Sunday, August 11, 2013

Bring it on... life!

Ladies and Gentlemen, life is coming together in the world of Danielle Josephine Stack. Cue applause. Since my last post, I have had some major changes in my life. You might say... "Toto, I don't think we're in Ames anymore." Hold onto the edge of your seats because the big news is about to become public. (Well, blog public. I've already been pretty up to date on the social media scene.)

So, last time you heard from me I was pondering my next move in a little coffee shop in Ames, Iowa. I am currently sitting in the Hennepin Public Library in downtown Minneapolis, just a few tables away from an elderly man with toilet paper shoved up his nose. I hope he "nose" it's still up there and hasn't forgotten about it. Spoiler #1, I am living in Minneapolis, Minnesota now. Currently on my parents couch, but that is beside the point. For all of those who don't know, this wasn't me moving home either. I am from a town 75 minutes southwest of the Twin Cities, but my parents both work in the Minneapolis Public School district and are renting an apartment up here until further notice.

Why did I move to Minneapolis you ask? Great question! I decided to become part of Team USA Minnesota after a recent attendance to "RunPro" Camp put on by the wonderful founder of Team USAMN, Pat Goodwin. A few of us went out to Washington D.C. and attended a two day conference consisting of everything you could ever need to know about taking your running career to the next level. Overwhelming to say the least, but without this camp I would have never become as interested as I did in Team USAMN. After this conference, I was sold! I applied and before I knew it, I had been offered a spot on their team. I was thrilled! If any post collegiate runners ever have the opportunity to attend RunPro camp, I highly recommend it. Even if it is overwhelming, I learned so much in that two days.

Ok, so I am in Minneapolis on Team USAMN. In case you skimmed past the first few paragraphs. I know my dad will read every single word of this because he thinks skimming is overrated and you might miss something important, I agree. Like I said, I'm living on my parents couch, in their one bedroom apartment close to downtown Minneapolis. But, this will only be for a few more days as I have signed a lease and will be moving into my very own apartment. First time living by myself... if you don't hear from me after a year, I didn't survive. No, I'll be fine! I'm actually quite excited for this entirely new living situation. If I get lonely, I will just have to pop into my parents apartment because they are literally two blocks away. Yes, I will be neighbors with my parents.

Another exciting thing I cannot wait to share is my new sponsorship with Oiselle! They are a Seattle based company that has decided to take me on as one of their athletes. Their enthusiasm about running, female distance running in particular, cannot be matched! I cannot wait to represent this company, and I hear our new kits (which is English for jersey) are coming soon! Yay!

Oiselle, Team USAMN, Minneapolis, apartment are the major changes in my life. Aside from that, I am loving my new teammates, Flapjack Fridays at Mill City Running, exploring the copious amount of trails the Twin Cities has to offer, and doing my best to not get run over by the city busses on my bike through downtown. Exciting things to say the least! I'm also looking for a part time job to make sure I can feed myself and afford to pay rent, so stay tuned for updates. Otherwise, my dad said I will have to sit out on the curb with the homeless begging for spinach and cottage cheese. I'd prefer not to have to do that if at all possible.

Thanks for reading, thanks for caring, and thanks for your support. I have no idea where I would be without the support of all my friends, family, and now new team and sponsor! You guys are the best! (Special s/o to my parents for keeping me from sleeping in the sculpture garden.) And yes, the man with the toilet paper plug is still plugging away... in case you were wondering.

Until next time, keep spreading your wings and flying high!