Relay for Life! Help my mom fight cancer!

Its that time of year again when my mom is participating in the Relay for Life event. She looks forward to this event so much because its something she's doing for herself and others fighting cancer.

My mom was diasgnosed in November of 2009 a few days before Thankgiving. I can still remember the sound of the doctors voice as he came out of surgery with my mom telling my dad and I, "she has stomach cancer and it's very serious" My heart stopped at that very moment and a wave of thoughts went through my head!  How could this lady who is the rock of our family be sick? She's so healthy this can't be? Is she going to be ok? Will she have to do chemo and radiation? What is stomach cancer and why can't they just take it out? There were many other unanswered questions but they were to be answer by the amazing staff at City of Hope a few weeks later.

My mom did end up going through chemo, but didn't have to have radiation. She was a trooper through the whole thing. I'd come home from work and she be in her bedroom hooked up to her chemo little bag with the dog laying next to her dreaming away. She always smiled and rarely complained of discomfort she was having. She finished her treatments and was on the home stretch to move on and get back to normal life. Unfortunately with stomach cancer it's not curable, but it is treatable with lots of monitoring. She goes to the doctor every 6 months to make sure everything is okay, and gets her dose of Zometa treatments to get her bones nice and healthy. She's been back at work for over a year now and is feeling better then ever.

If it wasn't for money funding events like Relay for Life research for cancer wouldn't take place. So with a small donation you can too help. Skip that cup of $5.00 Starbucks, or eating out one night and help my mom and others fight cancer. She is attempting to raise $500 this year and very excited about it.

To help with a donation please click here. Relay for Life takes place in many cities, I encourage you to participate in it at least once its a great event!!

Thank you so much from our family!!!

Happiest 5k on the Planet!

 The happiest 5k on the planet "The Color Run" took place this weekend in So Cal, and I was so excited to take part in it. When I saw the Youtube video on Shea's Facebook page I knew I had to get friends together to run. However, because I've been a procrastinator lately (wedding planning), we missed registration and the event sold out very quickly. Luckily the organization realized how many people were wanting to run, so they added a later start time and opened up registration again. I got a couple of my childhood friends together Diane, Teresina, and Carla and we all registered right when it opened.

When we pulled up to the parking lot we saw tons of rainbow colored runners heading back to their cars from the morning race. They looked like they had just lost a fight with a bunch of  Easter Peeps, it was pretty funny! Diane and Carla had never ran a 5k before so I was super excited for them to have this race as their first experience. Teresina and I are used to timing events so we were excited to just enjoy ourselves. Its nice to do something fun for once and not have to worry about time........which this race does not do. This isn't a time event, its all for the love of FUN and COLOR! 

They started the race in waves so everyone was spread out far enough to get colored at each color spot. It took some time for us to start but the race organization kept the party going with great music, and lots of fun goodies being thrown out into the crowd. Each person got a packet of color to throw at the end of the race in their goodie bags, so more packets were being thrown, along with bracelets and some fun colored socks!  We were having a great time at the start line in our nice fresh white shirts, and headbands. We saw a few people dressed in some fun costumes and there we lots of tutu's!

We finally started and the first color station we hit was yellow! Some of the volunteers were throwing color on us with their hands, and a few others had these giant squeeze bottles sort of like a giant ketchup bottle splashing color all over. They do their best not to get any on your face, but if the wind picks up that stuff does fly all over the place. I saw some people wearing goggles, and I have to say my sunglasses stopped allot of it from getting in my eyes. The only way I can describe the powder is its just like baby powder but colored!

The next color station was green........

Then the blue color station....

The final station was pink! The volunteers were having a great time in this station. They were literally throwing buckets of this stuff at everyone, there were people rolling around on the floor, and I even saw a few people making color angels! It was hilarious! I think everyone wanted to make sure they were nice and colorfied when they hit the finish line so they were doing anything possible to get that way! 

We were pretty much a colored mess by the time we finished! At one point Teresina and I mentioned that even though this took longer then most 5k's we've done, it seemed like it went by quickly because we were having so much fun! Diane and Carla did great for their first 5k, running most of it and only stopping a few time for photos and getting colored! 

Our hubbies were waiting for us at the finish line with cameras and strict rules we were not to touch them HAHA! I did have to pat a few pink shades off Robert when I "accidentally" brushed him with my arm. 

After the finish line there was the great "Color Throw". Like I mentioned all the participates got bags of color before the race. Every 15 minutes they let off a giant color throw for everyone to open their bags and make the best rainbow cloud ever! I was able to get a great photo from the color throw after ours! 

