Happy Weekend!
May 9th, 2009 § Leave a Comment
Yay I’m so glad it’s the weekend. This last week was rather stressful; I’m happy it’s over! I’ve had a good day so far. Got up this morning and bummed around on the internet for a while, went for a run, came back and had a mini dance party, made some banana pancakes, and watched a little How I Met Your Mother. I just love Lily and Marshall and Barney. 
I think it’s time to get a shower and clean my room finally, and then maybe do some reading. Apparently we’re having our first bookclub meeting in two weeks so I should probably get on that. Also thinking of *actually* planning a trip for a week or two after finals, which would hopefully allow me to start a job in July if I needed to do that. I have a second phone interview with Uncommon Schools on Wednesday–I sooo hope it goes well!!! We’ll see. Running info for this morning:
5/9 Sat 4.0 miles 31 mins (!) 20 mins stretching
Man was it windy! The first half I was running directly into the wind and I felt like I was working so hard to get ahead of myself! But it was nice getting pushed along on the way back, so yay Now I know I have to hold myself to 8 min miles instead of being lazy!!!! I think I might go get some new shoes today too; it’s time to retire my old Adidases. Anyway, hope everyone’s doing well, have a great weekend!
Hello Monday!
May 4th, 2009 § Leave a Comment
So I’m sitting in the reading room about to get started on some homework due later in the week, but I thought I’d write a little entry first. I had a fantastic weekend, where basically Christine and I did nothing, and I really do mean nothing. For two whole days. It was glorious I did some reading, cleaning, and, uh, watched a lot of the Dog Whisperer. I think I may now be rather obsessed. And I want a dog reeeeeaaaaallly bad now. Seriously, it’s bad. Last night I dreamed about becoming Nastia Liukin’s new bff and we decided to get an apartment together and get a gorgeous tan and white female pit bull puppy. I think my subconscious is feeling a bit guilty for loving Shawn Johnson so much more than Nastia since she’s so adorable on DWTS, so that’s where that comes from. And I think pit bulls are really fun and energetic and cute! But yeah. Anyway. Last night I also made a humongous loaf of banana bread. Apparently the recipe I made was supposed to yield two loaves but I discovered after I’d already mixed everything that I actually didn’t have any bread pans. So I used this square-ish pan that was only about 60% of the volume of two bread pans so after I put it in the oven I was like, oh dear this is gonna overflow and get all over the oven (I’ve had this experience before when I tried to make poppyseed cake in a square pan that was MUCH smaller than the required tube pan…it was a mess). But yay! This time it turned out okay and it JUST filled to the top of the pan, so I cut it in half and now we have two loaves of banana bread like we’re supposed to. And it’s really pretty yummy, if I do say so myself 
This morning I decided it was time to get back on the running wagon. Last week was a disaster as I only ran once, and I know I’m going to really regret it in October if I’m not doing everything I can do build my strength and such. So…yes! This morning it was beautiful outside so I took a nice jog up to 47th street along the lake which was great, then came inside and did my stretching in the exercise room. I think in order to keep myself on the wagon, I’m gonna take a cue from Becca and start logging when/how far I run each week, so at least I can keep track, and then if you don’t hear from me for a while you can badger me about how lazy I’m being. Sound good? I hope so.
Mon 5/4 3.0 miles 25 mins stretch 30 mins
Stretching feels really good! I tried doing a center split today and I think I almost killed myself. But I’m going to work toward it and try to stay there a bit longer every day. Alright, it really is time to get to work now. Hope everyone is having a fantastic day today!
It’s Official!
March 2nd, 2009 § Leave a Comment
Melanie, Katie, and I are running the Chicago Marathon this October!!!! I am super excited–I really want to be under 4 hours this year, and I think I can do it if I commit to doing the cross training and avoid injuries (aka commit to stretching!!!). So we’ll see. I’ve run really sporadically the past few weeks but as it is now March I think it’s time to start running regularly again (oh how my body enjoyed those months off though haha!!). I’m excited for warmer weather here so I can run outside (it is soooo boring staring at a wall for even 3 miles!). Today is a good day, I think. Lots of busyness this morning getting things ready for the class next quarter, and next I am picking out my LAST quarter of classes! Wow! It has just flown by and really I have loved getting my MBA, but I’m excited for the next chapter too After picking classes it’s time to run and do some laundry, get ready, do some general cleaning around here, and prepare for my meeting later. Hope everyone is doing well!
I Finished!
