This morning I had an unexpected brush with royalty. I intended to give myself extra time to get to my friend Jennifer's home for book club but I overslept and had just enough time to make the drive to her part of town. I am sure everyone knows, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are in Southern California for the weekend. Originally I didn't think it would affect me as long as I stayed in my bubble in the valley until I remembered I needed to drive through Hancock Park to get to Jennifer's house. They had mentioned on the news that there would be some street closures in the area near the British Consulate's home which is located in Hancock Park. As I drove through Hancock Park, I suddenly saw a motorcycle in the middle of the street just as I was coming up to an intersection with a traffic light. I suddenly saw a group of black SUVs driving past and realized I had just seen the Royal Newlyweds on their way to catch the helicopter that flew them to Santa Barbara for the Charity Polo Match. I couldn't have timed it any better if I'd tried! The traffic stop was very brief and I arrived to book club right on time :) .
Once I returned home, I finished watching Michael Jackson's This Is It. He truly was the King of Pop. I enjoyed seeing a more real, human side to MJ. It's hard to believe he's been gone for two years. Watching the documentary really made me sad for the musical genius that the world has lost.
Well, I hope everyone is enjoying their Saturday. I'm now off to game night to catch up with some friend's I haven't seen since the holidays.
Cheers!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Happy Friday, Happy July!
It's hard to believe that the first half of 2011 has come and gone. I'm really looking forward to the the next 6 months. Summer is my favorite time of year so I've been very happy for the past 10 days.
I took a Knife Skills 101 class at Cook LA and along with 6 strangers helped create a beautiful meal. The skills have already come in handy. I've since recreated the fruit salad and salsa we made in class.
To take advantage of the season's fruit I made ice cream with some of the baby donut peaches that are now growing in our back yard. They're super cute and tasty.
Tonight I decided to bake two treats I've been anxious to make since I saw the recipes on two of my favorite blogs. The brownies are courtesy of The Naptime Chef and the cookies are found on How Sweet It Is .
I took a Knife Skills 101 class at Cook LA and along with 6 strangers helped create a beautiful meal. The skills have already come in handy. I've since recreated the fruit salad and salsa we made in class.
To take advantage of the season's fruit I made ice cream with some of the baby donut peaches that are now growing in our back yard. They're super cute and tasty.
 |
| It was pretty hot so it started melting :( |
Tonight I decided to bake two treats I've been anxious to make since I saw the recipes on two of my favorite blogs. The brownies are courtesy of The Naptime Chef and the cookies are found on How Sweet It Is .
Friday, June 17, 2011
Mat Pilates
I tried Mat Pilates for the first time today courtesy of Grace Anatomy Pilates Studio and my local Lululemon Showroom. I was a excited to try Pilates but a bit worried I wouldn't like it because I tried doing a workout from a DVD years ago and didn't like it. I'm SO glad I took this class because it was a challenging but wonderful experience (I have a feeling I'm going to be pretty sore tomorrow). Glad to know I can add another type of workout to my regimen. Definitely a great way to kickstart my activity level after a year of improper training, and all around not taking good care of my fitness needs. Thanks Grace, Jolene, and Lululemon Sherman Oaks!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Shadow Yoga
Tonight I returned to my yoga practice. Today as the Shadow yoga class began at InYoga Center, I experienced something similar to when I return to running after periods of non-triaining ... I asked myself why did I stop practicing Yoga?! Not only has yoga been a source of peace but it is also a great compliment to my running. As someone who is extremely tight in the hips and calves (and highly prone to plantar fasciitis), yoga helps me ensure I get a deep stretch in all my tight spots at least once a week (when I maintain a regular and consistent practice). I am new to the practice of Shadow Yoga but I can appreciate the benefits the class description states it helps to release our "shadows" where we are blocked or stuck in emotional, energetic or behavioral patterns. Given the stress of the past 3 years and the angst that presently resides in me I am confident I selected the right class to restart my practice. We were told after class that another bonus of the class is a great night's sleep... now that is something I am looking forward to since I've been battling a nasty case of insomnia for some weeks now :( Can't say I enjoyed the the class because there were some difficult feelings that I worked through but I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked on those "shadows." I did enjoy catching catching up with friends before and after class. Looking forward for the next chance to release more negative energy and eventually one day be able to sit somewhat comfortably in the half lotus. *namaste*
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Make 2011 count!
