State Track

This is always such a fun weekend. First, the Ogden marathon! Good luck to all. I hope to run the marathon in the next year or two. For the last ten years, my family has spent the weekend in Provo instead. State track and field. It's hell, pressure, sore legs, tears, and a privilege for the participating athletes. It's anxiety for the family supporters. It's a headache for the coaches. For our family, it's a tradition. 

This may be the last year. Avery is a senior, and Zach is more of a cross country guy. We will see. Avery ran a 1600m in 5:15. Any other division or any other year? She wild have been top  3 or 4. This year in 3A, the winning time was a state record by a fellow Ogden tiger, Sarah Feeny, with a 4:50.4. Unreal. And, she is a junior. Avery also ran the 400 leg of the medley relay. Ogden won by a land slide setting a new state record by 4 seconds. The next day, Ave ran the 800 and took third with a 2:14. Her coach calls her Taz, as in the Tasmanian devil because no one should be able to run like she can while only training for soccer. Finally, she ran the anchor leg of the 4x400. She got the baton in 8th and finished in 5th. Overall, the Ogden girls team took 4th. Way to girlies. 

This year, mom wasn't there. She has been in Europe for a week and she gets back this weekend. I would call her before everyone of Ave's races and give her a play by play. Of course that's hard when you are choking up during the whole thing, between screaming like a crazy person as she ran by each lap. 

Mom is enjoying Europe, but I think this is really hard for her to be gone. Especially missing state track and all of the end of tear activities for school for Zach and Avery. We are all glad he went though. She's never really done anything for herself like this. It will be good to have her back.

Coming Back

I know, I know. Posted more than once a day is dumb. But this entry needs to be separate from the others. I will make it short and sweet. I am coming back to running. I am so dang sick of not running it kills me. Short history: I have been running since I was 10. I ran seriously all through high school and loved every second. I was never injured, ever. Until my senior year. I had some issues that last year, but stayed a float well enough to earn an athletic scholarship to the University of Colorado, one of the top running programs in the country. When I amped up my milage that summer to get ready for collegiate cross country, I hurt my knee. It has never been the same. My IT band would hurt so bad I could barely walk. I essentially didn't run at all my freshman year of college. I redshirted the whole year. I had a strained achilles, stress fractured femur, and the knee to deal with. Let's just say I came home to Utah about 10 pounds fatter than when I left. I hated swimming for exercise, too. It doesn't work and I felt like an idiot at CU's campus pool doing swim running. I am getting heating just sitting here writing about the whole frustrating situation. When I came home for the summer after my freshman year, I decided to not go back. I went to Colorado to run, and I had barely run at all. Even with a nice scholarship, out of state tuition is a beast. I just couldn't justify it. So I went to Paul Pilkington. I had known him for years and I had thought about running for him at Weber State, but opted to go with CU. Given the situation, I asked for his help, and he gave me a spot on his team. I would get to run on my old trails with my old team mate Sarah Callister (who, by the way, had been running out of her mind fast all year, and still is). It took a long time to come back. My knee would flare up once every couple weeks and I would cross train for a few days. I never let it get as bad as it had been. I got to race a couple times in cross country, but I didn't do so with very much pride. I was in the back of the pack, waaaay back. I then got to run some indoor track, again, with very little pride. I was embarrassed at how slow I was racing. Then outdoor track came along and I got to run the steeple chase, and that is fun stuff. My roommate from my freshman year at CU, Shalaya Kipp, ran in the 2012 (I think) Olympics in Beijing in the steeple chase, so I tried to harness her chi. It helped a little I think. I was able to run at conference in Sacramento, but I took 9th, barely missing a scoring spot. Then summer came. Summer is when you do less speed work and more miles. That is not my perfect cup of tea. Don't get me wrong, I love 15 miles on a Saturday morning. But my knee does not.

I remember the day in September. The whole WSU team was doing mile repeats at the 21st street pond. I felt fast and healthy. I was doing 5:35 miles, three times. Way better than I had done since my senior year of year school. In the middle of the second rep, my knee locked up. It felt like someone had stuck a shovel into the outside of my left knee. I stopped immediately, hopping along on one leg and putting pressure on the painful spot; where the IT band meets the knee joint. I left practice, and never went back.

