Upcoming Races

My good friend K is completing a half marathon in every state.  I admire her goal and think it is a great way to travel the US.  (I wonder after she has completed the States if she will try to run a half marathon in every continent???)  I have only run a race in 4 States (AZ, CA, OR & WA).

Anyhow, she has asked me on a number of times to go on a trip for a race.  The first was for a back to back race in Hartford, CT and Providence RI in the fall.  I excitedly told her to take Hwy 2 to see the changing fall colors and gave her a list of places to eat in Boston.  I declined the invite.  Next was Kansas and I had been to Witchita.....and have no desire to ever go back.  Then she mentioned the Riverboat series.  5 races in 5 days (either half or full marathons) in KY, TN, AR, MI & LA.  She only needed to do the first three states and when she said Memphis....I responded with "I will go on the following condition we go to Graceland, Sun Records, hit Beale St for some Blues and eat BBQ!"  She agreed and in the next month I will be running 3 half marathons in a row.  Then I was informed about the walking of the ducks at the Peabody hotel.  So that has been added to the list.

If you haven't noticed by the first two references I am HUGE Elvis fan.  I would make my mother buy tapes (yes tapes) from Columbia Record Club (I would tear out the stickers, lick and affix them to the page).  In the car, we played Elvis until the tapes became warped and the sound was off.  This will be a momentous event for me.   Post races I'm meeting up with friends in New Orleans.  I have never been to this area of the country so everything will be a first and an adventure.  I'm so excited!!!

Needless to say with all this excitement, running 3 half marathons is a whole new game for me.  (What did I sign up for???) The first thing I did was pick my PT's brain.  His suggestion was ~ build up to three long runs in a row, starting with lower mileage.  The only caveat is I'm also training for a marathon.  So I started running 5-5-6 (plus a 4 miler and track) and worked my way up to 10 - 17 - 10 last weekend.  And I survived.  I have a week and a half until we leave and my goal is to keep training for the marathon and taper back.  I have 18 miler planned next weekend, but I will only do two runs instead of three.

I am looking forward to this adventure and if anything it has prepared me for my upcoming marathon.

Inspired???

I have been through a hiatus from blogging. In part, I lost the spark and really something to write about.  How was I to top 39+ things in one year?

Well I guess in some ways I'm renewed the spark to write...maybe zero in on an area.  My running for example, it is something I'm doing weekly and I've got some great things coming up.  Blog worthy to write about!

I'm back, healthy and more ready than ever for the upcoming spring/summer races and just running with my community. I think in part that is why I enjoy running so much....my community of runners who are friends and some are like family.

So be on the look out for a blog here and there.

Looking for Silver Linings

Craptastic

How else can I describe something horrible and look for the possible good out of it....

I have a tendency to make poor choices when I'm tired.  This also occurs when I'm coming down with something.  Case and point, prior to my marathon last year, I was so tired I put my pants on inside out and then promptly was sick for a week.  

So I was tired....I have been tired for a couple days, maybe even longer.  I skipped my Tuesday night track work out and went straight home.  I was in bed by 8:30.  As I was falling asleep, I thought to myself - I'm pretty sure I locked my vehicle.

So the next day I wake up, get my day started and head out the door.  My hatch is completed lifted.  My heart sinks into my stomach.  I already know what has happened.  I race to the back of the car to find my Northface and Columbia coaching jackets, but no silver Adidas bag with my skates.  I see my passenger front door is wide open everything rifled through and an extra spare house keys on the ground in front of my vehicle.  They also pulled out my running shoes and left a perfectly good Nike bag with gym clothes in it.

After filing a police report, the officer informed me that the thieves did not close the doors because it would make a sound which could alert (my dog).  I notice the drivers side door and back passenger door are not closed all the way.  The bag was not visible as the cover over the trunk area was still intact.  It was possibly a random check of vehicles and mine happened to be unlocked.

So what was in the bag - nothing of value to anyone but me.

• Custom baby blue suede skates with a silver star inset (how rock star is that??)
• 8 champion cords for my kiddos to use
• Powertwist
• A test book
• A cd
• 2 pairs of mittens
• 2 hats
• Thermal leggings
• Custom thermal zip up pants
• Thermal long sleeve top
• Ripped up silver Adidas gym bag
• iPhone car charger

I filed a claim and spent the day filling out paperwork and bringing in quotes for everything.  I checked with pawn shops and am checking on Craigslist.  A sergeant from the pd called and asked me to check on Craiglist as SP Teri skates were listed.  

What can't be replaced is the violation I felt.  And the disappointment in making such a costly mistake.

The negatives

I had personal items of value and sentiment stolen from me.

I had a personal melt down and am emotionally exhausted.

I have a $1000 deductible.

I have been informed that I will take a hit and my insurance premiums will go up.

My poor body will be freezing at the rink.
My old pair of skates are really too small and after 10 minutes of wearing them, I sat on the boards in my socks.

