50Ks and Cabernets ~ "I run for wine!"

Merry Christmas, Troy!

2011-12-23T12:23:00.001-08:00

For Christmas I signed us up for the "Way Too Cool" 50K (March 10, 2012) ~ which basically means we have exactly 76 days to get our $#1% together!

Weight: 148 lbs.

Miles Run: 0

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T06:51:00.000-08:00

3 mile Turkey Trot

Weight: 148 lbs.

Miles Run: 3

The JFK 50 ~ "You gotta check yourself, before you wreck yourself!"

2011-11-19T09:36:00.000-08:00

Only when it became abundantly clear that I was never going to finish the 50 mile run before the 11 hour cut-off, did I decide to quit and head back to town to get a "much-needed" facial.

Weight: 148 lbs.

Miles Run: 12

Body by Buster

2011-11-09T17:05:00.000-08:00

I just hired Buster (Cliff Long) to be my personal trainer. I told him I wanted to lose 20 lbs., and be able to run a 50K in less than 5 hours. We start tomorrow morning at 10:30 a.m. sharp!

Weight: 148 lbs.

Miles Run: 6

BP 170/110

2011-11-06T08:54:00.000-08:00

I had a very stressful week and didn't have time to run. My blood pressure at one point was 170/110 - not good. The doctor thinks it's all stress induced, and that I need to calm down. I have exactly 2 more weeks until the big race, so today I went out and did 10 miles. Right now, I feel pretty good, and most importantly, I feel pretty calm.

Weight: 151 lbs.

Miles Run: 10

If your "get up and go" has got up and went - grab yourself a hunk of cheese!

2011-10-27T10:04:00.000-07:00

Today I woke up with a 6 mile run on the schedule and absolutely no energy to do it, so I grabbed the only thing that was in the frig (cheese) and went to it!

Weight: 152 lbs.

Miles Run: 6

"Wine of the Weekend" ~ 2007 Educated Guess Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

2011-10-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

This is an excellent wine that offers rich, spicy pure Napa Cabernet flavors at a price where you can afford to buy a whole case - and we did!

THIS IS IT!

2011-10-21T12:51:00.000-07:00

No disrespect to the late Michael Jackson, but this really is it for me. Finally, the boxes are all unpacked, and I am fully recovered from my surgery... There are now only 25 days left until the JFK 50 Mile event. My new training plan is as follows: 25 days/ 25 lbs./ 25 miles (I figure, if I can run the first 25 miles up hill, then I can just roll the other 25 miles down hill). AND, more importantly than finishing this race, I want very badly to get back into my "skinny" jeans!

Weight: 154 lbs.

Miles Run: 3

I'm running out of time (and excuses....)

2011-10-05T08:01:00.000-07:00

Our cross country excursion was a huge success! Everyone had a great time, and all of our belongings arrived in Maryland safe and sound. For the past 2 months, we have been running back and forth from LA to Maryland packing and unpacking boxes. Also in that time, I planned a huge birthday party for Delaney, got both her and Drai registered for school, dance class, football and Cub Scouts, AND interestingly enough somehow managed to fit in a little visit to Dr. 90210 for a much needed "pick me up!" Needless to say, there's been no time to exercise. Still, I managed to lose 8 lbs. - which is great, but I still have a ways to go and this November 19th race is getting closer and closer.

Weight: 154 lbs.

Miles Run: 3

Just realized my life is a lot like "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride"

2011-07-25T08:09:00.000-07:00

Last night, we decided to move to Maryland - we leave in 3 days!

Weight: 162 lbs.

Miles Run: 0

The Training Plan

2011-07-11T14:55:00.000-07:00

Troy and I finally came up with my training plan - it's pretty much just 130 days of pure hell. I'm not sure yet if at the end of it I'll be able to complete a 50 mile run without stopping, but one thing I am sure of - if this doesn't take the "baby weight" off, nothing will! Of course, it's pretty easy to talk about a 130 day training plan while sippng champagne at the Bellagio pool - the real test will be tomorrow morning at 5:00 a.m.

Weight: 162 lbs.

