love the sarcasm. I think this will make a nice light read. Retail $25, ($15 on Amazon). Some subscribers received autographed books, I did not. That's OK.

A Special Extra was a $40 gift card from Danielle Stevens Monogram Collection. So, I'm not really a fan of gift cards in boxes that require me to give a credit card or spend more money. And since nothing currently available in the collection is under $50, this card doesn't really excite me.

So, what do I think? Retail value of the box including special extras was $154.55. Take out the gift card that doesn't have value unless you spend, it comes to $114.55. Take out the $10 for the Amazon price of the book and we're at $104.55. Take out value of the hair care sample (which I like, so I think it does have value) and we're at $92.59. So, it's not the highest value PopSugar box, but I think it's a fun box and I appreciate the cause they are highlighting. Next month is inspired by gratitude, friends & family, festivities, and gifting. Perfect theme for Thanksgiving.

One more ... We miss you already, Ed Henne

Everyone was younger then

You always think there is one more year. One more month. One more week. One more day. One more hour. One more minute. One more breath. Until there isn't.

One of my biggest regrets in life is thinking I had just that little extra time. I was supposed to see my Dad. I stopped for breakfast at Cracker Barrel on the way. While I ate biscuits and gravy, my Dad took his last breath. I missed that "one more moment."

The Musician didn't make the same mistake I did. He was there. He went without hesitation. But, I worry that he thinks that maybe, just maybe, he could have had one more weekend. He had been wanting to find a few days to visit his dad before out trip to Africa. The timing was always "not quite right." While we were traveling home, Ed was entering the hospital for the final time. He had been frail for a long time. Hip pain. Mini strokes. The years were catching up to him. We thought we could be emotionally prepared. We weren't. And I guess we never really are. The diagnosis was not what we expected. Something new. A condition that has 100% mortality. 0.007/million people. Even with surgery, mortality is 50%. I had never heard of it. Didn't know such a diagnosis existed.

As soon as we got home, the Musician didn't even unpack. He packed another bag and was on a plane. One way. No return flight. No return home until ... well, whenever. He would call me when it was time for me to come. When it was close. I didn't want to think about it. I didn't want to think about how hard it was for him. No more parents. And the waiting, knowing the inevitable. The time would come when there wouldn't be one more day. One more hour. One more breath.

The final days, Ed was surrounded by his three children. His friends. His twin brother. Extended family. Members of his church. It was a celebration of his life in hospice. He was comfortable. His Faith was, and remained, strong. He was brave. Dignified. Prepared to face his future. It's the rest of us. We want, we expect ... just one more ... something. That Faith, that he had his whole life, every day ... that's the only thing that makes his loss easier for me. He knew he was going to Heaven. He knew he was facing God. And I know that I will be able to see him again. And my father. And my mother-in-law. And my friends and family that have gone before me. And the Musician knows too. But, it doesn't make it any easier. There isn't one more phone call. Just one more... isn't that what we really want.

Rest Ed. See you later. When there isn't one more breath ...

MS Ride to the River 2015

Not every day is a good day. If you don't have a bad day, you can't appreciate the good days.

I am learning to love my bike. She is a great bike. She needs a better engine.

I signed up for MS Ride to the River for several reasons. Multiple Sclerosis is close to me. I've watched it slowly change people and impact families. I hate it. We don't know what causes is ... probably a combination of genetics and environment, but we don't know. There are many treatments. Most aren't good. None are curative. I have thought about a MS ride for years, but didn't think I could do the distance. Then I thought, how do I know I can't? And, I thought, at least I have a choice. People with MS don't. So ... to test myself, to motivate myself to get out there and ride more, and to raise money for MS, I signed up. I was lucky enough to have a friend of a friend of a friend who works at HEB and I joined their team. They were so supportive and friendly during weekend training rides. And, it's amazing to have a group to ride with who know lots of different routes for different scenery around time. And, they never left me behind.

My training was sporadic at best, but I had done 55 miles and felt good. I had ridden hills. But, work and other commitments got in the way at the beginning. And a trip to Africa that prevented the final 3 weeks of training. We got home on the Saturday before the ride. I'm still jet-lagged. Work has been stressful this week. The Musician left town the day after we got home to be with his ailing father. My head was not in the game. And, I did a dumb thing. I had my bike retrofit for aerobars while we were gone. So .. 5 days before the ride ... new bike position, new  bike saddle. Do you see where this is leading?

Anyway, packet pick-up was easy and friendly. Got a "congratulations on your fundraising." I set up everything for the ride the night before. Got up early and headed  to the start. 270 HEB teammates. Wow!!! We gathered for a picture. Our team raised over $200K for MS. One person single-handedly (not me) raised $100K of that. There were 1400 riders and over $1M raised. Aything that comes next, is totally worth it. I'm proud to have raised $825 (thanks to great friends and family).

