Summer Job

Okay, I haven't really used the term "summer job" in quite a while. As an adult I've had jobs that lasted for 12 months. Now that I am in an education setting I have chosen to work part time for my district during the summer. I have a friend who owns a specialty running store in the area. She said that she needed help this summer and asked if I would be willing to work for her. So here I am, an adult, going back to hourly wages and learning a new set of skills. Needless to say, most of my co-workers are younger- much younger. So far it has been a great experience except that I am pooped when I get home. I work my "real" job in the morning and then work my "summer job" in the afternoon until 6:30 or so. I am learning so much.... I hope that my younger co-workers don't think I'm a dumbass because I ask alot of questions. I only felt the urge to shove running shoes up one customer's ass, so I think that is good. That is probably one advantage I have over the younger co-workers; most of the store situations are not that stressful to me. I have been dealing with special kids and sometimes their "special" parents, behavior problems, angry parents, assloads of paperwork, deadlines, reports.... so a guess 1 guy that makes you pull out 12 sets of shoes and choses the same pair he was wore into the store is really not that big of a deal. And now I have THE DISCOUNT. Pretty cool as long as my husband doesn't spend ALL the money I make there.

I am having to find ways to work in my summer workouts. I had plans of leisurely workouts all summer, but it appears that it will not be that way. So, back to the drawing board. I am through with the stress of training for my triathlon, so that is good. But, I would like to ideally run 3 times, bike 1 time, and swim one time plus stretching and weights. Plus a life in there somewhere. We'll see.

Racing Report - Heatwave Classic

Okay, so this is loooong overdue. I did the mullet man sprint distance triathlon in Pensacola, FL back in April as my first triathlon. I finished in right under 2 hours so I was super pleased.

Moving on.... this past weekend I did the Heatwave Classic which is basically an Olympic distance with a shorter swim (which is great for me). I did discover that there is a reason it is called the Heatwave. It could also be called the Heatstroke because that is what I felt like I may have had if I had been out there any longer.

My swim went extremely well. I couldn't believe how fast I finished. Walked to transition. Got on the bike. Rode, rode, rode. The first 20 miles were fine. I was able to pass a handful of people; I felt strong. The last 4 1/2 sucked. The hills were killing me. Even small hills affect me. This is what I will need to work on in future training for sure. Then, the run. OMG- running is usually my strongest area. Not on Saturday. The heat was oppressive by the time I started my run. The run chewed my butt up. I did finish (with a fair amount of walking). I finished in under 3 hours so I was really pleased with that. I'm hungry for faster times. As soon as I crossed the finish one of my closest friends said, "Wanna train for a 1/2 Iron Man with me?" Ummmm- let me recover from the insanity of this race that took me 4 months to train for. Whew. I cannot believe I am actually considering it. It's official; the tri bug has bitten. I might as well empty out my wallet so it can match my head.

After the race we went out on a pontoon boat that my husband, some friends, and I had rented. It was wonderful. We had the best time together just enjoying one another. I was enjoying swimming until we saw an alligator 25 yds away. The rest of the time was spent aboard the boat. The day was great. Have you ever had those times where you know you are making moments that you are going to look back on and cherish? That was how I felt this weekend. Very blessed.