Miles Run: 4

The JKF 50

2011-06-10T17:35:00.000-07:00

When most people find themselves 32 lbs. overweight, they go on a diet and join a gym. But not me, I just ordered a pizza, poured myself a glass of wine, and registered for the JFK 50 Mile Memorial Run which will take place on November 19, 2011.

Weight: 162 lbs.

Miles Run: 4

I'mmmm Baaaack, and look who I brought with me!

2011-06-09T08:22:00.000-07:00

Olivia - The most beautiful baby in the world, and #1 reason why I'm now 32 lbs. overweight!

Weight: 162 lbs.

Miles Run: 0

OMG!

2010-07-15T09:15:00.001-07:00

Nothing like a positive pregnancy test to de-rail your marathon training schedule.... I don't even know what to say except, "bring on the brownies!" And since I don't see any 50Ks or Cabernets in my immediate future, I'll take a break from the blog for now, but look forward to seeing you all back here in 9 months!

Weight: 139 lbs.

Miles Run: 0

Just got back from a week long trip to the Gulf of Mexico

2010-07-13T09:35:00.000-07:00

I took Drai & Delaney down to Destin, FL to meet up with my friend Dana and her daughter, Fiona. It was a great trip, but unfortunately my running shoes never made it out of my suitcase, and I gained 5 pounds....

Weight: 139 lbs.

Miles Run: 0

"Wine of the Weekend" ~ 3 bottles of red & 3 bottles of white (it was dark, so who knows who was drinking what...)

2010-07-11T18:01:00.001-07:00

Roar & Snore

2010-07-03T03:19:00.000-07:00

Tonight, we're camping out at San Diego's Wild Animal Park with our friends the Gabriellis & the Anslows ~ I'm in charge of bringing the wine!

Weight: 136 lbs.

Miles Run: 6

Dr. 90210

2010-06-29T16:18:00.000-07:00

Today, I went and saw the man himself. He said I need a lift - no surprise there...

Weight: 135 lbs.

Miles Run: 5

"Wine of the Weekend" ~ 2008 Newton Canyon Chardonnay, Rosenthal Estate, Malibu

2010-06-28T09:01:00.000-07:00

Not at all like your usual California, and yet still a very elegant and medium bodied wine, which exhibited nuances of pear, apple, and lemon ~ the perfect compliment to our beach bbq with the Halls.

more like "whine" of the weekend

2010-06-26T07:20:00.000-07:00

Delaney has offically entered the "terrible two's" - God help us all...

Weight: 135 lbs.

Miles Run: 5

Having cocktails at the Casa del Mar with Troy

2010-06-25T12:13:00.000-07:00

Weight: 135 lbs.

Miles Run: 5

The Santa Barbara Zoo

2010-06-23T06:46:00.000-07:00

Today, Anita and I are taking all the kids for a little field trip up to the Santa Barbara Zoo.

Weight: 136 lbs.

Miles Run: 5

"Wine of the Weekend"

2010-06-22T19:24:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, we crashed a party at the Calamigos Ranch ~ I have no idea what we were drinking, but it was good, and we sure had fun! "Happy Father's Day Troy!"

Drai's last day of 1st grade

2010-06-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

My baby's not a baby anymore...

Weight: 134 lbs.

Miles Run: 5

Having lunch with Brooke at Geoffrey's

2010-06-17T14:37:00.000-07:00

Weight: 134 lbs.

Miles Run: 5

at The Neil George Salon in Beverly Hills

2010-06-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

Weight: 136 lbs.

Miles Run: 5

Sting @ The Hollywood Bowl

2010-06-15T10:25:00.000-07:00

Weight: 136 lbs.

Miles Run: 5

"Wine of the Weekend" ~ 2002 Semler Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Malibu

2010-06-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

Soldiers storming the beach in Malibu!

2010-06-13T09:36:00.000-07:00

Today, our old friends - the Hogans, came over for a little beach bbq ~ good times... good times!

Weight: 136 lbs.

Miles Run: 5

Spring Cleaning!

2010-06-11T07:45:00.000-07:00

"out with the old ~ in with the new"

Weight: 136 lbs.

Miles Run: 5

Date Night

2010-06-10T16:30:00.000-07:00

Weight: 136 lbs.

