I just embarked on a new adventure this week, a new job working for KNPR radio as their online content coordinator -- whew what a title!
The people are nice enough, the hours, benefits, pay, etc etc are all well and good. It's just that suddenly walking into a totally new situation with new people and new tasks is like being beamed onto another planet where up is down and down is up. It is enough to make the smartest person suddenly stupid.
It's not just learning the job that is the challenge (like starting with what am I supposed to do, exactly?) since there is no one around who did what I did before or if there was someone, he isn't there now to show me. Dealing with the people is a challenge. Again, everyone is nice; however, trying to time the questions, making sure I am asking enough questions and asking them in the right way is the challenge.
Of course even the most basic tasks require a brain transplant. The programs I am used to using are slightly different (it has been so long since I have set any preferences) enough that a task as simple as training my email box to remove junk email so I don't have a slew of penis ads staring me in the face on my work computer every morning has been daunting.
Add to that sheer memorization involved of suddenly having to know who does what even though we have only met each other once (so what if they knew I was coming for three weeks).
So back to school I have gone. It is a good thing. I would rather feel younger than older. They say work keeps a person young. Whoever they are aren't kidding when they say that.
Actually the experience has been motivating so far. I want to learn new programming languages and perhaps a new field (I have always been interested in journalism/writing since HS newspaper days). So here we go. Be careful of what you ask or wish for.
On the health and fitness front... I am channelling this "back to school" feeling into "back to basics" behaviors. So far I have used my brand spanking new WW mug everyday (I wander the halls carrying that thing) and brought my healthy lunch in my WW insulated cooler. I stocked my desk with healthy snacks and eat them only when I feel a physical need, believe it or not. Amazing how that whole snacking thing changes when you are busy and feeling "under the gun" or "stressed to impress." I also plan on bringing my walking sneaks as I work on the community college campus near a residential area so I see a great opportunity to gain some AP's. Other positive steps have been to go for a short run before work.
So there, you see. I don't have relive the old stressed-out no time for me days of my workaholic youth. I have learned something. And what I learned is that this new return into corporate work-dom will offer a new opportunity to put into practice what I learned!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Sunday, September 9, 2007
inTENSE-ive
For the last 36 hours life has been all bellydance all the time. This morning I woke up to sore legs and back muscles from taking six classes non-stop since Friday. I don't think I take six bellydance classes in one week! And the last two nights have been a blur of fabulous dancing, one act better than the next and all beautiful.
This experience has been inspiring, uplifting, motivating and frustrating all at the same time. I go from feeling, "I just don't get this at all," to "Wow, this is neat," to "I can do this forever," to "Huh?" to "I've got to learn this style on my own," all within the span of an hour and a half class.
So far I have taken Turkish style, Moroccan and Tunisian Dance, travelling steps, Flamenco fusion and Creating and Destroying rules not to mention Suhaila's evil combination class (without the all-important layering technique class beforehand -- it was full up).
Of course the teachers that I like don't teach classes (they just charge an arm and a leg for privates) or they live far away -- oh well. And how in heck am I to remember all their steps from a class I took once sandwiched in between classes of someone else's style so I can practice at home. It is very overwhelming. So I am just taking this weekend for what it is, a great workout in my favorite dance style along with a new moves tossed in that may serve me well in the future.
Timing of meals has been intense too. I forsaw this with the crazy schedule of one class starting after the next that I packed a lunch and brought several liters of water. Lunch would be just one hour. I shared that hour with a couple nice ladies in one's AC-ed car. I could have gotten fast food (they got greasy stuff), but I enjoyed the satisfying turkey, avocado, babygreens wrap that only took me a few minutes to throw together this morning. Snack was a two point bar furtively eaten in between classes.
I did skip the last class though. I already know beginning zilling (finger cymbals) and needed that time to shower and eat a healthy dinner (wasn't going to leave that to the whims of the potluck gods at that night's Hafla dance show) at home, especially since iconoclastic Amara had us rolling all over the dirty dance floor on our heads "breaking rules" in that last hour.
