7/26/2010

I apologize in advance…I certainly have been slacking off with my blogging duties!

The past few weeks have been jam packed with all sorts of chaos from preparing for “Herbie’s Hometown Loop” to starting a new job, and planning for the wedding.  Between picking out t-shirt designs, collecting confirmation of race sponsors, picking out a wedding menu, purchasing a wedding gown, and assigning various tasks to all of my family members (yes, I’ve been a tad bit bossy as of late) I can’t seem to keep anything straight…Not even this blog!

July is coming to an end with August peeking right around the corner. The past three days we’ve had a heat advisory here in NJ with temperatures soaring above 105 degrees Fahrenheit.  The humidity’s been high as well putting a halt to the majority of my outdoor activities including running and dance.  Brad’s not too pleased regarding the latter being that there’s only so much time for us to learn how to dance…together (before the wedding). This past weekend, I spent most of my time indoors as the temperatures were too hot for me to voluntarily handle.  Possibly, I’ve just become lazy! I realize people live in much warmer climates, but geez, I’m having a hard time coping in this heat this year!  I know…A few months from now my whining will drastically switch gears. It will be too cold to step foot outdoors.  Instead of heat stroke I’ll be worried about frostbite. For now, I’ll stick to my notion…It couldn’t possibly cool off enough to meet my needs.  I’m at war with the sun!!

Fortunately today it’s been much cooler…

I’ve been trying to get more serious about my ultra-marathon training.  At least this is what I keep telling myself.  But the reality is I really need to get my act together.  For as fast as summer is moving, before I know it October 16 will be here!  All summer I’ve struggled with my mileage.  First it was the heat, and then it was my fatigue followed by my anemia.  Today, my stomach was bothering me from all of the iron I’ve been taking to help replenish my red blood cells.  But this morning when I awoke enough was enough.  Even I couldn’t take my complaining any longer.  So this morning I decided to give myself a swift kick in the ass. I put in 10 miles…and strangely enjoyed myself.  I’m still nowhere near where I should be in respect to my mileage but I’m getting back into the swing of things.  In a little bit I’m going to head out for a 5 mile run…Yep, in the middle of the day.  Somehow I have to get over my fear of the heat!  As Brad says, there are two main reasons to exercise in the summer: 1) to spare some excess calories so that you can eat a few extra burgers and/or dogs (or have a few extra beverages) at that upcoming BBQ, and 2) to catch some rays (i.e. get a tan).  I suspect this is a good way to look at things.    

After my 5 mile run, my ambitious plan requires I jog 3 more miles later tonight.  Today will be a triple header!  If the ultra doesn’t work out, I figure I’ll at least be in shape for the supra.  Of course, only if I can keep this manic motivation up!  We’ll see about that. The supra consists to two people running the 50 miles as a team alternating legs of the relay. I’m not sure which event will be more challenging!  Time will tell.  I suspect whichever I choose to run.  If it’s the supra, for days afterward I’ll be saying how much easier it would have been to have run the ultra.  If the ultra wins, of course the supra will be the easier feat. 

We’re never happy are we!?   

Last week, Brad and I found a new hot spot for “Happy Hour”.  Now, this made both of us happy!  “On the Bone”, located only about one and a half miles from our house, might just as well be Princeton’s best kept secret…That and I-295 (more on this later).  This place has the best happy hour specials around!  $2 drafts and $5 well drinks and/or house wines M-F from 5-8pm.  This is very good for around here.  PLUS, they serve a complimentary, small-but-filling buffet of cheese, crackers, salsa, wings, etc. that you can enjoy along with your drinks.  And if you didn’t catch that, it’s free!  Who does this anymore, here in the States, especially here in central NJ!?  I suspect the answer to this rhetorical question is “On the Bone”, my new favorite spot.  And, if you’re still hungry after that, they have a very extensive menu.  My burger and Brad’s ribs were probably the best we’ve had around here. 

Brad and I are huge fans of “Happy Hour”; we just haven’t had much luck finding a good spot as of late.  This made our weekend! 

We have found a number of BYO places here in central NJ that we love.  Our favorite might just be Super Star East Buffet.  I love this place, and the name cracks me up!  This is an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet including a sushi bar and Mongolian grill and you are permitted to BYO.  The price per person is something like $10 during non-peak hours.  We usually go around 2pm on Sundays after a very long run so that we can condone the calorie and sodium intake! 

And The Ferry House is another great BYO in downtown Princeton.  A bit pricier but has a nice atmosphere and good food. 

Our good friend, Li Na, has introduced us to a number of other great Chinese restaurants that have been BYO. Typically she orders and the food has never been bad.  I’ve eaten some of the best food with her and absolutely can’t wait until she returns from overseas (she’s on a business trip now) to check out a few new restaurants.  I’ll have to write a blog entry on these places for all you NJ folk!

Some good news on Leaving Virginia: Barnes and Noble have agreed to buy a small quantity of books once I secure a distributor or wholesaler.  So, you can bet your bottom dollar I’m going to be busy at work this week arranging such a deal!  I’m super excited about this! 

Saw a hilarious movie over the weekend.  I rarely get out to see movies at the theatres so I “red-boxed” this one.  The movie was “Couples Retreat”.  It was hilarious in the sense that Brad and I had just attended our pre-marital “pre-cana” class through the Catholic Church the day prior to watching this movie, and the retreat these couples went on brought back an array of laughs from our church retreat.  The movie is a tad bit vulgar so definitely not for kids, but very funny for an adult crowd.  And would have made a much better “pre-cana” than the one we experienced despite all the problems the characters ran intoJ Shhh, I didn’t really say that…Or did I!?    