Miles Run: 5

Another 5 the hard way....

2010-06-08T07:37:00.000-07:00

I know it doesn't sound like much, but running 5 miles in the sand is the hardest work-out ever! The plan now is to do all my training runs in the sand so that when I get to San Francisco, running 26 miles on asphalt will feel like I'm skipping down the yellow brick road.

Weight: 138 lbs.

Miles Run: 5

Wine of the Weekend" ~ 2008 Woodstock Black Widow, Cielo Wineyards, Malibu

2010-06-07T12:58:00.000-07:00

Cielo wine + charity live auction + Troy with limitless credit card = financial disaster

Heading down to San Diego for a playdate, just like the good ole' days....

2010-06-04T07:52:00.000-07:00

Weight: 138 lbs.

Miles Run: 6

PTA Meeting

2010-06-03T07:24:00.000-07:00

I'm not exactly sure how it happened, but meet the new "Webster PTA Fundraising V.P." Actually, I'm excited - I get to be in charge of planning next year's charity auction event.

Weight: 138 lbs.

Miles Run: 5:

Too much junk in the trunk...

2010-06-02T15:19:00.000-07:00

OMG ~ today I really felt that 6 lb. weight gain. I was tired, sluggish, and totally unmotivated. If I am seriously going to run a marathon in July, I need to drop 10 lbs. pronto!

Weight: 138 lbs.

Miles Run: 5

Just registered for the San Francisco Marathon

2010-06-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

There are only 55 training days left ~ but that's okay, I have a plan.....

Weight: 138 lbs.

Miles Run: 4

I'mmmmm Baaaaaack!

2010-05-31T07:50:00.001-07:00

Due to forces beyond my control (non-stop partying), I have been out of commission for the past 3 weeks. During this time, I have basically been living out of a suitcase, eating out every night, and not running at all. Today, all that that stops, and I am back on track.

Weight: 138 lbs.

Miles Run: 6

"Wine of the Weekend" ~ Francis Ford Copella's Diamond Collection

2010-05-17T18:07:00.000-07:00

We sampled the entire Diamond Collection ~ a Claret, a Chardonney, a Malbec, a Merlot, a Zinfadel, a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Pinot Noir, & a Pinot Grigio. Yes, it was just one of those days!

Petco Park (San Diego) Padres vs. Dodgers

2010-05-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

In keeping with Drai's goal of visiting all 32 major league ballparks (to not only see who has the best stadium, but to also see who has the best hot dog), we're heading down to San Diego this weekend for the Padres vs. Dodgers game.

So far, we've been to Dodgers Stadium (Los Angeles Dodgers), AT&T Park (San Francisco Giants), Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Baltimore Orioles), Yankees Stadium (New York Yankees), CitiField (New York Mets), and now Petco Park (San Diego Padres). This summer we plan to hit the Oakland A's, the Chicago White Socks, the Chicago Cubs, the Washington Nationals, and hopefully, the Florida Marlins.

Weight: 134 lbs.

Miles Run: 5

Just did 5 the hard way!

2010-05-13T07:48:00.000-07:00

In the dark! In the sand! In the nude! Well, barefoot that is...

Weight: 136 lbs.

Miles Run: 5

laundry, laundry, laundry!

2010-05-12T12:24:00.000-07:00

Today, I am up to my eyeballs in laundry, so I am allowing myself one more day to get things organized. However, tomorrow morning, bright and early, I am back on it big time! This 6 lbs. weight gain is upsetting, eventhough I am suprised it wasn't more....

Weight: 138 lbs.

Miles Run: 0

I'm exhausted!

2010-05-11T11:55:00.000-07:00

After 7 days of never-ending restaurants, night clubs, shopping, crazy cab rides, and random 2 a.m. visits to Katz's Deli.... Man, I love New York, but it's obvious I'd never survive there!

Weight: 138 lbs.

Miles Run: 0

LAX to JFK

2010-05-04T05:20:00.000-07:00

Suitcases all packed and heading to New York for the week. And even though I've packed my running shoes, let's be honest - they'll never make it out of the bag. Whatever! You only live once, and this week is going to be blast!

