England v. USA

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TODAY IS THE BIG DAY!  Who are you rooting for?

It’s probably no surprise that I’m rooting for…   ENGLAND (the Husband is British).  Yes, I’m American, but I much more invested in the England team!  I love those boys!

 

How can you resist this face?

That’s Wayne Rooney, England’s striker.  Hubba hubba!

 

Fun fact:  the Husband and I were in England for the 2006 World Cup.  England is OBSESSED with the World Cup.  It’s like the Superbowl times one million.  No – one BILLION!

 

We watched the games outside.  It was EPIC.

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Check out this CROWD!

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To make sure we get good seats for today’s game, we’re going to the bar a full FOUR HOURS before the game!  I hope we can actually SIT DOWN!  The game isn’t until 2:30 PM EST.

 

Since my afternoon is full of bar food and beer, I went for a long run this morning.  It was SUPER hot out – the weatherman is predicting it will feel like 103 degrees later – and I kept walking to cool myself down.

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I hear a lot that people feel like they are “quitting” when they stop running to walk, but I never do!  Walking is sometimes NECESSARY, and you should never feel bad for walking when you’re tired or sore or when the weather isn’t cooperating. 

 

Here’s my other tips for running in warm weather!

 

Bondi Bands help, too!

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Since I did so much walking, my overall pace was impacted, but I didn’t mind.  Mileage is mileage!

 

  • Distance: 5.0 miles
  • Duration: 53:35

 

Pre-run snack was a butt of a loaf of bread:

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And breakfast was a crunchy piece of toast, a fried egg, and a Green Monster.

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The Green Monster included Vega Shake & Go Vanilla to help me refuel.

 

  • 1 cup rice milk
  • 2 cups spinach
  • 1 banana
  • 2.5 tablespoons Vega Shake & Go Vanilla

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And… we’re off!

 

Go ENGLAND!

{ 80 comments }

 

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is June 12, 2010, 9:01 am

    My husband has made sure we didn’t have plans today for weeks just to watch it! I think he is rooting for USA, but I’m not positive!

  • Anna June 12, 2010, 9:03 am

    My arbitrarily chosen world cup team is Nigeria. Home of Africa’s creepiest men and some pretty sweet low-budg movies. Allez!

    • Elaine June 15, 2010, 4:10 pm

      Be careful of what negative generalizations you make, they can be very offensive. The Nigerian men in my life are caring and loving.
      When you make comments such as this, you are the one who sounds like a creep.

  • meg c. June 12, 2010, 9:04 am

    love your celebration style – run in the AM, bar before noon. perfection!

  • Chelsea June 12, 2010, 9:05 am

    Have fun!!

  • Erin June 12, 2010, 9:05 am

    I’m so torn. My family is half English and I lived in London for a while, but the other part of my fam is American and I’ve lived in the US for a lot longer. Guess I win either way. 😉

    • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs June 12, 2010, 9:13 am

      England is more likely to win…support us!! :p

      • Orla June 12, 2010, 4:01 pm

        Wouldn’t be 100% sure of that. USA putting up a great show and three english players already carded. Saying that, USA never seem to get out of their pools.

  • Priyanka June 12, 2010, 9:10 am

    My brother is rooting for England and I am rooting for USA. We have quite the heated tension as to who will win. Its going to be fun!!!!!

  • Evan Thomas June 12, 2010, 9:10 am

    Neither! I really just don’t care about this whole World Cup. Soccer. Football. Whatever you call it, it’s not for me

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs June 12, 2010, 9:13 am

    Bah, I’m british but I don’t really care about the world cup 😛 I don’t even know when the game is on today! Obviously I want England to win though 😛
    I did more walking on my long run today – I used to think it meant quitting, but after seeing soo many people disagree on here, I’ve realsied it’s ok! 🙂

  • hhh June 12, 2010, 9:17 am

    Yay… go Brits!

  • Leah @ Simply Fabulous June 12, 2010, 9:17 am

    Obviously I am rooting for England! I was curious who you guys would be. GO ENGLAND!

