Bridges to Brew 10k

Well, if you've been following my blog, or well you actually know me, you know that I had taken a running hiatus for about two years. Since so many doctors said that running was bad for my back, knees and hips, I listened. There was, however, a nagging in the back of my head. Not only a nagging saying "no, I can do this" but also a nagging that said "I love this, I can do this." So even though 2 of the 3 professional medical practitioners I sought advice from advised surgery, I went with what my chiropractor/acupuncturist said: strengthen the muscles around the affected area, then go from there.

So after a year of doing various different work outs to strengthen my quads which would help my knees, my core which would help my lower back and hips, I decided to slowly start running again. Man how I missed it.

To welcome myself back into the running community, I decided to sign up for the Bridges to Brew 10k this year. There were many years I was gonna do it, but never ended up due to injury or fear. A 5k is a cinch, but a 10k? 6.3 miles? That's a little tougher to swallow. My sister-in-law has also been training. She used to hate running but a couple weekends ago, she ran the Roses 10k and has been encouraging me to join her for the Rum Run in Tualatin. I told her depending on how this 10k went...and well, it went great!

When I first started out on the run, I was a little worried about all the inclines! I forgot you actually had to run uphill to get to the Fremont Bridge. I was a little disappointed that we ran on the bottom half of it versus the top half, but nonetheless, I still took some pictures, never stopping. It was hard to get my pace running on an incline and man, it was so crowded. Every time I felt I had found my rhythm, there was someone in from of me to slow me down. Not only that, a few days before the run, I was starting to feel very fatigued and was fighting off a cold, so about half way into our 3 miles, I got a really bad headache. I passed one water area, but decided I'd have a drink of water at the next one and *poof* headache gone!





My personal goal was to finish under or at 60 minutes. I keep forgetting the added .3 miles to the 10k. And since it took me a little over to 50 minutes to run 5 miles during training, I figured I'd give myself some leeway, perhaps a 10 minute mile is where I'm at at the long distances, but I did better than I ever expected. I ended the 6.3 miles at 58:38 minutes! That's about a 9:27 minute mile, the pace machine tells me. That's awesome!

So what's up next? Well, I think I'll be signing up for that 10k Rum Run with my sister in law, then after that, we'll see. I have a couple friends that have said I've inspired them and it's terribly humbling, so I might join them for the 10k Run Like Hell later this fall, but I'd like to get back into finding other races through out the state.

My goal, however, for next year is to run the Sauvie's Island Half-Marathon. I think that would be a great birthday present to me!

And if all things go as planned, meaning I am healthy, no injuries and still enjoy running, I might just sign up for a marathon by 35. We'll see. It's always good to have far reaching goals, but of course, never at the cost of my health. So if my body says no to 26 miles, then I will listen and continue on to do my best times at the 10 and 15k lengths.

Running

Well, I feel like I should change my blog back to "reading, writing, running". I've been running...against doctor's orders.
I took about a two year break and it made me really sad. I itched to go outsides. I substituted running with various other low impact activities: dancing, walking, hiking, Bar, but nothing compares to the feeling of wind in your hair, and the accomplishment of finishing a mileage you never thought you could, or perhaps could but then end up beating your own time doing it. So with these various activities, I decided I'd take this break, strengthen my core and my legs to help out those nasty knees and see what happens. One mile turned into four and here I am. A ten minute mile turned into a 9 minute mile. Granted, that nine minute mile I can only keep up for two miles, but I'm still below the 10 minute mile mark on most of my long distances which was my goal.

A few weeks ago I started training for my second 10k and I might just sign up for another one in May. The thing is, no matter what the doctors say, I love to run. I never thought I did. Like so many non-truths, I told my self I hated running. I've told myself a lot of things like this: I'm a bad writer, when really it was just my grammar was bad, I'm not smart when I'd get almost straight As with the occasional Bs. I"m not very pretty when apparently, via my friends observations, I'd actually turn some heads. But in my mind, I kept telling myself all of these things until I got tired of getting down on myself. Running was one of those things.

I started running probably back in 2004 mainly to try to loose weight. Then I got laid off and I had all this excess time, so I decided to train for a 10k, but ended up running a 5k because I pulled my hamstring 2 weeks before. But after that, I was kind of hooked. I'd been running in shoes two sizes to small, so I remedied that. I was running in HORRIBLE sports bras, so I forked over the mula that would hold these puppies in place and I got some running gear. I read up a lot on what was competetative, what was realistic, etc cuz I'm not about the pushing myself to my limits, I like going right before the limit, testing the water, then pushing. I don't like to get injurted so why force myself? So running I went...but no matter what, my back hurt and my knees ached. So now what?

