Being at a new school has presented me with a whole bunch a chances to do something new. Last year I passed up so many great opportunities because I was scared and honestly, lazy. If something was completely new to me I would bail on it so I wouldn't be put in any kind of uncertain situation. This didn't work out too well for me and now I regret all of the things that I didn't do.
So far this school year I have been trying new things whenever possible. I have found some things that work for me and some that don't. I have gone to various club meetings, including Russian Club, Yoga Club, Veggie Club, and Running Club. While the Veggie Club is way to bold for my taste, the Russian Club was just what I was looking for. The people are incredibly friendly and I have already met some awesome people through it.
The club I was the most excited for was the running club but they ended up being much too fast for me. The club is made up of predominantly guys who run at a 6:30 pace. I do not run at a 6:30 pace or any pace close to that. I went to one meeting and one run but I am waiting until my half marathon is over with before I go back. I want to meet some people that I can run with but most of these people are just too fast for me.
The yoga club is the other club that I have been really enjoying. This isn't as much of a club as student lead yoga classes. Either way I am loving being able to attend yoga multiple times a week for free. Plus everybody is very friendly and one of my new friends from the Russian Club attends weekly.
The great thing about joining a club or organization in college is the many free opportunities that are available. It is such a great feeling to be able to go to a meeting for a club and know that all of the other people that are there are interested in at least one thing that I am interested in. Sharing that common interest really allows people to bond and form friendships.
My goal for myself is to be as outgoing and friendly as possible in order to meet as many new people as possible, and hopefully make amazing friends!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Happy October!
Happy October all! Fall has officially begun and every day is starting to feel more and more like fall. The temperature in Baltimore has really dropped this weekend with temps in the low 50's
I am really excited to run in these cooler temps! There are so many other things I am looking, including drinking hot tea, taking warm baths, fall fashion, and eventually the holiday season. Christmas season is my favorite time of year, which includes the fall leading up to it. On days like today when it is cold and rainy there is nothing more I would rather do than curl in with a warm blanket and a mug of hot tea to read a good book. Add some cuddling with my boy and I couldn't be happier.
On Tuesday I set out to do a long-ish run, but unfortunately I didn't make it very far. I was hoping for 9 miles but as soon as I hit mile 7 my knee decided that running another 2 miles really wasn't an option. I was pretty disappointed in my failed long run but I decided that I would rather not mess up my knee this close to my half marathon.
I am actually getting pretty nervous about running 13.1 miles in two weeks because my longest run to date has only been 7 miles. I have run 7 miles a few times and this distance is not a problem for me but I am really worried about running all 13.1 miles. The problem is that Baltimore is pretty hilly which flared up my knee and caused the return of the shin splints.
Ultimately I think it is more important that I stay injury free than nail all of my long runs. Originally I was hoping to run 13.1 in close to 2:00 but that goal has completely gone out the window with how unprepared I am. As of right now I am planning on some kind of run/walk method to conquer all of the miles successfully. I am planning on doing 1-2 more long runs before October 15 so hopefully I will gain some more confidence going into it.
| Right Now | Next 36 Hours | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | Tonight | Tomorrow | Tomorrow Night |
 |  | | |
| Cloudy | Showers | AM Showers | Showers |
| 50°F | 47° | 55° | 46° |
| Feels Like: 48° |
I am really excited to run in these cooler temps! There are so many other things I am looking, including drinking hot tea, taking warm baths, fall fashion, and eventually the holiday season. Christmas season is my favorite time of year, which includes the fall leading up to it. On days like today when it is cold and rainy there is nothing more I would rather do than curl in with a warm blanket and a mug of hot tea to read a good book. Add some cuddling with my boy and I couldn't be happier.
On Tuesday I set out to do a long-ish run, but unfortunately I didn't make it very far. I was hoping for 9 miles but as soon as I hit mile 7 my knee decided that running another 2 miles really wasn't an option. I was pretty disappointed in my failed long run but I decided that I would rather not mess up my knee this close to my half marathon.
I am actually getting pretty nervous about running 13.1 miles in two weeks because my longest run to date has only been 7 miles. I have run 7 miles a few times and this distance is not a problem for me but I am really worried about running all 13.1 miles. The problem is that Baltimore is pretty hilly which flared up my knee and caused the return of the shin splints.