Ever considered participating in a half or full marathon? Join the Largest Endurance Training Program while making a difference against the fight to end blood cancers.
Join me and members of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of Team in Training for the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Half and Full Marathon Preview Party! I finished this event last June and had a great time.
Hosted by: Hard Rock Cafe– 6801Hollywood Blvd. on Wednesday January 12th at 7:00PM
•program overview• complimentary h'ordeuvres• giveaways•discounted TNT registration • free parking•RSVP to Courtney.Gush@lls.org
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Lito
Abuelo is the Spanish translation for grandfather. Adding ito/a to a name is a form of showing affection towards someone in Latin American culture. "Lito" was my name for my maternal grandfather. There really are no words to truly express the special bond we shared ... I actually started writing this blog 3 months ago, on the anniversary of his death, but was too emotional to share my thoughts publicly (my emotions are still pretty raw but I now feel ready to share). I did speak to my parents about it, to help deal with the overwhelming sense of grief I experienced that day. I definitely think of Lito often and miss him everyday but I was caught off guard by the strength of my emotions ... realizing he's been gone for 17 years (half of my life). Time really does fly by.
Aside from my parents, Lito was my biggest fan and the glue that held our family together. He was such a huge part of my childhood and was by my side for many important and special moments growing up. He was in the hospital waiting room, anxiously waiting my arrival as my mom went into labor prematurely and was there for over 36 hours. He watched me take my first baby steps in his front yard and took pictures so my parents, who were at work, could have a keepsake of the moment. My 1st, 3rd, and 10th birthdays were celebrated at his house. The summer of my 2nd birthday, my parents decided to take a road trip to El Salvador. They had a brand new car at the time and Lito tagged along for the ride. Apparently, I was a great mini hostess offering Lito beers along the way. He was with us at Magic Mountain the day that my aversion to roller coasters was born. He was by my side for my first airplane ride as we flew cross country to spend part of the summer with his youngest brother, my uncle Jack, and his family in Washington, D.C. and Maryland. Lito thought this would make a good present for my 11th birthday. Not only was it my first vacation, it was also my first time away from my parents; I don't think they would have allowed me to travel with anyone else. He was right... That was an amazing birthday gift! I visited our nation's capital, met extended family, and bought a Jem doll with leftover spending money ;)
By far, my favorite memory of him is dancing the waltz during my quinceanera. I had been patiently waiting for my 15th birthday since as long as I could remember. It was a day that my mom had visualized since the day I was born and Lito used to tell me that he looked forward to dancing the waltz with me on that day. Apparently, I was a tactless little girl because it seems I once told Lito he'd be dead by the time I turned 15. RUDE! I know. I'm embarrassed I ever uttered those words but in my defense I was little and it seemed like I would never reach my teen years. Thankfully, I was wrong and experienced a wonderful celebration dancing De Nina A Mujer with my Dad and a waltz with Lito. Unfortunately, there was another important family celebration going on that day... Lito's sister was celebrating her 50th wedding anniversary. We were sad to have missed such a momentous occasion and although I took for granted that fact that Lito would be there to share that waltz with me I realize it was a bittersweet moment for him because I'm sure he would have liked to have danced with his sister as well.
Lito moved in with us his last two years, which was great because looking back, I feel like I got bonus time with him. He used to love riding the bus so when I started attending public school he used to meet me after school to accompany me home. He and my parents worried about me since the first 10 years of my schooling had been in small parochial schools and they knew I had lived a pretty sheltered life. It gave Lito something to do and he felt good making sure I arrived home safely. Eventually, I asserted my independence and started riding the bus home with friends. Occasionally, I would run into Lito on the bus returning from errands on his way back home. Since he loved to travel, he spent nine months of his last year alive in El Salvador and Honduras visiting family and friends. Unfortunately, my parents and I did not know how sick my grandfather was at the time. He came home just in time for my high school graduation, I think he knew it meant a lot to me to have him there. He was so excited to learn I had been accepted at UCLA and would start college that fall. Because my graduation party had been the bigger deal that summer my 18th was quietly celebrated at home. We did go to dinner to celebrate my dad's birthday a week later. That would be the last time the four of us would celebrate something together. Just four weeks later, two weeks before my first day of classes at UCLA, Lito passed away from heart failure.
There are so many little things that remind me of him ... brewing my morning cup of coffee (he was an avid coffee drinker roasting beans from his tree), doves, a bottle of Michelob, chicharrones (his truly were the best!), and golf caps to name a few.
