The Beast

After finishing Pioneer School and eating and sitting for two weeks, note the Tiramisu, I had my first long run in a while. Sooo there is this beast I keep hearing about... "ran into him today" literally. Here I am mile 7 or so and he shows up. Put me in a headlock, I countered with a my best wrestling move, and we went back and forth finally, it came to me, try ignoring it like that annoying kid across the street. You know what, it works! At least until I staggered into my driveway. We'll see what happens next time...

We run but some walk

So Jaide has invited me to contribute to this blog. Heres the thing- I dont run. But I do walk. :) I have a nice neighborhood to walk in and a walking buddy. Her name is Rosie. Being a dog she has an advantage over me because she has 4 legs. So alot of times when we go walking I am always trailing behind or pulling her along when she decides that something looks interesting and decides to smell it for an hour. 

One of the reasons I got Rosie is because I thought it would be a good incentive to go walking more often. So does it work? Sometimes. There are many days I would rather just stay home in the wonderful air conditioning where its nice and comfy. But then Rosie comes over bumping me in the leg to get my attention saying lets go! Lets go!!

I have never considered myself a writer so please excuse this post if it is not the most interesting thing in the world. But walking is related to running right? :) So I will contribute from time to time something about my walking adventures. 

Rosie

So thanks Jaide for the invite!

To the People in My Life

Today, I arrived home making excuses why I shouldn't g running. I'm tired.  I already took a core conditioning class at the gym.  I should be a good wife and make dinner for once.  I need to pack to go to Reno for four days.

But my excuses quickly were trumped by the wonderful people in my life.  Graem was talking to his sister, Kaela, who asked why I have not been blogging.  Then my wonderful husband told we to go for run and he would again make dinner.  He told me I would feel better.

And he was right.  I make it through 3 miles, thinking about how great it is to have all of you.  Lauren's new found love of running is inspiring.  Jennifer's encouragement for new goals keeps me going.  Mike is doing my first half marathon with me.  Chiharu bought new running shoes.  My sister is running in smoggy China.  And then there are all the people that aren't running literal marathons, but their life is kind of like one.

Now, I sit on the couch, after a run.  I'm finishing off strawberry gelato, watching "So you think you can Dance" and blogging.  Life is good.

Oh and yes I still have to pack.

My dusty shoes after my run.  And yes, I'm 5'5'' and wear a size 10 running shoe.

Lauren "Gonna Make You" Sweat

"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."  Isn't that how the saying goes?  Sweat has been an enemy of mine for so long.  I avoided it at all cost.  As a matter of fact, my maiden name is Sweat.  As I grew up, I never really lived up to that name.  I only 'glistened'.  Florida is a very sticky, humid environment to live.  Why would anyone WANT to be outside sweating?  That's such a miserable way to spend your time, right?  Or is that wrong?  

Sweat and I have grown to appreciate each other over the past few months, since we've been training for our half marathon.  It overtakes every square inch of my body when I'm running.  I become completely drenched as if I just jumped out of a pool.  Every drop  reinforces to me all of the hard work I've been putting into training.  The more I sweat, the more I feel empowered.  We even play a little game while I'm running, sweat and I.  Occasionally a little bead of sweat will trickle its way to the tip of my upper lip.  When it gets just to the right point, I blow it into the air sending it flying.  Sometimes it will even divide into three separate drops!  But it is the little things that keep you going, right?  

Happy sweating everyone!

Blood, Sweat & Beers

Last weekend we conquered the Beer Sweat & Beers run in Auburn. We (Jaide, Jasmine, Jennifer and Jehan) ran (I use the term "run" loosely here -- more of a jog and walk uphill) 5.9 miles down and up the Auburn Canyon. It was hot. It was dirty. It was sweaty. It was loads of fun!

Michael T. wins the endurance reward -- he ran 10.5 miles! And thankfully no one in our group needed an ambulance.

Good job everyone!

Pre Race Photo Shoot

Our only fan

Gettin' rough and dirty

Steep Hill

Finished !

Post race meal - beer and veggie burgers