Ultimately I think it is more important that I stay injury free than nail all of my long runs. Originally I was hoping to run 13.1 in close to 2:00 but that goal has completely gone out the window with how unprepared I am. As of right now I am planning on some kind of run/walk method to conquer all of the miles successfully. I am planning on doing 1-2 more long runs before October 15 so hopefully I will gain some more confidence going into it.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
First Days of Fall
Friday was officially the first day of fall and I couldn't be more excited. The temperatures here in Baltimore really haven't been dropping but that will surely be changing in a few weeks. Fall represents so much for me. It is the beginning of the school year, which means so many new opportunities. For me, fall is a time to get back to working hard, but also playing hard. I am so excited for all the fun fall festivities that are heading my way.
Of course my favorite thing about fall is probably the fashion. I haven't really mentioned anything on here before about it, but I am really into clothes and fashion. While I don't spend crazy amounts on any item of clothing, I like to look nice and experiment with my clothes. And with the cooler temps about to roll in I am getting my cozy sweaters, tall boots, and plethora of scarves out.
My goal this fall & winter is to not wear jeans everyday of the week. I have some great dresses, skirts, & shorts that will look awesome with some tights thrown under them. As much as I love my jeans, I think they can look sloppy at times. Moreover, I think they look very generic. What college girl isn't wearing a pair of skinny jeans every.single.day?
I have also been going crazy over scarves. They are the perfect way to make any outfit a little warmer & a lot cozier. Plus they look great thrown with just about anything. I really can't wait until I can pair my scarves with fall & winter jackets either. I think it is really important to make sure that everything you wear is stylish yet comfy. That is my motto!
Of course my favorite thing about fall is probably the fashion. I haven't really mentioned anything on here before about it, but I am really into clothes and fashion. While I don't spend crazy amounts on any item of clothing, I like to look nice and experiment with my clothes. And with the cooler temps about to roll in I am getting my cozy sweaters, tall boots, and plethora of scarves out.
My goal this fall & winter is to not wear jeans everyday of the week. I have some great dresses, skirts, & shorts that will look awesome with some tights thrown under them. As much as I love my jeans, I think they can look sloppy at times. Moreover, I think they look very generic. What college girl isn't wearing a pair of skinny jeans every.single.day?
I have also been going crazy over scarves. They are the perfect way to make any outfit a little warmer & a lot cozier. Plus they look great thrown with just about anything. I really can't wait until I can pair my scarves with fall & winter jackets either. I think it is really important to make sure that everything you wear is stylish yet comfy. That is my motto!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
With Rain Comes Puddles
Yesterday was a super rainy day here in Baltimore. It was raining when I woke up at 7:30 and rained all throughout the night. I really wanted to get a run in yesterday but was pretty hesitant because of the rain. I have never run in the rain before and really wasn't sure if it was worth it.
But I decided to lace up my sneakers and venture outside anyway. My motivation was the thought of rain on race day. I don't want to be any more unprepared than necessary. I decided to aim for 4 mile. Not too short, not too long. At first the rain felt very strange while running. I was cold and just wasn't sure how this run was going to turn out.
But then I discovered puddles nearby. At first I tried to jump over the puddles but then I realized that my jumping skills are way below average and I was going to land in a puddle regardless. After encountering my first few puddles I really started to embrace them. It actually ended up being a really nice way to cool off.
In addition to running in the rain, I also knocked out some hills. The Baltimore Half Marathon course is pretty hilly, but luckily for me Baltimore in general is pretty hilly. I can barely avoid hills while out running. I am starting to feel much stronger and faster going uphill though.
After yesterday's run I am actually hoping that it rains on race day. I know that might sound a little crazy, but I REALLY enjoyed myself yesterday and I never felt overheated for a change. My other hope is that the weather cools down some. It probably won't be so awesome running in the rain when it is 50 degrees outside but I will take that over sunny and 80.
But I decided to lace up my sneakers and venture outside anyway. My motivation was the thought of rain on race day. I don't want to be any more unprepared than necessary. I decided to aim for 4 mile. Not too short, not too long. At first the rain felt very strange while running. I was cold and just wasn't sure how this run was going to turn out.
But then I discovered puddles nearby. At first I tried to jump over the puddles but then I realized that my jumping skills are way below average and I was going to land in a puddle regardless. After encountering my first few puddles I really started to embrace them. It actually ended up being a really nice way to cool off.