October 13th, 2008 § Leave a Comment
Hooray! The marathon was yesterday and I did cross the finish line! Overall, it was a great experience. I was lined up in the middle of a huge mass of people, just waiting and nervously telling jokes before the start. After the gun went off, we started shuffling forward for about 15 minutes before we got to the start line and could start running. So crazy! I think the first few miles were my favorite part of the race–because everyone was freaking out excited that we were finally here, cheering for each other in the tunnels, and getting a bit emotional at all of the “18 WEEKS OF TRAINING!” signs. The first five miles went SO FAST. I didn’t miss my music at all and it was really fun to run in the middle of the city. We headed north towards Lincoln Park and the temperature was really nice, though we were mostly in the shade. I alternated between gatorade and water at all the aid stations, and continued running on. Saw Katy at mile 10 which was really fun. And of course I taped my name to my shirt so thousands of people were screaming my name and cheering me on (what a boost). Mile 12 was a bit rough, I think because the first part went so fast and then I had to calm down and settle into the pace. Finished the half on pace for 4:18. By mile 16 it was really hot, and we were out of the shade into the full sun. I started walking through the aid stations, and really my legs were okay except for my knees. Saw that the Alert level was now Red (it had been yellow throughout the race) as the heat got stronger, and at around mile 20, the guy I had been following for a couple miles just collapsed in front of me, and we were all yelling for the police and the medics. I’ve never seen anything like that during a race (though it’s pretty common) so for the next couple miles I took it slower, and had to repeat to myself that I wasn’t going to die on the course. I started pounding bananas like it was my job to ward off cramps and had to will myself forward over miles 22-25. At mile 25, the crowd picked up again, and I was just looking for the right turn, which meant we were really close to the finish line. When we got to that turn, I was completely euphoric and started going faster, up the hill. We turned left at the top and could see the finish line. Was so surreal but I pounded the last 300 meters and finished 4:51:54. Not nearly as fast as I would have liked, but I finished. Feeling pretty okay today. I’ve been icing my knees but otherwise just a little sore in my quads. I think I’m done running for a while, but I can’t help but think of my next race…anyone up for it?
Thanks friends for all your support…I really could not have done it without you!
T-8 Days
October 4th, 2008 § 1 Comment
Well, in exactly 8 days I will be lining up to the start line for my first marathon. What a crazy thought. I guess I really have come a long way since April, when I had to struggle through a mile, then two, then three. I remember in those first runs how my heart resisted the new exercise, which was overwhelming so early on. I tried to encourage myself by increasing my speed each day to give myself little successes to be proud of. I started to feel comfortable, calm, and introspective as I ran. As I continued, I went on a rollercoaster of emotions from extreme doubt that I could actually make it through a marathon alive to a stubborn commitment to finish something I started. I often picture myself crossing the finish line and embracing everyone around me, including friends and family and random strangers. I am excited to race again. It’s been a long time since I ran in a race and I’m getting the nerves like no other. But I’m mostly excited because I know I’m in a lot better shape than I was in high school, and if I can just stay calm, I know I’ll be fine. I’ve never been to a marathon before, so I’m not sure what to expect in terms of spectators, but everyone says Chicago is PACKED so I’m excited for that too. I am bummed that my parents won’t be there, and that my aunt and uncle and grandparents will be out of town, but hopefully Katy will come and maybe a couple of my Chicago friends. I didn’t realize that it would be so important for me to have people there, but the training has turned into more of an emotional journey than I anticipated, and suddenly I’m very grateful that Todd is also running. I have a feeling I will be a ball of mess throughout the race, which is just fine by me, as long as I don’t get lazy about my pace since I won’t have my iPod. No more Mamma Mia! to keep me pushing harder
Should be a fun ride. Now that it’s so close I just can’t wait to get started, but I know it’ll be here before I know it. Wish me luck!
Running
July 9th, 2008 § Leave a Comment
Found this quote from a story in Hemispheres Magazine (yes that is United Airlines’ inflight mag…and it’s so good!), and it really resonated with me. I feel much the same way about running, and it has been quite a fun adventure training so far. I am a bit nervous and also very excited to see how much I’ve changed come October!
Shortly after my mom died, my dad and I went fishing, but I was in a different world. My dad hugged me and simply said, “Son, you have broken wings.” I started crying, and he said, “I’ll share something with you, and if you follow it, someday you’ll have the wings of an eagle. Close your eyes and look inside your heart. What do you find? Well, I was too young to understand, but he said, “I”ll tell you want you find: anger, because you just lost your mom; hate, because people have expressed hatred toward us; jealousy, because we don’t have anything of value; self pity. All of those emotions will destroy you.” He said, “Look down deeper, where the dreams lie. Find your dream, son. Pursue your dream. It’s the pursuit of a dream that heals you.” I remember him saying at some point, “I hope you try sports,” so I took sports as my passion when my dad died. I tried all different sports. Running–even though I wasn’t fast in the beginning–brought me tranquility. It was almost spiritual.
