In all the loan and moving hoopla, it’s been easy for me to forget that I am running the San Francisco Half Marathon on Sunday. Don’t worry – I’ve been training, but I guess it’s in part because I am more used to running longer distances that it hasn’t seemed like I’ve prepared all that much for this one. Last year at this time I ran the SF race … but it was my first running race ever, and the longest I had ever run in my life. This year, I have 2 half marathons under my belt, plus a smattering of other races, and my training runs are regularly hitting the 12-mile mark… so I definitely feel like more of a “runner.” Still, I am starting to get those butterflies… especially since I am doing the first half this year and the course is pretty hilly.
I’m not looking to break any records – I am viewing this race as more of a training excercise. And next weekend, I’ll be hitting 14 miles in preparating for the Chicago Marathon in October… so the running distances aren’t getting any shorter. I guess I am actually a runner now. 
I can’t believe it… we’re almost there with a new house! We found a fabulous place in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood on The Panhandle here in San Francisco. Definitely a lot more trouble to secure a loan in these unsteady times… but we’re almost at closing and really excited. And, in extra-special news… Charles Manson lived literally 3 blocks from here during The Summer of Love. For a twisted soul like me, this is extra-fabulous, especially since I’ll walk by the place (creepy, but fun) each day on the way to Muni.
It’s the top floor flat, with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, formal dining room, living room, laundry room, and redone kitchen – all in all about 1770 square feet. (MUCH bigger than anyplace we’ve ever lived.) Sadly, no pool like our place in San Diego, but I guess when the restaurants, Golden Gate Park, and museums are right around the corner, can you complain?
We’ll be moving in during August – closing August 6 (unless something kooky happens.) It will be the perfect place to launch into those long training runs that are coming up. Speaking of running, the last 2 weekends in a row, I’ve logged 12 miles on Saturday. Did a nice 7-miler this morning before work, and am running the SF marathon pretty soon. Still, not ready for the Chicago Marathon, but hopefully will get there. Thus, running, and lots of television – have you seen the gorgeousness that is Mad Men? - is keeping me busy… (and packing, which I am dreading).
I am so excited to have a fresh start in a new place. Now to pick the paint colors… stay tuned.
xoxo, Heather
I always start things I don’t finish. I don’t want this blog (or the getting-ever-closer Chicago Marathon) to conform to that rule. So here we go. It’s been a crazy-busy week or so for me… not only did we find a house that is pretty perfect (alas Berkeley, it is not in your fair Village), I got a promotion at work and also managed to stick pretty much to my Marathon Training Plan. For those of you that care, my last week or so training-wise has looked like this:
- Friday, July 4: 8 miles
- Saturday, July 5: 10 miles
- Sunday, July 6: Rest
- Monday, July 7: 4 miles + strength
- Tuesday, July 8: Rest (OK, I slacked a little)
- Wednesday, July 9: 4 miles + strength
- Thursday, July 10: 5 miles – TRACK
- Friday, July 11: Rest
- Saturday, July 12: 12 miles
- Sunday, July 13: Cross
- Monday, July 14: 4 miles + strength
The 12 miles on Saturday felt really good. I kept a good pace and really felt like I could go longer if needed. Heartening, because the San Francisco Half Marathon is just around the corner on August 3, and the runs aren’t getting any shorter from here on out. My only real issue is a nagging hip pain that sort of feels like my hip bones are grinding together. Could be minor IT Band Syndrome…. I am doing lots of stretching, though, to work it out.
Next Saturday I am going for 12 miles again, then a short taper before the Half. Then, off to the big-gun runs … 14, 16, 18, 20. Joy!
Oh, and about the house. We found a gorgeous 3 bedroom, 2 bath Edwardian flat right on the Panhandle in the Haight Ashbury neighborhood – about 2 blocks from Golden Gate park. Factor in a great deal on the place and 1750 square feet, and we’re set. Closer to work and a hipper area – fun! Will post pics when we have them.
OK, back to work on ProjectRunway.com. Premieres July 16!
xoxo, Heather