Weight: 132 lbs.

Miles Run: 0

"Wine of the Weekend" ~ 2003 Sterling Vineyards Merlot, Napa Valley

2010-05-03T18:41:00.000-07:00

In my opinion, it wasn't quite worth $30, but it was classy, cool and subtle, with generous hints of ripened berries, cream, spice and dried herbs. It was pretty substantial for a merlot, and with its silky texture, it was the perfect pairing with the chocolate cupcakes we had last night.

Greystone Mansion, Beverly Hills

2010-05-03T14:01:00.000-07:00

At the last minute, we decided to bail on the O.C. Marathon and run to Beverly Hills for an elegant garden party instead. Of course along the way I had to ditch the running clothes, buy a dress, and raid the cosmetics counter at Neiman Marcus, but I honestly do not think by looking at us that anyone could tell that we ran 13 miles to get there.

Weight: 132 lbs.

Miles Run: 13

This Weekend's "TO DO" List

2010-04-30T06:37:00.000-07:00

Weight: 132 lbs.

Miles Run: 0

6 at 6

2010-04-28T09:05:00.000-07:00

Today I got up at 6:00 a.m. and ran 6 miles. Unfortunately, I did not make it home before "the sun" was up, but I did make it home before "my son" was up ~ so all in all, still a very productive morning.

Weight: 132 lbs.

Miles: 6

5 at 5

2010-04-27T07:42:00.000-07:00

Today I was up and out of the house by 5:00 a.m., ran 5 miles, came back, took a shower, and got ready, all before the sun even came up. It was awesome, and totally exhilarating! I feel like there is nothing I can't do today!

Weight: 132 lbs.

Miles Run:. 5

At REI buying a flashlight and thick wool gloves

2010-04-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

You'd think I was getting ready for an upcoming camping trip, but no, I'm just getting ready for tomorrow morning's run. I've given up on trying to figure out how and when I am going to be able to fit a 6 mile run into my already full day. So, from now on, all my runs (whether it's a 2-miler or a 20-miler) will be done before the sun comes up.... of course I can't always guarantee there will be time for a shower afterwards, but at least the run will be done.

Weight: 134 lbs.

Miles Run: 4

Delaney's Butterfly Garden

2010-04-22T13:31:00.000-07:00

In honor of Earth Day, Delaney and I planted a garden specifically designed to attract, feed, and house butterflies. We even had our first guest - he seemed to really like the milkweed, so hopefully he'll go back and tell all of his friends about us. We want to get more, but so far we've planted jasmine, sage, marigolds, lavender, cosmos, salvias and milkweed. Surprisingly, Delaney was even quite helpful ~ "Happy Earth Day" Everybody!

Weight: 132 lbs.

Miles Run: 4

"Wine of the Weekend" ~ 2007 Insolglio del Cinghiale, Campo Di Sasso, Italy

2010-04-19T14:22:00.001-07:00

Mi piace davvero!

"Happy Birthday" to me!

2010-04-18T08:42:00.000-07:00

Today, I am spending my 42nd birthday at the happiest place on earth ~ Neiman Marcus! Thanks Troy, Mom, Drai, Delaney & Julie! Oh, and you too Ralph Lauren!

Weight: 132lbs.

Miles Run: 6

At the DMV renewing my driver's license, and for the first time ever I am not going to lie about my weight ~ it is, what it is!

2010-04-15T10:02:00.000-07:00

Weight: 132 lbs.

Miles Run: 4

"Wine of the Weekend" ~ 2005 Duckhorn Merlot, Napa Valley

2010-04-13T10:47:00.000-07:00

We drank a lot of wine this weekend, but this is only one that sticks out in my mid. It was really good! At least I think it was good, I don't remember much....

At the Bellagio ~ Las Vegas, Nevada

2010-04-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

After a long, but fun weekend of drinking, shopping, eating & gambling, it's time for a little R&R ~ If you need me, I'll be at the pool.

Weight: 132 lbs.

Miles Run: 0

Woke up this morning to find that the race results from this past Sunday's 50K were posted.

