It has been 13 months since my last blog post. A great deal has happened in my life since then so there is a lot to talk about in this catching-up post. I may break it down into several more manageable segments. In this first segment, I will concentrate on my professional life as let's face it - it's what pays the bills.
Toward the end of March, I left J&J after six and a half years. There were a number of reasons why I decided to leave, but the main ones were: the long commute, working 2nd shift and the lack of recognition and opportunity in my job. I had just grown very frustrated with my role in Fort Washington and was starting to get burnt out. The last straw was my performance review at the beginning of March. I received the same rating as the previous year even though I probably did three times the amount of work and was involved with every project or initiative that came down the road. I was given the same BS feedback as the prior year; that I needed to increase my visibility. Okay. That's what you told me last year too so I went out and got involved in half a dozen projects in addition to my regular duties. Apparently, that wasn't enough. Bottom line: I was sick of my job, sick of driving 155 miles (better part of three hours) each day and tired of never being home in the evenings. I put in for a 1st shift position in FW and didn't get it and I tried a couple of times to get back to the Lancaster Plant, but it just didn't work out. Back in the Fall of 2009, I really started looking externally for a new opportunity.
That opportunity showed up in the form of a 1st shift QA position at Hershey's. I went from making Tylenol to making chocolate and I LOVE it! I am working as a Senior QA Specialist at the West Hershey Plant, which makes Hershey Bars, Hershey Kisses and Nuggets. I have been there a little over a month and I am really liking it so far. Our QA group is small. There are seven of us total. I am getting the chance to be involved in so many different things and each day is unique. I feel a renewed sense of commitment and enthusiasm. Hershey's is a great company with iconic brands and a great reputation. Our 1Q sales were up 15% this year so the financials are looking good. My commute is an easy 30-minute drive and I love working in Hershey. It's like being in the center of the chocolate universe. Plus, the company has strong ties to the community, to Hersheypark and to the Hershey Bears, who I love and now feel a more personal connection to than I did before. I love when the Bears' radio announcer John Walton says something like, "4-1 Chocolatetown," after the Bears score a goal.
So that is pretty much it for the professional side of the last 13 months. I am now home every day by like 4:00 or 4:30 and am getting to spend more time with the family, which can be both good and bad. I will discuss those challenges in another segment. I'll conclude with a little thought I had shortly after I started my new job, "How can I not have a good day, I make chocolate for a living?"
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Semper Fi
Well, it's official. Earlier this evening I registered for the 34th Marine Corps Marathon on October 25, 2009. I'm excited, but a little anxious as well. It has now been almost three years since my last marathon and my last couple attempts at coming back/training haven't gone particularly well.
I really want this time to be different. The good thing is that I'm 100% healthy right now and I have 14 weeks to build up a good mileage base prior to the start of marathon training on July 6th. So I definitely feel like this is my opportunity to do it right, put everything together and have a good race in October. I would love to shoot for another PR either at the MCM or in Harrisburg two weeks later, but I will really be satisfied with running both of them and feeling good doing it.
I know that there are a couple of keys to having more successful training this time around. I need to be more disciplined about getting my workouts done before the days get too hot. I can't go out for a long run at noon in July. It's just a recipe for disaster. I also need to be sure that I am eating right and getting extra carbs the day before long runs along with some additional protein throughout my training to assist with muscle and tissue repair. Finally, I need to make sure that I am getting enough sleep. This has been a big obstacle for me in the past. Subsisting on five or six hours of sleep a night just doesn't work for me anymore.
Overall, I feel really good right now. I have been lifting weights pretty consistently for the past year and I am probably stronger now than I have ever been in the past. I have also done enough cardio between running and walking to stay in half-decent shape. As I increase my running mileage, I know that I'll see a steady gain there. It definitely seems like now is a good time to get back to serious training.
I really want this time to be different. The good thing is that I'm 100% healthy right now and I have 14 weeks to build up a good mileage base prior to the start of marathon training on July 6th. So I definitely feel like this is my opportunity to do it right, put everything together and have a good race in October. I would love to shoot for another PR either at the MCM or in Harrisburg two weeks later, but I will really be satisfied with running both of them and feeling good doing it.