I did physical therapy for six weeks. In the last two years I had tried everything. The three or four docs I talked to said surgery or a sabbatical from running were my only options. I chose the break. I didn't run a step for a few months. After that, I tried a couple times to go "jogging" and I was unsuccessful. For the last year, I have been putting on my running shoes once every few weeks to test the waters. I haven't been able to run more than 15 minutes for a long time. But those were the best days. Normally it would last between 4-6 minutes before I would turn around with my tail between my legs and walk home. Walk. Luckily it was only ever a few blocks. I could hike, and maybe throw some jogging in that way. So I did. I did cross fit for a little while in there. I went biking a few times. But nothing really notable changed.

Then, three months ago, I decided to try some short, slow, intervals on the treadmill. I am lucky enough to have access to a really nice treadmill at my moms house. I would warm up at a glacial pace, run a couple 200's at a less glacial pace, then cool down at the glacial-est pace for a few minutes, before stepping off the treadmill in only minor pain. I continued to do this a couple times a week, increasing the length of the interval or the number of reps, taking an entire week off if my knee ever hurt. I got up to 4x400 at 6 minute pace with 1:1 rest with two more miles of warm up/ cool down at an 8 minutes pace. If you know anything about track, you know that's pathetic.

Then, it got warm outside. I decided to do some trail running. I discovered a route that took me 45 minutes to walk/jog (I don't use the term "jog" lightly. It's offensive to real runners. But seriously, I was barely even jogging. I have a saying written on my mirror in my old room... "If you run without sacrifice, congratulations, you just jogged). I had to keep reminding myself that I am "running" with sacrifice, so I am ok.

I repeated that exact same route 2-5 times per week for the last 6 weeks. And, my knee doesn't hurt. It doesn't hurt! And, I have been able to really push myself. I can't do much up or down hill, but I can haul on the flats. I pay very close attention to how my knee feels. If if hurts in the slightest, I stop and hike/walk home. I have had to walk over two miles, rather than run, in order to protect the stupid knee.

So, that's where I am. I have one route I am comfortable doing. I did a different route two days ago with my old coach, Alydia, and that's when I ended up walking home. I think I will stick to my route and just appreciate what I can get for a while. I went and saw Meriko, a genius of a message therapist, yesterday, and I think she can help me get through the beginning phase. I also have an arsenal of other people willing to help me. My mom who, in the biggest way, will always support my running. My husband, who gave me a fist bump when I called Alydia and told her I wanted to run fast again. Alydia, who is going to train my ace back into shape. Missy Allred, who is already getting me on an injury prevention program. My sister Avery, who inspires me like she will never know. Watching her come to the end of her track career brings tears to my eyes and lights a fires under my feet. My sister Lauren, who makes coming back to running look easy.

I am so excited for this journey. Give me one year. I need one year, and I will be back.

The Color Run: Austin

The Color Run is a company based in Draper, Utah that started last year. They are already worth $30 million. The product is a 5k fun run with colored corn starch added in as a twist. We have some fab relatives (thank you Green family) that hooked Chase and I up with the opportunity to work for The Color Run as "weekend warriors". We basically show up at the airport on Wednesday, fly to a destination (Austin, Texas!), and work for three days, then fly home on Sunday. All expenses paid, plus a pay check. It was so fun! It's long hours of work, but it's so worth it! We got to meet 30 of the funnest people and work with them for the weekend. The highlights of the trip were many; dinner on Friday night was epic. We went to Rudy's, "the worst BBQ in Texas". You order at the counter, sit at picnic tables, and eat the best BBQ on the planet. It's just an awesome atmosphere. I will definitely return if I ever make it back to Austin. Highlight two; the bull ride. As we walked down 6th street, the most happening street in the city, we see a mechanical bull through a window in a bar. It was like 7 pm so it was a very mellow bar. After begging my way in (I didn't think to bring my ID with me because I wasn't planning on ending up in a bar...) I rode the bull! It seriously was so fun! Chase timed me and I rode for over 3 minutes! I waddled around like a penguin for two days because my legs hurt so bad, but it was worth it! Highlight three: getting Chase mostly to myself for a few days. We were working, but we got to see each other more than we do when we are home. I tell you, this guy is the best.

