Being in Boulder last week and seeing everyone running and biking around town, I really wanted to sign-up for some more races. I've been researching the local races, and I have a tentative racing plan. Unfortunately, I don't get paid until Friday, so I am a little bit wary about spending $300-400 on race sign-ups. eek! As long as the races do not sell out I should be fine...

I'm thinking about doing either the Sandman Triathlon on August 3, or the Santa Cruz Sprint Triathlon on August 10. Of course, I have not been in the pool since the beginning of June, but I'm not too concerned about swimming. I am in pretty good biking and running shape, and I am sure that I would be fine for these short distances. Whether or not I sign-up is contingent on 1) if they sell out, 2) if I have enough money, and 3) if I need to buy a wet suit (see #2).

Sept 13, 2008: Pacific Grove Olympic Triathlon

Oct 12, 2008: City to the Sea Half Marathon: "turf to surf" San Luis Obispo to Shell Beach

Nov 9, 2008: Big Sur Half Marathon This race is actually in Monterey, and the start line is < 1 mile from my apt and then passes about 2 blocks away from my apt. Actually, here's the race course if you're interested.

And then for the 2009 season, I want to do the Big Sur Marathon on April 26, 2009, and the Wildflower Half Ironman, which is not announced yet but will probably be the 1st weekend in May 2009. Basically, my race plan for this summer is anticipating the 2009 season. I need to build back into the racing distances. I also need to get back into racing shape and (possibly) lose a few pounds. During the winter, I will need to focus on hills.

I just need to add some unrelated things. I might start running on the weekends with my boss. Strange, huh? He's very active, and, in fact, he biked across the country with a friend, averaging about 115 miles per day! I'm really in awe of that trip. I thought that driving across the country was a big deal! If you look back a few posts, you will see that I considered doing Bike & Build this summer, although it didn't turn out to be feasible because of the time needed to find a job.

It's still unbelievable to me that I live in CA. I walk around with this ridiculous grin, I'm sure. haha. A couple of things that amuse me: 1) I shop at Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and the Monterey farmer's market, 2) I run on and/or next to the beach, 3) I live about 1/4 mile from the beach, 4) it's never too hot or too cold. It's just right. Every time that I bike onto campus, the security person makes a comment that it's a nice day for a bike ride. It's a nice day for a bike ride EVERY day. 5) I get excited when I see a gas station that sells gas for less than $4.50/gallon, and I haven't even bought gas yet. That's all for now.

I miss everyone! I haven't really made any friends that are my age. Everyone's really nice though, and I might call the agent that set-up my State Farm insurance. She was friendly and told me to call her. Aviva will arrive in Monterey on August 1 though. It will be great to see her :)

I found this neat tool online: http://walkscore.com. Here are some Walk scores of places where I have lived... I guess that I just thought that it was interesting. Between living approx 800 ft from the building that I work in and the Tuesday Monterey Farmer's market, I won't need to drive that often. I'm glad that I got the car though because I want to be able to explore out here a little :-D Plus, my car is so cute!

Where I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA: 8/100

My Senior Year at Rutgers:
77/100

PSU/State College, PA
PA: 66/100

My New Address in Monterey, CA:
71/100

There have been some requests for pictures, so here you go:

i will miss you!


best pie in OH.


we're in indianapolis


"cheap" gas in IL


the mississippi is flooded


the arch


hays, ks!


nuff said


Santa Lucia's in Rawlins, WY


the salt flats


dust devil


view of the peninsula from PG


farmers market


boats


duuunes


the beach


my new car!