But wait, there is more! Today I return for more punishment, I mean er, FUN! I sit hear trying to get myself hyped up to learn and to move more. Yesterday was like running a marathon. Today will make it an ultra. My running partner is going to get her "long run in" before she shows up to take a class. She will be sorry. I feel no guilt about skipping running this weekend, especially when these classes have been more like back to back aerobics classes.
This experience has been inspiring, uplifting, motivating and frustrating all at the same time. I go from feeling, "I just don't get this at all," to "Wow, this is neat," to "I can do this forever," to "Huh?" to "I've got to learn this style on my own," all within the span of an hour and a half class.
So far I have taken Turkish style, Moroccan and Tunisian Dance, travelling steps, Flamenco fusion and Creating and Destroying rules not to mention Suhaila's evil combination class (without the all-important layering technique class beforehand -- it was full up).
Of course the teachers that I like don't teach classes (they just charge an arm and a leg for privates) or they live far away -- oh well. And how in heck am I to remember all their steps from a class I took once sandwiched in between classes of someone else's style so I can practice at home. It is very overwhelming. So I am just taking this weekend for what it is, a great workout in my favorite dance style along with a new moves tossed in that may serve me well in the future.
Timing of meals has been intense too. I forsaw this with the crazy schedule of one class starting after the next that I packed a lunch and brought several liters of water. Lunch would be just one hour. I shared that hour with a couple nice ladies in one's AC-ed car. I could have gotten fast food (they got greasy stuff), but I enjoyed the satisfying turkey, avocado, babygreens wrap that only took me a few minutes to throw together this morning. Snack was a two point bar furtively eaten in between classes.
I did skip the last class though. I already know beginning zilling (finger cymbals) and needed that time to shower and eat a healthy dinner (wasn't going to leave that to the whims of the potluck gods at that night's Hafla dance show) at home, especially since iconoclastic Amara had us rolling all over the dirty dance floor on our heads "breaking rules" in that last hour.
But wait, there is more! Today I return for more punishment, I mean er, FUN! I sit hear trying to get myself hyped up to learn and to move more. Yesterday was like running a marathon. Today will make it an ultra. My running partner is going to get her "long run in" before she shows up to take a class. She will be sorry. I feel no guilt about skipping running this weekend, especially when these classes have been more like back to back aerobics classes.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Mmmm... cake!
I just want to take a poll here, is cake a rare commodity that can only be eaten on someone's birthday, at a celebration or part of a buffet?
I thought so. Just checking.
Yesterday I stopped by my new job to sign paperwork. The nice HR lady showed me around and introduced me to a gazillion people which was VERY overwhelming. So many personalities and what a variety of vibes (I am really tuned into people's vibes since I deal with many people on a weekly basis). Some people seemed too busy to care while others really went out of their way to make me feel welcome.
As I was being ushered down the hall someone asked, "When's your birthday?" I answered and got a big cheer since it is coming up in a month and a half. That same person proclaimed how much she loves cake. Then I recalled the HR lady telling me one of the "benefits" of working there is that everyone gets a cake on their birthday. I thought, ok, that's fine. I am not a huge cake fan, but am definitely into celebrating.
I just thought it was funny how much emphasis was put on this whole cake thing. When it comes time for my birthday I will be happy to offer Birthday Lady my slice of cake. I am sure she will be thrilled.
This is all bringing up what I am going to do about food. I guess I will just pack it all up and take it to work. I do that now on my busy days. I will also bring a pair of sneaks so I can take a powerwalk on my lunch hour. And yes, I am not going to eat at my desk. That workaholic habit can add pounds for sure. Everything is going to be low-key though. I definitely don't want to be known as the WW lady. Marathon lady is fine. My new employers are unaware of my stupendous weight loss.
This morning I spent time tying up some loose ends. I also met L for a trail run by her house at 5am (read, 3:30 am wakeup call!). That is definitely a habit I want to keep. Later I've got a BD class taught by the famed Suhaila Salimpour. It should be a butt-kicker (she is literally known for glute squeezing technique). After will be a professional bellydance show. Should be FUN and inspiring!
I thought so. Just checking.
