04 January 2011
ShortSkirts to Kristenrunning:
Subject: Happy New Year & Valentine's Day Dash
Hey Kristen,
Hope your holiday was great and you had an awesome new year! So last year Zach & Josh did a bro-love run of the Valentine's Day Dash and are looking to get more people together to do it this year. It's a 5k around Green Lake that you run in pairs.
Anyway I've caught quite the running bug you were right it took less than a month, and was wondering if you'd like to be my running valentine and do this race with me?
05 January 2011
Kristenrunning to ShortSkirts:
Yo, lady friend! Happy New Year to you too :) I hope that you enjoyed your holiday season as well. Montana was great - family time is always valuable, and it was kind of nice to escape from Seattle for a little bit.
You. are. AWESOME! I am so glad that you've enjoyed running and that you're considering a half marathon! It's been a lot of fun following your running updates on Shortskirts and Science. You're doing amazingly :) I would absolutely LOVE to be your running valentine this year! Question: How do you feel about costumes? :)
Talk to you soon, my running friend! I'd love to join you on a run one of these days. Let me know if you're ever in the mood for a running buddy :)
Cheers!
Kristen
ShortSkirts to Kristenrunning:
Yay! I'm so excited. Also I love costumes. The sillier the better. I tested the running with people water's with zedd & zach last weekend and really enjoyed it so after my 5k next weekend i'd love to get together and run, this upcoming week is less interesting because I think I'm actually going to do the whole taper and rest thing, I had an amazing 2 mile run yesterday that blew me out of the water since I've been just dead tired all week with running, frisbee, and extra hours at the gym. Anyway even though I felt pretty tired the run was amazing I PR'd my two mile time so now i'm like hmmm I wonder what I can do if my legs actually aren't exhausted.
Anyway I'll sign us up on the site and let the boys know that they have some competition haha.
Kristenrunning to ShortSkirts:
Hey lady friend!
Would you be okay if I published our email exchange on my blog? It would be in the style of my post "A Series of Fortunate Emails," and I would refer to you as ShortSkirts in the exchanges. No email addresses will be published. And, if you'd rather not, no worries at all :)
In the meantime....yay, your big race is coming up! I'm so excited for you!!! It's a lot of fun - it's a great pay-out for all of the training you've put in. Tapering is definitely a great idea. I think it was one of the components of my training program that allowed me the success that I encountered, and it's amazing how good it feels to run after a few days of rest! I was hoping that I'd be able to come down and cheer you on, but I'm afraid that I'll be out of town that weekend :( Please know that I'll be thinking about you and cheering you on from my remote location :) Do you run on Saturday or Sunday?
Finally. I've heard really good things about the St. Patty's Day dash. There's a beer garden at the finish line and everything AND there's a costume contest :) Info here: http://stpatsdash.com/ It's supposed to be approximately 4 miles this year, which could be great, either as a training run, or as a mid-distance stepping stone to a 10k or a half-marathon. I am signing myself up and thought you might be interested as well. Shoot, we could even try to put together a team if we so desire!
Hope you're having a wonderful day, ShortSkirts! Talk to you soon!
Kristen
ShortSkirts to Kristenrunning:
Hey Kristen,
I'm totally cool with you publishing our emails on your blog. Go for it!
I'm super excited for the race its on Saturday, and then I have two Winter League games afterwards at Magnuson so it'll be a very athletic day, and then our frisbee team has Fancy Cocktail Party that evening so it'll be a great day I think. Run, Frisbee, Dresses & Cocktails! Thank you for your thoughts!
Yes I saw the St. Paddy's Day Dash that does look like a lot of fun. I love costumes and looking ridiculous so I'd totally be down for that. I will do some recruiting for that event too with the boys I think.
I think I have committed myself to a half, I kind of talk like I'm running one and planned out a running schedule from now till June 25th to do the Rock n' Roll half. A lot of teammates are doing the Vancouver one May 1st, but I find running in Seattle very special, and my sister may come out and run it with me and she's not done with school till the end of May. I'd love to show you my plan and see if you have any suggestions. I have a long lead time its like my current 5k plan, plus an 8 week advanced 5/10k that builds up to 7 miles. Then a 12 week half plan tacked on. I did some switching around the days the long runs will happen on since Frisbee is Friday and Sundays in the Spring. So basically all I have to do is sign up now and keep running.