2010-04-07T11:27:00.001-07:00

As I scrolled down the names and found myself near the top (#1 in my age group, #2 out of all the females, and #9 overall), it suddenly occurred to me ~ "I'm one bad ass bitch!" Sorry, I'm a little full of myself today..... Anyway, now we're off to Vegas for the weekend to celebrate!

Weight: 133 lbs.

Miles Run: 0 (I'm still recuperating)

"Wine of the Weekend" ~ 2005 Souverain Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley

2010-04-05T16:42:00.000-07:00

This is one of the many bottles of wine we drank in Colorado, and by far our favorite. Rich with aromas of roasted coffee, black cherry, and blackberry and full of flavors like vanilla, bittersweet chocolate and baking spices - the perfect pairing with a wild game dinner like elk (which is what we had).

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T06:18:00.000-07:00

After being snowed in at Beaver Creek, Colorado for almost a week, I got home last night just in time to put the kids in bed, make the Easter baskets, and hide all the eggs. I got 3 hours of sleep, and now I'm off to run a 50K. "Happy Easter" everybody ~ enjoy this glorious day!

Weight: 136 lbs.

Miles Run: 32 (50K)

Beaver Creek, Colorado

2010-03-26T20:40:00.000-07:00

This ski trip is going to be great for the family, but devastating to my training. There are only 10 training days left until the 50K, so it looks like I'll be spending some time on "dreadmill" this week.

Weight: 132 lbs.

Mile Run: 6

"Wine of the Weekend" ~ pretty much anything we could get our hands on....

2010-03-25T19:22:00.001-07:00

This week I went back to Maryland to help bury my best friend's mother. The sadness we felt all week was overwhelming, so needless to say, we pretty much drank whatever we could get our hands on. From $70.00 bottles of Cakebread, to $7.00 bottles of Kendall-Jackson, we did what we had to do to get through it.

The Los Angeles Marathon (5:09)

2010-03-21T05:20:00.000-07:00

Never thought I'd be saying this, but today's 26.2 miler was just a "training" run for me.

Weight: 128 lbs.

Miles Run: 26.2

St. John's Hospital Emergency Room (3:00 a.m.)

2010-03-20T10:07:00.000-07:00

Drai woke up in the middle of the night burning up with fever and barely able to breathe. We rushed him to the hospital where they give him some kind of breathing treatment, and immediately he felt better. Turns out, the poor little guy has a bad case of the croup. It's been a rough couple of days, and I haven't run since Wednesday.... Nothing like a sick child to throw off your training schedule, but when your baby's ill, nothing else in the world matters.

Weight: 128 lbs.

Miles Run: 0

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2010-03-17T23:12:00.000-07:00

12 bars, 12 beers, 12 miles ~ good times, good times!

Weight: 132 lbs.

Miles Run: 12

At home, snuggled up on the couch with "my main man" Drai, watching the Star Wars Trilogy.

2010-03-16T08:21:00.000-07:00

Troy is out of town again on business, so I am trying to take advantage of the situation by spending some one-on-one time with the kids, and since there is no running in my forecast for the next few days, I might as well go ahead and enjoy it completely.... "Bring on the popcorn ~ extra butter & salt please!"

Weight: ??? (get that scale away from me!)

Miles Run: 0

"Wine of the Weekend" ~ 2002 Cuvee Perrier-Jouet Fleur de Champagne

2010-03-15T07:59:00.000-07:00

At Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills sipping champagne and shoe shopping with Brooke & Karen ~ Girls, "if the shoe fits, buy it!"

In Beverly Hills having lunch with Karen and then meeting Brooke for a little shoe shopping.

2010-03-14T19:22:00.001-07:00

Afterwards, I am running 10 miles back to Malibu ~ stopping to tan and get my nails done along the way... Hey, at least I have my priorities straight.

Weight: 132 lbs.

Miles Run: 10

Just registered for the Leona Divide 50 Mile Run ~ April 17, 2010

2010-03-13T08:54:00.000-08:00

Weight: 133 lbs.

Miles Run: 6

Eating apple turnovers while watching "The Biggest Loser"

2010-03-11T10:50:00.001-08:00

Weight: 134 lbs.

