Thursday, December 11, 2008

End of an era

One more day to go here at Intel. I'm getting anxious to start at Columbia. From what I hear it should be pretty busy there, I'm looking forward to serving a purpose. Tomorrow is a formality. I come in and hand over my laptop and my badge. Then I'm out the door. It really hasn't set in yet. 15 years is a long time, especially when your only 34. I've basically grown up here. Being 18 when I started, then meeting Jen. I've spent more time here then I did in school. Probably the thing I am most excited about is the change. EVERYTHING will be different. My route to work, my co-workers, where I swim and run during the day. It's a fresh start, something I could never get by staying with Intel. Based on how excited I am about that alone just proves how ready I am to make this move. Regardless of what happens in the long run I have zero regrets about giving this a go. And did I mention the employee store? We went on Sunday to check it out. I walked in and there were fleeces everywhere. I admit, I love fleece! I walked in and felt like I was home, finally! No regrets!
Training has been going well. I am still having Graston done on my Achilles but it is pretty much pain free at this point. I've decided not to do the marathon since I have missed so much training. Instead I am switching focus to the California Half Ironman in April. I love this course and I think I can have a good race there. My swimming is going really well right now, and I'm thinking about joining a masters team. I'm starting to get some bike fitness back, and the running seems solid even after a couple of light weeks. The key will be sticking to it once I start the new job. It will likely take a little time to adjust to a new schedule, but others are able to do it with much more demanding jobs. I'm looking forward to the challenge of making it work. I'm starting to get excited about next season!!

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

I Suck At Blogging

So much going on, let me bring you up to speed! Since my last post we went to AZ to visit family and watch the Ironman. Christian, Aleck, and Sarah M all kicked some major ass. Actually watching the race kind of made me think I want to do another one next year...maybe!


On the training front - While training for the RnR marathon on Jan 16th I managed to develop tendonitis in my Achilles. Ok, so maybe it was actually from running the beer mile. Not sure, but finally today I went to see John Foland, a local Chiropractor, for a treatment called Graston Therapy (http://www.grastontechnique.com/). I think it worked, or at least is helping me move in the right direction. After the treatment I was able to come home and run 6 miles with very little discomfort. In the last 2 weeks I haven't been able to do more the 4 miles at a time without significant pain. More ice and another treatment I should be good to go. Now the question is can I get the lost fitness back in time to actually run a fast marathon. Only time will tell.
Perhaps the biggest development since my last update is my new work direction. Yesterday I officially accepted a position at Columbia Sportswear as a Senior Supply Planner. This is a huge change for me since I have only ever worked at Intel. After 15 years I am definitely ready for a change. I think Columbia is going to be a good thing for me for many reasons. Mainly, I really feel like I need a fresh start. That's something you can't ever really get when you change jobs within Intel. Also, I'm excited about working for a smaller company. I think Columbia has 2200 people world wide compared to Intel with over 95k. I'm expecting a period of adjustment, but long term I think it is going to a good move. It's nice too that I'm not leaving Intel as a disgruntled employee. Quiet the opposite actually. Intel has allowed me to do so many things and has been a great place to work. Trust me, I am definitely not taking this opportunity for granted. With the way the economy is right now I am SO grateful to have this option available to me. I am expecting to have to make some sacrifices though with my training. No more will I be able to work from home one day a week. And in the short term no more hour and half swims at lunch. But that's ok. Most people are able to train without those luxuries, so more early mornings and time on the trainer. I think it's going to be worth it if it means a job that is at least some what rewarding. Exciting times!


I think that sums it up. I have been wanting to update, but didn't want to give updates on things that were still in limbo. I hope to be better as I start my new adventures.