The Giant Race

A little over a week ago, I ran my first 5k.  I have done 5ks before, but never with the intention of running them. 

I signed up for the Giant Race (sponsored by the SF Giants and benefiting Project Open Hand) in March of 2012.  Unlike in the past, this time I actually trained for the race with the intention of running all 3.1 miles.

I worked with my trainer on strengthening my legs - think squats, lunges, and stairs ... lots of stairs.  But he also had me running - on the treadmill, on the track, and on the concrete.  The most I ever ran during my training was 2.25 miles, so I was a little nervous about running nearly a mile more than that on the actual day, but I figured the adrenaline would help.  I trained at about at 12 minute mile pace.

Three days before the race, I woke up with a terrible sore throat.  I slept most of the day and started to feel better, but I knew I was not 100%, even come race day morning.  But I had worked so hard, I was determined to run this race.

Adam and I got to the ballpark a little after 7, parked and warmed up a bit.  Then we waited with the thousands of other people to do the race.  The first 1/2 mile was very congested so we were weaving in and out of people; then it lightened up as people found their pace and a little space to run.  The first mile was hell - it was cold so I was just warming up, and it was super crowded.  The second mile was amazing - I felt good and it flew by.  The third mile was ok - nothing special here.

 Thousands of people at the starting line.





I intended to run the entire thing, but unfortunately had to slow to a walk twice for about a minute each time.  I wasn't out of breath - I actually felt great.  My legs did not hurts, they were still going strong.  I even managed to ignore the soreness in my throat.  Unfortunately I could not ignore the pain in my right shoulder.  I tweaked something the way I was holding it up and had to slow to rub it out.  (Looks like we will be doing more upper body work soon :( ugh!)

But, despite the 2 short slow downs, I managed to finish the race in 37 minutes and 29 seconds which is a 12:05 mile pace!  We ended the race on the field at AT&T Park which was very, very cool.  We also got medals, t-shirts, and a Matt Cain bobblehead.  It was a very fun morning, and as soon as I was done I was ready to sign up for another one.

All finished and ready for more!

I am thrilled with my time and the fact that I did not fully stop during the race, but I am looking forward to making improvements the next time around.

Say yes to 5ks!

Motivation Monday: Sore or Sorry?

What will you choose?

Say yes to sore!!

Oysters

My two best friends in law school were ALWAYS trying to get me to try new foods.  I typically complied with their requests, but more often than not, did not like the food I was peer-pressured into tasting.  I tried sushi and it was a no go, though to be fair, we may have started out too ambitious instead of easing into it, so sushi might have to get a second chance.  I also had an aversion to pretty much anything green (is this sounding familiar?)

But, my palate has certainly changed over the last couple of years, and I am more willing than ever to try new foods.  Best of all though, many of the new foods I try I actually like!

When I was in Tahoe for Labor Day weekend, I happened to be with one of these two guys, and he insisted that I try an oyster.  I was hesitant.  I looked at it skeptically as he placed it in front of me.  I begged him to let me cut it in half to which he replied "if you do that, you will never eat the second half."  Let me tell you, that was not encouraging.

 My Oyster

But, my mantra is to "say yes" right? So ... I sucked it up and tried it. 

 Trying the Oyster

Much to my surprise (and everyone else's as well) I actually liked it.  I would definitely eat oysters again.

Not so bad!

Say yes to oysters!

Motivation Monday: Stronger by Kelly Clarkson

Another song for some motivation ... a little Kelly Clarkson to start you day.  Remember, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger!

You know the bed feels warmer
Sleeping here alone
You know I dream in color
And do the things I want

You think you got the best of me
Think you've had the last laugh
Bet you think that everything good is gone
Think you left me broken down
Think that I'd come running back
Baby you don't know me, cause you're dead wrong

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone
What doesn't kill you makes a fighter
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn't mean I'm over cause you're gone

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger
Just me, myself and I
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone

You heard that I was starting over with someone new
They told you I was moving on, over you

You didn't think that I'd come back
I'd come back swinging
You try to break me, but you see

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone
What doesn't kill you makes a fighter
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn't mean I'm over cause you're gone

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger
Just me, myself and I
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone

Thanks to you I got a new thing started
Thanks to you I'm not the broken-hearted
Thanks to you I'm finally thinking about me
You know in the end the day you left was just my beginning
In the end...

