I recently began signing up for volunteer opportunities through an awesome organization called Hands On Jacksonville.
One opportunity is to wrap toys for underprivileged kids at a North Jacksonville Elementary school, Carter G. Woodson Elementary. It's in a part of time plagued by drug deals and shootings. Ninety-one percent of children at the school are on the reduced or free lunch program.
Today I got an email from and organizer saying that we might not need to wrap gifts because not enough money had been raised. Of the $5,000 needed to ensure every child receives a gift, only $125 has been raised online.
That broke my heart. It only takes $10 to give a gift to a child that might not be getting anything else this holiday season.
If this story has moved you the way it has moved me, help me out by:
1. Donating. Even just $10...every little bit helps! http://hopewoodson.org
2. Spread the word! Email, blog, Facebook and Tweet about it. The more people that know, the more likely we are to raise enough money for these kids!
Happy Holidays!! :)
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Race for the Cure
George and I had a great time running in the Susan G. Komen North Florida Race for the Cure 5K this past Saturday. The weather in the area had stayed hot and muggy up until a few days before the race. So we were greeted by some chilly weather as we headed downtown Saturday morning.
Unfortunately, I have yet to invest in appropriate cold weather running attire. I don't have any long running pants or long sleeve running shirts. So I went ahead and wore a pair of my shorts, my 26.2 with Donna tank and a hoodie. I was hoping to be able to take the hoodie off once we got there, but it was still way too cold for me!
So I ended up wearing my jacket when the race started. The gun went off and those of us in the timed race ran under a big pink arch. (Which, only moments before the race was set to begin, fell over...but the race organizers quickly got it back up!)
My legs were still feeling pretty cold as the race began but fortunately as it was my first timed 5K, there were enough other things to distract me! I was able to keep a pretty steady pace and warmed up enough to take my jacket off after the first mile. I did take a few walk breaks, but only about :15-:30 each.
The finish line tricked me a little bit...I thought I just had to run to the big pink arch again. So I started speeding up on my approach, but then realized I needed to go a little farther. I still felt like I had a strong finish. According to the official results, I finished in under 30 minutes, 29:59! I averaged 9:39 a mile, which is a good pace for me. Check out to the full results here http://www.1stplacesports.com/cure095kres.htm
George also did a great job, finishing more quickly than he expected and at a faster pace than past races.
Afterwards, we treated ourselves to brunch with some of our fellow runners at a new place in Springfield called Uptown Cafe. As George reminded me, Jeff Galloway says in his book that you should reward yourself after a race, so I had a mimosa!
On Sunday, I got to do some volunteer work to promote the marathon. I passed out information about running or volunteering at Gander Mountain on the northside by the airport. Although it was a little lonely at times because I was alone, I did get to tell some very nice shoppers about the race!
Unfortunately, I have yet to invest in appropriate cold weather running attire. I don't have any long running pants or long sleeve running shirts. So I went ahead and wore a pair of my shorts, my 26.2 with Donna tank and a hoodie. I was hoping to be able to take the hoodie off once we got there, but it was still way too cold for me!
So I ended up wearing my jacket when the race started. The gun went off and those of us in the timed race ran under a big pink arch. (Which, only moments before the race was set to begin, fell over...but the race organizers quickly got it back up!)
My legs were still feeling pretty cold as the race began but fortunately as it was my first timed 5K, there were enough other things to distract me! I was able to keep a pretty steady pace and warmed up enough to take my jacket off after the first mile. I did take a few walk breaks, but only about :15-:30 each.
The finish line tricked me a little bit...I thought I just had to run to the big pink arch again. So I started speeding up on my approach, but then realized I needed to go a little farther. I still felt like I had a strong finish. According to the official results, I finished in under 30 minutes, 29:59! I averaged 9:39 a mile, which is a good pace for me. Check out to the full results here http://www.1stplacesports.com/cure095kres.htm
George also did a great job, finishing more quickly than he expected and at a faster pace than past races.
Afterwards, we treated ourselves to brunch with some of our fellow runners at a new place in Springfield called Uptown Cafe. As George reminded me, Jeff Galloway says in his book that you should reward yourself after a race, so I had a mimosa!
