I left my advertising job a month ago. Went on a two week vacation to Houston and North Carolina. Reminded me once again how badly I wish my parents and the rest of my family lived close by. I would love to go over there are on the weeks and to BBQs. But since I can't, I have to treasure the moments I do have with them.
Grad school started two weeks ago. I am really excited, the program is stellar and if I make good use of it, will really set me up for a job in this industry. Still in search of an internship. I'm trying not to panic yet. I want to make sure I choose a good one and not just one because it's there and available. I reached out to MESP again, but will likely try to do one at Long Beach. I would really like to do one with a professional sports franchise too.
On the upside, I have been offered a part-time position at a women's sports apparel company. I had an interview for another job on Sunday and it went very well. I would MUCH rather get the job I went in for on Sunday, but I guess sometimes you have to take what you can get. Waiting to hear back from them by the end of the week. In the meantime I have accepted the other job. It's always nice to have options.
Training has been going pretty well too. Running for two weeks in the heat in the south killed my mile times, but I kept the mileage up and consistent. Right now I am up to 35 miles per week and did a long run of 16 this past weekend. The 16 miler was brutal, not the distance, but the terrain and hills crushed my legs. I still kept on pace though, and that is very motivating. The hills I have been running can only make me stronger and get me closer to that sub 4 hour goal.
I have also been running with my partner/coach/mentor James. Not sure what to call him, but he has been helping me plan my runs and paces. James is an incredible runner. Someone who is just born to do it. I can't believe he actually wants to take me out and run with me. I feel very fortunate. He has been helping push the pace on my shorter runs.
I have also lost weight since leaving my job. I know that all the training is a big contributor. But I'm also very happy that food is becoming a second thought for me. I'm making better choices and not dwelling on bad decisions. I am choosing foods that are right for my body and will help fuel my training. After seeing positive results, it encourages me to continue the trend into the next week and not fall off the wagon.
That's it for now, I have to get back to some internship searching and go fill out paperwork for my job.
Ashley
