island tales

..................................i guess it's about that time to give a training log update...
running has been going much better, though i stopped keeping track of what i've been doing since i haven't been home much. thanks to my crater loop, i'm sore almost constantly... it doens't have very good footing, so i'm requiring quite a bit from my stability muscles. of course, using my quads more has been helpful and i'm sure it will help me in the long run, but for now i'm definitely struggling to build strength. 70 minutes was about all i could manage this morning, though i was pleased to have made it that far, considering the terrain. I ran to the beach and around the park there, then back up to the crater loop and did that twice. The second time around definitely went more smoothly than the first though, as usual. typically the first time i hit the loop, everything goes into shock - muscles screaming and it feels like i'm never going to get to the top - but by the second time around i get used to it, or at least calm myself down enough to focus on thigns like footing, swinging my arms, breathing properly, and pushing off with the right muscle groups. I like to think of it kinda like a boxing match or something, where the crater usually wins round one, but i've got round two wrapped around my finger :)

in other news the company threw us a party yesterday to celebrate us interns. we're called chris's minions, and we are sparta, the army. hahah To explain that, "bossman" chris is 25 and the lowest engineer at the company. ironically, he's the only one who gets interns... hence the amusion on the part of the other engineers, and our resulting nickname. Plus the way the office is arranged, you have to pass between our cubicles to get to the main engineers, thus we are the armed forces. lol good times.
i think i'm going to go to the beach now? strange, but i feel like that's the right thing to do in hawaii on a sunday
love, me!

physical schtuff

hey, where do we send our physical paperwork?
is this the right address?

Embry-Riddle Sports Medicine
ICI, RM 109
600 S Clyde Morris Blvd
Daytona Beach, FL 32114

i probably missed something that said exactly where to send it, but i'm retarded. it's summer :)
thanks,
erika

An update from beth

So i got a call from bethie poo today, who is doing quite well.
At the APL she is writing a bunch of programs that work with atmospheric data, and says that most of the time they don't work, but luckily the people she works with are smart! hahah
She is currently spending time with her cousins in PA, hanging out in the pool, and trail running.
Her running seems to be going about how mine is... running hard alot, but no real long runs to speak of.
She has decided that she likes to run because it is like an adventure, and when you put on your running clothes it's like preparing for battle. and when you race you get to be the hero and that's why it's exciting.
I think most of beth's updates will be done this way, since she can't figure out how to get on the website by herself. So it seems Saturdays will be beth days, since that's the only day we ever have a crossover of time when we're both free and awake! That's all the news i have for today though, so bye bye for now!
-jen

HELLO!!

I have decided to make use of my lunch breaks and get in either weights or a second workout while I'm working. I think it actually works out better. So, deciding this last tuesday, I lifted rather hard which slightly shocked me. I lifted more then I ever have, of course later I realized that I normally lift after hard work outs, aka, when I'm dead. Anyway, I went for a run later that afternoon and because there was lightning over the hill I decided to push off my hill day and head out to the track. (I know much safer right?) I had the best workout!! I did 20 minutes of AT then jumped on the track and did an 800, I won't say how fast because I'm not suppose to be doing it. Continuing, I went out for another 20 minute run, I was trying to hit AT, but I think my 800 might have been a bit fast, although i was definitely putting in AT effort. Then I did another 800 that was about a second slower then the first, and then I went out again for another 20 minutes, this much slower though. After that I ran on the mat for about 15 minutes. It was great. I was so dead and the next day the secretary at work was making fun of me as I hobbled around the hanger, lol.

Wednesday I tried to swim for an hour, and ended up nearly drowning and then almost getting struck my lightning, again. I swear if I don't get struck I'm going to shocked. (HAHAHA) I really didn't mean to do that. This one of those times I'm laughing out loud and people are just staring at me. I did actually get struck by lightning the other night in my dream, well I'm not really sure what happened, it was a terrible feeling, we all knew it was going to strike right where I was, I couldn't hear anything and I barely got out of the way. I can't even explain the feeling I had, it woke me up, not because I was afraid but because the feeling was so intense, it was weird. Oh, I was practicing saving the world before that happened, we were on brake and I told Jen that I wouldn't run through the storm to set a good example, lol, and then I nearly get struck.

So, work is rather depressing right now, we're waiting for the plane to come back and NO ONE is here. I'm having trouble finding things to do. I might leave early today. I was offered a paid position to research for a masters here, I was also told that I probably have a job at Gulfstream if I want it, so I don't know what I should do about that. Suggestions would be nice.

Let's see, I guess that's about it. I should have taken off this week since work has been so slow and gone up to camp but by the time I realized it a two day trip up there would have been way too long, and I would have had to go camping by myself again. I really didn't mind it last year, but I don't know keen I am on doing it again, it was rather depressing, and I was slightly bored. Had it not of been for my books, my bikes, and my running shoes I would have turned around once I had gotten there, lol.

Well, I guess that I have taken up enough of your time for today. Happy running everyone, steer clear of those storms! :)

Lori

p.s. jordan's in hawaii for the summer too! haha he's on the big island but we're gonna try and work something out! i haven't been over there yet, so we'll see how that goes!

happy almost birthday air eee kah!
hope it's lovely!

in other news, i'm getting my first paycheck soon! $1,000= yay!! haha minus taxes = boo!! but still enough to go put on a cute dress and get some moo cow to eat at a nice resteraunt lol

my friend and co-worker lives out in the burbs by a lovely botanical garden that i've been running in. it has a trail that's a mile straight up and then it winds its way down, and it's absolutely gorgeous, so of course i'll be over there as often as i can. my friend lives with his parents which is kinda wierd, but they're great people and they like me, so they said i'm welcome to stay in their guest room as often as i'd like. yay! and they have a gigantic movie collection, so we can be friends lol.
i'm sooo happy! i'm over my jet lag, so i can finally go on decent runs again! i accidentally went 55 minutes yesterday, and it was so much fun! haha i about fell down the stairs though... my crater climbing muscles are out of practice! i can't wait till tomorrow to do it again!

in general though, i'm totally a happy camper at the moment. everythign i was trying so unsuccessfully to get over back home has all dissapeared and i'm finally happy with myself and my life! the past few days i've just had this overwhelming feeling to just burst out in giggles.. like, all the time. and for no reason.. jsut being happy. and for once it isn't becuase of someone else, or a boy, or a good race, or anything at all.. just being happy to be me! a new me! a better one! and that is a fantastic feeling.

i've been fighting with riddle to give me credit for all sorts of thigns and it's a pain in the butt.. but that's why this journal is called the riddle runaround! heehee

i love you all!
-jen

Hola chicas!! so it has been forever and a day since i shared the excitement that is my life...b/c i kno you're all eager to hear about it. jk. jk. lol.
i am currently in san francisco w/ the sibling and madre. the sibling has to register for school, and i just got paid, so i need to do some good shopping. yay! the unfortunate part is that this weekend has a high of like 68 degrees and low in the 50's...so not looking forward to that.
work is going fairly well...my mentor is pretty hot, so that always makes the day better. lol.

and another thanks to jen for our semi-regular survey's...they make me happy.


Initials: ALS

Birthday: 08/29/1988...no longer going to be a teenager...

Introver or Extrovert: i'm not entirely sure...i like to spend time with people, and like to think that i am fairly outgoing...but sometimes i like to spend time just with myself and a good book

Are you a girly girl? yes...i love clothes and fashion and shoes and makeup and getting glammed up for whatever event it may be.

Do you believe in god? Why/why not? i believe in a higher being of sorts...God? i can't really say for sure...much like lori, we;ll end up having this conversation at some point

Can you cook? What do you like to cook? I like to think that i can...although the problem is that i always compare myself to my mom...and she is amazing! i can cook most anything, but it definately has to be mexican (that was almost a given)

Favorite Actor: James McAvoy (sp?), Johnny Depp,

Running shoe brand: Asics (for training) and Nike (for style and racing shoes)

How do you feel about facebook? I think it is a pretty cool tool (rhyme!) for getting in touch with people i haven't seen in forever. true story: our next door neighbor from when we used to live in australia (i was 5 at the time. she was like 13) found me and my sister on it, she was such a great chica and we haven't talked to her i like 5 years...so that was nice...kinda long anecdote there. sorry.