On Sunday, I got to do some volunteer work to promote the marathon. I passed out information about running or volunteering at Gander Mountain on the northside by the airport. Although it was a little lonely at times because I was alone, I did get to tell some very nice shoppers about the race!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Sunny Goes Pink
I'm off to spend my afternoon volunteering at The Jacksonville Running Company's "Sunny Goes Pink" event. Sunny is the running store's logo...a running sun! But for this event, he is, of course, colored pink! Check him out: http://jacksonvillerunningcompany.com/pink
I'll be working at the booth for the 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer. I'm excited to tell other people about what a wonderful experience training for the marathon has been to encourage them to join!
I'll be working at the booth for the 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer. I'm excited to tell other people about what a wonderful experience training for the marathon has been to encourage them to join!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Adventures in Unemployment: Volunteering
I keep very busy despite being unemployed. When I tell people what I have been up to lately, they often comment that I wouldn't have time for a job.
I obviously do spend some time everyday on the job search. However, I can't apply for jobs everyday because somedays there just aren't any new postings in public relations/communications/marketing.
Besides job searching and chores around the house, I spend a lot of time volunteering...so much that I've started calling myself a full-time volunteer. Right now I'm volunteering for The First Tee of Jacksonville (although that has died down since A Taste of Golf earlier this month), Women's Center of Jacksonville, Much Ado About Books and The 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer.
I'm working with all of these organizations because I am passionate about their causes. I love having time to devote to all of them!
I obviously do spend some time everyday on the job search. However, I can't apply for jobs everyday because somedays there just aren't any new postings in public relations/communications/marketing.
Besides job searching and chores around the house, I spend a lot of time volunteering...so much that I've started calling myself a full-time volunteer. Right now I'm volunteering for The First Tee of Jacksonville (although that has died down since A Taste of Golf earlier this month), Women's Center of Jacksonville, Much Ado About Books and The 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer.
I'm working with all of these organizations because I am passionate about their causes. I love having time to devote to all of them!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
More milestones!
I have now had a run in the double digits! This past Saturday, I ran 10.5 miles with my "Sole Survivors" running group. This is the new group I was placed in after running my second Magic Mile at 8:40.
We started our run at 6 a.m. along the St. Johns River near San Marco. I was happy to have lots of people to talk to during this long run! Not only was Lee there, but her fiance Mark was in town so he joined us as well. Jonathan was also there.
I'm also trying to get to know everyone in the group. Jonathan introduced me to a friend of his, Melissa. She's very energetic and helped me get through the end of the run when I was dragging. We're hoping to plan an after-training trip to the movies on one upcoming Saturday!
Lee is planning on moving to the next group, "Superheroes in Training," which is slightly faster than ours. She wants me to also, but I'm not sure. We do have another Magic Mile coming up, so perhaps my time will improve slightly to put me in that group anyway! But I am tempted to be a part of their group for Halloween because they are wearing pink capes....
I've also joined another group for runs during the week, "Bridge Buddies." Lee invited me to join them. I believe they are all training for the marathon. They run the bridges downtown on Mondays and Wednesdays. When I joined them for the first time Monday, they were a little fast for me but Lee held back with me so I wasn't alone. Training with them should be good for me...and be less boring than running alone!
This Saturday, I am running in my first official timed race, the 5K Race for the Cure. I'm very excited! I'll keep everyone posted on how I do!
We started our run at 6 a.m. along the St. Johns River near San Marco. I was happy to have lots of people to talk to during this long run! Not only was Lee there, but her fiance Mark was in town so he joined us as well. Jonathan was also there.
I'm also trying to get to know everyone in the group. Jonathan introduced me to a friend of his, Melissa. She's very energetic and helped me get through the end of the run when I was dragging. We're hoping to plan an after-training trip to the movies on one upcoming Saturday!
Lee is planning on moving to the next group, "Superheroes in Training," which is slightly faster than ours. She wants me to also, but I'm not sure. We do have another Magic Mile coming up, so perhaps my time will improve slightly to put me in that group anyway! But I am tempted to be a part of their group for Halloween because they are wearing pink capes....
I've also joined another group for runs during the week, "Bridge Buddies." Lee invited me to join them. I believe they are all training for the marathon. They run the bridges downtown on Mondays and Wednesdays. When I joined them for the first time Monday, they were a little fast for me but Lee held back with me so I wasn't alone. Training with them should be good for me...and be less boring than running alone!
This Saturday, I am running in my first official timed race, the 5K Race for the Cure. I'm very excited! I'll keep everyone posted on how I do!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Ups and Downs
Last Monday, I had my first really bad run. I was having a hard time getting out of bed so I went out to run too late, which was my first mistake. I also had not been drinking enough water beforehand.
