#runningwithguts

[danielleruns]

Gosh

It is time for my annual check-in with the four people who still use Tumblr!

Feeling nostalgic this morning; its gray out and I'm listening to chill instrumental hip hop and finished writing to my counsellor. Running on caffeine and melancholy vibes today, riding the line of 'is this a panic attack or just the current horrific reality of existence'. I'm off work today. Yes, I'm still at Home Depot but now I'm the hardware supervisor so you could say I'm one Subaru away from being a full on stereotype. I've been in the city and at that store for two years now. I haven't explored much of the city in that time but I have really dug into Netflix and have bought a ton of books and have read very few. I do a lot of crossword puzzles and learned how to solve a Rubik's cube. I grew out of my summer shorts. I am learning to communicate my feelings and needs and an increase in self-awareness is leading to a surprising feeling of isolation and self-loathing, and resentment. I am tired a lot but usually just with myself now.

What else? We bought an orange car together. Our apartment is sketchy but affordable. I went to Poland to meet her mom in December and saw snow-covered mountains for the first time, and probably ate 100 pierogi. I met her brothers and they translated for me. They are all too far, I would love to know them better. I also had a hysterectomy, did I already tell you? In 2020, December, right in the height of what-the-fuck-is-happing-in-the-world. I was bleeding a ton and sleeping a lot, it turned out I had a pretty large (mini-watermelon) sized fibroid growing and STEALING a lot of my blood. The safest solution was to remove my uterus, which was really scary and kind of sad for me and I couldn't have visitors and a ton of people looked at my vagina which was interesting, but I am here now and I can finally donate blood which I did this month for the first time in years. That feels nice.

That's where I am at now. Kind of comfortable at my job in a leadership role-comfortable if I allow myself to be, which I am trying to for now. Happy to be with a person who sees me and helps me to grow and be my best self, and hopefully I do that for her too. Trying to be more self aware and to see moments for what they are instead of what was and what will be.

K. See you next year, probably.

[beachyrunner]

A Cool Canadian Guest Post by a Cool Canadian on a Cool Canadian Day

Hello, hi, it me, Dan.

Here I am. Beachy is pretty busy right now in Lexington, probably leading the resistance, or eating something with gravy on or adjacent to it, or fluffing her pillows for me to snuggle in with her and our dog and cat and husband real soon. Something like this, but add an uncomfortable Southern sir in: 

I am going to Lexington in March to see my Others and my heart is already warm with the kind of love that I will be surrounded by. It’s the kind of love that welcomes you into their home for a weekend having never met you. The kind that holds your hand in a new, strange place, and jackknifes you in a warm bed. The kind that says grace before breakfast and lets you touch their beard and nuzzle their wife. The kind that gets drunk with you and dances to folk music and plays the air guitar real high up. The kind that buys a plane ticket without hesitation. The kind you hold thousands of cheese balls for and run to the Bean to get pizza with and you drive across the country to see. It’s the kind of love I chose; they’re the people I chose; they are the people I fit best with, and they make me the best version of myself. I can’t fucking wait to soak up the love from these incredible idiots. 

-Dan

[bashbrothers]

Hey hi. I get it. What did we even blog about? Did people really want to see pictures of our garmins or our sweaty top knots? I really don’t know but I do know that when we blogged, we did things. We ran to Degrassi Street. We ran to brunch. We You ran the Chicago marathon that time. We did things that made our bodies strong and our hearts full. Let’s try again and see what happens, but this time as a co-blob. 

I went to the gym yesterday and had no idea where to start. I’ve been doing classes for so long that I forget how to solo gym. I knew I was going to do W2D2 run, but after that, I felt lost. I love that I have access to the treadmills, the pool, and spin classes - but to go there without a plan was just silly. I ran then rowed, called it a success and went to target. Chris was out of town this weekend so I ate pizza and watched Lady Bird (so good) and it was such a quality Saturday night. 

Hey, all 5-7 followers here, what are your go-to activities at the gym? Also, I highly recommend Lady Bird. And finally, where is @runningwithguts ? 

Dan. Let’s run and co-blob about it. I love you.

[bizzyinindy]

@runningwithguts found her Havasupai/ waterfall post in her drafts. Turns out that this was the first thing in my drafts. Best time. Best people. Also thanks, @desert-child for letting me tag along.

[x-opher]

Don't call it a come back... But there are Internet's at our house. And they're all cuddling, per-usual. @danielleruns @beachyrunner @runningwithguts

[tonypvequalsk]

Replies to Replies

@runningwithguts

Ha ha. Yes, fearful leader. :D. Thanks for looking out for me.

All week my boss has been coming up behind me in my cube while either a hiking, bear, or snow climbing related YouTube video playing on my secondary monitor. It’s okay though, he understands. And my other coworkers are jealous, but are sharing some stories and tips. They said that I better come back with good stores and good pictures. Ha ha.

[thisfearlesslife]

Manila/El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

It was hard to pick just ten photos, but these are my favorites. This vacation was quite the ride. I’ve been wanting to visit SE Asia since I first started traveling intently, but it’s not exactly the cheapest/easiest trip to plan. Turns out, I just needed a little motivation and fearlessness of a Brenna and I was ready to go.