I went out this morning at 7am and it was just this awesome special experience. It was great. I'm totally hooked haha.
Oh also I'm playing Hangover this weekend too. If you need a ride let me know. Our team is hosting so I have to stay a little later and help clean up but I'll be heading to the fields at like 9:30ish.
Hope you are having a great day!
**********
Can I just say how awesome it is to know people who are as enthusiastic about running as I am? ShortSkirts is a fantastic lady that I met through our mutual love of ultimate frisbee, and she's recently stumbled upon a running obsession. She is an infinitely talented woman, and as I'm sure you have gathered from the above email exchange, I am lucky enough to call her my running valentine! So, that and the St. Paddy's Day dash are both on my radar. I still would like to get a good half in sometime in March...
Suggestions? Bueller?
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
High Time
Dear Kristen,
I know you've spent about 5 hours of your long work day on me, but I think I'mma spontaneously combust now. Peace out.
Love,
The Bane of Your Existence
aka
The 115-page document that *just* corrupted itself
aka
The reason that you opted to skip yoga because you were *this close* to finishing me
******
Clearly, today is not my day. After crying for about 5 minutes, I'm saying "eff this noise, it's high time for a good run." I compiled the following guilty pleasure playlist for snowboarding in Montana. We'll see how it stands up (on shuffle) to a longish run.
1) Teenage Dream (Katy Perry)
2) Rehab (Amy Winehouse)
3) My Love (The Bird and the Bee)
4) Toxic (Britney Spears)
5) Drive (The Cars)
6) Pogo (Digitalism)
7) Ordinary World (Duran Duran)
8) Black Sheep (The Evil Exes)
9) Luxurious (Gwen Stefani)
10) Can't Say No (The Helio Sequence)
11) Change Clothes (Jay-Z)
12) Thank You (Jay-Z)
13) Your Arms Around Me (Jens Lekman)
14) Lights (Journey)
15) Touch the Sky (Kanye West ft. Lupe Fiasco)
16) Heartbeats (The Knife)
17) Say It Right (Nelly Furtado)
18) End It On This (No Doubt)
19) Too Young (Phoenix)
20) Beautiful (Snoop Dogg ft. Pharell and Uncle Charlie Wilson)
21) My Wife, Lost in the Wild (Beirut)
22) Big Poppa (The Notorious BIG)
I know you've spent about 5 hours of your long work day on me, but I think I'mma spontaneously combust now. Peace out.
Love,
The Bane of Your Existence
aka
The 115-page document that *just* corrupted itself
aka
The reason that you opted to skip yoga because you were *this close* to finishing me
******
Clearly, today is not my day. After crying for about 5 minutes, I'm saying "eff this noise, it's high time for a good run." I compiled the following guilty pleasure playlist for snowboarding in Montana. We'll see how it stands up (on shuffle) to a longish run.
1) Teenage Dream (Katy Perry)
2) Rehab (Amy Winehouse)
3) My Love (The Bird and the Bee)
4) Toxic (Britney Spears)
5) Drive (The Cars)
6) Pogo (Digitalism)
7) Ordinary World (Duran Duran)
8) Black Sheep (The Evil Exes)
9) Luxurious (Gwen Stefani)
10) Can't Say No (The Helio Sequence)
11) Change Clothes (Jay-Z)
12) Thank You (Jay-Z)
13) Your Arms Around Me (Jens Lekman)
14) Lights (Journey)
15) Touch the Sky (Kanye West ft. Lupe Fiasco)
16) Heartbeats (The Knife)
17) Say It Right (Nelly Furtado)
18) End It On This (No Doubt)
19) Too Young (Phoenix)
20) Beautiful (Snoop Dogg ft. Pharell and Uncle Charlie Wilson)
21) My Wife, Lost in the Wild (Beirut)
22) Big Poppa (The Notorious BIG)
distracted
Today was, for a myriad of reasons, an overly emotional day. I can be fine with these sorts of days when I can curl up in my papasan and cry it out away from the public eye, but between work and other plans, I was afforded no such privacy until I set out on my run today -- the first in the new year and, apart from the torrential inner dialogue, the best I've had in a long time. In a way, running has been the saving grace of my interpersonal interactions, especially when I'm upset. In frustration and anger and hurt, I used to write emails. They were confrontational and I often found myself regretting them almost immediately. These days, I set out to the pavement, composing a mental letter that I will not ever send off unless the problem at hand continues along its frustrating course or unless, through the clarity that the remainder of my run grants me, I happen upon the conclusion that my point deserves to be vocalized.
