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October 27, 2005
Social butterflying & other mostly non-running stuff
Although my post-Chicago marathon recovery plan doesn't call for a wild and crazy social life, I've been taking advantage of decreased mileage time to see friends and family I haven't seen in a while. Mid-week last week I traveled home and got to visit with my mom and stepsis, dad and stepbro, brother, one of my best friends and her adorable girls, and my aunt and uncle (who aren't related, just really good family friends). I really wish I had more time with my loved ones, but I had to be be back in DC over the weekend for other plans. I went to a baby shower for a running/triathlon friend who's due in 5 weeks and looks great. She had to answer running club trivia, including what year our club was founded, to "win" her biggest present from us - a jog stroller. It was fun to talk to some of the girls I hadn't really met before. Later on, R. and I went to a cocktail party that our friends held at their home. We were quite impressed at how fancy it was, since we had never been to a party with a hostess, bartenders, and servers in someone's home. The people we talked with most of the night were also athletes, with kids, so I picked their brains on juggling career-kids-training. The discussion made me realize that I stress out about things way too far in the future, nebulous things that can't even be planned at this point.
I started my new job on Monday. It's been pretty uneventful so far because I have to wait for my paperwork to transfer over from my old company in order to do any real work. It could possibly take a long time but I hope not...I'm full of enthusiasm and motivation that I don't want to wear out while in waiting mode. I was highly motivated by the large number of women in senior management and VP positions. Something I want to aim for, but not at the expense of neglecting my family or running. I guess only time will tell, but I'm quite excited for the possibilities in my professional future.
In other news, my lab results were returned earlier this week. I'm not currently anemic though my iron stores are low. I'm supposed to take two pills/day (not simultaneously) for a month and during my period. I'm terrible about taking daily meds, unless it's cold medicine, but I'll have to try to be better. I also started taking Viactiv women's vitamins, which R. also likes...even though he's not a woman. :-) My doctor recommended the fruit-flavored ones, which she said tasted like Starbursts. Umm, more like chalk-infused pasteurized processed fruit substitute. I do like the chocolate ones that actually taste more like chocolate.
Last night, R., myself, D. - one of my post-college roomies, and her husband (who referred me for my current job) went to an Sicilian wine and food tasting at the Italian Cultural Center of the Embassy. Everything was delicious, but what I like most about these food events we attend is learning about the culture and history of ethnic foods. I simply love food!
It's been a relief not to be a slave to a rigid (only because I make it so) training schedule. Though work or training aren't particularly taxing right now, being a social butterfly, school work, and planning Reserves training are keeping things plenty busy. Just one and a half more months of school - whoo hoo! I have been doing a bit of running (25+ mpw) and even a faster 9-mile run on Monday. Til then, I was nearly convinced that I couldn't run faster than 9-minute miles on longer training runs. My legs are feeling refreshed again, and I feel like I'm ready to lay down the hammer for something. I just don't know what yet. And really, I need to develop speed again. I'm trying not to self-pressure into another marathon next month, as some of my more in shape friends are doing. I also did yoga twice with my mom last week and some swimming and lifting. I didn't know that you could get sore from yoga until reading Barb's entry. I just thought I was doing it all wrong! Anyway, at minimum, I plan to start a winter biking program in the next couple weeks. It runs through May. I just hope I have the discipline to stick somewhat near it. If I don't have some semblance of a plan, I'll certainly morph into couch potato mode this winter.
Posted by Leilani at October 27, 2005 02:04 PM
Comments
You've been having so much fun!!! I like the Viactiv chocolate multi-vitamins and I don't really care for chocolate that much. I'm pretty sure that R won't morph into a woman from taking them, but it could be a signal if he really enjoys Luna bars too :-)
Posted by: Blondie at October 27, 2005 08:27 PM
Glad you are enjoying your new job and all your social obligations! Hope you are recovering well. Sounds like it!
Posted by: Beth at October 29, 2005 08:39 PM