Even if I replace things it will cost me and I do not want to accrue any debt.

I probably will not get these items back, more than likely they have been tossed aside.

The silver lining

Everything is replaceable and I'm ok.

I still have my coaching jackets and can make do to stay warm.

The kids complain about the champion cords triple hooks being difficult to use - I can get the S hooks which are easier for them.

I called United States Figure Skating as they do not sell a stand alone test book, they sent me a replacement.

I paid $190 for Powertwist and it is now priced at $160 with shipping.  SAVINGS!!!

I have lost weight and my custom thermal pants were falling down like a gangsta - time to size down and get a new pair.
When I sprained my ankle I taught in my Uggs for 5 weeks...I took and passed both of my Master ratings exams in shoes, dress shoes at that.  Maybe Jimmy can strap on some blades to my Uggs - total comfort, right?

My silver Adidas bag was ripping and with my no spending policy I had planned on not replacing it unless it completely broke - it was close and I was bound to have to replace it at some point anyhow.

I am headed to conference later this month where they often give discounts to coaches for the most expensive item on the list which are the boots.

Who doesn't need a new pair of skates....now what color should I get????

One of my skaters wrote this to me  -

":( well at least they didn't steal you :) then we would have bigger problems? :)"  Wisdom from a 17 year old!

The positives outweigh the negatives.  It still stings but in the end, everything will be ok.  

Hello ~ Your absence has been noticed

Where did you go???

Blogging bi-weekly

A recent reader asked when I was going to write again.  I have not one good reason as to why I haven't written....maybe a combination of excuses to being busy, having the flu, shifting from having 39 things to complete has left little to write or just being plain lazy.  Will my writing be on a more consistent basis than a quarterly financial report, lets hope so.  I can't promise anything but I would like to get back to blogging on a more regular basis....

Updates

Ankle

I'm mostly recovered from my sprain in November and am running again.  It has been a long recovery...my family (biological, skating and running), friends and co-workers has probably had enough of my grumpiness. Running really is a fantastic stress release, besides the other health benefits.  I'm just following everything my PT says.  At this point if he told me to stand on my head for an hour I would.

Sadly I will not be running the BMO Vancouver marathon in BC this coming weekend.  I will be there in support, cheering my fellow marathoners, half marathoners and running Kari in at the end.  I guess I can say at least I'm enjoying possibly the best part of the course running through Stanley park.  I will still have the fresh look at the end....rather than haggard...seeking salt and sustenance.  

I will run another marathon.  I have missed my run buddies and it feels like I'm starting to return to my old self.

Paying off my Debt

One of my goals was to pay off my credit card debt, which I can officially say I have done as of today. The extra funds that went to paying off my debt will be split into savings and extra payments to a car I just recently bought.  I was in need of a newer vehicle and bought wisely.  It feels good to not have that hanging over my head.

Tapping into my creative side

I just took another glass blowing class.....I won't give away too many details (this will be a future blog so stay tuned).

Japanese

I took Japanese II but the flu took me down and I dropped the class.  My mom and I still talk half in Japanese and English.  She just recently brought me some flash cards....so Learning Palace like of her.  My mom was notorious while I was growing up for creating homework if I did not have any.  This occurred all through grade school and even in the summers.  She and my aunt were well known in Learning Palace.  I remember summers prior to the school year learning math.  I would get in trouble for not paying attention because I already knew how to do it.  Thanks mom! Domo arigato gozaimasu.

That is the general update....more to come.

2013 - A new start

2013 - A new start

I haven't written in a couple of months.  I set out a goal or one could call them 39 resolutions and I accomplished them in one year.  I am not sure how I did it because by November 1st I was pretty wiped out trying to get everything done and my bank account was not looking so good either.

So that brings me to talk about resolutions.  They are really goals.  Goals are the best way to accomplish anything I want to do.  They must be reasonable, achievable and there must be a timeline.  In addition, announcing your goals to family and friends and tracking your progress makes you me accountable.  Lastly, at times, it is necessary to make adjustments to goals, whether that be timelines or changes in the goal itself.

My resolutions

Get out of debt by Dec 2013

You can't do 39 things and not have the funds to do so.  This was not very good insight on my part.  So here is my plan:

• All credit cards are locked in the safe (step 1 done) and not to be used
• When making purchases go through wants vs needs assessment
• Every month I have a set amount of money that is paid to the credit card
• I have taken on a new role at work which pays me an additional amount 2x a month - this money will be a direct payment to the credit card
• I have taken on a second class which provides additional money 2x a month - this money will be a direct payment to the credit card

I do believe I will have this paid off before Dec 2013.

Blog biweekly

I really enjoyed my blogging last year.  I actually have missed writing.  It had that accountability factor for me which I believe was part of how I accomplished 39 things before my 40th birthday.  Being realistic with the time I believe I can write twice a month.  If I write more than that, I'd be thrilled. Taking into consideration, I don't want to write about meaningless topics to make a goal.  