So, I set out with little, if any, agenda. I knew that I didn't want to push it too far, given that I'd taken about a week away from running to concentrate on snow adventures instead. But, I needed the solace that I seem to find best during longer runs. I went to the Space Needle, then worked my way into downtown, then returned back to SLU via Westlake. I don't even know how far it was, and surprisingly, it doesn't really matter. I was lost in my head for the entirety of it and while I finished with a little bit more resolve, I somewhat regret that I forgot to appreciate the run itself.
I spent a lot of my time on the pavement thinking about judgment. I am 27 years old, and through a number of my misadventures, I have made mistakes. I have paid dearly for some of them, but I have trouble regretting many because they have taught me a lot. Because of the adversity that I have inadvertently brought upon myself, I've been forced to find solutions, to abandon the freak-out stage, and actually just tackle the problem with as much tact and grace as I can muster. I am human. Humans mess up sometimes.
Not everyone I meet will like me. I think it's an intrinsic truth of existence that it is impossible to please everyone. Some people will hate me without justification. They will judge me without understanding the circumstances behind my behavior and beliefs. While I know that their opinions should not matter (I mean, really, I have such amazing friends who actually *like* me! - their friendship honors me and suggests that I"m doing something right), the caustic words and the unfair assumptions hurt.
Last night's run found me fixated on the less than flattering opinion of an acquaintance. I've been well aware of this individual's opinion for some time, but hearing it relayed to me yesterday by someone I hold in high regard, well, it pissed me off. It hurt my feelings and reduced me to tears. Insecurities welled up and took over and drove me to a harried, quick, angry stride, all the while accompanied by my own internal voice screaming at this individual, setting the stage for my circumstances and approach to life, relaying my pity for them ("How can you be so judgmental? You don't even really know me! You're too good and too wrapped up in your own perfect life to give me the time of day! And you're so miserable that you're going to fixate on my shortcomings? I feel sorry for you!"). But, ultimately, I was most upset that this individual so loosely presented his opinion to people who actually matter to me rather than approach me with it. It's a very "Seattle" way of doing things (read: passive aggressive) and I find it to be cowardly and disrespectful. If you're going to make proclamations about my morality, have the decency to express them to my face, rather than circulate unkind words behind my back.
And then, running past the twinkle lights on Westlake, I hit my smooth. I calmed down and listened to "My Wife, Lost in the Wild" by Beirut (one of my favorite songs EVER). This person is entitled to his opinion and frankly, he's not worth the time it would take me to attempt to alter it. I don't need his friendship. Hell, I don't really even need him to like me. After years and years of self deprecation and self-loathing, I finally like who I am. I am kind to people, I smile at strangers on the street, and I can do anything if I really set my mind to it. I am adventurous, intelligent, and tenacious. And if I am ever really questioning my self-worth, I can justify myself by the people who choose to keep company with me. They are creative and hilarious and brilliant and most importantly, they are some of the most beautiful personalities that I could imagine.
I apologize for the glimpse into my personal life, and I apologize for spitting all of this out here. Frankly, this blog centers around running and while I love posting my accomplishments, my routes, my victories and defeats, there is more to running than that. It is a mental release and many times, an emotional one too. Part of what fuels me is the need to sort out the personal details of my life -- sometimes a run is a great celebration of a new crush or an exciting accomplishment, or an escape from the stresses of work, or my way of coping with a personal tragedy. Anyway...I do feel better. Thank you for reading - happy days on the horizon, I promise :)
So, I set out with little, if any, agenda. I knew that I didn't want to push it too far, given that I'd taken about a week away from running to concentrate on snow adventures instead. But, I needed the solace that I seem to find best during longer runs. I went to the Space Needle, then worked my way into downtown, then returned back to SLU via Westlake. I don't even know how far it was, and surprisingly, it doesn't really matter. I was lost in my head for the entirety of it and while I finished with a little bit more resolve, I somewhat regret that I forgot to appreciate the run itself.
