here's lookin' at you, kid

It is quite humorous to see the social dynamic between sick people and healthy ones. Having recently spent a week as a mucous-zombie - with my couch as ground zero - it was interesting to see my roommate express his concern from behind a closed bedroom door.

"Do you need anything? How are you feeling?" Or at least that's what I assumed he'd said, though the hinged wooden slab between us proved an effective sound barrier if not only serving as the established germ sanctuary. Needless to say, I didn't really see him for a week. His concern was genuine, and I'm sure he would have done everything within his power to help me feel better from the safety of his room. 

Hiking has been put on hold, but the streak continues! I managed a mile or two the days I was sick and now I find myself at the halfway point for the year! How exciting is that? 180 days and counting.

Heather Lake

I'm also trying new things, or at least toying with the idea of trying news things (baby steps). I don't know where you live, loyal reader, but I come from a conservative town where people stay in closets, shoes and shirts are required, and cowboys abound.

Last weekend I witnessed my first naked bike ride, a Seattle tradition, in celebration of the summer solstice. Donned with body paint, brightly colored people and their privates rode through town in celebration of the longest day of the year. Despite all the sunshine, the many moons of Seattle were out in full splendor. 

I can't wait to participate next year.

I'm reading more, probably in pursuit of enlightenment. Currently lost in the pages of Danny Wallace's book "Yes Man," I'm finding a take-home message that may be worth putting into practice. Say yes more.

Ah, and now for the pinnacle of my last few weeks that effectively made my year. How would you behave if you met a celebrity? We all like to think we won't be that asshat that flips out, rambles incessantly, and manages to snap a candid photo we later set as our profile pic with the caption, "Me and my bff." No, we are cool. Calm. Collected. After all, they are only human. They're just like me. 

I now know that I am a complete and total wanker in the presence of even B-list celebrities. Not quite the stalker photog sort, but admittedly not far from.

I work in a running retail store, running specialty to be more specific while still be adequately vague (when I suddenly find myself a W-list celebrity, I will still be able to live a normal life having kept my personal details out of my media...).

A day like any other, until it wasn't. A man walks in. We're busy as per usual, so another coworker assures this man that someone will be available in just a minute to help him. I stare at this man for a few seconds before making my way to the back of the shop where I corner my coworker. "Is that...is that Bill Nye?" He pauses, "No, no it..." I didn't let him finish. I began bouncing around like beakered water molecules held over a Bunsen Burner.

Bill effing Nye. Bill effing Nye was in this running store, my running store! Life = complete. I didn't even speak to him, but I know what shoe he bought. Kind of a big deal. Real talk? I half expected him to approach me, proclaim that I was the next face of Hollywood, and sweep me back to California for a career in the movers... I'm still waiting for his return.

So...are you jealous of my exciting life? Currently pitching a reality show to MTV, so be on the look out.

Until my next entry, I continue my prep for Ragnar. Run happy.

life, love, and my pursuit of happiness

Hello darling, we meet again.

What day is it? Hell, what month is it? The last few weeks are all a blur, but in a good way I suppose.

Running everyday, working most everyday, and hiking to the outer ends of the Earth at least three times a week...welcome to life in the Pacific Northwest.

The only problem with my schedule is that it left little time for sleep. To answer your next question, a person can last roughly 2 weeks at that pace while neglecting sleep before said person becomes inflicted with the plague. Bummer.

Frankly this is the only reason I found enough time to stop and compose the next installment of my memoirs. But since we've both found our way here all the same - lovely strangers I've probably never met before - I'll take the time and give you the latest scoop.

Hiking

I get around...alot.

*Remove head from gutter*

Annette Lake 

Lake Twenty Two

Talpus Lake

Granite Mountain

Running

Ragnar Northwest Passage quickly approaches. The nerves are starting to set in as I haven't been able to get my weekly mileage up to where I'd like it. I look forward to it though, something to check off my bucket list.

I'm still running everyday. Some days though I have to haul down the mountain to sneak in a mile when I don't get the opportunity to go for a separate run later in the day. Now that I've fallen ill with what can only be described as the viral plague, I imagine getting in that precious mile will be a challenge over the next few days.

Life

Now we get to the good stuff. Those intimate, personal details shared only with my closest group of online strangers...you!

First, I love my job. Want to know the secret to loving your job? Stop chasing dollar signs, illustrious titles, or whatever other accolades you think you need to be happy in your career. I always thought I needed to climb the corporate ladder, jump through hoops (flaming ones) in an effort to makes more money and gain more status...the only formula for happiness, right?

