First L.A. Show & New Job

I’m trying not to let myself get high expectations for the Pasadena Marathon, but I can’t help it. I’ve already started visualizing the race during my shorter runs and my long runs and I’m starting to think, maybe I’ll PR… there’s no reason I shouldn’t. I think I’m in the best shape I’ve been in since my first Boston (my current PR) and I certainly have built up much more of a base since then. At the same time, I’m really training for the 50k and using the Pasadena Marathon as a training run. It’s my winter/spring marathon(s) that I have high expectations for. I’m trying not to put too much pressure on myself for this next one, but it’s easy to get ahead of myself.

The 22 miler I thought was last weekend is actually this weekend. I’m going to cave and get a utility built. What I miss most about my running group in Boston is how well supported the runs were. The Leggers has a beautiful course to run, but there’s usually only one water stop for the entire run, regardless of the distance. There are drinking fountains just about everywhere along the beach, but it’s just smarter at this point for me to be self-sufficient. I’m surprised I’ve gone this long without carrying my own liquids. 

I made my debut at Genghis Cohen on Tuesday night. Adjoa Skinner hosts a show that features a few performers each week. I was a little nervous because I was the only one that went up without a band, but I think I made it work to my advantage. I believe in my material. I felt in control of the room and practiced enough to rely on my songs to get me through. I am very happy with the performance. The audience was very supportive and Adjoa seemed to really like me as well. I really need to get my EP recorded. These people are all going to go home and forget I exist!! At least I grabbed a few e-mail addresses, but I’d really like to be spreading my music around. 

I’m playing at Live at the Lounge in Hermosa Beach tomorrow night. The same guy books for Genghis Cohen. He hasn’t heard me play yet. Hopefully he’ll be at Friday’s show so I can make a good impression.

I got a job at a specialty running store in Santa Monica this past week. So far so good. I enjoy talking about running to other people who can relate. One of the girls who works there, Katie, is planning to do the same ultra that I’m doing in December. It may be a little early to assess this, but I think I’m really going to enjoy working there. 

I’m still watching the Olympics non-stop. The more I watch, the more I want to go. Does anyone have any Olympic training plans?? I’ve got until 2020.