What makes you tick? Life, and the fact that you never know what can be thrown your way, and the diverse people you meet along the way. kinda broad i know, but to have an intelligent conversation with someone is something that just makes my day. i love thought provocking scenarios.

well i'm off to bed...hasta luego

-salinas

oy vey

So i ran my evening run with an old boyfriend who I haven't talked to since hmm, December? It was random but he knows how I run so he helped/pushed me. He is the current boyfriends pretty good friend so it is kind of weird but whatever. I ran in a private subdivision about 5 miles from my house and had to wait until a car was driving in in front of me so I could sneak in to park somewhere inside haha. It was a really good run, but I left my shirt on the side of the road and couldn't find it. Oy vey that sounds bad but ignore all that. haha. I have a slight runners high and there is nothing going on in Dartmouth tonight so it's kind of disappointing. My parents are supposed to leave for England for my cousin's wedding this Saturday, and only today did my mom realize her passport expired so I am not sure if they will be going or not, which would totally suck haha.
Anyways, what do you guys listen to when you run (in terms of music, if you actually do)? I need something new to keep me going. haha

-kira

HI! :D

Haven’t posted in a while because I forgot my password and was too lazy to get a new one…but here I am now :) Running is going well. I’ve always liked two-a-days, but I find that the florida weather makes it rather difficult! I try to wake up around 7 every morning to get my run or bike ride in before it gets too hot…but then it thunderstorms almost every evening, so I never know if I’m actually going to be able to get my full second run in or not. Talk about frustrating! It’s thunder storming right now & I still have to get my hills in today! At least my brother is coming with me tonight, and he’s about half a foot taller, so at least he’ll get hit by the lightning first! :P Just kidding, I’m really not that evil. 0:)

I had been job hunting for a looong time…filled out about 20 applications, had several interviews that went well…until they asked if I could commute to Daytona for school in the fall and work there throughout the year. Once I explained that I couldn’t, the interviews would end. So I ended up asking for my old job back at good old Tropical Smoothie Café, which was the last thing I wanted to do…but it’s easy, and I’m good at it, and they gave me a raise! Woo hoo :) Definitely not a glamorous job, but hey, it’s just good to be making some cash. I can’t stand spending money over the summer if I’m not making any! Haha. I’m also baby-sitting every now and then and taking care of my neighbor’s dog and month old kitties for a week! Never really been a cat fan, but these 2 are cuties for sure :)

Just started my online class at the local community college. I’m taking ‘renaissance and baroque humanities’… so far so good. I’m keeping pretty busy these days, and that’s just the way I like my life :) No time for boredom! Hehe.

Now for the survey...
Initials: EAL

Age, birthday: almost 19 eek! 06-27-1989

Introvert or extrovert? i can be either depending on the situation i'm in at the time.

Are you a girly girl? most definitely! i love dresses, pink, getting fancy, etc :) it doesn't mean i'm not tough though!

Do you believe in God? sure do.

Can you cook and what do you like to cook? yep! i'm no alex salinas, but i've learned a few tricks of the trade throughout my life. i prefer baking desserts to cooking a meal, though. you can probably tell by my belly, lol.

favorite actor, actress: hugh grant, hugh jackman, ryan reynolds, rachel mcadams, abigail breslin, & just about any that make me laughhhhhh!

Running shoe brand: have almost always loved asics. saucony's are pretty cushiony rides too :)

How do you feel about facebook? it's great for finding long lost friends from back in the day, but it makes me feel stalkerish, i'm kind of over it for the time being.

What makes you tick? this one guy in canada :) that probably sounds like i’m not very independent, but really i just miss the guy a lot right now :| he’s my best friend and he's so far away for so long!

Camp is approaching fast! Can't wait to see you girls! & hope everyone's having a wonderful summer :)
-Erika

Erika!!

Haha, Erika, I just got an email from your boyfriend asking me about summer internships and registering him for his at career services. Don't worry I gave him a few email addresses that might work out better for him.
That was funny, it made my day, lol.

-lori

my first survey

Finally I did one of these things.

Initials: KJB

Birthday: 7-10-89

Introver or Extrovert: depends. if i know absolutely no one or everyone i am a major extrovert, otherwise not. weird i know

Are you a girly girl? umm sometimes definitely but mostly a trackie

Do you believe in god? Why/why not? no comment.

Can you cook? What do you like to cook? small things, yes. cheesecake is my best thing i make.

Favorite Actor, actress: Jake Gyllenhaal (for looks not so much acting). Tom Hanks. Cameron Diaz.

Running shoe brand: Asics. or anything just not Nike

How do you feel about facebook? It is addicting though I feel stupid spending so much time on it sometimes.

What makes you tick? smells. yes, i am obsessed with smelling things, if i can connect a smell of something new to something old it helps me love it.

Third round, Go SURVEY

That was a fast week, well as far as this blog is concerned lol.

Initials: LAC (Anne is the middle name)

Birthday: 2-27- 86 (I know I'm old)

Introver or Extrovert: It really depends on my mood. Most of the time I'm pretty loud, but I need my alone time at home, you can tell if I don't get it too lol.

Are you a girly girl? Lol, I don't really know what to say, I think I'm a woman, lol.

Do you believe in god? Why/why not? We'll have this conversation, if we haven't already, some other time when I know you better if I don't already know you.

Can you cook? What do you like to cook? Well, considering Alex had to cook dinner on her recruiting trip I would say, no. I don't really like to cook because, well, I don't really like food, lol.

Favorite Actor, actress: Johnny Depp, Will Smith, Christian Bale, too man others.

Running shoe brand: BROOKS!! though you should be prepared to like Asics, lol.

How do you feel about facebook? I like that it keeps me in touch with people from highschool. It's also a great way to get pictures of myself and friends from other people.

What makes you tick? The beauty I find in the world and the kindness I see in others.

Survey #3!!

It's close enough to being monday for most of you, so here ya go!

Initials: JEH

Age, birthday: 10-22-87, 4 months till 21!

Introvert or extrovert? pretty extreme introvert. which means i'm quiet till i find somethign i'm passionate about and then you can't shut me up! :)

Are you a girly girl? hells no. lol i pretty much suck at it. though i'm getting better some would say

Do you believe in God?why/why not? yes. because as humans we constantly crave "more". and even when we have "everything" we still aren't satisfied. you can set up an analogy for where i'm going with this. The fact that we as humans get thirsty reflects the fact that we naturally require water to live satisfactorily. this implies there is a substance which fulfills that need. The same could be said for our spiritual needs as well. Humans cannot know to yearn for something which does not exist.Yet we continually seek more than this world has to offer. Why else?
Plus, if all else fails, I'd rather live today like god exists and die to find out he doesn't, than to live as if he doesn't exist and die to find he does.

Can you cook and what do you like to cook? I can cook what i like to eat. In other words i can cook basic foods with less than 5 ingredients lol. But i like to think i can cook them well

favorite actor, actress: will smith (plus anyone cute!), keira knightley

Running shoe brand: i used to be a die hard saucony fan, but since they stopped making my shoe i've stopped being so picky. mizuno, saucony, and asics are fine with me. NOT NIKE! haha unless we're talking spikes, and then it's the only way to fly.

How do you feel about facebook? I love it for purposes of keeping in touch with people and sharing memories, but i hate how i'm on it every 10 seconds, and i hate how it makes me compare myself to other people

What makes you tick? (it's a hard one, interpret it freely) Actually that's kind of changing for me right now. i wasn't happy with myself before, so i changed things up, and now I think what keeps me going is the idea that life isn't about finding yourself but creating yourself. it's that constant striving to stay active instead of passive that gives me motivation.

this is my first ever blog post!