I headed out on my usual route near the house. At first, even though it was hot, I felt fine.
But after I reached the halfway mark and turned around to go back up the hill, things went downhill. My mouth was really dry, the sun was bearing down and hot wind was blowing towards me. A few minutes later, I felt awful. So I walked for a few minutes and then ran a little but more before walking the rest of the way home.
I was disappointed in myself. Thankfully George reminded me that throughout my training, I was bound to have some bad days.
I was determined to have a better run Wednesday, particularly because it was before a big Saturday run.
I had to be up nice and early Wednesday anyway to take Lee to the airport to see Mark. I spent the night at her place...we had fun eating pizza and watching Biggest Loser!
Then the alarm went off at 4:30, ouch! But Lee is always so energetic that I couldn't help but feel instantly awake! After I dropped Lee off at the airport, I headed to the beach for a run.
I don't know why I haven't been going for early morning beach runs all the time! It was dark when I started out and the sound of the crashing waves was so peaceful. I had a great 40 minute run as the sun came up.
That run boosted my confidence for Saturday's big run: 9 miles! But I was still nervous as I drove to the RiversideYMCA at 5:30 Saturday morning. Because my Magic Mile time improved from 9:50 to 8:40 (yay me!) I was placed in a new group, The Sole Survivors.
We began our run by turning right onto Riverside Avenue and heading over the Acosta Bridge into San Marco. Lee wasn't there, but thankfully my old co-worker from First Coast News, Jonathan, is in my new group! So I had him to talk with the entire way, which is key for mentally getting through long runs.
As we headed over the bridge, I also got a chance to chat with the Donna of the 26.2 with Donna. I may do some volunteering for her in the near future!
I had a few moments where I felt very tired and after 6 miles, my butt and back of my thighs were getting sore. But I made it! Thank goodness for the water stations, Gu Chomps and the company of my fellow runners!
After my bad run Monday, I was doubting my ability to finish the marathon. But after completing 9 miles, I feel like I can run any distance!
I headed out on my usual route near the house. At first, even though it was hot, I felt fine.
But after I reached the halfway mark and turned around to go back up the hill, things went downhill. My mouth was really dry, the sun was bearing down and hot wind was blowing towards me. A few minutes later, I felt awful. So I walked for a few minutes and then ran a little but more before walking the rest of the way home.
I was disappointed in myself. Thankfully George reminded me that throughout my training, I was bound to have some bad days.
I was determined to have a better run Wednesday, particularly because it was before a big Saturday run.
I had to be up nice and early Wednesday anyway to take Lee to the airport to see Mark. I spent the night at her place...we had fun eating pizza and watching Biggest Loser!
Then the alarm went off at 4:30, ouch! But Lee is always so energetic that I couldn't help but feel instantly awake! After I dropped Lee off at the airport, I headed to the beach for a run.
I don't know why I haven't been going for early morning beach runs all the time! It was dark when I started out and the sound of the crashing waves was so peaceful. I had a great 40 minute run as the sun came up.
That run boosted my confidence for Saturday's big run: 9 miles! But I was still nervous as I drove to the RiversideYMCA at 5:30 Saturday morning. Because my Magic Mile time improved from 9:50 to 8:40 (yay me!) I was placed in a new group, The Sole Survivors.
We began our run by turning right onto Riverside Avenue and heading over the Acosta Bridge into San Marco. Lee wasn't there, but thankfully my old co-worker from First Coast News, Jonathan, is in my new group! So I had him to talk with the entire way, which is key for mentally getting through long runs.
As we headed over the bridge, I also got a chance to chat with the Donna of the 26.2 with Donna. I may do some volunteering for her in the near future!
I had a few moments where I felt very tired and after 6 miles, my butt and back of my thighs were getting sore. But I made it! Thank goodness for the water stations, Gu Chomps and the company of my fellow runners!
After my bad run Monday, I was doubting my ability to finish the marathon. But after completing 9 miles, I feel like I can run any distance!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The Impersonal Side of the Internet
I love the Internet. I love emails. I love blogging. I love Facebook and Twitter.
I have family and friends all over the country, so I love the Internet's ability to connect with me them instantaneously.
But one way I don't like using the Internet is to apply for jobs. I don't mind looking for jobs online. That's convenient. I don't mind emailing my resume and cover letter to someone.