  • Julie @ Pickley Pear June 12, 2010, 9:20 am

    Since soccer is not real big here, I don’t really have a preference. But, for your sake – GO ENGLAND! This is exciting and I love seeing everyone pumped for the game today.
    It’s pretty hot here today – 86 with a chance of rain. I chose to do yoga inside. The heat gets to me when I run, unless I go at 6am! Not so much on a Saturday 🙂

  • Jocelyn June 12, 2010, 9:25 am

    ENGLAND ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (if Scotland can`t make it…England is my choice 😉 )

  • Jo June 12, 2010, 9:31 am

    Woohoo, I am so happy you’re supporting England! I was wondering who you would be cheering for with the hubby being English.

    Naturally, I will be supporting England. We’re off to the pub to watch the game too.

    You’re right about England being CRAZY about the World cup, we’re crazy about football in general but the whole country goes mental at World cup time. I was out running this morning and all I could see were England flags – on cars, hanging out of windows, some were on flag poles in gardens, I saw a canal boat covered in England flags and the pubs were flying them proudly too. It really does make me proud that they are supporting our national team 🙂

    Enjoy the game Caitlin.

  • Ellen Collis June 12, 2010, 9:37 am

    My bf is British, and his friends are having a big cookout today to watch the game. I don’t really think I have a choice but to cheer for England!

    http://www.firednfabulous.com/

  • Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly June 12, 2010, 9:42 am

    I will be supporting the US but I am so excited to see the game!! I have been looking forward to the World Cup for months! I can’t believe it is here!

  • Tiffany June 12, 2010, 9:43 am

    Hehe, it’s 640am in CA and I’m up and ready to stake out my table for the game. I’m torn who to root for though. Proud to be an American (blah blah hehe) and all, but I spent an extensive time learning about the game while I studied abroad at the University of Sussex. Now everytime I go back to visit, I make sure to take time to tour whatver football club is nearby.

    umm. Go USA (by default) and Go England (b/c they aren’t bandwagoner soccer fans hehe

  • Camille June 12, 2010, 9:48 am

    I told my boyfriend I wanted to root for England and he about murdered me. I guess I have to root for the US then :/

  • Maya June 12, 2010, 9:49 am

    I saw a really funny episode of the Daily Show yesterday with Jamie Oliver talking to the USA team. The clip is probably available on the website.

  • Lindsey @ Sound Eats June 12, 2010, 9:49 am

    haha all I know about the English team is that there’s some juicy drama going on with them!! The (married) team captain getting another team member’s girlfriend pregnant?!? Whoaa!

    • Jo June 12, 2010, 11:58 am

      John Terry, England Captain, had an affair with his former team mates ex girlfriend, Wayne Bridge. Wayne Bridge and his ex girlfriend had a baby together but had broken up by the time Terry had an affair with her. As a result of his affair, he was stripped of the England Captain title and it was given to Steven Gerrard.

      Now IMO, the only person that has a right to complain about this affair is John Terry’s wife – she is the person he betrayed. The press slaughtered JT by saying you don’t betray friends by going out with/sleeping with their exes but that’s all a bit too “rose-tinted glasses” for me.

      The annoying thing is, Steven Gerrard has been given the captain title but was only embroiled in his own drama last year when he and a bunch of friends were caught on CCTV attacking a dj in a club!

      So, the message seems to be “cheat on your wife and you can’t be captain but get caught being part of an unprovoked, group attack on a single man and you can”.

      John Terry will always be the true England Captain 😉

      • Jo June 12, 2010, 11:58 am

        By the way, he didn’t have an affair with Wayne Bridge like I wrote lol! It was his ex.

  • Angharad June 12, 2010, 10:15 am

    England, obvs. Theres going to be some tension our house later!

  • Angharad June 12, 2010, 10:15 am

    England, obvs. Theres going to be some tension our house later!

  • kalli@fitandfortysomething June 12, 2010, 10:20 am

    so true about running and walking! love your headband-how fun! enjoy your day 🙂

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople June 12, 2010, 10:26 am

    I’m not a fan of sports, so it’s not really on my radar. Although I do watch the super bowl with the husband every year. One year, I’ll be able to actually figure out what’s going on!

