changes

Well there has been a lot of changes. Last time I updated I was still training for my half marathon, went to a wedding, Vegas and camped.

Well my half marathon went terribly (for me at least). When I was training, I was running under 9 minutes miles even on my really long runs. For the half marathon, I averaged almost 12 minutes miles. Why you ask? well, first off, it was freezing cold that morning. I don't think my body was used to running in the cold like that. Secondly, the terrain that I was running on was much different than what I was training on. I trained on pretty much small gravel and dirt roads with the occasional paved road. The terrain for the half was on larger gravel and paved roads which I think affected my ankles/calves. Thirdly, I drank poweraid and water at the stations and I normally don't/can't drink anything while running because it makes me sick. Honestly, I was doing great until mile 9 and then it went downhill....FAST. I was running my 9 minute miles and was feeling good and strong. Then something happened after mile 9. My legs just no longer wanted to run or move. It was an uphill battle from mile 9 to the finish line. At one point, I even thought about quitting but I knew I just had to finish and I couldn't stop. The worst part for me was literally being passed by all those people I had passed during the first 9 miles. After I pushed through the finish line sprinting (literally the last effort I could muster), I collapsed on the other side & immediately started stretching while my friend Kate cheered me on and took pictures of me.

I then had to drive 30 minutes home and when I got home, my legs were so tired, I could barely walk to the door. I actually hoped that Bella would break out of her kennel and come and carry me off to bed haha.

Next up, I announced I'm moving back to Portland. I plan on finishing up my degree while working a part time job. Not really sure what will happen with my life, but I am A-OK with that! My last day at work is the 29th and I will be heading out on my adventure around the 1st or 2nd.


Then I leave for New York on the 8th to visit this guy:

That's Kevin (if you don't know). He has been my constant best guy friend since high school. He's been there for me through it all!
Then from new york, i'll fly to Ohio to visit my moms side of the family and my sister. I cannot wait! After hanging out in Ohio for a couple of days, sissy and I will drive to Florida to visit my grandma (dad's mom) and go to Disney World. Lordy I love Disney World, even if it costs me an arm and a leg to get in. Then we will drive back after a couple of days and I will fly back to Portland on October 2nd.

Then possibly a trip to Vegas! Yes, another trip to Vegas. I swear, I've gone to Vegas in the past year than most people ever will in their whole lives. My bestie Jenn and her BF will be celebrating his bday there!

Hopefully, at some point, I'll find a job and get back to school! Right now, my main goal is to enjoy my life back in Portland and get back on track with my life there.

While I'm extremely sad to say good bye to this Alaskan Adventure, I know that my time here was not wasted or unused.

over and out,
Nic