Which brings me to my next topic:  Red Box…So maybe I am just completely out of the loop and more likely than not this is so, but I never knew what Red Box was before maybe a month ago!  $1 (plus tax) new releases picked up out of a red box located outside of various grocery stores, pharmacies, Walmart, etc. I’m might soon become hooked!

Oh, and New Jersey’s other best kept secret: I-295.  This is the route I take to my new per diem position.  I am in love with this road.  As most of you might now, central NJ is a concrete lover’s paradise.  And along with all that concrete comes a ton of traffic.  Well, (knock on wood!) 30 mile on 295 go by just like that (that’s be snapping my fingers).  I haven’t hit traffic on this road yet despite ongoing construction…

Now, next week I’ll be complaining about the traffic on I-295J

Enough of my jibber-jabber!  Stay tuned.  Later this week or early next week I’ll be spending a few days catching some rays while biking from NJ to PA or vice versa.  I haven’t set my plans in stone yet, but you can be sure I’ll blog throughout the adventureJ

Enjoy!

July 7, 2010

My first book signing event for Leaving Virginia (held at the Starr Hill Winery in St. Marys, PA on Friday, July 2) was a total success!  About 50 people showed up to learn about the book, purchase a copy or two, taste wine and appetizers, and engage in conversation.  A good number of books were bought which makes me happy to believe that Leaving Virginia will soon be read!  Although this was my first book signing event, I don’t think it could have gone any better.  I suspect the unlimited wine samples didn’t hurt!  So…to my Aunt Betsy for organizing this event, preparing the appetizers, setting up, taking down, and donating your time:  THANK YOU for a job very well done!  And to Amy Sherry, local reporter from the Daily Press, thank you as well for writing a story on my book and event, and rounding up quite an energetic crowd.

My next scheduled book signing will take place during Jeremy’s August 14, 2010 race at the Bellefonte Area Middle School between 11am and 1pm.  This event, known as Herbie’s Hometown Loop, is a 4 mile run/walk and 16 mile bike ride through scenic Bellefonte.  The run begins at 8:30am and the bike ride follows around 10.  Be sure to come, walk, run, bike, volunteer or simply watch.  This is one of my all-time favorite races (and, yes, I am slightly biased being that the event is held in honor of Jeremy).  Proceeds benefit a great cause: an annual scholarship awarded to a Bellefonte Area High School senior pursuing a secondary education in science and/or engineering.  As well, proceeds will be used to support the Bellefonte community in building a track and/or running path in Jeremy’s memory.  With little progress made in the track arena, we’re considering the idea of a running path if this dream doesn’t pan out.   

There are a few more book signings in the making, just no tentative dates or times yet.  But do please stay tuned.  I have my heart set on riding back to Bellefonte from NJ again this year, and doing a signing when I arrive.  It’s a three day ride for me these days, but my recollection tells me I enjoyed last year’s ride.  Maybe too much time has passed that I just don’t remember quite how I felt during that ride nearly 365 days ago!  After the book signing in State College or Bellefonte, I’d like to bike through Clearfield and then Dubois, and do a signing at the local library there.  We’ll see what happens.  If any of you are interested in tagging along, I’d love the company!  Just drop me a note.      

And in keeping up with my business, Joe’s video is still coming along.  I previewed roughly 10 minutes of it a few weeks back and it’s absolutely perfect.  Now, if he could just finish it up so the rest of you could see itJ  I don’t think you’ll be let down!  Send him some friendly pressure to complete this task.  I’m really looking forward to posting it on my site. 

Alright, enough business talk already…

My fourth of July weekend was rather eventful, filled with all sorts of activities such as discussing wedding details, meeting with wedding planners and priests, attending family picnics, consuming excess food, signing tons of books, watching fireworks as I drove down I-78, visiting with friends, and running while simultaneously trying to stay cool.  It was a nice weekend, just too short as always.  I suspect we’ll never have enough time in our days. 

Hard to believe July is already here.  Only 4.5 months until the wedding, Thanksgiving, and a very much anticipated week-long vacation.  Then, it will be Christmas.  Honestly, where does the time go?!  Don’t waste today people because we never know what tomorrow will bring. 

Back to addressing “Save the date” cards and starting my next writing project ─ I feel like I’ve been “starting” this project for weeks now…Probably because I have!! 

Stay cool this week.  Drink plenty of fluids.  It’s gonna be a scorcher!!!   

06/29/2010

Since a special someone complained that my blog post from 06/21 was too long, I’ve agreed to make this post short, sweet, and to the point.  Without naming any names, B**D kindly explained to me that my post was “more of a lecture than a blog” and that I lost my reader’s attention (i.e. his) after the first four paragraphs.  To my defense, a few of my “Bellfusion” friends just recently obtained an interest in running, and I wanted to share with them my experiences with the sport. 

Due to this conversation, Brad certainly got the wheels to my train turning.  Some of us have a tendency to use too many words, others not enough, and still others all the wrong words at all the wrong times.  And then there are some situations where words just never will be enough to explain how we are feeling, our gratitude, enjoyment, sadness or any other given emotion.  This past weekend marked one of those times. 

