Not much to say this week. Got some not so great news and I’m still trying to wrap my head around things and make some big decisions.
On a happier note I’m enjoying a few days in Chicago. Which means lots of Potbellys and good times with family and friends. So don’t worry. This girl still has a smile on her face.
I have a hard time getting rid of things especially if they hold any type of sentimental value. But after 10 years of not moving I accumulated waaaay too much STUFF and getting a new roommate forced me to start a big clean out process. So far the Vietnam Vets have come to my house twice for donation pickups and they are back tomorrow. The trash bin is in overflow mode for the 2nd week in a row. It feels GOOD and I’m uncovering all kinds of treasures I didn’t even know I had!
A few of the things that got trashed or donated:
Super cute red high heels that are NOT comfortable
Anything and everything ex boyfriend or old roommate related (I did make an effort to contact them to see if they wanted their stuff first)
Desktop computer and all speakers/cords/related accessories
Clothes I haven’t worn in years.
Credit card that expired in 05 (seriously)
Lots and lots of now empty hangers
VHS tapes and VCR (guess I will no longer have buns of steel)
Heart rate monitors. Never use these. I tend to run by feel.
Some of the things I kept:
A letter I wrote to the Easter Bunny when I was little asking if it is a boy or a girl and what color it is.
Most of my books.
My racing shoes from the 08 Olympic Trials. I just can’t seem to toss these despite the blood stains and demolished soles. They are orange (one of my favorite colors!) and bring back good memories.
Team 7-11 koozie. How cool is that? Now I need suggestions for beverages that come in cans. I gave up “soda” a few years ago.
Kitchen stuff. I only really use the pot I make pasta in and the cake pan but who knows? Maybe someday I’ll learn how to cook like a grown up.
I still have a ways to go but I’m proud of myself for finally tackling this project. It kept getting put on the back burner the last few years because it seemed so overwhelming. I laughed a lot and cried a little. Now I just feel better.
I know a lot of people who read my blog are runner types. But this isn’t a blog about running. It’s about my life. And if you are looking for info about my training and racing this isn’t the post for you. I will write about those things on occasion but not today.
As June approaches I’m feeling a bit strange. I was supposed to be getting married in the beginning of the month. We had the date, venue, photographer and even the cake picked out. But It wasn’t meant to be. Don’t get me wrong I do NOT wish I was getting married. Growing up I was never one to picture my wedding day and it’s never been something really important to me. I think I could live a very fulfilled life without ever walking down the aisle. Plus I know we made the right decision and are both better off for it. He is a great guy, just not the right guy for me.
But its still just awkward. I guess any big ending is. You think life is going to go one way but then you are thrown in a totally different direction. I used to hate that because I like having a plan. But between this and the surgeries and never ending injuries of the past year I am trying to learn to embrace the curveballs of life. Sometimes you just gotta roll with the punches.
I’m excited for a couple of great events going on this week and if you are in the area I hope you will join me!
Tuesday night is the Hudson Training Systems meet and greet at the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine from 5:30 to 8:00 pm. Come meet Mr Brad Hudson himself and find out more about his coaching services and meet other athletes in the program. Brad and I have been working together since 2008 and I really value his help. He has a great group in Boulder and the results speak for themselves. If you can’t make the event Brad also puts on a weekly Sunday long run that is open to the public at 8:30 am at Tom Watson Park. All abilities are welcome and its a great way to meet other runners and get in a solid workout. He also provides online coaching as well.
Wednesday night is an MBT event at the Boulder Running Company at 6 pm. I’m really excited to be a part of this. BRC has been such a help to me during my post collegiate running career through a retail team for a few years and now as an individual athlete. Come to the Littleton store try on some amazing kicks. I got sponsored last year by MBT but I have been wearing and loving the shoes since 2008. Origninally I was drawn in my how comfortable they are but now I love how good my body and joints feel when I wear them and how much better my posture is. They just came out with a bunch of really cute new styles. Please come by and try some on to find out for yourself. Wine will be served! Need I say more?
I hope to see you at one (or both!) of these events!
7-11 is one of my favorite places.
First of all they are always open. Thats a huge plus for someone who gets up as early as I do. It makes me feel slightly less crazy knowing that someone else is awake too.
I’m a huge fan of 24 hour fitness for the same reason.
I also LOVE their decaf coffee. Well actually what I make is a “poor man’s mocha”….Mostly decaf coffee, a splash of hot chocolate, and LOTS of mini marshmallows. You can’t get that at Starbucks.
Let’s not forget another 7-11 classic….the slurpee. I know it might not be the healthiest choice and I used to feel guilty when I got them very often. But at the marathon summit before world champs they actualy ENCOURAGED us to drink slurpees before long hard workouts in the heat. Turns out there is scientific research that they help control body temperature and improve performance. They didn’t have to tell me twice!
Being a regular also has it’s perks. I’m known on a first name basis at stores in Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Chicago. Well actually in Chicago they just call me “the decaf lady” but close enough. They always make me a fresh pot and we chat while its brewing. A lot of times they will give it to me for free since I bring in my own mug. On St Patricks day they even gave me a blinking shamrock button! I think the overnight workers are just happy to have someone who isn’t drunk and trying to steal stuff on their shift.