The part I don't like is online applications. Most of the time, companies don't provide a contact name during this process. So I send my application off into cyberspace, but there's no way to follow-up!
However, my networking has paid off with some job opportunities, so I have that working for me!
Besides the job search, I also got the chance to freelance for First Coast News today. Helen Garrard in promotions has been tasked with producing infomercials for the station's Biggest Loser competition. The news department is strapped so they called me in to help her with some of the ins and outs of producing. She already had a pretty good handle on it before I got there so I know she's going to be fine!
Speaking of The Biggest Loser, the premiere is tonight on NBC! George and I are psyched to watch it. But first I'm making tacos for dinner!
I have family and friends all over the country, so I love the Internet's ability to connect with me them instantaneously.
But one way I don't like using the Internet is to apply for jobs. I don't mind looking for jobs online. That's convenient. I don't mind emailing my resume and cover letter to someone.
The part I don't like is online applications. Most of the time, companies don't provide a contact name during this process. So I send my application off into cyberspace, but there's no way to follow-up!
However, my networking has paid off with some job opportunities, so I have that working for me!
Besides the job search, I also got the chance to freelance for First Coast News today. Helen Garrard in promotions has been tasked with producing infomercials for the station's Biggest Loser competition. The news department is strapped so they called me in to help her with some of the ins and outs of producing. She already had a pretty good handle on it before I got there so I know she's going to be fine!
Speaking of The Biggest Loser, the premiere is tonight on NBC! George and I are psyched to watch it. But first I'm making tacos for dinner!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Website!
My website has a new, much cooler address thanks to my amazing webmaster (my boyfriend, George). It's www.cindykrenek.com. Check it out and let me know what you think! We just did some updates today and more are coming soon.
Long Overdue
I'm back!
The end of my time at First Coast News was hectic. I'm so thankful for the people I met during my time there. Even though I leaving the television news business, I learned many lessons and skills I'll carry with me throughout my career.
Although I have been staying busy since then with a big trip and various projects, it's been nice to take a break from full-time employment. I could feel myself breathing easier almost instantly!
The trip to Portugal was amazing. I need to dedicate some blog entries later this week solely to it. If you want to see 8 days worth of photos, they're up on Facebook!
One project that's been keeping me very busy is working on the Taste of Golf fundraiser for The First Tee of Jacksonville. I'm helping out with public relations and am the Celebrity/VIP Guest Liaison. I've been inviting sports celebrities and community leaders to attend the event. So far Olympic gymnast Shannon Miller, former Jaguars player Tony Boselli and golfers Bill Kratzert, Len Mattiace, Jeff Klauk and Mark McCumber are all attending!
I'm also on the public relations committee for the Much Ado About Books fundraiser for The Jacksonville Public Library Foundation. We've only had one meeting so far but I'm already brainstorming ideas for promoting the event, particularly through social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter.
Job searching is also now taking up a lot of my time these days. I'm still in search of the perfect communications/public relations position.
Finally...26.2 with Donna training! It's going really well! This past Saturday, I ran the most I ever have. . .seven and a half miles! Towards the end, I was really starting to feel it but thankfully some awesome ladies in my pace group helped me stay motivated.
This morning I did five miles on my own. As George pointed out, that was a little more than I was supposed to do according to the schedule. But Wednesday, I'm going to stick to the schedule. I just wanted to push myself a little bit.
This Saturday, we are running five miles at Focus Fitness in Jacksonville Beach. It's a Magic Mile week, which means we all run one mile as fast as we can. Your pace determines which smaller group you run with. The first time we did one, my time was 9:50, so I'm in the 9-10 minute pace group. I've been doing well keeping up with that group but I don't think I'll be able to move up. I'm fine with that though because at my current pace I'll still be able to finish the marathon in the time I want to!
The end of my time at First Coast News was hectic. I'm so thankful for the people I met during my time there. Even though I leaving the television news business, I learned many lessons and skills I'll carry with me throughout my career.
Although I have been staying busy since then with a big trip and various projects, it's been nice to take a break from full-time employment. I could feel myself breathing easier almost instantly!
The trip to Portugal was amazing. I need to dedicate some blog entries later this week solely to it. If you want to see 8 days worth of photos, they're up on Facebook!