I absolutely can't wait for next year! I had one of the best time ever doing this race! If this race is in your city you have to do it!! The organization was fantastic and the volunteers were having a great time! Thank you Diane, Teresina and Carla for all the laughs and fun on Sunday!!! 

Brea 8k

I’m a little late (actually allot late) getting a race recap for this race because life has been CRAZY!. I’ve been planning a wedding, attending others weddings, friends baby showers, and working. Life in general has been soooo busy lately. I love the hustle and bustle but I can’t wait for a day that I have nothing planned to just relax in my penguin feety PJ’s watching a good movie! Now on to my frist 8k experience!!

One of my favorite stores to shop for my running gear is at Snail’s Pace in Brea. I wouldn’t have remembered about this race if it wasn’t for them tweeting about it. I’ve always wanted to run the Brea 8k because it’s so close to home, I’ve never done a 8k race, and who doesn’t love a race that will have tacos at the finish?

Registration can be done 2 ways, on-line, and at Snail Pace. I of course missed both of those opportunities, so the Friday before the race I went down to Brea H.S. and signed up. I tried recruiting a few running friends to join me, but with the last minute decision to run no one was able to. Registration for this race was one of the easiest processes I’ve ever experienced. They were so organized, and all the volunteers were super helpful! I was directed into a room to fill out my little scantron of information, got my goodie bag, t-shirt, and was on my way back home in about 20 minutes! Registration took me literally about 20 minutes!

Start time was scheduled for 8am. So my alarm was set for 6:30 to get ready and stuff my tummy before my BIG 8k! I got to there a little early as I always like to do, and just walked around for a bit to feel the vibe. I have to say walking around the start line with no running buddies with me was super awkward. I always have someone with me, but this time I was that loner person you see listening to their Ipod and giving a hello smile at a start line. I did make a friend with a toddler in a running stroller that offered me a goldfish cracker when her parents were busy talking with friends. I kindly said thank you and took the fish!

When we started off I knew that there were going to be hills on this coarse so I took it slow the first 2 miles. I also had a wardrobe malfunction during this time. Apparently the shorts I wore didn’t want to cooperate. They were either riding up, or riding to low. I’m not going to lie at one point I checked to see if I had them on backwards. I pulled off the side of the race, adjusted them with a few hops to see if they were going to stay put and off I was again.

The weather was perfect, I was enjoying myself, and my music was right on beat for keeping a comfy pace. Miles 3-4 were easy for me with a couple up and down hills. I had 2 girls that I kept my eye on whom in my head, I was only racing them. I had to make sure I past them far enough to hit the finish before them. For some reason I always pick out some poor stranger to make them my enemy at any race. Keeps me motivated!

I turned the corner to the finish and speed up a little get the time I wanted, and I hit it at 58 mins YAY! Good enough for me, espeically because my running lately has been pretty pathetic! I stood in the finish area as if I was waiting for someone I knew to come in with me or something. Like I said I’m so used to people running with me that I literally forgot I was there alone. After realizing no familar faces was coming I had my chip removed, then headed over to the finish line festivities.It was filled with so many food booths from different restaurants, I was in heaven. I grab the cutest little cup of Jamba juice, a breakfast taco, some water, found a spot to sit on a curb and watch other runners finishing. I was content and happy!I think the alone time actually lowered my stress level with everything going on right now. I left there feeling fantastic and so proud of myself. Running is a great way to clear your head and this race did that for me. Next Saturday I have the Hollywood Half marathon that I’m really looking forward too. My wedding is the week after, so it’s my last race as a single lady. I’m also running with one of my best friends Penny..I can't wait to for the laughs and her yelling "I hate the sun"!

Hope your all having a great week!

Laguna Hills Half Marathon

Last weekend I joined Danica at the Laguna Hills Half Marathon. I had given myself some high hopes for this race and really wanted to PR. I thought having Danica there to push me would help since she’s much faster then I am. My legs on the other hand had other plans.

We met in the parking lot around 6am so we could grab our bibs, and use the "restrooms". The race was small with about 2500 runners. We got the start line and waited in the back of the pack. Danica made a suggestion that if you start in a pace group lower then yours then you don't get as tired at the beginning trying to keep you with your normal pace group, made total sense to me so I was all for the back of the pack start!

Me, Danica, Emil and friends!

The first 3 miles were horrible, once again I started to feel the same pain I felt in my legs the weekend before in Fresno Half Marathon. They were tight from my exterior ankle up to my calves. I knew they were warming up and after a while the pain would go away, but its the most annoying thing ever! The hills weren’t to bad just yet as the course took us through a residential area. We both weren't really feeling this race in the morning and had discussed for about 1.5 seconds to just do the 5k but we kept going, chatting and enjoying ourselves.