A year ago I decided to get all this stuff checked out which is when I decided on the break. My hips and lower back pop out of their natural alignment because my lower ab muscles aren't used to holding them in. Sometimes I walk and run with a "duck" butt, sticking my butt out to mimic JLo's ginormus but. But mines not that big so I need to pull that sucker in, and stand up straight. SO after a year of building up those muscles in my back and strengthning my quads for my knees and getting finally proper running shoes, I went running and I'm doing pretty well in the back department, but the knees? They still ache, especially during long distances.

Now, not only am I running again, I'm reading like a fiend. Currently, it's "Born to Run" and man, is it inspirational and informative. I've described it as "exciting" to read, like a marathon unfolding chapter by chapter...sports commentary at every page. I love it! I'm almost done with it and I know I'm going to be sad. But for a while already, I had this nagging thought "should I just go barefoot?" Other people have done it, my friends do it, friends of friends do it and they've sung of the benefits...But should I? This coming from a girl who's family never let us walk around without shoes, let alone without socks, "Don't step on the cold surface with your bare feet, you'll catch a cold!" This over and over again, ingrained in my brain. I slowly started to go barefoot in places I felt safe: beaches, parks, my apartment. But I think come October, its time to try this "Barefoot" running thing out and by those toe shoes. I'm actually really excited about it because yes, as much as the side affects of running are losing weight and becoming stronger, helping my heart, blah blah, I really just enjoy running. I love that I can do it by myself, with or without music and what better back ground scenery than Portland, all over Portland? I've also noticed that whenever I feel like my head and heart are going to explode from too much thinking, all I can think about is putting my running shoes back on and heading out...I've yet to follow that impulse.

I'm not going to become an ultramarathoner because I've always sworn off marathons, but what if...what IF I actually could run a marathon with minimal pain...what if...

No go

So the new job is a no go. It was tough. I basically had three interviews and in the end, they went with the other person, it was down to them and me. The last part of the deciding factor was Spanish translation, which honestly, I don't feel very confident about but I did my best. I know I'd pick it right back up once I'd start doing it again but in the end, it's still about hiring the best person NOW not the person now who could be great LATER, so I accept defeat. It's ok, disappointing but ok.

So life has now gone back to "normal" I suppose, but I've decided, now with my unemployment extension, it's time to shake things up and I must start taking control of things that I *can* take control of, cuz sometimes feelings cloud your sense of reality and well can be paralyzing. So I've decided to no longer baby-sit. I want to start volunteering and I figure I have a higher chance if my schedule were free. So by the end of this month, I will be done babysitting. Other than that, I'm just going to keep doing things that keep me sane: dance, run, work out, cook, socialize with friends, get out of my comfort zone once in a while and see what happens. At the same time, I'll start making a schedule, a list of places to volunteer and start at it. Something needs to come of it.

I've been a bad girl, however with my writing project. I think it's just so daunting and scary that I can't seem to break it down into chewable pieces. It's a guilt I carry every day until I decide the guilt is too heavy and enough is enough. But not yet. I'm going to other things and perhaps why doing that, the book won't seem so scary any more. I don't know, that's just hopeful thinking.

On an other note: This was my horoscope yesterday:

The physical changes you seek may be coming at a frustratingly slow pace, but they are coming. To speed things up, all that's required of you is self-discipline and positive thinking. Cast your mind ahead a few months and visualize things as you want them to be (and want them to look). Your full commitment to a tough task will be required, but a strong dedication on your part will benefit your reputation and your attitude. A big confidence boost is coming.

That's exactly what I needed to hear because I feel like I've been going and going, working and working and nothing comes of it. I've been practicing optimism for the past year and its at times like these that I need to keep it up even though I don't want it and it'd be much easier to just be mad at the world and blame everyone else and just assume life sucks cuz I suck. But I refuse to do that any more, so here's to optimisim.

Also, I suppose yes, yesterday I got a tiny confidence boost, so there's that sprout.

Till next time!

On the eve.

I'm on the eve of something new.