I know he would be very proud of the person I am today and many of the goals I have achieved.
Aside from my parents, Lito was my biggest fan and the glue that held our family together. He was such a huge part of my childhood and was by my side for many important and special moments growing up. He was in the hospital waiting room, anxiously waiting my arrival as my mom went into labor prematurely and was there for over 36 hours. He watched me take my first baby steps in his front yard and took pictures so my parents, who were at work, could have a keepsake of the moment. My 1st, 3rd, and 10th birthdays were celebrated at his house. The summer of my 2nd birthday, my parents decided to take a road trip to El Salvador. They had a brand new car at the time and Lito tagged along for the ride. Apparently, I was a great mini hostess offering Lito beers along the way. He was with us at Magic Mountain the day that my aversion to roller coasters was born. He was by my side for my first airplane ride as we flew cross country to spend part of the summer with his youngest brother, my uncle Jack, and his family in Washington, D.C. and Maryland. Lito thought this would make a good present for my 11th birthday. Not only was it my first vacation, it was also my first time away from my parents; I don't think they would have allowed me to travel with anyone else. He was right... That was an amazing birthday gift! I visited our nation's capital, met extended family, and bought a Jem doll with leftover spending money ;)
By far, my favorite memory of him is dancing the waltz during my quinceanera. I had been patiently waiting for my 15th birthday since as long as I could remember. It was a day that my mom had visualized since the day I was born and Lito used to tell me that he looked forward to dancing the waltz with me on that day. Apparently, I was a tactless little girl because it seems I once told Lito he'd be dead by the time I turned 15. RUDE! I know. I'm embarrassed I ever uttered those words but in my defense I was little and it seemed like I would never reach my teen years. Thankfully, I was wrong and experienced a wonderful celebration dancing De Nina A Mujer with my Dad and a waltz with Lito. Unfortunately, there was another important family celebration going on that day... Lito's sister was celebrating her 50th wedding anniversary. We were sad to have missed such a momentous occasion and although I took for granted that fact that Lito would be there to share that waltz with me I realize it was a bittersweet moment for him because I'm sure he would have liked to have danced with his sister as well.
Lito moved in with us his last two years, which was great because looking back, I feel like I got bonus time with him. He used to love riding the bus so when I started attending public school he used to meet me after school to accompany me home. He and my parents worried about me since the first 10 years of my schooling had been in small parochial schools and they knew I had lived a pretty sheltered life. It gave Lito something to do and he felt good making sure I arrived home safely. Eventually, I asserted my independence and started riding the bus home with friends. Occasionally, I would run into Lito on the bus returning from errands on his way back home. Since he loved to travel, he spent nine months of his last year alive in El Salvador and Honduras visiting family and friends. Unfortunately, my parents and I did not know how sick my grandfather was at the time. He came home just in time for my high school graduation, I think he knew it meant a lot to me to have him there. He was so excited to learn I had been accepted at UCLA and would start college that fall. Because my graduation party had been the bigger deal that summer my 18th was quietly celebrated at home. We did go to dinner to celebrate my dad's birthday a week later. That would be the last time the four of us would celebrate something together. Just four weeks later, two weeks before my first day of classes at UCLA, Lito passed away from heart failure.
There are so many little things that remind me of him ... brewing my morning cup of coffee (he was an avid coffee drinker roasting beans from his tree), doves, a bottle of Michelob, chicharrones (his truly were the best!), and golf caps to name a few.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
National Running Day!
Yes, that's right it's National Running Day! Unfortunately, I didn't run today but since I work for a running store I did see our running group off for the Weekly Wednesday Run. I also celebrated by buying a new pair of shoes & pants and registering for the Inaugural RnR Los Angeles Half Marathon taking place in October. I'll be running on the course that I PR'd on 4 years ago. =)
Monday, May 31, 2010
I really can't believe a year ago today I finished my third full marathon! More amazing is the fact that it was 6 months after my second 26.2. In 6 days, I'll be participating in my 10th half marathon as a member of the San Fernando Valley Marathon TEAM. This will be my third fund raising event with Team in Training and am proud to have raised approximately $6000 cumulatively. Over the past 365 days, I have run 4 halves, 1 full, and cheered on some friends in Boston!!! I wonder what the next 365 days will be like... I'm excited about my new job, looking forward to making an impact in the Valley's running community, and taking my running to the next level :)
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Gratitude, pride, and excitement
The end of the amazing 2010 Summer Season is near. It's amazing to see the majority of the TEAM has completed their fundraising, logged in the long mileage, and is ready for race day. It never fails to surprise first time marathoners that the day does arrive when 10 miles is ONLY 10 miles =)
It was great seeing the Fall Season getting their start today. Five years ago, I was one of the nervous/excited new participants ready to train and fundraise for the Nike Women's Marathon benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society... it's crazy to see how I've evolved as a runner and volunteer and also amazing to see how friends and team mates have also evolved in their racing.
