Life as of late

Grad school- just a few days until it is done! I have been very proud of myself because I kept up with ALL of my work, have not procrastinated, and actually got a lot of work done well ahead of time! Unfortunately, I should have procrastinated this time because one of my professors actually decided to get rid of a major assignment because too many people looked "tired" and "overwhelmed." Guess who actually had already finished hers? That's right- this girl right here. TIme management people- it goes a long way.

Job Interview- it went really well yesterday! It was very low key and more like a conversation with several of the faculty members, but I think I liked this method better than the traditional type of interview. I have some things that I have to think about, but I should hear in a few days whether I got the job or not.

Running- I met my goal last week of four days. I will have to run today, tomorrow, Saturday, and Sunday to meet it this week, but I think that it is do-able!

Weekend- This weekend I am going to my grandparent's 50th anniversary celebration and I am so excited about it! We are traveling to Greensboro. Friday my sisters and I are going shopping, Saturday is the vow renewal and celebration, and we will come home on Sunday. It will be a short trip but I am looking forward to the time away! The only down side to this is that I have to leave my precious Meredith for the weekend but I am leaving her with a family who will take very good care of her and who have a few dogs to keep her occupied!

Hot Hot Hot!

So I have gotten on a semi-regular running pattern again and it's about time! I decided that during these hot summer months I would probably do short runs, a mile or so in length, and work on speed more than anything. I of course will have some longer runs, but in general I am thinking this is a good way to go. When the fall months get here, that is when I will focus more on distance to get to the 10k on October 15th. The other day I posted about how abysmal my running time was for the mile, and now that I am hyper aware of that abysmal time, I was able to cut off three minutes so it is in the not quite as embarrassing range. Yes, that is how bad it was that I can cut off three minutes and still not really want to own my number right now....

Today's run was HOT and HUMID and WINDY! It is supposed to rain later today so the air was very heavy and I had to work a lot harder to get my run in. Even though I dont feel like I am any smaller since starting to run again, I do feel like things are starting to tighten up and that is always a good thing in my book :)

A week and a half until grad school is over! I am down to mostly big projects to do. I will have a final in each class and I have a research paper/presentation and a case study for one class, and a presentation for the other! I can't believe grad school is almost over. On one hand, this has felt like the longest year of my life and it felt like it would never end. On the other hand, looking back, it doesn't seem like it has been that long at all.

I am in the process of looking for a place of my own for the fall. I think it is time for me to move on, be more independent, and just live my life!

I got a job interview! I am super stoked! It is Wednesday so I will keep you updated!

Oh Life...

Summer school has taken over my life. Only two weeks left until complete freedom! Those two weeks, however, are going to be killer. I made myself a nice (long) list of all of the stuff I had to do between now and the END of grad school and it's not looking pretty folks. (and by stuff I mean reading, reflections, papers, quizzes, projects, tests, etc etc etc). I can do anything for two weeks right?!

The last few days I have been running a mile with out stopping. I should have never quit running after my 5k in October but I couldnt stand the thought of running in the cold- I wasn't that hardcore yet but I can't stop again this winter! So I am slowly building my stamina back up and I am hoping for a 10k in October (the same race as last year, just longer). My mile time is pretty abismal though, so abismal that I won't admit it right now. Maybe when I get to my ideal time (I think 8 min/mile is a pretty decent goal for a girl who has never been a runner?!) I will shamelessly admit what I am at now (don't worry, I won't forget this number).

I am contemplating joining WW. My sister joined about a month ago and has been seeing some fabulous results. I am hoping that I could get some similar results and have an accountability partner at the same time?!

I got a summer job at this restaurant, and I like it. I am liking the money coming in after almost a year of not having a job. Hallelujah income!

In honor of summer, I have a few goals:

* Run at least 4 x a week for the remainder of the summer (if not more)

* Create something- I haven't crafted in so long and I miss it!

* Read at least 5 new books off of my list

* Find a job

* Pay off hospital bills from surgery

and most importantly....

* Enjoy myself- it will be the first time that school is not in my immediate future and I feel like I need to take chances, enjoy my life a little, do something outside of my comfort zone!

