This morning, I work up at 5:45. I looked at my alarm clock, hit the snooze, and convinced myself that another 5 minutes would not hurt anyone. I would still have ample time to stretch, stop for gas and be on time. Plus, the group always talks, ad nauseum, pre-run. Sometimes, we stand around for a 1/2 hour. It can be annoying.
I woke up at 6:30.
Frantic, I threw in my contacts, brused my teeth, stretched and thought about going directly to Wash Park.
Then, I remembered that they always talk.
I stopped for gas and took my time.
The group was small. I only recognized one person that I actively run with. I knew that the Goddess had chosen to run in Summit County, tomorrow, with the group as an alternate training day.
I didn't know where Gadget was, but knew that she was nursing a foot injury. She is intense, though, so I was surprised that she missed the outing.
I hadn't spoken to Jamie since the start of the 1/2 last week. She is a wild card. I still need a name for her.
Anyways, our intention was to run 2 hours and 15 minutes. The plan was to run to Cheesman Park, do a loop, and then head back to Wash Park. I knew that it wouldn't take 2 hours. Typically, it takes an hour and 15-20 minutes. I looked at Renee, and we decided to run to City Park instead of doing endless loops around Wash Park.
I took off and Renee told me that she would follow. In her words--you are a strong runner...just go...I felt great today. I had a nice pace, I wasn't overexerting myself or hating running. I don't hate it, but sometimes my ego takes over and I struggle with the running aspect.
Today was a new day. I felt great.
Then, about midway through the run, I really needed a bathroom. I ran through City Park, spotted one and discovered that it was locked---NO!!! I saw Renee and told her that I would meet her at the water station in Cheesman Park after I found a porta potty.
Today is the AIDS Walk in Denver, at Cheesman. Because of this, there are ample CLEAN, portapotties available. I loved it. ALthough, there is a reason that you lock them. I walked in on some random lady, going, and then a guy did the exact same thing to same lady, a few minutes later. Lock it!
Overall, I think I did 13 miles, or near it. It felt amazing. I think I will begin incorporating more of the marathon course into my training so that it is familiar to me in October. I cannot believe that I will be running a marathon in 2 months. It is crazy...
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Taking a stand, or holding true to the principle of it.....
My slumlord called me, finally, this morning.
In hindsight, I think he would have preferred leaving a message to actually having a conversation with me.
He explained to me that no, he would not authorize a change of locks. He felt that it wasn't a question of the locks being changed since he had did a month ago. My comment to him was--well, you never gave me a key to the front door.
He backtracked and said--I will be changing the locks, again, but it isn't imperative that I do it today.
I asked him if he would consider putting a fence in the backyard. Well, Harmony, you know, I had to spend $360 on a sewage issue that should have been split between you and the new tenants....Wow, I don't know when I became a homeowner. Plumbing issues, especially the recurring kind due to root overgrowth are not really in my area as a renter, or so I thought.
He told me that if I wanted to split the cost of a fence, maybe he would consider it. Again--homeowner responsibility, not a tenant.
From our conversation, I deduced that A) he does give a F%^K about our safety and B) has no feelings of responsbility as a landlord. I mean, he told me that it would be too costly, for him, to pay for repairs, unless he did them, himself, because his mortgage was too much.
He owns 8 rental properties. His idea of "fixing/repairing" is applying a bandaid to the situation. He wanted to sell this property when I moved in, but his asking price was insane. Given how much work it needs, he will be lucky to break even with the economy the way it is.
The stairs leading up to my place are unstable and scary. Yet, I live here for the time being. I am giving him notice. I am sticking with what I declared yesterday--I will not overlook safety/security. He is the worst landlord I have ever had. He is terrible! I cannot believe that he owns 8 properties in good conscious of how he deals with tenants and repairs.
I will begin my search for a new place in September. I have to give the jackass 60 days notice. I don't want to find my ideal rental and not be able to secure it due to timing issues. If anyone knows of a awesome space, with parking--non negotiable, located in central Denver, please let me know. I am relocating!
In hindsight, I think he would have preferred leaving a message to actually having a conversation with me.
