I figure most of you who read this blog know me or are somewhat acquaintances with me, but for those who don't know me I thought I'd share a few fun tid bits of information about me.
1. I'm the eldest child of 5. Mixed family. This is always interesting to explain to people who don't have divorced parents or blended families. I have a biological sister who has the same dad as me. A step sister, and a step brother that is not blood related only related through marriage. Then I have a half brother that has the same mother as me. Gets confusing I know, but 2 Christmases, 4 sets of grandparents, is always interesting.
2. I grew up in a little place that I like to call somewhere between Texas and Mexico. 30 minutes away from the border yet so far away from what the rest of Texas looks like. I grew up next to cotton fields, cacti, snacks consisted of lucas and hot cheetos, hot sauce is it's own food group, graduated with maybe 10 white people the rest were Hispanic, raspas, palm trees, breakfast tacos are the bomb NO WHERE else could ever compare, and finally where the myth of the chubacabra does exist!! lol ok not really but people swear it does.
3. Went to college literally in Amish town in the middle of no where Iowa, called Graceland (I call the bubble) University. No it has no relations to Elvis, but our cross country team led everyone to believe it did by chanting GO ELVIS before every race.
4. What drew me to Graceland you must ask? Opportunities. They say Iowa is the land of opportunity right???? hmmm idk about that but I jumped at the opportunity for the best xc/track scholarship I could get and get the proper education (that's the point of college right??)
5. If you hadn't noticed by my other blogs I'm obsessed with running and anything related. I can spend hours trolling the Internet for this stuff. NO It's not really an OBSESSION I see it as a my PASSION.
6. My favorite animal is an elephant. Not really sure why they are just interesting,beautiful sincere creatures. I actually got to ride one not too long ago pretty cool.
7. My nickname growing up was opossum because I would fake being asleep at nap time then go play. Boy I don't know what I was thinking skipping nap time I'd kill for it now. Kids treasure nap time while you can.
8. Believe it or not I used to go fishing, sit up in a tree stand with my dad while he hunted, catch craw fish in a river, go on four wheeler rides by the lake, yeah I was a little bit of a tomboy at one point. Not that I'm that girlie now but nowhere near sitting up in a deer stand now.
9. Cheez Its I'd probably do anything for a box of them, well that and chocolate.
10. I was afraid of ET (yes the alien kid movie) I was terrified that and the tooth fairy.
Well that's some fun information clearly that's not everything about me, but just some.
Till Next Time,
Alice
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Where it all began
Today out on my run I started to think when I actually started running. The furthest I could remember back was when I lived out in WV in a log cabin on a lake. I would run/play outside for hours on end. My sister and I would race up and down a hill where our swing set sat and make up Olympic Games on the swing set. We would race down to the lake and then back up to the house. I believe that was where it began but that's really just endless energy a kid has.
I moved to south Texas when I was 6, in middle school I became the Volleyball and Basketball manager since you could not compete in school sports till 7th grade. Instead of just sitting around while the girls ran, I would jump in and would run with them. I always ended up being the first one in when they would run a mile. The track coaches noticed this. However my first love was basketball, I only ran to stay in shape.
Having your dad as a coach can be interesting since they realize the potential you can have in a sport. He pushed me hard in track. On Saturdays and Sundays he would say, "Alice, are you going to go run, you know Elia is out there running and I know you want to beat her?" Elia was my biggest competitor in track I always came 2nd to her. I reluctantly went out on my run. I eventually did beat her not till HS though. Sorry Elia, you were a great teammate but you pushed me hard lol.In high school I realized that I was better in track/cross country so I finally gave up volleyball and basketball in 10th grade.
The journey I had in running has given me the greatest opportunities. I attained a scholarship to be able to compete at the collegiate level, I've been able to travel many places, I've been blessed to continue my passion by coaching it.My passion for running has only grown because of the people that I've had pleasure of running/racing with, coaching with, the scenery out on the run, the meditation, and the control I have by doing it.
If the miles behind me could be put into images you would see my efforts, my struggles, my desires, my spirit, but most of all you would see my joy.
Till Next Time,
Alice
I moved to south Texas when I was 6, in middle school I became the Volleyball and Basketball manager since you could not compete in school sports till 7th grade. Instead of just sitting around while the girls ran, I would jump in and would run with them. I always ended up being the first one in when they would run a mile. The track coaches noticed this. However my first love was basketball, I only ran to stay in shape.
Having your dad as a coach can be interesting since they realize the potential you can have in a sport. He pushed me hard in track. On Saturdays and Sundays he would say, "Alice, are you going to go run, you know Elia is out there running and I know you want to beat her?" Elia was my biggest competitor in track I always came 2nd to her. I reluctantly went out on my run. I eventually did beat her not till HS though. Sorry Elia, you were a great teammate but you pushed me hard lol.In high school I realized that I was better in track/cross country so I finally gave up volleyball and basketball in 10th grade.