Huge thanks go out to Macy's and their Matching Gifts program! I have reached my fundraising minimum thanks to them and still have a few weeks to reach my goal of $2500.
It was great seeing the Fall Season getting their start today. Five years ago, I was one of the nervous/excited new participants ready to train and fundraise for the Nike Women's Marathon benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society... it's crazy to see how I've evolved as a runner and volunteer and also amazing to see how friends and team mates have also evolved in their racing.
Huge thanks go out to Macy's and their Matching Gifts program! I have reached my fundraising minimum thanks to them and still have a few weeks to reach my goal of $2500.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Pity us runners - The Boston Globe
Pity us runners - The Boston Globe
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Hilarious article published in The Boston Globe on Sunday. I know my running peeps can relate. Enjoy!
Posted using ShareThis
Hilarious article published in The Boston Globe on Sunday. I know my running peeps can relate. Enjoy!
I left my heart in Boston...
I've been a bit quiet the last few weeks taking a much needed break to get things in order. The personal challenges of the last 18 months have continued... I returned to running at a time when everything around me seemed to be falling apart and running is what has kept me sane and out of trouble for the most part :) however the last 4 weeks were once again filled with personal challenges and disappointments and I lost a bit of my drive to run. Deciding to go to Boston to cheer on Peter & Kelley at the marathon was one of the best impulse decisions I've made.
Not only did I get to experience a bit more of New England, I got to catch up with Amy S., got to extend my TNT family to include members of the New England TEAM, and had a blast cheering for Tyler, Peter, and Kelley!
The entire Boston Marathon experience is unbelievable! From the Expo, to the course, to the fans it is a memorable time. I had considered running as a bandit because I thought I'd be sad to not run the course with Kelley like we had planned a while back ... but I realized that after my disappointment 4 weeks ago here in LA I did not have a 26.2 in me. I happily chose to wait for Peter & Kelley at the start of Heart Break Hill and have no regrets! Running and walking with them carrying my signs and hearing the crowds cheer them on was surreal. I'm tearing up as I'm writing this because it was so amazing. I am SO filled with PRIDE and have been inspired by them to continue my goal of running the Boston Marathon someday in the near future.
I guess this time in Boston was just what I needed to be inspired to run well again. Look out San Diego here I come!
FULL OF LIFE: Marathon run celebrates decade free of cancer
FULL OF LIFE: Marathon run celebrates decade free of cancer
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An article by the inspirational Kelley Last :) So proud to have been out on the course to cheer her on!
Posted using ShareThis
An article by the inspirational Kelley Last :) So proud to have been out on the course to cheer her on!
Friday, April 2, 2010
BP update
I am heartbroken to report that Brooks Paul passed away on March 26, 2010 two weeks shy of his 19th birthday. I mentioned Rental Girl & the I "<3">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OAC8vqq5ZA
Here is the slide show from his memorial ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OAC8vqq5ZA
Here is the slide show from his memorial ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OAC8vqq5ZA
Monday, March 22, 2010
What a day! Part 2
I forgot to plug Running Skirts, Vita Coco, and Ultima Replenisher for helping me have a fun and successful day out on the course. I almost forgot I was also supposed to mention Rental Girl who was wearing an I <3 BP on her back. http://cbs2.com/health/brooks.paul.t.2.1567295.html she was riding on the bus next to me and asked me to pin the square to the back of her shirt. Oh and the ride home was hilarious... Sue Baker was threatening to throw Raul out of the car until she discovered if you dig deep enough he has a good heart... ask him about how he helped a wheel chair participant along the course.
What a day!
So the day many of us had been anxiously awaiting for months has now come and gone... March 21, 2010 the 25th Anniversary of the LA Marathon. My day started with my alarm going off at 3:30 am, I geared up and headed out the door to pick up Sue Baker at Balboa at 4:30am. When we were nearing our exit in Santa Monica we got a taste of the chaos that we were expecting prior to the race.