Well, summer training has been going okay, i suppose. I'm just having a hard time with motivation, motivating myself to run the workouts, with intensity, that coach rosalino sent. I'm going to start practicing with my high school team this week, so i can run with people. I like to run with a group of girls rather than running alone and trying to do whatever the workout is that day. Having other people running with you is sooo much easier, to me at least. So my motivational issues are bound to improve! But i've been doing what i'm supposed to. It's rough. I'm good with the hills though. I'm from Spartanburg, South Carolina and we are at the foothills. Everywhere our team runs is hilly, so hill workout are no problem! haha The only other thing i'm worried about is fitting in (time wise) on the team. I don't consider myself that fast or anything. But i will try my best to improve my times from my high school years. I'm really going to work this summer so i can be prepared for the season. I hope i haven't already done the best i can do! These are a few running-related things that have been on my mind lately and it's nice to get them out there. That's about it on the running front.

Well I don't know that I know all of you, but here is a little bit about me...I am 18, my birthday is March 12, 1990. I'm a pisces. I have a facebook...friend me if you already haven't! A lot of random facts about me are on my page. I love to meet new people. I LOVE to talk...and i talk quickly! I can be shy at first when meeting new people, but after i get over it, i think i'm rather outgoing. I love laughing. I do if often. I'm pretty excited about college, though i have some fears. I get along with just about everyone. Oh, i'm going to be an aeronautical science major. I'm pretty pumped about that. I just got a new laptop for graduation and i'm using it now. That's some random stuff...i will write more later. That seems sufficient to be right now. haha

I saw that jen wrote about 3 things: running, relationships, work. Well i've gotten the first one taken care of. I am single, so there is not much on the relationship front. I was in a 3 year realtionship with a guy, but that ended last school year...badly. He was my first love. We are still friends I guess, but I think it would be best to distance myself from him. I don't think he is the best guy for me. I haven't dated anyone since, but I am looking. Hopefully there will be some better guys for me at Embry-Riddle. I don't feel a huge need to always have a boyfriend, though. But they are nice to have. I'll be looking. haha

There isn't much to say about work. I don't have a job, but i've looked the last 2 summers, but no such luck, especially this year since i'm leaving for college soon. Oh well. Maybe next summer...I just never had time between school and cross country and track seasons during the school year.

Well the weather has been pretty nice in upstate south carolina. It's cooled off a lot. It was upper 90's for a few weeks, but since about last week it has been nice. Much cooler. Like 80's, which is decent for June in the South i guess. haha

I think it's apparent that i like to type. And has anyone else noticed my strange capitalizations? I capitalize i's sometimes, but not all of the time, like they should be. I'm not dumb, I know they're supposed to be, but sometimes i just like the way the lowercase i's look. ahh whatever, no one should care. This is an informal blog.

Well i look forward to meeting you all! I know i've met some of the team already and all of you were very sweet! Thanks to jen who kept reminding me to write. I enjoyed it. I will blog again soon!

-alison

Um, Life?

Alright lets see where to begin; oh yes well running is going very well. Hopfe and I tweaked my workouts to tailor me a bit better so that's good. Oh, and I ran on the treadmill the other day since the weather was really bad. Yes, I do run in lightning storms on occasion, it has happened about four times in the last three weeks, but I do stay clear of tornados lol. Anyway, I have decided that that was my last run on a treadmill, it was rather boring. I looked at myself in the mirror for far too long. To be honest I think I can actually picture what I look like in my head now, purely from that experience. As for my other workouts they are going well. I have decided to do short bikerides before 7:30 work, it's early but it makes me feel so much better. So, I guess technically I'm doing two-a-days almost every day, though the mornings before work are easy.
Work is going well, I'm flustered with it because I spend hours getting something ready only for the plans to change and everything that I did suddenly means nothing. We still haven't flight tested though the plane did fly thursday and friday. It was exciting to see the plane come back each time, but I stressed out way too much both days so now I'm pretty tired. To be honest the last few weeks have been tough as far as work and non-running things are concerned. My boyfriend was ignoring me for the couple of weeks after Nationals, ie. I would only see him when he was drunk and that was once a week. Anyway I confronted him about it and we broke up. We are still friends and I don't mind spending time with him but sometimes its hard when he doesn't look at me the same way he used to. I don't know why this keeps happening but I guess it was bound to, none of my relationships ever work out too well so I have decided to just have close friends, granted that was kind of what my ex-boyfriend and I were, lol.
On a lighter note, my bridesmaid dress came in!! lol. It's orangy, peachy, something oddy colored, but my cousin likes them and its her day. I told her she could dress me in anything and I would be there so long as it was something, lol. I fly out ot California for her wedding and then the next weekend I have to go to Chicago for another wedding (I'm not in that one, lol). It's weird people my age, people I have known for a few years now are getting married.
Anyway, hope everyone is doing well, after wednesday NO one is going to be in town, I don't know what I'm going to do with myself. Oh well, I'm sure I'll survive, I can always make friends with vacationers lol. Well, take care everyone!!

Lori

And JEN post your name on the bottom of your letter!!! :)

a real update

let's see-
My life is really only about 3 things right now: running, work, relationships. So i guess i'll write about all three of them!

Running
This week has been awful! I've had a really rough week following run for the pies... i never really bounced back... haha i've run every day (except for the day i was at the airport from 5:45Am daytona time to 10:00PM hawaii time.. that's a whole different story), but they've all been pretty short and slow runs. I've run a few times since i've been here, but i think i'm quite jet lagged becuase they weren't too fun. I can't wait to get back into things.. i'm trying hard, but my body is jsut not wanting to train. booooooo jet lag! i think it should be gone soon though, so i'm super excited about training in a new environment, minus the tourists. I've been on 3 busses already! haha i'm trying to be adventurous and just get on, ride around, and get off wherever it looks like a cool place to run. So far it's just been annoying, but once i figure out the regular routes, i think it will be much better.

Work
Is halarious! I get paid $15 an hour to screw up electronic systems! how fun! haha the company i work for makes hospital bed covers that measure the patients vitals, and my job is to find bugs and try to make it break down and start beeping and flashing lights and saying "for your own safety please get back in bed". lol. Also, they want to make me a test subject becuase my heartrate is low and i don't weigh anything, and apparently that's a difficult demographic. So next week i'll be getting paid to take naps on a massage bed. Sweetness. Lol in all seriousness though it's pretty cool. I've only been there a day and my office is already covered in wires and cords and machines and things to play with!

Relationships
I've spent this week learning to stand on my own two feet again, which was really rough at first, but is getting much easier. In fact, i've been talking to an old friend from high school, and that's going pretty well, so who knows what'll happen there! He's a really good guy regardless, and he's been teaching me alot about being happy to be me and what it means to really live life to the fullest. All in all i feel spiriturally rejouvenated and ready to take on the world again, so yay! I can just tell, this year is going to be a blast.

I also have a shoutout to my roomie! Happy 21st Bethie Poo!
(I've been bugging her to post on here, but she's not exactly computer/litterate so i'll update for her lol. She's in Annappolis working with the John Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, and seems to be enjoying herself. She moved out of Cody's house, and is now living closer to work. Her post-nationals races were a good experience, but didnt result in a sub 2:09 performance, so now she's getting back into base training. That's all i know, but i'll check in with her tomorrow after her 21st celebrations have died down and keep ya posted)

minus the whole alchoholic part, this song describes my life really well right now:
"We had a dog named Bocephus livin in the front yard
He liked sleeping out on top of the car
He drank beer out of a mason jar
And he'd climb up on everyone in bed
White frame house in a college town
A bunch of people always hanging around
No real problems we needed to drown
But we'd try our best anyway
...
We had a keg in the closet, Pizza on the floor
Left over from the night before
Where we were going we didn't really care
We had all we ever wanted..."

