madcity girl

One thing I’ve realized as I’ve grown older is that it becomes increasingly difficult to keep in touch with friends from high school and college. Of my five closest friends from high school, two friends live in Chicago, one in Arizona, one in California, and one Seattle. And everyone’s really busy. Therefore, it’s very difficult to get everyone together in one place at the same time. Lately, the only opportunity we’ve had to fully reunite is for weddings. Our first friend to marry off was Beth, in November 2007. And we’ve had a bit of a dry spell since then.

So it’s a good thing my friend Erin is getting married this September. We’re well over due for a reunion. And Erin found a keeper—his name is Tim, he’s a runner, and an all-around great guy. Needless to say, he quickly received the requisite friend approval.  So Erin and Tim now live in Scottsdale, and are planning a September wedding there, with the reception at the trendy (and mid-century modern!) Valley Ho resort. I’m very excited to celebrate Erin and Tim’s special day, to see their home in Scottsdale, and to catch up with my closest friends from high school. Erin and Tim’s wedding also happens to fall on the weekend after Ironman, so I’ll definitely be ready to cut loose and have some fun. I’ll be on the dance floor for sure.

So last month Erin came back to the Midwest for a bachelorette party/bridal shower extravaganza weekend. We were literally celebrating all over the place for 48 hours straight. All of my closest friends from high school were able to make the trip, except for our friend Katy, who lives in California. We started in Chicago on Friday afternoon with drinks in Wrigleyville, followed by dinner at Socca. From there, we enjoyed a night out on the town.

After a leisurely morning the following day, we drove to Milwaukee to continue the festivities. We met some of Erin and Tim’s family for dinner downtown at Luisa’s. Then we hit an Irish bar for drinks and more good times. I rarely go out one night a week, let alone two in a row, so I was definitely loosing steam by Saturday night. But we all rose to the occasion and had a great time.

After crashing at my parents’ house in Brookfield for the night, the next morning we headed to the lake home of Erin’s aunt and uncle (on Pine Lake), for a bridal shower hosted by her aunts. It was a very classy affair. The lake home itself was stunning—marble floors, beautifully wood-paneled walls, a mind-blowing kitchen, and lake views to die for. The food was equally impressive. I actually felt like I was in a Williams Sonoma catalog, or a movie…it was all just so unreal. I’ve never been to a bridal shower quite like that—it was really impressive. After lunch, Erin opened a seemingly never-ending pile of gifts before we said our sappy goodbyes and headed back to our respective homes.

It was weekend full of festivities and fun. I’m so glad I was able to celebrate Erin and spend time with some of my closest friends. And I can’t wait for our full reunion in September!

This week (June 6-11) marks the official Bike to Work Week in Madison, sponsored by the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin. Events include morning commuter stations, a bike parade, a bike-in movie, a bike commuter tips lunch, Ride the Drive, Planet Bike’s Bacon on the Bike Path, and a morning commuter ride with Mayor Cieslewicz. It’s a comprehensive and exciting array of activities designed to celebrate and encourage bicycle commuting in Madison.

What I’m most excited for, though, is tonight’s free screening of “Breaking Away” at the Barrymore Theatre. In case the sheer excellence of this is lost on you, “Breaking Away” won the Oscar in 1979, and centers around the famed Little 500 bike race at the Univeristy of Indiana. It’s the story of Dave, a recent high school graduate in Bloomington, who dreams of racing with an Italian cycling team. And let me repeat, the movie will be shown on the big screen. For those of you who have had the great opportunity to see this most excellent movie, how many of you can honestly say you’ve seen it on the big screen?

Before the movie, Monty’s Blue Plate Diner (conveniently located across the street from the theater) is transforming their parking lot into a “bicycling paradise” with free bike checkups by Revolution Cycles, and free tastings from Just Coffee Cooperative and Sassy Cow Creamery. Monty’s will grill burgers and veggie burgers in the lot for purchase.

Burgers. Ice cream. Free screening of “Breaking Away” on the big screen. I’m there.

I had the honor of running with my mom during her first half-marathon last weekend. My mom started running about two years ago at the age of 52 and her journey has been incredibly inspiring. A few months ago, she decided to sign up for the Madison half-marathon. I offered to run the race with her to provide support and company. In the days leading up to the race, my mom was very nervous and had difficulty sleeping. She relayed to me anxiously, I don’t know why I signed up for this thing! I tried to comfort her by explaining that she had put in the miles and was ready. And that we would have fun!

My parents drove into Madison early on Sunday morning. It was clear even then that it was going to be a scorcher. Forecasts called for highs in the upper 80’s. Just before 7am, it was already very humid and the sun was rising. We walked the few blocks from my apartment to the capitol. When we arrived at the square, my mom and I made a final trip to the bathroom. Then we hugged my dad, who planned to serve as our cheerleader/photographer, and lined up at the start. It was wall-to-wall people. Once the race began, it took a minute or two before we were able to even start moving.