For months the new Stadium to the Sea course had been promoted, all of us veteran runners were anticipating madness because even though this was the 25th LA Marathon we knew to expect the kinks that usually happen with all first time races. So I took a detour and got to my pre-purchased parking lot location. We found some empty porta potties and then boarded the 5:24 shuttle. I was so happy to think we were on schedule...and then we got stuck on the 110 freeway! We sat on the freeway stuck in typical LA traffic for a good 45 minutes. At one point, the lights in our shuttle turned off and I thought oh the bus driver must be turning of the lights so we can nap like they do on the flyaway... um negative... one of our fellow males runners had to pee so he peed into a bottle at the front of the bus! Many of the women were jealous because obviously we don't have the ease that men do of simply peeing into a bottle. All I kept thinking was thank God I had the sense to use the empty porta potties before boarding.
I found out later yesterday that apparently there had been an accident on the 110. Many of the marathon shuttles were stuck with who knows how many runners on board! As we got closer to the stadium, we saw the mass exodus of runners abandoning cars and shuttles and racing to the stadium. I thought about it but didn't feel like adding extra mileage (and potentially hilly extra mileage) to my day. At some point, we figured out the race start had been delayed so Sue and I found our fellow LA Racers in the nick of time :) I wanted to wish my TNT teammates luck in person but I had to settle for texting them good luck because there was no way for me to reach them in the crowd. I also had the pleasant surprise of running into Joe Egan and his friend Josh at the start! I haven't seen my BFF Joe in probably over a year.
So in typical LA fashion the marathon itself started late. And we were finally off. I was not prepared for the hills or humidity! The body glide wore off fairly quickly so good thing I had packed some vaseline. TMI, I know, but it's the reality of marathoning. Oh and here's a tip for all the newbies out there... don't forget your sunscreen I have some really ridiculous tan lines today courtesy of my 2009 Nike Women's Marathon Tiffany's necklace and the ktape on my knees. I was hoping I was just dirty but this time it was actually a tan :( or burn I should say... at least I'll now have a base tan into the season so I should be pretty tan (for me) come June 6th for the San Diego Marathon! I hope that doesn't clash with my TNT plaid skirt :)
I'm not sure why but this was by far my toughest race. I've heard many friends comment that as well. Of course, there are a few that PR'd (Personal Record)... congrats Natalia & Raul! I walked a lot and had hoped to run the last 6 miles but it ended up being more like the last 2 miles. The timing chip on my bib didn't work so this will be my PW (Personal Worst) on record. Although, nothing beats the disaster of 2008 aka the Honolulu Marathon (my second full marathon). I might have come in under 7 hours if I hadn't stopped to use a real bathroom. Karen Cooksey, fellow LA RACER, was gracious enough to let me use her bathroom since she was right off the course. So much for not adding extra mileage or time. Oh well, I guess it was too much to ask to complete 4 marathons without stopping for a bathroom break.
Along with running/walking past so many landmarks of the city it was great to be surrounded by Legacy Runners (they have run every single LA Marathon). There are over 200 of them and I personally know one of them. I was happy to see Alan who I met last year but I was unable to catch up to him. He's an adorable older gentleman (legacy runner) who decided to race Jassmine and I last year. What ends up happening during races is that some of us will pass each other back and forth depending on our intervals or breaks or endurance during the race. Sadly this year, I didn't see many friends on the course because I was too slow. Last year, I saw Wayne Fong (legacy runner for both Long Beach & LA) , Dr. Conklin, Alan Cloninger & Janet Comer on the course. Although, I did see Susie Comi and Marcie Joseph briefly.
It was great seeing personal cheerleaders along the course! Many thanks go out to Bucket, Erica, Bridget, Tyson, Christy, Karen, Serene, Liz, Esme, Esther, Niki, Xochilt, DeeDee, Tia Emi & Julio, and of course my Mom & Dad (although my Dad was cranky it took me so long)! I hope I didn't forget anyone. And to everyone that texted and sent me Facebook messages many thanks to all of you as well! It helped me not feel alone along the way xoxo
For months the new Stadium to the Sea course had been promoted, all of us veteran runners were anticipating madness because even though this was the 25th LA Marathon we knew to expect the kinks that usually happen with all first time races. So I took a detour and got to my pre-purchased parking lot location. We found some empty porta potties and then boarded the 5:24 shuttle. I was so happy to think we were on schedule...and then we got stuck on the 110 freeway! We sat on the freeway stuck in typical LA traffic for a good 45 minutes. At one point, the lights in our shuttle turned off and I thought oh the bus driver must be turning of the lights so we can nap like they do on the flyaway... um negative... one of our fellow males runners had to pee so he peed into a bottle at the front of the bus! Many of the women were jealous because obviously we don't have the ease that men do of simply peeing into a bottle. All I kept thinking was thank God I had the sense to use the empty porta potties before boarding.