He explained to me that no, he would not authorize a change of locks. He felt that it wasn't a question of the locks being changed since he had did a month ago. My comment to him was--well, you never gave me a key to the front door.
He backtracked and said--I will be changing the locks, again, but it isn't imperative that I do it today.
I asked him if he would consider putting a fence in the backyard. Well, Harmony, you know, I had to spend $360 on a sewage issue that should have been split between you and the new tenants....Wow, I don't know when I became a homeowner. Plumbing issues, especially the recurring kind due to root overgrowth are not really in my area as a renter, or so I thought.
He told me that if I wanted to split the cost of a fence, maybe he would consider it. Again--homeowner responsibility, not a tenant.
From our conversation, I deduced that A) he does give a F%^K about our safety and B) has no feelings of responsbility as a landlord. I mean, he told me that it would be too costly, for him, to pay for repairs, unless he did them, himself, because his mortgage was too much.
He owns 8 rental properties. His idea of "fixing/repairing" is applying a bandaid to the situation. He wanted to sell this property when I moved in, but his asking price was insane. Given how much work it needs, he will be lucky to break even with the economy the way it is.
The stairs leading up to my place are unstable and scary. Yet, I live here for the time being. I am giving him notice. I am sticking with what I declared yesterday--I will not overlook safety/security. He is the worst landlord I have ever had. He is terrible! I cannot believe that he owns 8 properties in good conscious of how he deals with tenants and repairs.
I will begin my search for a new place in September. I have to give the jackass 60 days notice. I don't want to find my ideal rental and not be able to secure it due to timing issues. If anyone knows of a awesome space, with parking--non negotiable, located in central Denver, please let me know. I am relocating!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Finding my voice.....
Yesterday was a great day--running, work, dinner and a wonderful conversation with a friend.
Until my neighbors, Katie and Brooke, knocked on my door.
They wanted to know if I had left the front door open or noticed anything. I hadn't. I never go out the front door since I don't have a key to it.
They said that one of their keys, to the laundry room, was missing and that there were other inadequacies in their place. Nothing was taken, but they know someone walked through their space.
They contacted me, first, and then I contacted the landlord.
He answered and I explained the situation and his response was--I will look into. CLASSIC.
Then, he said, Harmony, I have another call. I was dismissed.
Obviously, this man does not know what it is to be a female or insecure in your space.
I talked to Katie, today, and she said that he didn't want to install new locks since he had just changed them a month ago.
I tried to consider the best way to go with the flow...stick to the party line as such.
Then, I got angry.
I found my voice.
I realized that this is unsuitable. We pay him rent. I have been a great tenant for over a year. I overlook the unstable stairs. I overlook the lack of screens on the windows. I overlook him not cleaning up after himself, when he tries to fix my sink.
I cannot overlook safety.
I won't.
He should want us to feel secure in his property. I called him, left a message and then sent the e-mail that I had composed. I told him that I would be arranging for a locksmith to change the locks and deducting from my rent unless I heard from to take care of it himself. I mean, seriously, there are 3 women living here. What does he not understand about this scenario?
I don't enjoy feeling vulnerable...again, the other night springs to mind. If I remain silent, I am agreeing. I do not agree to stay the course with this, or with the other situation. I took steps to excommuicate that toxic person from my life and like a Pro, I took care of the tire. I am feeling confident today.
Until my neighbors, Katie and Brooke, knocked on my door.
They wanted to know if I had left the front door open or noticed anything. I hadn't. I never go out the front door since I don't have a key to it.
They said that one of their keys, to the laundry room, was missing and that there were other inadequacies in their place. Nothing was taken, but they know someone walked through their space.
They contacted me, first, and then I contacted the landlord.
He answered and I explained the situation and his response was--I will look into. CLASSIC.
Then, he said, Harmony, I have another call. I was dismissed.
Obviously, this man does not know what it is to be a female or insecure in your space.
I talked to Katie, today, and she said that he didn't want to install new locks since he had just changed them a month ago.
I tried to consider the best way to go with the flow...stick to the party line as such.
Then, I got angry.
I found my voice.
I realized that this is unsuitable. We pay him rent. I have been a great tenant for over a year. I overlook the unstable stairs. I overlook the lack of screens on the windows. I overlook him not cleaning up after himself, when he tries to fix my sink.