Bogus. 

The things I associated with happiness instead brought me stress and misery. Now my life is simple, and I couldn't love it more. I am surrounded by coworkers who have become my closest friends, I find joy in what I do, and I am able to go on adventures to my heart's content. Life is good.

Love

Not much to report in this category, except to say that my world is about the size of a melting ice cube left out in the Fresno sun. All other areas are going exceptionally well for me, so it is cosmic balance that this particular arena be a bloody mess. That's alright though, I expect my phenomenally small world will eventually yield an encounter with Daniel Craig or Robert Downey Jr and all will be made right.

The Pursuit of Happiness

So far, so good. I'll call it a win.

Until next time. Run happy my friends.

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

big decisions and ticking clocks

Contrary to my original intentions, it seems this blog has become more of an account of the ups and downs of life with a little sprinkle of running if I have time to fit it in. In attempt to bring balance to this ghastly display of personal confession and social appeal, I will leak one of my secrets to running healthy for 120 days in a row (to be taken with a generous helping of salt granules, as I am not yet the reigning authority on all matters running...status pending). Are you ready to receive my wisdom?

1. Stress Less.

Sounds simple enough, yes? No. Life is full of unavoidable stress, so I'm mainly addressing the burden we place upon ourselves with regards to our endurance training.

Does this sound familiar? "I have a mile repeat track workout today, tomorrow I'll do a recovery run at 8 min pace, followed by a long run on Sunday incorporated with some marathon tempo miles..." Stop. Set down the GPS and back away from the running log. I said put it down!

We all have goals, PRs that need breaking and courses that need conquering. Admittedly these things are so much more difficult to accomplish from the bench... Have I got your attention yet?

I am speaking from experience, my ass has left permanent imprints on the benches at my high school and college tracks. In fact, I even had to install a bench at home to handle the overflow of ass-time. Sorry for all the "ass"...perhaps a clever symbol substitution will depreciate the vulgar value. Rewind and replace all with "a$$" and proceed.

We stress too much about our expectations for each run and the subsequent fallout after those expectations aren't met. This places unnecessary burden not only on our delicate psyche, but I believe on our bodies as well. Weak minds yield weak bodies, just in the same way that stubborn minds yield broken bodies. Find a balance.

Don't stress about how far you think you need to run on any given day, and don't put too much stock in any particular pace you think you need to hit.

I leave my house each day and run by the seat of my pants. Get out the door and feel great? Sweet, let's run 10 miles and push the pace. Throw on the shoes and feel like a hot steamy pile? Who cares, drag a$$ for a mile or two then call it a day. One day, or even one week, will not make you...but it can break you. Training for 50 miles, I knew I had to get certain distances in or else I wouldn't be adequately prepared, as is the same for your training I speculate.

Run how you feel, and don't stress. There are times to hold 'em, and times to fold 'em...the more willingness you have to LISTEN to your body, the more appropriately you can respond to any given scenario.

Am I running super fast times? H-E-double hockey sticks no! But I can assure you that I am inching closer to those desired times by running as opposed to sitting. Rigid training programs will work for some - injury-immune folks, profesh runners already in bangin' shape, and those looking to get fast...fast - but for the rest of us we need to practice some patience. I'm the worst offender in the real world, but in the running world I've gained considerable perspective in being patient. Try it.

Now for a sprinkle of real-life updates. It seems I will be staying in Seattle (hooray) and that I have found my niché. "Hindsight is always 20/20", "you never appreciate what you have until its gone", and other clichés that sum up being blissfully ignorant...

Until the next installment of "As Amanda's World Turns" I bid thee farewell and happy running.

we all need a win sometimes

You know those moments in life where you just need a win? No matter how small? That's been me this week, needing a little glimmer of hope or, if nothing else, some degree of confirmation that I'm heading in the right direction. 

Today is my birthday, and no this is not me making a desperate plea for Facebook well-wishes but if you are so inclined as to venture a birthday post (despite not having actually spoken physical words to me within the last 6 months) who am I to deny you your right to half-ass a friendship... Of course, this is said with utmost sarcasm as I am the quintessential example of low-quality friendship given that I can nearly remember my closest friends' names, let alone recall such notable life events as birthdays or anniversaries. But I digress...