  • Allison June 12, 2010, 10:42 am

    Have fun today!! On a different subject, I’m wondering about the protein powders you put into your smoothies. I had been drinking GNC’s Lean Shake for about two weeks until my doctor told me protein shakes were toxic to my kidneys. I’m interested to know your thoughts on shakes and protein powders in general!

  • KatieTX June 12, 2010, 10:43 am

    Walking is very necessary when running in 85 degree heat plus humidity…it is amazing how much harder it is on your body!! A friend told me she read an article that it takes 2 weeks to get acclimated to running outside in heat….I think it takes longer!!!

  • Gavi @ GaviGetsGoing! June 12, 2010, 11:02 am

    I’ve got the World Cup fever, too! My day is starting exactly the same way as yours–run and then game time! Although the USA is not my overall favorite team, I’ve got to support the guys in red, white, and blue today. I’m a soccer goalkeeper, and USA keeper Tim Howard is just too good! Enjoy your day!

  • Marilou @ Mostly Healthy June 12, 2010, 11:09 am

    Wow the word is really into this hu? I feel like I HAVE TO like it too 🙂

    Btw, walking is so not quitting. It is necessary and I see it as a long mileage “in training” 🙂

  • Jaclyn June 12, 2010, 11:11 am

    I’m rooting for the USA but I expect England will win and I’m okay with that! I just want to see a good, fun, competitive game.

  • Wei-Wei June 12, 2010, 11:13 am

    Don’t kill me, but I am not a big fan of the World Cup… I don’t understand the hype! (That English dude looks awesome btw. INTENSE.)

    Wei-Wei

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine June 12, 2010, 11:19 am

    Enjoy the game!! I was in France when they beat Brazil in 1998, and it was absolute pandemonium. I agree, soccer fans are much more intense than football ones, if that’s even possible!!

  • Meredith June 12, 2010, 11:19 am

    On the radio yesterday I learned that the average British man gains 5 pounds during the World Cup!

  • Kellie June 12, 2010, 11:29 am

    Bar food and beer..sounds like a fun Saturday to me!

  • Nicci June 12, 2010, 11:35 am

    Have fun today,I’m watching at a bar too. I have some friends going for England and most are for USA.

  • Wendy June 12, 2010, 11:39 am

    I agree completely about walking – I ran a hilly cross-country 5K race this morning, and I did a bit of walking. It was too hot and humid to push too hard!

    Have fun today!

  • Kristina June 12, 2010, 11:42 am

    GO ENGLAND !! 🙂 I also am much more invested in that side 🙂

    and go salad fries & beer for lunch! 🙂

  • claire June 12, 2010, 11:46 am

    Yay, I am so excited for this game since I was born in the US but a dual citizen of the UK cause of my british dad. I am kinda willing to go both way but feel like supporting England for some reason. My boyf will be supporting the US though so it shall be interesting!

    I did cheer for the American at Whimbleton though because I preferred Andy roddick over Murray but “football” is another story. My dad’s been watching it his whole life and even has channels that only play soccer..I think I owe it to him to root for his team! Have fun today lady.

    I definitely agree that walking sometimes is really important when out for runs. It is far from quitting! I am not a fan of running in heat so I completely think its worth it to walk!

  • Laura June 12, 2010, 11:46 am

    Roooooneeeey!!! Sorry, I think thats the Liverpudlian in me coming out 😉 I hope you get a good vantage point! I love the way that some of my favourite clothes stores are offering huuge discounts on sales just for this evening- priorities right?! And the menfolk will have noo idea what I’m doing with their eyes glued to the TV screen he he

  • Allison June 12, 2010, 11:54 am

    I was vacationing in London with my family during Euro 2000, which is another huge football tournament. Even through we’re American, we REALLY got into the spirit. We watched all England’s matches in the pubs, and several evenings I had locals paint my face and danced around waving the flag. Because of that experience, I root for England in the World Cup tournaments. 🙂

  • jassy June 12, 2010, 12:05 pm

    i’m for england because british so loves football:)

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter June 12, 2010, 12:28 pm

    I feel like I’m the only one not following the the world cup, but I’ll say GO USA!