It’s important to pursue a dream that heals you. With dreams come desire. With desire comes self motivation. With self motivation comes work. With work comes success. Where do you find your positive desires? Sports? Drama? Music? Art? Dance? Writing? Work with the elderly? Anything that’s constructive, jovial. When do you know you’ve found that positive desire? Something happens in your heart. You feel it. You’re able to accept defeat, not failure, but because it’s a passion.
-Billy Mills, Olympic gold medal winner (1964 in track)
shelby, nc
July 5th, 2008 § Leave a Comment
just a quick note to say north carolina has been so fun…yesterday melanie, katie and i spent the morning outside reading on the dock, swimming in the lake, and chatting like old times. came inside to eat some lunch and watch juno (i’ve now seen it three times, and i still really enjoy it!) and then we all kinda fell asleep/lounged until katie’s grandpa came over for dinner. before dinner he taught us how to play bridge, which was really fun!!! i hope to keep playing, maybe some of my chicago friends will want to play, or michael and my grandparents once i get back to michigan. anyway, after bridge we had a nice 4th of july dinner of hot dogs and hamburgers, and canteloupe and baked beans–yum!!! oh, plus huge hunks of chocolate cake and ice cream mmm mmm!!! after dinner we sat around on the deck and tried to catch glimpses of people’s fireworks through the trees. we were planning on having a dance party as well but we needed to update itunes and by the time everything was ready we had sat down and lost our momentum. so we just chatted and mel and katie gave each other back rubs this morning i woke up pretty early and ran NINE MILES. i can’t remember the last time i ran that far!! i think i averaged about 10 min/mile because i was at a little over 9 minutes after 7 miles, and then i ran a bit slower outside with mel, katie, and dr. kelly. but yay!!! making progress and sticking to the schedule, which feels really good. we have a pretty active day planned for today, including biking, kayaking, and more swimming, and i’m sure more lounging around and chatting hahaha. but right now my next step is getting a shower, wooo!
Running Log 1
March 12th, 2008 § Leave a Comment
Following the Running Idiot’s example, I’m going to log how much I ran and how I felt during it (until I get my nike+ that is, I think i found someone on ebay who’s going to sell me their ipod for $40!!) so I can reference it later and see how far I’ve come. I’ll just start with this week and it’ll be like a fresh start. Yay!
Tuesday: easy run
2 miles @ 9:22
Felt pretty good, first day back in it so my mind easily wandered. Listened to Phillips, Craig & Dean, who I really enjoy listening to during exercise. They’re a good mix of upbeat and slow, powerful songs that can be a part of your daily worship-yay, bonus! My heart hurt only a little bit (good), and overall did fine. Kept daydreaming about finishing the marathon (hahaha, just a mere 7 months away). Did a half hour or so of yoga/stretching afterwards.
Wednesday: cross-training day
1 mile @ 9:22
Shouldn’t have run anything, especially right after I ate, but I felt so good from yesterday that I wanted to continue and just do a little bit. Eh, probably a bad idea because I felt a little ill in my stomach afterwards. Also have a blister on my right foot, I really need to stop wearing cotton socks. Did 45 minutes or so of yoga afterwards, especially working on pike stretches as my left leg is a ways behind my right leg! Need to even those up!
Nike+
March 10th, 2008 § Leave a Comment
Well my latest obsession is nike+ which works with an iPod Nano to track the miles you run, your speed, calories burned, etc. during your workout AND online to reference later. They make up cool graphs so you can see how you improve, and they also keep track of which songs you run fastest to–uhh, pretty sweet!! And there’s also a pretty vibrant community of people online that already use it (for example, I found out about nike+ through the running idiot’s blog).
Anyway, a pretty neat concept! The only bad thing is that it doesn’t work with all iPods, just the Nano, which kinda sucks since I just bought the touch a few months ago. Still, you can buy a Nano (esp an old one) on ebay for pretty cheap, so I may just do that if I find a good enough deal. Man, this whole “manage how you run” thing reminds me of what i already do with my finances (using mint–if you don’t already use it, you should really check it out). Though…I think the nike+ is just a *tad* more glamorous, or maybe I’m just romanticizing running along the lake while I train for the Chicago marathon during the summer. Still, training anywhere outside beats the track or a treadmill any day! Thinking I may register for a half marathon for the beginning of June sometime, before I try the real thing in October. This is really turning into a big ordeal–my brother and some of his friends, and a couple of my friends from the GSB all want to do it this year, so hopefully it’ll be a pretty positive experience. And as Todd said last night, it’s a pretty hax answer to the question, “Tell me about an experience in which you persevered,” that they always ask during interviews.
Well, that’s all for now!