All over the place

I know its been awhile since I have actually taken the time to really BLOG- but life has been pretty crazy and when I get a spare moment I like to CRASH! So without further ado, here is a very random post to update on my life.

1. I sort of started running again. I have been like 5 times over the past two weeks, and I wanted to go today but I had a very strange pain in my foot. boo. I looked for a race to train for again and I found several that I feel are too soon to try for, but there is one in July that I could do either a 5k or a 10k. Obviously with that sort of time frame (approx 18 weeks), I would try for the 10k, but if all else fails I could always run the 5k? I think this is a very realistic goal. Once going over in my head, that means I would need to add a mile every 3 weeks- which is a VERY workable frame I think if I work at it. I'll play around with the idea a little bit more and get back to you.

2. I really need to do SOMETHING about my weight. I have an endocrinology appointment at the end of March to see what the heck is going on with me. Hopefully getting back to running will help, but I really think I need to be SUPER strick about what goes into my mouth and my liquid intake. I know I am not drinking enough water, I know that I eat things I probably shouldnt, but I have really been trying to be "good." I am just very afraid that if I dont find out what is going on and SOON that I will become diabetic or have a host of other problems that my family has a history of. I mean, I havent really GAINED any weight, but with the efforts that I have been putting into it, I havent LOST a whole lot either. A few pounds, but not enough to justify the means I guess.

3. My internship is in full swing. I spent my first full day alone-alone with the classes on Friday and I think it went well. I have one full week (out of three) under my belt. I have been exhausted this week, but not quite as badly as I would have anticipated. I have really started to tighten the reigns on my class that I have been working with this entire semester, but that is a post for another day.

4. I have started my teaching blog, but I think it will have to wait until this "full time" internship mess is over with to really get it started. If you would like to follow- the blog is here. I plan for this to be a blog to catalogue the funny moments, the challenges, the a-ha moments, and everything else that comes with the territory of being a teacher. I also plan to include some of my brilliant (if I do say so myself) plans. It should be good stuff.

5. I know I am super behind on posting my project 52 pics as well. I have some of the pictures taken, but I just havent had the time to upload them to my computer and all. Soon!

6. I am taking the praxis II next weekend for middle grades English- I really need to start studying!

I think that's about it right now-

My first ever 5k

I ran my first ever 5k two weeks ago in New Bern (October 16, 2010). I ran the Neuse River Bridge Run and I loved it! I felt a little unprepared because I had not been able to complete my Couch to 5k program prior to the race, and my runs had become less consistent, but I think I did ok! My two goals for the day were: 1. Don't be last and 2. Keep it under 50 minutes and I succeeded with both goals! I know keeping it under 50 minutes sounds like a really pathetic goal seeing as a turtle could probably complete a 5k in 50 minutes, but I was just grateful that I had finished the race by the end of it. Since my training schedule had gotten off, I had never actually run more than just over two miles, which meant that I had only gone a little more than 2/3 the distance! I was proud of myself for finishing with a time of 43:10 and the next time I fully intend to beat that number!

Sunset view. Taken on the bridge that I ran over and the bridge that is shown to the right of this picture is one that the 10k and 1/2 marathon courses went over.

I am over on the left and I had just run over the bridge and was rounding my way back to start through the downtown portion of the course.

Me after the race. I was sweating all over even though it was only in the high 40s and I was thinking "That was the longest 3.1 miles I have ever seen!"

I need to get back out there and start running again but life has gotten so darn hectic lately that I am struggling to get through all of my schoolwork, plus dealing with family issues and so forth. I am going to try to make a grad school update within the next few days and another post dealing with all the other stuff going on, but that may take a few days!

Running fiascos

I am currently on my fall break from classes at ECU and it has been pretty nice. I am getting some time to catch up on some of my homework. I was also able to score a sweet babysitting gig with one cute little kid for a few days so I have been living the life of luxury in a 1.5 million $ condo, spending the days looking after a cutie patootie and spending time in the sun. However, this whole being at the beach thing gave me the bright idea to try running on the beach, which I have come to find out is not my thing.

This ^^^^ is what I envisioned yesterday when I decided to go for a beach run. This ^^^ is not what I got.