I cannot overlook safety.
I won't.
He should want us to feel secure in his property. I called him, left a message and then sent the e-mail that I had composed. I told him that I would be arranging for a locksmith to change the locks and deducting from my rent unless I heard from to take care of it himself. I mean, seriously, there are 3 women living here. What does he not understand about this scenario?
I don't enjoy feeling vulnerable...again, the other night springs to mind. If I remain silent, I am agreeing. I do not agree to stay the course with this, or with the other situation. I took steps to excommuicate that toxic person from my life and like a Pro, I took care of the tire. I am feeling confident today.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
I feel like a runner because....
Tonight, I thought about meeting friends for happy hour. I called Meghan, this morning, and left a message. We have been trying to meet up for a few weeks, but to no avail.
Instead of working an early shift, I opt for the full day. My night is wide open. I call Pocketsize to see if she wants to meet me for a drink. I know that Steve has the night off and so I felt that tonight would be the appropriate night.
She answers. I ask her if she wants to meet up and she asks if we can do it on Thursday. I feel that, truly, it is easier for both of us and so I agree.
This leaves me free, tonight.
I go to an abs class at the gym.
I think of food when I return, but have no desire to cook.
I consider going to the Saucy Noodle, but I ate there on Thursday. I always order the same thing. I felt stupid returning this quick.
I thought of going to Il Posta on 17th. That way, I could check out the parking situation around City Park. Gadget and I are running on Thursday and we decided to try something new. The only issue with Il Posta is that the parking is inferior and I didn't want to spend $40 for take-out. I figured that I would have a glass of wine too.
As I pondered my current dilemma, I looked through my refrigerator.
Almost bare, which is normal.
I had lettuce, scallions, a cucumber, water, wine and condiments. In the freezer I had, ice--a lot of it, frozen water bottles, prepacked baggies of ice and veggies to use as ice packs.
The whole reason of this post was to think about why I run--obviously, it is for the ice effect.
Truly, I don't think I have ever had this much ice in my house at one time.
But, for running, it is necessary. I embrace it.
I dream of finish lines, new kicks and more sports bras.
I eat earlier, to accomodate early morning running.
I schedule drinking with friends around my training schedule.
I try to cut out salads for dinner as a way to avoid stomach issues in the a.m.
I think of topics to endorse on my long runs with the Goddess, Gadget and Jamie.
Running has overtaken my life.
Yes, Thursday night is a better night to meet with Pocketsize. Friday is my day off....
Instead of working an early shift, I opt for the full day. My night is wide open. I call Pocketsize to see if she wants to meet me for a drink. I know that Steve has the night off and so I felt that tonight would be the appropriate night.
She answers. I ask her if she wants to meet up and she asks if we can do it on Thursday. I feel that, truly, it is easier for both of us and so I agree.
This leaves me free, tonight.
I go to an abs class at the gym.
I think of food when I return, but have no desire to cook.
I consider going to the Saucy Noodle, but I ate there on Thursday. I always order the same thing. I felt stupid returning this quick.
I thought of going to Il Posta on 17th. That way, I could check out the parking situation around City Park. Gadget and I are running on Thursday and we decided to try something new. The only issue with Il Posta is that the parking is inferior and I didn't want to spend $40 for take-out. I figured that I would have a glass of wine too.
As I pondered my current dilemma, I looked through my refrigerator.
Almost bare, which is normal.
I had lettuce, scallions, a cucumber, water, wine and condiments. In the freezer I had, ice--a lot of it, frozen water bottles, prepacked baggies of ice and veggies to use as ice packs.
The whole reason of this post was to think about why I run--obviously, it is for the ice effect.
Truly, I don't think I have ever had this much ice in my house at one time.
But, for running, it is necessary. I embrace it.
I dream of finish lines, new kicks and more sports bras.
I eat earlier, to accomodate early morning running.
I schedule drinking with friends around my training schedule.
I try to cut out salads for dinner as a way to avoid stomach issues in the a.m.
I think of topics to endorse on my long runs with the Goddess, Gadget and Jamie.
Running has overtaken my life.