One project that's been keeping me very busy is working on the Taste of Golf fundraiser for The First Tee of Jacksonville. I'm helping out with public relations and am the Celebrity/VIP Guest Liaison. I've been inviting sports celebrities and community leaders to attend the event. So far Olympic gymnast Shannon Miller, former Jaguars player Tony Boselli and golfers Bill Kratzert, Len Mattiace, Jeff Klauk and Mark McCumber are all attending!
I'm also on the public relations committee for the Much Ado About Books fundraiser for The Jacksonville Public Library Foundation. We've only had one meeting so far but I'm already brainstorming ideas for promoting the event, particularly through social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter.
Job searching is also now taking up a lot of my time these days. I'm still in search of the perfect communications/public relations position.
Finally...26.2 with Donna training! It's going really well! This past Saturday, I ran the most I ever have. . .seven and a half miles! Towards the end, I was really starting to feel it but thankfully some awesome ladies in my pace group helped me stay motivated.
This morning I did five miles on my own. As George pointed out, that was a little more than I was supposed to do according to the schedule. But Wednesday, I'm going to stick to the schedule. I just wanted to push myself a little bit.
This Saturday, we are running five miles at Focus Fitness in Jacksonville Beach. It's a Magic Mile week, which means we all run one mile as fast as we can. Your pace determines which smaller group you run with. The first time we did one, my time was 9:50, so I'm in the 9-10 minute pace group. I've been doing well keeping up with that group but I don't think I'll be able to move up. I'm fine with that though because at my current pace I'll still be able to finish the marathon in the time I want to!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Marathon Update
I got an email from marathon organizer Donna Deegan at work today. The name of the marathon is changing a little bit. It's now the "National Marathon to FINISH Breast Cancer."
I'm all fired up for the 5K tomorrow!
I'm all fired up for the 5K tomorrow!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Girlfriends
I love my boyfriend, George. He's an amazing man and is clearly my better half. Starting this weekend, he's going to put up with seeing me everyday and night plus he recently made me an amazing website to help with my job search. (Which everyone should check out! www.strikedesigns.com/Cindy_Krenek)
But I couldn't get by with just him. Since George is so great, I know I can write this and not offend him!
My girlfriends are wonderful. Tonight I got a much needed recharge by seeing Ashley, Lee & Tara for Yogaberry. Then Lee and Tara helped me scope out dresses.
I'm blessed to have such strong, caring and interesting women in my life. I have quite a few great girlfriends around the country, most notably my best friend Stephanie in Boston. But I'm so glad to have good girlfriends who I can see every week even if coordinating our busy schedules takes some effort.
Plus some of them keep interesting medical photos on their phones that amuse me.
It's my next to last night sleeping in this apartment so I better get to bed!
But I couldn't get by with just him. Since George is so great, I know I can write this and not offend him!
My girlfriends are wonderful. Tonight I got a much needed recharge by seeing Ashley, Lee & Tara for Yogaberry. Then Lee and Tara helped me scope out dresses.
I'm blessed to have such strong, caring and interesting women in my life. I have quite a few great girlfriends around the country, most notably my best friend Stephanie in Boston. But I'm so glad to have good girlfriends who I can see every week even if coordinating our busy schedules takes some effort.
Plus some of them keep interesting medical photos on their phones that amuse me.
It's my next to last night sleeping in this apartment so I better get to bed!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Moving On...
Marathon training is on the back burner this week. We're running a 5k as our graduation from the "Getting Started" program Saturday. So this week I just have some easy walks to do. Yesterday evening I was lucky enough to take a lovely walk with Tara along the Northbank!
I'm doing double shifts all week, producing the noon and then 6. It makes for long, very busy work days. It's hectic at times but it's nice to be back to a faster pace. I do enjoy the relaxed pace of only producing the 7 p.m. But this is the last week I'll produce the 6 p.m. show at First Coast News. It's always been my favorite show to produce so I am feeling a little nostalgic about this week.
My big project of the week is packing. It somehow slipped my mind that this upcoming weekend is the last of the month. Thankfully, George had his head on straighter than I did and gently reminded me. He also called the U-Haul place to get a truck while I breathed into a paper bag at work to prevent myself from hyperventilating over the prospect of packing up my apartment in just a few days.
That is an exaggeration since George and I have already moved some of my things. We need the truck Saturday to move the big items, like my bed and dresser. Then I still have until the 31st to get everything else out and clean the place.
I worked on packing this evening and am pleased with my progress. The kitchen is almost done and that's the room that always seems to take me the longest.
