Here's What I'm NOT Doing

I am NOT running the AFC 1/2 Marathon this weekend.

I have some mixed feelings about this.

• I'm relieved to not be fretting about trying to run up 6th Avenue having already run 11 miles, the first five of which are pretty much down some steep hills. 
• I am relieved to not being worried about making it around Harbor Island and the Rental Car Return Depot at the San Diego Airport without suffering from head stroke. 
• I am happy to not having to get up on Sunday at the butt-crack of dawn to catch a bus to get out to the tip of Point Loma to start the race.

On the other hand, I'm a little wistful and sad.

• The AFC Half was my first 1/2 marathon; it was the first 1/2 mary Betty and I ran together. And while we (the herd) had run several 5Ks by the time we got to that first AFC 1/2, it really was the race that turned the whole casual-let's-consume-10X-more-calories-in-breakfast-and-mimosas-than-we-burned running into something slightly more serious (although we still do the breakfast thing!)
• The Neon-DayGlo-Lime-Green race shirts made their first appearance in that 1st AFC Half and I feel like I'm letting my racing shirt down.
• I've run it for the last three years in a row including last year's miracle run.
• Lots of local running peeps are going to the race expo today or tomorrow, and as crowded and crazy as they are, I do love me a good race expo. 
• This year, the weather promises to be almost summer race-perfect with the never-ending May-Gray, June-Gloom that has permeated through July and now into August. 

All that being said, I am nowhere near ready for a 1/2 marathon this weekend. I'm really still recovering from the San Fran 1/2. So I'll have to just live the race vicariously through those who are running (BIG shout out to Alberta, who is running this weekend!)

I am NOT finished with any of my course syllabus

I have no idea what else to say about that, other than I still hope to have them all finished by the end of the weekend. I've never managed this feat before (having syllabi finished before our professional development week begins), but it would be nice.

I am NOT worried about DramaGirl starting high school

Really, I'm not. Betty is her principal, why should I be worried?

I am NOT turning 48 today

OK...that one is a lie. I am. I'm pretty much OK with it, but the last day or so I've been thinking about what it means to be 48 years old. I don't feel 48. Lord knows I don't act 48 (or maybe I do, and I just have some old-fashioned, media-manipulated conceptualization of what I should be acting like as 48 year old mother of two teenagers.)

48...geez...how did THAT happen?

My New Life

So, I'm four days into my new teaching position (hee, hee, hee, she said "position.") at the community college. It's going to be QUITE different, in many ways, from teaching high school (other than not seeing the heffers every day), but different in other ways as well.

The biggest different will be my work day. On Mondays and Wednesdays, I'll be teaching three classes. My first class starts at noon and my last class ends at about 9pm, and I'll have a rather large block of time between the end of the noon class (1:45) and the beginning of the first evening class (5:00). That time is filled with things like office hours and having to move my car from a satellite-lot off campus (because faculty can't park on campus during the day...it's a long story involving the building of a new parking structure), to a lot on-campus where I can park in the evenings. Then I'm back on campus the next morning at 8am for my only Tuesday/Thursday class. Including office hours those days, I'll be done teaching/working at noon on Tuesday and 9:30 am on Thursday. I don't have any classes on Fridays.

Yep, you got it right, I'll be done teaching/working at 9:30 on Thursday morning (my high school teacher/administrator friends are NOT weeping for me right now...not even my friend who works at the county office of ed.)

When I taught high school, I was on campus daily from 8am until at least 4pm and often later, with barely time during the day to pee, let alone run...unless I was running to the restroom, but that's another story. Now, I'm hoping I'll have time for the rest of my life, including running, my family, writing (not only this blog, but other education-related stuff like articles and maybe a book, as well)...which is a huge reason why I took the teaching position (hee, hee, hee) at the CC. I loved teaching high school dearly; I just didn't like the lifestyle.

It would seem that this new windfall of time would mean that I'd have time to run on Monday and Wednesday mornings before I teach, but I know me...I won't. I'll wake up, deal with the kids, get them off to school, and then I'll need to get ready for my noon class. I wish I was organized enough to have already planned and prepped for classes well in advance, but I've never been like that (and I've been at it for 17 years). The reality is, especially since this is the first time I'll be teaching these classes, I'll be planning and prepping until class starts. So, while in my perfect world, I'd get a run in on one of the mornings, I wouldn't bet the house on it.