Miles run: 8

At "Sunset Tan" on Sunset Blvd.

2010-03-10T17:40:00.001-08:00

"If you can't tone it, tan it" ~ that's my new motto.

Weight: 134 lbs.

Miles Run: 6

"Wine of the Weekend" ~ 2006 Clos Du Val Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

2010-03-09T18:10:00.000-08:00

This is one of the wines we requested be served at Delaney's birthday party last summer at The Beverly Hills Hotel. It's good ~ it's really, really good.

Malibu Creek 25K

2010-03-07T16:11:00.000-08:00

Today, I woke up with the worst hang-over ever! But, instead of eating greasy fried food and laying on the couch all day, I got up, drove to Malibu Creek State Park, stripped down to my underwear and swam across the creek, then put my clothes back on, and ran 25 kilometers up, down and over the Santa Monica Mountains. Now, that's how to cure a hang-over. CAUTION: Do not try this at home ~ I'm a professional.

Weight: 132 lbs.

Miles Run: 16

On the phone with an old friend from high school while icing down my swollen ankle after a 14 mile training run.

2010-03-02T09:35:00.001-08:00

Even though I'm a little disappointed that I am "injured," I have to admit the timing is perfect - with my mom leaving today, and Troy not getting home until Saturday, it's probably for the best anyway that I take it easy on the running for a few days and rest up for this weekend's 25K.

Weight: 133 lbs.

Miles Run: 14

"Wine of the Weekend" ~ 2005 PlumpJack Merlot, Napa Valley

2010-03-01T13:33:00.000-08:00

My mom and I have been on a Merlot kick for the past few days, and this is one of the nicer Merlots we had all week. I wish I had some fancy pants terms like “exhibits loads of black cherries, currants, chocolate, mocha, and caramel, ” but I don’t. We just liked it, and so will you. This is my mom with Drai and Delaney last summer at the PlumpJack winery in Napa Valley.

Welcome to Beautiful Downtown Burbank.

2010-02-28T19:05:00.000-08:00

Today, I ran from Beverly Hills to "The Tonight Show" studios in beautiful downtown Burbank.

FYI: it's exactly 18 miles from heaven to hell. Sorry Jay, you're a nice guy and all, but I'm with Coco!

Weight: 133 lbs.

Miles Run: 18

Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto!

2010-02-23T07:20:00.001-08:00

My husband just left for Japan - he'll be there for the next 2 weeks on business, which is going to make my running very difficult since he is usually the one who watches the kids while I go for my runs.... Fortunately, my mom is coming out this weekend, so I'll be able to do my long on Sunday, but it still leaves me with having to take Delaney in jogging stroller for today's 4 miler, tomorrow's 6 miler, and Thursday's 3 miler ~ Uggh!

Weight: 139 lbs. (not good, but like I said, totally worth it!)

Miles Run: 4

"Wine of the Weekend" ~ 2004 Trinchero "Main Street Vineyard" St. Helena Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

2010-02-22T12:42:00.000-08:00

If you are a Cabernet Sauvignon fan you can pretty much pick up any vintage from 2004-2006 Napa and be sure it’s going to be good. Here’s a 2004 from St. Helena that we enjoyed this weekend. I can’t find the price, but I’m sure it was under $40.00.

Stuck in traffic, driving back from Big Bear, wolfing down a large order of McDonald's french fries and a diet coke ("Supersized")!

2010-02-21T19:17:00.000-08:00

As much as I am not looking forward to stepping on the scale tomorrow morning after this weekend's "feeding frenzy," all I can say is: no matter what it says, it'll be worth it ~ we had fun!

Up at Big Bear Mountain with our friends, the Gabrielli's.

2010-02-19T07:34:00.000-08:00

There will be a lot of things going on this weekend, but running will not be one of them.

Weight: 134 lbs.

Miles Run: 0

Waazzaaabi

2010-02-18T07:17:00.000-08:00

Heading out to run from my house in Malibu to "Katana" on the Sunset Strip ~ 16 miles door to door. It's crazy, the lengths that some people will go to for good sushi!

Weight: 135 lbs

Miles Run: 16

Happy Anniversary Troy!