When I was getting boxes out of my storage closet this weekend, George commented that he couldn't believe I save the original boxes for things. This evening, I re-packed my leopard print dishes (one of my most prized possessions) back into their original box for the the 5th time in 6 years.
In the past 8 years, I have moved 9 times. It wasn't always in between states or cities, but nonetheless, it still involved packing up my belongings in boxes every time.
I hate the actual process of packing things up, but I love moving. Some of my moves have meant big steps in my life, like moving to college or to a new job. Some have involved painful goodbyes but those have always been outweighed by the excitement over the future.
This move does come on the brink of a big turning point in my life, although they are not directly related. I have less than 4 weeks left at First Coast News and most likely in the television news business. But tonight packing my things up into boxes reminded me that the possibilities for my future are endless!
I'm doing double shifts all week, producing the noon and then 6. It makes for long, very busy work days. It's hectic at times but it's nice to be back to a faster pace. I do enjoy the relaxed pace of only producing the 7 p.m. But this is the last week I'll produce the 6 p.m. show at First Coast News. It's always been my favorite show to produce so I am feeling a little nostalgic about this week.
My big project of the week is packing. It somehow slipped my mind that this upcoming weekend is the last of the month. Thankfully, George had his head on straighter than I did and gently reminded me. He also called the U-Haul place to get a truck while I breathed into a paper bag at work to prevent myself from hyperventilating over the prospect of packing up my apartment in just a few days.
That is an exaggeration since George and I have already moved some of my things. We need the truck Saturday to move the big items, like my bed and dresser. Then I still have until the 31st to get everything else out and clean the place.
I worked on packing this evening and am pleased with my progress. The kitchen is almost done and that's the room that always seems to take me the longest.
When I was getting boxes out of my storage closet this weekend, George commented that he couldn't believe I save the original boxes for things. This evening, I re-packed my leopard print dishes (one of my most prized possessions) back into their original box for the the 5th time in 6 years.
In the past 8 years, I have moved 9 times. It wasn't always in between states or cities, but nonetheless, it still involved packing up my belongings in boxes every time.
I hate the actual process of packing things up, but I love moving. Some of my moves have meant big steps in my life, like moving to college or to a new job. Some have involved painful goodbyes but those have always been outweighed by the excitement over the future.
This move does come on the brink of a big turning point in my life, although they are not directly related. I have less than 4 weeks left at First Coast News and most likely in the television news business. But tonight packing my things up into boxes reminded me that the possibilities for my future are endless!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
I'm in it for the clothes...and a general life update
I wish there were more hours in a day because I need them to get everything I need/want accomplished!
Training is going well. At the group training last Saturday, I felt at first I should have gone with a quicker group. I was leading the pack for at least the first half of run. But once we approached the 50 minute mark I was glad that I was with the slower group!
I got some exciting new running stuff after training! After a short nap, George and I went to First Place Sports in San Marco. This is where I got my running shoes a few weeks ago. I joined the mailing list so I had a $10 off coupon.
While George picked out new running/walking shoes, I went through the sale racks for cute running clothes.
It was in the dressing room that I realized I LOVE running clothes. They're so cute and comfy. I got two shirt and a cool pair of shorts with a nifty zippered pocket in the back so I no longer have to tie my car key to my shoe! And George bought me four new pairs of the most comfortable running socks ever! (Thanks sweetie, my feet and I really appreciate them!)
So perhaps I'm training a little bit for the clothes.
The rest of the weekend was kind of a blur of chores, errands and family time on Sunday. On Sunday evening I got the chance to meet one of George's work friends, Stephanie, who is about to move to DC. We had a great dinner although George and I ate lightly because we were still pretty stuffed from the massive lunch his mom and dad made us after church!
This week has been busy also. I've been working and was slacking on my chores until this evening when I finally got some of them under control. Google now has a new "Tasks" application on Gmail and I'm already in love with it. I've always been a fan of the hand-written to do list but I like typing it into my Gmail and then checking off the things as I finish them. It gives me a nice sense of accomplishment.
I had a much needed girls night with Lee, Tara and Kristen last night at the Cheesecake Factory. But I learned my lesson about buying a drink from a menu with no prices. My glass of sangria was delicious...but not worth $9.50! But mine ended being cheaper than Lee's margarita and Tara's martini. Perhaps I should become a bartender...
Speaking of employment, sometimes I worry about the clock ticking more quickly on my time left at First Coast News but there's so many signs to point out that it's going to be time once August 14th rolls around.
