the new lease

It's been a few weeks since we last spoke and I know the world is giddy with anticipation for the next installment of the Amanda Diaries...

In summation: I moved to a new apartment, scored a pretty awesome roommate, and love my new job.

And to answer your next question, yes I am still streaking (the running kind not the naked kind). Day #147 baby and still going strong.

New events have been placed on my radar, so my training will start to shift in the next few months as I gear up for a cross-country season in the fall. I couldn't be more excited about the opportunity to strap on some racing flats and get back in the world of competition again.

I think what I'm most excited for is the opportunity to try a different approach to training. Historically, my inclination is to dive all in to an aggressive training regimen and emerge the fittest version of my injured self. Not to say that I don't love a good disappointing racing season spent on the bench, but for the sake of changing pace I aim for a slightly different outcome this time.

Those instances where I find myself compelled to push during moments of uncertainty will instead be met with a casual wave as I let them fly on by. "Risk vs reward" will now be a game of strategy and thoughtful contemplation, as opposed to impulse and pure dumb-assery.

This will surely mean some compromise, opting to be a few seconds behind my goal in exchange for a healthy year of racing. I hope to gain fitness over time, shifting my focus beyond the season at hand to the success of my career as a whole.

As such, I've made a list of my common mistakes for the purpose of accountability...plus, I'm sure I'm not the only one guilty of these offenses.

1. Too fast, too soon.
Oh, how tempting it is to jump on the track and bust out some 400 repeats...or to push the last few miles of your easy run. Patience. There is so much fitness to be gained from keeping it comfortable and building strength for a little while.

2. Why so serious?
Skipping the beer mile because I have to run 10 the next day? Passing on ultimate frisbee because I'm supposed to do a tempo later? Having fun is part of what keeps the sport from getting stagnant. Don't skip on hanging out with friends, you'll only grow to resent your running.

3. Mileage madness
Probably my worst offense is my obsession with my weekly mileage. I'm adopting a new philosophy, quality over quantity.  What's the point of getting in those 10 miles to meet the weekly goal of 60 if you feel like a steamy pile for 9 of them? Mileage is just a number baby.

A new approach to training that will hopefully yield positive results. When what you would normally do doesn't work, do the opposite right? Makes sense to me! Until next time.

confessions of a sympathy seeker

My life has been such a roller coaster ride the past month that I could open up my own amusement park. <--- I just made that up, I'll be here all week... 

*mic drop*

Just when I think I've got all my ducks in a row, the universe does an impromptu "cup check" that effectively knocks all the wind right out of my sails.

My apologies, I have an analogy dependency that is currently going untreated.

I've found a place of helplessness that I'm extremely uncomfortable with. Nearing the end of my lease, the clock slowly ticks as I scramble to find a new place to call home. Thankfully I found someone willing to be my roommate...yes, I said WILLING. But decent places in Seattle are hard to find, especially when your budget is limited.

Long (complicated and pathetic) story short, we were about to sign a lease when I got a "cup check" in the mail, an outlandish bill demanding 6 months worth of utilities to be paid within the next 2 weeks. I blame all the laundry I have to do because of the running. Running is always to blame.

So now I find myself at the mercy of friends, asking those closest to me if I can be a home wrecker for a few weeks while I sort out my affairs and find a source of income (minor details).

My mother must be so proud.

Amidst all the chaos, I have kept my streak alive. Day 128 and going strong!

Making the climb.

Bandera Mountain.

Iron Horse Trail to Twin Falls.

I took this photo of myself. Boom! Selfie master.

I'm keeping this entry brief because no one likes a Negative Nancy. What will be, will be. Until next time, my streak continues! #streak365