Dear Starbucks

Dear Starbucks,

I've been a fan since my days as a 16 year old barista.  Since the days when I got chubby eating nothing but pumpkin scones and full fat caramel frappuccinos - with whip.  I stood up for you when people said local coffee shops were better.  Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of other places that make a great vanilla latte, but I am a fan of consistency.  I like knowing what I'm going to get....that is, until last Thursday morning.

We were driving to SoCal from the bay area and stopped off at store #09489.  Somewhere along I-5.  The driver needed a LITTLE pick me up.  We aren't drip or americano people, so he ordered a caramel frappuccino light - hold the whip.  

This is what ended up in his cup - chunks of ice.  

Here's the thing.  There's no excuse.  Starbucks has done a great job making it easy to measure out the correct amount of frappuccino mix, ice and syrup.  When you don't have enough mix, too much ice and a crappy blender.  This is what you get.  And I was so annoyed I took a picture.

It happens.  I get it.  But when you are on a 6 hour road trip with a camera and a crappy frappuccino.....you get inspired for a blog post.

Sincerely,

Bryn

Currently alternating between ice and heat....

Back in January my friend, Kellie, convinced me to sign up for the Nike Women's Half Marathon.  I thought she was crazy....but here we are today....ice bag on my knee, but quite proud of myself.

Nick and I headed into the city to get registered and then spend the night (to avoid waking up too early on Sunday).

I did the obligatory carbo load at the Cheesecake Factory and Nick sympathy carbo loaded.  We also topped off dinner with some delicious red velvet cheesecake.  I recommend it to everyone.  It is absolutely incredible.  Layers of red velvet cake between cheesecake with cream cheese frosting.  So good.  

Ended up not sleeping very well, but Sunday morning came regardless.  Walked to Union Square around 6:40AM, ready to OWN the next 13.1 miles.

Here's the race course.  Very scenic, quite nice actually.  Except for all the hills.  See the elevation map below.

Yeah, see miles 6-7 and 8-9.  Haha, that was rough.  What's interesting, is I actually made really good time on the hills and slowed on the flat sections.  Go figure.  I started to want more hills....crazy I know.  The downhills are incredible.  It's like a freebie.  You go fast and you breathe totally normal.  I feel like I'm cheating.  And I pass so many people.  Feels so good.

Saw Nick, Kellie and Chris around mile 11.  They only had a few seconds to snap pictures (because I was running lightning fast), so they also got one of my back side.  But take a look at that calf muscle.  Don't mess with my left calf.

I actually had a decent amount of energy left by the time 12.5 miles hit, so I took some big strides coming into the finish.  I passed a lot of people and it felt really good....competitive spirit in me just wouldn't quit.  Felt very good to go through the finish line!

Upon finishing the race, we were greeted by firemen in tuxedoes holding silver platters with tiffany boxes! 

Found Nick, Kellie and Chris after finishing.  What great friends!

Next year we will both do it!  (Kelly and I....Chris wont be there because the Indians will be in the playoffs.....but if they are in the playoffs against Oakland, it could work).  Stay tuned.

It was actually a lot more fun than I thought.  I'm gonna give the ol' legs a few days to rest and then see what happens....but I think another race is somewhere in my future!  

***  And because so many people have asked, yes, I ran the entire way.  I slowed to a walk for about 5 seconds while sipping some gatorade - but I don't think that counts  ***  Honestly, it probably would have been harder to start running again, had I stopped.

Short Girl

I just thought I'd share this entertaining picture from a recent trip to Vegas.  I took off my shoes to make it more dramatic, but you get the idea.

What a week

Started off with a trip to Kansas City....for work.  Duh.  Not really an exciting town, but had some good BBQ.  

Lost my brand new ipod on the flight back.  Somewhere between Kansas City and Oakland.  I'm so pissed.  Grr.  

Saw RENT and it was AWESOME!  2 of the original cast members were in it.  Absolutely amazing.

Gave mochi a haircut - now he's a skinny naked puppy.

Saw UW squash Cal (in volleyball).  Then watched UW football win an amazing game against Arizona.  Incredible!

Ran 6 miles today.  Half marathon next weekend....wishing I hadn't lost my ipod.

Made 2 batches of rice krispy treats to take to work (and a few to leave at home).  Nick convinced me to put some chocolate/butterscotch topping on it.  

So we had the tv on for the husky game - thanks to the slingbox in Issaquah - and a pizza hut commercial came on.  The pizza guy rings the door bell to deliver the pizza....you've seen this, or something similar before, I'm sure.  So then Mochi jumps off the couch and stands right next to the door.  Bless his heart, he thought it was our doorbell.  We couldn't stop laughing.  He waited so patiently.  Then I held him to the window to show him.  Nobody there.  So sad.

If you can run 10, you can run 13.1

I missed the peak run last week, so I kicked my own ass with the marathoners and did 10 miles.  It was up hill for the first 5 miles, but that means down hill for the last 5.  It was actually easier than my 8 mile run a few weeks ago.  Weird.  My legs hurt.  And my knees.  Went to the hot pool, so hopefully it will feel better tomorrow.  

Nick and I saw Capitalism, the new Michael Moore movie.  Very interesting.  A bit thought provoking.  I recommend it.  

Wow, boring post.  I apologize.