I didn't realize finding friends after college was so difficult. I've never had any problem before: not at camp, or on study abroad, or freshman year, or any of those other times when I was thrown out into the big bad scary world by myself.
But it's like as soon as people graduate they forget that there are other people out there, people like me, who'd just like one friend within a 2 hour radius of their apartment.
Don't get me wrong, I can understand the hesitation to meet new people. I just came back from a weekend in Chicago visiting with friends from college. It was honestly one of the best weekends I think we might have ever spent together: consisting of 7 tangled (and yes--clothed--mother) bodies napping in a bed, breakfast and champagne at 3 in the morning, boutique shopping with the girls, ballroom dancing to 80s music, grilling burgers on the balcony, and friends who drive 8 hrs after work just to surprise you.
Why would we want to meet new people when we can have that?
Because we can't always when we live in 5 different states, work in 6 different ones and are spread out across 1500 miles.
So basically I need to bone up on my social skills and re-learn how to meet people. I thought I'd been doing well, finally having met all of my next-door neighbors. However, although leaving my alarm on to go off at 6:30am all weekend is a good way to meet my neighbor once, twice just makes me an annoying jerk.
Hopefully, I don't have to find out what I become after a third time...
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Fanny Packs are Like Mini Vans...
So May 1st was the big event...my first 5k race. Here are some do and don'ts I learned:
Do: Find supporters, even if you need to pay them
The atmosphere is infectious, especially if you're there with a large group of people. The group energy alone can carry you through the first couple of miles.
Don't: Eat the dust of the people supposedly running with you
I ran with my cousin who was awesome and took pity on me--running the entire thing with me when I know he could have easily finished a good 5+ minutes sooner. It was great that he was there pushing me but the entire time I felt guilty that I was slowing him down. So find a running buddy that complements your pace...not too fast/not too slow.
Do: Go to the bathroom in a toilet and not your pants
Running with a full bladder is not fun. You actually have to make the decision to slow down or pee your pants. I'd never before been so sympathetic of those performers (i.e. Fergie) who pee on the stage during a concert. As gross as it is, at least then you can get over it and concentrate on giving your best performance.
Don't: Pig out on the free Panera bagels heaped on tables at the finish line
Doesn't it sort of defeat the purpose of running if you consume 3000 calories in bagels afterward?
Do: Double Knot Your Shoelaces...or buy Velcro
How much would it suck to be in the middle of a race and trip on your own shoelaces? Or worse yet have somebody else step on them and take an entire pack of racers down for the count?
Don't: Get angry at the twelve year-old passing you
They don't know any better and have not yet experienced the pleasures of college binge drinking and late night pizza runs that go straight to their hips. Let them have their moment before the harsh realities of adulthood hit them square in the face. At that time I give you permission to laugh in retaliation.
Do: Find a something to carry the necessities: ipod, inhaler, sunglasses, ID, debit card, extra shirt, car keys etc.
I highly recommend the dinosaur known as the "Fanny Pack". Once used by middle-aged moms at theme parks, this endangered carrying case is making its comeback debut. The fanny pack, like the mini van, may not be stylish but is pretty damn functional.
I might not have made my goal time (breaking the 30 minute barrier)...I'm blaming the bladder...but I finished strong, 30:52. I'd never before understood what people meant when they said racing was addictive. However, I don't even like running that much and now can't wait for the half marathon in July. The high you get from racing is better than crack...although I don't know for sure, I'm sure there is someone out there that can support that claim.
Do: Find supporters, even if you need to pay them
The atmosphere is infectious, especially if you're there with a large group of people. The group energy alone can carry you through the first couple of miles.
Don't: Eat the dust of the people supposedly running with you
I ran with my cousin who was awesome and took pity on me--running the entire thing with me when I know he could have easily finished a good 5+ minutes sooner. It was great that he was there pushing me but the entire time I felt guilty that I was slowing him down. So find a running buddy that complements your pace...not too fast/not too slow.
Do: Go to the bathroom in a toilet and not your pants
Running with a full bladder is not fun. You actually have to make the decision to slow down or pee your pants. I'd never before been so sympathetic of those performers (i.e. Fergie) who pee on the stage during a concert. As gross as it is, at least then you can get over it and concentrate on giving your best performance.
Don't: Pig out on the free Panera bagels heaped on tables at the finish line
Doesn't it sort of defeat the purpose of running if you consume 3000 calories in bagels afterward?
Do: Double Knot Your Shoelaces...or buy Velcro
How much would it suck to be in the middle of a race and trip on your own shoelaces? Or worse yet have somebody else step on them and take an entire pack of racers down for the count?
Don't: Get angry at the twelve year-old passing you
They don't know any better and have not yet experienced the pleasures of college binge drinking and late night pizza runs that go straight to their hips. Let them have their moment before the harsh realities of adulthood hit them square in the face. At that time I give you permission to laugh in retaliation.
Do: Find a something to carry the necessities: ipod, inhaler, sunglasses, ID, debit card, extra shirt, car keys etc.
I highly recommend the dinosaur known as the "Fanny Pack". Once used by middle-aged moms at theme parks, this endangered carrying case is making its comeback debut. The fanny pack, like the mini van, may not be stylish but is pretty damn functional.
I might not have made my goal time (breaking the 30 minute barrier)...I'm blaming the bladder...but I finished strong, 30:52. I'd never before understood what people meant when they said racing was addictive. However, I don't even like running that much and now can't wait for the half marathon in July. The high you get from racing is better than crack...although I don't know for sure, I'm sure there is someone out there that can support that claim.
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