Tomorrow I have a job interview. I'm not quite sure how I feel about it yet. I think I was telling my sis (in-law) that if I think too hard about it, I'll freak out. All I need to know right now is that, as far as I can tell, I like the job and I *know* I can do a great job. The other things are frivolous fears that I will deal with as they unfold. I think one of the many things I need to do here in 2011 is calm my mind and be patient. I have trouble with that, I want to know NOW how things will work out and if things are BAD, BAM, change it! I think for me, it's a pendulum effect because for YEARS, I let things go and go and go and look at that 10 years later and nothing or 5 years later and I'm still here. So this year will be a year of patience and trust, in myself.

With that being said. Holy crap! Change is scary but also exciting. If this job turns out...I'll have a job. I've not had a job since August. A job. And it's not a media job. I've been in and out of the industry in various fields for quite some time...And if I do have a job...life changes, things change. My schedule will change, my patterns and habits will change and I'll form new ones. My life may very well change. I figured, it's time. I have to stop what I've been doing and do something else and see where that leads...That very statement is terrifying...but also kind of wonderful. I don't deal well with uncertainty, but over the last few years, I've learned that the reason I didn't was because I just didn't trust myself. I doubted each and ever decision I made...but now. I know I am in control of my own destiny. If I make a mistake, it was my mistake to make. If awesome things happen, I made it happen. Only I can create my own happiness and I take full responsibility for all of it, good and bad. I'm only human and I'm still learning.

I have goals and ideas and dreams for myself but I'm trying really hard to keep all doors of opportunities open and hopefully, with good guidance and persevering, they'll lead me there, or to an even better place I could not have imagined.

I have hope for all of it!

And it begins.

I must say, 2010 has thus far been one of the best years to day, one that I feel I was really present for: I dated, I had a surprise party, I turned 30, I got laid off, got unemployment, went to Europe and met a special fella.

2011 however, is not turning out quite as giddy as the year ended, but still hopeful, hope is the last thing to die, right?

I've been applying for jobs left and right because I feel like I have a clear direction of where I want to be in a year, what I want to be doing, but that entails a full-time job...which I've yet to find. Applying to jobs is like dating, you go out on dates with guy after guy and either they don't like *one* thing about you and its over, or you don't like one thing about them and its over. Double edged sword.Just because your cover letter said this and not that...you're out. So on that end I've been getting a bit discouraged. It's tough to crawl out of that hole.

On the boy front, my fella and I broke up. Man, did we like each other. The big things were great, the, for simpleness sake, superficialities were great. The little things? The day to day things? The conflict resolution? The communication? Kind of sucky, and that's not good for him nor for me, so I ended it about a two months. I can go weeks with being ok about it, followed by days where I'm heartbroken about it. It's really weird when you know you did the right thing (I guess selfishly for myself) and you still can't shake off the feelings...the heart break. And I also know its compounded by NOT having a job...by being at home (with the exception of baby sitting two days a week) thinking and thinking and thinking...re-living and re-living. I have no real distractions. I've decided that I need to make myself a schedule. I already apply to at least three jobs a week and I look monday, tuesday and wednesday and apply on thursday and friday. That's my routine. But still there are daily reminders: red Toyota trucks, SELLWOOD, Mumford and Sons...But I know time makes it fade so I just have to give it time. I've been here before and survived, I know I will survive once again...but with time.

So, now that the gloom is out of the way, the good news! I have an interview for a job on Monday! Yay me! I was honestly caught off guard when she called while babysitting the youngster, but I had an hour long phone interview with her and it went quite well.

I'm thinking perhaps 2011 is the year of unexpected gifts. Or how could I say it...Opportunities in disguise because this job, even though it sounds fantastic, is not quite idea. So maybe the universe is telling me "Andrea, get out of your comfort zone, try new things, you'll figure it out." This job is only part-time, its in Tigard, and it *might* even be temporary. So why take it you ask? This is why: full medical benefits! How many part-time jobs out there have health benefits? Also, since it's in conjunction with school, I get two weeks off for vacation, one week for spring break, all holidays AND all summer...Plus, I get to speak Spanish and help out my Latino community. I've been itching to find a job I felt proud of...after having made the decision that it doesn't matter, haa haa. Silly me! If I get this job, I'll just have to budget and figure out what to do about the money...I'll have to work nights, or weekends but I'll figure it out. If the gratification out ways the ramen noodle grocery budget, then it's worth it. Plus, if it means I can end up going to school with some income, then hells yeah. Oh yeah, that's what I want to do...Ok, I'll leave that for another post.

