NEW GOALS: Getting back to training

Hereby, I am announcing it. Jessica's marathon training blog is going to have a new name shortly. Because I'm giving up on marathons. At least for the time being. (Keep reading, keep reading.)

I've had a few other priorities the past couple months. All in all, I totally dropped the ball on my training.

It's kind of hard to admit. I excited about training for another full only because I was coaching with MIT. I wasn't looking forward to weekday runs, but I powered through them to get to Saturday mornings, which I lived for. It wasn't about me or what I could do. It was more about getting a group of first timers through. But I had to give that up when I took the job here in Rochester.

Since then, I haven't been that excited about running. The few times I've been out, it's felt good, but I haven't felt the motivation or drive to get it done. A big part of it is the weather, I just don't do well in the heat.

So I've decided that next year I want to earn another sticker on my car beyond the 26.2. So next year I'm going to go for the 70.3. (I will find a shorter tri to do first, of course!)

This is the one I have my eye on right now, the Musselman Triathlon in July in Geneva, right in the Finger Lakes. My other option will be the REV3 race at Cedar Point in September.

Most training plans are about 20 weeks long. So, if I'm going to do the July race, I need to start training in February. If I'm going to do the September race, I need to start training in March. That gives me plenty of time.


I have a lot to learn. First: How to swim. Second: More about the bike. I can ride, but I can't change a flat. Third, I need to get settled and in with a group here. There's a beginners womens' riding group that goes out on Wednesday nights, and Fleet Feet runs Tuesday, Friday and Saturdays. There's a triathletes group but they seem beyond what I can do.

Learning to swim will be the top priority. I'm trying to settle on a health club right now, and once I do, I'll see about lessons.

I also am going to try to run a half marathon this fall. I found a 3-day-a-week training plan to go off. It won't make me fast, but it will keep me going. I'll either run the Columbus half at the end of October, or find one here (no luck yet). Maybe I'll go for another half in early spring.

Lastly, a big priority for me right now is finding a new club to teach at. Finding a health club is hard when you have options! I miss teaching and am eager to get back to it. More on that later.

So, with a new goal comes a new focus. Stay tuned for more on my adventures learning to swim, learning more about the bike, and keeping the miles up on the Asics!

There's one more goal, but I'm wavering on if I want to make it public or not :)

I'm still alive, I promise

Phew! It has been a crazy week and a half.

I have all kinds of updates I'm wanting to do, including a long-overdue thank you to an awesome moving company that totally bailed me out. But, in between learning how New York government works (or how it doesn't work, as I've learned in some cases), finding a new gym to teach at (lots of options... I miss the bike), continuing to get myself and Lizzie settled, and continuing my obsession with the Walking Dead...

Maybe this weekend :)

A big shoutout to my Columbus friends! My weekend just wasn't the same without MIT Saturday morning. I did do a great 20-mile bike ride along the Genesee River and the Erie Canal trail. Beautiful! I haven't run much. I'm toying with the idea of doing a fall half on a 3-day a week schedule, but I have other plans in the works... must learn to swim and build up the arm muscles first :)

Exhausted but in my new home :)

It has been a long, grueling few days but I am now safe and sound in my new apartment in Rochester, NY.

I am now accepting applications for people to come put my apartment together for me. ESP skills are required, as I tend to like my stuff arranged in a certain, cluttered way yet I have no idea how to articulate what this way might be :)

My mom will come tomorrow to help me get settled, and she'll be bringing Lizzie dog back to me.

My blog will probably be dark for a few days as I get settled, explore then start a new job.

So far, though, so good!

Review: Gluten Free Palace and Kaia Foods

Recently I used the daily deal site Gluten Free Saver to get coupons for Gluten Free Palace and Kaia Foods. Both coupons were $30 worth of stuff for $15.

These are sites I was both very impressed with, the stuff I have tried from both has been very good, but at the same time I likely won't be ordering from them again because their prices were so high. I think they might have been related because they looked similar.

From Kaia Foods I paid $15 for the coupon, $0.55 in additional costs, and $5 in shipping. For $20.55 (what would have been $35.55) I got:

Jessica's lack-of-power struggle, Wednesday

NOTE: This harrowing tale was originally recorded using the ancient methods of a pencil and paper. It was transcribed Monday night in a format easily readable by others (because no one can read my handwriting) and set to autopost throughout the week.

