Hello from California

I haven't blogged in a long time, but I had a perfectly reasonable excuse. I just haven't ran in a long time. After my last post, (by the way thanks for all the motivation and reassurance that a little break is fine), I tried to run more, but I just didn't have/make the time. However, while running didn't happen, lots of other things happened.

1. I didn't get that job. Oh well, graduation is still two months away and there are tons of other opportunities to pursue! (Trying to stay positive)

2. I got to see the corpse flower.
Ever since I was little, I wanted to see the corpse flower because it was on the cover of this one book that I used to read as a child. Luckily for me, my college has an awesome agricultural/plant program, and this rare plant is currently blooming. Unfortunately, I missed the actual blooming as it bloomed during spring break and I'm currently in California, but I did see the bud.

It blooms once every ten years and the flowers open for pollination for only 24 hours. Maybe that's why they have become so rare? 

3. I came to California for spring break and ran a grand total of two times. 

But on those times that I ran, there was a total party in my pants. And by that I mean my legs were loving the flat terrain. It was also nice to run at sea level. Despite the long hiatus from running, my easy 6 miler clocked at 9:01/mile, which is way faster than my normal easy pace. 

What can I say, I'm a little awkward. I think this photo caught me as I was gearing up to jump. Before I left my jacket to do a five miler at the beach. 

4. I went to the San Diego zoo. 

My bf is also staying with my family in California. Previous times, we'd do a lot of touristy stuff, but this time, we just stuck to going to San Diego zoo. (cross training?) There were lots of low impact walking. In fact, I ended up taking an Advil before bed, because my legs were so sore from all that walking.There will be random photos of animals later, but for now let me tell you about wild asses. 

I only took a picture of this, because of the true wild asses. Immature? Totally.  

5. I've been stressing about all the missed running. 

This unplanned break has gone on a little too long. Now, it's time to get back on schedule and on to marathon training for May. I don't know what's scarier, graduation or my first marathon. Both scare and excite me. 

I'd rather not think about the marathon or graduation and fool around in Cali  forever. 

I think I've finally caught up on blog reading. But anything interesting happen in the week that I was gone? What's a good stretch for IT Bands? They've been feeling a bit tight lately. I hope everyone has been having a wonderful week!