Good news all around today! I got my NH bar results, and I passed! Relief has definitely come over me; I'm done with bar exams forever!!! Of course, jokingly, people have asked which state I'll be barred in next, but I'm serious when I say I'm done with these exams. The anxiety of studying, taking the test and waiting for the results is just brutal. I wouldn't put myself through that again, I promise!
I've started to look for something full-time, since my current position is only part-time. I'm still really interested in following something in family law. There is a child support enforcement position that I am really interested in. I need to start working on my resume again, and get myself out there.
I've had a good week of running, as well. I've done a bunch of short runs, but I'm ready to dig in for something longer this weekend, maybe 5 miles. Wednesday, I ran one of the usual routes, but cut it a little short. 2.4 miles, with an average mile of 8:15. Thursday, I ran a mile to softball (a 7:39 mile), played softball for about an hour and a half, then ran the mile home, on a different route (with an 8:05 mile). Friday, I tried anew route. Not new to me at all, actually, I ran down the road I lived on for 12 years, though I hadn't run that route yet. It was a nice change, and definitely a more grueling route. 3.67 miles in 32:25 minutes, an average mile of 8:49. Despite my tiny hangover on Saturday, I ran my usual Southgate route of 2.6 miles. And on Sunday, I set out for a longer run 4.33 miles, with an average mile of 9:29 minutes. I've definitely noticed that I do slow down on my longer runs, but I am still able to run them and finish them. Slowing down doesn't bother me, I'm just anxious to be faster.
I'm determined to run another 5k in two weeks, and then the 5k Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving. Right now, I am debating a 5-miler on Columbus Day weekend at the Warner Fall Foliage Festival. I don't know the route at all and I've been told there is a pretty serious hill involved. If I can run a few longer runs before then, I might just do it. I wouldn't register until the day of, just in case my body isn't ready to do it then.
The only serious issue I've had with running is taking days off. It literally kills me not to run. I enjoy that time so much that I crave it. I'm going to start looking for either a yoga class or a cardio class in the area, because I need something else on those days.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
I did it!
After a week of bad runs, horrible shin splints and feeling like my body was hating me, I ran my first 5k (3.1 miles) on Sunday and out performed myself. Throughout the week, I had horrible runs; my body just wasn't handling the runs very well and I was feeling very discouraged. So on Thursday, I decided I really needed to invest in good running shoes if I was going to stick with this. I went to this great store, Runner's Alley in Manchester, and they were amazing. I spent about an hour there trying to decide between two pairs, both of which were great, but just trying to figure out which pair was the best for me.
Thursday afternoon, I took them for a quick test run. Despite the pain in my body, I knew it wasn't a result from the shoes, and I was happy with my purchase. I knew though that if I wanted to do well on Sunday, it meant no running until then. I was nervous because it seems like anytime I take a break, I regress, and I didn't want that to happen on Sunday. So I didn't run Friday or Saturday.
I went to bed early on Saturday night, and woke up feeling refreshed and anxious to run. I arrived at the State Park around 9:30 and immediately ran into a few people I knew. I felt better, because I had gone alone and it was nice to see some familiar faces.
I didn't know where to set myself up. There were more than 200 people and I was afraid of getting bogged down by the crowd. Fortunately the people I knew suggested we head up to the front. When we were there, Jess had mentioned she had seen me running but hadn't seen me at the last local 5k. I mentioned that while I had been running for a little while, this was my first race. She asked what my goal would be for myself. I said I'd be happy if I could get to an 8:00 mile. The fastest I have been so far is a 8:30 mile. I knew 8:00 minutes might be pushing it but maybe I needed the challenge.
There were a lot of kids on the starting line, which I wasn't looking forward to. When the gun shot went off, it was pretty intense. I took off, running pretty hard. I was trying to stay on Jess's heels, because I knew if I could do that, I'd do pretty well. A lot of the kids dropped out quickly which became an obstacle course for everyone trying to get around them.
At mile 1, I glanced down at my watch. I knew I had been running hard, but I didn't expect my first mile to be completed in 7:12 minutes. I also knew I had to slow down because I was breathing harder than I expected and I wanted to finish this race. I kept Jess in my sights for most of the run; it became my goal to keep up with her.
At mile 2, I had slowed down considerably. My second mile was about 8:45 minutes. Which I needed to recover from the first mile, and to keep myself going for the final mile plus. Finally, I heard the crowds, the finish line was much closer than I had expected. So I started pushing myself again. My body was tired and I was breathing hard, but I knew I only had a little more to go.