I spent a lot of my time on the pavement thinking about judgment. I am 27 years old, and through a number of my misadventures, I have made mistakes. I have paid dearly for some of them, but I have trouble regretting many because they have taught me a lot. Because of the adversity that I have inadvertently brought upon myself, I've been forced to find solutions, to abandon the freak-out stage, and actually just tackle the problem with as much tact and grace as I can muster. I am human. Humans mess up sometimes.
Not everyone I meet will like me. I think it's an intrinsic truth of existence that it is impossible to please everyone. Some people will hate me without justification. They will judge me without understanding the circumstances behind my behavior and beliefs. While I know that their opinions should not matter (I mean, really, I have such amazing friends who actually *like* me! - their friendship honors me and suggests that I"m doing something right), the caustic words and the unfair assumptions hurt.
Last night's run found me fixated on the less than flattering opinion of an acquaintance. I've been well aware of this individual's opinion for some time, but hearing it relayed to me yesterday by someone I hold in high regard, well, it pissed me off. It hurt my feelings and reduced me to tears. Insecurities welled up and took over and drove me to a harried, quick, angry stride, all the while accompanied by my own internal voice screaming at this individual, setting the stage for my circumstances and approach to life, relaying my pity for them ("How can you be so judgmental? You don't even really know me! You're too good and too wrapped up in your own perfect life to give me the time of day! And you're so miserable that you're going to fixate on my shortcomings? I feel sorry for you!"). But, ultimately, I was most upset that this individual so loosely presented his opinion to people who actually matter to me rather than approach me with it. It's a very "Seattle" way of doing things (read: passive aggressive) and I find it to be cowardly and disrespectful. If you're going to make proclamations about my morality, have the decency to express them to my face, rather than circulate unkind words behind my back.
And then, running past the twinkle lights on Westlake, I hit my smooth. I calmed down and listened to "My Wife, Lost in the Wild" by Beirut (one of my favorite songs EVER). This person is entitled to his opinion and frankly, he's not worth the time it would take me to attempt to alter it. I don't need his friendship. Hell, I don't really even need him to like me. After years and years of self deprecation and self-loathing, I finally like who I am. I am kind to people, I smile at strangers on the street, and I can do anything if I really set my mind to it. I am adventurous, intelligent, and tenacious. And if I am ever really questioning my self-worth, I can justify myself by the people who choose to keep company with me. They are creative and hilarious and brilliant and most importantly, they are some of the most beautiful personalities that I could imagine.
I apologize for the glimpse into my personal life, and I apologize for spitting all of this out here. Frankly, this blog centers around running and while I love posting my accomplishments, my routes, my victories and defeats, there is more to running than that. It is a mental release and many times, an emotional one too. Part of what fuels me is the need to sort out the personal details of my life -- sometimes a run is a great celebration of a new crush or an exciting accomplishment, or an escape from the stresses of work, or my way of coping with a personal tragedy. Anyway...I do feel better. Thank you for reading - happy days on the horizon, I promise :)
Monday, January 3, 2011
The Dog Days are Over: Quick 2010 Recap
I love to write, which is not something I give away in this blog. I mean, a lot of my writing happens in my own moleskines and it's intensely personal. But, I kind of miss just throwing it out to the ether (or, rather, a very public forum that is read by people that I don't even know!). So, to satisfy a strange desire to just spit it out and let it be, here is a bit of my year for you:
First, I'd like to say that my title is somewhat misleading. There was a lot of character building, but I cannot claim to have had a terrible year. Conversely, I had some amazing times. Shoot, I had a blast. Here are the best five:
1) Interviewing for medical school. I felt professional and important and on the brink of something absolutely amazing. I would change people's lives! I would save them! And I had a chance to talk to people who had done that. Plus, in one of the most competitive years in the history of medical school admissions, I at least interviewed at more than one school. I put myself out there. I tried. Yes, I failed, which is one of the low points of this year for me, but the concurrent passing of my beloved grandmother put that (and many other things) into perspective. Furthermore, I weathered the rejection much more gracefully than I had ever expected of myself. In a way, that rejection has built me up more than success would have. I've had to build character, and for once in my life, I've failed at something that was my primary focus for over a year. It feels like time lost, but the fact that I am not only alive, but flourishing in other areas suggests that I'm coming into a healthier mindset than has previously been characteristic of me. It may not be a success, but it is a sign of personal development, and that in and of itself feels like a victory. It should be noted that a lot of this perspective was elucidated during very, very long runs :)
2) Bicycle touring. I went to the Olympic peninsula, the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River (twice!), Sulfur Creek Campground on the Suiattle River (twice - one was just riding from the trail head, the other was my overnight century and then some), and Green Mountain. I had an amazing time in all of them and realized that I am a distance sort of person.
