Holeeday...

Woohoo, the working year is done! Been quite an interesting journey, given the unexpected promotion. Two weeks ago I went to the Senior Managers Milestone training. Two days of lot of very senior folk telling you what it actually means to be a SM. This followed by a discussion with my career counsellor at the Xmas party where he casually says "so Jody, we need to talk about setting you up to become a Partner"....OMG, I'm still trying to figure out how to be a SM! I can't complain I don't have lead ship support but, ummm, do I really need to think about this now????
Other things. Birthday I worked from home then spent the evening with Sharene and the kids. Madison (her daughter) made me a cake.



And they all put up happy birthday signs.






We had burritos (my choice) and just hung out. Friday I took off work so walked Sharene's labrador and then went for a 7 mile run.
I got some Xmas cheer in the house.


It's an Xmas tree bouquet!
Mum arrives tomorrow and tonight Sharene and I are off to a cocktail party at Pete & Amy's, Pete being the kiwi guy who works with Irene in Santa Cruz.

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Weekend pics

Took a couple of pics on my Sunday run.



Bay Bridge - check out how calm the water is!



Running over Golden Gate Bridge.



Looking back at San Fran from the middle of GG.



Ferry ride back home.



The shoe farm...all of then currently in use!!!! Now that's brand loyalty.
And a couple of random shots.



Sharene & I at Fort Funston on Thanksgiving.



And a blast from the past; how hard am I to spot....


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Running stuff

Ran to Sausalito today, 14.5 miles, longest run in a while! Felt goo though and weather was awesome.


Today they opened up registration for the Lake Sonoma 50 miler. I forgot and went for a run by the time I went to register there were only 23 places left!!!!! Max of 300 allowed. See I'm not the only crazy out there. It's a qualifier for the Western States 100 miler (no I am not even thinking about that) which is why it's so popular. Check out the link on the right. This is a trail run and looks beautiful. It's fully supported so no need for a crew on this one.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Not much to say....or maybe somethings to say

First up, I didn't do the Endurance Challenge.  I felt I hadn't done the millage build up to make it enjoyable.  While I have been running a little bit not really enough for a 50k.  Some of it's been time, some of it mental exhaustion around training....either way I realized doing the race would be a bad idea and the liklihood of injury just compounds.  As it turned out the weather was terrible, big storm so the course changed - not enough millage and bad weather = potential disaster or hateful time.  I have signed up for a 50k in February and about to sign-up for another 50 miler in April.  I'm not a very good runner when I am not "training" for something and I just don't feel like I'm quite done with the 50 miler experience.  This next one is also around a lake but on a trail, during the day and with aid stations!
Bigger news still - I have a girlfriend!  This seems an odd place to "announce" this but I guess everyone else just changes their relationship status on Facebook!  This is proving to be very sweet and such a long time since I had one it all feels very new.  It's fun to meet someone new and, bigger surprise too, she has children (7 & 10).  I'm finding this surprisingly easy as they are sweet....full on but sweet.  I am just rolling with it, being open to however things roll out, time will tell.
Mum arrives on Dec 23rd so I'm really looking forward to that too.  We have a few days in San Fran then off to Reno on Boxing Day.  I'm planning so adventures (we are staying at a Casino so we can play the pokies!).  Irene's family are also there for Xmas so we might drop in and say hi.  If the weather isn't too snowy (because it will be snowing) we'll drive through to Lake Tahoe and I'll show mum where I ran.  It's very beautiful around the Lake too, so that will be fun.  Karen and Brice are planning to come through after New Year as well.  Seems like forever since I saw them. Would have been nice to have a family reunion with Janine and Kathy too but it doesn't work out for them this year.
While mum is here I am going to have her help me look into renovating by bathroom - I want something different so going to have her come with me to look at fittings etc, figure out what I might like.
Not much to share on the work front.  Seems to be another year of consolidation, finding my feet as a senior manager and......

Thanksgiving

It's been a lovely long weekend. Thanksgiving is a very sweet holiday - all good food & people, no gifts! I hung out with a friend and went beach walking at fort Funston & Half Moon Bay.