Finally, after weaving through the wooded roads of the Park, the finish line was in sight and I was running. I just wanted to be there! I crossed the finish line at 24:15. My final mile plus was about 8:15. Doing the math, its about an average of a 7:49 mile. I've never run that fast, but clearly I was determined. Afterwards, I did a lot of walking around, chatting with people and trying to recover with food and beverages.
I stayed for a while, waiting on awards and all the raffles. I didn't win anything, but I won the accomplishment of knowing I could finish a 5k and perform well. My body was definitely sore the day after, but I recovered faster than I thought I would. By today, my shins feel great, and I'm ready to get some more miles in. I did take Monday off, and I ran yesterday. I was pretty sore, but I did my usual 2.6 mile loop in 22 minutes, an 8:27 mile, which is where I like to be.
The official results have now come out. I finished #31 out of 207 participants. I am thrilled with my performance and can't wait to run another 5k, which I've already put on my calendar for next month. Below is a link to the results page, if you're interested.
http://www.kearsarge.org/sutton/lib/sutton/Overall10.pdf
Thursday afternoon, I took them for a quick test run. Despite the pain in my body, I knew it wasn't a result from the shoes, and I was happy with my purchase. I knew though that if I wanted to do well on Sunday, it meant no running until then. I was nervous because it seems like anytime I take a break, I regress, and I didn't want that to happen on Sunday. So I didn't run Friday or Saturday.
I went to bed early on Saturday night, and woke up feeling refreshed and anxious to run. I arrived at the State Park around 9:30 and immediately ran into a few people I knew. I felt better, because I had gone alone and it was nice to see some familiar faces.
I didn't know where to set myself up. There were more than 200 people and I was afraid of getting bogged down by the crowd. Fortunately the people I knew suggested we head up to the front. When we were there, Jess had mentioned she had seen me running but hadn't seen me at the last local 5k. I mentioned that while I had been running for a little while, this was my first race. She asked what my goal would be for myself. I said I'd be happy if I could get to an 8:00 mile. The fastest I have been so far is a 8:30 mile. I knew 8:00 minutes might be pushing it but maybe I needed the challenge.
There were a lot of kids on the starting line, which I wasn't looking forward to. When the gun shot went off, it was pretty intense. I took off, running pretty hard. I was trying to stay on Jess's heels, because I knew if I could do that, I'd do pretty well. A lot of the kids dropped out quickly which became an obstacle course for everyone trying to get around them.
At mile 1, I glanced down at my watch. I knew I had been running hard, but I didn't expect my first mile to be completed in 7:12 minutes. I also knew I had to slow down because I was breathing harder than I expected and I wanted to finish this race. I kept Jess in my sights for most of the run; it became my goal to keep up with her.
At mile 2, I had slowed down considerably. My second mile was about 8:45 minutes. Which I needed to recover from the first mile, and to keep myself going for the final mile plus. Finally, I heard the crowds, the finish line was much closer than I had expected. So I started pushing myself again. My body was tired and I was breathing hard, but I knew I only had a little more to go.
Finally, after weaving through the wooded roads of the Park, the finish line was in sight and I was running. I just wanted to be there! I crossed the finish line at 24:15. My final mile plus was about 8:15. Doing the math, its about an average of a 7:49 mile. I've never run that fast, but clearly I was determined. Afterwards, I did a lot of walking around, chatting with people and trying to recover with food and beverages.
I stayed for a while, waiting on awards and all the raffles. I didn't win anything, but I won the accomplishment of knowing I could finish a 5k and perform well. My body was definitely sore the day after, but I recovered faster than I thought I would. By today, my shins feel great, and I'm ready to get some more miles in. I did take Monday off, and I ran yesterday. I was pretty sore, but I did my usual 2.6 mile loop in 22 minutes, an 8:27 mile, which is where I like to be.
The official results have now come out. I finished #31 out of 207 participants. I am thrilled with my performance and can't wait to run another 5k, which I've already put on my calendar for next month. Below is a link to the results page, if you're interested.
http://www.kearsarge.org/sutton/lib/sutton/Overall10.pdf
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Day of Rest
After a full week of running, 7 days and running 24.43 miles, I needed a rest. So on Monday, I forced myself not to run. I wanted to so bad, but I knew my body needed the rest. On Saturday, I ran 2.6 miles in 21:22 minutes (a 8:33 minute mile) and on Sunday, I ran 3.6 miles in 30:15 minutes (a 8:24 minute mile).