I found out later yesterday that apparently there had been an accident on the 110. Many of the marathon shuttles were stuck with who knows how many runners on board! As we got closer to the stadium, we saw the mass exodus of runners abandoning cars and shuttles and racing to the stadium. I thought about it but didn't feel like adding extra mileage (and potentially hilly extra mileage) to my day. At some point, we figured out the race start had been delayed so Sue and I found our fellow LA Racers in the nick of time :) I wanted to wish my TNT teammates luck in person but I had to settle for texting them good luck because there was no way for me to reach them in the crowd. I also had the pleasant surprise of running into Joe Egan and his friend Josh at the start! I haven't seen my BFF Joe in probably over a year.
So in typical LA fashion the marathon itself started late. And we were finally off. I was not prepared for the hills or humidity! The body glide wore off fairly quickly so good thing I had packed some vaseline. TMI, I know, but it's the reality of marathoning. Oh and here's a tip for all the newbies out there... don't forget your sunscreen I have some really ridiculous tan lines today courtesy of my 2009 Nike Women's Marathon Tiffany's necklace and the ktape on my knees. I was hoping I was just dirty but this time it was actually a tan :( or burn I should say... at least I'll now have a base tan into the season so I should be pretty tan (for me) come June 6th for the San Diego Marathon! I hope that doesn't clash with my TNT plaid skirt :)
I'm not sure why but this was by far my toughest race. I've heard many friends comment that as well. Of course, there are a few that PR'd (Personal Record)... congrats Natalia & Raul! I walked a lot and had hoped to run the last 6 miles but it ended up being more like the last 2 miles. The timing chip on my bib didn't work so this will be my PW (Personal Worst) on record. Although, nothing beats the disaster of 2008 aka the Honolulu Marathon (my second full marathon). I might have come in under 7 hours if I hadn't stopped to use a real bathroom. Karen Cooksey, fellow LA RACER, was gracious enough to let me use her bathroom since she was right off the course. So much for not adding extra mileage or time. Oh well, I guess it was too much to ask to complete 4 marathons without stopping for a bathroom break.
Along with running/walking past so many landmarks of the city it was great to be surrounded by Legacy Runners (they have run every single LA Marathon). There are over 200 of them and I personally know one of them. I was happy to see Alan who I met last year but I was unable to catch up to him. He's an adorable older gentleman (legacy runner) who decided to race Jassmine and I last year. What ends up happening during races is that some of us will pass each other back and forth depending on our intervals or breaks or endurance during the race. Sadly this year, I didn't see many friends on the course because I was too slow. Last year, I saw Wayne Fong (legacy runner for both Long Beach & LA) , Dr. Conklin, Alan Cloninger & Janet Comer on the course. Although, I did see Susie Comi and Marcie Joseph briefly.
It was great seeing personal cheerleaders along the course! Many thanks go out to Bucket, Erica, Bridget, Tyson, Christy, Karen, Serene, Liz, Esme, Esther, Niki, Xochilt, DeeDee, Tia Emi & Julio, and of course my Mom & Dad (although my Dad was cranky it took me so long)! I hope I didn't forget anyone. And to everyone that texted and sent me Facebook messages many thanks to all of you as well! It helped me not feel alone along the way xoxo
Saturday, March 20, 2010
The calm before the storm...