The journey I had in running has given me the greatest opportunities. I attained a scholarship to be able to compete at the collegiate level, I've been able to travel many places, I've been blessed to continue my passion by coaching it.My passion for running has only grown because of the people that I've had pleasure of running/racing with, coaching with, the scenery out on the run, the meditation, and the control I have by doing it.
If the miles behind me could be put into images you would see my efforts, my struggles, my desires, my spirit, but most of all you would see my joy.
Till Next Time,
Alice
Thursday, June 12, 2014
A Tribute to the V
As I get ready to leave Venard, and Osky this coming week I wanted to pay a tribute.I believe over the past 2 years of living in what WPU calls "housing" has taught me several things. First let me describe this housing situation: Venard is an old college campus that shut down I guess in 08 but not sure. My time here I've seen several bats, ceiling has collapsed on me, mice, battle bugs that can pick up beer cans, yeah I can go on and on but I won't. Overall though it was free living and I've had many wonderful memories that can outweigh the battle bugs and bats. The things I've learned living in the V or what we like to call it the "dirty V"
1. Living with dudes: This I had to say was interesting hanging out in the man cave every night can give you a whole new perspective on men. Not all of it bad mind you, the guys I lived with were for the most part pretty fun to live with.
2. I can survive an Apocalypse. All winter I did not have heat, this was highly uncomfortable when it got down to -32. Not having AC. Okay I'd rather be hot then cold but when your AC unit does not work well its no bueno. Tornadoes have yet to tear this building down. The bats and mice and battle bugs I have come to peace with.
3. I have met the most interesting people and have learned that this place was meant for lost souls. The characters that have lived in the V I can not explain you would have to had lived here to know what I'm talking about. Everyone here has a story and its unbelievable I've never met a bunch of interesting people then this place. Treasure the friendships.
4. HFA if you don't know what that means I'm sorry. But this place teaches you to become one if you were not already.
5. Mario Kart:THE GOOSE is the KING at do not challenge him unless you want to be beat.
6. Family Dinners are the best. You may not have your family here but these guys have been like my family.
7. Sometimes things could get out of hand. We shared secrets and tears (well tears was mostly mine) but overall we always had a good time.
8. Never walk around barefoot.
9. Jesus channel will always work even if you aren't paying for cable
10. Don't leave your fish with Jeremy he will kill it within a day.
These are just a few things that one can take from living in the V. I will miss all you guys that I was able to live with here. Take Care!!
As Alfred would say; I had this fantasy, that I would look across the tables and I'd see you there, with a wife and maybe a couple of kids. You wouldn't say anything to me, nor me to you. But we'd both know that you'd made it, that you were happy. I never wanted you to come back to the V.
Till next time,
Alice
1. Living with dudes: This I had to say was interesting hanging out in the man cave every night can give you a whole new perspective on men. Not all of it bad mind you, the guys I lived with were for the most part pretty fun to live with.
2. I can survive an Apocalypse. All winter I did not have heat, this was highly uncomfortable when it got down to -32. Not having AC. Okay I'd rather be hot then cold but when your AC unit does not work well its no bueno. Tornadoes have yet to tear this building down. The bats and mice and battle bugs I have come to peace with.
3. I have met the most interesting people and have learned that this place was meant for lost souls. The characters that have lived in the V I can not explain you would have to had lived here to know what I'm talking about. Everyone here has a story and its unbelievable I've never met a bunch of interesting people then this place. Treasure the friendships.
4. HFA if you don't know what that means I'm sorry. But this place teaches you to become one if you were not already.
5. Mario Kart:THE GOOSE is the KING at do not challenge him unless you want to be beat.
6. Family Dinners are the best. You may not have your family here but these guys have been like my family.
7. Sometimes things could get out of hand. We shared secrets and tears (well tears was mostly mine) but overall we always had a good time.
8. Never walk around barefoot.
9. Jesus channel will always work even if you aren't paying for cable
10. Don't leave your fish with Jeremy he will kill it within a day.
These are just a few things that one can take from living in the V. I will miss all you guys that I was able to live with here. Take Care!!
As Alfred would say; I had this fantasy, that I would look across the tables and I'd see you there, with a wife and maybe a couple of kids. You wouldn't say anything to me, nor me to you. But we'd both know that you'd made it, that you were happy. I never wanted you to come back to the V.
Till next time,
Alice
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Its Raining Cats and Dogs
I'm new to this blogging world and don't know if anyone will read it, hell I probably wouldn't but I needed an outlet so this is my outlet. I've always have been able to communicate better in my writing then my words. I can't always speak my mind, so I thought I'd give this a shot. I don't always spell the best (thank God for spell check), and sometimes my sentences don't always flow so don't judge because I swear I won't judge you. Well maybe a little, probably not though.