Today was the first bad run I've had. My shin splints really kicked up, and I was in pain during most of the run. I did 3.6 miles, a run I do often, but in 33:00 flat; the worst time I've ever had for this distance (a 9:10 minute mile). The time isn't the worst, but I wanted my day of rest to make my runs better not worst. Afterwards, I came home and iced my shins; they're feeling better now, so I'm hoping to have a good run tomorrow.
I'm also definitely feeling the stress of the pending bar results. Its only a few more days until the results come out, but it feels like a lifetime. I can't wait for September 24th to be here. Its also an exciting time for my friend Sara. The day after I get my results, her husband comes home for a two week break from Iraq. He'll deploy again until January, but at least she'll get to see him for a few weeks.
Today was the first bad run I've had. My shin splints really kicked up, and I was in pain during most of the run. I did 3.6 miles, a run I do often, but in 33:00 flat; the worst time I've ever had for this distance (a 9:10 minute mile). The time isn't the worst, but I wanted my day of rest to make my runs better not worst. Afterwards, I came home and iced my shins; they're feeling better now, so I'm hoping to have a good run tomorrow.
I'm also definitely feeling the stress of the pending bar results. Its only a few more days until the results come out, but it feels like a lifetime. I can't wait for September 24th to be here. Its also an exciting time for my friend Sara. The day after I get my results, her husband comes home for a two week break from Iraq. He'll deploy again until January, but at least she'll get to see him for a few weeks.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Its official
I've registered for my first 5k, next weekend. I finally decided that since I can handle long runs I should be able to handle an actual race. Its called the Strut in Sutton fun run. Its around a beautiful lake and there's a party afterwards, lots of prizes, etc.
On Thursday, I did 3.6 miles in 30:00 (an 8:20 mile), and yesterday, I did 4.6 miles in 44:15 (a 9:37 mile) . I don't know where my time came from on Thursday, but I'm pretty proud that I can get myself to run a pretty fast mile. My pace definitely slowed yesterday as it was a longer run and since I've been running a lot this week, I was feeling a little bit of muscle fatigue. I think I'll do something short today, and then run a 5k tomorrow to see where my time is at.
I also decided that I'm going to need an iPod soon. Running without the music can be great, since it clears my mind. But running with music will definitely be good too.
Its a beautiful day out. I'm trying to be productive this weekend, but I think I'll definitely get out to enjoy this weather too!
On Thursday, I did 3.6 miles in 30:00 (an 8:20 mile), and yesterday, I did 4.6 miles in 44:15 (a 9:37 mile) . I don't know where my time came from on Thursday, but I'm pretty proud that I can get myself to run a pretty fast mile. My pace definitely slowed yesterday as it was a longer run and since I've been running a lot this week, I was feeling a little bit of muscle fatigue. I think I'll do something short today, and then run a 5k tomorrow to see where my time is at.
I also decided that I'm going to need an iPod soon. Running without the music can be great, since it clears my mind. But running with music will definitely be good too.
Its a beautiful day out. I'm trying to be productive this weekend, but I think I'll definitely get out to enjoy this weather too!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Run, Forest, Run
As I mentioned in my last blog, I've been getting a lot of satisfaction out of running. Its extremely mind clearing. In fact since my iPod died a few months ago, I don't even listen to music when I run. Its my time to think about whatever is going on; it actually helps me to focus at other times, when I've made my run time to think about everything else.
Most days, I run in the afternoon after work. My main route has been about 2.59 miles, on some back roads, that include both paved and unpaved surfaces. My time usually stays between 22:30 and 23:00 minutes. The fastest I've run that route so far is 22:23, which is actually under a 9 minute mile, but I clearly remember being too sore the next day that I skipped my run. I was even dedicated enough during August that I even ran some days in 90 degree heat. Not the most sane idea, but I wanted to stick to it and see if I could make it a regular exercise routine for myself.
For a while, I was having a really hard time with shin splints, in only one my legs. Someone told me to run in the dirt for that issue. So after I few weeks of sticking to the dirt, I set out yesterday to do a long run. I ran 4.33 miles in 40:32. It averages out to about a 9:21 mile. I ran the entire time with no stops. I even ran uphill for about a quarter mile, without stopping during or at the top (like I promised myself I could, if I made it through the hill). I'm extremely happy with the time, given the distance, and it was first longer run. My shin bothered me a bit, but I pushed through.