I learned yesterday that beach running is hard, very very hard. It will kick your butt. I ended up with more sand in my shoes than what was left on the beach, which made the fact that I was running on sand an even more difficult task to accomplish because I am sure I was carrying around at least 20 extra pounds in sand. Sand was everywhere. I also learned that my sports bra with the zip up in front is also not a fan of the beach run. About 5 minutes in it totally came undone, and let me tell you... there is no graceful way to zip up your unzipped sports bra on the beach with people every little bit and no shelter.

On top of the 20 lbs of sand in my shoes and the fact that the ladies were now flapping in the wind, when I tried to get off the beach after having enough of this mess, I stuck my hand on something and started bleeding profusely. Not just a little bit, profusely. I was bleeding like a stuck pig. When I finally got it to stop, there was blood caked on my hand, on my shorts, some on my new previously pretty running shoes, and some all over the pavement between the beach and my car.

Needless to say, yesterday was not my day for running. I am actually really discouraged with the 5k only a mere 4 days away and I dont feel at all prepared. I have been missing my running consistency with all the rain, my crazy schedule, and so forth and now I still have technically two weeks of training that I should have done before the race but havent. The good thing is that today after I am done babysitting, I was told that I could use the gym here if I wanted so I am going to the gym and I WILL run 3.1 miles. I know that it is on a treadmill and therefore different than outside running, but I want to at least go that distance once and then I think I will be at least mentally prepared for Saturday. I will definitely be doing an outside run again towards the end of the week to readjust but I think it is gym life for me at least today and maybe tomorrow too.

Couch to 5k: Week 7, Day 3

Today's run was really hard and I can't say that I was exactly successful in completing today's schedule. There were a few times where I had to stop my timer on the app that I use to help me through my runs so that I could walk or stretch for a few seconds. I am not sure what the deal was today but I just wasnt into it, even though I needed to go out today. I have six more runs before I am a Couch to 5k graduate, SIX more! There are only 9 days till race day but I think in preparation for the race I will complete all six before, or at least five before and make the 6th one the run from the day of the program? I dont know, I guess we'll see!

I have figured out that I really need to focus on hydrating my body more. I have never been a big hydrater (even though I really know that I should be), but now that I am physically active several times a week I definitely should be making more of a conscientious effort to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! I think that is one of my main problems and why my legs are cramping up so much during my runs, and the cramping in my runs is causing the lead ball effect in my feet.... so basically I fix the hydration problem and I fix most of my issues with running!

Couch to 5k: Week 7, Day 2

I was very grateful for the cooler weather today when I took my run. It was nice to go out and to not be completely miserable because of the heat. I can see improvements in my speed lately so that is always a good thing as race day is creeping closer. Only 12 more days till the big day, and pretty soon I will be a C25k graduate! I am really looking into doing the Bridge to 10k program but I cant decide if I want to start that right away or if I want to wait awhile and just run 5k lengths for a few weeks before beginning another training program. The only thing I am afraid of if I dont do another training program is getting out of this new habit of mine. As evidenced in how long it has taken me to finish this program, even with the accountability of the program it is sometimes hard to stick with it. I guess we will just cross that bridge when we come to it!

Couch to 5k: Week 7, Day 1

I finally got out to run today after almost a week of being not able to due to the rain. It felt awesome to get out and run and actually accomplish something. Today I did another 25 minute run and it went really well. My feet only felt like lead balls for the last 7 minutes or so (as opposed to the 9ish from the last run). Meredith and I covered about 2.5 miles total today. I am hoping that these longer runs will help me to build up some speed now that I have worked up the endurance part of it. I am thinking that I need to join a local gym so that I can still exercise when it rains because I dont want to have to go that long without running again!

This weekend I will be busy babysitting, working on homework, lesson planning, and hopefully I will get the chance to hang out with some friends and go to the Seafood Festival!

Rain, Rain Go Away

Rain, Rain Go Away,

Come Again Another Day

Today is day three of rain- incessant, non stop, lousy rain. I was sick this weekend and into yesterday morning, another tonsil flair up and now that I am better and eager to get going on my running, it is RAINING! On the running note, I found out a group of faculty from the high school that I am interning at have also entered the Bridge Run that I am doing in October and they invited me to join their team :) Yay!