I invited a group of Jeremy’s good friends from college to come over to my house for a Saturday night barbeque.  All day Friday and all morning Saturday I was convinced I wouldn’t have enough food to feed my guests. I had prepared baked beans, meatballs, macaroni and cheese, pasta salad, and brownies.  And I had burgers and hotdogs ready to throw on the grill, baked potatoes, and freshly picked sting beans.  My eyes must have been bigger than all of our stomachs!  And of course, our guests brought with them even more food: cookies, cupcakes, fruit salsa, veggie plates, and the list could go on.  By the time we were done with our “appetizers” no one had room for the main meal.

We had a great time swimming in the afternoon, catching up in the evening, and satisfying our taste buds while listening to Jim reenact Family Guy episodes.  It was a perfect day.  The sun was shining, the water was warm, food was good, and company was plentiful.  But words will never be able to express my appreciation for experiencing such a pleasurable day with Jeremy’s dear friends.  My family and I have been very fortunate in that since Jeremy’s murder his friends have remained actively present in our lives.  They could have easily opted to lessen their burden by avoiding our grief-stricken household, but instead they built stronger friendships with us and, in turn, left us with a gift we’ll never be able to thank them enough for: the piece of Jeremy each individually possesses.  Every time I see Jeremy’s friend Justin, I think of the two of them sitting at my parent’s kitchen table eating McDonald’s out of take-out paper bags, arriving at the house Brad lived in during college late at night, slightly intoxicated, laughing hysterically while explaining some unlawful situation the two (not out of sorts) found themselves in.  And then there was their plan to join the Police Academy.  When I see Phil, I see so much of Jeremy.  His honesty and straightforwardness crack me up.  Jim’s never-ending conversations and unique sense of humor bring Jeremy’s spirit to life.  And Jacques intelligence, humbleness and, especially his thriftiness, remind me of so many dinners eaten at Bonfatto’s with Jeremy minus his wallet.  And, there is Brian and his sheer ridiculous stories.  These guys, amongst so many others, keep Jeremy alive.  I’ll forever feel obliged.   

In staying on topic, sometimes words just can’t suffice. 

June 21, 2010

So Brad and I finally secured a location for our wedding reception: The General Potter Farm located in Potters Mills, Pennsylvania (just outside of State College).  I’m really excited about this place. It’s a renovated bank barn that’s absolutely beautiful inside…and fun too. Just like you’ll notice of most bank barns, the beams supporting the structure divide the top floor into 4 separate sections.  We’ll set up round tables in these stalls using the third well as a dance floor. The facility is spacious enough to fit 300 people including room for two bars, a buffet, and a ton of room to mingle.  The barn even has a small loft where I’m hoping to fit three tables of guests.  I think this might be a fun location for the “tweens” to congregate when not out on the dance floor.

Brad and I have all sorts of ideas for decorations including Christmas lights, linens, and Chinese lanterns.  But the majority of these ideas will have to be kept secret until you make your grand entranceJ    

I should mention, now that we’ve secured a reception location, Brad can’t stop nagging me to learn how to dance.  Yes, it’s true ─ I can’t dance!  For all who know me well, you know I’m not the most extraverted individual when it comes to “fist pumping”, “popping my bootie”, and whatever else the party goers are doing these days.  I’ll talk anyone’s ear off, but throw me on a dance floor and I transform into an incredibly timid and shy individual.  I’ve always been like this, and I just can’t figure out why.  In fact, I remember dreading middle school dances so much that I’d make up excuses why I wasn’t allowed to go:  “I have to watch Joe and Stephanie.”  “My Mom is working the night shift.”  “I’m sick.”  And if somehow I got suckered into attending, I’d hide out in the bathroom during the fast songs so that I didn’t end up standing next to the bleachers all by myself looking like a complete loner!  So long story short, Brad told me there will be no reception if I can’t learn how to dance!!!  Completely mean, right?  I presume while I’m not working on my writing projects or planning this wedding, my job is to practice my dance skills using TV On-Demand.  Wish me your best!! I need a very good instructor, and possibly a few glasses of wine!  

If any of you are interested in learning more about the wedding please feel free to visit our wedding website at: http://www.theknot.com/ourwedding/JenniferHerbstritt&BradUpdegrove 

And just a heads up, don’t take everything written on this site as fact.  Use your sense of humor peopleJ

Now, on to more important topics…

This week I hope to inspire you with some of my all-time favorite running routes and workouts.  Along the way I hope to round up some motivation for both you and me.  I’m not sure what it is these days ─ the heat, humidity, or simply my laziness ─ but I’ve truly been struggling to pound out any good miles ever since summer arrived!

A few days back a good friend of mine inquired if I had any decent suggestions for losing weight fast.  Although I prefaced my answer with, “Remember, those pounds didn’t come on overnight, so don’t expect them to come off just the same,” I didn’t have to think hard to come up with my simple answer: RUN!  Running is one of the cheapest, easiest ways to get in shape and stay in shape.  I like to compliment my running with biking, swimming, lifting and stretching but heck running is a great way to burn off those excess weekend BBQ pounds. 

Of course running isn’t all that entertaining.  It can seem very mundane and certainly boring.  It takes a creative imagination to entertain oneself while running for two hours in the smothering summer air.  And it takes an even more ingenious mind to come up with a strategy to get one out the door at 4:30 in the morning for a frigid morning jog in the dead of winter:  sleep clothed in running wear with shoes on, laces tied.  And yes, I’ve done this!  