Yesterday I stopped by my new job to sign paperwork. The nice HR lady showed me around and introduced me to a gazillion people which was VERY overwhelming. So many personalities and what a variety of vibes (I am really tuned into people's vibes since I deal with many people on a weekly basis). Some people seemed too busy to care while others really went out of their way to make me feel welcome.
As I was being ushered down the hall someone asked, "When's your birthday?" I answered and got a big cheer since it is coming up in a month and a half. That same person proclaimed how much she loves cake. Then I recalled the HR lady telling me one of the "benefits" of working there is that everyone gets a cake on their birthday. I thought, ok, that's fine. I am not a huge cake fan, but am definitely into celebrating.
I just thought it was funny how much emphasis was put on this whole cake thing. When it comes time for my birthday I will be happy to offer Birthday Lady my slice of cake. I am sure she will be thrilled.
This is all bringing up what I am going to do about food. I guess I will just pack it all up and take it to work. I do that now on my busy days. I will also bring a pair of sneaks so I can take a powerwalk on my lunch hour. And yes, I am not going to eat at my desk. That workaholic habit can add pounds for sure. Everything is going to be low-key though. I definitely don't want to be known as the WW lady. Marathon lady is fine. My new employers are unaware of my stupendous weight loss.
This morning I spent time tying up some loose ends. I also met L for a trail run by her house at 5am (read, 3:30 am wakeup call!). That is definitely a habit I want to keep. Later I've got a BD class taught by the famed Suhaila Salimpour. It should be a butt-kicker (she is literally known for glute squeezing technique). After will be a professional bellydance show. Should be FUN and inspiring!
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Signs
Just in case I needed a sign to tell me what to do about the recent job opportunity/job offering, sometimes life just hits you over the head, grabs you by the shoulders and shouts, "Wake up!"
It seems like the stresses of the soon to be former schedule have been building up to boiling point just in time. I can take these signs as failures or merely as confirmation that I am doing the right thing by taking the new position (yes I got it!).
Yesterday I was severely dressed down over paperwork and mileage. Nevermind I had members (friends, thank you skinnyguy!) telling me after my meetings this week (no matter how well the topic flopped, talk about hearing crickets chirping) that they have shopped around forever and are happy to have found a leader they click with. Nevermind I have members, strangers merely 30 minutes before, hugging me after the meeting and apologizing for having to miss a couple weeks. See this is the problem of being a nice person. People dare to tell you all the stupid stuff because they think you can take it.
Sure I had good excuses last week for half my tallies not reaching the office in time (a tight schedule T-Th not leaving any time for paperwork, late Labor Day mail, a lost deposit -- see tight schedule that left me no room to think). In any case I did not apologize or make excuses. I just said, "Thank you. I will be better." In the back of my mind you know what I was thinking (I will be MORE than better -- I will give you almost no paperwork since that is what you asked for, thank you very much. Is that the kind of thanks I get for all the schlepping and the crazy scheduling I agreed to?). I was also thinking thank goodness I am leaving this mess! This company has such an antiquated way of dealing with paperwork. It's one thing when you are doing this part-time and the paperwork is manageable. It is another thing when you are crazy enough to take it on "full" time and have to dot all i's and cross all t's, meanwhile keeping track of the deposits -- too much! I just want to help people lose weight, thank you very much!
So this happens just before I go into the director's office to give her the "news." I was so nervous but I did it. She is happy for me. I made the right choice. In fact there is another staff member who is retiring from her "day" job and wants to do this full-time now. They needed meetings to give her and here I am giving some up -- perfect! Another sign.
Of course signs that encouraged me in the direction of strongly pursuing a career change included: the recent breakdown of my car's AC in the heat of summer which will cost $1000 to fix (read, by new car now); pesky student loans; promised "in the mail" freelance payments that only seem to arrive at a snail's pace; normally low summer meeting attendance's effect on my paycheck; dying to have my Sunday's back for running, travel, family, social activities (most of my friends/family socialize that day, ie bridal showers, birthdays, etc.); killing myself to find subs to cover meetings on days I have said activities; said crazy schedule's effect on my eating habits and exercise schedule... I could go on.