The day was beautiful. Temperatures at the start were in the 60s. Amazing for Texas. And a huge improvement from last year when Day 1 was cancelled due to rain. After announcements, a prayer, the national anthem ... Team HEB was the third starting team and we were off. WOW!!! The new aero-position is amazing. Comfortable. Relaxing. Powerful. The very kind folks at Britton's bike shop were totally right. Why didn't I do this 5 years ago? I didn't stay aero all the time, because I need to get used to the position and handling. But, the saddle was higher and the flight-deck was lower, so my position was still very different than my previous "cruising" position. I did some drafting with some friends from HEB, but even with my new power, I am still not as strong as they are and I fell behind. But, that's OK. I actually like riding "alone" so I can be in my head with my thoughts. I felt great and was on the first rest stop before I knew it. I didn't "need" to stop, but I did. I promised myself, I would stop at every stop to stretch my legs. I didn't stay long. I don't even think I got water. Just a few "hellos" and "tailwinds."

The next 12-ish miles were as good as the first. This was going to be awesome!!!! Again, before I knew it ... rest stop. More greetings. This time,  I filled my bottle and had a Huma. And off we go.

Doc said I wasn't pedaling fast enough to move forward in time to the finish. 

Then ... Mile 30. Things fell apart. Headwinds. Hills. Why did I get a new saddle? It was a fight to get to rest stop #3. Several riders passed and asked if I was OK. Did I really look that bad? I asked one person and he said that he just likes to check on folks who are riding alone. OK ... maybe I don't look like I'm dying. Rest stop #3. OK ... stretch it out. Walk around. Eat something. Refill the bottle. Pretend you don't hurt. Smile for the camera. And, off again.

I needed the Force to be with me. Instead, I had set myself up for defeat. This time. 

My legs HURT!!!! BAD!!!! And, the LB (Lady Bits if you're delicate, but the Librarian calls them Lady Balls which is more appropriate to describe the suffering.)  I could feel every little bump and there was a LOT of chipseal. OK ... just a few miles to lunch stop.  Almost half-way to the hundred. My nose runs when I ride. I don't know why. Somewhere around here, I was particularly snotty. I thought I would attempt something I've never done before ... a snot rocket. OK, close the other side and blow. Fail!!! All over my face ... not one big splat on the pavement. Yuck, had to wipe with my glove. UCK!!! Mile 43 ... both legs seized up. I couldn't pedal. I could barely stand over my bike. I couldn't stretch them. I couldn't do anything. I waited for Sag. Took Sag to lunch. Decided, this was it today. After a quick lunch and conversation with friends, I took Sag to the finish. Quick leg massage made movement possible. Shuttle to the start. Home to see the pups. BUST!!! My first DNF. I have never, no matter how much it hurt, quit before. I tell people it's OK to DNF. Smart, courageous, hard. But, save yourself for another day. Don't hurt yourself. Harder to tell myself than it is to tell someone else.

I had every intention of going back out there for day 2. I had everything set up. I had iced and stretched and hydrated and fueled. But, the alarm went off Sunday morning. I got out of bed. No leg pain. Bonus. But, I was quickly reminded of the saddle and knew I couldn't sit on it again today. Bust! No medal. No conquering. But, it's OK. I have been running ragged all week. I haven't taken a break. My head was still not in the game. I took the day to unpack (finally), rest, play with the dogs, and ...

Yes ... I went there and put this up there for the world to see.

So.... what went right?

1. We raised a lot of money for MS research, treatment, cure
2. I love the new power and relaxation of aero position
3. I put Trusty Garmin on a quick release and used it for my bike computer and liked it
4. Tailwind nutrition ... still good
5. I tested a new Speedfill hydration system on my bike and I like it. No fumbling for bottles

So ... what went wrong? (aka Lessons learned)

1. Never try something new on race day. Even though not a race, perhaps I should have chosen better timing for the new position and new saddle
2. My head wasn't in the game. I thought about not going, but thought I would be filled with self-loathing if I didn't.
3. Training was inadequate. 100 miles is no joke. These hills are no joke. 
4. Snot rocket ... fail.

The positives outweigh the negatives, so I have to put this in the "win" column.

So .... what am I taking from this? 

1. There will be good days and bad days
2. Sometimes your head is not in the game, and that's OK
3. I have a goal. Something to aim for. Something to conquer. I won't let this defeat me. I will find the right saddle. I will train. And, next year, I will Conquer this hilly beast of a ride and next year, I will raise even more $$ to search for ways to defeat MS.