When it’s hot and humid out, the sport is miserable.  And when it rains and one develops blisters on every square inch of his/her feet, this isn’t a picnic either.  But disregard these simple qualms and running actually can be pretty fun.  And I’ve got to believe it makes us stronger people.  It’s not easy to push yourself through the pain of running 3 miles, 5 miles or even 26.  This takes stamina, determination and drive.  It helps us get through the much harder times we’ll inevitably be faced with later in life.  You see, compared to most of life’s tribulations running is a joke.      

So, how does one get off to the right start when beginning a running regime? How do you take the first step out the door? First and foremost, make sure you’re in good enough health to begin an exercise program.  Check in with your doctor. 

Then, start out slow.  Pace yourself.  Don’t set goals you know you won’t be able to keep.  For example, if you know you have to work until 8pm four out of five days a week, don’t commit yourself to running at 8:30pm.  If you’re anything like me, after a long hard day of work you might just want to kick back, watch a little TV and enjoy a glass of red wine.  If this is the case, plan your runs for the mornings, or even over lunch.  Just the same, if you do better running after work, then do what works for you.  And round yourself up a running partner or two…Having a friend to run with provides conversation during workouts, and much needed motivation.  From my experience, when I run with a partner I’m less likely to stop and break.  As well, I put in more mileage.  I don’t want to be perceived as lazy or slow, so I push myself, and in turn, I push my partner.  In the end we run farther than me might have run had we each been running alone.  Some of the best conversations I’ve had have been during long runs. The mind is desperate for distraction so comes up with all sorts of bizarre topics to discuss: bear attacks, late night drinking affairs, religion, love, politics, and petty disputes.  I used to study while running.  No, I didn’t bring my notebook and read while on the treadmill.  I would quiz myself in my head, browse through imaginary flash cards, explain the innervations of the brachial plexus and detail peripheral blood flow to myself.  I’d pray, reflect, vent, talk to myself, cry and laugh.  Over the years, I’ve found running to be great therapy.       

If you want to stick with running for more than a week be sure to pick out a scenic course.  This is crucial, especially when starting out.  Pick a route consisting of tons of twists, turns, ups and downs.  When I’m having a day where I don’t want to run, the worst thing I can do is pick an out and back course that’s completely straight and flat.  Making turns distracts the mind.  Running uphill gives you something to look forward to: the downhill.  So be selective with your course choices if at all possible.  Consider running in a development you’re not completely familiar with.  Of course, be sure this is a safe neighborhood, and bring a phone and map if you’re alone, in case you can’t find your way outJ  I’ve got to say, I’ve run some of my favorite courses in places I’ve known the least about.  When doing so, I tend to run longer and harder because I don’t know what to expect in regards to the terrain.  I don’t know that there’s a terribly steep hill lurking right around the corner, nor do I know I’m 12 miles from my car.  Sometimes it doesn’t hurt to be a little open minded and try something new.  You see, the reality is running the same course day after day just might make you hate running after all.  And from a safety perspective, personally I don’t like to follow the same course day after day. I like to mix things up. Throw my stalkers a little curve ballJ  Seriously, people, this is something to consider.      

And finally, don’t fret if you have to walk.  All runners had to start somewhere.  Most people just aren’t able to jump off their couch and run a 5K in under 20 minutes absent of any worthwhile training.  This takes time, hard work and persistence.  So if you have to walk every five minutes for one minute or every 20 minutes for five minutes, don’t fret.  With time you will find your endurance and stamina will build.

So, what are my favorite running courses?  For my Bellefonte/State College folks, I’ll detail below.  For the rest of you, I like to mix my running up into a few separate categories: speed work, hill work, LSD (long slow distance), and tempo runs. 

I’m going to be completely honest with you here.  In the summers I often get my speed work done on the treadmill, and in the winters I often do my speed work on an indoor track (or even at Penn State in Rec Hall or the IM building).  On the treadmill I like to run mile repeats.  Example: 1 mile x 3 with each mile being 30 seconds per mile faster than the previous:
                                •1^st mile at 7:30, 2^nd mile at 7 minutes, 3^rd at 6:30. 

I play mind games with myself and create a combination of numbers I can’t keep track of.  Ex. 1 mile at 7 minute mile pace, 2 minutes to recover at 8:20, 2 x 800m sprints at 6:40 minute mile pace, 1 minute to recover in between each at 8:40, 4 x 400m sprints at 6:27 minute mile pace with 1 minute to recover between each at 8:40.  By the time this set is over I’ve already ran greater than 3 hard, quality miles.  But my mind was tricked the entire time and I didn’t even realize the distance (wishful thinking!).

At Rec Hall I like to play something called “The Game”.  You need a partner for this fun-filled, insane favorite pastime of mine.  You sprint a lap around the track.  While you do so your partner is stuck in a corner doing push-ups (sit-ups, wall sit, lunges, mountain climbers, squat jumps, holding a plank, or even sleeping).  But the longer you take to get around that track, the longer your partner must put out the push-ups.  When you get back to your partner, he/she sprints while you do the same exercise he was doing during your sprint.  Repeat 10-20 times.  It’s a great workout. 

