Azusa, CA...Everything from A to Z in the USA.

It’s funny how my frequency in blogging is correlated to my frequency in running. Actually, now that I think about it, it’s not really that funny, considering that is kind of the theme behind this blog….so nevermind. Anyways, I guess a little update is in order.

I have been in Azusa for a little over a month now and finally moved out of my suitcase and into a house. I am far from being completely unpacked and moved in, but at least I have a bed to sleep in and a kitchen to cook in. My life here looks very different from my life in Santa Barbara, but I feel like I am starting to get settled into a routine and used to all the newness. Someone asked me today what my favorite thing about being here is and my answer was “Target”. While I am joking about it being the best part, I’m not going to lie…after living for 9 years without a Target within 40 miles it is very nice to have one within walking distance of my house.

In all seriousness, Azusa Pacific University is so great. It is taking me a little longer than I thought to get used to a new program with new coaches and new expectations, but everyone I meet is very welcoming and work does not feel like work at all. Everyday I wake up, I get excited about the thought about getting to go to a place where I can talk about faith openly and coach some pretty cool kids (while they may be a bit squirly at times…it is a great group). I don’t dread Monday’s and the start of a new work week…I look forward to another week of getting to do what I love to do.

I think the hardest adjustment so far has been the weather and the early start to the day. The heat here is killer. I miss my ocean breeze and mid-70s to 80 degree temperatures. Everyday has pretty much been in the 90s and even 100s. On Friday, I did my workout in 106 degrees.

My days start at 5:30…errr….5:50am by the time I actually get out of bed. Due to the heat we practice at 6:30am. I then do my workout after that and then I go home to eat. I go back to campus for a few hours to get some work done in the office before afternoon practice and my second workout. I don’t do much in the evenings because I am usually wiped out by this point. Bedtime is welcomed with open arms at about 9:00pm.

As for a training update, I am back at it. After a nice break after Europe I am back in full swing. Had a mini plantar fasciitis/achilles tendonitis scare last week, but thanks to my BFF Dr. Victoria, the pain is gone. My first race is going to be the Long Beach 5k on October 7. I’m not sure exactly where I’m at fitness wise, so we will find out in a few weeks. Adapting to a new training environment has been tougher than I expected, but I finally feel like I’m finding my routine. Of course I miss getting to run by the beach everyday, but I am thankful that I am still able to train at a high level, so I can’t complain.

All in all, I feel incredibly blessed to be getting to do what I love to do everyday. I am so thankful that God has placed me at such a fine institution where I can grow in my faith and help others do the same on a daily basis. Every day has its challenges, but that’s life…it can’t be easy ALL the time!

Here are some pictures from my time here thus far:

UC Irvine Invitational. First meet as an APU coach!

APU Football! 1st collegiate football game!

It gets hot here…

Men’s team during the long run up in Mammoth.

APU XC 2012 on top of Red Cone. (10,500 ft. altitude)

Birthday dinner for my bestie. Love that I can be with her on her special day!

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