I guess I should throw in that I got my acceptance letter to the MTAX program at Weber State while we were boarding the plane for Austin. I was so happy, I can't wait to pay tuition!! But seriously, I am honored to be able to earn a graduate degree. Some people never get the chance. Others never realize the kind of opportunity it is, and just let it slip by. And, granted, some don't want a graduate degree. I want one.

I have now been to one week of 18 credit hours of master's level course work. I really like it! I said like, not love. It's hard work. It's also hard being at school everyday until 9 pm. I keep thinking Chase and I will have normal schedules at some point. For the next 8 months, it's night classes. I have to say I am really grateful that I have the professors that I do; quality professors make or break it. And I get my three favorite teachers for nearly the entire program. Now all that's left to do is find a suitable job for the next 8 months. Granted, I realize I should have done this like two months ago. But I found myself content with the option of having a few weeks break after my internship. Hopefully by the end of next week a job will be secured.

I love/hate April

So, let's cut to the chase. April was rough. I guess this is the part where I quit my complaining and focus on all the fabulous messages I heard in General Conference the week before, right?? On April 2nd, I was in a car wreck. I was turning left off of Harrison to go to the last Weber State basketball game. I saw a car coming toward me, but they hit their breaks, and the light was reeeeeeally yellow. So, I turned. The next thing I know, I was stopped dead in the intersection and airbags had deployed on the passenger side of the car. I immediately started crying, of course, and I called Chase. He was already at the game and didn't hear his phone so I left a message. The message sounded like a whimpering 7 year old. A few minutes later, after pulling the cars to the side of the road and calling police, Chase called back and sprinted to the scene. The accident happened about two blocks away from the game, so he was close! I am still sort of bitter about the whole situation; 1) the lady that hit me had two kids in the back of her car that didn't even belong to her. 2) I heard her say to the cop that she hit her brakes to stop, but then she decided to go anyway. 3) I loved my car. 4) Between my ticket for $120 (yes I realize that legally it is my fault because I failed to yield... like I said, still bitter) and the $500 deductible, that was one expensive left turn. 5) I still drive scared... which I hate.

Chase then took a handle of things and called the insurance company's 1-800 number, and it rang for like ten years (strike 1). About an hour after the accident, Geico, the other lady's insurance, called me. One point for Geico. The next morning we called and filed that claim with our insurance company. This was the only straight forward and helpful conversation I had with my insurance people for the entirety of this whole ordeal. I was told I would hear from an adjuster that day. Didn't happen (strike 2). When we did get ahold of her, she was rude, impatient, and extremely hard to contact. The whole process took way too long. I then contacted my agent. I was told to "relax". (strikes 3-99999). Seriously? I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Then, to plop the cherry on top, they valued my car $2,000 below what was correct. They didn't use the right models to compare. I am really glad I did my homework and called them out on the mistake. But when I did, the adjuster got upset with me and suggested I "just settle this". I tell you what, she was messing with the wrong girl. I was very matter-of-fact when I explained to her why I am so dissatisfied with my experience with the company. With that, she adjusted the offer, and things were squared away... no less than three weeks after the accident. Needless to say, we will be switching our auto insurance company, likely to Geico.

As much as April was rough, some really great stuff also happened. For instance, on April 12th, my internship ended (not the good part, I was actually really sad) and I was offered a second internship for this coming January (the good part). I was absolutely ecstatic! After talking to multiple partners at the firm and hoping for an offer, I got it. Wow. I am going to be the first student to be offered a tax internship with Tanner. I am pretty excited! After receiving the offer, I contacted my tax professors to tell them the good news! After thinking things over, I realized that I needed to start the Masters program in the summer, or I wouldn't finish until after the internship next year. That would be no bueno; I am really into getting things done, particularly school, and done quickly. Considering the deadline to apply for summer had already passed over a week prior, I had to very graciously beg for a late application. The professors granted my request; I had two weeks to take the GMAT and apply to the program. That very second, I signed up for the GMAT ($260 bucks later). I downloaded a million different study apps to my phone, and geared for the day; 4 hours of testing that would decided my fate! To be honest, I only studied about 10 hours total. I was also working on wrapping up my classes for the semester. 

