CLIF!

Selected to be an Ambassador for CLIF! =)

Hollywood Half Marathon

I just came back from a short trip down south for the Hollywood Half Marathon.  The race started at Universal City walk, ran out and back down Hollywood Blvd and ended back near Universal Studios.  It was a great time... and I love being a part of inaugural events!

I can be such a tourist, so was hoping that I would be able to see the 'Hollywood sign" while running.  Lucky enough, I did.

The event went really well overall.  They ran out of cups around mile 7.  The volunteers had to pour the water into our hands.  Some runners seemed really ticked off, but I thought it was all part of the experience.  There was plenty of water to drink and if you really wanted some, you could find a way to drink it.  Also, most trained runners wear water belts and such, so they were easily able to have their bottles refilled.

They also ran out of items at the Cliff mile.  I was really excited to see Clif out on the course, since I was recently chosen as a Clif ambassador.  With over 6,900 people running a race, sometimes running out of things is out of the race directors control. 

I heard a lot of flack about the race director's lack of planning for the race and such, but I couldn't have a had better time.  The last two miles and the hill were killer.  The course and hill were talked about for months, so I had no sympathy for those complaining about the hill. 

I finished the race while crossing the red carpet and receiving my awesome medal.  Shortly after I received a free massage from the students at Everest college.  It was a great time!  Thanks so much to everyone who helped put this race on.  I would definitely do it again.  I got to spend the rest of my day checking out the Kodak theater and the Hollywood walk of fame.  A good weekend and great event!

Nike Womens Marathon for the 3rd time!

That's right, no lottery this year...I'm IN

Feeling Blessed

Being an only child has its ups and downs.  One down is that I don't have any siblings, so I won't get to experience being an aunt.  Well, at least that is what I thought when I was younger. 

I am very blessed to have become an Auntie twice this year after the births of two of my very best friend's children.

Brody Nathen Burgess 2/24/12

Gabriela Lily Torres 3/14/12

 

Yes, I 'stached him

Gabriela got 'stached too

Cousin Connor McKay Duke at 7 months

My cousin Elaine also gave birth to Petra this year.  I can't wait to visit Scotland soon to meet her!

I love being an Auntie!

Fitness Never Sleeps

Today was my first day at FNS in San Jose.  It was an awesome, killer work out...first let me tell you how I ended up here.

I was running the Go Green Half Marathon (on St Patrick's Day) in Campbell.  My long runs usually take me a good 4 miles to warm up and get out of the run/walk mode.  Around the 5th mile I came up to a water stop.  Who was there to greet me and give me water?  Ada Wong!!  Ada Wong from the Biggest Loser! She is one of the most inspirational people to me that has ever been on that show.  I asked if we could take a picture together.  See me below, the starstruck "tourist" haha.

Go Green St Patricks Day Run, Ada at the water stop

As we went to take the picture, she suggested we take it in front of the FNS sign.  Seeing her made my day and made me have the energy and "umph" to run faster than usual to the finish-line.

When I got home, I couldn't get FNS out of my head.  What is that I thought?  After googling, I found it.  Everything seemed to click for me.  It seemed like seeing Ada was a sign and that this is where I needed to be.  I even found a deal on Yelp for my first month.  How could I not sign up?

 Today was my first workout at 6am.  To make things even better, I had met Ada again when touring FNS and she had emailed me about us working out together.  Today I got to work out with her!  I got to work out with Ada Wong :)!  It is an awesome feeling to work out next to someone who you have looked up to for so long.  I have had several gym memberships, trainers, have had one on one training at crossfit, and this was by far the toughest workout that I have done.  I was exhausted after, and could barely manage to put on my mascara after getting ready for work, but a bit later, I felt awesome.  Everyone is motivating, encouraging, and helpful.  Thank you Ada, FNS and Brian!  I am so glad to have found you!

2012 race schedule revised

Sadly, I caught the flu this year.  After I had commented several times that "I haven't been sick in so long" it caught up with me.  I ended up having a 102 fever the day of the Bay Breeze 10k and could not participate.  I was extremely bummed to not come home with that cute squid medal and to participate in my first Brazen race.  This race has been added to my 2013 calendar.

Swag I didn't receive :(

After that I decided to re-evaluate my race calendar.  My main goal for this year was to complete the Beach Cities Challenge.  This was a good idea originally, but out of town races (even just from Norcal to Socal) turn out to be very pricey trips.  Sadly, the surf city and OC marathon were removed from my list.  I hope to do them someday. 

My new focus went to the completion of the California marathon series.  I was already signed up for two of the four required races, so I decided to sign up for the other two and earn my extra bling. The Oktoberun is an inaugural race and is sponsored by the company I work for, Zazzle, so this was a great addition.  I also added The Race to the End of Summer, which benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Since I did my first marathon with Team in Training, this was special to me as well.  I will be presented with this extra medal at the Walnut Creek marathon, after completing the race.

I still have my fingers crossed for NYC this year, but since only 8% of those that apply for the lottery get in, I will try to not keep my hopes up.

My full race calendar: 2012 Race Calendar

7 random Rants

1.  I saw MJ cirque- It was was Legen...wait for it...dary (thank you Barney)

2.  I am addicted to Pepper Plant hot sauce.  It has no calories and it is great on everything.  Egg whites and cottage cheese are my top picks.

3.  I signed up for the Disneyland half marathon this year!  I will be running with a friend and can not wait.

4.  The 2012 Shamrock'n marathon in Sacramento just sold out.  I am excited that I signed up in time!

5.  This photo below showed up in my facebook feed.  I decided that meant that the holidays "yummies" were over (ding ding ding- it's almost February).  I have been eating clean all week, and intend to stick with it.

The holidays are OVER

6.  I have been actively trying to find this shirt.  I was finally told by Nike that it was recalled due to too many complaints.  If anyone finds it, let me know!

7.  I'm itching for a new tattoo