Yes, Thursday night is a better night to meet with Pocketsize. Friday is my day off....
growing up...
You know you've grown up, when you notice things wrong with your car, your computer, your plumbing...you get the picture.
I mean, typically, in my past, I would wait for Brian to check my oil, more thoroughly, than I was prepared to do. He was a stickler for my car and the maintenance and so I, too, take good care of the volvo. Religiously, I cart her to the oil changes and stick to the maintenance schedule. The volvo is an 89 with 161,000 miles on it and in great shape. Yes, maintenance works.
Computer problems, I am getting better at. Last week, I was trying to utilize someone else's space since my connection was down. I listened to the trouble shooting guide, until it told me to contact my service provider. At which point, I did. Comcast arrived and told me that my cable had been dislodged. He reattached it and I was up and running again.
Bathroom issues...well, I won't go into that. Thankfully, the latest slew of them have affected my downstairs neighbors, not me. Believe me, I have dealt with plumbing since I moved out. It sucks and again, I am grateful that I live in the upper unit. Especially since my landlord is a slumlord. Yes, the new girls have dealt with issues, twice, in the first month they have lived here. The roots are bad. My landlord knows it, but refuses to be proactive. Instead, he would rather us have to live through the shit.
Anyways, I feel I have grown up, somewhat, when yesterday I noticed my front tire was low. I checked the level, filled it up and returned home. I didn't think much of it, until I needed to drive again.
ALMOST FLAT...so, again, I went to the station, filled it up, knowing that I would need to patch it today.
I left work, after 4 hours, and it was flat.
Frantic, I found Dave, my boss, and asked if I could borrow his pump. He has this nifty little pump for tires. After 20 minutes of random b.s., I was ready to go.
This morning, after I repump the tire, I will head to Discount Tire to have it adequately patched. I thought about how inferior I normally am with car issues. I need help. This is why men are necessary. Too bad one of my friends no longer qualifies in this department.
Nevertheless, help is nice, but I am capable of finding a solution on my own. Discount Tires awaits...oh, and my run this morning was short, but awesome. I felt really good and I went alone. The Goddess called me last night to cancel our normal Tuesday run. I know I need to increase my time and so I went this morning and remembered why I enjoy it.
I mean, typically, in my past, I would wait for Brian to check my oil, more thoroughly, than I was prepared to do. He was a stickler for my car and the maintenance and so I, too, take good care of the volvo. Religiously, I cart her to the oil changes and stick to the maintenance schedule. The volvo is an 89 with 161,000 miles on it and in great shape. Yes, maintenance works.
Computer problems, I am getting better at. Last week, I was trying to utilize someone else's space since my connection was down. I listened to the trouble shooting guide, until it told me to contact my service provider. At which point, I did. Comcast arrived and told me that my cable had been dislodged. He reattached it and I was up and running again.
Bathroom issues...well, I won't go into that. Thankfully, the latest slew of them have affected my downstairs neighbors, not me. Believe me, I have dealt with plumbing since I moved out. It sucks and again, I am grateful that I live in the upper unit. Especially since my landlord is a slumlord. Yes, the new girls have dealt with issues, twice, in the first month they have lived here. The roots are bad. My landlord knows it, but refuses to be proactive. Instead, he would rather us have to live through the shit.
Anyways, I feel I have grown up, somewhat, when yesterday I noticed my front tire was low. I checked the level, filled it up and returned home. I didn't think much of it, until I needed to drive again.
ALMOST FLAT...so, again, I went to the station, filled it up, knowing that I would need to patch it today.
I left work, after 4 hours, and it was flat.
Frantic, I found Dave, my boss, and asked if I could borrow his pump. He has this nifty little pump for tires. After 20 minutes of random b.s., I was ready to go.
This morning, after I repump the tire, I will head to Discount Tire to have it adequately patched. I thought about how inferior I normally am with car issues. I need help. This is why men are necessary. Too bad one of my friends no longer qualifies in this department.
Nevertheless, help is nice, but I am capable of finding a solution on my own. Discount Tires awaits...oh, and my run this morning was short, but awesome. I felt really good and I went alone. The Goddess called me last night to cancel our normal Tuesday run. I know I need to increase my time and so I went this morning and remembered why I enjoy it.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Post Race, day two....