Enhance my creative side

From my 39 experiences I loved being outdoors and taking art classes. I have worked to develop good self-care in the physical aspect of my life but have not done so with my creative side. I need to tap into that part of me.

My plan is to:

• Take more hand blown glass classes
• Take a painting class (need to sign up)
• Take a class that works on my physical/creative side - possibly belly dancing (spring or summer)

Continue learning Japanese 

This was one of my 39 experiences.  I took a class this fall and greatly improved in my skills.  I even know 4 Kanji characters.  However it's like I'm still in first grade.  This is an important piece to me both culturally and personally.  I hope to travel to Japan again to see my family and be able to participate in conversations, rather than have my mom or cousin translate for me.

My plan is to:

• Take Japanese II (I'm signed up)
• Continue talking with my mom in Japanese weekly - that will even happen today as we celebrate oshogatsu
• Complete assigned homework 
• Practice daily writing and repeating phrases

I hope that 2013 brings much promise to you all.  What are your resolutions and how will you accomplish them?  Have you told anyone about them?

40th Birthday

I'm 40

I'm officially 40. I have completed all 39 experiences and had getting deported added as an unscheduled 40th experience. How many of you can say you have had that? I don't feel older. Ok maybe I do because I haven't felt great most of this trip and am still feeling effects of heartburn from dinner last night probably doesn't help.

Highlights

Top three highlights and not in any particular order were 

1. Seeing the Orcas
2. Overnight in the Aquarium
3. Oregon Caves

With Crater Lake and Tunnel Falls a close tie with the Oregon Caves.

All nature related.

Most Rewarding

1. Raising over $1000 for breast cancer
2. Feeding the homeless
3. Running sub 2 half and marathon

At the Bottom of the List

Being in a commercial.  Too much standing, waiting, freezing.  I am on tv but I wouldn't do it again.  Even getting deported was better than my commercial experience. It was not horrific because I encountered acts of kindness from the Alaska flight crew, US Customs agents and fellow passengers. 

Stats

Top 3 Post Views

1. Bye Bye Bryan - it's tabloid like right?
2. Crabs 1 - Sonya 0 
3. Timelines - (my first blog a little over year ago)

Looking Back and Looking Forward

I've had an amazing year...a busy but amazing year.  I would like to continue having more outdoor adventures, enhance my creative side, helping others, buy flowers from the farmers market, take time for myself and continue blogging.  I may need another venue for blogging as I have had complaints from readers that Blogger will not allow comments.

In the next year I have travel opportunities(South America, Asia), another marathon and growing my own veggie garden. I'm sure other things will pop up along the way. But for now I'm just going to enjoy the day.

Faith Cafe

Faith Cafe

My idea of going snowmobiling did not work out.  Part way through the season the snowfall was not great enough and my connections with snowmobiles said it was a bad year.  

Huh - well it was time to replace this experience.   A friend of mine was helping out through her church to feed the homeless.  She has done this quite a few times with her mom.  I really thought it was fantastic to help out others in need.  Especially those who are hungry.  A person can acquire food from a food bank, but do they have the means or facilities to cook or create a meal.  Let alone a hot meal? 

We arrived early, there are multiple churches that rotate in serving at Faith Cafe.  We arrived around 4:30 checked in, they went over the details, held hand then said a prayer and sang a song.  Then the doors opened.  The tables have tablecloth and flowers on them.  There were families, elderly, people in wheelchairs, teenagers and young adults.  Hunger does not see an age, your ethnicity or abilities. 

We stood by the table and as people sat down I offered them a drink (milk, juice, soda, coffee, tea or water) and brought them silverware.  I then lined up in the kitchen for the plated meal which was beef stroganoff over a biscuit, green beans and salad/fruit salad.  There was a dessert table and individuals could have seconds once everyone had been served.  In the back of the church was a table with food items for people to take.  It varied from bread, peanut butter, fresh fruit and chips. There were other items but I didn't get a close look as I was busy.  We cleared plates and cleaned up after everyone left. 

One of the volunteers said to me this is an experience, isn't it?  It is and it was.  

I often ask myself after any experience, would I do this experience again? For the most part I have answered yes - (with one exception).   This officially is my last of my 39 experiences.  My perspective has shifted and I have grown in so many ways.  I appreciate and see things very differently.

What's Next?

I've been asked will I have 40 experiences when I'm 40?  The answer is no.  It takes a lot of planning and time to do so many things in a year.  It also means funding these experiences and as I once said to a former boss "work is getting in the way of my activities, however work is paying for those activities".

I am turning 40 in less than a week and as I reflect back on my best moments it helps shape the direction I would like to go toward in my future.  As I move forward I would like to focus on enhancing my creative side, enjoying the outdoors and making positive impacts.