-jen

last day of spring

I wish I was in Hawaii currently. babysitting two 11 year old girls five days a week is more exhausting than you think, and makes it really hard to run doubles haha. I ran last night and felt really good so I picked it up sort of not knowing it so I don't know how good that was but it felt good. I really need to start finding some new scenery because all the loops around my house and high school are getting old. haha
-kira

aloha :)

Hi hi from hawaii
I got here last night around 10, and so far all i've done is go to starbucks with a friend, go to sleep, and get up and run... i'm about to have some waffles, which is super exciting to me.
haha i'll update more later when i'm not getting ready for my first day of work!
-jen

FINALLY survey#1

OOOoook, well I have been quite busy lately. I'll catchya up on running.
I went to the State Meet a little while back in the 2mile and 4x8...and did not-so-well, considering prom was the night before and I'm not yet used to running in 96 degree weather, but it was a good experience as usual.
BUT! yesterday I ran in a 5k road race that has become quite popular in the area and came in 2nd place! woo! It was the Louise Rosetti, an all woman event in honor of Louise, who is turning 87 tomorrow I think, and started running after her daughter was killed by a car to help her cope, and she still runs the race every year (she's such a happy cute old lady). I also had a pretty decent time for the course, about 19:40, so I was happy.
Hmm, OH YA! I had a question about the hill workout.... How long are the hills coach wants us to do the repeats on? Or, how hard should we push up the hill and for how many seconds? There's a pretty big hill down the street from my house that the track team used to do workouts on, and we'd push hard for about 45sec, but we only did about 5-8...so i did that 15 times and then the next day my bum and thighs deeply regretted it lol.
Oh!! But about a week before I did a 10 mile distance run and at the end found 10 bucks! That was fun.
K, well I guess I should get on with the first survey...so I can finally get to #2!


Full Name: Kassandra Leigh Kluge

Nicknames: Kasey, Kaz, Kass, Kassie, KK, Kluge, Sandra, Wheaties, Bunny...there's others too...I basically respond to anything

Hometown: Beverly, MA

Nationality: Polish (and yes I do carry out the stereotype quite well sadly), german, french, irish, italian..the list goes on

Favorite Race Distance: 10k...its fast but you need endurance too

Least Favorite Race Distance: probably something under a 400..I wouldn't mind it since I'd be done so quick...but I'd just completely lose

Why do you run? I LOVE RUNNING!! I seriously think I am addicted

Describe your pre-race: Get a good long warmup and generally stretch by myself. Unless if you're a teammate or a competitor in the same race as me, i wouldn't approach me before a race...because I kinda get upset if someone distracts me or takes my focus away from the race...generally that was my dad or my (now ex) boyfriend. I also wish everyone on the line good luck

Fast-twitch or slow? uhhhhmm, medium. I used to be fast...when I did the low hurdles and sprints freshman year...but then i did distance, and I guess I turned into a not-fast-twitch

Favorite kind of workout: Spiveys!! I'm sure many people have no idea what I'm talking about..but first you run a tempo mile on the track...then you do a hill workout..then you do 300 repeats...then like a 5mile run....its exhausting but you get a sense of accomplishment after and at least you dont get bored with it.

Favorite Athlete: Shalane Flanagan...She went to the olympics and has the American 3k, 5k (14:44), and 10k records...AND she grew up in the next town over from me and raced on the same courses I did!!!

Something other people wouldn't know: I have only dated guys that are at least a year younger than me...which is weird because I'd normally find someone older than me more attractive...but for some reason I date younger...but I'm not dating anyone now, which is good. More time to concentrate on me:)

Non-Running Activities: Having run! well a lot of my fun revolves around running actually...but going to the beach, reading, spontaneously breaking out in dance in public with my friends, because public humiliation can be quite amusing...riding my bike, hiking...I like to be active...I also really like sleep...but I don't really get any

Describe yourself in 7 words: Silly, Runner, Dedicated, Daring, Hedonist, Caring, Wise (when I choose to be)

Momma's or Daddy's girl? Daddy's Girl

Describe your crazy uncle (or other family member): Oh dear...My "Uncle Johny"...he means well, but he's pretty much a 7 year old trapped in a tubby 60-something year old man's body...He still chases me around the beach with a bucket of water and tries to tell my sister and I stories as if he were talking to 5 year olds, but at least he's entertaining if not somewhat annoying.

hey hey hey...time for another survey!

Name: Baleigh

Major: Communications : )

Future Occupation: Anything involving interation with people, hopefully...something to do with advertising/marketing....involving the media in some way.

Favorite Food: cookies..mm good!

Favorite Movie(s): the Goonies, Stick it, Without Limits, Sandlot...

Prep/Punk/Jock/Nerd/Gothic: nerd, jock, prep

Favorite Color: Hot pink, purple, organge, yellow, red...i can never decide :)

What kind of socks do you wear: pink and white ones...im not quite sure what they are called...

Describe your ideal guy: ideal guy/girl (i have a girlfriend btw)....someone who respects me for me. doesnt want me to change for anything. Smart, honest, funny, and knows how to have a good time.

Siblings: 20 yr old sister shannon...and 16 yr old brother sean.

Favorite clothing store: kohls...or aeropostale

What is the meaning of life(and don’t’ say 42): to go out there...have fun, but mainly to change other people's lives for the better. teach others the lessons you have learned and share with those who need you the most.

[Do you believe in love at first sight.What is love.Is love really all you need]: nah...i dont believe in love at first sight....thats more of lust at first sight. I do believe in love though...i think its accepting someone for their good side and their flaws. Knowing that that one person will always be there for you no matter what. Is love all you need? no, love isnt everything but it is something i hope everyone experiences at least once.

SURVEY!!!!

Name: Lori

Major: Aerospace Engineering

Future Occupation: Flight testing company, or working for a racing bike (bicycle) design team

Favorite Food: Eww

Favorite Movie(s): V for Vendetta, Harry Potter (All of them), Ever After

Prep/Punk/Jock/Nerd/Gothic: Nerd/Prep, Jock

Favorite Color: Crimson red (I really enjoy the color combination Crimson Red, Black, and Silver)

What kind of socks do you wear: Low socks, usually mismatched ones

Describe your ideal guy: He views the world the same way I do, crystal blue eyes, smart, funny, very athletic, willing to have lengthy discussions about intriguing subject matters, stands up for what he believes in and it is something I believe in

Siblings: a 20 year old brother, and an 8 month old brother (I can't believe I actually remembered about him, lol, i usually forget)

Favorite clothing store: my mother's closet

What is the meaning of life(and don’t’ say 42): To determine what your definition of happiness is

[Do you believe in love at first sight
What is love
Is love really all you need]: i do not believe in "love" at first sight, this would be considered an attraction to the appearances of another person, if it so happens that you do fall in "love" with this individual then this would be based upon the characteristics of the individual and not the mere sight of him.

Survey #2!!

Name: Jen

Major: Civil Engineering (started off EP, but realized i didn't care about space or airplanes)

Future Occupation: Structural Engineer for a while and then an AP Calc Teacher / Cross Coutnry Coach

Favorite Food: Biscuits or anything sort of like biscuits... muffins, cookies, cake, bread, etc.

Favorite Movie(s) : Stick it! haha and pretty much any chick flick with a happy ending, or anything that makes you think

Prep/Punk/Jock/Nerd/Gothic: Jock->Nerd/Prep->Punk->Gothic

Favorite Color: navy blue, but i like all the colors in the crayola bold markers pack

What kind of socks do you wear- In high school i wore all sorts of crazy knee high socks, but i've calmed down since then... now i don't really wear them at all unless i have to

Describe your ideal guy: A disciple of Jesus Christ!!, challenging intellectually, athlete, musician, medium-tall, sandy brown hair, tan, thin but not skinny

Siblings: 14 year old sister, and some more siblings that i don't know too much about.

Favorite clothing store: Hollister, though i can't afford it and never shop there. i'm more of a target/ross/tj maxx/marshalls kind of girl

What is the meaning of life(and don’t’ say 42): The great command and the great commision :)
But i like to say it is to know christ and make him known!