I know that there are a couple of keys to having more successful training this time around. I need to be more disciplined about getting my workouts done before the days get too hot. I can't go out for a long run at noon in July. It's just a recipe for disaster. I also need to be sure that I am eating right and getting extra carbs the day before long runs along with some additional protein throughout my training to assist with muscle and tissue repair. Finally, I need to make sure that I am getting enough sleep. This has been a big obstacle for me in the past. Subsisting on five or six hours of sleep a night just doesn't work for me anymore.
Overall, I feel really good right now. I have been lifting weights pretty consistently for the past year and I am probably stronger now than I have ever been in the past. I have also done enough cardio between running and walking to stay in half-decent shape. As I increase my running mileage, I know that I'll see a steady gain there. It definitely seems like now is a good time to get back to serious training.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Fall Plans?
I am considering some potential plans for the Fall season. I am seriously thinking about doing the Marine Corps Marathon for the 2nd time and then following that up by running Harrisburg two weeks later. The Hands On House Half Marathon in early October would probably serve as a warm-up/training run for both. The HOH Half is the week of the first 20-miler so that would require running seven miles prior to the race. That doesn't sound too fun, but at least miles 8 - 20 of my training run would be supported.
I would be using the three day per week FIRST training that I used back in 2005. I had good success with that program and that would be the best way for me to train considering my work and travel schedule. I would do my speed workouts on Monday mornings prior to returning to FW or Monday evening at work over my lunch. I would then do my tempo run before work on one day during the week and do my long runs on Saturdays. It's going to be tough getting the workouts in with working 2nd shift, driving back and forth and staying in FW all week, but marathon training is never easy.
I guess that I just need to decide whether or not I really want to put in the time and effort and if my commitment level is there because if I start training this time, I am going the distance (barring injury of course). I am not going to just back out again. I'm not a quitter. In the three years since I ran my last marathon, I've had quite a few false starts where I was in the middle of training and then decided to bag it. I had my reasons each time that happened and I don't regret the decisions that I made, but I don't want to repeat the same scenario again.
The HOH Half is Saturday, October 3rd; the MCM is Sunday, October 25th and the Harrisburg Marathon is Sunday, November 8th. That would make for a busy fall, but I've done it before and with great success. The question is, will being four years older have an impact on my potential to succeed? I know that I'm obviously not getting any younger and I am not as resilient as I once was, but I am still fit and strong and I think that I can still handle the training. I just need to be disciplined and committed. Those are the keys to success.
I would be using the three day per week FIRST training that I used back in 2005. I had good success with that program and that would be the best way for me to train considering my work and travel schedule. I would do my speed workouts on Monday mornings prior to returning to FW or Monday evening at work over my lunch. I would then do my tempo run before work on one day during the week and do my long runs on Saturdays. It's going to be tough getting the workouts in with working 2nd shift, driving back and forth and staying in FW all week, but marathon training is never easy.
I guess that I just need to decide whether or not I really want to put in the time and effort and if my commitment level is there because if I start training this time, I am going the distance (barring injury of course). I am not going to just back out again. I'm not a quitter. In the three years since I ran my last marathon, I've had quite a few false starts where I was in the middle of training and then decided to bag it. I had my reasons each time that happened and I don't regret the decisions that I made, but I don't want to repeat the same scenario again.
The HOH Half is Saturday, October 3rd; the MCM is Sunday, October 25th and the Harrisburg Marathon is Sunday, November 8th. That would make for a busy fall, but I've done it before and with great success. The question is, will being four years older have an impact on my potential to succeed? I know that I'm obviously not getting any younger and I am not as resilient as I once was, but I am still fit and strong and I think that I can still handle the training. I just need to be disciplined and committed. Those are the keys to success.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Hiatus
Well, I had been doing very well with my return to regular running up until three weeks ago and then I got sick. I was away the weekend of 1/31, 2/1 and missed my Sunday long run for that week.
On Monday evening at work, I started to feel bad. At first, I thought that I was just tired, but by Tuesday I was showing symptoms of a bad cold. I had a stuffy and runny nose, chest congestion and I just felt really awful. By the end of each night at work, I was drained and exhausted. The smart thing to do would have been to bag a day of work in an attempt to rest up and get better. You can see where this is going, can't you? I was very busy at work that week and just thought that I couldn't afford to take a day off. I struggled through the entire week at work feeling lousy and just trying to get through the week.