And if you think that’s fun, another favorite of mine is running stairs at Rec Hall.  Start in one corner, run down the bleacher stairs, along the bottom, over to the next walkway.  Run up the stairs, and down, over to the next walkway, and repeat.  Do this all the way around the track.  When you finish, sprint one lap around the top of the track and repeat beginning with the stair circuit.  Do this 5-10 times.  I promise, you’ll be panting!

As for hill workouts outside, I like to pick 5 hills of variable length.  Make hill #1 be the shortest, and hill #5 the longest.  They all better be steep!  Sprint up Hill #1 five times (jogging the downhill as recovery).  Jog to hill #2.  Sprint up this hill 4 times.  Hill #3: sprint up 3 times.  Hill #2: sprint up twice, and finally Hill #5: sprint up once.  Make it good.  Cool down with a nice slow easy mile.  Try this with a partner racing to the top of each hill.  As well, you can simulate this workout on the treadmill.  If you do so, you might just be crazier than me. This, my friends, is beyond mentally challenging.      

When I don’t feel like doing a long slow run or even a tempo run, these types of workouts get me out the door.  They distract my mind from the fact that I’m running, and push me to cross the finish line.  An added benefit: they’re great workouts and huge calorie burners. 

Other crazy hill workouts I’ve done (and have a love hate relationship with) include Reservoir Hill and Spring Street repeats in Bellefonte.  Sprint up Reservoir Hill.  Jog the alley over to Spring St.  Jog down Spring St. to just across the street from the Knights of Columbus.  Sprint up Spring St.  Jog the alley back over to Reservoir Hill (where Mike’s video used to be).  Sprint back up “Mike’s Video” (as Jeremy and I used to call it).  Jog over to Spring St. and down.  Sprint up Spring St.  Repeat this cycle until you’ve ran Reservoir Hill and Spring St. 5 times EACH!  This is a killer workout.  And if you’re even crazier:  carry drywall buckets, car tires or some other heavy object up with you.  Believe it or not, this is what the YMCA boot camp class participants sign up for!  Now, that will kick you into shape. 

If you’re not up for such a huge hill, pick smaller hills to repeat.  As I said before, do these workouts with a friend or group of friends to gain encouragement and support.

LSD is great! I can’t get enough of this in the fall and early spring when the weather is just perfect for running for hours.  A few of my favorite runs in Bellefonte begin at my parent’s house on Irish Hollow Rd.  Take Irish Hollow to Harrison Rd.  Harrison Rd. to Stonehenge development.  Run through Stonehenge to Weaver Hill Rd.  Weaver Hill to Airport Rd.  Airport Rd. to Lutz Rd.  Lutz Rd. to Musser Lane.  Musser to Jacksonville Rd.  Jacksonville Rd. up Lyonstown back to Jacksonville Rd. all the way into downtown Bellefonte.  Make your way through town, up Reservoir Hill, back Blanchard St. to Irish Hollow Rd.  I love this run.  A good 12.5-13 miles.  And it’s filled with hills.    

If you’re up for something shorter, try the “Triangle of Death” in State College (named by my older brother Jeremy, due to his hatred for this run that I “forced” him to run with me all too often!).  Start at the IM bldg on campus.  Run down University all the way to Atherton.  Make a right onto Atherton.  Follow Atherton all the way to Park Ave.  Park Ave. to University and back to your car/bike/moped/whatever.  This is approximately 6 miles. 

Turn the above run into a “Tempo run” by increasing your mile pace by 5-10 seconds per mile as you progress through the run.  Or run with a friend and take turns setting the pace.  Run with a group, all in a line.  Let the leader set the pace for 5 minutes.  Then, the person in back sprints to the front and sets his/her pace for 5 minutes.  Continue throughout the run maintaining a pace that keeps all of your panting! 

Whatever you do, make running fun.  When it starts to be a chore, switch things up.  Take a few days off.  Swim instead, or go for a bike ride.  Heck, just take it easy.  Eat a few potato chips.  Our bodies do need rest and recovery. 

And whatever you do, try not to focus on the pounds or calories.  Just enjoy running.  Try to become a better runner, a stronger athlete, someone with more drive and determination.  If you’re forcing yourself to put in 6 miles a day or stay on the treadmill until it says you burnt 800 calories, ultimately you’re going to hate running.  Have fun with it and I promise you the weight will come off, if that is indeed what you’re trying to achieve. 

If any of you want some insight on more of my favorite runs through Toftrees, Park Forest, Bear Meadows, Bellefonte, Fisherman’s Paradise, (I have a ton) please drop me an email and I’d be happy to provide you with more information. 

Run on!!!  Bike on!!!  Swim on!!!  Whatever you do, live on!!!

Jen  

June 16, 2010

What I’ve learned this week is that planning a wedding is far from fun!  (Did I actually write that??!!)  From the endless phone calls to the shock of appreciating how much it costs to feed 300 people (not considering all other costs required of a wedding: alcohol, transportation, a photographer, wedding cake, decorations, tables, chairs, linens, and that’s just the beginning)…Take note of “alcohol’s” location on this listJ I’ve had a rough week!  And to think, it’s only Wednesday!  I still need to book a church, secure a reception hall, and order invitations…   

Contrary to me, Brad’s having a blast with all of this “planning”.  He’s created multiple spread sheets detailing how much everything will cost from my hosiery to the honeymoon.  He’s an incredible wedding planner: full of all sorts of ideas for centerpieces, favors, music, and I could go on. Truly, I wish I had his energy.  He’s taught me what each color of rose represents, how to make a very inexpensive centerpiece using a circular slab of glass, a few rose pedals, some votives, and a few tea candles (all found for less than a few cents a piece on eBay), and he’s come up with some pretty awesome ideas for entertainment for our guests ─ Need I say mechanical bull? 