The Start

We ran through a few main streets then at about mile 7 we were put on the Aliso and Wood Canyon Park trail. There were no spectators in this section so it sort of made it a boring run. The volunteers were doing the best they could cheering us on, but it with no spectators the last half of the race seemed like it took forever.

Just running along chatting!

It started to get warm so we were making sure to stop at every water station to get in some hydration. With the heat and lack of spectators we had to start to entertain ourselves. I serenaded Danica a few times with Lady Gaga songs, which I know she loved! HAHA!! We also attempted to get some fun jumping photos around mile 9. I have to say I think I did pretty well!

WHEEEEEE!!!!

Cheertastic

Up, Up and Away!

Danica really wanted me PR so she suggested we really push starting at mile 10. I took a look at my watch and thought it was somewhat doable even if it was a minute PR. I was willing to try and was going to talk myself into it as much as I could. My legs really started to get heavy with the up and down hills and the time was ticking away. I was really hoping the end would have a giant downhill so I could have a little help to the finish. That was wishful thinking because instead of a downhill we were graced with a up hill to the finish. Danica just kept saying “your almost there” I was telling myself the same thing, but that darn up hill was a surprise and my stumpy legs were not having it at all!

Coming into the finish!

I was starting to see more spectators coming up to the finish and I could hear them announcing people coming in I knew I was close. I just wanted to get there out of the heat and to the finish! Danica ran up ahead of me to hit the finish first, then I finally crossed at 2:35!! WAHHH WAHHH WAHHHH no PR for me =( We walked around the finishers area searching for food because that was topic of conversation during the race several times HAHA!, we were a little disappointed when we didn't find anything but oranges, and water. That's when Danica said the most amazing thing I have every heard. "We should go eat at In-N-Out, there's one where our cars are parked"...see photo below...delicious!!

Our Finishers Meal!!

I didn’t PR which I’m a little bummed about, but what I did accomplish was running 3 half marathons in a row that a year ago I don't think I could've done. I also officially became a Half Fanatic this week for the 3 races...#1118 YAY!! So out of my 3 races I ran the one race I thought was going to be my worst was actually my best Pasadena Half Marathon. I accomplished becoming a Fanatic, and I’m super proud of myself for it. I won’t be training for anything again till about July, so I think its time to get in some swimming and actually jump on the bike I got. Anyone up to teaching this girl gears? =)

Laguna Hills Half..Complete!

I want to say a BIG THANK YOU to Danica for running this with me. She usually runs a sub 2 and she stayed with me the whole way. She was a great cheerleader and pacer, I had a great time running with her! Thank you to Emil for the race photos..I didn't take any pictures, what is wrong with me!! HAHA!

Hope everyone had a great race weekend this week! Thanks for reading friends!!

Fresno Half Marathon - Eye-Q California Classic Weekend

Saturday morning at 8am I headed out to pick up Penny for, "Kristy & Penny's California Classic Fresno Half Marathon Road Trip 2011" I was excited to finally get a little weekend away, and to race in a different city with friends was making it that much better. The drive from LA to Fresno is about 4 hours. We had snacks and plenty of music to keep us entertained while we drive through farmlands. We decided to take highway 99, which in my opinion is allot better then highway 5. There is a little more to "see" but not much.

I learned a few things about Penny on the 4 hour drive, she likes to rock out to Floggin Molly, her dancing skills have improved since she works with dancer and singers at her job, and she's is extremely competitive with FourSquare. Between her dancing and my horrible singing, we had quite the show going in my car.

We had been on the road for a while when I spotted a Sonic Burger advertisement. Since it was feeding time for me we decided to stop. Who can resist tater tots, burgers, and milkshakes...NOT THESE GIRLS!!! It was the best meal EVER...seriously it was delicious, totally hit the spot!

Meal of Deliciousness!

After 4 hours of complete shenanigans in my car we finally reached Fresno. Packet pick up was at Chukchansi Park, home of the Fresno Grizzlies the minor league team for the San Francisco Giants. We met up with Row, grabbed out swag bags, then headed out to watch some of the cyclist come in from the 100 mile race that was taking place. I had never seen a bike race "live" before so it was pretty cool to watch!

Home of the GRRRRRRRRRIZZLES!!!

After checking into our hotel Penny and I decided to head out to find a place to relax maybe get a drink and snacks. The only place close enough was the "Club One Casino", so we did what was logical and went it. This had to be one of the best people watching places I have ever been to..it put Disneyland people watching to shame. I would go into details but this casino would need a whole blog post to itself. Let's just say it was fun and we laughed so hard that my stomach and cheeks hurt.