Tonight I am on dog watch....Henri & Lottie.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Check it out....

Went hiking yesterday in this really beautiful reserve and this little dude was just hanging out:



So cool!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Roseville

Interesting week in Roseville......Around 70 people turned up for the three days of workshops, presentations etc etc.  It's been interesting for me as I'm leading one exercise that I'm not actually an expert in, although it seems having some type of business degree can be helpful!!!!  I presented to a small group and now I am helping to facilitate some additional working sessions.  I fall in and out of feeling confident presenting to groups and really admire people who can routinely stand up in front of large crowds and present with ease.  The HP campus we were on once housed 6000 people, now most of the buildings are closed down, so it was somewhat eerie to drive around.  The office layout is cubicles but the walls were so high that you can't look over them, so often it felt like nobody was in the building.  The meeting rooms were windowless as well, adding to the sense of isolation.
I stayed in a hotel next to possibly the largest shopping mall I have ever seen.  At one point I drove in circles trying to figure out how to get back on the street.  I didn't actually go shopping but was instead looking for the supermarket.....suffice to say my sense of direction remains challenged.
It is nice to be home and I am inclined to think that I really do like working locally and not being a traveller.  Although there is always a possibility I will get staffed outside of the Valley......

LA, visitors and working

The year is flying by and I need to get back on both the running and blogging wagon!
Two weekends ago I headed to LA and had a great fun weekend with Michelle and Ruth.  Ruth was transiting through to a conference in Miami.  The three of us have developed a little tradition around meeting up and always have fun.  I arrived Friday night and Michelle and I did the annual clothing run for Jody - whew that's that done!  Ruth flew in that afternoon and we all just hung out.  Michelle is currently Faculty in residence at UCLA so we hung out on the campus and I got to experience eating the the college dining hall.....the food was very impressive.  We went to dinner that night with Michelle's girlfriend, Nina and moved on to a bar before we all conceded we were happy enough to go home.  Gone are the days of partying out late, or at least that wasn't going to happen that day.
Sunday, after walking Monkee we went off to get Michelle an i-phone, funny time was had as she's not the most literate about these things.  Ruth and I then set it all up for her, including downloading some useful Apps - her life is transformed.
Getting out of LA was a little tedious as my flight kept getting delayed, finally arrived home around 11pm (as opposed 8pm).  Still all worth it to spend time hanging with the Kiwis.
Work was incredibly busy with a team dinner on Wednesday as well.  I am still learning alot and settling into life as a senior manager - it is different and I am figuring it out one day at a time as new and different things are required/demanded!
Ruth flew in for a stopover on her way home on Friday.  Flight was late in but I'm 15mins from the airport so it was an easy hop to pick her up.  Saturday we went Lotte walking with Irene at Fort Funston (pic above) the Ruth and I walked into the Mission and ended the afternoon sitting in the sun in the Garden Bar at our local queer bar.....which I never really go to so it was a treat for me as well.  She flew out Saturday so it really was a short stopover but sweet to spend time with her and have her see where I live etc.
Monday (early) I drive to Roseville; 2hrs North East of San Fran to spend four days doing workshops with the client.  Not wildly excited about the travel but then I haven't been to Roseville.....so I'll put it in the column of "new adventure".  Does mean organizing myself so today is full of washing and household chores.
Thanksgiving is looming and Irene has invited me to Reno but I have decided to stay home.  I think I'd just like to putz around the house.  TG is such a sweet holiday here, everyone very excited and in the past I've gone to friend's houses.  This year though I feel content to just do my own thing, go for a long run and maybe buy in some nice food, watch a movie....easy.

Me & Monkee

Michelle's dog Monkee, so cute!



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Keeping on

So I've gone through the various ups and downs of the post marathon phase.  Enjoyed some remarkable conversations with people and had some notable failures; it's just the way these things run.

I'm still debating the 50k on December 1.......need to get back into training.  Although I'm not at all sure how to train for it.

Work continues on and I still have a somewhat "odd" project role, but am learning alot, so not complaining and happy to roll with things.  I'm working with the largest tech company in the world as part of the largest consulting company in the world.....life is surreal.

