Rest: Birthday week part 2: Nachos and the elusive H&M

Last post I left you at the cusp of my birthday extravaganza. My birthday did not end with just a bike ride (as pleasant as it was). Well first, I convinced boyfriend to go shopping with me by lobbying that the men's section at H&M would allow him to find a decent selection of cheap, simple clothing. I also convinced the boyfriend that there is a H&M at Chandler Mall, a fact that I had already convinced myself of a few weeks prior when I had visited my sister there.

Twenty minutes of traffic, bad drivers and parking lot fiascos later, we arrived at Chandler Mall. Now, I live in a college-ish town. I only say "ish" because there is more to the city than just the college, unlike many other college towns, but it still offers the saturation of co-ops, hipsters, hippies, small businesses, bikes and skateboards that so many other college towns are known for. Well Chandler Mall is, well, opposite. It's the epitome of suburbia, a symbol for the middle-class, chain-loving golfers of the world. I have nothing against suburbia, most of my family resides in some form of suburbia, but I do have a hard time stomaching a mall full of teenage suberbians. But the boyfriend and I stayed strong and crusaded our way through the hormonal masses.

And then we arrive at the destination...which isn't H&M. It's Forever 21, which is definitely different, especially for a guy. FAIL. There is no H&M at Chandler Mall. MAJOR FAIL.

I somehow managed to find a cute birthday party outfit in under 15 minutes and we were out of there.

Then I took a nap.

And we finally arrive at the birthday party. I had my party and a dingy little bar called Boulders on Broadway. It's an American pub-like bar catered to rock climbers and cyclists. They also have a ton of beer on tap, which is why I love it. Apparently when I exercise intensely, I get drunk faster, which is fine, and cheaper for me. I was a happy drunk, and greeted everyone with an overzealous smile and hug.

I ordered some nachos around 10:00. Then again around 11:00. Then again around midnight. The third time was shocking enough o get a few gawks and high fives from my alcohol guzzling peers. I think a few girls were disgusted. The rest of the night consisted of a couple shots but mostly beer. I was gifted a few scratchers (is that something people do often?) that did not win me one million dollars, and ended the night with most of my class still in tact. SUCCESS.

I'll spare you a post on my hangover. Thank god the holidays are finally over.

Rest: Birthday Week Part 1: Why I'm a Traitor

I admit it, I'm a traitor. This past week, I joined the dark side. I took a break from running, pulled on some spandex and climbed onto my NEW road bike. That's right, new. So let me explain myself:

1) Saturday was my birthday. I was supposed to run a 5k in the morning, but my achilles tendon was still causing a minor ache.
2) Saturday was my birthday. My wonderful, wonderful boyfriend bought me a new (used) road bike. He received many gold stars.
3) I had to take almost a week off of running to let my leg heal (no pun intended!).
4) Boyfriend loves road bikes, so it's nice to ride together sometimes since we both enjoy it.

So I have been riding my new bicycle, and I haven't been running. Please forgive me.

I started with a casual ride with the girls (one of which races competitively) on Thursday. We did about 15 miles. It wasn't  a major work out but I used it to become more acquainted with my bike as well as with the girls. You see, I need girlfriends. It seems most of mine don't come out during the day unless there are bloody marys involved. So the idea of having girl friends that I can actually be athletic with is a tantalizing concept that makes me all giddy inside, like first date giddy, really. This little problem only emphasizes my dire need to join a running club/group, but darn it, I'm still scared. So until I join a running club, I am very happy to have some ladies to ride bikes with.

There seemed to be a mild desert hurricane on Friday. So we skipped the ride due to wind.

Then came Saturday. Boyfriend and cycling girl friend took me on the notorious PISS ride (I don't know why they call it that). They also secretly told another male member of the racing team that he could come along, unbeknownst to me.  Suddenly I was on a group ride, scary. I did 30 miles, with lots of hills!!! Pretty bad ass. and pretty fun too.

I really can't tell which sport I like better, cycling or running, and frankly I don't think I have to pick one. I mean neither sport is logically better for you than the other (I know all you professional cyclists or runners are going to argue that one), and all that really matters is whether or not I am enjoying the sport, and getting something out of it. For now, those requirements appeal to both sports. But running is so much more available. Cycling requires a lot of money and time. Plus there's something really striking to me about a sport that is completely dependent on my body. There's no equipment, strategies or rules to road running. It's just about how hard I can push myself. So for now, I'm still a runner. But by the end of PISS ride, I felt like I might collapse, so it was a good substitute for my birthday 5k.

This puts you up to date until my birthday extravaganza.. which is a topic worth having its own post...

To Be Continued

Rate: Runner's first injury

Bad news. It hurts to walk. I have apparently strained and/or torn my achilles tendon... I think. However this is my own personal diagnosis and I have yet to visit the wise old doctor. After a bout of intense google searching, I have learned a bit about running injuries, Achilles tendonitis being one of the most common. Apparently, if I'm not careful this could become a major reoccurring problem. Sadly, I have to work tonight, which means I will be putting hours of strain on my ankles and their linking tendons. So let's hope that my next post won't consist of groans and sobs of how badly I am in pain and of how sad I am to cancel my first 5k. It's only three days away, you know?


They say that you can hurt your Achilles tendon by doing speed and/or hill work, by not stretching appropriately or by not warming up and cooling down properly. Unfortunately I'm guilty of all charges. So I've been icing, massaging, stretching and hoping for the best. I am also wearing my black Asics to work, which is something I thought I would never consider since tennis shoes are almost always a fashion disaster, especially when worn with a dress shirt and fancy necklaces. But I must give my ankles as much support as possible.


If anyone has any suggestions or tips on how to heal faster, or even a charming anecdote of similar experiences, then please share.


On a side note, I am 3/4 into Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov, and I have saturated myself in the writer's gradual climb into insanity. I feel like a bit of a weirdo for getting so enthralled with a book with such repulsive subject matter, but the thing is so well written and enticing that I can't help it. Consequently, it makes me feel a bit insane myself. So please forgive the abrupt sentences and any other change you see in my writing voice today. I am a Literature nerd at heart, you know.


Work Out:


Run: None :(
Resting: TONS
Thoughts/Emotions/Concerns: I do hope that I get better quickly!

Rate: My power suit

Today, I wore my power suit, and I think it worked. After much preparation, I had an interview today for a position that I really, I mean REALLY want. Besides the fact that I once again woke up sniffling and sneezing, I went in feeling fairly confident. Although I am far from eloquent when my nerves get the best of me, I think it went well. So sweet readers, please send your positive thoughts, good luck and prayers my way. I'll let you know what happens.

I celebrated with a large Mexican lunch, which was probably a bad decision. At this rate, I'll never lose a pound and I'll forever be bloated. Predictably, the lunch caused my run to be a bit painful, but it still paid off. I ran 3.1 miles, which is a 5k I believe, because I need to prepare myself for the race on Saturday (that I'm feeling very nervous about).

Run: 3.1 miles, 32.17 minutes

Pace: slow first two miles, moderate for the second

Thoughts/Emotions/Concerns: Frankly, all I can think about is that interview