In addition to running in the rain, I also knocked out some hills. The Baltimore Half Marathon course is pretty hilly, but luckily for me Baltimore in general is pretty hilly. I can barely avoid hills while out running. I am starting to feel much stronger and faster going uphill though.
After yesterday's run I am actually hoping that it rains on race day. I know that might sound a little crazy, but I REALLY enjoyed myself yesterday and I never felt overheated for a change. My other hope is that the weather cools down some. It probably won't be so awesome running in the rain when it is 50 degrees outside but I will take that over sunny and 80.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Getting Back Into the Groove
Despite my recent struggles with sticking with my half marathon training I have been running more regularly lately. On Sunday I was hoping to get in 8 miles but with the knee pain I was having I only managed to bang out 6 miles. I was able to keep a decent pace of 10:20 though, considering this was the longest I had run in about a month.
However, I didn't let this set back keep me down for long. On Monday I went out for a run with the running club. I was really hoping to love this club but that was not the case. The group ended up being waaay too fast for me, and they ran on a very rocky mountain biking trail. Despite all that, I still managed to get in 4 hilly miles.
Light night I did my first yoga class in over a year. It was so wonderful and really helped stretch out my sore body from the trail run. The class was a mix of yoga and pilates and I was loving the variety of exercises we did.
Tonight I did an easy 3 mile hill run around my apartment complex and around campus. I really enjoyed this run, except for all the hills. My pace was slower than normal due to trying to figure out where was safe to run nearby, but overall it was a good run.
Tomorrow I am going to do my long run of 9 miles!
However, I didn't let this set back keep me down for long. On Monday I went out for a run with the running club. I was really hoping to love this club but that was not the case. The group ended up being waaay too fast for me, and they ran on a very rocky mountain biking trail. Despite all that, I still managed to get in 4 hilly miles.
Light night I did my first yoga class in over a year. It was so wonderful and really helped stretch out my sore body from the trail run. The class was a mix of yoga and pilates and I was loving the variety of exercises we did.
Tonight I did an easy 3 mile hill run around my apartment complex and around campus. I really enjoyed this run, except for all the hills. My pace was slower than normal due to trying to figure out where was safe to run nearby, but overall it was a good run.
Tomorrow I am going to do my long run of 9 miles!
Friday, September 16, 2011
Some Catching Up
This week has been so crazy! I had my first quiz, and of course it was in my Russian class so that made it a million times harder than a regular quiz, I have been preparing for two more tests this weekend (online class), and have been trying to get some solid training in on top of all the homework and classes I have to go to.
I went out for a run on Wednesday but was rather unsuccessful because my knee was bothering me on the hills and I didn't want to push it. It kind of feels like it is going to dislocate when I go up the stairs or uphill so I am trying to keep that under control and avoid hills like crazy.
I am going home this weekend so I am going to knock out my long run and hopefully a short tempo run on the nice, flat trail near my house. I really miss running there, actually.
With my knee bothering me I have been unable to go to any of the runs put on by the running club but I am hoping that next week everything will be feeling better and I will be able to go out with them a few times.
I am looking forward to being able to swim some more next week even though the temperatures are still supposed to be on the cool side. The outdoor pool is heated so I am going to take advantage of that for as long as I can.
I got an email from the Baltimore Running Festival reminding me that my first half marathon is now less than 30 days away. I have been working so hard toward achieving this goal and I am getting more excited than ever. I really think once I get back into a running groove that I will get even more excited.
I am trying to really pay attention to my nutrition too now that I am back at school. I don't want a repeat of last year where I gained 10 pounds because of the all you can eat dining hall. I am trying to make healthy choices at every meal and only eat junk food in moderation. I have been doing well so far but it is only a few weeks into the semester.
I will be reporting back sometime this weekend with how my long run went so be on the lookout!
I went out for a run on Wednesday but was rather unsuccessful because my knee was bothering me on the hills and I didn't want to push it. It kind of feels like it is going to dislocate when I go up the stairs or uphill so I am trying to keep that under control and avoid hills like crazy.
I am going home this weekend so I am going to knock out my long run and hopefully a short tempo run on the nice, flat trail near my house. I really miss running there, actually.
With my knee bothering me I have been unable to go to any of the runs put on by the running club but I am hoping that next week everything will be feeling better and I will be able to go out with them a few times.