Translation: Jessica was unable to watch “My Name is Earl” reruns on Netflix after a nasty windstorm knocked out power for several days, so she continued to blog on paper. She watches too many apocalyptic movies, so the second she has access to Netflix you will find her motionless on the couch rewatching “The Stand”, because that’s what she’s been comparing her experiences to all weekend (even though they didn’t have smart phones or iPods). Oh, and also the #Anniesmove episode of Community.

See all parts here.

 

Power lines caught in downed trees on Church Street -- likely why I'm still out.

Wednesday, 11 a.m. – I am now the 31%.

Most of Licking County has power and I still don’t. I kind of wish today was a work day. Can’t I just take my holiday when the lights come back on? I dropped my phone off at work to charge for a bit. Time to keep packing, one week until the move!

An Alabama Power worker on Church Street, near me.

Wednesday, 3 p.m. – It’s one thing when the whole city is out. You get into a “we’re all in this together, let’s go get a bottle of wine” mindset.

But when AEP is celebrating 70% power, you want to yell at each passing utility truck: “Hey!! Me next!”

I felt a glimmer of hope as an AEP pickup rolled slowly through the alley and stop by the neighbor’s. I went inside to get two bottles of water and snack bars, the best bribes I could come up with for information, but when I came back out they were already gone.

My neighbor tipped me off to some crews working on Church Street, one block over and two blocks up. Armed with my self-appointed “Official Advocate Tweeter” title, I went over to scope out the scene and take some photos.

It was ugly, tree trunks in yards and power lines snarled up in branches.

My buddy’s here. Time to go seek out a cold beverage.

Bad damage to another house.

Wednesday, 5 p.m. – Nothing yet. But now that I’ve had some hard cider and good food I’m feeling a bit better. 

It’s been 120 hours. I need to pack, but I’m climbing the walls. It’s 87 degrees in my apartment, so I can only get a bit of packing done at a time. Upstairs is completely uninhabitable. I’m so over this.

Time to run my phone to work to charge again.

Wednesday, 6:00 p.m. – Arg.

Perhaps the worst part? The sign in UDF’s window: “We are out of ice cream.”

Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. – I was picking out all the hoodies from my closet to pack and loud cheering erupts across the street. I try the light switch. Nada.

Seconds later, I hear a click.

Then there’s cold air blowing against my heels and the light above me illuminates.

I squeal loudly, then I see the neighbor in his yard. “We’re back!!!” I yell. Then I punch the down button on my thermostat all the way to 65, and close all my windows. “Isn’t it great to have power,” someone walking down the street says as I close my living room window. “Yep,” I say. Once I’m sufficiently sealed from the noises of my neighborhood, “Now I don’t have to listen to you clowns anymore.”

Time to zoom to work to get my phone to broadcast the good news to the world on Twitter, go to Brandie’s to get my food, then spend the evening comatose on the couch.

My favorite episode, and quite appropriate.

The epilogue: 121 hours without power. That’s longer than I’ve ever had to go – by about 118 hours.

I spent last night watching the Walking Dead and Community under a blanket. I was cold and I was loving it. 

I posted celebratory posts on Facebook and Twitter, but knew I couldn’t gloat too much. Lots of people I know are still out.

I offer up my washer and dryer and AC to those that need it, as others did for me. Now it's back to work -- lots to do before I skip town next week!

Jessica's lack-of-power struggle, Tuesday

NOTE: This harrowing tale was originally recorded using the ancient methods of a pencil and paper. It was transcribed Monday night in a format easily readable by others (because no one can read my handwriting) and set to autopost throughout the week.

Translation: Jessica was unable to watch “My Name is Earl” reruns on Netflix after a nasty windstorm knocked out power for several days, so she continued to blog on paper. She watches too many apocalyptic movies, so the second she has access to Netflix you will find her motionless on the couch rewatching “The Stand”, because that’s what she’s been comparing her experiences to all weekend (even though they didn’t have smart phones or iPods). Oh, and also the #Anniesmove episode of Community.

See all parts here.

TUESDAY 1 p.m.: The lights came back on at the Advocate this morning. We were able to move back upstairs a couple hours ago.

I got my hopes up after I got a text from my landlord, so an hour ago I ran home to check. Still no lights on at home L I’m getting anxious, mostly because many areas of Newark are coming back up but I’m still in the dark. If the lights are still off tonight I’m going to go to Brandie’s to do laundry and take a long, hot shower.