The culminating effect of it all has given me a big headache and a case of anxiety I didn't realize I had until I started relieving myself of some of these duties.
So those are the signs. Next time I will talk about the how I used these signs to create my Winning Outcome!
PS -- The last two days I ran 4 miles each morning. The legs are tired, but on the comeback trail.
It seems like the stresses of the soon to be former schedule have been building up to boiling point just in time. I can take these signs as failures or merely as confirmation that I am doing the right thing by taking the new position (yes I got it!).
Yesterday I was severely dressed down over paperwork and mileage. Nevermind I had members (friends, thank you skinnyguy!) telling me after my meetings this week (no matter how well the topic flopped, talk about hearing crickets chirping) that they have shopped around forever and are happy to have found a leader they click with. Nevermind I have members, strangers merely 30 minutes before, hugging me after the meeting and apologizing for having to miss a couple weeks. See this is the problem of being a nice person. People dare to tell you all the stupid stuff because they think you can take it.
Sure I had good excuses last week for half my tallies not reaching the office in time (a tight schedule T-Th not leaving any time for paperwork, late Labor Day mail, a lost deposit -- see tight schedule that left me no room to think). In any case I did not apologize or make excuses. I just said, "Thank you. I will be better." In the back of my mind you know what I was thinking (I will be MORE than better -- I will give you almost no paperwork since that is what you asked for, thank you very much. Is that the kind of thanks I get for all the schlepping and the crazy scheduling I agreed to?). I was also thinking thank goodness I am leaving this mess! This company has such an antiquated way of dealing with paperwork. It's one thing when you are doing this part-time and the paperwork is manageable. It is another thing when you are crazy enough to take it on "full" time and have to dot all i's and cross all t's, meanwhile keeping track of the deposits -- too much! I just want to help people lose weight, thank you very much!
So this happens just before I go into the director's office to give her the "news." I was so nervous but I did it. She is happy for me. I made the right choice. In fact there is another staff member who is retiring from her "day" job and wants to do this full-time now. They needed meetings to give her and here I am giving some up -- perfect! Another sign.
Of course signs that encouraged me in the direction of strongly pursuing a career change included: the recent breakdown of my car's AC in the heat of summer which will cost $1000 to fix (read, by new car now); pesky student loans; promised "in the mail" freelance payments that only seem to arrive at a snail's pace; normally low summer meeting attendance's effect on my paycheck; dying to have my Sunday's back for running, travel, family, social activities (most of my friends/family socialize that day, ie bridal showers, birthdays, etc.); killing myself to find subs to cover meetings on days I have said activities; said crazy schedule's effect on my eating habits and exercise schedule... I could go on.
The culminating effect of it all has given me a big headache and a case of anxiety I didn't realize I had until I started relieving myself of some of these duties.
So those are the signs. Next time I will talk about the how I used these signs to create my Winning Outcome!
PS -- The last two days I ran 4 miles each morning. The legs are tired, but on the comeback trail.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Kid's Play
This weekend Rick and I stayed with my parents in California so we could participate in my family's favorite Labor Day weekend tradition, Sycamore Sunday.
Sycamore Sunday is an event my mother's running club puts on every Labor Day Sunday which usually includes an early morning trail run up Sycamore Canyon and a relaxing BBQ on the beach.
One may picture spry young 20-40 somethings while imagining this scene, but actually I think the average mean age is 60. I do remember when these folks would sit around and recount the details of their latest marathon, but lately I have been hearing stuff like, "I don't need to prove anything anymore." "I will just do 4 miles." "Wow! You ran 13 miles in (less than three hours)! That is fast!" Hanging around these folks is enough to prop up any midpack runner's ego.
On the other hand I have been trying to imagine where and what I will be doing on Sycamore Sunday when I am 60. Will I be sitting in the easy chair or will I be heading up the canyon for a trail run?
Sunday our group decided to host a couple races "for the kids." One was a half marathon (13.1 miles) for "big kids" and the other a 50 m dash on the beach. I knew the 50 m dash was for the little ones (picture toddlers with barely their land legs holding them up -- too cute!).
