Saturday, September 06, 2008

So Far So Awesome

I can't believe it's been a week since we got to Portland! We are getting our internet and cable installed on Tuesday so I've only been able to use public computers, hence, the lack of posting. Anyway, we loooooove Portland! So fun! We love our apartment, the location right downtown, the tons of restaurants and coffee shops and bars and parks and art galleries and outdoor stores. There is a farmer's market next door on Thursday nights, there was a big neighborhood-wide art festival the other evening, the waterfront is packed with people enjoying the weather, and everyone all around just seems so damn happy. Also, everyone is SO nice! Seriously, the people on the street, in the elevator, at the coffee shop, everyone is just incredibly friendly.

We're making progress on the job front: we both had interviews last week and while mine was only allright, Zach's was good, and we're both hoping we hear back. Otherwise we'll forge ahead with the job search.

The running around Portland is amazing. We've mainly been hitting up the waterfront paths but also ventured up to Forest Park one day. I will put up some pictures when I get internet in my apartment. It is beautiful. It's been an adventure finding our way around. I'm feeling really good on these runs too. The 9:00 range is feeling easy and I was able to push through a fast run with Zach as well. We did our first longish run today and it felt great. Here's the First Week in Portland Run-Down:

Tuesday
5.5 miles/48:47/8:52 average pace
Waterfront run solo

Wednesday
6.0 miles/49:05/8:11 average pace
Forest Park with Zach

Thursday: hike
4.6 miles/2:00 ish
Angel's Rest

Friday
5.0 miles/44:06/8:49 average pace
Waterfront with Zach

Saturday
10.0 miles/1:31:04/9:06 average pace
Eastbank Esplanade/Springwater Corridor with Zach

TOTAL miles this week: 26.5

So, Wednesday is my BIRTHDAY!! I will be turning 28. We're planning on going for a long run, specifically the Third Annual Happy Birthday Half Marathon. Then we'll do some other fun stuff and go out for dinner. Our marathon training for California International Marathon (December 7) starts the following Monday.

Have a great weekend and week everyone, I'll post pictures galore next week. :)

15 comments:

GB said...

Jen I'm so happy that you're getting settled in your new home town. I hope you both find the jobs you want! I'm sure you will.

Keep up the great running and I hope we can see each other at the CIM this year!

Judi said...

Jen, Portland is supposed to be such a cool city! And bike friendly! Don't forget to ride!

Ewen said...

Glad to hear of the awesomeness Jen. I reckon it'll be great for your running. Not so sure about the cycling after the first dump of snow ;)

Good luck with the job searches, and happy b'day for Wednesday. Bring on the photos!

Gotta Run..... said...

Now that is a SUPER update!! So happy for both of you. What a truly eciting time in your life.

Cheers to your Birthday!!!

Can't wait to see the pictures.

Petraruns said...

Good luck with it all Jen - can't wait to see some photos of your new surroundings!

SavvyFitChica said...

I'm glad you're getting settled. It sounds like Portland is an awesome place and it's fitting w/ your lifestyle so well. Sounds PERFECT. Once the job search is over it will be even more perfect. Good luck w/ that.

Aron said...

soooo glad you are having such a great time! sounds like its a perfect place for you guys! good luck with the jobs - something perfect will come along.

and great job on the runs too!

ShirleyPerly said...

Happy early Birthday!!

Glad to hear you're enjoying Portland. Hope the jobs come through soon. Look forward to the pics!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the move, Jen! We share the same birthday, so Happy B-day to both of us. Good luck finding jobs in the Rose City. I'm sure you'll love it there.

Nitmos said...

Glad you like Portland! I bet the running paths are terrific.

Happy B-day.

Steve Stenzel said...

Glad the new place is working out! And HAPPY 28!!! You're SOOOO freakin' old!! (I won't be 28 for another 6 months...)

KK said...

Yay! I am so glad you guys love it so far-it sounds absolutely amazing and I love that you live right downtown-nice choice.

The job thing will come around. People would be crazy not to hire you!

And also, thank God you are up posting again. I think I was going through minor Jen withdrawl.

I will email you to set something up. At this point we are focusing only on major booze consumption and maybe showing up at the race on Saturday...

Debbie said...

First of all - Happy Birthday!!

It sounds like you are loving Portland - that's great!! So happy for you all!

Danielle said...

Sounds like this was a great move! Glad you are getting settled. I'm holding down the Iron Horse for you here in the Bay Area!

Paul said...

Happy birthday! It's great to see the move has gone well and you like the new area!