First off - thanks for the comments on the "trial run" video. Even though I fake ran, it was a good bit of effort to put together. But I aim to please (that's not true - I aim to entertain - I displease often) so I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Yesterday evening I went to the Hannaford Beach to Beacon training (remember, I'm kicking July's arse and stepping up the training). They did have food at the end as rumored (well, if you consider bananas and unbelievably hard seed crackers food) but my stomach was in no mood for any newcomers at the end of that run.

You see, I'd found a new addiction (yes, the Dunkin Donuts Turbos were cast aside).

For the past few weeks I've been all about the Monster:

Last night I decided to drink one right before heading out to the Back Cove.

Not smart.

We ran (or were supposed to run) 3.5 miles. I was approx. 1.5 into it when my insides revolted. I rarely get cramps when running (though I do get pains in my clavicle. Yes, my collar bone...is that weird?) but this was a cramp to end all cramps.

You know that movie scene (I recall it from "Maximum Overdrive") where a lizard-like alien that's been growing in someone's belly starts moving around - then aggressively rips through the person's skin trying to get out (then, perhaps, jumps on the bar and starts singing show tunes)? It felt like that.

It wasn't fun.

I had to walk a few times - but ultimately was able to run it in with a time of 40:something. According to my poor math skills, it was about a 11.5-minute mile.

Personally, considering I must have given birth to six lizard-aliens along the way, I think 40 minutes is just fine.