This week, I find myself in Charlotte, NC visiting old friends from my 2008-09 year here as well as seeing best friends from college for a week long beach bachelorette party. Going back to places where I once was and seeing those friends of the past, always brings up feelings of nostalgia and old memories. Moving around has always been a big adjustment period for me, and I have always found myself longing to stay in an area for a while just so that I can establish connections and friends and really get to know an area well. I remember leaving the University of Richmond with a feeling of losing my team that had become a family, and similarly when leaving Charlotte, with the Charlotte Running Club.
Until about a month or two ago, Colorado still had not yet had this effect on me. I still hadn't quite figured things out yet, and for some reason, it just felt like I was in some kind of adventure land with no real purpose. Over the past month or so though, things have simply just been falling into place. I started doing consistent Weds Track workouts with Emma and Dan. I ran a few races and joined 24 hr fitness. I even explored some new things that Colorado has to offer, particularly some good breweries.
On a whim (with a recommendation from a Denver area running friend), I decided a week and a half ago to apply to a job with Ironman (the triathlon company). For me, the frustration was building as I worked 40+ hours a week managing a candy store that plays "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" on repeat all day, everyday. A personal goal of mine is to always be challenging myself. Was the candy store really challenging me? No. Was it helping me survive in Colorado. Yes, but that's just it. I saw it as a stepping stone and my time there was up. So I went into an interview a few days after applying with really nothing to lose. I was asked some questions, shown a tour of the warehouse and offices, and hired right there on the spot. I was ecstatic. For me, to be involved with a company that promotes endurance sports-something I have grown up loving, is a dream come true. Starting June 1st, I will be starting at the bottom of the ladder with merchandising and ordering, but who knows where this position could really take me? And I am so ready to embark on the journey with a real 9-5 M-F job, where I can have a real life. Honestly, I dont think you ever really appreciate things like a 9-5er unless you've had a retail or service job with crazy hours that really limit your lifestyle. This job with also provide me with more of the structure that I need to balance my life, training for Chicago and socially, as I continue to build my social network.
Running wise, things are really starting to come together. Emma and I are seeking out world class marathoner, Steve Jones, to be our coach for Chicago with a select group called Boulder Express Runners. Honestly, I think that having a structured plan, with the support of like minded and talented athletes, will really help me attain my future running goals. I was elated this past weekend, after me, Emma, Dan, Chris LeMare, and a new friend Scott Baker, entered the Denver Colfax Marathon Relay under team name D.I.R.T. (Denver's Intense Running Team) and won the co-ed division. I have to admit, I haven't done a team relay since the Richmond River 2 Sea got lost and had to drop out, so I was a little nervous. Luckily, everyone put forth 110% effort and we pulled out the victory! As I held the giant gold cup that we received at the awards ceremony, I was overcome with joy. This team effort made me feel like home again, like I had that family of teammates again. And for me, that is one of the best feelings in the world.
They say "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" and for me that is just what happened as I took a leap of faith, moved out here, and followed my dream. I do not think my journey will ever really be through. After all, we all need a little daring, dreaming, and discovering in our lives.
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