I signed up for the 13.1 miler figuring it has been a long time since I have raced. Well just my luck California is experiencing a heat wave, hotter than Las Vegas, just in time for my visit. And nevermind this race is starting at the way-too-hot hour of 8:12 am. In Las Vegas I may have been long-finished with my long Sunday run by that time. I noticed most of the "big kids" decided not to participate and run 4-8 miles instead. I was beginning to see the wisdom of their ways when we approached the starting line and I saw the treeless route sprawled out ahead.
I think maybe 10 of us went for it. For sure it was going to be a hot one and today wasn't the day to push it. Most went with the "it's just a run" attitude. I sort of went with that mindset, but knew that if I had anything left with half to go, I would pick it up, provided the heat didn't get to me first.
I headed out with a pack of four men with one gradually breaking off early in the race to leave us in the dust. I couldn't believe it considering the heat, but figured he is a big boy and knows his pace. Hey, one person's 10 minute mile pace is another's 7 minute mile pace. So on a hot day you up it by a minute or two. I figured he wasn't going so fast that I possibly couldn't catch him later on. However, it was 100 degrees and I doubt I would have the gumption to catch anyone later in the race. In any case, I let the easy pace of my comrades dictate my pace and hold me back for the first half.
At a certain point we split into two "couples." I was running in the back with a fellow named Mike who usually leaves everyone, myself included, in the dust! He was feeling under the weather and kept questioning outloud the sanity of running any distance in the heat with his condition. The pace was easy and conversational and the conversation was compelling enough that I gave no thought to effort. That may have been good or bad, depending on how one view's distractions during a race. I guess it was good since it got me through the first half pain-free. However, I don't know if I was running too fast or too slow. We did walk up a hill together so that did help me conserve some energy for later on.
Maybe a couple miles later I bid my friend goodbye. I don't mind walk breaks, but it seemed like he was ready for a permanent one. There were people behind us he could walk with. He had plenty of water too. Personally, the idea of walking three hours versus running about two in the 100 degree heat seemed less draining. I would probably run out of water faster by walking. And now that the hills were pretty much overwith, I was ready to pick it up.
Well, this surge of energy lasted about a mile until I hit the hot flats again and saw the mile marker for 8 miles. Yikes -- five hot miles left! Normally, when it is not 100 degrees out I would be thinking, "Just five miles left." Now I was questioning my sanity for signing up for this thing. But really, I just tried to ignore the "hot" part of it and focus on a steady pace.
At some point I caught up with the fellows ahead of me at a water spigot. I asked how many miles to go and one said, "Five." Five? Five! FIVE!?!!! How can that be possible. I just ran about 1.5 to get there. Maybe the mile marker was wrong. How can I keep up this pace in the heat when the miles are sooooo long? Did I was energy needlessly? Will I soon be joining the troops doing the death march through the hot Valley of Death?
I should have more respect for my "elders" I thought as I set off again. I could be reduced to a crawl and they will be hiking right by at a steady 15 minute mile pace. Those thoughts were pushed out of my mind as I did some estimates on my watch. (Point of note -- my Garmin GPS watch bit the bullet so I was using my mother's borrowed Timex with watch hands.) I gave myself an 40 minutes to an hour to finish the race and if I didn't finish it by then, I could walk all I wanted. That window was to allow for the two extra miles the nice guy with the GPS decided to throw in.
So off I went, keeping it steady meanwhile feeling the sun's heat bore into me. I honestly had no idea when I hit the main trail again. The sight of hikers in flip flops not carrying water bottles was a good tip off though. I knew the end was near.
When I finally finished, the race director and the few people at the finish line said nothing and did nothing. No clapping, no nuthin'! I was pissed. Yes, I was glad I was finished (the last two miles were neverending); however, a little congratulations would have gone a long way. I almost walked off.
But I jogged over and said, "Hi," patiently waiting until they were done doing whatever it was they were doing.
"Oh you are done. Did you do the whole thing?" the race director asked me.
"Um, yes, that is what I signed up to do." I said as she searched me with her big eyes, probably for wings.
"Oh, ok, wow! It's just that several people came in already deciding not to do the whole thing. I can't believe you did the whole thing!"
