One More for the Books

13.1 Miles down! And feeling pretty great!

It wasn't easy, and it wasn't pretty, but I did it.  My time was not what I was hoping, but I completed it.  Having a running buddy with me was amazing.

There were a couple of unforeseen circumstances I dealt with. My stomach was really bothering me from about mile 4 and on, which I was worried about since I've started having issues again, so that slowed me down a little... but didn't stop me. And it was Claire (my running buddy) who kept me going when i was feeling my worst.  So glad I had her with me.  

I also had a scare in the middle (right between mile 8 and 9) when one of the runners in front of me collapsed. That stopped me about 5 minutes because I actually got to use my CPR certifications for good use.  Thank goodness there was someone else trained with us (a nurse) because she was able to do compressions when I lost the pulse. She probably saved his life. Scary happenings. Never thought I'd ever actually have to use that in real life. 

There's another that I want to do in October.  I'm going to set a time goal... under 2 hours.  If I start training soon, that is completely attainable.  I wasn't too far from that now so I can only hope! Although I heard once, there is only do and do not, there is no try.  I don't remember who said that. I know it was someone famous. Props to you mystery man. 

So what's next? I have the big wedding I'm helping to coordinate this Sunday, my cousin's wedding in a few weeks, and still job huntin.  Although I need to start looking at different cities. I have a few on the radar that the boyfriend and I have talked about (which is scary in its own right). When did I become an adult?

Just Around the Riverbend

The weekend is here and the race is coming up.  Today I'll head over to the fitness expo to pick up my race packet and look at all the cool stuff.  

Side note, it's freezing in my office... Granted its nice out but it's only like 73. No need to make the office a tundra. Lets get real. Late spring and early summer are times to wear the cute stuff and here I am, sitting with a blanket draped around me. Somehow, I also seem to be the only one cold so I guess I lose there. Ridiculous. 

Anyway, I don't remember if I've already written about this but one of my best friends will officially be running with me which will be great.  Neither one of us have trained as we should so we'll be in the same boat.  I've gotten to a point which I never in a million years thought I would which is: I really like to run. I've found though that I love running so much more when I have someone to run with.  

I'm starting to look forward to Sunday more than dread it as I kind of was before, which is a good sign. It'll definitely be a completely different experience than the last time.  

It's the Final Countdown

Happy May!

I realize I'm very behind in my blogging.  It's been a crazy hectic month as I thought although I had a couple unexpected things come up which have dented my training quite a bit.

First, I was dealing with a mild case of tendinitis for the past two or three ish weeks which has FINALLY gone away (I say finally after that short of time but when a half marathon is coming up... that's some significant time). Also, I've had some Crohn's issues I've had to deal with which have also added to the set back.  Without going into details, I finally got some answers which are great specially because everything so far seems very treatable.

Unfortunately, I have not been running as I should be. I've been trying to keep as active as I can which isn't too tough with teaching.  But still haven't been able to get the millage in that I was hoping for. I'm still going to try for Sunday but I doubt I'll get the results and times I was hoping for. At this point, I'm just looking to complete the race which I will do even if I have to walk part of it (I'm hoping that's not the case, but I'll do the best I can, that's all I can do right?).

My cousin's shower went great, I think we bought out the entire of Crate & Barrel for her.

That's the basic update for now.  Some other things to talk about but I'll add when I have more time later. :-)

Call Me Maybe?

It is a gorgeous day.  Gorgeous days have such a significant impact on my productivity level.  I mean I really need to relocate to somewhere with a majority of nice weather, the difference on my life as a whole is phenomenal.  As I sit with my trusty laptop at Caribou Coffee, sipping on my iced green tea, and looking through countless websites looking for potential career openings, I've decided I would update my neglected blog and give myself a much needed brain break. 

I've been reminded lately of how draining the job search process is. It's definitely a roller coaster of emotions for each completed app.  And then there's the follow ups (which are becoming more and more difficult and awkward with online applications--I mean how do you just call up Disney and say "Hey Disney people, I applied for position X which I think is maybe out of your office or one near by... can you connect me to the one of your thousands of employees that will make this job happen for me?).  (And I know it just means more research on my end which is fine... I'm just venting).  AND THEN... there's the whole fine line between being the appropriate amount of  aggressive and just down right annoying. I need to work on that, I tend to worry too much about being annoying and I think I'm not aggressive enough. 

Basically what I want is the opportunity for a fresh start somewhere.  If that could be here, I would love that.  However, I've yet to find that here although I will keep looking... Some days I just want to get up and go.  I'm not sure where, just go. If I didn't have a set destination, I feel like I'd end up in Nashville, Texas or Southern California. Both fortunately and unfortunately, I'm a little too much of a planner to just take off spontaneously.  I need some sort of reason to make such a life change.  I want to take that adventure at some point... I just need to find the right motivation  and opportunity to do so--and enough time to get everything else in order first.  That day will come, just not for a while.  It is nice to fantasize about however. 

Until then, I will keep on keepin on.  If any one happens to come across this blog who is looking for an AWESOME employee with a love of people, music, slight sarcasm and glitter, give me a call.  I know I haven't even met you, and this maybe crazy, but I can be your next (insert awesome job title here). So....