I am teaching my first lesson next week. I am teaching a lesson on theme and am having lots of fun coming up with ideas about how to present it to the kids. I will keep you updated on my strokes of brilliance when it comes to teaching the youth of NBH about theme!

Not a successful day

Well I attempted to go running today. I did run.... a little but for some reason I just wasnt into it today. I even tried to push through the "I'm not into it" mindset and failed. It was hot out today, the air was thick and sticky, I waited too long to go out... blah blah blah. Regardless, I did not complete week 7 day 1 of the couch to 5k challenge, so I will get up again tomorrow (this time a lot earlier) and I will give it another go.

Couch to 5k: Week 6, Day 3

I ran for 25 minutes straight today! When my run first started this morning, I thought that it would be impossible. Today was the first day that I kept incessantly checking the time on the C25k app, seeing how much time I would have left of this torture. For the first 15 minutes or so my calves hurt... a lot! Then just about the time that my calves worked through the pain, my feet turned into lead balls. I felt like I was running on stumps and that I had no more feet left. It was a very weird sensation, but I pushed through. I am not sure what happened, but when I only had about two minutes left in my run, I just cut loose. I ran- hard! Even with the heat, my extremely dry mouth, and my feet feeling all kinds of crazy, I just pushed myself.

I felt like a real bonafide runner today, it was amazing. My uncle was talking about how a 5k would seem like a warm up to me later and I thought to myself "how could THIS feel like a warm up, this is pure torture that I am invoking on myself" but sure enough, it finally clicked. I probably would have run longer had my feet actually felt like real feet, but I thought it would be best to get my feet back to feeling normal again before pushing it. I probably looked a TAD ridiculous when I finished because I threw my hands up in the air and I yelled excitedly for my accomplishment. I am ok with looking ridiculous if it means that I have accomplished something big. I even made Meredith sit and give me a high five when I was done :) I know for sure now that I can do this, I AM signing up for that 5k on October 16th! I WILL run a half marathon someday in the future and get that little 13.1 sticker for my car. I WILL be a runner :)

Couch to 5k: Week 6, Day 2

Today I finished with the interval training! From here on out, it will be solid 25-30 minute runs and I am not so sure how I feel about that! Pretty soon you will stop getting my ridiculous couch to 5k updates, and I am sure you will be thankful for that. My purpose in writing every day after my run is so that I can keep a record of how it felt after each run (so that I can later encourage others or encourage myself when I start another training program), not because I think that my running updates are all that fascinating and compelling to read!

This morning I went out for an early run (and of course Meredith came with me). We went out before either of us had any breakfast and I was HUNGRY by the time I finished! The schedule for today's run was 5 minute warm up, 10 minute run, 3 minute recovery, 10 minute run, and a 5 minute cool down. Today's run was not as bad as Saturdays in that it wasnt quite as hard, but my calves were really hurting at the end of the first run (about five minutes in) and at the end of the second run (again, about five minutes in).

The frustrating thing is that I am not seeing a whole lot of difference in my weight, and that was definitely something I was looking forward to. Even with the new medicine the doctor put me on, and my efforts in eating right (but I can admittedly do better here), and the increased exercise, I am not dropping the weight as I would have hoped to have done. I am hoping that as I get into this new phase of the program where I am doing prolonged runs, actually running in a 5k race, and then starting the Bridge to 10k program that I will see those results! On the plus side though, I am noticing that even though I am not DROPPING weight like I would like to, I am definitely toning up and that is evidenced mainly in my legs and thighs, but I think to some degree in my core as well. I can feel muscle definition in my lower thighs and I love it :)

26 days till my first 5k, and an estimated 21 miles on my shoes....

Couch to 5k: Week 6, Day 1

I didnt get to post this morning after my run, but this morning I completed week 6, day 1 of the Couch to 5k Challenge. I have to say that I was surprised at how had it seemed to complete my run, especially after my victory over the 20 minute run earlier this week. I managed to complete the run, but I am not sure if my heart just wasn't in it today or if today was just particularly challenging for some other reason. Today's run was 5 minute warm up, 5 minute run, 3 minute walk, 8 minute run, 3 minute walk, 5 minute run, 5 minute recovery. It was less time running overall than my last run, but I just seemed to struggle.