But for now, I'll leave you with some beautifully crispy cold pictures of Sellwood after our "blizzard" yesterday.

Updates!

Hello all! (All four of you!)

It's been quite a while since last I've written. Since I no longer sit in front of a computer for 8 hours a day, I don't have the patience to sit down and write posts. At first, when I started this, I did it to try to keep up the writing, then I started to do it because I was bored. Now? Well, I don't do it because I don't want to be stuck behind a computer for half an hour writing if I don't need to. Plus, I have to actually *stand* at this computer if I need to write. Good exercise, but sometimes I just don't want to do it unless I have to.

Ok, so done with the excuses, here we go:

Changes have happened since last you've read. Let's re-hash:

- I'm the proud visitor of Holland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and England.
- I'm still unemployed, but slowly looking.
- I've started running again.
- I've started up Tango again.
- I now own a bike, so I've been biking.
- I help my mom twice a week taking care of a four-month-old baby. (!!!)
- Took a rock climbing class...am going to pursue.
- I've met a boy.

So let's start at the top.

I learned a lot from my European Vacation. One: I get home sick after 2 weeks. Two: I get over being home sick. Three: My family is my home and I missed them dearly. Those were all very important lessons I needed to learn. No matter how far away I go, what amazing things I see or people, my family (and friends) are the only people I want to come home to. Even though Ireland and Scotland were GORGEOUS, there is nothing like Portland at night and Hood River in October. I love it here. And now, I'm starting to get more into the out door thing with hopes of going on a camping trip. I'm excited.

I've started looking for a job. I've been unemployed I'd say actively for almost two months. One month before I left, then three weeks now since I've gotten back. I must say, I like the way life is unfolding right now and I'm not really in a hurry to find a job, which means, I can be picky, which I suppose is a good thing. I do want to find the RIGHT job, but I also enjoy all this free time I have. I don't laze around on my butt mind you, but I get to do what I want when I want to...but I'm a creature of routine, so yes, I still have one. Everyday I get up at 8 or 9, depending on the night before, and I either go for running or biking for 20-30 minutes. Twice a week, I go help my mom with the baby, and once a week I have Tango, then another twice a week, I go to Tease and Tone and dance my little heart out. All the other free time? I make breakfast, take a shower, search for jobs or volunteer positions, have lunch with friends, and whatever else I want to do. It's nice. I've not had this freedom in a while and I feel happy.

I started running again. I figured that I'd been getting stronger from Bar and with the help of the chiropractor, I'd been able to keep my back in check. So I've stared out slow since I got back. I biked to NW, got me some new running shoes. I started at 2 miles for one week, the second week 2.5 and now I'm on week three and 3 miles. My goal is a 10k eventually, but I know that I can't do the distance thing, so I'll stop at a certain mileage and just hope to pick up speed. I really enjoy running, so I don't want to over do it.

I started Tango again and I'm so glad I did. It makes me happy.

My friend Kristin finally sold me her bike. If you'd have asked me last year if I'd ever consider riding a bike (or becoming vegan for that matter) I'd say NEVER! But, I saw how my friend Liz enjoyed it and over the year, something changed. I was tired of these old habits I'd developed over the years. They are no longer useful to me. Saying no to camping, biking, veganism...and I"m sure there are a few more. So now, instead of saying no, I say "Sure, I'll try it." So I've tried a few things and to my amazement, I've liked it. The bike is one of them. Eventually, I'll get everything I need for it to be able to go out at night, but so far, I'm just enjoying my ride around the Spring Water Corridor.

It's no mystery that I want children, like bad, like since I was 5. I've always wanted children. I got very close to having them but it would have all turned out bad. Right now, I'm in a good place. Yes, I still want children with all my little squishy heart, but I'm waiting out for the right person at the right time, so for now I'll satisfy myself with just taking care of them. My mom took on the care of a 4 month old baby, a family friend, in addition to my two nephews, 6 and 15, so I figure, I don't have a job, and I love babies, so I go over to my mom's twice a week and help with feedings and sleepings and play time. I'm in heaven.

