October 24, 2010

The summer was a blur and I feel like I've come a long way in many aspects of my life. The feeling of productivity to me is huge for me, especially after being unemployed for almost a year. After moving back into our house in June, I slowly, but surely established a routine including work, running, and climbing.

Last weekend was the Denver Half Marathon. I trained for 10 weeks, doing the short runs on my own, the long runs with Nick and Andie, and the speed work outs with Pete. My goal time was 2:00:00. I really had no confidence in finishing in that time, but knew if I ran in under 2:10:00, I would set a PR. Nick paced me for the race and Andie rode around the course to see us in multiple spots along it. I felt good, but in the 10th mile, I started crashing. The aid station at mile 10 felt like it took forever to get to, but I walked through it, eating a gel (which I completely despise those things, but I was desparate!), drinking water, and cytomax. After walking, I felt better, and continued the race through Cheeseman Park. The last mile was the hardest to keep the pace, but Nick pushed me and helped me through it. When I saw the finish line, I kicked it into higher gear - I HAD to get there, and FAST. When we crossed, my watch said 2:00:53. I couldn't believe it! I almost made my goal time, and I was so excited! I felt like I was going to fall over, but SO excited! I couldn't thank Nick enough for getting me there so close to the goal time. YAY! Running!

This weekend was the Psychedelia Comp at The Spot in Boulder. This comp was under a blacklight! I had never been to a climbing competition, had no idea what to expect, how I would perform under pressure, or how I would even see the holds in the dark! After a few minutes, our eyes adjusted. Dana and I made team tanks with glow in the dark puff paint and wore glow-in-the dark bracelets and necklaces! Everyone was dressed up for the occasion and the problems were decorated, each with their own theme. It was really cool :) I felt like I climbed really well and was in the Advanced Category. I almost flashed all the problems (got them on my first try), but got two on my 2nd try. I felt like I should have climbed longer, but the crowds were getting to me, and I started getting hungry. Unfortunately for me, they were out of food and beer by the time I went to get some. I think the crowds were getting to all of us (me, Dana, and Kevin), so we left around 9:30, skipping the fire dancing, the raffle, and the finals for the Open category. Overall it was a fun time, and I was able to realize my potential and push myself. YAY! Climbing!

All summer I've been working on a Charter School in Lamar, CO. This is my first design build project, and I do like the process and how good communication is between the design team, including the architect, MEP, general contractor, and the civil engineer. Its been great. We issued construction documents for permit and bid, and I will be using my Professional Engineering Stamp for the first time tomorrow. The biggest obstacle I've had in the design of this school is including a grinder pump for the site. I have never had to spec out a pump and I felt very confused and unsure of what I was doing - it never made complete sense. I called every resource I could, and finally my old boss and still good friend Eric finally helped it actually make sense. I was able to choose a pump and basin for it, talk to a manufacturer (finally), and put something on the plans. So - tomorrow, I will be stamping my first set of plans. I'm nervous, but excited at the same time - hopefully this pump is designed right!