My mom didn’t say much as we began jogging and I could tell she was taking it all in. There were many people lining the road cheering. Wow, this feels different being on the other side with people cheering for me, my mom observed. That, of course, melted my heart. For so many years, my mom had been on the sidelines cheering for my brother and me. Finally, she was on the inside and everyone was cheering for her. It as so neat to see her experience the fan support. When we came across the first official race photographer, she grabbed me and started waving furiously. It was as if she had dreamed of that moment for a very long time.

Both my mom and I needed to use the restroom again pretty much as soon as we started running. Apparently small bladders run in the family. Unfortunately, many others had the same idea, and there was a long line of runners waiting to use the Porta Potties at the first aid station. We opted to wait. At the second aid station, we joined a shorter line of runners (including two men entertainingly dressed in Ketchup and Mustard costumes in celebration of Brat Fest). Luckily, we got in and out pretty quickly and then grabbed some Gatorade and water from the aid station as we set off. Much better, we both sighed.

The heat continued to intensify. Next up was a stretch of steep hills along Observatory drive, which we predominately walked. Then we ran through campus and toward State Street. As we crossed State Street, my mom said she needed to walk again. She was struggling with the heat and some stomach issues. We saw my dad just after State Street and started jogging again. I think it was around that point that my mom told me she was not interested in running a half-marathon ever again. Maybe some shorter races, but no more half-marathons.

For the rest of the race, we alternated between walking and running. Many people were struggling in the heat. At around five miles, we witnessed a delirious runner begin to swerve and quickly collapse on the sidewalk. Those around her immediately ran to her side and spectators called 911 for help. Later in the race, we saw another runner being carted away on a stretcher. Throughout the morning, we heard the blare of ambulance sirens. Race officials later reported that everyone was safe, but it was scary then to observe just how much of an impact the heat was having on participants.

My mom’s favorite part of the race was running through the sprinklers and garden hoses thoughtfully positioned on the street by people whose houses lined the course. By the end of the race, my mom was soaking wet. The only advice I offered was for her to try to avoid getting her shoes wet. I knew from experience that wet shoes make for squeaky and uncomfortable running. And breeding ground for blisters. Other than that, I tried to let my mom do her own thing. We walked when she wanted to walk; ran when she wanted to run. I let her set the pace and tried to offer words of encouragement throughout.

My favorite memory from the race happened two miles out from the finish line, as we walked along Monona Bay. There was a woman spectaing from her front yard who cheered, Go runners! Then she looked at us and added, And walkers! My mom literally stopped in her tracks. Actually, we’re runners taking a walking break, she informed the woman matter-of-factly. I started cracking up. No you didn’t  just call my mom a walker. Needless to say, my mom will never live that one down.

Crossing the finish line with my mom was very special. We raised our hands together in the air with big smiles on our faces. We finished the race in 2:36:43. I’m so proud of my mom. She’s my hero. And the best part is, I don’t think her half-marathon days are over. As I suspected, she enjoyed the experience more than she thought and feels like she needs to try it again (under normal weather circumstances) to really see what she can do.

I like to think I’m a pretty simple girl with simple needs. I guess that’s why I was a bit hesitant when a group of co-workers recently suggested an evening social involving pedicures. I’d never had a pedicure. Which is apparently abnormal. But I take direction on such things from my mom. And I’m pretty certain my mom has never in her life even considered a pedicure. As a result, I’ve come to think of such things as unjustifiable extravagances. Thirty dollars for someone to buff my feet and paint my nails? Why? I can paint my own damn nails.

But my co-workers convinced me to give it a try. They said I would enjoy the experience. That the nail polish would last forever. And that my feet needed and deserved some pampering after so much running. They did have a point there—my feet were pretty broken and bruised following my recent ultramarathon. So in an effort to heal my feet and humor my co-workers, I agreed to book an appointment with the group at NAILS 4U. And yes, that’s really what it’s called.

One of my co-workers who is apparently a regular at Nails 4U (which I concluded as the staff referred to her as ”family”) led the charge once we arrived. The first step was to pick a nail polish color from a wall of tiny OPI bottles. There was an overwhelming array of pinks, reds, and purples. Although I usually gravitate toward darker colors, I opted for a bright orange that seemed to scream summer.

My co-worker Katie and I were up first. After filling a tub with hot water, the manicurist instructed me to submerge my feet. I soaked in the foot bath while the giant massage chair in which I sat gently kneaded my shoulders. The manicurist worked quickly and efficiently—almost robotically. She silently tapped each foot as she needed me to raise it out of the bath and onto a towel for her to work on. My friends laughed at my facial expressions throughout—which ran the gamut from apprehension to amusement to pain. The full pedicure involved the foot bath, removal of old nail polish, cuticle pushing, clipping, filing, buffing with a pumice stone, moisturizing creams and oils, a brief leg massage, and several coats of nail polish. Afterwards, I was instructed to move to a seat at the “drying table.” There, I sat back, relaxed, and caught up on trashy celebrity magazines as my two other friends began their pedicure.