However, today I did enjoy a nice breeze while I was running that made it all that much more enjoyable. Hopefully my next run will go a little easier... 2 10 minute runs with a 3 minute break in between. After that run, there are no more intervals left and its solid 25-30 minute runs from here on out! I have also found a program for after I finish the Couch to 5k program called Bridge to 10k so I am thinking about using that program to get my mileage up there and push me closer to my (long term) goal of a half marathon.... (I WILL have one of those 13.1 stickers on my car!!!!)

Estimated 18 miles on my shoes :)

Couch to 5k: Week 5, Day 3

Today I feel very, very accomplished. I did something today that I have never been able to do in my life, I ran for 20 minutes NON STOP! It was amazing. The mere idea of doing this was very daunting and it seemed like I wasn't going to be able to make it through, but I did! The last five minutes I had to keep telling myself "just keep putting one foot in front of the other" and that was how I managed to get through it. It was hot, Meredith got wore out (she is currently passed out in the middle of my floor, unmoving even when I go in and out of the room- VERY unusual), but I feel fantastic now. I have three weeks left in the program, and I KNOW that I can finish it now.

I am actually very excited because I considering entering my very first race, the Neuse River Bridge Run. They have a half-marathon, a 10k, and a 5k. I, of course, will be entering the 5k portion. It is on October 16th, so I have 4.5 weeks left to get my butt ready to run run run! I think this is a totally achievable goal and I am feeling very good about this :)

Couch to 5k: Week 5, Day 2

Today I did something I have never done before, I ran for 8 minutes straight... and I did it twice! Actually, I did better than that, but more on that in a minute. Remember, we are looking at this program as a "baby steps" program. I am slowly working myself towards a 5k and I hope to be able to enter one maybe at the end of October or the beginning of November. So, I need to start researching!

Today's program was: 5 minute warm up, 8 minute run, 5 minute recovery, 8 minute run, 5 minute cool down. That in and of itself looked intimidating enough to me because I had only run as much as 5 minutes at a time previously. The first run went really well and I kept up a good pace throughout the whole thing. Meredith didn't even really slow me down today, which was such a good thing because if she had, I am not sure I would have completed today's run successfully. I was sure glad when the timer went off and told me to go ahead and take my 5 minute recovery! On my second 8 minute run, I attempted to skip a song and I ended up pausing my timer (unknowingly), which caused me to run for a total of 12 minutes for my second run- making my total for the day 20 minutes. This will probably end up being a good thing when I do my run tomorrow because tomorrow I am supposed to run for 20 minutes non stop!

And because I am going to make running a lifelong habit- I need to track the amount of miles on my shoes. Today I am going to guess that so far, my shoes have about 12 miles on them.

Tomorrow is going to suck...

I can already feel it. I have to be in Greenville to work at 9 (meaning I need to leave between 745 and 800) until about 1230, and then I have to STAY in Greenville because I have class from 5-730/800 that night. Boo! I guess this gives me some library time in which I can hopefully get all my homework done so that I can have a relaxing, enjoyable weekend.

However, Friday's run is looking intense! I am going to push myself to do it, but the schedule is 5 min warm up, 8 minute run, 5 min recovery, 8 minute run, 5 min cool down. Eeek! And then on Sunday I am supposed to be able to run for 20 minutes without stopping?!? Whoever came up with this running schedule needs to learn a thing or two about easing a girl into things. I can't go from 5 minute runs to 8 minute runs to a 20 minute run all in one week! Looking at the running schedule, the runs are only going to continue to vamp it up in their intensity (obviously) and by the end of week 6, I am done with intervals. I am sure going to miss those few minute recoveries!

Couch to 5k: Week 5, Day 1

Say what? Hilary was up before the sun? And she was doing WHAT?!?! That's right! This morning I got up at 6 AM to do my couch to 5k for the day! I knew I had to work this morning (hence this will be a super quick post) and I am going to church tonight, so I only had one option- get up super duper early, because not doing it is NOT an option anymore! I even had a blister on my heel from those blasted heels I wore to my internship yesterday and I STILL ran! Go me, Go me! Now I know that hardcore runners do this shenanigans all the time, but I think of myself as a baby runner, and any perceived obstacle could still get in my way.