That evening we had reservations at 5 restaurant with Linda and Row. Dinner was delicious and the company was even better. I'm not a big carb loader since I have a fragile tummy, so indulging on food the day before a race isn't really my thing. However, when I read what the Capellini came with, I had to order it. It was so good that I forgot to take a picture of it. Take my word for it....DELICIOUS!!!

5 Restaurant

Now that I was done eating for the day, and after driving 4 hours, I was definitely ready for bed. The day was taking it's toll on me because I was completely exhausted. We set our alarms for 5am and off to bed we went.

The next morning we knocked on Row's door at 6:15 to head over to the start line. We were lucky to find a hotel about 2 blocks from the start and finish. Kind of nice not to have to worry about parking or anything!

Punk Rock Racing Tee and my Baby Spice Buns!

The race started exactly at 7am, we heard the air horn and we were off. We all stayed together for awhile then speedy Row was out of our sight. I told Penny at the beginning of the race that this was a fun run for me, so I was planning on staying together the whole way. I was doing fine for the first 3/4 mile then all of a sudden I had the worst pain going from not one, but both exterior ankles up to my calve. I'm not sure if I didn't stretch enough, but I knew if the pain didn't go away there was no way I was going to be able to run 13.1 miles. For 3 miles I was telling myself to "run it out, just run it out" I could feel my muscles warming up, so I had big hopes the pain was going to go away...my goodness it really hurt! I let Penny know what was going on since I kept taking walk breaks to see if it would help. Then finally around mile 4 I realized the pain was gone...Looks like an appointment with my A.R.T.therapist is in my future.

The course took us in and out of streets, over one overpass and in an industrial area. Then at mile 6 we hit the zoo entrance. This was my absolute FAVORITE mile. The animals were all out...except for the bear he wanted absolutely nothing to do with what was going on. We were running in the cool shade, the birds were singing, and the volunteers were having a great time..I loved it! If the race lapped around the zoo for the rest of the run I would've been a happy camper!

Giraffe's at mile 6!

Penny and I stopped for a quick photo!

Running through the zoo!

The weather started to get a little hot and I know how much Penny HATES the heat. I also know that this weather is not good for her asthma. I would run up a little past her, and she would catch up during my walk breaks. We did that for most of the way. Everything was fine then all of a sudden at mile 9 she started to feel an asthma attack happen. I pulled her to the side of the course into the shade, and did my best to keep her calm. After the experience I had with her asthma at the Surf City Half Marathon, I did a bit of research on what to when this happens. I will never experince having one, but now I'm aware of what to do when she does. I stayed allot calmer this time then I did at Surf City. I made sure she took her time to get her breathing back before we were off again on. We walked a bit then started on a slow run until she was ready to speed up. Penny is such a trooper, if that was me I would've been all dramatic and called for a ride.

Finisher!! HOT, HOT, HOT!!!

We did a run/walk pace up till mile 12, that's when Penny told me to just go! Ahead of me I saw a guy that had been playing cat and mouse with Penny and I the whole race. I wasn't racing for time, but for some reason I felt the need to beat this guy. There was no reason really I just wanted the satisfaction of running past him. I would ran past him, he would run past me. I think he realized what I was doing because every time he pasted me he would look at me. Then when I would pass him he would speed up. If he wanted to play that game I was all in, he was just throwing gas into the flame at this point. We reached the turn to the finish I looked and he was a few steps behind me. I ran a little faster and BAM!! FINISH LINE! Take that random stranger!! He came in a few seconds after me, but you know what I totally WON! Official time 2:41!

FINISHERS!!!

Penny crossed the finish, and we found Row waiting that stands for us! The finishers area was great, tons of food, beer for Penny, and Cold Stones ice cream for me! We walked back to the hotel, showered, after a quick stop for some food we got back in the car for another 4 hours of shenanigans drive home. Half Marathon #15 in the books!

I really had a great weekend and run in Fresno. I'm always skeptical about registering for inaugural races, but this one was allot of fun. I think since they have the experience of organizing the bike races, they did well with the half marathon. The only thing I can say that I didn't like was there were maybe 5 "restroom facilities" throughout the entire course. The zoo had restrooms but that was mile 6, I didn't see another one til about mile 11. I do have to say the volunteers for this run were AMAZING! They were all over the place, cheering us on, making sure everyone was safe along the way AWESOME, AWESOME volunteers! There was also a large police presents making sure we were all safe running the streets.

Great Race....Great Weekend!!

This weekened I have Laguna Hills Half Marathon..my last half until later this year! Bittersweet!