As for my job search, I decided this week to take the approach I should have been talking all along...more networking/research now and actually applying for the jobs later. George is amazing and continues to work on a website for me.
I think I've done enough chores for the night...time to watch Rachel Getting Married!
Training is going well. At the group training last Saturday, I felt at first I should have gone with a quicker group. I was leading the pack for at least the first half of run. But once we approached the 50 minute mark I was glad that I was with the slower group!
I got some exciting new running stuff after training! After a short nap, George and I went to First Place Sports in San Marco. This is where I got my running shoes a few weeks ago. I joined the mailing list so I had a $10 off coupon.
While George picked out new running/walking shoes, I went through the sale racks for cute running clothes.
It was in the dressing room that I realized I LOVE running clothes. They're so cute and comfy. I got two shirt and a cool pair of shorts with a nifty zippered pocket in the back so I no longer have to tie my car key to my shoe! And George bought me four new pairs of the most comfortable running socks ever! (Thanks sweetie, my feet and I really appreciate them!)
So perhaps I'm training a little bit for the clothes.
The rest of the weekend was kind of a blur of chores, errands and family time on Sunday. On Sunday evening I got the chance to meet one of George's work friends, Stephanie, who is about to move to DC. We had a great dinner although George and I ate lightly because we were still pretty stuffed from the massive lunch his mom and dad made us after church!
This week has been busy also. I've been working and was slacking on my chores until this evening when I finally got some of them under control. Google now has a new "Tasks" application on Gmail and I'm already in love with it. I've always been a fan of the hand-written to do list but I like typing it into my Gmail and then checking off the things as I finish them. It gives me a nice sense of accomplishment.
I had a much needed girls night with Lee, Tara and Kristen last night at the Cheesecake Factory. But I learned my lesson about buying a drink from a menu with no prices. My glass of sangria was delicious...but not worth $9.50! But mine ended being cheaper than Lee's margarita and Tara's martini. Perhaps I should become a bartender...
Speaking of employment, sometimes I worry about the clock ticking more quickly on my time left at First Coast News but there's so many signs to point out that it's going to be time once August 14th rolls around.
As for my job search, I decided this week to take the approach I should have been talking all along...more networking/research now and actually applying for the jobs later. George is amazing and continues to work on a website for me.
I think I've done enough chores for the night...time to watch Rachel Getting Married!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Tom the Army guy
Even though I didn't get a three day weekend, I was relieved to get out of work on Friday evening. George and I had date night at the Pizza Palace. It probably wasn't the best dinner to have the night before a run, but I'm still working on transitioning my diet (No fast food starting August 1st!)
Saturday morning, I was pretty tired when the alarm went off at 6:30. In addition to not being a runner, I'm also not a morning person. I actually get up earlier on Saturdays now for the group runs than I do for work during the week. Giving up precious weekend sleep was a big deal for me. But giving up sleeping in does give me the chance to take advantage of another favorite pastime: afternoon naps!
Once I got up and moving, I felt better. I hoped in my car and made the quick drive over to the Riverside YMCA. It wasn't too hot yet, but super sticky.
Since it was the 4th of July (yay America!) we didn't have a speaker before we set off for our 45 minute run/walk along the St. Johns River, which runs right through the middle of Jacksonville.
The first part of the run, I mostly kept to myself because I was still waking up. As I ran along the Riverwalk, I was thankful that the training program introduced me to that course. I've lived in Jacksonville almost two years and didn't even know it was there! You get such a great view of the river and the areas along it. All our trainings are on it for the Getting Started program so I have a few more group runs to enjoy along it and no doubt some solo runs in the future.
I made a training buddy previously, Erin. But she was running with the fastest group and I was feeling not quite up for that so I went with a slightly slower group. Halfway through the run, I got the chance to speak with a man named Tom.
As we chatted about our motivations for doing the marathon, Tom commented that he was retired. If I had guessed what Tom did before I told me, my guess would have been some sort of voice work because he has one of those booming, articulate voices that sounds like it belongs on a commercial or movie trailer.
But Tom is retired from the Army after more than 30 years. He's been stationed all over the world but is now enjoying retirement in Florida. We ended up chatting about his daughter for awhile. She's my age and experiencing some of the same mid-20's issues I am going through. She's a hairdresser but has moved around so much that she hasn't been able to build a clientele list. Her boyfriend is unemployed so they're both living with his parents.