The run this morning wasnt as bad as I thought, 3 5 minute runs? I thought that it would be hard, but I am guessing that this whole new running shoe thing is making a bigger difference than I thought. Now my next run, on the other hand, is going to be intimidating. We are looking at I think 2 8 minute runs and something else worth of a run, I am not sure and I don't really have time to check right now. So have a great day everyone! I will check in later!

Labor Day and Couch to 5k: Week 4, Day 3

What an absolutely BEAUTIFUL day it has been! Actually, its been a pretty wonderful weekend all around to be honest. I didn't go to class on Thursday night because I was afraid of the "hurricane," what a laugh! It barely did anything and now I kind of feel bad for not going to class, but since I had an hour plus to drive each way, I suppose that it is always better to be safe than sorry (as the saying goes).

Friday, I spent the day running errands. I watched Jon in the morning, then I went to the DMV (oh the horror!) with my Dad so we could get my car in my name (yay Graduation present!). The trip to the DMV led to the need to go and get my car inspected and another trip the DMV because they wouldn't give me a license plate because I didn't have a current (read, within the last 90 days) inspection on the car and there was NO WAY that I was driving around all of labor day weekend with no license plate on my car. I got stopped literally within 5 minutes of leaving the DMV the first time. No joke. I also managed to squeeze some time in to get to footlocker and get some sweet new running shoes. They are Brooks, if that means anything? That night I watched Where the Red Fern Grows with my grandparents. Meredith watched it with us. so.stinkin.cute! She actually WATCHED the movie and was cocking her head from side to side when the dogs were barking.

Saturday I spent the day helping Cassandra move to her new house (adorable, btw!) and Meredith had a play date with Penny. She was pretty wore out when we got home and basically went to bed soon after we got home. Sunday I got a lot accomplished. I worked in the morning at a church nursery and then I came home and cleaned my room! I have been trying to figure out what to do with the 20+ books that I have for this semester so I had to do some re-arranging on my bookshelves. I also rearranged my desk, did a ton of laundry, and cleaned the sheets on my bed. Whew!

Today was gorgeous weather. Uncle Dave made breakfast and I spent a good chunk of the morning outside doing some homework. Mere and I took a lovely nap this afternoon and then completed Couch to 5k: Week 4, Day 3.

The run went surprisingly well. It was the inauguration of my new running shoes, which I could immediately tell a difference with. My shins were not the least bit sore today and my calves only tightened up towards the end. Meredith was a much better running partner today than she has been in the past, with the exception of the need to run after cars that pass us and nearly getting hit by cars. I actually had a much better pace today and I think that I did about three miles overall from warm up to cool down. I hope that I keep improving and sticking with this. It has taken me much longer than it should have as I haven't been very consistent with it. I should be within 2 weeks of finishing it by now and I actually have 5 left now. I think the running shoes will help and I think I need to set a consistent time to get up on those days of the week to do it.

Couch to 5k: Week 4, Day 2

Even though it looked like the sky was about to fall out on me this morning, I went for my run today. I took Meredith with me because she gets so darn excited when I get her leash out, it really is very hard to resist. I mean here she is, bouncing all around like a mexican jumping bean, and who am I to deny that kind of excitement? Today's run was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. Now don't get me wrong, I am not saying that it was easy by any stretch of the imagination, but I didn't have as hard of a time with it as I had anticipated after not running for a week and a half. I only had to stop during my run once, and that was due to Meredith, not because of my inability to run for that long. I think what I am going to have to do is really start walking/running every day and taking Meredith on my non-C25k times, because when I am trying to meet certain goals, I need to be able to do them without the added annoyance of trying to keep her out from under my feet.

The one thing that I really did notice today is that I desperately need new running shoes and that is my top priority this weekend. The inside padding in my shoes has been rubbed away and I have rubbed the side of one of my toes raw (even though I was wearing socks... odd). I also think I need to get at least one more sports bra and a couple of pairs of running pants/shorts that are meant for running so I am not worried about my shorts riding up all the time.

In other news, you can definitely tell that hurricane Earl is making his way in. The river is super choppy, the winds are picking up, and the clouds look like they will pour down any minute! Stay safe!