Pick 1 of the next three (but i like to write, so i will write about all 3)

[
Do you believe in love at first sight? Only rarely, and i mean rarely... and by sight i mean along the lines of "you had me from hello... "

Is love really all you need? Again, it's a rare thing to come across a situation where the love between two people matters more than the world around them.

What is love? Love is patient, Love is kind,It does not envy, it does not boast,It is not proud, It is not rude,It is not self-seeking,It is not easily angered,It keeps no record of wrongs.Love does not delight in evil,but rejoices with the truth.Love always protects, always trusts,always hopes, always perseveres.Love bears all things, believes all things,hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never ends.
]

random

Yesterday's distance run was the first since I started training that felt good. So now I'm actually excited about training hard, haha
Should I be doing road races at all? I'm assuming not but I was thinking about it since yesterday was the father's day 5/10k.


Kira

yikes!

6am is a terrible time to come home if you have had too much to drink and have church in 3 hours. I do not reccommend it -- at all. Although, now that I think about it, last night/this morning was probably my makeshift 21st, since my birthday is mid-season, and we all know what that means :( no drinks for me! Boo. As for last night though, I think it was an excellent celebration, and actually quite like the 21st I hoped i'd have, so i'll accept it as a proper substitute. Woulda been good with one less shot, but hey... that's what 21st are for!...dancing, crawling around on the floor, throwing ping pong balls and shooting at people with squirt guns.... lol :)
oh summer.
by the way... for the record (and please learn from my mistake), that was a seriously bad idea. haha never ever drink right after a race. it makes the recovery process that much more rediculous.

As for the race, don't ask! No one got shoes... and i didn't even get a pie. haha I had to steal lori's :) I suppose i can say PR'ed in the two mile (okay so i've only run it twice) with a 12:35ish... but then i got confused and kicked one loop short of the finish,so that was a disaster lol .... haha but i suppose it was slightly less disasterous than Lori's race after a 5:43 first mile. As you can guess the rest of both of our races was pretty ugly.
ooh well. gotta start somewhere! now the only way to go is up!

-Jen

I got bored!

haha click on the link on the left side that says be inspired :)
P.S. I'm leaving for hawaii this weekend after lori and i P.R. at Run for the Pies on saturday

alex is sick

yes i kno, i have this tendancy to get sick at critical times. this time i can blame the weather...it hasn't been above 70 for the past week. and then there's these whole 9 hour workdays. omg not fun at all (especially if i end up taking a lunch break). but at least this friday we have off.

hasta luego...

...alex

workouts for the week

wednesday- 30min easy
thursday- 25 hills then 30 min (+weights)
friday- 50min medium
saturday- off by coach's request
sunday- 45 min medium
monday- 60 min easy
tuesday- 15:30min. out easy then 14:00 back not so easy
wednesday- AM: 30 minutes on mat , PM: 20 minutes shakeout (+core/weights)

the singles are starting to catch up to me :(
time to start doing doubles... takes more time and dedication, but less toll on the body
on a more positive note, i'm getting noticibly faster. i startle myself every once in a while when i space out and wake up near 7 minute pace. it's funny... i keep thinking "i'm gonna regret this tomorrow"... but then tomorow comes and i'm ready to go! i love my quads! they just keep going and going.. i just have to remember to use them! lol and i found out when i do, i also use my arms! who knew?!

which brings me to my next realization, sadly, that my token two weeks of almost nothing but aerobic runs is over. Time to start adding in (intentional)AT work, as well as more hills/weights/core aka strength training. And time to start lengthening the long run... which should be easier now that my other runs won't be so long.

Hello!!

Well, training is going very well!! I'm running very smoothly if I must say so myself, lol. No more stomping! I did a hill workout on sunday with a bike ride in the morning. Monday I did another bike ride with an "easy" run. (I got yelled at for this run, but it's ok, I got yelled at for tuesday's run too lol). Wednesday I ran on the MAT!!! YEAH!! Don't worry ladies the blue monster has been tamed, it took some brute force to beat him into submission, but I think he'll behave from now on lol. (The 'blue monster' is the high jump mat in case anyone was confused).

In my life:
1) Work is going well, having fun
2) I reacquired an old friend that I had lost touch with
3) I got invited to another wedding
4) My book is almost finished!!
5)

So, that's my life, it really just revolves around running and work. I must say Alex, I'm looking forward to starting my triathalete career lol. Sounds very promising, haha.

Lori

um, hi :)

sooo, I started this workout thing two weeks behind you guys since my track season was still going on the week everyone started (coaches already know this) and I just started and oh my god, it hurts.
haha. I'm just looking forward to running down there, even though its 20 degrees too hot.

Kira

howdy...

So as I began training with the amazing workout schedule, I realized I am soooo out of shape. haha them crunches...whew! the first day was hard, the second even harder. By the 4th day it was good tho. I am actually starting to understand the phrase "feel the burn"...and man do I feel it :) There aren't any hills in Titusville so I went searching...I found a few that were alright in size but the problem is they're in neighborhoods, and that means some killer traffic! Every time I do a few hills I have to stop a lil longer and wait for the after work traffic to pass...ugh! Some old guy and I were having a lil race around town the other day. I went to go around him but he wouldn't have it...he picked up the pace and stuck with me. We were back and forth for about a mile...but then he died. It was entertaining for sure.

So the survey:

Full Name: Baleigh Camille Hyatt

Nicknames: Bale, Blee, Baliff, Belga Welga, Bayleg, Fishie, Balah, Camille

Hometown: Titusville, FL

Nationality: Irish, Scotis, Polish, some Indian....

Favorite Race Distance: 800

Least Favorite Race Distance: well idk....400?

Why do you run? Its my stress reliever, keeps me sane pretty much...and its soooo much fun!

Describe your pre-race: Usually get really quiet....total opposite of my everyday self...and I always do the "monkey swing" ....my warm up run I have to hear my stomach gargle at least one time and Im good to go!

Fast-twitch or slow? well...honestly. more of a medium/slow?

Favorite kind of workout: I agree with Jen anything but mile repeats please.

Favorite Athlete: Steve Prefontaine...original I know....lol but my high school coach got me hooked.

Something other people wouldn't know: I love rap and hip/hop....ppl call me white and black at the same time.

Non-Running Activities: Sleep, Softball, Bowling, Talking, Eating, Board Games
Describe yourself in 7 words: Outgoing, Random, Caring, Runner, Dedicated, Responsible, Honest

Momma's or Daddy's girl? Daddy's Girl

Describe your crazy uncle (or other family member): 6'5" White guy who sings and booty dances to "slow motion" while making chip dip in the kitchen

That was fun...Hope to learn more bout you all soon.
-Baleigh :)

where to begin...

after this weekend, i've got one thing to say: ladies, we are in the wrong sport...triathlons is where it's at! saturday after my morning beach run (easy 45 cruising on the strand) my mom, sibling, and I volunteered for cheer for children by helping check in people for the redondo beach triathlon (to be held on sunday morning, and the kid was running it). and omg nothing but fit pretty people (guys more importantly. lol) coming up to me. wow! sorry, i'm releasing my inner girl right now. but it only got better, b/c sunday morning, there they were again! and this time in w/o shirts and in tight shorts! *sigh*

and now that that's over with, i can tell you all about how i work for a pirate. sort of. i know we've all seen pirates of the carribbean, you know the short, balding dude who hangs out with the tall guy w/ the wooden eyeball, that's my boss's brother! and he looks just like him (minus the bad teeth). but he's really cool, so i'm beginning to feel better and better about my job this summer.

and finally, what you've all been waiting for...

Full Name: Alexandra Luz Salinas
(My middle name is my grandmother's name)

Nicknames: alex, salinas...gosh i need a good nickname

Hometown: the C.O.T., aka T-town and Torrance, CA. (located in Southern California, where we know how to shake things up and keep it cool)

Nationality: Mexican, Native American (Shoshoni), Spanish, and now my great aunt is claiming there's French mixed in there (perhaps)

Favorite Race Distance: 5k (only during xc season), track = 1500m

Least Favorite Race Distance: anything less than 800m

Why do you run? because running gives me a sense of pride and empowerment. i enjoy racing, and i enjoy spending time w/ the chica's i've grown to love so much (i suppose that's another reason i run). but i love the fact that I can always challenge myself, and when i accomplish what i set out to do, there is no better feeling. i feel that i am invincible and can take on any challenge. as my grandma used to ask me every morning before i left for school, "are you ready to tackle the world?"...and running helps me to believe that i can.