Happy to report I have been reunited with my laptop! She's all better now so I can return to my status as communicator extraordinaire. So tomorrow is the next big day in my life...the 25th anniversary of the LA Marathon and my fourth full 26.2. It's still hard for me to believe how my life has changed in the last 5 years and how blessed I am to be a member of the running community! Apparently, I've been channeling my inner Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) because I was late to practice and to dinner today. As much as I love daylight savings, apparently I haven't quite adjusted to the change. At least, I know I'm well rested for tomorrow. It will undoubtedly be a beautiful Los Angeles day! I'm wishing all the newbie runners the best race experience possible and for all the Veterans may we all have a great race! Can't wait to run through my hometown the best City in the World! And to all the spectators thank you so much for making race day special for the 25,000 runners!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Marathon Madness
Very excited about daylight savings because it means I'll be able to run outside longer and more often although I need to scale back this week since my next full marathon is 6 days away! It seems like LAM snuck up on us. There is so much buzz and excitement over the new Stadium to the Sea course and the race has sold out at 25,000 participants! The weather is finally warming up so next Sunday will be a glorious day for all! I have received my cheetah skirt so my race day outfit is ready to go :) I ran 7 miles on Saturday with my amazing teammates and walked with Sue Baker at Porter Ranch yesterday... we were nearly blown away! By accident, we took the scenic route and did more the 5 miles... oops. Oh well, we'll be ready for whatever hills come at us next Sunday. Excited for the Expo on Friday!!! I also just booked a flight to Boston next month. Very excited to see my good friend Amy and meet her fiance. Amy has run Boston a few times because she's super fast although she won't be running it this year. And more importantly, I will get to cheer on Kelley and Peter!!! Although, I'll be honest part of me is tempted to run the race with them as a bandit since that was the original plan. We'll see how I do next Sunday... That would be pretty crazy to complete 3 marathons in 4 months since I'm also training/fundraising for the San Diego Rock n Roll...
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Weather cooperates yet again...
So happy mother nature decided to cooperate yet again this weekend. We were finally able to do our timed mile and break up into pace groups. I was very happy with my 10:50 mile and I was the interim pace group 4 leader. Hoping my computer gets fixed soon...feel kind of lost without it :( Had a great time at Scrap for a Cure last night. Kelley did an awesome job as hostess and raised a lot of money!!!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Goodbye February... Hello March
"The distance race is a struggle that results in self-discovery. It is an adventure involving the limits of the self." Paul Weiss
February ended on a bittersweet note. Although, my professional life took a hit, I can't complain about my social life or training. I'm now a bit superstitious in my training/racing so considering the disappointing racing and training I've experienced in the past few weeks my 4th marathon will be a success!
I'm just elated that our Summer TEAM is maintaining high energy despite the ugly weather we've been experiencing. We had great turnouts at both midweek practice and on Saturday and even managed to have a lovely potluck before the torrential downpour resumed. Lauren's Menchie's fundraiser was a huge hit, Bucket's faux bday/Happy Hour was a success, and those of us who were able to attend Sunday Funday at Blue Dog Beer Tavern had a great time!
I am also completely blown away by how quickly, I was able to put together my next fundraiser! With the help of a few friends, my participants and I will be hosting Laugh for a Cure at The Comedy Store on March 28th. Really looking forward to this as a great way to raise money and celebrate finishing the 25th LA Marathon.
I knew there was a reason I <3 Dr. Drew! He's a runner, too :) His quote below, could not be any further from the truth... running is cathartic, meditative, and rewarding.
"I do recommend running as a cure-all. It's the magic ingredient and an important physical release. It has helped me look and feel better." Dr. Drew Pinsky, Addiction Specialist and TV Host
February ended on a bittersweet note. Although, my professional life took a hit, I can't complain about my social life or training. I'm now a bit superstitious in my training/racing so considering the disappointing racing and training I've experienced in the past few weeks my 4th marathon will be a success!
I'm just elated that our Summer TEAM is maintaining high energy despite the ugly weather we've been experiencing. We had great turnouts at both midweek practice and on Saturday and even managed to have a lovely potluck before the torrential downpour resumed. Lauren's Menchie's fundraiser was a huge hit, Bucket's faux bday/Happy Hour was a success, and those of us who were able to attend Sunday Funday at Blue Dog Beer Tavern had a great time!
I am also completely blown away by how quickly, I was able to put together my next fundraiser! With the help of a few friends, my participants and I will be hosting Laugh for a Cure at The Comedy Store on March 28th. Really looking forward to this as a great way to raise money and celebrate finishing the 25th LA Marathon.
I knew there was a reason I <3 Dr. Drew! He's a runner, too :) His quote below, could not be any further from the truth... running is cathartic, meditative, and rewarding.
"I do recommend running as a cure-all. It's the magic ingredient and an important physical release. It has helped me look and feel better." Dr. Drew Pinsky, Addiction Specialist and TV Host
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