Brrrr...

Wow...I am going to have a hard time with running this fall/winter! I *do not* enjoy the temperatures we've been having this past week. I finally sucked-it up and got outside last night and this afternoon for quick 4 mile runs. I'm trying to avoid the treadmill in our dumpy little "exercise room" as long as possible...I've tackled the recumbent bike and the rower (both machines are on their last legs) a few times over the past week. I've been diligent in going to yoga this week, but man, than can get expensive!

My mom suggested I look for a gym to join...but, I'll have to find one that allows month to month memberships. We have no idea when we'll be leaving CT...everything is on a month-to-month basis right now (rent, internet...both MUCH more expensive that way).

My husband returned last night from his interview...and it ended up being a rough night. On the phone, he suggested it went "okay" (my husband is a man of few words :-)), that there were aspects that he felt he nailed, and others that could have been better. Sounded about 50/50 to me and I was still optimistic about this whole thing. Until the ride home from the airport and he blurts out "I really doubt they'll call me back for a second interview." Now, work this week has been rough...not a lot going on and I *need* to busy or I go crazy. Also, I haven't been taking very good care of myself, and feeling pretty rotten about certain things. So, hearing this?? It pushed me into a very, very hopeless place. We didn't really speak much for the rest of the night; until bedtime, and then, A LOT of tears were shed (entirely me) and some relatively "productive things" were said. I awoke today feeling a bit better...probably because the weather was beautiful (still cold) and had scheduled the day off from work (a "personal day" I was going to lose next week on my birthday).

Earlier this afternoon, I emailed a link to my husband at work for another job posting at a different company. About 2 minutes later the phone rings...and my husband says "Sarah, they want me back for another interview in the next two weeks." My response? "You're sh3tting me, right?!" "Nope...we need to buy another shirt and tie this weekend!"

Hope still shines...

Tagged!

Tagged by Jack and Riona: 23rd post, 5th sentence

From June 26, 2005..."So, I stopped for a few seconds, stretched out the hamstrings (which I do while my rear faces a tree or hedge...my pink running shorts have an inner liner, but I still feel a little self-concious about showing my booty to passer-bys!). "

At least getting tagged got me blogging :-) Oh, and I was thinking a few days back that I need to write a post about THE WORST thing I've ever tasted: the new whole-grain ChipsAhoy. They taste like the hay I feed my guinea pigs...really. Don't buy them...they're nasty.
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I got in a few (two?) 4 mile runs last week and three yoga classes...I was intending to get out and do a longer run today, but well, I just didn't feel like it. And that's okay...

I've been in a funny limbo-place the last few weeks...my life may change by the end of the year or it may not happen for another 6 months. I don't like the uncertainty. I don't like that it's *completely* out of my hands. I want my husband to get this job so badly, but I've been trying to temper my emotions and words so he doesn't feel so much pressure; though, he knows...he knows that I need to leave this place. That I need a fresh start. But will it really solve anything?

I'm in a darker mood today...maybe I should have gotten in that run. It often seems to be the answer to these spells. But, my body needs to heal a bit, both physically and emotionally. Okay...enough of this.

A. maria, Jank, Jon, and others...I've been cheering for you guys this weekend. Looking forward to the reports :-)

It's been 4 days since the race and I'm ready to run again...too bad the weather doesn't seem to want to let up! It's been raining pretty much non-stop since Saturday; I'd like to get out for a nice, easy jog tomorrow night if it's not too bad. Yesterday I tried to loosen-up my tight calves with 15min on the recumbent bike and a 20min walk on the treadmill. Tonight, for once in a very long time, I'm actually craving yoga, so I hope it will be a good class.

I don't have any definite running plans for the next few months. I kept threatening that after I finished running the half in Hartford, I was going to take a break from running. I think I was tired of my life revolving around my training schedule...especially weekends. I'm curious to see how long I last without a "plan;" if I'll have myself back in training before the start of next week :-)

Also, on a non-running front, my husband has a VERY IMPORTANT job interview in less than two weeks. Anyone have any good advice on how to pack or travel with a business suit?? Should we get a garment bag or just fold it carefully in the suitcase? What about his shirt? I'll take any pointers :-)

I hope everyone is recovering well from their races...or enjoying their last few weeks of tapering!

Thanks again for all the congrats for my race...and I found out that I didn't do too bad in my age-category either :-)

Finished...and feeling guilty

Well, that's done :-) I'm still waiting on the posting of the official results, but my watch time has me in at 1:40:15. Not too shabby, considering the weather, my over-indulgence in cookies last night, and my lack of focus these last few weeks.

It was a fun (??) race that started with a great night on Friday. Susan, David, April-Anne, Michelle, Dianna, Jason, and myself all met-up for pre-race dinner. It was so nice to see everyone again...made me realize how out-of-touch with the RBF I've been these last few weeks. Sure, I scan through people's blogs, but my mind is elsewhere. So, dinner was a good reminder of how supportive and good-natured these people are...how easy it is to have a comfortable conversation with "sort of" strangers. I did manage to bake a small batch of my mom's cookies...unfortunately, I also managed to eat my share of those cookies on the ride home. Lots of stress going on...and they were just sitting there, all lonely on the seat next to me. I really gave myself a tummy ache :-)

This morning I briefly touched-base with Susan and David, and then headed to the port-a-potties. The weather was *miserable*: lots and lots of rain. It was so wet and miserable that the announcer's speakers kept fuzzing and shorting-out. It made for a very, very, very painful rendition of the National Anthem. The race started, though it took a very long time to cross the timing mats. I felt really out of it and had no idea where I was in the starting line. The first mile was a definite waste of energy, as I dodged people left and right. I bumped into Michelle and April-Anne at an early water-stop, and caught-up to Dianna a little further up the road. Everyone was looking strong and I promised to see them at the finish (a broken promise, I'm afraid).

The miles passed...right now I'm so worn-out that I can think of much that was really memorable about the race. Give me a day or two to recollect the details.

The finish was good...I was handed water, a finishers medal, and offered one of those thermal-wrap thingies I see in pictures. I declined, feeling a little sheepish that I'd only done 13 miles and didn't really need the pampering :-) I walked around a bit, and started to feel pretty ill. My tummy was complaining about something (probably the cookies) and the weather started to really get nasty. I walked to get more water, and really, really thought about how I was feeling. I figured I'd walk to the car, get dry clothes (why??), call my husband to let him know I had finished in one piece (sort of), and then I'd head back to the finish line to look for everyone. Once I got to the car, I knew I needed to just go home. And I did...and I feel guilty that I didn't hang around to see everyone finish.

I guess I'll just have to immerse myself in their race reports!

I'm going to head to bed now (it's not even 9pm) as I need to go to work (again) tomorrow. Thanks for all the good wishes :-) You guys are great, really you are.

Two nights to go until race day! My mind has been elsewhere...I haven't even processed the fact that I'll be running the half on Saturday. I guess it was like that for New Haven, too, so I'm hoping it will go okay. Looks like the weather won't be too lovely...

My time has obviously been directed elsewhere these last few weeks. I just haven't made a strong enough effort to keep updating my blog...maybe I've lost all my readers at this pont :-)

Tomorrow night is another meeting of the CT contingent of the RBF. I'm so excited to touch base with everyone, basking in their excitement and energy before the big race. Hopefully it will bring me back to where I need to be.

With that, I'll get back to making cookies :-)