My roommate has really been an inspiration for me trying new things. She's the one that encourages me to go hiking with her and talk to boys at bars. So a few months ago she said she was interested in rock climbing. This is something I NEVER EVER would have thought about...but I say "Sure, I'll try it." So we did, last Friday: Verdict? We loved it! We're hoping that in the future, we'll be able to belay each other ourselves and if *I'm* brave enough (cuz she's totally into it) I'll actually do it outside a gym.

I met a boy. I like him and he likes me. I am happy and excited. The end ;)

Well, that's it for now. I'll try to post some photos from Europe, but I'm tired of standing .... =D

In three days...

I'll be in the "old world" or Europe.

Sorry it's been a while since I've written. Since I got laid off, I've been on mini adventures hiking and baking and working out and dancing. It's not really anything to write home about, just doing the daily grind. I no longer sit in front of the computer any more (I stand at it, which leaves me little patience to write a blog) but I thought I'd check in before I left on my "Great European Adventure".

In three days, I'll be in Holland.

You see, I'm not a traveler, I'm a homebody. The only places I'd been to were Mexico (and its entrails) and Vancouver B.C. with my brother to see a Radiohead concert, that is pretty much it.

Then one year, after much talk with the ex of traveling here and there and never going anywhere, I decided I'd go alone...to visit that is. If I do travel, it never is alone. I don't like it. I know some people enjoy the thrill of traveling solo and meet new people, new friends, even new lovers. Me? No, I need a reason to go. It must be something deep down inside: I need a "reason" to justify why I'm going. Plus, I just don't like to travel alone and having to meet a stranger is just *not* that applealing to me. So a few years ago, I reconnected with one my best friends from high school who was living in Boston (or technically Alliston) Massachussettes and she invited me to visit. I said "what the hell, sure!" So off to Boston, Mass. I went one August. I'd never been to the east coast and I knew that Boston was quite the historical hub. I loved it. I went to visit an old friend AND I got to explore the city a bit. It was a good mix of sight seeing tourist and of seeing her every day life. We even went to Rhode Island so I can say I've been there too!

After Boston, it was LA. Sure yeah LA isn't *that* appealing but one of my best friends from college now has lived there about 4 year so we make it a yearly thing and honestly, she's made LA quite appealing. I even thought of moving there.

And of course, there were the occasional trips to Seattle and Bainbridge Island that I'd do every few months to visit a friend that has now moved back to Portland.

Another place I went to was San Francisco as a gift to my mom for Mother's day. We went last year in September and I fell in love. I didn't realize how wonderful traveling could be, how seeing how others lived could open my eyes, but of course, it also makes me very grateful to live where I live now.

And yes of course the trip to Mexico to visit family. Last year, it was for Day of the Dead in Mexico city.

But Europe? This was in a whole different category all together, the category of "go before I die" but really, "I probably won't do it". So many things held me back from this, so many silly little things until I snapped out of it. This is the first trip I've planned for now reason other than: I want to and I deserve to. People ask my "why are you going to Ireland" versus say Italy or Spain. And the answer? I don't know. My chiropractor said "Well, you'll know when you get there." And I do believe her. My whole life, I'd had this fascination with Ireland, Scotland...London. London appeals to me as a city girl, but Ireland touches me and lives within me on an emotional level, and I don't know why. I've always wanted to go but at the time that this trip was being planned or mulled around, I had no one to go with. Then as luck or the universe would have it, I got back in touch with a close high school friend (via facebook of course) who was an exchange student from Holland. We emailed, we chatted on the phone and then came the magical invitation: you should come. And I said to her, "you know, I think I will." That was almost a year and a half ago. After that conversation, so many changes have taken place, not just physically around me, but also mentally and emotionally with in me. Instead of feeling guilt for the pending exodus, I'm excited because this trip is for me, to celebrate me, to give ME a gift and stop waiting around for my life to happen because I am MAKING it happen.

I have all the ingredients I want in it: money saved up, time off, awesome friend to go visit and the countries *I* want to see because something within my squishy pink heart tells me to. I've not planned ANYTHING, which is also unlike me. All I know is when I'm getting there, what countries we plan on visiting and when I leave. That's it. The rest will come as we go along and no matter what happens, where we go, what we miss, it won't matter because I was in EUROPE! Me, this Mexi-Merican will be IN EUROPE. I'll be in the place where it all started, La Nina, La Pinta, La Santa Maria, where most of my mestizo mixing ancestors are from, where yours are from, where it all started and continues. I will be there. I will be in Europe and I truly can't believe it.

But I can't wait.