My Run Hit Wonder

Wow, I actually have time to make a post at work. I'm still sans internet at home until Friday when the cable guy comes (although I have been mooching off a very weak but very convenient wireless signal somewhere in the area). We still don't have a TV yet, but I'm trying to strike a deal on craigslist. Craigslist is a godsend. It hasn't been so bad without a unit, though. In fact, I don't really watch TV that often. All I really want it for are movies, the few select shows that I watch, and my Xbox.

Last night, I participated in Nike's Run Hit Wonder downtown. It's an annual race event sponsored by Nike (duh) where you can either enter for a 5K or 10K. Of course, I did the 10K =). Normally, I wouldn't have thought to take part in any kind of running event; running pains me way too much compared to other sports, and the blisters I incurred on my feet are still healing. But a few other guys in my lab had signed up for it, and one of them, Tjoson, had to forfeit his spot for a "more important" med school interview, so he offered me his spot. Missing out on the crew racing from college, I couldn't refuse.

The course was amazing. We ran up Coumbus, zig zagged through upper and lower Wacker Drive, back around down the lake shore/marina, around the aqarium, back to the start line. It was great to run at night, not only because it was a rather hot/humid day, but also because you could run through the night-lit buildings. The Blue Cross/Blue Shield building was lit up such that the south side's windows read "Run Loud"--Nike's race slogan. I got to see Mia Hamm, too, which was cool.

It has always been a small fantasy of mine to run in a race only to be able to chug some water at the hydration stand, splash it all over me, and then recklessly chuck the beaten cup to the side. And last night I was able to do that =).

In other news, Deanna and I are almost done painting our new place. We wanted to make it feel like something of our own. We chose what we thought would be appropriate colors based solely on paint chips, contrary to my mother's advice, and we probably should have listened to her, because the first color we laid in the living room came out WAY too bright. But all is good. We found a solution. And even if it doesn't turn out perfect, it will at least keep us in good spirits during the winter.

Deanna's parents came to visit last weekend. I kept making fun of D because she slipped into Minnesota accent mode; every time she said "bag" or "rag" or "tag," I made her repeat it, much to her dissatisfaction. Her dad was kind enough to lend me his tool set, notably his drill, which I needed to put some things up on the wall. (Note: apparently EZ drywall anchors do not screw into plaster walls. Bad iea.) It's great to actually be a working man around the house. All that stuff Dad and Tool Time taught me is paying off.

My room is slowly coming together. I'm still sleeping on an air mattress, and will be for even longer now that my parents informed me they won't be coming up until Oct. 1 with the rest of my furniture, but in the past few weeks I've acquired a nice desk and sold my A/C unit, so there is enough space for now. I can't wait to get a nice big bed again, though.

Seasons are changing around here. The weather has been wacky--it was so hot yesterday, but cool enough today to herald the beginning of Chicago fall--, college is back in session, and new people are starting in our lab while others are moving on to bigger and better things. Lots of college buddies are going abroad, and crew camp is starting up again (I'm so glad that's over with--I'm content to watch from the sidelines now). It's definitely a different world now, but there are still some solid things in my life to fall back on. The funny thing is, I've realized this point in my life is basically a bridge to the next phase of school, whence I will be dumped back into even greater academic rigors. It's nice to have the time off, though. I've already gotten great advice and good experience through work. I highly recommend a year or two off.

Scott just bought a new bike, so I'm going to help him assemble it after work today. I'm glad he's getting into cycling, because now I will have a partner downtown to ride with.