Getting Ready
Fall semester officially starts on Tuesday, September 4th. Currently I am not taking any classes, which has been a refreshing break. However, now I am starting to miss it all.
I am taking three courses this fall:
- Linear Models (the theory thereof),
- Probability Models (which I think is like stochastic processes), and
- Mathematical Statistics - Stat 8111
I am kind of nervous about taking these three classes concurrently because they will all be quite challenging and theoretical. Linear Models and Probability Models will be on my Preliminary Exam that I will be taking next August. Mathematical Statistics used to be on the Preliminary Exam - well, it still is this year, but this is the last year. They have made some adjustments to the coverage material on the Exam this past year, effective in 2008. The professors and students I have spoken to about my fall classes basically say "I'll be busy". I think I am building up some anticipatory anxiety about it, but I'll get over it once it all starts.
My assistantship has given the students under the same grant as me some money to purchase some related textbooks. I have fully taken advantage of this...now my problem is finding time to read them all. I am just reading the ones that peak my interest right now. Actually all of them peak my interest or I wouldn't have ordered them, but I am referring to the ones that will best prepare me for the fall. I am hoping to gain a collection of reference books to aid me with my studies.
As the summer is winding down I am trying to make the most of it. My soccer league finished last week, while my marathon training is really picking up. I ran a 15-miler this past Saturday and will be running a 16-miler this coming Saturday. Only eight more weeks until the marathon. I ordered a treadmill, picked it up this past Sunday, and ran my first run on it today (a 7-miler). It is so nice!
I have always wanted a treadmill but have never wanted to spend the money on it. I am now glad that I waited because I know exactly what I am looking for in a treadmill. I want a quiet, wide belt with extra cushioning for my joints. I want a heart rate monitor, built-in speakers, a programmable machine, and one with an incline. The one I actually ordered is a NordicTrack! It has a built-in T.V. Nice, huh? It makes my runs so much more enjoyable. Oh, and I also wanted a machine to count my calories that I burn, and keep track of my time and pace. Anyways, I am quite happy with it.
Last year after the marathon, I basically stopped running for the winter. This was a BIG mistake. I regret it. I think for my mental health and overall health I need to keep this part of me alive. I find fun in exercising and breaking a sweat. I plan to run three to five miles, five days a week after the marathon and to maintain this even in the most stressful of times.
Anyways, I plan to keep writing my "running tips" blogs but I wanted to write about my thoughts and anticipation of the school year resuming soon. :-)