I'd like to continuing working out with the track club on Tuesday nights, but since I'll be away from home on Monday and Wednesday evenings, I'm kinda feeling guilty about being away on Tuesdays too. I could always run earlier in the day on Tuesdays, but then I'd miss running with the track club and with (most importantly) Betty, Edith, Alberta, and occasionally Elsie who show up on Tuesday nights (and wouldn't it be a hoot if BBJ showed up once in a while this fall) ...plus Tuesday Track Nights have also given me much blog-fodder. I'm torn.

The good news is that I'll have plenty of time to run on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday...but here's the bad part; most of those times, I'll be running alone...which I really don't enjoy...and also, and here's the other tragedy...Again, I end up with not much to blog about. I'm just not that interesting on my own. (Hence, today's post...)

For example...I haven't run since Sunday's 1/2 marathon. Partially, I needed a rest day (or two) but mostly because as this has been the first week at the new job, and students don't start until next, I have been consumed by meetings, or trying to get stuff ready for class on Monday. I haven't been getting home until 7:oo or so...then there's dinner, homework, showers, bed for DramaGirl and Turbo, then me collapsing, exhausted.

I finally got on the dreadmill today for 30 minutes. I managed to calibrate my Nike+ sensor so that it doesn't think I'm running a 8 minute mile. Then I went to the dentist.

See? BORRRRRRRRRRRING!

So, I'll try to keep it lively and find other random things to rant, I mean write, about in this new life I'm starting (redundant...would one really start an old life...see, the English instructor in me is already ready and poised with her red pen). Life is so full of randomness, that I'm sure I'll find something.

I won't write about it, if you don't...

For the past several months, I have been trying to post a something after Tuesday night's track workout. This week, you'll notice, the Tuesday/Wednesday post is a little late. In truth, I haven't been able to figure out what to write, or even if I did know what to write about, I wasn't sure that I had it in me this week to write anything that would be funny or thoughtful or even slightly entertaining due to the elephant in the room–the topic that I won't write about, but has consumed the majority of my thinking this week, and this has made it difficult to write about anything else... But since the majority of my readership of 12 doesn't want to read about that topic anyway, I won't be writing about IT...and for those (if there are any of those) who don't know what I'm talking about and are saying "huh????", I apologize, except to say that we've had a tough time at school this week due to a colleague's really very bad choice and it's been difficult and horrible to see my closest friends be in pain due to that choice, which has made it difficult to write and that's why I haven't.

But that IS all I'll say about that.

So...what to write about...what to write about... Luckily, I've discovered that in the blogosphere, Thursday is known as "Love Thursday," which I'm sure has all sorts of connotations that we could have fun with, but since I was thinking that I needed something to make us happy, I thought I'd post a couple of pictures from these past 6 months of training that I just LOOOOVVVVVE!

First Day of Training...Do you remember the rain-run (as opposed to the Train Run). Do you remember how difficult it was to run 3 miles that morning?

Not a running photo...but I think a bunch of us know why I took this picture on the long ride to the Reno Airport from Momma's cabin (just too late to get the real road-side action!)

More love from before the SuperRun!

This one just makes me smile cuz Walter and Betty are in it

The scene of the crime...and the blogging catalyst

On a last note... about a week ago, another runner/blogger that I've been reading, who lives in Ottawa and is running her 1st marathon this weekend, wrote about how she's been sort of cranky during her tapering week and I'm wondering if any of you have been feeling rather cranky this week...oh wait, maybe we can't attribute our crankiness to the taper...it must be something else.

WE'RE RUNNING ONLY AN HOUR AND A HALF THIS WEEKEND. I do just LOOOOVVVVEEE to say that...

Alice

Absoludedly Habe Heab Cholds

I have a cold.

Pretty bad one too...which was inevitable after handling, shuffling, sorting, and (eeeewwwww) TOUCHING 1700 answer documents (multiple times). I try not to think about the number of germs and viruses I’ve had on my hands these past three weeks....although I don’t really have to think about it cuz, I’m living the result of it.