Will You Ever Quit? No, We Want Some More, We Want Some More.

I'm finding it very difficult to get past the frustration block I keep finding in front of me.  I don't know if it's just me, but everything seems to complicate all at once too. When it rains, it pours right?  Writing, careers, moving, everything just seems to be at a standstill with no real progress possibilities in sight. It gets really, really frustrating and stressful.  I'm not used to these types of emotions.  I don't know how to not be super happy and positive.  Welcome to the real world I guess.  At the end of the day, I can't let my frustrations make me forget my motivation.  Deep breaths, some yoga, a good run and I'll continue to try and move forward. Any suggestions are more than welcome. I'll end with a crazy annoying quote I've seen on most college girls facebook wall at some point: "No one said it'll be easy, they just said it'll be worth it." (I have no clue who said this).

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends

I currently feel like I was run over by a semi. As we're getting closer and closer to the date of the Cleveland Half, I'm starting to panic more and more.  At this point last year, it had already been nice outside for at least a month and a half.  Ipso-facto, I was much farther along on my training.  So, still slightly hungover, yesterday after my class I decided I couldn't waste the beautiful day and went for a run (plus, I would have felt bad cancelling on my friend who's been my running buddy this year).  We went just under 6 miles and looking back, I'm very glad I pushed myself to go forward with the run.  However, my body is more than a little angry with me today.  The run itself wouldn't have been as much of a big deal on its own, but after a full hour of Dance Jam, my legs were already screaming at me, and the hangover wasn't helping my motivation at all... (although the exercise helped cure the hangover quite a bit). 

Yesterday brought me to a huge realization about myself: I am so much more successful, and can do so much more in general, if I have someone along with me for the ride.  For example, had I not promised my friend Kathy I would run with her, there's a good chance I would have waved my white flag and my run would have ended after a mile...tops.   I generally think of myself as an extremely self-motivated person, and compared to the general population, I am.  But the addition of someone else to hold me accountable is my secret weapon to success.   I don't like to disappoint people. In fact, I'm having trouble thinking of anything (other than spiders) that I like less than disappointing people (going to the dentist is a close third).  

I think this is the main reason I'm such a proponent of group fitness classes, you're surrounded by others and, if the atmosphere is how it should be, surrounded by motivation.  I'm a people person though.  I like playing on teams and working in groups.  I know this buddy system and accountability approach isn't for everyone.  Some people are completely turned off by things like this and that's great too.  At the end of the day, we all just need to find what's best for ourselves. There's no magic formula that will work for 100% of the population.  However, I think the buddy/group motivation approach is worth a shot for everyone. It's harder to cheat.  End of story.  If you're ever struggling at accomplishing a goal, any goal, get someone to go after it with you, or just keep someone else in the loop on your progress. You'll be amazed at how much easier will power becomes. At least I am. Thanks friends. Keep me going strong. 

Take away points: 6 miles down, just about 5 weeks to go before the half, friends are awesome, disappointing people sucks, I hate spiders and the dentist. 

Magic Bananas

After going back and re-reading my entire blog (it's not that long...) I decided before I go any farther, I'm going to re-blog my first entry (with a couple edits/ additions to keep everything relevant and current) so that if anyone happens to join in on the fun now, you'll get a little better understanding of me. Below is a version of my very first post ever. Enjoy:

I could go into a whole long explanation about why I've decided to write a blog, give all sorts of justifications on why anyone should care about what I have to say, tell you how much better your life will be once you read my postings... (you get the idea). Instead, I'm gonna keep the introductory post to the point. I've finally decided to embrace this whole social media thing.  While I'm neither important enough nor insignificant enough to have a blog, I think I'm pretty awesome and hopefully I can add some insight, entertainment, knowledge, whatever to your day. 

First I'll give you a little info on myself that will hopefully make understanding my posts a little easier:

I think I'm funny.  I love to laugh and like to make myself do so.  It's not uncommon for me to say that "I'm funny" following a statement if I don't think other people truly appreciate the gem that just came out of my mouth. I love to dance. I've been doing it my whole life and I like to think I'm pretty good.  I also love to sing.  I'm currently learning how to play guitar.  If you haven't picked up on it by now, music is kinda my thing.  I'm not nearly as arrogant as I seem right now.  As confident as I am in some respects, I'm extremely modest in others.  I always have a smile on my face.  You're more likely to see a live unicorn than to catch me in a bad mood.  I am one of the most positive people you will ever meet.  Having said that, I'm also extremely realistic.  I've had my fair share of relationships but have extreme commitment issues.  I am currently dating a wonderful guy.  I think the world has become way to politically correct and sensitive.  I am extremely social.  I would be nowhere without my friends, they're as much my family as my blood-relatives.  I am extremely passionate.  I play fantasy football.  I teach group fitness classes.

That should be enough to start. If you're up for it, come take a journey with me and we'll see where this thing goes.  I don't take myself too seriously, neither should you.  So if I'm writing to some, many, or just myself, please enjoy.

Until next time,
Alli