I had a great dinner with my career counsellor and the guy who recruited me in to ACN.  He was a senior manager when I joined and is now a Senior Executive ("Partner").  Davin has proven to be the most amazing character in my life.  He has this unfailing belief in me and has never doubted I would be successful.  I was never really sure about his optimism from the first moment we had the "what do you want to do Jody" conversation; this before I went on the path to joining ACN.  

He also wanted to hear about the 50 miler.....something very personal.  I felt prompted to share in a way I don't often with those that aren't close.  He asked good, insightful and probing questions.  It is an American moment for me - these near strangers who haven't know me long but find a point of engagement.  

I've got another cold and seriously contemplating the flu shot (I battle this decision every year!).

Moments in time

See the rollie thing

 Now that you've seen the photo stream I'll share a particular moment.  At some point after Katy joined me I became aware that I had some very acute pain in my right leg (wth, this is my GOOD leg).....Katy quickly noted it was my IT band and that we needed to stretch it out.  And that's exactly what happened as we approached the next checkpoint she ran ahead and told the team I needed the mat (I had thought to bring that ..... both Katy and Marcia had thought to bring the rollie thing I needed as well).
The team rolled out the "yoga" mat on the side of the road, seriously, just inside the white line at the edge of the road, all very safe, or at least I think it was....that's why you have a team, they make good decisions as you have to step up and make them happen.

I then had to do the equivalent of a "plank"....shades of Case in the day of  the gym session

It was incredibly painful.....hugely painful but I knew if I didn't do it I wouldn't finish.................

It  

Katy also did THE most painful massage I've ever had. I'm not sure I would have taken this from anyone else, I really really wanted to smack her, it was so painful I seriously had to restrain myself.  I've seen Katy tough out some incredible moments.....I sucked it up and went with it

At some point I'd done as much as I could and I was able to keep running

The strain shows. I am not sure it's clear but my hands are swollen I'd been watching it happen as we progressed.  In my mind I think at this point I know I have a ways to go and I've just got to keep going....... the day has dawned and there are far less miles to go than those that have been run.......if you can't think like that the you'll never finish.  It comes down to 10 miles, six miles, 1 mile......you've run 40 already, this is nothing........get.it.done.

It's not all glamor out there.......

How it was

So I've kept thinking that I have to tell some deep story about the 50 miler.  Edit it, turn it into something.  It was something, it really was.....but you know I had this amazing documentarian along for the ride.  She caught a bunch of moments and I've decided not to edit any of it but invite you into how she recorded it.

Every picture tells a story so I'll give you some snapshots of what I felt/thought when Irene posted these shots:

• wow, that's how it looked
• it was dark, really really really dark
• for every moment captured here I had the same moment and then some of being alone,  in the dark.  One part was scary, 20-30 miles.  The road was gnarly it was the magic hours (midnight to 4am).  I could only assume every fool on the road was drunk or off it and I had to move hard up against the  guard rail more than once
• I met the team at maybe 3/4am and they collectively looked hellish.....it humbled me as I knew they were there for me and they had individually made some collective sacrifices to be there but were 100% with me.....an unreasonable request and they all showed up
• Mile 30, I can't say how relieved I was to see the crew.  This was the turning point the unknown and they were still there......
• Katy joined me to run 17 miles from the end, we fell into a pattern.  Something easy and familiar and concurrently Marcia arrived from the side and I knew where Irene would be....at the end, filming
• The last 6 miles were tremendously difficult, I knew I'd make it, it just wasn't pretty.  But the team were there.....it was surreal and I really did have to rely on them to figure some things out, more than they knew I suspect
• Katy had some great lines when we hit a hill she didn't expect (well I knew it was coming....she'd forgotten) "Jody wtf is this?" and by fav "okay now you are running like an old woman".  She was running with a back injury.....seriously toughing it out.  Marica was forever present and incredibly pragmatic bringing all the practical things into play and very encouraging.  Irene was/is a quiet talisman.  She was unwell and I knew it and felt it so seeing her was an important touchstone.....she was ill and still there, I was hurting but felt a deep obligation to deliver on it all

So there it is.  There are subtle insightful things to say....but there it is.  It's was an awesome experience and I've chosen another 50 miler for next year.  I just have to register in time before it closes (registration hasn't opened yet).  Running 50 miles is difficult, not to be taken lightly, demands a bunch of stuff....but I liked it......