Breakfast was melon and a protein bar. Lunch was almond butter on rice cakes. I really want some real food, something that doesn’t have a bar code or come in a package.

Jessica's lack-of-power struggle, Monday

NOTE: This harrowing tale was originally recorded using the ancient methods of a pencil and paper. It was transcribed Monday night in a format easily readable by others (because no one can read my handwriting) and set to autopost throughout the week.

Translation: Jessica was unable to watch “My Name is Earl” reruns on Netflix after a nasty windstorm knocked out power for several days, so she continued to blog on paper. She watches too many apocalyptic movies, so the second she has access to Netflix you will find her motionless on the couch rewatching “The Stand”, because that’s what she’s been comparing her experiences to all weekend (even though they didn’t have smart phones or iPods). Oh, and also the #Anniesmove episode of Community.

See all parts here.

PART 5

Dark newsroom.

Monday, 1 p.m.: I have limited computer and Internet access here at work, but no time to play online, so while they have us shut down to install and ultra-mega-generator, I’m going to continue to “blog” on paper.

There’s still no power at home, and we were working off a smaller generators at work, sharing computers and phone lines.

Jessica's lack-of-power struggle, Sunday

NOTE: This harrowing tale was originally recorded using the ancient methods of a pencil and paper. It was transcribed Monday night in a format easily readable by others (because no one can read my handwriting) and set to autopost throughout the week.

Translation: Jessica was unable to watch “My Name is Earl” reruns on Netflix after a nasty windstorm knocked out power for several days, so she continued to blog on paper. She watches too many apocalyptic movies, so the second she has access to Netflix you will find her motionless on the couch rewatching “The Stand”, because that’s what she’s been comparing her experiences to all weekend (even though they didn’t have smart phones or iPods). Oh, and also the #Anniesmove episode of Community.

See all parts here.

PART 4

Sunday's paper.

Sunday, 1ish: This situation sucks. No getting around it. It’s not funny anymore. The “te-he time to live like the Amish” jokes are old.

I didn’t feel truly stressed about all this until I turned into the Newark Meijer today.

There were long lines waiting for the gas pumps. Inside, people wandered aimlessly, looking frazzled with full carts, as if they weren’t quite sure what they wanted, other than to drag the shopping trip out as much as possible. The parking lot was a zoo. Apparently, when the power goes out, all the common rules of courtesy in a parking lot are voided. Miraculously my Fit made it out unscathed.

Meijer gas pumps.

The store was filled with rude, stressed out people. “America, the Beautiful” was playing over the speakers.

They didn’t have any battery alarm clocks. I thought about a pint of ice cream, but it wasn’t worth the massive lines. I had to get out of there.

Now I’m listening to the country station again. I hate country music. I’d like to plug in my iPod instead. But I have no Internet access so the radio station is my only source of current news, so I’m bearing with the terrible music. There have been more reports of ice and generators delivered to local stores, they keep announcing the hours and locations for people in need, but no word on any progress. There’s going to be a press conference at 3 p.m. The Advocate did a great job at covering the storm. I stopped in the office today and heard that if they can get the hospital back online it might be a tipping point for the whole city. 

Could it really be a whole week?

Sunday, 7 p.m.: Went to Easton for a reprieve from the heat, a burger, sweet potato fries and some ice cream.

I’m feeling a little better.

At the press conference, local officials said they were working hard, but did not give an indication of when the power might be back on. Their first priorities are the hospitals and the elderly, of course.

Sunday, 9 p.m.: Brandie just texted me. She has power! Time to see what’s salvageable in my freezer and head over to her house.

Part 5 will autopost at 8 a.m. tomorrow. 

 

Jessica's lack-of-power struggle, Saturday evening

NOTE: This harrowing tale was originally recorded using the ancient methods of a pencil and paper. It was transcribed Monday night in a format easily readable by others (because no one can read my handwriting) and set to autopost throughout the week.

Translation: Jessica was unable to watch “My Name is Earl” reruns on Netflix after a nasty windstorm knocked out power for several days, so she continued to blog on paper. She watches too many apocalyptic movies, so the second she has access to Netflix you will find her motionless on the couch rewatching “The Stand”, because that’s what she’s been comparing her experiences to all weekend (even though they didn’t have smart phones or iPods). Oh, and also the #Anniesmove episode of Community. 