I am also signing up for my first 5k. Its on Sunday, September 19th. I figure I'll do it, not make a big deal of it and see how I handle the pressure of a race and running with other people. Right now, I usually run alone. However where I run, everyone sees me and I get a lot of honking and waving. Its not the same as running with other people though. I think if I keep up the running for the next week and a half, I could get closer to a flat 9 minute mile than where I am now. I don't want to pressure myself, but I'd be happy if I had a good result on race day. I'll plan to run the route this weekend, just to see what its like.
Most days, I run in the afternoon after work. My main route has been about 2.59 miles, on some back roads, that include both paved and unpaved surfaces. My time usually stays between 22:30 and 23:00 minutes. The fastest I've run that route so far is 22:23, which is actually under a 9 minute mile, but I clearly remember being too sore the next day that I skipped my run. I was even dedicated enough during August that I even ran some days in 90 degree heat. Not the most sane idea, but I wanted to stick to it and see if I could make it a regular exercise routine for myself.
For a while, I was having a really hard time with shin splints, in only one my legs. Someone told me to run in the dirt for that issue. So after I few weeks of sticking to the dirt, I set out yesterday to do a long run. I ran 4.33 miles in 40:32. It averages out to about a 9:21 mile. I ran the entire time with no stops. I even ran uphill for about a quarter mile, without stopping during or at the top (like I promised myself I could, if I made it through the hill). I'm extremely happy with the time, given the distance, and it was first longer run. My shin bothered me a bit, but I pushed through.
I am also signing up for my first 5k. Its on Sunday, September 19th. I figure I'll do it, not make a big deal of it and see how I handle the pressure of a race and running with other people. Right now, I usually run alone. However where I run, everyone sees me and I get a lot of honking and waving. Its not the same as running with other people though. I think if I keep up the running for the next week and a half, I could get closer to a flat 9 minute mile than where I am now. I don't want to pressure myself, but I'd be happy if I had a good result on race day. I'll plan to run the route this weekend, just to see what its like.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
I abandoned my blog
Inadvertently, I abandoned my blog about 6 months ago and I have decided to reclaim it!
A year ago, I made the 1,000+ drive back from Kentucky to long-time home of Bradford, NH. If there's one thing I can say about that is that it was one of the best decisions of my life. I have never been so sure that Bradford is where I belong. Although none of my family is here, most of my friends are in Boston or further away, Bradford has been very good to me over the past year. While I've been here, I've lost 40 pounds, I got my first legal job, quit my first legal job, and started another position, and generally begun to realize how much fun you can have in life. I've reconnected with old friends, made tons of new friends, and been able to embrace being happy.
So rewind to my last blog. I had just started working my first firm job and loving it. It went good for a while and then it went down the tubes. Unfortunately, there was a lot of political bullshit going on about what we were doing and how we were doing it. Instead of risking my license and all that I worked for, I very reluctantly resigned. I have to say it was one of the hardest decisions of my life. I felt like I was giving up without giving it enough of a chance. I cried and agonized over the decision. My mom wasn't very supportive and didn't understand everything that was going on, at first. But a few weeks after I left, she started seeing stuff in the NH papers, and soon realized, that I did the best thing I could have. My brother, on the other hand, was hands down there for me and supported my decision 100%.
After I left, the firm really went down hill. They eventually closed their doors, without warning to their employees, and left many people without jobs and the pay they owed them. It was then that I realized even though it was a hard decision, my decision was the right one.
About 3 weeks after I quit, during which time I was unemployed, I accepted a part-time position with a local county. I am now Assistant Legal Counsel for Hillsborough County. It stinks that its part-time, since I drive an hour and a half every day, 5 days a week for work, but the networking is good, and my boss is very willing to help me find a position when I move on. Fortunately, during the summer months, I also had the work on the boats to keep me busy and my wallet full.
As if I didn't have enough going on, I also made the decision in May to sit for the NH bar in July. So I did. It wasn't easy getting back into studying but I worked myself into a routine. I'd work every day til 12:30, get home around 1:30 and hit the books by 2pm. I'd take a dinner/running break, then hit the books again til 9/10pm. It was pretty exhausting, but I made it work.
The test was in late July, and I'll know in about 2 weeks how everything will turn out. I don't have a feeling one way or another, its just so hard to tell. I'm thinking positive and hoping for the best. If all goes well, I'd like to find something permanent and full-time, that's right up my alley.
