Again, nearly a month has passed since I've posted. A lot has changed in the last several weeks--leaving me with a bit more open time (though I have plenty of things to get done), but hopefully I can pay a little more attention to updating this site!
I left my job at the bakery--my last day with Essential was April 4th. It's kind of strange--it's a good thing, but I do miss it some, too! I gave my notice in January, so when the time finally came to clear out my desk, it seemed a little surreal. I'm definitely on the hunt for employment. I've had quite a few interviews, but no offers yet. Though I have a 2nd interview with a marine transport company this week--and a first interview with Tommy Bahama, too. Both positions are in Human Resources. It's an exciting time for me--new beginnings!
Cory and I spent the last week in Hawaii--Oahu specifically. It was FANTASTIC! It was a much needed vacation--hard to come back to WINTER weather.......in April. It's almost MAY for God's sake! We had so much fun exploring the island, eating good food, drinking fancy drinks, and digging our feet in the warm sand. Thoughts of moving to a warmer climate someday were solidified during this trip. Someday.
I adjusted my running schedule so that our time in Hawaii was a recovery week. Running in Hawaii was incredible. I did one morning on the treadmill in our hotel because I got started late enough that it was a little too hot for me outside. But I took advantage of those 70 degree early mornings for sure! I can't tell you how wonderful it felt. I pretty much kept to the same route: From our hotel (Aqua Palms and Spa), up Ala Moana Blvd, Right on Kalakaua Avenue for about 2 miles down through the fancy resorts, past Waikiki beaches, all the way down to the end of Kapiolani Park (near the base of Diamond Head), then turned around and went back to the hotel. The route is about 5 miles total. I did two 5 milers and a 10 miler using this route. The temperature was perfect for early morning running--not too warm, a nice breeze coming from the North--lots of water stops along the way, so no need to carry anything. It was ideal. It was probably close to what running in Sunriver, OR might feel like in June--though a bit more humid.
Then there's Seattle. 30/40 degree weather. Rain. Wind. Snow..........SNOW....in late April??? I hate to complain, because I just had a fantastic vacation in the tropics. But I'm sorry--I am so tired of being cold. It's uncomfortable--and makes the training much more difficult (more planning ahead--layering, what to carry, do I bring my hat? My gloves?) Take yesterday for example--it was snowing in West Seattle around noon. Then the sun came out and the skies were clear. I started my run a little after 3 pm with bright, clear skies. It was cold and crisp outside, but okay to wear short pants and a long sleeve shirt. An hour into my run the wind picked up and the clouds started rolling in. Soon my hands started to turn red from the cold, and then they started to go a little numb--they felt like pins and needles. I did get the full 14 miles in though--I was miserable the last 20 minutes when the rain started to fall.
Whine, whine, whine, whine, whine!
Whaaaaaaaaaa!
Okay. I think I got it out of my system. Thanks for putting up with me!
So--I've officially registered for the Pacific Crest Marathon! No turning back now!
I've had to make a few tweaks to my schedule, but for the most part I'm right on track. I have a 16 miler next weekend, 18 the next, and then my first 20 miler the following. I'll be up in Mt. Vernon next Sunday for the 16 miler. My family is going to help me out--that will be very cool! Cory will be in Toronto for the film festival next weekend--very cool! Wish I could be there to support him, but I'm so glad he is able to go!
My hip seems to be doing great! The stretches and strength training seem to really be helping--pretty much not an issue anymore--but let's hope it stays that way! Besides the tormenting weather yesterday, I felt GREAT during my run. I had an 18 miler about 3 weeks ago that was TERRIBLE. I had major stomach issues during the entire run --I finished it, but it was a struggle. I think I've found a good solution for those issues. Recommended in several books, and in the latest issue of RUNNER'S WORLD: Pop a couple of immodium AD's pre-run.....it certainly worked yesterday, so I think I'll keep up with that regimen. (Again, sorry to be so blatant about it, but it's certainly a major issue I've had to deal with during my training).
This post feels a little disjointed, and I feel like I'm forgetting something--however I've already written a novel, so it's time to sign off for now. I will try to be better about posting regularly again--especially since we're down to the last 2 months before the race! Time should allow it now!
Health and Happiness to all!
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