Yes, my dear friends, this is gonna be a hoedown!    

Ladies, how do you do it?  How do you have a nice wedding without spending so much money that you’re unable to afford to eat for the next 10 years?  And how do you find the time to plan such an event?  Heck, I’m off for the summer and even I can’t come up with enough time…or is it incentive that is missing?  Note to self, book honeymoon now…this should be motivation enough!    

You see, I’m very excited for the big day ─ just concerned about how we’re actually going to pull this all off…

My biggest problem is the size of my guest list. In all actuality, I suspect this really isn’t a “problem” per se, just a challenge to overcome when considering a venue large enough to fit all of these guests, and locating a caterer reasonable enough to feed them.  My family is huge.  Don’t get me wrong, I love having a big family, but, heck, I have 150+ guests not including anyone other than family!  And that doesn’t include Brad’s side at all.  Our not-so-inclusive guest list already exceeds 300 people, and there’s no room for cutting!! 

Brad and I decided it’s important for us to have as many family members and friends as possible at the wedding/reception so we’re opting for less when it comes to other things we don’t consider as important as our guests.  It’s hard determining what exactly these things are… 

Food is crucial to both Brad and me. We thought a BBQ buffet would be fun ─ an assortment of pulled pork, baked beans (that’s my favorite), mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, potato salad, grilled chicken, ribs, pasta salad, etc…oh my, I’m drooling already.  ETOH is required as well.  You see, someone wants a full bar for, say, 5 hours ─ minimum.  I suspect a good photographer is central.  And then there’s the dress…I want this to be perfect.

Any brides out there with any taste of wisdom and/or insight, I’d gladly take anything you’ve got.  Unlike many people I know, I have NOT been planning this day since I was a little girl.  I have no clue about the half of this…

You see, I didn’t know the “cupcake tower” was the latest trend in wedding desserts.  Nor did I know the definition of a votive, what a princess cut diamond is…Or (here’s the big one) what finger one wears her wedding band on.  This isn’t a joke. 

I suspect there should be an annual training on these trivial details.

Then again, I guess this is known as the “bridal expo” and/or “common sense”.       

And continuing with the random thoughts…

As you all know I’m not the most traditional of women, so just for fun, a little food for thought...Why is the bride’s family paying to get rid of their daughter?  If you follow tradition, the bride’s family pays for the wedding, correct?  But she takes the groom’s last name.  He “owns” her now.  Something doesn’t make sense here to me.  Please explain.

Wasn’t there some sort of tradition where the groom paid for the bride?  This makes more sense to me.  Especially if he thinks he’s going to “own” her. 

Oh wait, possibly that is the ring….

I’m far beyond confused.       

Once a date is set, I’ll let you all know.  For now, stay tuned for the latest wedding planning news…the location of our ceremony and reception.  Brad and I are looking at venues this weekend. 

This past Friday, May 28, I awoke to what I mistakenly thought was my phone’s alarm clock (even though I rarely set this) only to realize about a minute later when the obnoxious “you have a voicemail” sound rang that this wasn’t my alarm clock but rather a phone call…a rather important one I must say.  Jonathan Stephen Gasper had made his grand entrance into this world, indeed, a few weeks prior to his due date.  His birthday: Thursday, May 27, 11:48pm, 12 minutes before midnight.   

Both in their late 40’s, Kim and Steve had been patiently awaiting Jonathan’s arrival for over a decade. I never really heard the two of them speak of their desire to have children, but I strongly suspected it. Last Christmas break, despite the bitter air and snow, Kim insisted that my younger sister, Steph, and I visit her before she left to visit with her mom for the holiday.  I remember noticing her lack of eye contact when we entered her house. Out of sorts for her, she continued to look away from us as she frantically packaged gifts. She seemed timid, anxious, and then she blurted out the words, “I’m just going to say it…”  In that split second, I feared the woman we all grew to love might be terminally ill.  But then I heard the words, “I’m pregnant!”  She quickly bent down placing her hands on her head, and then her head between her knees. I had to hold back tears. This was the perfect Christmas gift.  The months passed quickly for me, and before I knew it I was sitting still, quietly savoring a slice of delicious cake, listening as Kim gave a speech thanking everyone for attending her baby shower.  “This has been a long time coming for us.”  In that moment, once again, I had to hold back my tears.  Kim and Steve had been waiting their whole lives for this moment. 

My older brother, Jeremy, and I met Kim sometime during high school cross country season 2005.  Jeremy and I were training for our first marathon.  We’d both been out of high school for awhile then, but our younger siblings, Joe and Stephanie, were members of her inaugural team at Bellefonte High.  Kim’s team that year consisted of a rowdy crowd of kids ─ all from great families, all with fun personalities, and all bound together by close friendships. Cross country had always been a fun sport at Bellefonte High, not too serious, coached by two crazy men.  Their unprompted humor, witty, often sarcastic comments, overall lack of seriousness, and ridiculous games: “Find Silk,” “Close your eyes while I drive you to an undisclosed location and find your way back to the school” made the sport something all team members looked forward to season after season. 