Thanks to the "Guest Blogger" and the team pt1

It was somewhat surreal to finish the race and check in on the blog and see the updates.  Marcia did an awesome job of keeping the blog up to date throughout the race - I never doubted she would, but her charm is clear as I read what she wrote; her generosity huge.
This first blog update post race goes out to the team; I couldn't have done it without them.....I'm not kidding, I really couldn't.  The race was "unsupported" for the first 46 miles.  What that means is no aid stations, nothing just you and whatever support you can provide.  So three remarkable people made huge sacrifices to be there and had to suffer through 13hrs in the decorated "van" overnight.  They never failed to show up at the agreed checkpoints (or near enough to) and arrived other places.  I never really had a good sense of where they would be so much as being totally confident they would be there.  It's a weird thing to pop out of these stretches of dark "aloneness" and see these friendly faces all going "how you doing?", "what do you need?".  They couldn't have known it but I would look for all three faces, wanting reassurance that they were all fine, as much as needing my own well being taken care of.
What do you need? was the simplest and best question to ask.  I felt a personal obligation to participate, be able to articulate what it was I needed....as time wore on it became harder to know on one level and easier on another.  The van was full of "nutrition" and water and as time wore on my instincts kicked in.  Early on I simply forced myself to eat.....on a marathon I eat virtually nothing and on the one 50k I did not much more.  None of that gets you through 50 miles.  Irene had prepared an array of food, things we hoped would work for me on the day.  To complete a 50 miler you have to eat along the way, you have to fuel right from the get-go.  Once your body is depleted it's tremendously hard to catch up and the price your body pays is unreasonably, potentially damaging and threatens your ability to complete the race.  So I forced myself to eat bananas, melon, more bananas early on - on one level it was personally  heinous - I didn't want the food on another, satisfying to think I could get past myself and do what I knew had to be done.
At one point, after what felt like a particularly long stretch, long after the half marathon distance (13m) but a little before the 50k (31m), I pulled out a half banana from my vest that I had requested at the last checkpoint.  I couldn't quite bring myself to eat it at the checkpoint but knew the team were monitoring that I was prepared, willing, able and actually eating.  I could sense it in how they responded when/if I didn't eat with them.  I briefly looked at it and put it back in my vest, then imagined later in the race, losing energy, feeling unable to go on and thinking how I would let the team down and they might feel bad, that it was somehow their responsibility if I didn't have the energy to finish.  So I pulled it out again, peeled it and choked it down.  There, my job was done in that moment.  I'd taken one for the team!

Done

First runner in for the 50 miler, 12hrs 13. Will give more of an update when I recover.






- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Almost there!

A mile from the finish. Jody's been walking determinedly, and she's just announced she'll run the last mile.. Everybody send her your good thoughts and energy to help her cross the line!



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sun Comes Up..

Jody's made it through a tough night, the long and lonely stretch of North Lake Tahoe.



Jody and Katie working out some IT Band kinks.



We're now around the bend and heading for the finish, with Crazy Ironman Girl Katie being a super trooper and running alongside.

Irene capturing the sunrise over Lake Tahoe in her own special style..




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Running Deep Into The Night

Only a couple of hours before sunset and Jody has held up amazingly. She's gotten over a 3-mile hill and to Spooner Summit, and has passed the marathon mark.




The crew is waiting for her next stop at Mile 30!

Irene has been a total pro, despite fending off a nasty cold, given to her by our dear friend Jody. She's documenting in gorgeous Hi-Def..




Her photos to come after we download them from her fancy camera, they are stunning!

Now Jody's got some rolling hills to get through and the big push past what she knows she can accomplish into the Great Unknown! We'll be ministering to her every need from the big red Wondervan.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Somers Loop,,United States

Aaaaand.. They're Off!

About 40 hardy souls lit up like Christmas trees gathered for the 10pm start.