I am looking forward to being able to swim some more next week even though the temperatures are still supposed to be on the cool side. The outdoor pool is heated so I am going to take advantage of that for as long as I can.
I got an email from the Baltimore Running Festival reminding me that my first half marathon is now less than 30 days away. I have been working so hard toward achieving this goal and I am getting more excited than ever. I really think once I get back into a running groove that I will get even more excited.
I am trying to really pay attention to my nutrition too now that I am back at school. I don't want a repeat of last year where I gained 10 pounds because of the all you can eat dining hall. I am trying to make healthy choices at every meal and only eat junk food in moderation. I have been doing well so far but it is only a few weeks into the semester.
I will be reporting back sometime this weekend with how my long run went so be on the lookout!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Transitioning into College Life
There are only 2 days left to vote for me to become a member of the Refuel With Chocolate Milk team! Please vote for me so I can afford to keep training and racing on a college student salary! I would really appreciate the support on something so important to me! Vote for Shannon Mulcahy!
I know, I know, I have been absent for awhile again but in my defense I have been spending a lot of time adjusting to being back in a college setting. I am really excited for all the new things I have lined up and that I get to experience, but sometimes it all feels overwhelming. I have been really struggling to stay with my half marathon training because I really don't know the area in which I am living and don't want to end up some place unsafe. This is kinda inexcusable to me though. I knew going into this that I was going to be in the peak of my training and that I was going to have to find a way to make sure that I was hitting all of my long runs each week.
Even though I haven't been running nearly as much as I should be I have been getting in a fair amount of time in the pool. UMBC has an outdoor heated pool that stays open through October and with the temperatures being in the 80's lately I have been really enjoying swimming outside. One of the things I missed most about not swimming competitively anymore was swimming outside. I think it is the perfect way to enjoy the summer, and quite frankly my summers have been feeling incomplete without swimming outside. The problem is that there are no outdoor pools near my house. Now that I have the opportunity to swim outside again I have going all out. I have been pushing myself more than usual and even did some swimming with the UMBC swim team yesterday. This may not make sense to all you non-swimmers, but I feel alive again in the pool. Swimming was something that was more important to me than school or pretty much anything else and then it get ripped away from me in a horrible way. Until just recently I have had a bad relationship with swimming because of the way things ended. Being able to swim outside again though has reaffirmed my love for swimming and I couldn't be happier about it.
With all of the new things going on in my life I am really starting to realize what is important to me and what I want to achieve while in college. I have been discovering new passions and rediscovering old ones. I really can't wait to bring you guys along on this journey and I promise to blog more consistently. I hope to have a few more posts this week about some of the awesome things that I am doing so stay tuned!
I know, I know, I have been absent for awhile again but in my defense I have been spending a lot of time adjusting to being back in a college setting. I am really excited for all the new things I have lined up and that I get to experience, but sometimes it all feels overwhelming. I have been really struggling to stay with my half marathon training because I really don't know the area in which I am living and don't want to end up some place unsafe. This is kinda inexcusable to me though. I knew going into this that I was going to be in the peak of my training and that I was going to have to find a way to make sure that I was hitting all of my long runs each week.
Even though I haven't been running nearly as much as I should be I have been getting in a fair amount of time in the pool. UMBC has an outdoor heated pool that stays open through October and with the temperatures being in the 80's lately I have been really enjoying swimming outside. One of the things I missed most about not swimming competitively anymore was swimming outside. I think it is the perfect way to enjoy the summer, and quite frankly my summers have been feeling incomplete without swimming outside. The problem is that there are no outdoor pools near my house. Now that I have the opportunity to swim outside again I have going all out. I have been pushing myself more than usual and even did some swimming with the UMBC swim team yesterday. This may not make sense to all you non-swimmers, but I feel alive again in the pool. Swimming was something that was more important to me than school or pretty much anything else and then it get ripped away from me in a horrible way. Until just recently I have had a bad relationship with swimming because of the way things ended. Being able to swim outside again though has reaffirmed my love for swimming and I couldn't be happier about it.
With all of the new things going on in my life I am really starting to realize what is important to me and what I want to achieve while in college. I have been discovering new passions and rediscovering old ones. I really can't wait to bring you guys along on this journey and I promise to blog more consistently. I hope to have a few more posts this week about some of the awesome things that I am doing so stay tuned!
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