So I have a pretty bad cold....you know the kind where the head pounds, the nose runs, the chest wracks with the occasional fits of sneezing and coughing.

Despite this, at 5:25 this morning, I was fairly convinced that I could still run 16 miles with ya’all. At 5:28, after five loud and messy sneezes in a row, Mike told me to stop being crazy and to go back to bed and get better.

“No, I think I can do this.” I said.

“You should get better.” he said.

So, at 5:30, I called Betty... Her comment (half asleep) “Are you in front of my house?” (Clearly, I woke her up)

Me: “No, it’s only 5:30. I’m not going to run today. I’m sick.”

Betty: “OK, oh good, I thought I’d slept through the alarm.”

(By the way, Betty told me this week that my role in the group is to include adverbs to the ongoing commentary...to which I said, “absolutely!”)

I can’t remember what else we said to each at that point because I’m pretty sure I fell back asleep.

So I have no funny stories about running for you today. You all will have to fill us in on the running adventures this morning. I’m sad that I wasn’t there but I’m determined to do the Race for Literacy in the morning...

20 miles next week! Whee!!!! Definitely!

No running - just whining about testing in the gym

So, today, we tested almost 300 students in the gym...almost four hours...two different science tests...three different grade levels... fed some of them pizza...and got most of them out of the gym in time for lunch...with no major mishaps...

Well, except I owe a blanket apology to several test proctors who I pretty much growled at...including the social worker who had a group of three kids at the front of the room (I’m not sure, but I think they may have been late arrivals, or we were trying to locate their answer documents, or there was some other issue...About which I didn’t really care, I just wanted their behinds in a chair...and I couldn’t understand why they were STANDING UP at the front of the room!!!)...so I nearly bit her head off with a snarly “WHAT ARE ALL THESE KIDS DOING UP HERE” (glare at the social worker) “YOU NEED TO GET THEM TO SIT DOWN!...

Ooops....

Of course there was also another test proctor who asked me, no less than three times, if students could get out their phones and iPods when they were done testing (NO...NO....NO).

And why is it that some test proctors feel it necessary to converse with students (these same students who we are trying to keep quiet) as they finish testing.

Is it over yet? I’m getting cranky...

Can you believe that I’m the buffer???

BBJ

Sounds like you need some stress relief. How about a 20 mile run tomorrow?

Friday, April 25, 2008 - 05:00 AM

Do It Yourself

No pictures of us running this week, not even a pretty picture of us enjoying our yummy breakfast at Honey’s in Encinitas (left iPoo2 in the car), but DO have pix of TEST BOOKLETS. I dream about TEST BOOKLETS and ANSWER DOCUMENTS and for some ludicrous reason, I have pictures of one teacher’s really organized set of TEST BOOKLETS...Don’t ask.

I’m pretty sure that the affidavit we all signed about test security said nothing about posting PICTURES of test booklets on the Internet...

So, after a ridiculous week of paper-chase nonsense, BBJ, Betty, Mik, Alberta (or so I heard, but I never saw her) and I ran the Buccaneer Beach run on Saturday. We loved that it was cool and overcast. It was a really pretty run from Oceanside, to the Carlsbad State Beach and back and then a little farther into Oceanside...which I didn’t like so much because I crossed BBJ’s path for a second time and he was FINISHED RUNNING!

Just so that you know, the Rockin’ and Runnin’ website says that it was 11.98 miles to the turnaround point and back, but when I map it on MapMyRun, I get 12.2...so I’ll take my measurement. I think I only went about 14 miles this weekend, BUT I learned about the value of using Gu every hour whether I think I need it or not.

By the way, Alberta and Betty will be happy to know that according to MMR, it’s about .8 miles from the turn around to Ponce Lane...so you can add 1.6 miles to your run :-)

I was glad to hear that Alberta showed up. The last time I saw her at Wong’s the night before she said she was going home to eat dinner and then go to bed and watch the “Do it Yourself” network. (Really...she said that, in a bar, in front of several Heffers...and me)

When I didn’t see her in the morning, I was worried :-)

BBJ learned plenty at breakfast about why women’s public restroom habits (e.g. the ability to hold a squat position in a bathroom stall) will help them in recovering from 26.2. We do have those quad muscles built up you know...Also we shared first-poo after childbirth stories (an emotional experience) ...Not sure now that BBJ will continue to brunch with us...