Describe your pre-race: it starts the night before. i sit down to a prime rib dinner w/ garlic mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. i top off the night with a banana split...jk. jk. night before i am a total wreck (while i like to visualize my race, i have the tendency to freak myself out, so i can only manage doing it for a short while) race day, i like a quick paced warm-up, while listening to hellogoodbye, the rolling stones, and suburban legends.

Fast-twitch or slow? faster than some one else i know. lol. but probably more slow than anything else

Favorite kind of workout: long runs with steady climbs and short plateaus. there's a 12 mile loop we did once a month in high school, it's rolling hills with a long three mile climb in the middle. it took close to a couple of hours but it was amazing overlooking the ocean and was always my favorite.

Favorite Athlete: beth mccubbin. i saw her race at indoor track nationals, she smoked everybody. she's crazy smart too, researching solar wind or waves or some space related thing like that at johns hopkins. she's my hero.

Something other people wouldn’t know: (funny thing, much like lori, i hate the Olive Garden too) i totally have a fear of lakes and the dark

Non-Running Activities: hanging out at the beach (to work on my tan), reading, day dreaming (i've found that i talk to myself a lot when i'm alone)

Momma’s or Daddy’s girl? a little bit of both (if that's possible)

Describe your crazy relatives: oh dear. i guess there's my grandma (the one i'm named after) who insisted on having an 80th birthday party this year (and she was only turning 79), or my cousin who said she was going to move to connecticut and become a photographer (having never taken any classes or decent pictures for that matter). or my other grandma who got in a fight with her sister over a coffee mug she swore i gave to her at xmas last year (when in fact i did not)...and the list goes on

hasta luego chicas...

...alex

Could everyone put their name somewhere on their post when they write one. I've been ok figuring out who everyone is so far, but It's getting difficult, lol. THanks!

Lori

Full Name: Lori Anne Costello
(Erika I didn’t know we had the same middle name, too bad my mom decided to spell it differently)

Nicknames: Yogi (Curt on the track team is really the only one that calls me this and now that he has graduated I fear my only nickname will disappear, oh well lol)

Hometown: Danville CA (That would be located in the lovely NORTHERN California, much better then southern ;) )

Nationality: Half Italian. Part French, Dutch, German, English, Native American, I’m sure I probably missed a few

Favorite Race Distance: 1500!!!

Least Favorite Race Distance: As far as coach is concerned it is the 5K, but I’m actually starting to enjoy it.

Why do you run? I run because I love to race. I like the point in the race when everyone begins to fade and I have to ask myself if there is anything left, then I push even harder and change my pace. If I am able to ask that question then I figure I have more within me. I also love workouts and pushing myself with the single thought that this workout will help me and make my race better. Also, (sorry I have many reasons) I love the feeling after a hard workout or race when my body will barely move and I have trouble even driving home.

Describe your pre-race: I don’t eat before the race. Run fast for a warm up, then the normal static and dynamic stretching and then I freak out. I have gotten better about it, but most of the girls who have run a 5K with me know that I get really scared that I can’t run 3+ miles. It’s rather sad considering my warm up is pretty close to that lol.

Fast-twitch or slow? Haha, well, I would say that in the middle of a race I can change speed pretty well, but I’m afraid I would have to say slow.

Favorite kind of workout: Mountain runs, grinding your way up to the top, or rolling hills that’s fun too.

Favorite Athlete: Yurislav Popovich, (I don’t think I spelled that right) He’s a cyclist formerly for the Discovery team, but I don’t know who he rides with now.

Something other people wouldn’t know: I hate the Olive Garden and I usually end up there for a first date, lol.

Non-Running Activities: Cycling, Mountain Biking, Kayaking, Hiking, Writing, Reading, Exploring, People watching (you can learn a lot about our culture and any other culture by doing this)

Momma’s or Daddy’s girl? Depends on the day and whether my dad is with is fiancée or not

Describe your crazy relatives: My uncle skips out on work to go sun bathing on the roof of the truck he’s supposed to be driving (by the way he also has been caught in the X-Rated section of movie stores). His wedding was held at my dad's house, but he didn't have my dad, his brother, in the wedding. As a thankyou gift he gave my dad a clock that said on the bottom ('Congratulations Greg and Nancy'). Essentially he pulled it out of the gift pile and gave it to my dad, all of the other three siblings got really nice glass mugs lol.

My aunt misses work occasionally because she falls asleep on the reclining message chairs in the Sharper Image. She once passed out because a bee had supposedely stung her but when the paramedics arrived they could not find where she had been stung. Later she confessed that it might not have actually stung her.

I could go on with stories about these two but I'll leave it at that, lol.

This was hard!

Full Name: Erika Ann Langhauser

Nicknames: Hmm...that depends on who you are. I've been referred to as "michigan,"
"tripsy," etc. But I definitely just prefer Erika :)

Hometown: No hometown for me :( I'm a military brat. Hey! I'm about to start my 4th year in FL. That'll be the longest I've ever lived in one state consecutively!

Nationality: Lithuanian, Native American Sioux Indian, Irish, German/French (they came from Alsace-Lorraine apparently)

Favorite Race Distance: Still a fan of the high school 1600m

Least Favorite Race Distance: Well, I probably wouldn't like the 100m dash.

Why do you run? There is this certain feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction that I get after racing my bootay off that I can't seem to find anywhere else. Plus it feels good to know I've done so much while the rest of the normal people are still sleeping :)

Describe your pre-race: Well, if I told you I'd have to kill you ;) Kidding! I just have certain rituals that I always follow-cereal and a slim fast for breakfast...tea before the starting line. blah blah. I forget them all!

Fast-twitch or slow? I'd say a combination of both.

Favorite kind of workout: Let's just say 2 hour long runs are not my favorite. I'm more of an "uphill" 400 repeat type of girl.

Favorite Athlete: Can I pick a swimmer? Michael Phelps...easy on the eyes :D haha, It's too hard to pick a real favorite.

Something other people wouldn't know: The madre & I are pretty tight since I don't have a sister. We occasionally watch Sunday Night Sex Talk with Sue Johanson together. Some people might find that disturbing but my family's not embarrassed easily by that sort of thing.

Non-Running Activities: Sleeping, baking, playing RockBand (I continuously score 100% accuracy on singing...easy level haha), umm...I'm learning how to crochet :)

Describe yourself in 7 words: random, clumsy, outgoing, friendly...

Momma's or Daddy's girl? Hmm...?

