Active Friends

In my early 20's whenever a birthday rolled around it was all about eating good food, finding a hip bar, club or both and partying the night away.  Now a decade later and things have changed.  Don't get me wrong, I do like to have a good time just in a different way. For my 32nd bday I ran a 1/2 marathon.  After the relay triathlon my friend Santa said she wanted to do a full sprint tri.  She found one the weekend before her bday and asked me to compete with her. I love that my friends want to go out there and be active.

I've trained but not 100%.  I worked a crazy work month with a lot of OT.  But all things considering I know I can and will finish the race. The main thing I am worried about it not know my bike and gears yet. 

Did I forget to mention I got a NEW bike.  A Jamis Venture Sport Road bike.  It's the 2012 model so got a killer deal of $525! And I have my loving hubby to thank for it because it was part of my bday gifts.  The race entry was also a gift.  THANKS BAY!

At first I really liked the model up from this one and a 2013 model, but Jay had a good point. I am new to the sport, I am not a cyclist so why spend a ton of money on a bike not knowing if I am going to train more after this race.  True... very true.  I went with reason and ended up with a pretty cool and fast bike none the less.  I went on a 11 mile bike ride the next day and was pleased.

I also got new shoes in the mail yesterday.  I had given this running store a second try after having a bad experience with them in the past and they failed miserably!!  They got me in the wrong shoes 3 times and I have the blisters to prove it.  After the last return I opted out of an exhacnge and I went online with the newest version of my last 3 pairs of running shoes.  I don't have time to break them in before the race.  Not only because the race is 4 days away but because I have come down with a yucky cold.  I am a walking mucus machine. Ick!

Wish me good luck!

It's the thought that counts?

I have had two people in my life that gave me a card in the last year with a promise to do an event/activity with me.  One was a graduation gift and another was a bday gift.  What is the protocol to cash it in? It's somewhat awkward to say "hey, you know that gift you promised me?"
Jay was like "what type of shit is that?... "I want to be able to do that." It made me feel like
1.) They didn't have money to buy a gift, so why bring it up now in case that is the real reason
2.) They didn't take the time to get a gift so this was a last stitch effort 

Isn't this why gift cards/certificate were invented?  I mean I am super excited to get my massage/Spa day and trip to Catalina Island, but I guess I am SOL right?

Is there a protocol for asking for the gift or is that tacky?  Shouldn't the other person just bring it up??? HELP!

I did it!

When I turned 30 I went on a family hike because I wanted to start off my 30's healthy. Two years later and staying active is still the way I like to celebrate my bday.

I ran 13.1 miles with no training and after working a 12hr graveyard shift. Yay me!! My goal was to do it under 2:30 and barely made it with a finish time of 2:27!

I was losing steam around mile 8.  My legs were cramping up and fatigue had really started to set in. Jay has gone on pack runs around our house so when I saw some one running it reminded me of him and I quickly picked up my speed.  My legs felt heavy but I followed this Army ROTC member has he rapidly weaved in and out of groups.  I was extremely motivated!  I was able to keep up for almost 3 miles. 

And here are my result.

But I didn't finish this race without some clear evident of my lack of training and breaking in new running shoes.  3-4 blisters on each foot (gnore my sock fuzz).

 No pain, no gain... right?



Call it a bday gift to myself

On a brighter note... I decided to run a half marathon in 3 weeks.  It's totally out of the blue.  Kinda. It's one that I have been wanting to do and I think about often.  I told myself in November, if it wasn't sold out I would sign up.  I didn't sign up.  Then I told myself that same thing aftermy 2 pay days. Finally I did sign up after talking to my sister Jess about really wanting to do it.  I haven't trained.  It's on my bday weekend and if I run that one and another in May, then I get another cool medal because I complete this challenge. I know it's ridiculous that I would pay up the wazoo to run, but I guess there are worst things to spend my $ on. Plus, I notice I am happier when I work out.  I have been making small goals here and there.  My most recent one is to run 8 miles within 60 mins.  Yesterday, I came close to my goal and that made me smile. 

 



Life after college

I've been bummed lately. I was hoping to find a full-time job with great benefits right after graduating. I started applying to government agencies a few months before my last quarter. Unfortunately, for government jobs there are tons of people who apply and some job postings are open because the agencies has to run the position even though they might be hiring within. I am getting a lot of reject letters that the position has been filled, canceled or I was not selected to move forward. I miss the days when getting an interview was much easier. I am used to being a shoe in after the interview, but nowadays it feels impossible to get my foot in the door.

I went to a test a few months for this one position. At the test they said the anticipated an opening in 6 months, so this test was just to have an eligibility list ready to go for quicker selection process if the opening occurs. I thought that was extremely inconsiderate! I had my hopes up high and so did so many others for a possibility half a year later?

I really, REALLY want to pursue working in a crime lab or investigating crimes as a forensic technician. If I get into that I want to become an entomologist. Knowing the insect life cycles and being able to determine time of death based on insects fascinates me. However, I don't want to jump into taking a bunch more classes just to end up in a non-related field.

Today I took another test for another position. I walked away feeling hopeful...

I also went to an interview about 3 weeks ago. I had just finished a graveyard shift and wasn't feeling my best. I literally was dragging my feet to go because the bed seemed to be calling my name. I went through and did okay. Surprisingly, I received a letter that I was going to the next level and was currently ranked #1. That did boost my spirits which needed much boosting.

I'm now having a regret. I didn't apply for the full-time position at my work. The reason I didn't apply was because it's a position working for the State. We are having a huge budget crisis and employees here get a raise every 6-8 years. Two other part-timers were applying and I knew they wanted to work here and would be here for quite some time. Me on the other hand would be here for a short period and would be unhappy about my pay. Hindsight, I could've worked on a second Bachelors or my Master's degree. The state allows for college tuition assistance in the CSU system. But I wasn't thinking of what is best for me; instead I was thinking what was best for my co-workers and employer. *shoot me*

Nothing I can do about it now. Only think "well it wasn't meant to be!" Another door will open.

Friends with enough crazy in them as me

It was cold, early and raining, but the excitement was in the air.  It was our first triathlon.  Seriously it was the best feeling to be a part of this team.  We cheered each other on and shared funny and inspiring stories as we waited for each other.

As always... my family were our #1 fans!  I can always count on them to show their support and love.

Annual sister run

 

Another great run in the books.  Personal record this race 2:11!