  • Emily June 12, 2010, 12:34 pm

    Being English I’m supporting England on this one, but probably less passionately than you 😉 My dad would think you’re fantastic for doing so though!

  • Laura@keepingslimandgettingstylish June 12, 2010, 12:34 pm

    Its so lovely to see how many of you guys are routing for us English! Its going to be a brilliant game whatever the outcome. We are totally insane for our footy over here so I really hope we win for all the fans. GO ENGLAND!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin June 12, 2010, 12:35 pm

    Go England! Have fun today. 🙂

    Sometimes I get discouraged when I have to take a walking break, but once I start running again I stop feeling like I’ve quit.

  • Miranda @ MirandasJeans June 12, 2010, 12:43 pm

    Go Canada Go! HAHAHA Are we even in the world cup, I don’t think so. lol

  • Harriet June 12, 2010, 12:45 pm

    ENGLAND ENGLAND ENGLAND!!!!!
    (i am english if you haven’t guessed :p)
    i have been in town all day and the atmosphere is insane!
    🙂

  • Harriet June 12, 2010, 12:48 pm

    ps. rooney…hubbahubba?!
    😛

    • Jo June 12, 2010, 12:54 pm

      Haha I thought the same – Frank Lampard hubba hubba for sure 😉

      • Harriet June 12, 2010, 4:07 pm

        Lampard, yes! And Gerrard a bit 🙂

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) June 12, 2010, 1:19 pm

    I’m totally rooting for England in this game…but I’m a big Spain fan overall. I really got into football when I was studying in Espana for 4 months.

  • Adriana June 12, 2010, 1:39 pm

    USA USA USA!! Sure, other sports in America tend to dominate the media, but American fans are a passionate group. I’m Italian, so I want Italy to win overall, but in this battle, USA all the way!!!!

  • Therese June 12, 2010, 1:58 pm

    GO ENGLAND GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • zoe June 12, 2010, 1:58 pm

    WORLD CUP WORLD CUP WORLD CUUUP!!

    gah, i love me some football! i really doubt the US is going to win but it will be interesting to see what happens! it starts so soon! CANNOT. WAIT.!!!

    have fun at the bar :)!

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit June 12, 2010, 2:08 pm

    I’m definitely looking forward to the game but I’m not really invested in either team. It’s just a good competition! Good for you for running when it’s so hot out- I’ve been using the heat as an excuse not to run 🙂 Bu I am on vacation after all!

  • Rachel (Running Rachel) June 12, 2010, 2:14 pm

    England all the way (Yup, I’m English). You’re so right about us going crazy about the world cup! There are English flags *everywhere* – hanging out of windows, in cars, shops, draped over people’s shoulders etc! Went to the supermarket earlier – there was hardly any beer, crisps (chips to you Americans!) or BBQ food left! I think most of the country is watching the game tonight (7.30pm here). 🙂

  • Saima June 12, 2010, 2:28 pm

    GO ENGLANNND!! being a Canuck i’m obvi going with the Brits!!

  • Amy @ Amy Starts To Run June 12, 2010, 2:28 pm

    Going for USA, no affiliation to England here. My fiancé is a Mets fan and I know way more about them then my Cubs, so I get rooting for a different team.

    Have fun!

  • courtney June 12, 2010, 2:42 pm

    sleazy, sleazy team. Go USA

  • lauren l. June 12, 2010, 2:48 pm

    great post! i am definitely cheering for the USA, but i do know who has the upper hand in this one…oh well 🙂 i was in Italy studying abroad during the 2006 World Cup and we watched all of the games outside in the piazzas – amazing!

    I liked that you talked about walking breaks – I ran seven miles today but the heat and humidity were crazy even at 8 A.M., so I would take walking/water breaks to make it through.

  • Nicole June 12, 2010, 3:04 pm

    I’ve been thinking about you with this game. We actually like watching Man U a lot (and love Rooney!) but I have to go with the US. Enjoy the game!! Go USA!!