The most painful part of the process was when the manicurist buffed my feet with a pumice stone—I grimaced in pain as she attacked calluses on my small toes caused from running. I was also amazed by how quickly she painted my toe nails—one coat on top of another with no drying time in between. It was like magic. So for $35 (including tip), I have perfectly polished toe nails and smooth, healthy feet. Would I do it again? Probably not. I can paint my own damn nails. And let’s face it, I’m a runner; my feet will never going to be smooth and flawless for long.

One of my favorite parts of Derby Day was the impromptu “photo shoot” we staged in the courtyard of my building. We had so much fun taking the pictures. I love how they turned out, and I especially like how much our colorful hats and outfits pop against the cream brick background. In my mind, these are the pictures we’ll turn to, to celebrate and remember Derby Day 2010.

It’s a well known fact that Derby Day is one of my favorite days of the year. Since first attending the Kentucky Derby with friends in 2005, I’ve been obsessed with all things Derby. Luckily, I had the chance to attend the Kentucky Derby again in 2008—and even scored front row seats for Friday’s Kentucky Oaks races that year. Sadly, I haven’t been able to get back to the Derby since. So I did what any derby lover far from Louisville would do—I threw my own Derby party, right here in Madison. Last year’s party was a huge succeess. My friends truly embraced the theme—the ladies sported big floppy hats, and the guys paraded in leisure suits. I made an elaborate dinner spread of Derby favorites, and served more than a few mint juleps.

But this year we’re taking things to the next level. I’ve been planning for months. My friends know what to expect. This time I’m hosting my party on the actual day of the Derby (as opposed to the night before). And I’ll be showing live footage from the big race (now there’s a novel idea). Last month, I sent out official invites designed by Linda Le Kinff, the 2010 Kentucky Derby commissioned artist. And I’m working on incorporating fun games and prizes into the party. The menu is still in the works—but will definitely include some favorites from last year, as well a few new dishes. In addition to the classic mint julep, I’ll also be serving bourbon slush. Most importantly, I’ll be sporting a new hat (sort of). One thing’s for certain…this year’s derby party won’t disappoint. Get excited for the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby. The most exciting two minutes in sports!

I realize I’ve been MIA. Even my family thinks so. This morning, my mom gently scolded in an e-mail, You haven’t e-mailed or blogged in a long time. Even Grandma is missing your blogs.

The thought of my grandma patiently checking my blog every day from her computer, only to find the same tired post makes me feel like I’ve let her down. And today is my grandma’s birthday. So here goes my comeback.

Keeping up with my blog has always been a priority, but sometimes life gets so crazy—you know how it goes. Sadly, this is the longest break I’ve taken from my blog since it’s inception in May 2007.

April is generally my worst month of the year in terms of workload at the office. Twelve hour days are routine and days off are not an option. Between my two jobs, I haven’t had a day off since April 10.  That coupled with training for my first ultramarathon has translated into nothing but working and running. But I’m not here to complain. The good news is that my work has been sucecssful. My training is coming along well. And my workload will become significantly more manageable after this Friday.

Finally. I can see a light at the end of the tunnel.

And to put it all into perspective, today I received one of those e-mails that helps me realize why I work as hard as I do. And why it matters.

Kristin,

I’d like to thank you very much for spending time with Elliot & myself last Monday. I truly believe, it was your enthusiasm that convinced Elliot that UW was the place for him. He went to the Post Office himself, to mail the deposit last Wednesday.

Thank you again,

Mrs. Bernstein

It’s a simple message. But it made my day. Hopefully I can do something to help make my grandma’s day special in some small way, too.

I’m glad to be back. Lots of cathing up to do here.

I have a thing for all things cycling—especially for small accessories that I can incorporate into my life when I’m not on my bike. There’s great beauty and intricacy in the the geometry and gearing of bicycles. And small accessories in my everyday life of course make me think of riding my bike—and there’s pretty much nothing I’d rather be doing than that. So I’ve gathered a collection of my favorites—everything from fun note cards to fine jewelry. All kinds of things to help keep cycling top of mind always—as it should be. Let me know if you have others to add to the mix! (left-right)

1. “i just want to ride bikes with you” T-shirt ($28)
2. Road Bike Business Card Holder ($12)
3. Bicycle Chain Bracelet ($15)
4. RIDE Letterpress Cards, set of 8 ($18.50)
5. Sterling Silver Bicycle Chain Plate Necklace ($42)
6. Let’s Rub Tires Card ($3.50)
7. Bottle Opener Key Chain ($7.50)
8. Timbuk2 Anna Tote Bag ($30)
9. Gold Bicycle Checkbook Wallet ($38)