You already know that getting to Manila was a complete disaster and I nearly had a mental breakdown (a far cry for my calm interior) but I finally made it. Many hours and many dollars later, I found myself arriving at the frenzied airport at 5am, so refreshed to see a familiar face after I begged her to pick me up (because, wimp). I’m not sorry though, because that airport was a madhouse. At 5am. Woof.

I did nearly nothing to help with the planning of this trip, but you don’t need to when traveling with a logistical mastermind. We spent one night in Manila, just long enough to get a sniff of a new city and new culture (and some delicious tacos). 

My first impression of Manila was like being physically assaulted by a very friendly homeless person. Meaning, once you get used to it it’s great, but at the beginning it’s a bit of a culture shock. He’s a bit dirty, sweats a lot, is an occasionally terrifying driver. But, he also grows on you, and is kind of lovable, and once you get used to him, you leave, and are a little bit sad but have a silly grin on your face.

The Jeepney, posted above, is one of the most popular means of transportation in the Philippines. These fascinated me -- I actually thought it was kind of genius to repurpose these WWII vehicles and make use of them. We didn’t ride in one, because it is basically a suicide machine, but they were fun to watch. 

I have a terrible habit of asking questions people most likely don’t know the answer to, like “Brenna, do they have car insurance here?” Because, necessary. Traffic was like functional chaos there. Everyone might drive insanely, but they know how to do it well.

Anyway, I was completely expecting humidity coming from the armpit of the south, but boy, sweaty gonna sweat. So much perspiration. So pretty. There are probably zero toxins in my body because my skin vomited them all out. How about that for imagery.

(Sorry for the lack of structure of this post).

Because my flight arrived so early in Manila, we went back to the hotel so I could shower, and then headed to Starbucks for so much necessary caffeine and wifi, and so I could add a new coffee cup to my collection (I really need to start collecting smaller things). Nothing opens until mid-morning, we reluctantly found out after searching for breakfast, but food was found and then we explored the malls, which Manila is famous for. She introduced me to some of the best tacos I’ve ever had, some local brews, and then I tried keeping my eyes open as long as I could, but failed around 8pm. I slept so hard, so well, and the next morning we were off to the airport for the most beautiful beach in the world.

God bless Brenna. Seriously. We walked out of the airport to find a bus to take us to El Nido. I didn’t know El Nido was a 6 hour ride away, nor that it would be in a sketchy van, or that I’d need to write out my will because there was a very fat chance I wasn’t going to survive getting there. Holy anxiety. But, when other people aren’t worried, it usually means I shouldn’t be either, and despite that ride being the cheapest most awful roller coaster you could take on an island, we arrived unharmed. But I couldn’t find alcohol fast enough. 

Whenever anyone asked me how the beaches were, I had a lot of trouble coming up with a way to accurately describe the beauty. There are no words, other than they truly were the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. It was literal postcard-perfect paradise. Most nights had the best, most colorful sunsets I’ve experienced. We took an island tour to the most incredible, fun islands and stayed at the cutest Inn with the cutest hostess. Thoughts about kidnapping the most adorable little Filipino babies crossed my mind a time or two. 

I spent my time there learning (and being forced) to unplug. That’s hard for me. I thrive on information and ‘go go go.’ This trip was equal parts relaxing and exhausting for me. Island time is a very real thing -- everything moves nice and slow, when it wants to. An excuse for lateness that I wish I could’ve brought back to the Western world.

I left with a new unique perspective on a new culture. For a country that has so many social problems, the people of the Philippines were some of the friendliest I’ve ever met. They were so happy and welcoming. Some live so simply, on very little, but seem incredibly happy. Genuine and accommodating -- you could tell they were proud of their home and wanted to show it off to you. I only wish I had learned a little Tagalog. It sounded like such a beautiful language, and I’d loved to have known what the locals were saying.

On my flight home, I was sandwiched in between two older Filipino women. I declined my dinner on the plane (both options contained fish) and one of the women called attention to the flight attendant, demanding in Tagalog that I get a meal. They’re just so kind and caring, despite knowing nothing about me. (BTW, food was completely wasted on me in the Philippines and my lack of taste for seafood, but I still had some delicious dishes).

I was delighted, amazed, frustrated, excited, annoyed, perplexed and ultimately I was left smiling about the chaotic experience of Manila, but also slightly saddened by some of the things I saw during my time there. Unfortunately the grinding poverty that afflicts the country is all too common and apparent in Manila, with slums and shanty towns quite visible from the major roads and highways across the city. This is something I wasn’t quite prepared to see, but was a great reminder of how privileged my life is. 

The Philippines was a beautiful place. Of course, as usual, this trip left me thirsty for more. There is so much still to see, and I want to see it all.

[danielleruns]

Coffee, airport massages, day drunk in an art gallery. Warm hugs, two gentle sirs, hair play on the couch. A set of crusty inedible veggie patties. A third nipple. Laying in a guest room in Lexington, Kentucky, with a needy cat. Waiting as long as I can to go weasel in between Stephen and Brenny.