I did get some rest over that weekend, but come Sunday, I was still not feeling better. My ears were hurting and I was getting headaches in addition to the stuffiness and congestion, so I started to think that I may have a sinus infection. I took Monday off from work and went to see the doctor. He said that ten days is the rule they use for the dividing line between a cold and a sinus infection. He told me that if I didn't feel better by Thursday to call in to the office and they would prescribe something for a sinus infection. Still not feeling very well, I also took Tuesday off from work and pretty much slept most of the day. I did do some work from home and I was starting to feel a little better; although I was still congested and coughing.
It took me the rest of the week to start feeling somewhat normally again and I had a crazy schedule at work going in early for trainings. The end result of all this was that I didn't run or work out for two straight weeks due to being sick and then recovering. By last Monday, I felt mostly better and I got in my first workout in about three weeks. On Saturday, I finally went for my first run in over three weeks. I set out just to run three miles and get back in the swing of it, but once I was out there, I didn't feel too bad so I ended up running four instead.
I guess at this point that I'll get back on the road to building up my base mileage although I have a surgical procedure scheduled this coming Friday that will sideline my running for another week. I'm hoping to get in a few runs this week prior to the surgery so that I'll be in the groove again and can get right back to it after I've healed from the surgery.
On Monday evening at work, I started to feel bad. At first, I thought that I was just tired, but by Tuesday I was showing symptoms of a bad cold. I had a stuffy and runny nose, chest congestion and I just felt really awful. By the end of each night at work, I was drained and exhausted. The smart thing to do would have been to bag a day of work in an attempt to rest up and get better. You can see where this is going, can't you? I was very busy at work that week and just thought that I couldn't afford to take a day off. I struggled through the entire week at work feeling lousy and just trying to get through the week.
I did get some rest over that weekend, but come Sunday, I was still not feeling better. My ears were hurting and I was getting headaches in addition to the stuffiness and congestion, so I started to think that I may have a sinus infection. I took Monday off from work and went to see the doctor. He said that ten days is the rule they use for the dividing line between a cold and a sinus infection. He told me that if I didn't feel better by Thursday to call in to the office and they would prescribe something for a sinus infection. Still not feeling very well, I also took Tuesday off from work and pretty much slept most of the day. I did do some work from home and I was starting to feel a little better; although I was still congested and coughing.
It took me the rest of the week to start feeling somewhat normally again and I had a crazy schedule at work going in early for trainings. The end result of all this was that I didn't run or work out for two straight weeks due to being sick and then recovering. By last Monday, I felt mostly better and I got in my first workout in about three weeks. On Saturday, I finally went for my first run in over three weeks. I set out just to run three miles and get back in the swing of it, but once I was out there, I didn't feel too bad so I ended up running four instead.
I guess at this point that I'll get back on the road to building up my base mileage although I have a surgical procedure scheduled this coming Friday that will sideline my running for another week. I'm hoping to get in a few runs this week prior to the surgery so that I'll be in the groove again and can get right back to it after I've healed from the surgery.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Reflections from Tuesday
This post is not at all related to running, but I can't sit by and pretend that the events of this past Tuesday didn't have a profound impact on me. I was at an all-day training for work on Tuesday, but while we had lunch, they turned on the TV so that we could watch President Obama's inauguration speech. I was very moved by it and despite being in a room with over a dozen other people, I felt tears welling up in my eyes several times listening to our new President speak. I truly believe in him and sense in him a power that can lead him to greatness. I loved the first line of his speech (paraphrased): my fellow citizens, I stand before you today humbled at the task that lies before us. No hooray for me I'm the first African-American President, or any other egocentric rhetoric. From the beginning, his speech set the tone of let's roll up our sleeves and get to work as we've got a lot of work to do. I love that about him.