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone
What doesn't kill you makes a fighter
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn't mean I'm over cause you're gone

[2x]
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger
Just me, myself and I
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone

(When I'm alone)


Say yes to being stronger ... in every sense of the word! :)

Motivation Monday: Small Steps

Today's Motivation Monday comes courtesy of my amazing health coach Sasha.  (Click Here for her website.)  She did not write the following articles, but she sent them to me since I have been having a hard time over the last few weeks getting back on track. 

August was a lot of fun ... A LOT of fun, but let's just say it was not the best for my weight loss goals.  It was a bit of a set back actually.  I have had a hard time dealing with the setback and being able to get back on track since there are so many other things up in the air in my life right now.  I once again went from thinking I was settled to being a bit of a mess. 

But then I think back, and I remember how far I have come and it is easier to deal with.  Just as the following 2 articles suggest, we need to take small steps, make small changes, take things one day at a time.  We must remember "The years of our life do not arrive all at once; they greet us day by day."

Please read the following for a little motivation this week:

http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2012/34708.html

http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2012/34715.html

Say yes to small steps!!

Maggie's Peak

I spent Labor Day weekend in Lake Tahoe, and it was absolutely awesome.  The weather was perfect and the company could not have been better.

We did not go up until Sunday, but certainly made the most of our time.  We had lunch at Edgewood on Sunday, and then took the boat out.  We had a Rum Runner at the Beacon (a must have).  Then we went back to the house, had dinner, and got ready for fireworks!

View from Edgewood ... beautiful huh??

We took the boat out on the lake for the fireworks and they were like magic.  The colors exploded above us and the sparks of light rained down, dropping delicately into the water.  It was cold, but we were bundled up and had some hot chocolate to get us through.  :)

On Monday, we got up early and went to hike Maggie's Peak!  We left the house a little after 7 and started hiking around 7:30.  It was a stunning, clear morning and we made nice progress.  It was different hiking in the altitude, but once I got warmed up, I was good to go.  We got some amazing pictures and a great cardio workout.  When were neared the "summit" we got a bit turned around and ended up spending about an hour on the back side of the mountain (Desolation Wilderness).  We finally found our way to the top and were handsomely rewarded.  We think we climbed the south peak, but once we got up there, we could not really tell ...

Emerald Bay on the way up.

View from the Top!

 On the way down.

We spent the rest of the day on the boat.  We stopped for a drink (or 3) at Chambers and then proceeded to dinner at West Shore.  I could not think of a better way to end the summer.

Last Sunset of the Summer :(

Say yes to early morning hikes, stunning views, days on a boat, and best friends.

Turning Twenty-Seven

One month in, I must say that 27 is off to a wonderful start!

I spent my birthday weekend with one of my best friends in one of my favorite places – Lake Tahoe.  We kayaked, went out on the boat with his family, had drinks at our favorite bar, had some amazing dinners, and overall had a fantastic time.  

 Kayaking on my birthday!

  

Two weeks later I was fortunate enough to continue the celebrations in orange county.  I spent 6 awesome days hanging out with beloved friends.  The trip started with an Angel’s game.  Then we rented a house in Temecula and went wine tasting.  I got to catch a Giants/Dodger’s game where the Giants won.  And then the trip was capped off with a day at Disneyland.  The most difficult part about the trip was leaving … I really, truly did not want to get on that plane.  But I did, and I am back in the bay area and trying to get back into the swing of things.  

 Wine tasting in Temecula!

 Giants won! :)

Happiest Place on Earth with the cutest kid.

My 26^th birthday was not a pleasant one.  I was not happy with where I was in life – completely unsettled and with little to no direction.  A year later and things are still up in the air, but I am healthier, and more optimistic about where my life is going.  27 is a new beginning, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings!

Say yes to birthdays and new beginnings!