Quakenadofloodcold, Serious Face & Running

Hi friends! It's been awhile.  Here's part of the reason why...here's a summary of the past week.

Oklahoma is crazy and I love it.

Here's the official storm report map from Wednesday, April 17, 2013.  This was the first big severe weather event of the season.

Hard to believe this happened 1 week prior...

Yes, a freak April ice storm coated nearly half of the state with a layer of ice.  This knocked out power for thousands and pulled down tree limbs.

Oh, there's so much to catch up on!

My Station Dominates!

The OKC market just stepped up it's A-Game with this bad boy...

Yeah, KFOR has signed on Reed Timmer and the Dominator.  The Dominator is a Tornado Intercept Vehicle used to research tornadoes by driving into them. Legit.  Reed Timmer starred on the Discovery Channel show "Storm Chasers" and now he is working for us! This is going to be an interesting storm chase season in Oklahoma to say the least.  Once I can get over this promo picture...

Nope. I can't. Guys, I can't do a serious face.  I can be urgent and serious during severe weather but I can't just plaster on that severe weather go to face.

WHAT.

Yes.  You can laugh now.  During the photo shoot they told us to look at the ground and on the count of three look up and have a serious severe weather face.  Well, I did that 3 times successfully.  All the other times I lifted my head, acted serious for a second and then cracked up.  It's not me.

This is the only photo I come even close to looking normal a serious person...and it looks like I'm creeped out by someone to my left.

This is me. But if I make this face during a tornado, that wouldn't be appropriate.

Anyhoo, I am excited about the 4Warn Storm Team's future!

Training Update: Move Yo Buns

The OKC Memorial Marathon is only a week a way!  Stay tuned for forecast updates. To be honest, I have not properly trained for this race.  For the past 2 weeks I have been trying to catch up by throwing in a few longer runs.  A few days ago I ran 12 miles with an old Team in Training buddy, JoLynn.  She does not look it at all, but she is a grandma and she is ROCKING it.  Thank goodness I have her as a training buddy and motivator.  Guys, I'm not going to lie.  Running 12 miles hurts.  The week before I ran 11 miles the day after I biked 2.5 hours in the wind with hills.  I will say it's a lot easier to run with rested legs (go figure)!

I also bought new running shoes from OK Runner in Edmond.  They specially ordered these Asics. I love them.  To my surprise (and dismay) I have gone up a half a shoe size. HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?  Oh well!

I have also been trying to work on my running form.  When Red Coyote opened their new, bigger store in the Classen Curve they had a natural running clinic by the co-founder of Newton Running, Danny Abshire.  I own a pair of Newton running shoes, however, I only use them for short runs since I started getting knee pain again.  His running clinic taught me that I have only been running on my toes.  We did a series of running drills that helps me keep a consistent rhythm and run more on my mid-foot than on my toes.  I am also working on running tall/having better posture.  I think this will help in the long run...literally (haha).

Thanks to Red Coyote for the free running clinic by an expert!

Team Jo & Em is Back!

Joleen and I will be running together in the Memorial Half next Sunday.  I am also singing the National Anthem!  We are once again honored to be riding in the "Tour de Cure" for the second time to raise money for the American Diabetes Association.  The ride will be Saturday, June 22, 2012.  WE NEED PEOPLE TO JOIN OUR TEAM! Please click here to join or team or donate.  There are several distances to choose from...from 10 to 100 miles.  Borrow a bike if you have to and join the ride. This is not a race and it's a lot of fun.

Thanks for reading friends.  Stay tuned for forecast updates for the marathon and of course, I'll have it on the morning newscasts this week on NewsChannel 4 and "Rise & Shine."  Have a great week!