Sunday and Monday were a mixture of sweatpants, lots of coffee and tea, Netflix and running breaks, and countless hours of studying. I had an exam Tuesday afternoon in Animal Reproduction, and I believe it went quite well! I was stressed out after a full day of staring at my notes Monday, so I called my Dad (he always gives the best pep talks- I remember from all the football seasons I spent with him in high school.) When I called at midnight my time, I got a surprise on the other end. I got put on speaker and was able to talk with my dad, mom, Aunt Barbie, and Uncle Jeff. That was enough to take a lot of the stress away. I haven’t really felt home sick while I’ve been here, but getting to hear from them and catch up a bit made my heart very happy and made me feel so at home (even through the phone!). They are all so excited for my adventures and proud of my accomplishments it reminded me why I’m so motivated and passionate about making something of every day I have!
After my exam, I went in to the city and had a carb-loaded dinner for my race today! I spent my morning in a coffee shop (what a shock, I know!) working on a research paper and getting caught up on emails before Conner and I met up with Helen for lunch. Helen is a professor in electrical engineering at Purdue that is here for the semester doing research. It was another great reminder of my (Purdue) home. We got to know each other and share our favorite things of West Lafayette and of Europe. She was an awesome lady and we had a great afternoon chatting!
Paul met me at Conner’s apartment where we had dinner and chilled for a couple hours before race time. The Run in the Dark 10k (which is ran all over the world!) raises money for spinal cord injury research. At the same time (8pm) 25000 people worldwide were starting the race together. Me and 9000 other people ran through Dublin tonight! It was windy, but a clear and beautiful night for a 10k. Paul and I had a great time running together! I finished in 51 minutes 6 seconds, cutting my previous personal record by 3 minutes. I was able to meet up with another friend, Fiona, from UCD as well after the race! All of us have attended Purdue, and it was so cool to be running around Dublin together for a great cause. Can’t wait for my next race, whenever that may be.
Still enjoying every moment here, and I’m looking forward to the next few days as it nears an exciting weekend for Conner and I!
After my exam, I went in to the city and had a carb-loaded dinner for my race today! I spent my morning in a coffee shop (what a shock, I know!) working on a research paper and getting caught up on emails before Conner and I met up with Helen for lunch. Helen is a professor in electrical engineering at Purdue that is here for the semester doing research. It was another great reminder of my (Purdue) home. We got to know each other and share our favorite things of West Lafayette and of Europe. She was an awesome lady and we had a great afternoon chatting!
Paul met me at Conner’s apartment where we had dinner and chilled for a couple hours before race time. The Run in the Dark 10k (which is ran all over the world!) raises money for spinal cord injury research. At the same time (8pm) 25000 people worldwide were starting the race together. Me and 9000 other people ran through Dublin tonight! It was windy, but a clear and beautiful night for a 10k. Paul and I had a great time running together! I finished in 51 minutes 6 seconds, cutting my previous personal record by 3 minutes. I was able to meet up with another friend, Fiona, from UCD as well after the race! All of us have attended Purdue, and it was so cool to be running around Dublin together for a great cause. Can’t wait for my next race, whenever that may be.
Still enjoying every moment here, and I’m looking forward to the next few days as it nears an exciting weekend for Conner and I!