Month: January 2012

I’ve been trying to hold it in until I sign the actual contract next week, but I couldn’t wait any longer. 

On Friday I got offered the job I interviewed for in the DC area earlier this month!

I will be working at George Mason University and start in in late March. They have been super supportive of my Marathon and were flexible with my start date to accommodate that.  This position is a step up on the career ladder and with a slightly more academic shift (aka more of a 9-5 job as opposed to my crazy hours). 

It feels so good to be WANTED after not getting other jobs in the past. However I feel so at peace with this choice. I’m ready for this move and the timing is truly perfect. It is very bittersweet to leave my current job. I love my coworkers and students, but I am excited to move to a city and be SO MUCH CLOSER to friends and family.

Thank you so much for all your thoughts, prayers and support. I look forward to this new adventure. Where are my DC/NoVa people at?

*If you know me in real life, please keep the exciting news to yourself until I make a public announcement once it’s all 100% officially official!

How to NOT negative split

I had big plans for my 18 mile run yesterday. I drove 45 minutes to this beautiful River Walk where I’ve run 2 races before. The first 9 miles felt great. Shortly after mile 9 I walked for a GU break and all of a sudden I get an excruciating side stitch/cramp.

Splits

  • Mile 1 – 10:11
  • Mile 2 – 10:31
  • Mile 3 – 10:28
  • Mile 4 – 11:02
  • Mile 5 – 10:57
  • Mile 6 – 10:31
  • Mile 7 – 11:21
  • Mile 8 – 11:16
  • Mile 9 – 11:19
  • Mile 10 – 14:51

Time 1:51:51

Average Pace: 11:09 min/mi

I walk most of mile 10 hoping I’ll feel better. I reset my watch after a stretch break and pep talk. However everytime I tried to pick up my pace I would cramp up. My period wasn’t due, but I knew I was having some break through bleeding, which was confirmed in mile 16 during my potty break.

It was 70ish degrees on my run and I was trying to ration water since all of the water fountains on the River Walk weren’t turned on. I think that is part of my cramping issue also. Finally at mile 16 I was able to fill up my water bottle with water from the bathroom sink.

  • Mile 11 – 12:59
  • Mile 12 – 13:58
  • Mile 13 – 14:36
  • Mile 14 – 14:59
  • Mile 15 – 12:04
  • Mile 16 – 17:03 (potty break i forgot to stop my watch)
  • Mile 17 – 16:16
  • Mile 18 – 15:10

Time 1:51:55

Average Pace: 13:58 min/mile

I hated that second half, especially those last few miles. I just wanted it to be over. My legs and feet felt suprisingly good, but after such a slow second half I was just tired and defeated.

Overall Time: 3:53:06

Overall Average Pace: 12:57 min/miles

I’m happy I didn’t give up – I also didn’t have a choice due to where I was parked. Nearly 4 hours on my feet after only my first 3+ hour run last week. I plan to keep my LOOONG runs back in a familiar place, but I’d go out to the River Walk for a shorter long run.