  • loreejo June 12, 2010, 3:06 pm

    i can’t thank you enough for the “permission” to not think of walking as quitting! of course, i don’t need permission from you to think that, ha, but it’s something i’ve been working on so hard with myself…trying to “convince” myself that it didn’t mean i wasn’t achieving anything if i had a walk while running. working on getting over being so hard on myself…thanks for the simple statement: mileage is mileage. how is it the simplest things can often really hit home and make impact?? thanks again, but i also have to disagree w/you……USA ALL THE WAY BAY-BEEEE!!!

  • She-Fit June 12, 2010, 3:27 pm

    Way to be dedicated to getting those seats… with 4 hours to spare I hope you guys will get one 🙂
    We are cheering for America. My husband played volleyball with one of the guys on the American team in high school.

  • Helen June 12, 2010, 4:02 pm

    Yay England! I love the fact you are supporting them! You are very dedicated to get there so early as well, I hope you get good seats. We do go very crazy over here for the World CUp even though we so won’t win. Watching it outside looks like great fun too.
    When I walk during a run I sometimes worry about my time as it’ll be impacted my the walk but as you say, mileage is mileage and I need to remember that. Walking is always good to help me recover.

  • Orla June 12, 2010, 4:06 pm

    I am shouting for the USA as my friends are living in Seattle. I am happy as long as the cheating French get their asses whipped at every single opportunity. I am Irish. It is Thierry Henry’s fault we are not in South Africa.
    Bitter, moi????
    Enjoy the game!!

  • Fae June 12, 2010, 4:06 pm

    England all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Watching the game right now! Frankie is my fav!!! 🙂

  • ida June 12, 2010, 4:16 pm

    Go USA!! they have to redeem themselves from 2006.
    I read somewhere that Gordon Ramsay named one of his pet chickens after rooney b/c they have about the same intelligence level:)

  • giordin June 12, 2010, 4:33 pm

    I have no connections with England whatsoever, but I think I wanted them to win because the US soccer program (regular season) isn’t fabulous and no one really pays attention to US soccer until the world cup! England is huge on soccer all the time and therefore I feel they deserve to win for their country and their fans!

    And I felt SO bad for their goalkeeper! As a former goalie, I know how crappy he feels. Good game!

    • Britt June 12, 2010, 8:53 pm

      I agree, I’m a goalkeeper and could just feel the pain he was experiencing! It keeps on being being showed over and over again.

      I’m all US though, I pay attention the whole season and not just the world cup! 🙂

  • Joanne June 12, 2010, 4:40 pm

    My parents are both from Leicestershire, England. I just called my dad to ask where his allegiance was today and he said “where your roots are”. What does that mean? My blood roots or my up bringing roots.
    I reminded him that his career was made in the US but I think his heart is with England.

  • Lauren (Clean Eats in the Dirty South) June 12, 2010, 4:47 pm

    well… as a brit…. i’ve gotta go ENGLAND!!! rooney 😀

  • Missa June 12, 2010, 4:54 pm

    1-1 is a good result, but I think it is better for the US!!

    Cheers,
    Missa
    LosingEthel

  • KatieF June 12, 2010, 8:59 pm

    I was in Italy on my honeymoon when they won the World Cup in 2006. It was INSANE–the entire country went nuts for about three days! It was such a cool experience, though!

    • Tara June 12, 2010, 9:42 pm

      I was in Italy in 2006 too and it was mental! I actually think Italy is more emotionally attached to soccer. I live in Ireland, and we get a lot of the British television channels, and the World Cup coverage pretty much reaches saturation levels!

      I have a lot of very close family in the States so I was team U.S. Go, team 😀

  • John June 12, 2010, 9:42 pm

    The longer the run the less I like to walk especially towards the end. Towards the end it gets harder and harder for me to get running again! But I agree it’s not quitting.

  • Heather Rose June 14, 2010, 1:08 am

    Just getting caught up on my blog reading, but I wanted to give a shout out to the England team too! I went to watch the game and was one of the few rooting for England, but it was a blast to watch. Would have been better with a win, but at least it wasn’t a loss!

  • Scargosun June 14, 2010, 4:16 pm

    Whoo hooo! Red and white impatients in the garden, red finger nails and 5 Tottenham players on the England roster…you can guess who we support. 😉

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