I decided to post this on my blog, knowing that I'm taking a chance. But I'm doing it anyway. I've been following the posts that began on Sweetney, went to Mrs. Flinger and Her Bad Mother, and then spread internet wide.
It's a challenge to avoid the glossing over, the primping and the brushing and everything that we all do to put our best face forward all the time. Or, you know, to make everyone ELSE feel better, when they see how raw indeed I am in the a.m.
So, here's what I looked like, first thing in the morning, right before I went to the race on Saturday. I have on NO makeup, haven't brushed my hair, and have had no coffee. I'm dressed and hooked up with all my running gear - that's the only thing I did to get ready. Total prep time for this pic? About 1.75 minutes. Including putting on my sneakers. And my wickedly cool Shamrock arm band and entry pinned to my shirt.
So, take the challenge. What do you look like before the day begins?
But, yeah, it's under the fold, just so that I don't scare any little children.
what? scare little children? Hardly!
Posted by: xenia kathryn | March 17, 2008 at 09:09 PM
Go you! Very courageous, and not bad at all.
Posted by: Anna | March 17, 2008 at 09:24 PM
Come on, girl, you look great! Your hair is getting so long! It looks awesome!
I love that you have a green garter on your arm for the race :)
Posted by: Heather | March 17, 2008 at 10:07 PM
You are too cute, my friend! I can't really join this challenge, unless you all want to see my pj's! ;-)
Posted by: Headless Mom | March 17, 2008 at 10:42 PM
Oh!! You look so HAWTTTT. And I did the St. Pattie's Day run in my buff face. I thought about posting THAT picture but it was even worse. ;-)
You're amazing and inspiring. (Even, maybe especially) without make-up.
Posted by: Mrs. Flinger | March 18, 2008 at 12:07 AM
I have no kids, and I wish I could look even half that great early in the morning! I have short hair which is cute when styled, but when I first get up looks a little Frankenstein-ish.
Posted by: Vanessa | March 18, 2008 at 12:08 AM
I only wish I could look that great sans make up and a ton of hair products!!!
Posted by: Tammy/Photography for Fun | March 18, 2008 at 12:57 AM
Can dads play? I'll see your cheerful A.M. smile and perky attitude and raise you bed-head that you could buff a car with and droopy eyes that won't open until 10.
Posted by: Backpacking Dad | March 18, 2008 at 03:11 AM
i am sorry to say but i don't even look half as good when i am washed, dressed, brushed and made up! LOL
i was hoping to see a scary pic! :)
I am writing this comment right after waking up and looking in the mirror! ahahah i wouldn't even have the guts to take a pic right now!
Posted by: jennP | March 18, 2008 at 05:27 AM
Wow, you look great and I love the Shamrock armband!!
Posted by: J from Ireland | March 18, 2008 at 07:00 AM
More like totally cute!
Posted by: angie | March 18, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Not bad!
Posted by: Paige | March 18, 2008 at 10:24 AM
You look great Carmen! Maybe a little sleepy but a helluva lot better than I do in the same situation! Savannah was fun, though not quite enough fun to make up for the MASSIVE hotel bill (we stayed on river st) and the drunken craziness that was magnified when the whole city lost power at 10.30 on Saturday night!
Posted by: beth | March 18, 2008 at 11:49 AM
You look great, Carmen. :)
Posted by: Zandria | March 18, 2008 at 09:53 PM
You are a brave, brave woman. And you look great! NO FAIR! I look like a Zombie when I wake up.
Posted by: Brandy | March 18, 2008 at 11:15 PM
scaring children! oh shut up, you look amazing! and the arm garter? HAWT! :)
Posted by: sweetney | March 19, 2008 at 03:22 PM
Oh Holy Hannah Montana...look...another beautiful portrait, damnit!
Posted by: Liz | March 20, 2008 at 11:03 AM
I think you looked fantastic.....I'm jealous
Posted by: Vicky | March 20, 2008 at 08:32 PM