I think I am more sore today, than yesterday. Is that possible?
I am not achy, or anything, just a little sore. I worked last night and the bend down factor was avoided at all costs.
Still, I feel excellent and confident that I can do it again and will.
The full scares me.
I have a few of the maps, placed around my house, to remind me that that is the course that I will be running on October 18th. I want the visual reference to inspire me to do it.
Tomorrow I am running with the Goddess and it should be a shorter course. I think I am in the recovery phase of the 1/2. So far, I have incurred minor injuries--slight shin splints and heel spurs, but stretching and ice have been my best friends.
I am still adjusting to the water belt. I am not a fan of the bounce factor. I chose not to wear it on the down hill course, last Saturday. I think I panicked, a little, trying to get to the next water station. The mind is oh so powerful.
I swear, Mile #8, was my best performance and it was because I just ran and enjoyed it. I wasn't thinking about where the water was, or the fact that my legs should hurt or that what was I thinking in doing this? Instead, I enjoyed talking with the Goddess and some random woman from Oklahoma that ran this particular 1/2 every year since her and her husband loved it. Running can be soothing and fun. It's not always intense or difficult, you know?
I contacted Megan and told her that we must run while I am in D.C. Or, I have to run when I am in D.C. I have to stick with it, or the full will be problematic.
I am confident that I can do it. I saw a bunch of people on Saturday and having supporters is fantastic and truly motivational.
It is a nice reminder that yes, you can do it....if you have desire to travel to Denver in October, please do. The more the merrier....
I am not achy, or anything, just a little sore. I worked last night and the bend down factor was avoided at all costs.
Still, I feel excellent and confident that I can do it again and will.
The full scares me.
I have a few of the maps, placed around my house, to remind me that that is the course that I will be running on October 18th. I want the visual reference to inspire me to do it.
Tomorrow I am running with the Goddess and it should be a shorter course. I think I am in the recovery phase of the 1/2. So far, I have incurred minor injuries--slight shin splints and heel spurs, but stretching and ice have been my best friends.
I am still adjusting to the water belt. I am not a fan of the bounce factor. I chose not to wear it on the down hill course, last Saturday. I think I panicked, a little, trying to get to the next water station. The mind is oh so powerful.
I swear, Mile #8, was my best performance and it was because I just ran and enjoyed it. I wasn't thinking about where the water was, or the fact that my legs should hurt or that what was I thinking in doing this? Instead, I enjoyed talking with the Goddess and some random woman from Oklahoma that ran this particular 1/2 every year since her and her husband loved it. Running can be soothing and fun. It's not always intense or difficult, you know?
I contacted Megan and told her that we must run while I am in D.C. Or, I have to run when I am in D.C. I have to stick with it, or the full will be problematic.
I am confident that I can do it. I saw a bunch of people on Saturday and having supporters is fantastic and truly motivational.
It is a nice reminder that yes, you can do it....if you have desire to travel to Denver in October, please do. The more the merrier....
better now....
I am better now.
I wrote about it, processed it, thought about it and feel better.
I needed to talk about it so that it wouldn't own me.
Work was interesting.
The jazz was not busy and afterwards, I had a small, intimate bar crowd.
Dave put some random DVD on and took off. I enjoy Dave Matthews, but I wasn't feeling it, tonight, and so I put my ipod on.
Much better.
People that take adventage of other people are obviously, extremely sad/bitter/pathetic to be doing such a thing. I have been foolish with this person for too long, but not anymore.
I want to continue to feel positive about life and others.
Be well...
I wrote about it, processed it, thought about it and feel better.
I needed to talk about it so that it wouldn't own me.
Work was interesting.
The jazz was not busy and afterwards, I had a small, intimate bar crowd.
Dave put some random DVD on and took off. I enjoy Dave Matthews, but I wasn't feeling it, tonight, and so I put my ipod on.
Much better.
People that take adventage of other people are obviously, extremely sad/bitter/pathetic to be doing such a thing. I have been foolish with this person for too long, but not anymore.
I want to continue to feel positive about life and others.
Be well...
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