A really great run

It's amazing how good a run can feel when sometimes they feel so bad.

Yesterday I did hill sprints with another Diva and it was tough and when I reached the top of the hill, I could barely breathe and I felt like I would barf at one point, but I suppose that's the goal. My trainer, and yes, I realized this morning that I can actually say that because I do pay someone to tell me what to do regarding activity, has set up this scary but amazing plan to get us ready for Reach the Beach in May. Though I feel confident about the running part, despite the fact that I have the toughest leg, I appreciate that I will feel even more so having completed a plan.

But even more importantly, I feel the confidence in one way or another every single day. This morning it was that I worked the up hills because I knew no matter what they weren't as long as the Sprague Street hill we sprinted up 6 times yesterday. Last week, it was being told I looked "thin" by someone who hadn't seen me in 6 months. I am actually heavier than I had been by a couple of pounds, but I look and feel different because of boot camp.

And lately, when I lie down to read and relax before going to sleep, I nod off in mere minutes because both my body and my mind are tired. Though there are still the work stressors, as there always will be, it's nothing like I felt just 6 months ago at the last place.

As I was running along this morning, I was thinking about my last few bosses. In my last 4 jobs (in the last 6 years), my bosses have been women. They have all had their strengths and weaknesses (and yes, in some cases, I am being very kind) but I have learned something about myself from each one. Since I have moved around so much, I haven't had a formal review in 3 years, but the good news is, I am very self-reflective as we know. Unfortunately, my essential flaw is still present, though tempered for sure since 2009. I have a strong personality and some times it just pisses people off. I try to stop myself, and I am much more successful now (thank God for DRAFT folders) than I was in the past, but I am not at work to be liked. I am here to do my job. I think I have said that before though ; )

Time sure flies

War wound. For the March challenge, the task is to front squat with 1/2 your own body weight, then jump on an 18" box amrap, as many times as you can starting at 1 and counting up for 10 minutes. God it was hard but it was something I never even contemplated doing so I am proud to have actually done it. The only thing I really have to show for it though is the giant bruise on my collar bone from where I rested the 65# of barbell for the total of 28 squats (7 rounds). And the burning in my quads : )

Tomorrow is the 9-mile run with the Divas. Looking forward to running with the girls again. It's been 3 weeks since I have been with the group between TIR events and the weekend in Florida. March is the month of running. 9, 10, then An Ras 5K with Divas and Seagull Six with TIR.

Here I come Chicago

It's amazing how a short conversation can turn into a Marathon ... literally. Was talking to someone at boot camp about her first marathon last week. Then, D said Chicago was more fun than Boston. Then Camille talked about it at the banquet on Saturday night and by Sunday, I was in.

This will be fun. No time goals (though I am sure I will go in with something in mind). No fundraising. And it's in Chicago where I know people and can get excited.

So this year includes so far and it's only February: Daytona 500, Reach the Beach, Vancouver, Chicago ... I am getting around :)

2011 Rookie of the Year

The Thirsty Irish Runners last night awarded me the 2011 Rookie of the Year with my name engraved on the plate and everything.

What a great weekend it's been ... lots of runs with lots of people. A great party. Some good sleep.

And should I or shouldn't I? That is the question.

Happy New Year

Just posted to Facebook: "has a simple resolution ... to make every day in 2012 count"

1. Loose 5 pounds ... seriously.
2. Slow down and enjoy things more.
3. Engage.
4. Run more, bike more, work out better.
5. Keep my day job.

Spoke to Siri today

So it has finally happened. I got the iPhone. I thought I wasn't due for an early upgrade until March 2012 but when my Berry, which I truly loved started eating batteries, I decided it was time.

So here I am. Typing on a tiny keyboard while my work computer reboots. To be honest, I could probably do most of my job right here on my phone. That's how cool the phone is and how easy my job is. Funny really.

Siri helped me get to Staples today to buy one last gift. She had helped me get to Walpole for a run on Sunday too but I hadn't asked her. Mapquest just started talking to me which was nice. I am trying not to be a junkie about it but it's hard because its so fun. I am a little obsessive about cleaning the screen though. This too shall pass.

Best.Work.Day.Ever

So I was 3/4 of the way to work this morning when I realized I had left my compute at home. Turned off of 128 and decided to work remotely again today. AWESOME sauce.

Last night I bumped my head while doing a handstand! It really hurts today but I am proud of myself for attempting it and then I did what I thought was impossible last week. The December challenge at Fitness by D is a crazy one, but I did it in 14:33. 10x 20# ball drop, 10x 35# KBS, and then 10x burpees 10x. So that's 100 of each if you just count like the rest of us. It was hard - especially the KBS which I usually like, but don't think I have done 35# before. I wasn't going to do it at all because the current winner had done it in 11:07 but I spoke with her at a party on Saturday and she said, "just don't stop" and I didn't, but it was hard.

Visited UNO land yesterday and it was a great visit, but I am so glad I didn't have to stick around. Miss the people (well most of them), no question, but not the stress. Love the flexibility of my new gig ... working at home is great. My boss is great. And the people I work with are all very nice and supportive even if I don't ever see them face-to-face.

Oh, and did I mention I pick up my Iphone today?