Yet, Kim was a serious runner.  She ran smart, trained hard, ate right, and didn’t screw off.  At least not during training runs.  I suspect this is why the position was offered to her ─ so that she could make runners out of Bellefonte’s best!  She came across as serious. She meant 100% business during workouts. She made the kids run hard, twice daily. There were no games to be played, and boys weren’t allowed to run with girls simply for the sake of scoring a hot date after practice.    

Well, of course the kids didn’t appreciate her good intentions.  In their minds, she was ruining the program!  But the truth is she loved the sport. Running was her life. And her husband’s too.  All she wanted for the kids was for them to perform well, excel in the sport and enjoy it. 

With all we heard about Kim (how evil she was, how much she made them run, in the heat, and humidity, without any water or breathing breaks) Jeremy and I figured it’d be fun to get to know her on a personal level, see who this woman really was.  So we invited her to run with us after church, go for a 17 or so mile run through the outskirts of Bellefonte.  Were we ever surprised to meet the woman whom we met!  After that day, we couldn’t believe a sly word spoken about her.  Her first impression proved she had a big heart. Conversation was fun throughout the run and afterward we planned on running again together soon.  She came to our first marathon, cheered us on, and showered us with countless goodies and a very kind card following. Soon enough, our families became friends.  Kim was notorious for coming over to our house just to visit the animals.  And Joe and Steph even grew a liking for her.  During the summer months, visiting Rita’s together on a bi-weekly basis was expected. Weekend winter Panera and/or Dunkin Donut stops were ritual following long runs.  While sitting inside one of these venues, either escaping the heat or sipping on hot chocolate begging to warm up, I had the honor of discovering Kim as the person she is.

This is a woman who loves her job. She’d do anything for her students and runners.  She’s an animal lover.  Probably Penn State’s biggest fan.  Heck the woman has been sending candy canes to the football team as a Christmas gift since the days of her youth.  She’s a heck of a runner.  Puts on a tough front but has a heart of gold.  When Jeremy died three years back, she practically moved into our house.  Every lunch break, she left school, drove to our house and sat with us, listened to us and cried with us.  Every night after work, she’d take us outside, just over to the barn or across town for ice cream.  Weekends were spent with us organizing a race in memory of Jeremy that August.  And all along, Steve was supportive of everything she did for our family. 

These are good people. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of a child, a gift they yearned to receive for far longer than a decade, than them. 

So, when I got that phone call and listened to Kim’s shaking voice, not surprisingly, goose-bumps traveled up my arms, down my legs and all the way into my toes. 

Little Jonathan truly is a gift from above.  Despite all the sadness in this world, in spite of all my doubts, hesitations and ambiguities, when I heard Jonathan Stephen had made it here into this world, safe and sound, I was assured a higher power had to have had his hand in this. 

On the same day Jonathan arrived, my boyfriend Brad’s younger brother’s wife gave birth to their first child as well, a baby girl: Natalie Rya. She made her entrance on the date of their 3 year anniversary of marriage.  It was an uneventful delivery in the sense that all went well, and from accounts better than expected, but an eventful delivery in the sense that through the pain and the tears came a new life into this world ─ one who, like every one of us, has the potential to do great things.

Brad’s mom had wanted a baby girl. She never did deliver a girl, but now she has a beautiful grand-daughter, one I’m sure she’s already fallen in love with. 

So to Natalie and Jonathan, no matter what curves life might throw your way, may you always see sunshine over gray skies and rain. Although I hope they are, I suspect like all of us, your lives will not be without challenges. Some days will seem better than others. Some years will last longer than most. But never lose sight of what your parents did for you today. Today, on your birthday, they chose to bring you into this world, to give you a chance at what their parents offered them: LIFE.  It’s a good ride, no matter how you look at it. May you live every day of your life!  Wishing both of you a lifetime full of fond memories, good health, happiness, love and laughter.      

Now, for the family updates.  It wouldn’t be a Herbstritt’s blog if some random ridiculous occurrence wasn’t mentioned….

A barn burning down, a lawn mower blowing up, someone falling off of a barn roof, someone somehow falling through the ceiling of the house, a cow running loose, a moving truck flying over the bank (unaccompanied), a canoe flying off of a truck landing on top of another’s car….

No, none of these scenarios happened this weekend, yet, somehow my Dad (who should have the world’s record for finding himself involved in the absolute most bizarre, often bad luck, circumstances) was installing an at least 12+ foot wide barn door when it landed smack on his head.  The force of this blow detached the vitreous humor from the posterior chamber of his eye.  Although he’ll be seeing squiggles for the next few weeks, and looks like a pirate with his latest eye patch, his vision should be fine after a full recovery.

Outside of this, nothing truly crazy happened this weekend. 

We enjoyed “Spunky” burgers and hotdogs, potato salad, and baked beans after planting Jeremy’s annual garden, and my Mom and I made a trip up to St. Marys to visit the family where we enjoyed a hodgepodge of good food while visiting with a lawn-full of guests at my cousin’s graduation party.  It was a nice weekend.    

As it should have been…This past weekend marked Memorial Day ─ the almost official beginning to summer. Children everywhere are counting down the days left in the school year, if their school hasn’t yet dismissed for the year, and mothers are packing their children’s last few lunches for the year, anxiously awaiting a few jam-packed months of swimming, softball, camping, and summer vacations. 