Describe your crazy uncle (or other family member): My grandpa is 7ft tall, bald, denture- wearing, with mustache, lives in Idaho, was a cowboy, curses like a sailor, but is the sweetest & funniest person I know. :)

I'm runnin in a race thingy this weekend...it's called a mud run and it's a 4 mile obstacle course.
I'm pretty excited :)
summer trainin is goin well and I finally don't feel injured.
yay :P

-emily

never thought i'd hear it from hopfe

but it's true! he actually said "take it easy, dont' get carried away"... to me!
so i took saturday off completely. which was really hard. i hate blank pages on the calendar. OCD summers, what can I do? 45 miles really isn't that much for a week, even the first one. it's not nearly what was on the schedule (which i don't really know what he was thinking, scheduling the first long run for 90 minutes.. silly coach, tricks are for kids). so i'm not really sure what he was all worked up about... it's mr. tumbleweed who really needs a talking-to lol... 120 miles is sick. oh! while i'm remembering: lori, alex and whoever else was planning on it, don't forget to get hopfe a father's day card!

in other news, i got complimented on noelle's old skirt which i wore to church today :)

and apparently my job is all set for hawaii and my aunt has tons of miles so i'll fly for free, which is even better. now i'm just waiting to hear it from the horse's mouth and i'll start packing! I emailed the coach of a university out there to see if he has any athletes in town, but he hasn't gotten back to me, so that's a bummer. lol you know, it's funny... for being the source of some really fast marathon-type runners, cross country on the island is practically non-existant. if that coach did get back to me, i'd be training with the men's team becuase they're closer to my level. which is rediculous.

the good news is that my aunt drives a manual, so i can practice! (if she'll get the car out of the parking garage for me... it's the craziest/tightest one i've ever seen)

haha supposedly i'm giving luis piano lessons until i leave. we're so bored. oh man! that means i have clean my room though. bummer. i didn't think that far ahead lol
oh! i learned how to play love song by sara bareilles today, and it's fun!

finally, i'm very excited becuase i'm starting to make friends with the singles/collge group at church... it's sad though beucase i'll be leaving just as i was getting to know everyone's names! but i'm super excited for this season because the group is switching to the 11:00 service instead of the early one, which is great becuase us xc kids can actually go!! (long runs kept us from getting involved the paste few years) i'm soooo excited to finally get involved with this wonderful group of people! yay!

-jen

survey time! you know what to do!

Full Name: Jennifer Elizabeth Haydt

Nicknames: Jen, Indiana Jen

Hometown: Palm Coast, FL

Nationality: Russian, Irish, German

Favorite Race Distance: 800, 5k

Least Favorite Race Distance: Mile. We dont' get along.

Why do you run? I love it, I'm addicted to it, it makes me look good in a skirt (haha i'm kidding)

Describe your pre-race: Either completely freaking out or completely calm. Rarely in between. Either my stomach is tied in knots, my legs feel like jello, and i don't really don't want to be doing it.... OR i remember god's going to take care of me and i just need to trust in him and i'll be fine.

Fast-twitch or slow? Medium-Fast (400 is stretching it). I should be a miler.

Favorite kind of workout: All of them except mile repeats. If i had to choose though, trail runs about 6-8 mi rolling hills (45-60min)

Favorite Athlete: Jen Rhines
1500m - 4:17 5k – 14:55 10k - 31:17 marathon – 2:29:32

Something other people wouldn't know: I am more likely to spend time picking out pajamas at night than my outfit for school in the morning. I like to look pretty when i sleep. It makes me feel good :)

Non-Running Activities: Piano, Guitar, Reading, Eating

Describe yourself in 7 words: Silly, Serious, Introvert, Runner, Musician, Passionate, Christian

Momma's or Daddy's girl? Yay single dad!!

Describe your crazy uncle (or other family member): gay marathoner in a hot pink speedo.

on that note.... your turn!

first week of work!

so sadly i have neglected to indulge you all in the latest happenings in my life/training. b/c i'm sure you're all eager to know what i have been up to. i've been rather busy. more specifically, working! yay!...not really...we have this 9/80 schedule, where you work 80 hours in 9 days (instead of the traditional 10 days), and get every other friday off. which is kinda nice, except you have to work for 9 hours a day. which means i get to run at 5 in the morning or 6 at night when i get home (and have to push dinner later...and i hate that!) but its a pretty cool project that i get to work on. if you're ever bored and feel like google-ing search the nasa sight for their latest project called jwst.

as for the running, its been chill. nothing too crazy...but enough to get a good sweat. i mean having to work just kinda kills it tho.

-alex

Running and Working

At work today I learned how to solder wires together... Yes, I was very excited about this, I made sure to tell everyone I ran into, including an old lady walking her dog... Alright I didn't tell the old lady but I have told everyone I know, essentially everyone I have met once before, minus Coach Ridder (he's the athletic departartment director). Anyway, I also went for a run today which was rather slow, but easy days are necessary in the training process and going on an easy run will help me stay injury free. I did partake in a lovely workout yesterday that consisted of a warmup then 20 minutes just below AT, then 2 miles of "AT" (it might have been slightly faster, oops) and then another 20 minutes just below AT. When I say just below AT it might actually have been AT, but I don't really know my pacing, so I'll just say it was less then that.

Anyway, I hope everyone is doing well and everyone is having fun with their training. Please be careful and stay injury free and I can't wait to see everyone!

Lori

so i may be back in hawaii after all...
not doing civil engineering, i think it's mostly software data processing, but it's a job with free room and board and it's not here... so it's better than nothing. i'll keep you posted :)
-jen

i'll show you mine if you show me yours ;)

hi hi everyone,
it's about that time where i have enough in my training log to share with everyone, so here it goes:
Day 1: 30 minutes "easy" (which wasn't easy at all).. besides my marathon adventure, it was my longest run in a month! +Core
Day 2: 30 minutes "easy" (a little better, but not by much). +Core
Day 3: 30 minutes in the middle of our drive to VA. stopped at a country club and ran in the neighborhood nearby. rolling hills and pretty housese for scenery. moving pretty quick, but nothing crazy
Day 4: 60 minutes on nick's favorite course. tried to keep myself in check, but it was hilly and i do love downhills, so it turned into a pretty challenging run when i turned around. extremely enjoyable though. took a toll on my legs a bit, but i felt much better as the day went on.
Day 5: 60 minutes through a lovely trail much more flat and less rooty. legs were a bit tired, but the terrain was perfect for just letting loose and flying. so i did :). the second workout of the day didn't happen. haha i tried, but the legs would hear none of it. oh well. still a solid day.
Day 6: 40 minutes back home around the neighborhood and down the powerlines a bit. mostly around 8:20 pace with some pickups
Day 7: 35 minutes with lori. i wanted to go longer, but I was girly and it wasn't too fun. we were moving pretty good though, so it was still a good little run.
Day 8: 50 running down the powerlines to barnes and noble. waited too long to crawl out of bed, so it was a bit toasty out. i wanted to stop in and get some water, but that would be cheating, so i didn't. About 8:20 pace again with pickups. Hopped in the pool for 20 min when i got back so my OCD self can feel better about not running an hour. +weights
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On a side note, i'm learning how to use my quads! which is nice because when i do, it's not possible to run slow, and running faster doesn't take much effort :).
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On another side note, i'm re-reading The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. which is highly recommended, but only to the most avid readers since it is rediculously long. it is only the 2nd book ever to have kept my attention when i didn't finish it on the first day. (those of you who know me well) know that this is impressive.
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just to give the returners an update, i've had chats with russell and jarett, and both of them are alive and well and actually training this summer! wahoo! one of russell's H.S. buddies will be running for us next year and they've been running together this summer, so that's cool to hear. his buddy's really nervous, which is cute. but of course russell's like "hey, i was scared sh*tless when i was a freshmen, he should be too!" hahah... to which i just laughed in response.

