September 12, 2008 - 5:03 PM | Comment
This past March I joined the BAC for Women in Depew. Since then, I have been running on the treadmill and at Losson Park pretty steadily all summer.
Still determined to improve my former partying ways, I thought a healthy hobby would be to get into running 5K events around the area. So on Sept. 11 a friend and I participated in our very first 5K run at Como Park in Lancaster to support the troops overseas, remember 9/11 and do something a little more productive than pajamas and boxed wine.
I'm not your average runner. I showed up to the race with makeup on, a brand-new outfit, and my nails painted, but when I looked around the park there were no "average runners." Ages ranged from 10 to 65. There were families running together, couples, friends, some serious long-distance runners and some people there for their usual evening stroll.
Usually when I go for a jog I am constantly stopping and starting to catch my breath. This wasn't the usual jog. At first I didn't want to stop, and I really didn't pace myself because I would get competitive when people would pass me. I got over that real quickly when we reached our first check-point. I was convinced we had to be at the 2-mile marker but given a swift reality check when I realized I was only through the first mile.
My final time was 34 minutes, which I thought was a pretty good pace for my first run. And it wasn't as rigorous as I had anticipated. Although, echoing in the back of my head throughout the entire race were the sarcastic and motivating words of wisdom from my father: "Whatever you do, don't finish last." -- ha ha dad.
Well I didn't finish last, but it didn't matter. Crossing that finish line was something that a year ago I never thought I would do. Not because I couldn't, but because I really didn't care. But, I have to admit, it was so rewarding and I felt great afterward. I'm already scanning the Web for the next one to participate in.
It was pretty clear that I was a 5K-rookie. I'm not really sure what to eat before a race, how to prepare for one, and I could really use some tips on how to improve.
Any suggestions?
--- Kelly Boquard
September 10, 2008 - 6:00 AM | Comment
I am planning on heading to my alma mater to take in Saturday's UB-Temple football game with some friends.
Nothing terribly out of the ordinary since I try to make it to at least one football and basketball game a year. And it is not as if UB Stadium, which was almost completely empty (even during games) during my time as a student, is going to tug at my heartstrings.
But I was thinking that I have not really set foot upon the college campus I spent plenty of years on. I have not peered into the academic buildings, strolled from one side of campus to the other as I did countless times or stopped by the Commons.
I will not be able to Saturday, but I was planning on participating in the Linda Yalem run later this month. Maybe after that I can spend some time on campus, reminiscing a bit. Is it a strange sentiment?
After all, I am a Southtowns native and now live in Buffalo -- only a few miles from UB and not a flight away as I am sure is the case for many. And though I think the north campus was pleasing to the eye, I don't think it would be confused with Princeton or Duke.
A friend of mine recently went with her boyfriend on a trip to his alma mater to do a similar type of thing. So it is not all that weird then, is it?
---Geoff Nason
September 9, 2008 - 5:56 PM | Comment
Next month I will be eligible to start a 401(k) after being at my job for one year. It sounds like a no-brainer, but I am honestly still mulling it over.
Now before jumping all over me, hear me out. There is something to be said for having a clear mind and not having debt hanging over your head. I still have some college loans and credit card debt to pay off, and I have half a notion to clear that before investing in my future.
Yes, I would forfeit the growth potential of my 401(k) during that time but I also would be paying less interest on my loans if I pay them off quicker.
I sat down with a financial services professional last month to discuss whole life insurance. It is another sound opportunity, but I decided to put it off for the time being and stick with just the standard life insurance I have. The lease on my car is up soon so I would like some money handy and the holidays are not that far off.
Doing some research on my financial future, I stumbled upon an adviser's answer to a similar 401(k) versus paying down debt question. The response to the effect of, "Create a tight budget and do both," sounds good. I am all about responsibility but sorry, I am not about to make tons of financial sacrifices.
If I did not drink beer I probably would be in much better physical shape, but that is not going to happen any time soon either. I have some friends who live that way (fiscally, not alcohol-free) and cannot imagine turning down all the fun experiences they have passed up because they were watching their wallets.
My concern is that if I do not at least start my 401(k), though, I may find myself putting it off in the future as well. If I force myself to do it now, even on a small scale, then at least I will have a start.
Anyone else out there have any experiences or advice to share?
---Geoff Nason
September 4, 2008 - 3:34 PM | Comment
Earlier this summer, I posted about wanting to go on a post-graduation trip, and finally, I've figured out the details. In less than a week, I'll be embarking on a week-long San Francisco/Seattle combo trip, and I'm pretty excited. Having visited San Fran before, I can easily say I'm a lover of the West Coast. I can't wait to see the piers, the parks and of course, the cable cars. But the thing I'm most looking forward to? The food.
I'm convinced that in another life, I'd be the 800-pound woman they had to pull from her house because of her love of food. Luckily, I got a different metabolism, and I'm eternally grateful. As I get ready for my trip, I've included the top three restaurants/cafes that I intend to stop at, and I'd appreciate any suggestions on places I've missed and must see. Because a lot of my investigative restaurant work has been done via the Internet and not by actual tastings, I'd also appreciate input on any places you think are completely overrated and that I should skip entirely.
San Fran:
Boudin Bakery - A bit cliche, I know, but the city is known for its sourdough and I couldn't stop by without grabbing a baguette to walk around with while I explore the pier.
Dottie's True Blue Cafe - A legend among both tourists and city dwellers, Dottie's is one of the best breakfast places on the bay. The line is long, but the wait is worth it - the cinnamon pancakes draw people from all points in Union Square.
Sears Fine Food - The food is great, but the ambiance is part of the experience. It's a family owned San Fran staple, and it attracts all types of people, making for a fun people-watching experience, too.
Seattle:
Salumi - I'm really looking forward to trying this place, partially because it has a royal culinary bloodline behind it; chef Mario Batali's father owns and runs the place.
5 Spot - This could be a disaster or a great time, because I found this place purely from searching online. The element that intrigues me? The menu features samples from several regions around the U.S. : Southwestern, New England, Pacific Northwest, South of the Mason Dixon etc. This appeals to my varied tastes, but I'm always a little wary of places that don't specialize in one particular cuisine.
Ray's Boathouse (or some place similar) - Because of the obvious location, I'd love to visit a fine dining restaurant that serves fresh catches of the day. I'm not a huge seafood person, but I'm willing to be a little adventurous, and Grilled Southeast Alaskan Halibut definitely sounds outside of my comfort zone.
--- Molly Hirschbeck