Jody and Katie turning on the light show



Our festively decorated minivan



Toes to the start line...



Pre-race instructions



A very composed Kiwi, given the circumstances.



She's 2 miles in and still speaking according to Irene.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The last supper

Team Roadrunner fueling up.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Tahoe 50

Flew in yesterday to Reno. Met Marcia and Irene. Did all the food shopping and had lunch with Irene's parents. They were both very sweet to me about the race and M & I being awesome on the food prep!
I the drive through to South Lake Tahoe, hung out at the hotel and got a surprisingly good nights sleep. Keep bumping into an older couple from Albaquerque. He's running the marathon. Really sweet people.



Got my race number. Random stats 40 people doing 72 miles, 2 of us doing 50.....small but determined crowd.
Waiting for Katy to arrive then M&I and the gangs all here. Race briefing at 3pm too then waiting to start at 10pm.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Quietly calm

I am feeling quietly calm.  This 50 miler has been a year in the making.  It's a long way to run. I've run 50k (31 miles).  Now I have to magic up the extra 20.  I've done all I can in the best way I know.  My flaws and inadequacies revealed, at least to me.  I haven't been the best I could be in my training but I've been the best I can be in the moments.  Honestly I feel like I've worked hard.  I've had my moments, some revealed in this blog but many more moments revealed in my quiet time and one on one.  In talking about the training so much I haven't meant to be arrogant so much as keep myself honest.  Some months back a NZ friend called me out about being arrogant on Facebook because I shared my mileage etc etc etc.  It was such a kiwi moment.... I talk about it because it keeps me honest. I announce it and people then ask about the training and if I am failing to do the required training I am reminded I am failing and have to be honest.  Kiwis don't quite work like that though......the Americans love it and are among my greatest champions.  Because I tell them they know how to cheer for me.  Kiwi's well.....let's not talk about how we prepared for Mount Everest so much as we summited (I've read lots of mountaineering books for some odd reason).  But here's the thing that has me still be a kiwi - you don't almost climb Mount Everest, you don't almost get to the summit, you do it or you don't.......that's the 50.......trying hard isn't enough, do it, then you can brag......

Somewhat better

So I'm feeling 100x better today than I have for a week, almost human.  Of course that doesn't mean I haven't been working.  Today I signed on for a fun thing at work.  We run these business challenges at some of the universities we recruit from.  There was an opportunity to sign on as a coach to a group of Berkley undergrads who will compete in the challenge.  The idea is they have to build out a case study around a not-for-profit business problem and present out a "solution".  My job is to coach them in how to take a client focus and present.  They are real case studies so 10k is given to the nfp to help them implement the recommendations and team members get internships with the firm.  The whole thing appealed to me.  I really like coaching and it seems like this is something I might enjoy.  It's all part of our recruitment drive so also counts towards contributing to the firm overall......strange new world!
Tahoe is close and I now have a Race Plan designed to get me through the event.  Includes details on each leg of the event and where the support crew should meet me along the way.  I'm feeling more relaxed that eerie state of calm that inevitably lands where I am resigned to my fate and whatever will be will be.

Been sick, still sick

Throwing up a few photos of runnin Lake Tahoe before the big race:
















That's all I got today

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

How life runs

This past weekend I was in Tahoe with Katy checking out the 50 miler course and running......The course is intimidating and I come out of the weekend feeling fragile.  It's the same feeling I had going into the NYC Marathon x 10.  I am unsure of my ability to complete this.  I have done the work, but not enough, never enough.....I am conscious of my imperfections.  This is a far bigger ask on many levels; it will happen overnight and into the following day, nutrition is key, I have a crew and will have to ask for their help and trust that they know when I need help (this the hardest thing of all).  Beyond my physical fitness my mental strength is strong, I am determined......but no less scared.  I am arranging it so there will be some real time blog updates.  NZ will be awake, so if you care to, you can follow the journey.  

I'll post photos of the weekend tomorrow, for now, sitting quietly in my corner.......