As a gift to myself, I elected to run the Earth Day 5k held at Alki Beach in West Seattle. Let's take a moment to talk about that thing that all runners do when they feel extremely self-conscious about their fitness level. Sizing up the competition. It goes like this...

First, roughly estimate the total number of participants who showed up, and immediately subtract all participants wearing the event t-shirt on race day. For today, that narrowed the already small field by approximately 75%.

Second (with infinitely more snobbish judgement required), scan the remaining participants and gauge general fitness level coupled with chosen racing attire and footwear. 

Don't look at me with derision, we all do it. And for those of you who do sport your newly acquired race day tee on race day, this is not a dig...sadly this is how a desperate runner's mind works when she's backed into a corner and feels the need to claw - tooth and nail - her way to the top.

The sound of the foghorn sent us on our way and, not knowing how I would feel, I was more than ready to trip, elbow, or piggy-back my competition (no not really, jeez...what you must think of me). 

But to my own astonishment, I felt pretty good. I felt in control, pushing a pace slightly beyond my comfort level. Checking my watch at the first mile brought me encouragement, a 6:44! Nice. 

I pushed past a few other worthy competitors at the turn around and made it into first place. Much to my surprise, my tank did not run empty and I held my position to the end. I felt like I was flying, allowing myself to dream that I might be on pace to break 20 min. Sadly no, I rolled across the line in around 20:38. But that's still amazing for me and it felt incredible nonetheless.

Things haven't gone as anticipated the past few weeks and the next 30 days will undoubtedly bring a new job, home and state of residence...again. I find myself bridging the gap between excitement and complete terror. Still, I remain optimistic.

Today I needed a win. Something that tells me my hard work, my passion, my drive extends beyond just some personal expulsion of entropy lost to the universe as we continue our decent into cosmic chaos.

How's that for mind blown? I think I need a piece of chocolate. 

I feel great about where my running is taking me and am slowly approaching my remaining resolutions for the year. Day 109 and going strong.

To all of you who have been my support system, I can't thank you enough. Adventures are always best appreciated, and better served, in good company. 

so what's next...

It has been a week since my American River trek across the Sacramento back-country, and for the sake of nostalgia I decided to commemorate my achievement with an 8 mile climb to Mt. Si in North Bend, WA. I mean, why not?

For the most part, I consider myself 95% recovered from the ordeal. Although, I will say my joints (knees) are still in an active state of revolt against me and are probably carefully plotting my assassination. In motion they seem to fair alright, but after an extended period of sitting the effort to stand is futile. That's okay, I really didn't want to leave this restaurant anyway...

Enough rambling.

Looking back, the whole event still hasn't settled. The feelings of excitement, accomplishment, agony...they still linger in the air like dust that never seems to settle, eluding me every time I think they've found a resting point. To me, it is almost as if it didn't happen. But the highly coveted jacket, medal, and scars remind me that it did.

This week has been a new adventure all its own; full of ups, downs, and of course...running. Another major geographical move may be on the horizon for me. The fear of the unknown is taxing, yet oddly liberating. I have no idea what my future holds, but all I can do it hold on tight and hope for the best.

Since the Seattle clock is ticking, I will be cramming as much run and fun into the next 30 days as possible. That started today with my hike at Mt Si. My first outdoor adventure since arriving in Washington and it was spectacular!

We had some cloud coverage, but I tell you it felt like we were on top of the world at only 4,500 ft. 

Don't worry...I made sure my sandwich made it to the top too.

This week also ushered in a major milestone...my 100th day of consecutive running. Subsequently on said milestone day, I had a friend inform me that he knew of some runners who were on their 15th consecutive YEAR of running nonstop...sure. Every parade needs a little rain right? Bring your umbrella.

Nothing was going to knock me off my pedestal, not even some super freaks who clearly don't have lives... *She said in bitter jealousy.* Still, this is a pretty amazing feat and we celebrated with delicious carbs at a local Italian hot spot.

 

So what's on the horizon? Next week I celebrate my 26th birthday with the Earth Day 5k at Alki Beach in Seattle. The big seller were the promise of a caravan of food trucks lining the finish area. Sold.

On May 10th I will be running the Hippie Chick Half Marathon in Hillsboro, OR courtesy of @betterseries racing group. I'm tickled by the idea of putting some speed back into my lower extremities and seeing some of the Oregon countryside. 

That concludes my report for now. Life is about to become incredibly unpredictable in the coming weeks, I'm eager to see what path my feet will find. Until next time, my running continues. Cheers. Day 102. #streak365