I'm currently training for a marathon the Eugene marathon to be specific. I wanted to take a trip do something different, go out on my own so I chose Eugene. There happened to be a marathon during this time I wanted to go so I said hell with it I'm going to train for a marathon. You probably think I'm crazy who in their right mind would want to run 26.2 miles for fun on a vacation. Yeah that's me I would. I've heard it all so you can't tell me anything new about how crazy I am. Anyways there is a point to this.
I've had a few snags in my training such as a sharp pain here and there, I'm a stubborn, competitive athlete if anyone knows me I WILL NOT stop for anything. So therefore take a day off and pray it will go away and usually does. I've been very fortunate with injuries that way. I LOVE when they just go away.
Today I had a 45 minute run. Granted 2 days ago I just had my big one six so I was not looking forward to running through soreness. I woke up and it was raining, windy, and just downright dreary looking. Did not make me want to go but I needed it. So I reluctantly pulled on my shoes and out the door I went. Little did I know something would change me out there. I've been running for so long a little over 12 years now that runs don't change me anymore. They are just runs, a routine, something I've always done but once in a while I'll have a run that does. That lights something up inside that makes me realize things. Crazy how it happens but it does.
I started to avoid all the puddles, and mud on the streets or sidewalks because I didn't want to have wetter shoes then I was already going to have. Then I realized, it's down pouring why am I avoiding the puddles and mud. I'm going to be soaked anyways. I remembered when I was little how I would stomp and jump in the puddles go slide in the mud. Why was this missing? What happened to me?
I like to make an analogy to life. I've lived on the safe side of life for so long that sometimes I forget to get a little muddy or jump in the puddle. I like to take the sidewalk instead of taking risks right out into traffic. Lately I've been taking more risks I think everyone needs to experience some risks of jumping in the puddles and just having fun with life. It makes it hell of a lot more interesting.
I'm currently at a crossroads in my life and people are constantly on my case of what I'm going to do. I'm 24 years old are you really supposed to know what exactly what you want to do at 24? I'm young and I make mistakes. I'd rather jump in the puddles and get a little muddy then not experience it at all. I had a good friend help me realize this. I'm not going back to that sidewalk. I think people need to get out of their comfort zones and realize what is important to them. Take risks you NEVER know what you might find out there off that sidewalk. People are too concerned about doing the right thing and not whats right for themselves.
My advice go dance in the rain, or in my case run. Jump in some puddles come back soaked it will be be a lot better then just letting the storm pass or using an umbrella. I promise you won't regret it.
Till next time,
Alice.
I'm currently training for a marathon the Eugene marathon to be specific. I wanted to take a trip do something different, go out on my own so I chose Eugene. There happened to be a marathon during this time I wanted to go so I said hell with it I'm going to train for a marathon. You probably think I'm crazy who in their right mind would want to run 26.2 miles for fun on a vacation. Yeah that's me I would. I've heard it all so you can't tell me anything new about how crazy I am. Anyways there is a point to this.
I've had a few snags in my training such as a sharp pain here and there, I'm a stubborn, competitive athlete if anyone knows me I WILL NOT stop for anything. So therefore take a day off and pray it will go away and usually does. I've been very fortunate with injuries that way. I LOVE when they just go away.
Today I had a 45 minute run. Granted 2 days ago I just had my big one six so I was not looking forward to running through soreness. I woke up and it was raining, windy, and just downright dreary looking. Did not make me want to go but I needed it. So I reluctantly pulled on my shoes and out the door I went. Little did I know something would change me out there. I've been running for so long a little over 12 years now that runs don't change me anymore. They are just runs, a routine, something I've always done but once in a while I'll have a run that does. That lights something up inside that makes me realize things. Crazy how it happens but it does.
I started to avoid all the puddles, and mud on the streets or sidewalks because I didn't want to have wetter shoes then I was already going to have. Then I realized, it's down pouring why am I avoiding the puddles and mud. I'm going to be soaked anyways. I remembered when I was little how I would stomp and jump in the puddles go slide in the mud. Why was this missing? What happened to me?
I like to make an analogy to life. I've lived on the safe side of life for so long that sometimes I forget to get a little muddy or jump in the puddle. I like to take the sidewalk instead of taking risks right out into traffic. Lately I've been taking more risks I think everyone needs to experience some risks of jumping in the puddles and just having fun with life. It makes it hell of a lot more interesting.
I'm currently at a crossroads in my life and people are constantly on my case of what I'm going to do. I'm 24 years old are you really supposed to know what exactly what you want to do at 24? I'm young and I make mistakes. I'd rather jump in the puddles and get a little muddy then not experience it at all. I had a good friend help me realize this. I'm not going back to that sidewalk. I think people need to get out of their comfort zones and realize what is important to them. Take risks you NEVER know what you might find out there off that sidewalk. People are too concerned about doing the right thing and not whats right for themselves.
My advice go dance in the rain, or in my case run. Jump in some puddles come back soaked it will be be a lot better then just letting the storm pass or using an umbrella. I promise you won't regret it.
Till next time,
Alice.
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