Me, taking on my second 55-mile day in a row on my very first bike tour. You can tell it's my first because I severely overpacked:
Photo courtesy of Mr. Ball.
My buddy Sean, me, Chris, and Sarah returning home from the Middle Fork on a gorgeous day in June:
Photo courtesy of Mr. Sean
Dawn, during an overnight 100+ mile ride to our campground on the Suiattle River:
Photo courtesy of Mr. Jimmy
The Night Riders arrive at the trailhead after our overnight century. 12 miles to go, and I was absolutely exhausted:
3) My birthday. My friends came through and made me feel absolutely loved in so many different ways, whether it was posts on facebook, cards, an appearance at my Ballard birthday party, or participation in one of my favorite point83 rides, in which I was presented with a cupcake at an outdoor dance party that was held on top of the light rail tunnel in SODO. I have amazing friends, and they truly made this year one to remember.
Blowing out my birthday candle - I made a lovely wish. In lieu of a baked good, my friends bought me a Manhattan because they know me quite well:
The view from our outdoor dance club where my bike nerd friends sang happy birthday to me:
Photo courtesy of Mr. Deven
4) Ultimate. I cannot believe how much I missed it, and how much my confidence suffered without it. My best times come from the tournaments that I played with a team called Rainmakers -- we adopted other names for the tourneys, including Paparuda at Kleinman Interruption in Portland (we took 8th place, I think!), and Hawaii Four-Two-Oh at Hanford Howl in Richland, which we won :) I was supposed to play with them in Hawaii, but due to car trouble, I could not afford the trip. Maybe next year...
Throwing a lovely backhand (most unsexily) at Potlatch, where I played with Fish is Meat:
Photo courtesy of Ms. Ines
5) Last, but certainly not least, is running. How could it not be a high point? I got a PR in this year's Seattle half-marathon! I had no idea that I was capable of running a sub-two-hour race! The addiction has been renewed, I'm running again, and I think that it's offered me the "me time" that I need to sort through the more personal details of my life. Granted, this has not necessarily addressed the distress I've experienced in terms of achieving a more balanced expectation for my self-image, (I know, I know, and you have my sincere apologies for even bringing it up) but that's a different fish to fry this year. And though it hasn't solved my romantic quandaries, it has certainly helped me feel better about them. More than anything, the victory has been falling back in love with this sport and recognizing how much it gives back to me. I'm excited to see where it brings me this year (besides San Diego, of course!).
My race finish photo from the 2010 Amica Seattle Half. I kinda stole it from the company (sorry!), but you can tell how excited I was to blow my PR out of the water:
So, there you have it. My top 5. Clearly, I live a charmed life, and I know I am lucky for it. Thanks to all of you who have contributed so significantly - you know who you are. Thanks to everyone for reading. I hope that you were all able to ring in the new year happily and here's wishing you a happy, healthy 2011.
Cheers, y'all!