See all parts here.

PART 3

Saturday's paper.

The Lancaster Meijer had flashlights left.

Saturday 9:30 p.m.: Normally I’d be feeling really bad for Lizzie right now, but she’s not here. I’m sitting outside and there are fireworks going off in every direction. They don’t bother me. I like the smell.

I’ve had a good meal, a chicken bowl at Chipotle, and I’m a little more prepared, so I’m feeling better. But there are still no lights, and might not be for quite some time…

JESSICA’S lack-of-power struggle, Saturday morning/afternoon

NOTE: This harrowing tale was originally recorded using the ancient methods of a pencil and paper. It was transcribed Monday night in a format easily readable by others (because no one can read my handwriting) and set to autopost throughout the week.

Translation: Jessica was unable to watch “My Name is Earl” reruns on Netflix after a nasty windstorm knocked out power for several days, so she continued to blog on paper. She watches too many apocalyptic movies, so the second she has access to Netflix you will find her motionless on the couch rewatching “The Stand”, because that’s what she’s been comparing her experiences to all weekend (even though they didn’t have smart phones or iPods). Oh, and also the #Anniesmove episode of Community.

See all parts here.

PART 2

Neighbor's house

Saturday, 7:30 a.m.: I wake up, and this isn’t funny anymore.

I survey the damage. Things are scattered about my kitchen, a result of me blindly digging through my cabinets by a weak candlelight to find a snack. Things are knocked over in my living room and bedroom because my windows were open during the storm.

The next door neighbor’s house’s power line is down, crushed by a tree. The tree across the street has fallen into the road. I’ll operate to the soundtrack of chainsaws today because of all this.

I don’t have a clue what time it is until I get my phone back to my car for more charge. Every clock I have is digital.

And then I realize there’s a downside to a diet where nearly everything you eat is a perishable…

Everything you eat is a perishable. 

I have my almond butter, preserves and the gluten free bread I pulled from the freezer. I have a ton of frozen meats and veggies that are probably going to go bad. I think about rushing them up to Cleveland, but they’re probably worth about a tank of gas, plus I need this time to pack for the move to Rochester. I’m going to get some packing done while it’s still cool inside. I may head to Cleveland if the temps spike again. I miss Lizzie, but I’m so glad she’s with my parents.

I really want some eggs, spinach and feta. Dissatisfied, I eat a protein bar. 

Saturday, 2:30 p.m.: Power is still out. It’s comfortable in my apartment but hot as H-E-double-hockey-sticks outside. I really want to know how my buddies are doing, but no access to Facebook. At least I can call and text. Phone is charging in my car. Back to packing up the living room.

Part 3 will autopost at 8 a.m. tomorrow. 

Jessica's lack-of-power struggle, Friday night

NOTE: This harrowing tale was originally written using the ancient methods of a pencil and paper. It was transcribed Monday night in a format easily readable by others (because no one can read my handwriting) and set to autopost throughout the week.

Translation: Jessica was unable to watch “My Name is Earl” reruns on Netflix after a nasty windstorm knocked out power for several days, so she continued to blog on paper. She watches too many apocalyptic movies, so the second she has access to Netflix you will find her motionless on the couch rewatching “The Stand”, because that’s what she’s been comparing her experiences to all weekend (even though they didn’t have smart phones or iPods). Oh, and also the #Anniesmove episode of Community.

See all parts here.

PART 1

Storm damage on Church Street.

FRIDAY, 9 p.m.: Earlier tonight I was in a New Albany Panera Bread, picking at a strawberry salad and writing two stories, and BAM! The sky turns dark, thunder claps and the wind starts howling. It seems all the trees are about to topple over in a domino effect. I had been up since 6 covering the tea party convention in Columbus. This happens at about 4:45 p.m.

The lights flicker, then Hamilton Road goes dark.

There begins a harrowing tale where I’m thrust back to the stone ages, yet the technology-dependent me manages to turn in two stories and plop down on my couch with a bottle of wine in my hand.

Not long after the lights go out while I’m sitting in Panera, it’s pouring rain and I realize my other set of notes are in my car. I check in with the bosses in Newark. Storm of the Century hasn’t hit there yet.

The rain stops 15 minutes later. All is dark. Panera is closing, so once I’ve written all I could from the notes I did have I followed the rain clouds down 161.