I’ll admit when looking for a place to live in the springs the 7-11 across the street was a huge selling point. And I get super excited every time I see one when I travel. Gotta celebrate the little things in life.
Ok I tried to mix in some running and non running stuff this week.
What books have you read lately?
14 minutes and Unbroken were the last two and I really enjoyed them both. I’m currently rying to find something upbeat and happy to read next. Unbroken was intense and I need some cheering up.
What was the last concert you went to?
It’s been at least a few years and I’m not a huge concert fan. But the BEST concert I went to was Tom Petty at Red Rocks. The guy has moves. And the first concert I ever went to was the Beach Boys when I was a little kid. I still love oldies and have a juke box in my garage that I’m trying to get back in working order.
Do you get nervous before races?
Yes. But I try not to get too worked up. Before the World Champs in Berlin I was so nervous that I was practically crying the day before the race. That didn’t work out so well. So now I try and put things in perspective. It’s just running.
Are you looking to expand your business?
At this point im pretty content because I don’t want to take on too much while I’m trying to train at a high level. I am definitely interested at expanding in the future or getting my hands into something else. I haven’t ruled out putting my journalism degree to work and I want to write a book eventually. But I also have some business ideas too. I certainly can’t imagine ever being bored.
What do you do for post workout recovery?
I always try and eat within 20-30 minutes of working out. Even if it was just an easy run I think its a good habit. I aim for something with a lot of carbs and a little protein and I always keep a box of power bars and trail mix in my car as a backup. I’m constantly drinking water and snacking throughout the day and try to healthy most of the time. I’m not that into stretching but I will do some drills or dynamic exercises. I also wear my mbts to help take the stress off my feet and joints and promote recovery. I keep a pair in my car to throw on after workouts. Yep, there’s a LOT of stuff in my car.
Whats your favorite restaurant?
Wow thats a tough one! Probably Trulucks in Florida. I love steak and old school piano bars. Or anyplace that serves sushi. In Boulder my favorite restaurants are the Kitchen, Mountain sun, and Walnut Cafe.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
My parents and my older brother. I started running because I wanted to be like Ryan and he’s still the coolest guy I know. And my parents have been so supportive throughout my life. They never pushed me into running and encouraged me to try all kinds of sports. I hope to do the same with my own kids one day. If they want to run, great. If not I just hope they find something that makes them happy.
Favorite getaway/vacation?
My friends got married in Mauii last year and we ran the Hana Relays. It was an amazing trip and Hawaii was gorgeous. I don’t really consider myself a beach person but it was a blast. I really recommend doing a relay race with a bunch of friends. It was super low key although I did get into a battle with a guy from another team and he ended up puking for about an hour afterwards. But we laughed about it later and had a beer together at the finish line party.
Will you go out with me?
Haha. Proabably not. Dating isn’t a huge priority of mine right now (training, family/friends and work definitely come first) but I do want a family someday and I’m getting back into the swing of things after a big breakup last year. I’m into tall guys who like books, kids, and independent women.
I’m headed back to Chicago in a few weeks and I couldn’t be more excited. People always think its crazy how much I love going there when I live in such an amazing place. And its true. Colorado is awesome. Its beautiful here and we get over 300 days of sunshine a year. The scenery is gorgeous and there are great places to train. Plus the added benefit of living and working out at altitude doesn’t hurt either. Colorado camping can’t be beat and the whole community really embraces the active lifestyle.
But these are some of the things about Chicago that keep me coming back to visit: (in no particular order)
1) Not having to drive. I love that I can hop on the subway from the airport and be downtown in 40 minutes. Once I’m there I don’t drive anywhere. Within a two block radius of where I stay there are so many coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, etc. Whole foods is a block away. And so is my favorite sandwich place. Which brings me to number 2.
2) Potbellys. If you know me at all you know that I’m obsessed with this place. Best roast beef sandwich ever. It’s seriously amazing and we don’t have them in Colorado. I usually eat there almost every day when I’m in town. A lot of them even open at 6 am. Beef for breakfast. Yum.
3) The people. Having grown up in a suburb I have a lot of friends still in town. There is something so comforting about being around people who have known you forever, seen all the ups and downs, and still like you! Also the whole running community has been so welcoming and great to me even though I live out of state. I just got a facebook message from a 4th of July race I ran a few years ago. They wanted to let me know theres a free entry waiting for me if I want it. How nice!
4) The Marathon! The Chicago Marathon is my favorite race. The organizers do such a great job and they have always been so kind to me. I ran my first ever marathon in Chicago, qualified for the Oympic Trials there and ran my most recent PR. The course is flat and fast and the crowd support is phenomenal. Sure the weather hasn’t always been ideal. The years I’ve run have included temps in the low 30s and high 80s. But It’s always fun.
5) The big city feel. I love the dowtown buzz with all the lights, people, and chaos. The decorations are awesome at Christmas and in the summer the architecture boat tour never disappoints. Between all the festivals, museums, and events you never run out of things to do.
6) Open Books! I love used bookstores and this is a great one with a wide selection and really friendly staff. They are non profit and strive to promote literacy in Chicago through several community programs.
See you soon Chicago!