In April, I also moved into a new apartment, instead of staying with my family. Its actually two floors above the bar, which can be very convenient at times! I also purchased my first new car. Brand new, 2010 Toyota Corolla. It was a big decision, but the Hyundai only had so much more to give and it wasn't fairing well through the winter.
During the bar, I started running. At first, I couldn't run very far. I'd stop and start again, but always trying to keep going as far as possible. Today, I can run 2.6 miles without stopping in under 23 minutes. This week, I bumped myself up to 3 miles and I've still kept a pretty good pace. 9:24 as of yesterday. I have run a few times under 9 minutes, but I'd rather be able to run consistently good days with average times, than have to skip a day because I've pushed it too hard. I enjoy it though; it gives me time to think and if I'm thinking about other things, I generally run better than if I'm focusing on my run
All in all, I'm pretty happy with where I am in life. Looking back on that horrible day in April when I received the news that I had failed the Massachusetts Bar exam, I wouldn't have pictured myself where I am today. But I have to say, even though it was hard facing that news, packing up my life, and moving to Kentucky, I'm more happy today, than I have been in a long, long time. A year can make a big difference, and it has for me.
A year ago, I made the 1,000+ drive back from Kentucky to long-time home of Bradford, NH. If there's one thing I can say about that is that it was one of the best decisions of my life. I have never been so sure that Bradford is where I belong. Although none of my family is here, most of my friends are in Boston or further away, Bradford has been very good to me over the past year. While I've been here, I've lost 40 pounds, I got my first legal job, quit my first legal job, and started another position, and generally begun to realize how much fun you can have in life. I've reconnected with old friends, made tons of new friends, and been able to embrace being happy.
So rewind to my last blog. I had just started working my first firm job and loving it. It went good for a while and then it went down the tubes. Unfortunately, there was a lot of political bullshit going on about what we were doing and how we were doing it. Instead of risking my license and all that I worked for, I very reluctantly resigned. I have to say it was one of the hardest decisions of my life. I felt like I was giving up without giving it enough of a chance. I cried and agonized over the decision. My mom wasn't very supportive and didn't understand everything that was going on, at first. But a few weeks after I left, she started seeing stuff in the NH papers, and soon realized, that I did the best thing I could have. My brother, on the other hand, was hands down there for me and supported my decision 100%.
After I left, the firm really went down hill. They eventually closed their doors, without warning to their employees, and left many people without jobs and the pay they owed them. It was then that I realized even though it was a hard decision, my decision was the right one.
About 3 weeks after I quit, during which time I was unemployed, I accepted a part-time position with a local county. I am now Assistant Legal Counsel for Hillsborough County. It stinks that its part-time, since I drive an hour and a half every day, 5 days a week for work, but the networking is good, and my boss is very willing to help me find a position when I move on. Fortunately, during the summer months, I also had the work on the boats to keep me busy and my wallet full.
As if I didn't have enough going on, I also made the decision in May to sit for the NH bar in July. So I did. It wasn't easy getting back into studying but I worked myself into a routine. I'd work every day til 12:30, get home around 1:30 and hit the books by 2pm. I'd take a dinner/running break, then hit the books again til 9/10pm. It was pretty exhausting, but I made it work.
The test was in late July, and I'll know in about 2 weeks how everything will turn out. I don't have a feeling one way or another, its just so hard to tell. I'm thinking positive and hoping for the best. If all goes well, I'd like to find something permanent and full-time, that's right up my alley.
In April, I also moved into a new apartment, instead of staying with my family. Its actually two floors above the bar, which can be very convenient at times! I also purchased my first new car. Brand new, 2010 Toyota Corolla. It was a big decision, but the Hyundai only had so much more to give and it wasn't fairing well through the winter.
During the bar, I started running. At first, I couldn't run very far. I'd stop and start again, but always trying to keep going as far as possible. Today, I can run 2.6 miles without stopping in under 23 minutes. This week, I bumped myself up to 3 miles and I've still kept a pretty good pace. 9:24 as of yesterday. I have run a few times under 9 minutes, but I'd rather be able to run consistently good days with average times, than have to skip a day because I've pushed it too hard. I enjoy it though; it gives me time to think and if I'm thinking about other things, I generally run better than if I'm focusing on my run
All in all, I'm pretty happy with where I am in life. Looking back on that horrible day in April when I received the news that I had failed the Massachusetts Bar exam, I wouldn't have pictured myself where I am today. But I have to say, even though it was hard facing that news, packing up my life, and moving to Kentucky, I'm more happy today, than I have been in a long, long time. A year can make a big difference, and it has for me.
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