2010-02-17T15:15:00.000-08:00

9 years ago today, I married the love of my life at the Say "I Do" Drive-Thru in Las Vegas, Nevavda. Happy Anniversay Troy ~ "laissez les bons temps rouler!"

Back at "Hot Dog on a Stick" for a fresh squeezed lemonade.

2010-02-16T11:28:00.000-08:00

Yay, they're open! Nothing better after an 8 mile run.

Weight: 134 lbs.

Miles Run: 8

"Wine of the Weekend" ~ 2006 Franciscan Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

2010-02-15T07:05:00.000-08:00

This was not only our "wine of the weekend," but it's pretty much our wine of every weekend ~ we call it our "house wine." I’ll make it simple for you – if it says 2006, Napa and Cabernet, Buy It! Doesn’t matter if it costs $5.00 or $500.00 it’s gonna taste fabulous. We found this wine on sale at Ralph's for 30.00, but it usually sells for $60.00. On our last trip to Napa, we visited The Franciscan Winery and bought it by the case.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T18:09:00.000-08:00

For Valentine's Day, my husband dropped me off on the side of the road in West Hollywood and told me to run home to Malibu (14 miles). He said he'd have dinner and a bottle of wine waiting for me when I got here ~ how's that for motivation! Happy Valentine's Day Troy - I love you too!

Weight: 135 lbs.

Miles Run: 14

I need a drink!

2010-02-12T16:37:00.000-08:00

Just ran all the way from my house in Malibu to "Hot Dog on a Stick" at the Santa Monica Pier (7 miles) for a fresh squeezed lemonade. However, when I got there, they were closed. BASTARDS!

Updating my IPOD

2010-02-11T17:18:00.001-08:00

Today, I brought my IPOD along for the run to help break up the monotony... it must have worked, because at one point I looked down and realized I wasn't running anymore ~ I was dancing!

Weight: 136 lbs.

Miles Run: 4

Back home having a much needed glass of wine after a long, and very boring 7 mile run.

2010-02-10T19:32:00.000-08:00

Man, more than anything I did not want to run tonight, but I knew that my 3 faithful blog followers would be very disappointed in me if I didn't, so I did it for them. Thanks guys ~ whoever you are!

Weight: 136 lbs.

Miles run: 7

Santa Monica Pier (5:00 a.m.)

2010-02-09T14:05:00.000-08:00

Just ran 4 miles on the beach in the pitch dark with only the moon, the stars, and the lights from the ferris wheel to show the way. Yeah, that was pretty cool!

Weight: 136 lbs.

Miles Run: 4

"Wine of the Weekend" ~ 1996 Estate Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

2010-02-08T09:34:00.000-08:00

In the glass the wine is a dark garnet color. The aromas are complex and display the intense cabernet varietal characters of leather, briar, cassis, earth, and oak. In the mouth there is an initial sweetness in the entry as the fruit opens fully ~ lots of jam, ripe cassis, with plenty of soft, nice tannin and tons of extract. With this much bottle ageing it took a little time for it to fully open up, but it tasted great right out of the gate. Delicious. Of course, at $100.00 a bottle, it should be.

Rose Bowl Half Marathon (2:40)

2010-02-07T18:30:00.000-08:00

I had a great time out there sloshing around the muddy washed-out hills of Pasadena! Might need to pick up the pace a little though - at one point I was going so slow it looked like I was running in place.

Weight: 137 lbs.

Miles Run: 13.1

Back at Temescal Canyon (5:00 a.m.)

2010-02-05T13:53:00.000-08:00

With Rob Zombie pounding in my ears, I run 5 miles in the pouring rain. I pass a guy who looks just like Matthew McConaughey. He gives me a thumbs up. It's official: I'm hardcore!

Weight: 137 lbs. ~ not bad considering the late night trip to Taco Bell. What, you don't think they had burritos back in caveman times? (jk) Obviously, that diet didn't last long....

Calories: ??? I stopped counting after 2,500. Enough with the calorie counting anyway - it's annoying! I was just trying to prove my point, that as long as you move your body and burn off more calories than you take in, you'll lose weight. Now that's so easy to follow even a "caveman" could do it!