First, I'd like to say that my title is somewhat misleading. There was a lot of character building, but I cannot claim to have had a terrible year. Conversely, I had some amazing times. Shoot, I had a blast. Here are the best five:
1) Interviewing for medical school. I felt professional and important and on the brink of something absolutely amazing. I would change people's lives! I would save them! And I had a chance to talk to people who had done that. Plus, in one of the most competitive years in the history of medical school admissions, I at least interviewed at more than one school. I put myself out there. I tried. Yes, I failed, which is one of the low points of this year for me, but the concurrent passing of my beloved grandmother put that (and many other things) into perspective. Furthermore, I weathered the rejection much more gracefully than I had ever expected of myself. In a way, that rejection has built me up more than success would have. I've had to build character, and for once in my life, I've failed at something that was my primary focus for over a year. It feels like time lost, but the fact that I am not only alive, but flourishing in other areas suggests that I'm coming into a healthier mindset than has previously been characteristic of me. It may not be a success, but it is a sign of personal development, and that in and of itself feels like a victory. It should be noted that a lot of this perspective was elucidated during very, very long runs :)
2) Bicycle touring. I went to the Olympic peninsula, the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River (twice!), Sulfur Creek Campground on the Suiattle River (twice - one was just riding from the trail head, the other was my overnight century and then some), and Green Mountain. I had an amazing time in all of them and realized that I am a distance sort of person.
Me, taking on my second 55-mile day in a row on my very first bike tour. You can tell it's my first because I severely overpacked:
Photo courtesy of Mr. Ball.
My buddy Sean, me, Chris, and Sarah returning home from the Middle Fork on a gorgeous day in June:
Photo courtesy of Mr. Sean
Dawn, during an overnight 100+ mile ride to our campground on the Suiattle River:
Photo courtesy of Mr. Jimmy
The Night Riders arrive at the trailhead after our overnight century. 12 miles to go, and I was absolutely exhausted:
3) My birthday. My friends came through and made me feel absolutely loved in so many different ways, whether it was posts on facebook, cards, an appearance at my Ballard birthday party, or participation in one of my favorite point83 rides, in which I was presented with a cupcake at an outdoor dance party that was held on top of the light rail tunnel in SODO. I have amazing friends, and they truly made this year one to remember.
Blowing out my birthday candle - I made a lovely wish. In lieu of a baked good, my friends bought me a Manhattan because they know me quite well:
The view from our outdoor dance club where my bike nerd friends sang happy birthday to me:
Photo courtesy of Mr. Deven
4) Ultimate. I cannot believe how much I missed it, and how much my confidence suffered without it. My best times come from the tournaments that I played with a team called Rainmakers -- we adopted other names for the tourneys, including Paparuda at Kleinman Interruption in Portland (we took 8th place, I think!), and Hawaii Four-Two-Oh at Hanford Howl in Richland, which we won :) I was supposed to play with them in Hawaii, but due to car trouble, I could not afford the trip. Maybe next year...
Throwing a lovely backhand (most unsexily) at Potlatch, where I played with Fish is Meat:
Photo courtesy of Ms. Ines
5) Last, but certainly not least, is running. How could it not be a high point? I got a PR in this year's Seattle half-marathon! I had no idea that I was capable of running a sub-two-hour race! The addiction has been renewed, I'm running again, and I think that it's offered me the "me time" that I need to sort through the more personal details of my life. Granted, this has not necessarily addressed the distress I've experienced in terms of achieving a more balanced expectation for my self-image, (I know, I know, and you have my sincere apologies for even bringing it up) but that's a different fish to fry this year. And though it hasn't solved my romantic quandaries, it has certainly helped me feel better about them. More than anything, the victory has been falling back in love with this sport and recognizing how much it gives back to me. I'm excited to see where it brings me this year (besides San Diego, of course!).
My race finish photo from the 2010 Amica Seattle Half. I kinda stole it from the company (sorry!), but you can tell how excited I was to blow my PR out of the water:
So, there you have it. My top 5. Clearly, I live a charmed life, and I know I am lucky for it. Thanks to all of you who have contributed so significantly - you know who you are. Thanks to everyone for reading. I hope that you were all able to ring in the new year happily and here's wishing you a happy, healthy 2011.
Cheers, y'all!
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