I looked down at her timer, hoping above hope she pressed the button. She did, but I think she shaved off a minute to make up for her gaff of missing me.
She proclaimed me the woman's race winner and pinned a blue ribbon on me -- First Place it said. LOL, I thought, were there other women competing? But ok, I guess I am in. (Later I found out there were others. I will have to check out the NBB site.) I was happier to find out my time was 2:14. Not a PR for me by any means, but definitely a respectable time in the heat and also considering the two walk breaks with my sick friend and the water spigot break. Just what I wanted. And that was Garmin-free. I think I have run the same before on a colder day. In any case, the accomplishment was finishing alive on such a hot day.
I almost forgot, I also won a whopping 32 ounce water bottle filled with jelly bellies. That will make a great conversation piece on my desk at my new job (I got the job and I start in two weeks!). I tried to post a picture of it, but had a little technical difficulty.
Later after relaxing on the beach and enjoying some BBQ fixin's (I did pretty good in the calorie department, by the way) I watched the kids in their 50 meter dash. They were all smiling and jumping in the air before and after the race. Actually they resembled all the "big kids" (us) running around with big goofy smiles on their faces. Both little kids and adults proudly flaunted their winning ribbons pinned to their shirts. Where else could one find such a display of enthusiasm on a hot Sunday morning. Both sets were already setting goals to "beat last this year's time" next year! Ha Ha.
If finding the proverbial fountain of youth is one of the effect's of running, I will keep running. Meantime I will try not to "eat" my trophy :p
Sycamore Sunday is an event my mother's running club puts on every Labor Day Sunday which usually includes an early morning trail run up Sycamore Canyon and a relaxing BBQ on the beach.
One may picture spry young 20-40 somethings while imagining this scene, but actually I think the average mean age is 60. I do remember when these folks would sit around and recount the details of their latest marathon, but lately I have been hearing stuff like, "I don't need to prove anything anymore." "I will just do 4 miles." "Wow! You ran 13 miles in (less than three hours)! That is fast!" Hanging around these folks is enough to prop up any midpack runner's ego.
On the other hand I have been trying to imagine where and what I will be doing on Sycamore Sunday when I am 60. Will I be sitting in the easy chair or will I be heading up the canyon for a trail run?
Sunday our group decided to host a couple races "for the kids." One was a half marathon (13.1 miles) for "big kids" and the other a 50 m dash on the beach. I knew the 50 m dash was for the little ones (picture toddlers with barely their land legs holding them up -- too cute!).
I signed up for the 13.1 miler figuring it has been a long time since I have raced. Well just my luck California is experiencing a heat wave, hotter than Las Vegas, just in time for my visit. And nevermind this race is starting at the way-too-hot hour of 8:12 am. In Las Vegas I may have been long-finished with my long Sunday run by that time. I noticed most of the "big kids" decided not to participate and run 4-8 miles instead. I was beginning to see the wisdom of their ways when we approached the starting line and I saw the treeless route sprawled out ahead.
I think maybe 10 of us went for it. For sure it was going to be a hot one and today wasn't the day to push it. Most went with the "it's just a run" attitude. I sort of went with that mindset, but knew that if I had anything left with half to go, I would pick it up, provided the heat didn't get to me first.
I headed out with a pack of four men with one gradually breaking off early in the race to leave us in the dust. I couldn't believe it considering the heat, but figured he is a big boy and knows his pace. Hey, one person's 10 minute mile pace is another's 7 minute mile pace. So on a hot day you up it by a minute or two. I figured he wasn't going so fast that I possibly couldn't catch him later on. However, it was 100 degrees and I doubt I would have the gumption to catch anyone later in the race. In any case, I let the easy pace of my comrades dictate my pace and hold me back for the first half.
At a certain point we split into two "couples." I was running in the back with a fellow named Mike who usually leaves everyone, myself included, in the dust! He was feeling under the weather and kept questioning outloud the sanity of running any distance in the heat with his condition. The pace was easy and conversational and the conversation was compelling enough that I gave no thought to effort. That may have been good or bad, depending on how one view's distractions during a race. I guess it was good since it got me through the first half pain-free. However, I don't know if I was running too fast or too slow. We did walk up a hill together so that did help me conserve some energy for later on.