But Memorial Day means much more than the end to a long school year. It’s a day to remember those have served and are serving our country, those who sacrificed the ultimate gift ─ their own life ─ those who chose to fight for our freedom when kicking back and enjoying a hamburger and beer might just have been a heck of a lot easier.  Let us not forget these great men and women as these hot summer days soon approach.  When caught complaining about the humidity or lack of food in the refrigerator, let us remember the stories our grandfathers told us when we were each younger, the realities our friends are currently living, and the fight so many have put up all solely for our freedom.  Let us strive each day to be more like these very fine men and women.  And most of all let us always appreciate them and what they’ve done for us!

I’ll never forget the stories my Grandpa told me of World War 2, nor will I forget the goose-bumps I felt, and the tears that were shed, as I watched a parade welcoming home bus-loads of Marines into my town, or how my heart sunk when I heard the news of the death of my high school classmate’s husband ─ a soldier.  I’ll forever for grateful for all of you, and all that you’ve given to me.  May your honor, good will, determination, selflessness, generosity and memory never be forgotten!  And may your families someday be able to find comfort in the memories they have of you.     

Last week I was complaining about the rain.  This week it's the heat, and humidity.  Good god...Is it ever hot!  And to think, I was just getting used to sleeping in past seven a.m. being that the school year has now come to an end (for me).  Being that I'm supposed to be training for an ultra-marathon (key words "supposed-to-be"), I won't be getting any long runs in if I'm not out the door by long before then. Good morning sunshine, hello black circles around eyes.  Heat, humidity, me and running: variables that don't mix well together.  Alyssa, Steph, and all my other running junkies out there currently basking in air-conditioning while entranced in the internet:  I'm sure you all can relate.     

Here in New Jersey, summer has arrived.  Not a single, solitary sign of spring remains.  Well, except maybe my memory of last week's torrential downpour leaking acidic rain through the stylish popcorn ceiling of my master bedroom, thanks to the wind that removed a few aged shingles off of the roof.  But even that isn't enough to remind me that last week spring 2010 was still in existence.  Here, summer has arrived in full bloom...with a vengeance in the mind of this crazy "runner."

I suspect I shouldn't be all so surprised.  As Catholic school (Ecclesiastes 3:1) and, I believe, Pete Seeger, once taught me: "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven."  Which brings me to my point in writing this entry…  

There are seasons to this life.  In the present moment, there are some (“seasons” that is) we can't wait to escape.  Others we wish would last evermore.  If only we could stay locked in these moments forever in time!  Take, for instance, the first time your eyes met lust.  As you stared deep into his (or her) eyes, you begged for the moment to never end.  But then came the nasty divorce, or maybe it was the in-laws, and you couldn't wait for the moment to end.  

The change in weather pattern throughout these past few days has reminded me of the seasons I’ve come across in this life.  Certainly, some have been more memorable (and admirable) than others. 

I must say, I’m happy my high school days are over.  As, I’m sure my parents would agree.  Spending hours on end picking out just the right outfit for the first day of school, only to realize my best friend was wearing the exact same thing.  So much for being unique!  And then there was the begging:  “But Mom, her parents are letting her go!!”  Oh the tribulations of those younger years!  (Yes, that’s sarcasm, my friend.)

And I’m glad graduate school is over as well.  Or am I?  It’d be nice to return to those days: days where my biggest worries were whether or not I’d scored a high enough grade on my final anatomy exam to earn an A in the course.

Each season we pass prepares us for the next.  Each obstacle we encounter makes us a wiser person.

At least this is what I’d like to hope.

A good friend of mine is soon to transition through a new chapter in her life.  Her husband as well.  This is a couple who yearned for children since long before they were wed.  Within the next three weeks (I anticipate), a few years shy of turning the big 5-0, these two incredible people will bring into this world a perfect baby boy.  Simply by good fortune.  A chapter of their lives will come to a close.  Yet, a new chapter will open.  Their days of darting out the front door to hit the pavement covered in snow for a peaceful, relaxing run, alone, are over.  Soon, Kim will be pushing a 20 pound stroller and infant, cautiously secured, ahead of her. Or will that be Steve?  Whoever it is, I suspect it doesn’t matter.  What does is that a new chapter is their life has arrived.  Another season has passed.  I couldn’t be any happier for them. 

My Dad’s lawn mower: somewhere between last week’s flames and explosion…its lawn mowing days are now over.  (Yes, the lawn mower blew up while my Dad was mowing grass.  No warning signs were given.  Thankfully, he is okay.)

My dining room: last week, it, as well, transitioned through a new phase in this life.  No longer will it be used for entertaining guests (if ever it was), but now its purpose is that of storing books.  Indeed, 2500 copies.  Someone was slightly overzealous in thinking she had the potential to transform her house into a distribution center.

Any day now, another good friend of mine will be giving birth to another remarkable baby boy or baby girl.  A new chapter in her life will begin.  A new season will spring. 

I wish for them and all of you transitioning through the seasons of this life that you always remember what is today will not necessarily always be tomorrow.  Last week it rained, today it’s hot as hell.  Heck, tomorrow it might snow.  Statistically, this is highly unlikely.  But whatever you’re struggling through today, may you have hope that tomorrow might be better. 

I’m going to hope I get the motivation to move this pile of books!