I explained to Tom that I could completely relate to what his daughter was going through. At the end of the run, as we said our goodbyes, I told him to tell his daughter that Cindy in Jacksonville said it'll all get better eventually, we 20-something's just have to be patient!
Saturday morning, I was pretty tired when the alarm went off at 6:30. In addition to not being a runner, I'm also not a morning person. I actually get up earlier on Saturdays now for the group runs than I do for work during the week. Giving up precious weekend sleep was a big deal for me. But giving up sleeping in does give me the chance to take advantage of another favorite pastime: afternoon naps!
Once I got up and moving, I felt better. I hoped in my car and made the quick drive over to the Riverside YMCA. It wasn't too hot yet, but super sticky.
Since it was the 4th of July (yay America!) we didn't have a speaker before we set off for our 45 minute run/walk along the St. Johns River, which runs right through the middle of Jacksonville.
The first part of the run, I mostly kept to myself because I was still waking up. As I ran along the Riverwalk, I was thankful that the training program introduced me to that course. I've lived in Jacksonville almost two years and didn't even know it was there! You get such a great view of the river and the areas along it. All our trainings are on it for the Getting Started program so I have a few more group runs to enjoy along it and no doubt some solo runs in the future.
I made a training buddy previously, Erin. But she was running with the fastest group and I was feeling not quite up for that so I went with a slightly slower group. Halfway through the run, I got the chance to speak with a man named Tom.
As we chatted about our motivations for doing the marathon, Tom commented that he was retired. If I had guessed what Tom did before I told me, my guess would have been some sort of voice work because he has one of those booming, articulate voices that sounds like it belongs on a commercial or movie trailer.
But Tom is retired from the Army after more than 30 years. He's been stationed all over the world but is now enjoying retirement in Florida. We ended up chatting about his daughter for awhile. She's my age and experiencing some of the same mid-20's issues I am going through. She's a hairdresser but has moved around so much that she hasn't been able to build a clientele list. Her boyfriend is unemployed so they're both living with his parents.
I explained to Tom that I could completely relate to what his daughter was going through. At the end of the run, as we said our goodbyes, I told him to tell his daughter that Cindy in Jacksonville said it'll all get better eventually, we 20-something's just have to be patient!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Let's Try This Again...
Since I tried starting this blog my life has changed dramatically.
Currently the biggest change in my life is that I am now in search of a new job. So because of that my boyfriend George suggested I re-vamp this blog since it appears when you do a Google search on my name. That of course means prospective employers are likely to see it.
Although my time at First Coast News is running out, I have been afforded one opportunity that will last after I'm done working there. I signed up back in May for the 26.2 with Donna, the National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer.
Don't laugh. I'm serious...look at http://register.breastcancermarathon.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=athletes.main for proof!
Ever since I started training, I've thought it would be a good idea to chronicle the experience. but of course hadn't thought about an actual way to do that until recently. When George brought up my outdated blog, I decided it would be a perfect place to write about getting ready for the marathon.
I was inspired to sign by watching one of my best friends in Jacksonville do the race last year.
Lee was such a rock star doing it that I couldn't help but think, "Hey, I can do this!"
I'm not a runner. In middle school and high school, I also got my aerobic exercise at dance class. In college and the years after, I've tried to take up running many times to get in shape. I even attempted to train for a half marathon with my old roommate but wasn't able to raise the thousands in fundraising required to get to the event in Colorado.
But in addition to signing up for the 26.2 with Donna, I signed up to train with Olympian Jeff Galloway's program. One of the main ideas of his training is a "run-walk" method.
So technically I won't run the entire marathon. But I'm still already excited to cross the finish line!
Right now, I'm still in the "Getting Started" training so we're taking baby steps. We measure our runs by time, not distance yet. Every Saturday we have a group training. So far they've all been at the Yates Family YMCA in Riverside.
During the week I run/walk by myself through San Marco. I've realized lately during my workouts that although I'm really excited to move to Atlantic Beach in a month, I will miss the neighborhood where I've lived for almost the last two years.
Tomorrow I am run/walking for 45 minutes with the group! Then the rest of the weekend is packed with fun activities, like hanging out with friends and a birthday party for Austin, George's 5-year old nephew. His sister got a massive inflatable "jumpy" for the party and although I know it's more for the kids, it's big enough for adults so I hope it's not wrong that I'm pretty excited about that too...
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