[bizzyinindy]

1,258 miles driving. 2,500 miles flying. 10 days living out of a suitcase, sleeping on air mattresses, beds, couches and planes. All of them lovely. Who'd think that after starting this little spot on the Internet almost 5 years ago that I'd spend countless hours with humans that at one time only lived inside my computer? I'd drive all those miles? I'd fly through all those clouds? I'd endure (laughing) Harassment by border control that were convinced I was smuggling heroin through in my bike tires. They even stole my mace and asked if I had switch blades. I'd meet families and chosen families. I'd fall in love with family pets and drink local beers and watch Harry Potter with frozen pizza and salad. I'd climb way up high and challenge myself. I'd eat ice cream even though my stomach hates it, but it was so worth it. It's always worth it. Those people. My friends. My IRL friends that I found in my computer have a special place in my heart. And I am so, so thankful for them.

[iwillrunforfood]

Spread the Love

I have been absolutely terrible about responding to tags lately. This one is short and sweet, so I’ll play.

I was tagged by runningwithguts. 1. What’s your favorite facial feature on yourself?

My eyes. They’re hazel.



 2. Your favorite bodily feature on yourself?

Legs/booty. Although admittedly they looked much better, pre-child.

3. Favorite personality/mental trait on yourself?

I want to say snark, but we’ll go with empathy.

Go ahead and tag-yo-selves if you wanna play. 



[tonypvequalsk]

Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!

That is such a superb compliment.  It really describes me I feel. :D

@runningwithguts

[thisfearlesslife]

I’M HOOOOOOOOME! 

Oh, the luxury it is to use a proper bathroom and real toilet paper. 

The past two days were a bit of a travel disaster, and just in case you were wondering, LAX isn’t a terrible place to spend the night. But with flight delays and cancellations, my 18 hour trip home turned into close to 40, and I finally arrived home around 4pm last night. 

I immediately drove myself to my parent’s home, indulged in delicious, southern home cooking, and washed the stinkiest, smelliest laundry there ever was. I drove home and promptly passed out before the sun set to awaken 12 glorious hours later this morning.

I took today off from work in anticipation of jetlag, but I decided to go in anyways. If I’m going to be a tired bum at home, I might as well be a tired bum at work and save a PTO day! All things considered, I don’t feel too terrible. 

Much more to come. For now, here’s a photo of Brenna and I at Matinloc Island, after we climbed a flight of steps carved into the jagged limestone karst that gave us a breathtaking view.

Take me back.

[trivialbob]

Tonight I had the pleasure of eating dinner with fellow Tumblrs Katie (and her husband Joost), Kiera, Heather (and her son), Sam and Brenna.

After dinner it was over to to Sebastian Joe’s for ice cream. We sat on the patio, talking and watching Brenna do something weird.

One could easily eat a hot dog from either end. That also works for a bananas or celery. I knew someone once who preferred to eat pizza starting with the crust. It never caused him any problems. Just try to tell me there’s a correct side of a hamburger to chomp into first. No candy bar wrapper ever had “open from this end” printed on it.

It would have never occurred to me though that when eating an ice cream cone someone would want to eat some of the ice cream and then bite off the bottom of the cone.

Yet I watched in amazement as Brenna did exactly that. Oh she claims there are good reasons for this. Something about letting air in. Who knew ice cream needed to breathe?

By working her way towards the middle of the cone Brenna says the last bite will have both ice cream and cone. She wouldn’t be caught dead, I guess, having the final mouthful contain only dry cone.

But Bob! Didn’t the melting ice cream come out the bottom of the cone and splatter on Brenna’s pants.

Yes. Yes it most certainly did.

The only photo I snapped tonight shows a horizontally held, open-ended cone and the joy Brenna gets from dripping ice cream on her pants.

[danielleruns]

When I told my person yesterday that I felt ashamed that I’ve waited this long to tell a doctor I need help, to tell them I’m suffering, and to seek out a counsellor, she told me that I did what I needed to survive at the time. Once, food was comfort. Then when that stopped working, running was comfort, and the community that came with it, a community that saved me and kept me moving forward. Kept me tethered to good humans. She said I survived the way I needed to and I found things that I needed when I needed something. I’m here now.

@funnyrunner @beachyrunner @two-o-nine @runningwithguts how is everyone’s hair?

[smartwoolpr]

Smartwool featured on Running with Guts

[iwillrunforfood]

Girl Gang Cabin Weekend Here's how you know when you have found your people: 1) Plugged toilets, peeing accidents, car sickness and unfortunate mosquito bites are dealt with and laughed about appropriately. 2) You can talk about anything. I do mean anything, no matter how disgusting, interesting, painful or inspiring for hours on end without getting tired. 3) You can sit on a boat in silence and just enjoy the view together. 4) You crowd on stools around the kitchen island while salads and burgers and pies are prepared. 5) You give each other space to recharge and read and be quiet. 6) You move your bodies and sweat and try to coordinate ridiculous pictures. 7) You leave feeling that the days went too fast and you wish you could rewind and do it all over again. Thanks for a relaxing weekend of friendship, learning, laughs and growing.