Miles Run: 5 ~ I have to say, I'm feeling pretty good about this run, especially coming off yesterday's 10 miler.

At Damone Roberts in Beverly Hills.

2010-02-04T08:37:00.000-08:00

Just had an eyebrow & bikini wax, and now I am about to run 10 miles back home to Malibu.

Note to Self: In the future, get the bikini wax after your run, not before! UGGHH

Weight: 137 lbs.
Calories: 1,700
Miles Run: 10

At Whole Foods Market stocking up on lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, wild caught fish and free-range chicken for Troy's new "Paleolithic Diet"

2010-02-03T09:26:00.000-08:00

It's a diet that a lot of endurance athletes are following. Supposedly, it's so easy to follow even a "cavemen" could do it..... Just to be on the safe side though, I think I'm gonna grab a few DiGiorno pizzas on the way out.

Weight: 137 lbs.
Calories: 2,000
Miles Run: 4

Just joined the "Daily Mile" Club

2010-02-02T13:17:00.000-08:00

It's just like Facebook, but for athletes. It's pretty cool, you should check it out ~ www.dailymile.com

Weight: 138 lbs.
Calories: 2,300
Miles Run: 4

In the closet, holding my breath, as I attempt for the 3rd time to zip up my skinny jeans... OMG ~ these things are tight!

2010-02-01T12:36:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess that's what happens when you don't exercise and eat whatever you want all weekend. Man, that is so messed up!

Weight: back up to 139 lbs.
Calories: 1,900
Miles Run: 4

"The Wine of the Weekend" ~ Layer Cake 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

2010-01-31T18:54:00.000-08:00

This most definitely was the "wine of the weekend." A 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, with medium red ruby color and a fun label. Aromas of blackberry, cedar and tobacco, with hints of chocolate and coffee - it's dessert in a glass (just not as sweet). These are our friends, Doug and Laura. At the beginning of the evening, they were die hard Chardonnay fans, but by the end Troy and I had successfully turned them to the dark side.

Temescal Canyon (5:00 a.m.)

2010-01-29T08:06:00.000-08:00

It's still dark, and the sun is just coming up over the horizon... As I begin stretching, I envision myself on the cover of Runner's World magazine. The caption reads, "After a brisk 10-mile morning run, ultra-marathon running sensation Stephanie Schmelzer enjoys a healthy breakfast."

But as I attempt to jog my dinky 4 miles down the Marvin Braude Bike Path, here's what the caption should say: "After an unpleasant 50-yard trot, 41 year old housewife Stephanie Schmelzer feels the need to slink home and eat the left over cold pizza from last night, and cry."

Except instead of leaving in defeat, I manage to run/walk the full 4 miles as briskly as possible under the circumstances.

Weight: 137 lbs.
Calories: 2,200
Miles Run: 4

Standing in my Kitchen

2010-01-28T08:11:00.000-08:00

Okay, this is exactly why diets don't work. I'm outraged. One cup? I don't think so. This is most definitely not a serving of cereal. Here's my recommended serving: Take a large ceramic bowl. Fill to the brim with cereal. Add milk until a few cereal pieces spill over onto counter. (Eat those). Spoon cereal into mouth while staring at TV until bowl has been consumed and only a puddle of milk remain. Fill milk puddle with more cereal. Eat and repeat until there is no remaining milk. That, my friends, is a serving of cereal!

Weight: 137 lbs.
Calories: 2,500
Miles Run: 7

On the bathroom scale

2010-01-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

139 lbs. I'm ashamed. This is much worse than I imagined. Maybe the scale is broken?

Weight: 139 lbs.
Daily Calorie Count: 2,300
Miles Run: 5

Having lunch at Ivy at the Shore

2010-01-26T14:07:00.000-08:00

After scarfing down a ceasar salad, lobster ravioli, 2 glasses of Cakebread Chardonnay, and an entire bread basket, I counted up the calories and realized that I would need to run 50 miles to burn all that off, so I decided that is exactly what I am going to do.

Weight: unknown
Daily Calorie Count: God only knows
Miles Run: 0