-jen

A simple 60 minute run

For your pleasure and for of course mine, I should like to tell you of the adventure I partook on today. It was suppose to be a simple 60 minute run with, dependent upon my legs, a few pickups near the end. I chose the beach as my route and much to my dismay realized the tide was high. Some few years ago the sands used to be far more compact, however, with the swirling storms and strong winds the beach has changed greatly. Comprehending that I would have to dodge waves to find any harder surface I realized that this would be a perfect workout for my stability muscles (Jen).
Cruising at a comfortable but rather slow pace for me I took note of the wall of rain somewhere off past Ormond by the Sea (that’s north of where I live). Most storms flow from the west off toward the east, which of course makes logical sense. Seeing that I had nothing to worry about I grinned at the little specks of light so suddenly appearing and then fading off into the clouds and continued on my way.
As I ran onward I began to loose myself in the depths of my thoughts, as I so often do, and missed my turn around time by a few minutes. Laughing slightly, I paused and turned to head back when a low grumble approached my ears. I stopped, hesitating as I turned up toward the clouds, a circumstance I had not been expecting lay upon me. The storm was not in fact moving east, it was on a southerly course, one headed down and along the coastline. My situation was not grave, at least not yet, I realized. The storm, though moving south was slightly out over the water and I had yet to hear any roars of thunder that suggested the lightening was very close.
Bounding along through the sand, narrowly tripping every other step (this is a normal occurrence on my runs) I pushed on taking side glances back toward the storm every few seconds. But, as time pushed on and I lost interest in the clouds my mind once again floated off to other places until my shadow clearly and defiantly leapt out at me. I stumbled and nearly ran into a sand castle. “That’s not good.” A man throwing a frisbee with his children said.
“Yes, it seems the storm is not moving in the direction that I thought it was.” I said, smiling and deciding then that I needed to pick up the pace a bit.
Forging onward I continued, bright flashes speckling the sky out over the water, occasional ones stretching out over land. ‘Bang,’ (haha I feel like I’m a writer for the old Batman show) I moved close to the beach wall and waited to try and figure out just how close the storm was. It was getting closer, but I was not very far from home, I could make it, I thought, and after a few minutes of only small flashes out on the horizon I took off. The clouds above me gave me hope, they were thin and marked the edge of the storm, I should be fine.
Nine minutes from home I skid to a halt as I found a lovely little beach ball sitting lonely in the sand. Oh, I thought, how sad that such a toy be left behind. Deciding that I was doing the only proper thing, I began kicking it as I continued on my way home. Grinning like an idiot I ran along dribbling my beach ball down the tire tracks formed on the beach.
Seven and a half minutes from home a bright light followed by a burst of thunder erupted off to my right, off toward land. The sky was even darker toward the west. There was a small patch of slightly blue sky directly in front of me, however, the two storms were merging and my strip of clear weather was diminishing rapidly. I could have laughed. Grabbing my beach ball I took off, increasing my speed as I flailed through the loose sand (it should be noted that runs in sand should not be done at a quick pace, one never goes anywhere quickly and does nothing more then make a fool of oneself, aka, me).
I watched the strip of blue sky dwindle above me, the storms were moving faster then I could in the thick sand, but I was nearly home. Finally, arriving upon the patio I walked up to meet the security guard, “I’m afraid the pool deck is closed.”
I laughed, “Well, can I cross so as to reach the building?”
“Oh, yes, yes, but hurry.”
Looking down at the sandy ball under my arm I put on the saddest face I could muster, “Is it ok if I wash off my beach ball really quickly.” I motioned toward the water spicket no more then a meter away.
The man laughed, “You know how lightning is, it’ll shoot out of that thing. You had better hurry up and get inside, I don’t want to pick up your corpse.”
Slightly mortified by his comment and the mental image I was envisioning, and rather confused at the same time I shrugged, “Alright.” I said and walked on toward the building toting my little sandy beach ball along with me. Of course as soon as I got upstairs I proceeded to take a shower myself and even gave my beach ball a bath. Of all my 60 minutes runs, this had to be the most memorable.

Very well, so maybe it was not as exciting as I would have liked, though it is not often when ones life is slightly endangered. I hope you enjoyed my story and take away these lessons with you;
1) Never assume a storm is not headed toward you
2) Lightning in Florida is not a fireworks light show
3) When people run from the beach, you probably should too
4) Toys are fun to play with but only at the appropriate times and in the appropriate weather
5) It is hard to keep your balance while running along the beach
6) And finally, don’t write on the blog board right before your run, especially if you mention something that could potentially happen.

Hope everyone has storm free safe runs. (As a word from your respective teammate; DON’T DO WHAT I JUST DID… EVER!!!)

-Lori

Hills, Clothes, and Running

Oh Alex I'm so jealous right now. I had to do a "hill" workout the other day on our lovely little hill, I hate that I keep calling it a hill seeing as it is nothing more then a mound, lol. I want the real hills, the mountains. I can't wait until South Carolina, I know it's not California but right now even that seems rather enticing. Oh my, I'm really excited.

I did go shopping today, but only because I had to take my car in to get new tires and had nothing to do for three hours. Alex, you would be proud I found some rather good deals, and what is even better is now that I have clothes I won't be wearing my running clothes anymore to work, granted that was more convenient for my after work runs, lol.

Anyway, the temperature is finally somewhat low and I don't think I'm going to get struck by lightning so I'm headed out for my run! Yeah, I love running, have fun everyone!

-Lori

a fun filled weekend

well after being home for almost a week now, i'm ready to come back to florida. jk jk...but no, seriously, i do (dodgeball reference, anyone?) . sort of. since i haven't started work yet, i'm just kinda sitting around with not a whole lot to do. friday morning i joined my parents and some friends for some trap shooting (same thing as beth and jen did w/ nick, although my stance doesn't look as awkward as beth. lol. sorry, i still love you chica) and concluded the trip with lunch at an l.a. landmark, tommy's famous burgers. so delicious. saturday was family bbq for all the folks on my mom's side of the family. basically it was all the extended cousins who i haven't seen in years, so of course it wasn't terribly exciting. the best part was the food, which is a given. between carne asada, rice, salad (and i'm talking like four different kinds) and dessert (again, two kinds of cake, cupcakes, pie, cookies, and fruit), i was a pretty happy camper. we left early tho b/c saturday night was prom! so we had to be back to help the sibling get ready and meet her date and take all the pics w/ the limo. i resisted crashing it only b/c i didn't have a dress. lol. instead i ventured to pinkberry for some frozen yogurt w/ some friends. and that was nice. and as for my sunday, well, seeing as how everyone else's stuff has accumulated in my former bedroom, i spent the day cleaning off the desk, clearing out the dresser, and finding the bed (everyone's clean laundry was piled on it). riveting, i kno.

i feel bad saying that the weather has been quite lovely, and running in the middle of the afternoon is absolutely ideal. the sun is out, the breeze is cool, even in the valley (where it is normally scorching has been nice). nothing like running in the hills again.

hasta luego...

...alex

Since the last..

Well its crazy hot here...but then again it's FL. You think I would be used to it by now, but man I wish I was. Running at night is way more pleasant than in the morning..not as humid. But running in the morning starts my day off right, it makes me so chill, I love it.

The shuttle launch was yesterday...I live in Titusville, and EVERYONE and their mom comes here to watch it go up. We are the closest town to the space shuttle so I guess its understandable, but still...i hate traffic! Im used to the launches, everyone I know works out there and at my high school you look across the street, over the river, and see the VAB and the launch pad. It was really pretty last night though, becuase when a shuttle goes off the pad lights up, and I was at a graduation party on the river and we all just looked across and saw the pad. I wish my camera wasn't so cool, I tried to take a picture of it but it didnt work out too well.

Its my little brother's birthday today...well not so little, he's a big 16 now! It feels like yesterday when he was in the high chair digging his face into his one year birthday cake. Hahaha those were the days : )

Well, im hungry...like always, so im off to get some grub. Hope to talk to y'all soon. Have fun running, be safe.

-Baleigh

HI

Yeah, Congrats Kasie!! That's awesome!! Good luck at States, that's really exciting.

I'm glad to hear you are being nice to your quads Erika, a nice chat with an ailing muscle or appendage always seems to work out well, lol. It seems Jen and Beth had a lovely time up in the cool Virgina weather, I'm rather jealous, Florida is starting to get quite humid. I will say however that I did not notice the humidity until after my run yesterday when I came back drenched. I was moving pretty well, but not that well, lol.

Let's see, about me, I saw the shuttle go up yesterday and on our grand adventure home (which took us way out to the middle of nowhere) I did find some trails I would like to check out. Um, work is going well, I was assigned to a new project. We are going to flight test a Cirrus airplane for the modeling simulation company so that should be fun. For the project we are currently setting up all of the instruments on our "cardboard table airplane." It makes me laugh every time I see it. Our secretary thinks we're insane, but its fun.

Anyway, I guess thats about it for now. Hope everyone is enjoying the summer and getting in some great workouts! Oh, by the way, anyone who is in Florida on June 14 I'm doing the run for the pies, so if you're interested, let me know and we can meet up or drive up or something.

Lori