April 16th was another doozy. As I sat quietly studying at school, Chase called me...

"Hey Chlo, you probably ought to head home."

"Why?"

"Carl (landlord), just called me. The house flooded."

BOOM. 

When I got to the house, I cried. When I walked inside, I cried. When I saw my favorite leather boots sitting in and inch of water, I cried. Chase had already started called people to come and help us move. Yes, move. We had to get 100% of everything out of the house. We are talking about cleaning out the fridge type moving. Within minutes, the EQP was there with a truck and trailor, Ethen showed up with a truck, and Meg and Jeff and my mom and Zach came to haul stuff. Connie and Tony called from the airport to say they of course would be there to help if there weren't on there way to PARIS!! Lucky! (Those two decided about two weeks prior that they would visit Tony's mission, Paris, and G&G Reynolds in Sweden. Livin the dream!) It took about 3 hours to get everything out of the house and into my mother's garage. (The perks of living in a small apartment!) Then the real boom hit; we get to live with my mother for a month. (Let's be honest, it's not that bad. It's kind of bad, but not that bad). Carl says May 16th is the day we can move back in. Let's hope so. 

Moving forward. April 19th was a big day. My mother turned 48. Happy Birthday Mum! We were able to celebrate by attending a Charitable Chair Auction that the design program at Weber State hosts every year. My mom designed and executed a gorgeous chair that was selected as one of five to be on the live auction (out of 30 other chairs to be on silent auction). Considering it was her birthday, the sibs and I rallied with the my mom's parents to try and buy the chair as the ultimate surpirse birthday present. Any other chair, we would have been able to buy. But my mom's talent is too good to buy I guess! The chair went for $2200, double what the next chair went for, and $700 more than any other chair in the history of the auction had ever gone for. Well done, mother, well done. We bid up to $1950 before we had to quit. I wish we could have kept the chair for our family, but my mom made a great point; she can't get attached to everything she creates. Needless to say, I still cried. So rather than having a family heirloom, we will be going to the Tim McGraw concert in June instead, Yeehaa!!

April 19th was significant in another way; my parents' divorce was finalized. Bitter sweet. Of course, this is not something to ever hope for, but it has been a long time coming and I am happy my parents can move on and be better for what they have learned. It is much better this way. 

Next up, April 25th, the day of the GMAT. I arrived early and began my test with a kick butt essay, and drilled through the four hours of tested like it was my morning cheerios. I walked out with two of the four sections scores hand. I did really well on section four, and I could have done better on section three. The first two sections scores I won't find out about until May 15th. I did score 40 points above my goal, which was a relief.

April 23rd, Zach man turned 16! We went to Rooster's and ate a ton of delicious food in his honor. This kid amazes me. You know what he asked for his birthday? A computer. Normal right? No. He asked for the parts to build a computer! We sat at mom's house and watched him open box after box full of little parts. He proceeded to build a computer in two hours. Two hours! Apparently it's normal for it to take six hours on the first try. Nope, just two. This kid is brilliant. He researched the components for months so he would know what to order. And he did it. It totally works. I am impressed. Happy Birthday big man.

And finally, April 26th, graduation day! I really had a blast. I had lots of support from family. What a fun (long), exciting (drawn out) way to celebrate this accomplishment! I am proud of me, which is a nice feeling. I graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Accounting with a 3.44 gpa. It's not honors, its not a 4.0, but I am happy with it. I am excited to see what I can do in the Masters program.

April 30th, we bought a new car! We got an awesome deal on a 2010 Mazda3 with only 19,000 miles on it! It's a beaut. I love it! And we realized that night that it has swiveling head lights, awesome! And leather. I love leather. So, the month ended on some really great high notes. The month of May better be a little more relaxed, or I might just skip to June. June has always treated me well.