On Wednesday morning, I was up before the sun came up and I felt compelled to do something that I don't do very often - I prayed. I prayed for our new President's safety and the safety of his family and I prayed for him to be given the wisdom to lead our country strongly and justly. I watched the sun peek up over the horizon the same as it does every day, but somehow this sunrise seemed different; more hopeful perhaps. You could sense a change in the air; a feeling of hope and optimism that was almost palpable. As I stood there, a feeling of profound joy came over me and I felt inspired to write down my thoughts. Here is what I wrote:
January 21st: I awoke before dawn on this clear, cold January morning with a renewed spirit and a fresh hope not just for this nation, but for the whole world. We are now led by a man who overcame all odds to be our 44th President; making history in the process. A man who has the ability to move your spirit with his words and rally you to action with his sheer conviction. It is my sincere hope that the people of this nation can put aside their petty differences and stand as one behind Barack Obama; a figure poised to lead this country back toward greatness. Because greatness isn't a destination, but a journey, and our new President is marshaling his forces to create real change for the better and to address the daunting challenges that face us all. God bless Barack Obama.
On Wednesday morning, I was up before the sun came up and I felt compelled to do something that I don't do very often - I prayed. I prayed for our new President's safety and the safety of his family and I prayed for him to be given the wisdom to lead our country strongly and justly. I watched the sun peek up over the horizon the same as it does every day, but somehow this sunrise seemed different; more hopeful perhaps. You could sense a change in the air; a feeling of hope and optimism that was almost palpable. As I stood there, a feeling of profound joy came over me and I felt inspired to write down my thoughts. Here is what I wrote:
January 21st: I awoke before dawn on this clear, cold January morning with a renewed spirit and a fresh hope not just for this nation, but for the whole world. We are now led by a man who overcame all odds to be our 44th President; making history in the process. A man who has the ability to move your spirit with his words and rally you to action with his sheer conviction. It is my sincere hope that the people of this nation can put aside their petty differences and stand as one behind Barack Obama; a figure poised to lead this country back toward greatness. Because greatness isn't a destination, but a journey, and our new President is marshaling his forces to create real change for the better and to address the daunting challenges that face us all. God bless Barack Obama.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Got Running?
The answer for me right now is: yes I do. I am in my 3rd week of consistent running. I started the first week with 10 miles (3, 3 and 4) and then progressed to 12 miles (3, 4 and 5) last week. This week, I am scheduled to run 14 miles (4, 4 and 6). I ran four miles on Wednesday on the track and the treadmill at the gym and I'm planning to do four miles outside on Friday and then six miles on Sunday. I plan to add about two miles each week to my total until I hit twenty miles per week. At that point, I am going to start looking for a goal race and I'll begin training.
It's amazing the difference that running makes. I have more energy, seem to need less sleep, I feel better and I haven't had a headache for several weeks. There for a while, I was getting headaches nearly every day.
It's amazing the difference that running makes. I have more energy, seem to need less sleep, I feel better and I haven't had a headache for several weeks. There for a while, I was getting headaches nearly every day.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Tragic Flaw
If you remember reading tragedies like Romeo and Juliet, etc. the hero or heroine always had a tragic flaw that led to their downfall. Not that I'm a hero, but I know what my tragic flaw is. I am too sensitive and too easily hurt. Hopefully this trait will not lead to my undoing like it always did for the tragic hero, but it is definitely my most glaring flaw. I am not the type of person that normally worries about things outside of my control, but when something happens that makes me feel hurt, slighted, or forgotten by someone, it really does bother me and it takes me a long time to get over it.
There was a recent incident at work related to the holidays where my feelings were really hurt and it took me several days to get over it. The night that it happened, I spent hours thinking about it and being upset over it. It really consumed me that night and most of the next day and I had difficulty getting to sleep and didn't sleep well that night at all. After a few days, I kind of came to terms with the incident and it didn't bother me so much, but then I got to thinking about how the incident had dominated my thoughts so much over the course of those days. I realized that I have to try and rewire my brain so that my psyche isn't so bruised over incidents similar to the one that happened at work. I realized that I can't let things like that get to me so much. That is definitely something that I will be working to improve this year.
There was a recent incident at work related to the holidays where my feelings were really hurt and it took me several days to get over it. The night that it happened, I spent hours thinking about it and being upset over it. It really consumed me that night and most of the next day and I had difficulty getting to sleep and didn't sleep well that night at all. After a few days, I kind of came to terms with the incident and it didn't bother me so much, but then I got to thinking about how the incident had dominated my thoughts so much over the course of those days. I realized that I have to try and rewire my brain so that my psyche isn't so bruised over incidents similar to the one that happened at work. I realized that I can't let things like that get to me so much. That is definitely something that I will be working to improve this year.
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