Next week we’re back at Hospitality Point. The route map is posted, but here it is for your convenience. There’s a better copy on the RnR website

It looks like we’ll get to see lots of San Diego Bay...I’m going the 18 mile route (blue) and NOT the 20 mile route...which takes us up 6th Avenue (remember the AFC 1/2 people...Yes, it’s THAT 6th Avenue!)

Wow...18 miles. That’s far... I’ll be bringing lots of Gu

Alice

6 Comments

Betty

I think Jaime and I went about 14 mikes also - as we only went from the park to Ponto and back to the park. But in either case, it was a nice morning. I'm always happier about it on Sunday!

I love all the chatter at breakfast and I'm glad we found that same place that Elsie, you and I went to a few years ago after the Carlsbad 5000! I agree with you - I think 18 would be good for next weekend - I'll make it my goal but I'll have to do it on my own as I have a committment Sat. morning. Just think - only 6 weeks till we finish this journey!!!!!

Another highlight is boob guy checking out Alberta! He can't even help himself! For what it is worth, since I didnt' sign a security form, does that mean I don't have to sort anymore?

Sunday, April 20, 2008 - 03:29 PM

Anonymous

Great Job Ladies!... Keep up the running.

After you graduate from the Rock n Roll.....I have the perfect running club for you all to join. It is a club for alcholics with a running problem...no kidding...check it out here: http://www.sdh3.com/

After you attend a few times and become "accepted" you are named. YOU DO NOT GET TO PICK A NAME....IT USALLY JUST HAPPENS...AND THEN IT IS YOUR NAME FROM THEN ON.....My name is "Head between thys".

A.S.

Sunday, April 20, 2008 - 04:14 PM

BBJ

Ah, C'mon. Go for the 20 miler next week. You'll squash 6th avenue like a cock-a-roach(Name the movie reference here). It's all mental at this point. After hearing those breakfast anecdotes, I know you ladies can endure pain.

Did a "run" this morning instead of the active recovery thing, and the first 2 miles were a challenge. I just kept imagining how you women use a public restroom and use your feet to indicate that the doorless stall is occupied without verbal communication. That made a few miles go faster.

Do your workouts this week and organize a 20 mile playlist on your Ipod for Saturday at 6:30 am, not "Where are you guys?" at 6:35 am.

Sunday, April 20, 2008 - 06:18 PM

Edith

Sounds like you all had a great run on Saturday. Tall Tim and I went 12 miles today. Where were you Elsie?! I'm going to buy some glucosmine...my joints are starting to ache and I WILL NOT GIVE IN!!

Hey Mik, if you are reading this, please apologize to your husband for me...he was trying to ask me about running last night at casino night and I totally did not recognize him w/out a baseball hat and baseball garb. I must have looked at him like he was a complete weirdo/stalker when he was asking me how my run went that morning. I'm a little slow sometimes, but I'll blame it on the beer!

See y'all on Tuesday night!
Edith

Sunday, April 20, 2008 - 06:43 PM

Elsie

Sorry I missed Oside - but gotta shop! On Tuesday, PA and I were slogging along trying to run 800's in 5 minutes or less, and we were on the last one, when I happened to mention that we were like the horse who smells the barn...since I grew up getting stepped on, thrown and generally beat-up by horses, when you come back from a ride, the run to the barn for hay and such. Well, one comment lead to another and ya'll can imagine PA's fertile brain with comments about getting rode hard and put away wet, a roll in the hay, making hay, bucking, etc. So, we ran the last 800 at record pace : ) I'm wondering what I can distract myself (and PA) with tonight.........hmmmmm

Tuesday, April 22, 2008 - 11:08 AM

Alice

I think there was more horse-talk last night...

Betty and I also discussed the whole "what are we going to wear during the race issue..." BBJ is afraid we'll order shirts that are either 1) white and see through (so that we can see his bloody nipples? NOBODY wants to see that) or 2)offensive...(although I can't IMAGINE how he would come to such a conclusion???).

So BBJ will be in charge of t-shirt selection for the race. Maybe we'll all get to wear sweater-vests!

What would the horses say?

Wednesday, April 23, 2008 - 05:43 PM