Labour or Labor weekend.....depends where you are living

It's a long weekend after a long week!  Long because the whole promotion thing, new role in the new project, stepping up to new things etc etc is all.....tiring (all that hugging and handshaking).  Being promoted has meant a whole bunch of interactions that I wasn't quite geared up for - you know; congratulations, responding to other people's emotional reactions, trying to figure out what it means etc etc.  It's been a little overwhelming.  You'd think at 45 I'd have more of this figured out, but I don't; I'm always bemused and confused in these moments......never really sure how they happen nor how I should respond.  I just figure I'll take The Mothers advice for about everything, keep going.
Weekend has been low key.  Lotte and Irene are in Reno - so the house is quiet.  The training plan for the ultra was harsh; 4hr run on Saturday, 5hrs on Sunday.  It's all so close now but not quite close enough. I am tired of the regime  and how it dominates my mind (did I do or not do what is required.....).  The team is in place and next weekend Katie and I head to Tahoe to check out the course.  Wow, she's been amazing, I completely trust her to get me through with Irene and Marcia, who are also being amazing.  As we head into the race I feel much like I did for the NY Marathon, emotional and fragile, fearful and certain that I can do it if I am the person I promised myself to be......
I worked some of the weekend, trying to demonstrate stepping up into my new role - right now it feels like a big life.......

Didn't see that coming.....

Been a big week and it's only Tuesday!  Performance reviews aka laddering came out this week.  Davin called me first thing Monday to let me know how I had performed......it was all good THEN he told me I had been promoted......WOW.  Ummm, seriously unexpected.  I was so shocked and surprised that I was speechless on the phone for a while and I delayed my commute to work, couldn't quite believe the promo and had to think about it for a bit.  Funny too, I had to think about who I called/texted.  I didn't want to be a jerk but so wanted to share and make sure that I shared in the right way!  This promotion is kinda big; I had thought I was about to embark on a campaign for the next year to make the jump.  I'm not sure I still really get it and it probably sounds ridiculous....but this is a big leap in a kick arse, hardcore consulting firm.  It really does mean stepping up to the "next big thing".  I am not sure why I am compelled to keep on this corporate treadmill, but I am.  I still feel very privileged to be here. I do work hard but I've also met some incredible people and some of those people have just backed me, big time.  It's a fragile world though and you are only as good as your performance today.  I'm humbled (again) by my professional life.  I'd like to do those that backed me proud - 48hrs in and the demands/expectations have changed, gotta step up!

Angel Island

I am waiting to head down to the Ferry to go for a run around Angel Island.

It's a State Park and I'm going with my new running buddy.  This is the second time we have run together  - she is training for a triathlon sprint event the weekend before my 50 miler, so she runs shorter distances.  I am going to run to the Ferry Terminal (5.5 miles) then catch the ferry and we will probably do 5 or 6 miles around the Island.

Last night I went to see Les Miserables, which is my all time favourite musical. Before the show we went to Le Colonial  for a light dinner.  Described as Vietnamese French Cuisine it was a really lovely setting, that kind of made you feel like you were in Vietnam!

It's in a slightly odd setting down an alley way but a really delightful surprise when you enter; food was great.

Work wise I am now at HP in Cupertino.  Not quite doing the change work I have been doing.........I suspect I won't stay on this particular project for long but it is good to be at a different client.  We are in a "temporary" building as HP are moving to Palo Alto.  The Campus we are currently on is going to be demolished to make way for Steve Jobs (Apples) new spaceship/donut building.....surreal.

Including some random photos that I haven't shared before.

This is how the yard looks with the rocks, it's really nice and brightens the whole area.  We are going to replace the little stool, temporarily sitting on the deck, as it's rotting away!  Irene has been adding more plants too.

From the 50k, this was how they marked the track; pegging yellow ribbons along the way.  Unbelievably useful I have to say, there was more than one tricky turn in the trail and you really don't want to be running extra miles because you went off the trail.

Another shot from San Diego.  Here you really get to see just how "southern California" it is.  It was so hot I felt like I was on a tropical island.

This from yesterday out running to Sausalito  The America's Cup is in town and I spotted the kiwi boat among the many moored.  Coming back on the ferry we got to see some of the boats out training, very cool!