Maybe a couple miles later I bid my friend goodbye. I don't mind walk breaks, but it seemed like he was ready for a permanent one. There were people behind us he could walk with. He had plenty of water too. Personally, the idea of walking three hours versus running about two in the 100 degree heat seemed less draining. I would probably run out of water faster by walking. And now that the hills were pretty much overwith, I was ready to pick it up.
Well, this surge of energy lasted about a mile until I hit the hot flats again and saw the mile marker for 8 miles. Yikes -- five hot miles left! Normally, when it is not 100 degrees out I would be thinking, "Just five miles left." Now I was questioning my sanity for signing up for this thing. But really, I just tried to ignore the "hot" part of it and focus on a steady pace.
At some point I caught up with the fellows ahead of me at a water spigot. I asked how many miles to go and one said, "Five." Five? Five! FIVE!?!!! How can that be possible. I just ran about 1.5 to get there. Maybe the mile marker was wrong. How can I keep up this pace in the heat when the miles are sooooo long? Did I was energy needlessly? Will I soon be joining the troops doing the death march through the hot Valley of Death?
I should have more respect for my "elders" I thought as I set off again. I could be reduced to a crawl and they will be hiking right by at a steady 15 minute mile pace. Those thoughts were pushed out of my mind as I did some estimates on my watch. (Point of note -- my Garmin GPS watch bit the bullet so I was using my mother's borrowed Timex with watch hands.) I gave myself an 40 minutes to an hour to finish the race and if I didn't finish it by then, I could walk all I wanted. That window was to allow for the two extra miles the nice guy with the GPS decided to throw in.
So off I went, keeping it steady meanwhile feeling the sun's heat bore into me. I honestly had no idea when I hit the main trail again. The sight of hikers in flip flops not carrying water bottles was a good tip off though. I knew the end was near.
When I finally finished, the race director and the few people at the finish line said nothing and did nothing. No clapping, no nuthin'! I was pissed. Yes, I was glad I was finished (the last two miles were neverending); however, a little congratulations would have gone a long way. I almost walked off.
But I jogged over and said, "Hi," patiently waiting until they were done doing whatever it was they were doing.
"Oh you are done. Did you do the whole thing?" the race director asked me.
"Um, yes, that is what I signed up to do." I said as she searched me with her big eyes, probably for wings.
"Oh, ok, wow! It's just that several people came in already deciding not to do the whole thing. I can't believe you did the whole thing!"
I looked down at her timer, hoping above hope she pressed the button. She did, but I think she shaved off a minute to make up for her gaff of missing me.
She proclaimed me the woman's race winner and pinned a blue ribbon on me -- First Place it said. LOL, I thought, were there other women competing? But ok, I guess I am in. (Later I found out there were others. I will have to check out the NBB site.) I was happier to find out my time was 2:14. Not a PR for me by any means, but definitely a respectable time in the heat and also considering the two walk breaks with my sick friend and the water spigot break. Just what I wanted. And that was Garmin-free. I think I have run the same before on a colder day. In any case, the accomplishment was finishing alive on such a hot day.
I almost forgot, I also won a whopping 32 ounce water bottle filled with jelly bellies. That will make a great conversation piece on my desk at my new job (I got the job and I start in two weeks!). I tried to post a picture of it, but had a little technical difficulty.
Later after relaxing on the beach and enjoying some BBQ fixin's (I did pretty good in the calorie department, by the way) I watched the kids in their 50 meter dash. They were all smiling and jumping in the air before and after the race. Actually they resembled all the "big kids" (us) running around with big goofy smiles on their faces. Both little kids and adults proudly flaunted their winning ribbons pinned to their shirts. Where else could one find such a display of enthusiasm on a hot Sunday morning. Both sets were already setting goals to "beat last this year's time" next year! Ha Ha.
If finding the proverbial fountain of youth is one of the effect's of running, I will keep running. Meantime I will try not to "eat" my trophy :p
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