Let's kick it WAY BACK... Back to when I first started running... As you (probably) know, I started running in 2012 when a friend challenged me to train for the Disneyland Half Marathon. At the time I was looking for a hobby to call my own and figured even if I hated running at least I'd be doing it through the Happiest Place on Earth. {I shared THIS blog post back in January of 2012 letting the world know I would be starting my training! It's funny to go back and look at that old stuff.}
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| A few pictures from that first race. |
Because I was NOT a runner, I did what anyone would do, went to the InterWebs and searched "running store" in the Googles. The Carlsbad Running Center popped up and since it was right down the street the hubby and I went over to see what I would need. They fit me for my first pair of running shoes and I guess you can say the rest is history...
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Unless I bought shoes online, I continued hitting up this spot for my next pair of new running shoes (let's be real, there aren't many things better than new shoes ;)). And, like most stores, they snagged my email address so I could get on their list for upcoming sales, events, etc. Well, almost eight years later and I'm still getting those emails. In fact, in the beginning of December I received an email that really grabbed my attention (and surprisingly it wasn't about saving money)...
Now, if you've been around my corner of the InterWebs for a while, you may know about what I do for a living... You see, I have been blessed with a hubby who is super talented at what he does and his employment allows me the freedom to not have to work... I guess you could say he's my #SugarDaddy and I'm a professional wiener dog wrangler and house wife ;)
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| The other two doggies in this photo are not ours... but you get the idea ;) |
A few months back I read the book "The Library Book" and it got me thinking that working at a library would be an AWESOME role. Low and behold, I looked and our local library was hiring - SHOOT DOGGY! I thought it'd be the perfect fit! Although I didn't have any specific library experience I thought my love for books, my can-do attitude and my sharp wit would be enough... Unfortunately in the end it wasn't and they went with someone who had a library rich background.
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| Crossing my fingers and hoping it will be a perfect fit... |
Don't get me wrong, I didn't "need" a job. In fact, I work part time for a running brand, helping them with their social media. Even though I am not forced to work, I thought working at the library (seeing as I go there at least once a week anyway) would have been fun and a great way to help the community. But, hey, it wasn't meant to be, so it wasn't meant to be...
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So I kept on keepin' on. Like I said, I didn't "need" a job and I really only applied for the library position because I thought it might be a perfect fit. I wasn't looking for a job, but then, in the first week of December, it's like a job was looking for me ;)
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When I got the email from the Running Center I thought "Well, shoot doggy, this sounds like it is right up my alley!" It said "We are seeking an outgoing personality and the ability to multi-task in a sometimes hectic environment. We will train you to be a fit expert, but you are expected to be knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the sport of running!". Yep, yep and YEP! I sent in my resume with a brief little snippet about myself and chatted with God about the opportunity.
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Literally a few hours later I got a call from the manager asking if I could come in for an interview. WHOOO HOOO! The hubby had the car that day at work, so I set up an interview for the following day. When the hubby got home I asked him if I could drop him at work the next day and use the car because, SURPRISE, I had an interview. He was a little shocked because he didn't know I was looking for a job (which I wasn't, it came looking for me ;)) and how quickly the process was going (normally it seems like you send in a resume and you don't hear from the company for a couple weeks and then the interview process seems to take another few weeks too). Nonetheless he was excited for me (even if I was a tad nervous since I hadn't been to an in-person interview for a legit job in many moons).
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Lucky for me, I have a friend who also works at a running store who I was able to text with for a few tips. Similar to what the original email said, it seems like as long as your passion for the sport (and people) shines through, most running stores are willing to teach you the in's and out's of the gear they sell. And seeing as I'm a quick learner I was sure if they gave me a shot I could prove my worth - all I needed to do was win over the interviewer and hope the stars would align.
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The interview went GREAT and by the time I left the manager said that she'd love to offer me a position. She said that she needed to speak with HR to work out an offer but would love to have my bubbly personality at the store. YIPPEEEE!
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After the initial excitement I got a little worried when it took a couple days to hear back (I was slightly nervous that maybe I had misunderstood and the "we'd love to have you" was a "we will think about it" and maybe they were rethinking it all together), but thankfully my phone lit up a few days later with an official offer to have me on staff. AWWW YEAH!!
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Now, I'd be lying if I said I was all in from the jump because the hourly wage was definitely less than I was expecting it to be, but I realized A) people don't work retail in hopes of becoming a millionaire, B) I don't "need" a job so the income I do bring in is just an added bonus and C) this position is more about me finding another avenue to share my love of running with the world, the pay isn't the deciding factor. After chatting with the hubby and making a pro's and con's list, I accepted.
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At the time this post goes live I will have been at the store for about two and a half weeks. I'm loving it thus far. Not only is it fun to chat with and help the clients coming in, but it is also really interesting to learn about the different shoes. (As you may know, I have been a Brooks ambassador for the last few years and would say I have run almost exclusively in Brooks for the majority of my running "career" so it is fascinating to learn about the other brands on the market.) There is definitely a lot to learn, but it is on topics that interest me so I feel like the information sticks quicker and easier.
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Along with being a sales associate, they are hoping to get me working on the events side of things (getting our Fun Runs and other community based activities back up and running). It is hard to gauge interest and success when it's dark and chilly in the evenings, so we'll probably kick some of those events off in the spring, but I'm stoked to share my ideas and see them come to life. (This means, if you live in the North San Diego County area, I hope to see you at them ;) And if you don't, I hope to pick your brain as to what events you like, what things your running store or running club does that works great, etc.) We are a family owned store and we want the community to be our main focus (obviously we are in business to sell shoes, but we want to be a major resource and hub for North County runners {and beyond}).
With all that being said, things may be a bit quieter here in the coming weeks while I get into the swing of things. Going from working 15ish hours a week from home (with my social media gig) to working 40+ hours a week (between my two jobs) while still running 50ish miles a week, keeping the house and doing my own social media will take some balancing and perfecting, but I'm stoked for the opportunity! Here's to a fun, exciting and successful 2020 and beyond!
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Where do you shop for your running gear?
1 comment:
Congrats, Carlee! That does sound like a great fit for you!
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