Occupational Hazards

...sort of. In many ways, I think one's co-workers can be the biggest threat to one's well being. You know, bosses and/or colleagues can drive you to seek the services of a mental health care professional. Then there are people who do wonders to improve your health. Its a mixed bag, what can I say?

A few Saturdays ago, Lizzie asked me what I wanted for Christmas. Lizzie is wonderful! She's really, really being very sweet -- or was she? I in turn asked her the same question because I likewise wanted to know what I could get her. Big mistake. Open mouth, insert foot. Either that or she set this up deliberately to drive me nuts.

This is why Lizzie is good and bad for my health/sanity. After I have agreed to do the Disneyland half-marathon with her, what she wanted for Christmas was to do something "fun." For those of you who know her, you have a pretty good idea what that would entail. Yes folks, I have now committed to do an Olympic distance tri relay. Of course, I won't be doing the swim part on account of my recent DNF experience. I mean, I always find myself doing things that are healthy but with high injury potential. The way I see it L is just great for my physical well being but is racking up mega-points in the "Are you insane?" column.



The moral of this seemingly pointless post is: If you're thinking about what to give Lizzie for Christmas, just BUY the darn gift! NEVER ask her what she wants, or pay the price. Hanggang sa muli, until next e-time...

Indecent proposal

Against my better judgment, I went running with my friend Paul last Tuesday. You see, I can't even remember when I last ran on asphalt. Of course, the trail that Paul and I ran had to be asphalt. Yes, I am guilty as charged -- I'm still in love with the treadmill. Sue me! Anyway, we did 4 miles that day and felt good about ourselves but didn't really feel good physically. Whatever!

Needless to say, I was semi-limping for the next couple of days. It was hardly noticeable, or so I thought. The day after I ran I went to spin class. When I got to the locker, a woman from my spin class asked me "What's wrong? Why are you limping? Did you injure yourself?" I was genuinely surprised that someone noticed. This woman had an eye for injury! She was very nice though, I 've spoken to her a few times but I don't know her name. She's a great swimmer though, I've seen her work out in the pool. Same deal with spin class, she's a serious athlete. After I told her how I got injured she said: "Well, since you're injured and everything and it looks like you might not want to run for a while, I'll do the "Swim to Alcatraz" with you if you like."


Now where the heck did that come from?! An indecent proposal out of the clear blue sky! Although she's nice and everything, I hardly knew her. I tried to hide my shock at her invitation. I mean, seriously, do I look like someone who could swim to Alcatraz? I think not! I said thanks, but no thanks. I said that water temperature is enough of a deterrent for me from doing it let alone the actual swimming itself. She replied "Oh but I heard that the water isn't really that cold once you start swimming. They said you start out on a boat and when they give you the signal, you jump out of the boat and start swimming to Alcatraz. It sounds like a lot of fun!" "Like hell it does!" I thought. Of course, I said no as politely as I could. She said "Well, if you change your mind just let me know" and left the shower.

I guess I shouldn't be too hard on her for thinking that swimming to Alcatraz is "fun." I mean, I am so not a non-freak myself seeing that I do find some form of enjoyment in doing triathlons. Still. Anyway, I think its safe to say that my "jockness" as Ben calls it would only go so far. After all, I'm the least "jockiest" (sounds almost obscene there) among my non-freaky athletic friends. Maybe I'd do more freak stuff on Thanksgiving like I did with Lizzie last year. Like run 6 miles to justify stuffing myself afterwards. Happy turkey day to all if I don't get to post again before Thanksgiving. Hanggang sa muli, until next e-time...