Seal Beach 5k

It was nice to have a bib on and be at a start line waiting for a race to begin this weekend. Not to mention Robert and I had a great date night planned for Saturday night, so it was going to be a good day!!

I haven’t done much running since the LA Marathon monsoon, so this 5k was perfect. I’ve always wanted to do this race, so when my friend Krissy asked me to run with her I couldn’t pass it up. She has been working really hard on training, so I wanted to be there with her for her first race!

Our Cheering Team, Robert & Paul

We got to the race pretty early which gave us a little time to meet up with some other running friends and chat for a while. I finally got to see Maggie!! YAY! Then we were joined by Jessica and Manuel at the start, who were both doing the 10k. Being there a little early I think helped Krissy with race day jitters. She was very nervous because she had been having shin splints off and on for a while. She even told me she was having "race dreams"..I know those very well! We all told her she was going to do great, and I made sure she knew I was going to stay with her the whole time.

Some shennanigens walking to the start

We were easily spotted by everyone because Krissy and I decided to wear our bright orange matching soccer jerseys, and I wore a bright orange LA Marathon visor to give it a little more flare. We were very ORANGE to say the least! I wanted to make this fun for her so I suggested we use the bright jerseys....Your probably wondering why the jerseys? So lets go off the race report real quickly for a explanation. During the month of October Robert, myself and Krissy’s husband Paul all work at Knott’s Berry Farm Halloween Haunt.

Our boys of Halloween Haunt

I’m a make-up artist, Robert and Paul get put into make-up to scare guests in the park. Krissy’s is our number 1 guest and a Haunt wife. If you ever have the pleasure of going backstage to this event, you’ll see allot of jerseys worn before everyone gets into their costumes. Most areas have these jerseys made so the people who work there can represent their “scare zones” It’s a way of saying this is “My Team” (Thanks Cody) So our little group decided to make these soccer jerseys for “our team” which the boys (our husbands or boyfriends) call “The Regulators” We wear them to our little events that we have together to show we're a "team". That's the story on our BRIGHT orange jerseys!

Me with one of the characters I makeup in October

Ok now back to the race report.....We started in wave 3 which was the under 9 min mile group. We were doing great through mile one just trucking along chatting a little. I check Mr G 2.0 to see what pace she was hitting, and to my surprise she had us at a 11:46 pace. I wanted to tell her but I figured if I kept it on the DL, it would be best. I didn't want to start throwing times and paces at her to make her nerves kick in again, so we just coasted along.

When we came around the 1.5 mile turn I noticed a spectator that looked just like my dad….sure enough to my surprise, there was my pops. He came down to watch and of course meet up for breakfast after. I got a quick hug from him and we were off.

The back of our jersey hitting the finish!

When we saw the mile 2 marker I made sure to say “One more mile YAY!! GO KRISSY GO” I figured if I kept my cheerleading going on it would make things fun...luckily she didn’t punch me in the face for being so Cheertastic!

Regulator's 1st 5k: Mission Complete!

Up to this point we hadn't walked at all. I was feeling great and Krissy's shins were doing just fine. We hit a water station for a quick cup and headed off again. She told me that the longest she had ran was 2.31 miles, so I kept a eye on Mr G 2.0 and let her know the minute our mile hit 2.35. “You just pasted up your longest run and we’re almost done!!" I saw a giant smile on her face and I could tell her race jitters were way gone by that point.

My new 5k running partner!

We hit the turn onto Ocean and there was the finish. I picked up the pace just a tad to see if she would stay with me and she did. As the crowd got thicker the finish line got closer. I turned around a few times to make sure she was right behind me. Her and I hit the finish line for her first 5k at 36:58..WOOHOOOO!!!

I can't express how PROUD I am of her! She did something that not allot of people can say they've done. Whether your running a 5k or a full marathon, its takes allot of courage to get to that start line and she did it!! I did ask her if she would do another and she's ready!! Looks like I have a new 5k running buddy..now lets see if I can get her to a 10k!!

Oh and your probably wondering about our "date night". Robert and I have been going to Kevin & Bean's April Foolishness comedy show for the past 2 years. The show is a charity event done by a radio morning show here in LA on KROQ. This year they raised money for Wounded Warriors Project and Cedars-Sinai Health System. The night started with dinner at Miceli's, the restaurant with singing waiters SUPER FUN! Then we headed off to the Gibson Theater at Universal City for the show. It was great as usual and the comics were awesome! If you live in LA this is definitely as show you might want to catch!

Stay tuned for my next blog post which will be my favorite things...just like Oprah does, but less expensive!

My race calendar for 2011 is here!!!

Now that LA Marathon is finished, its time for me to pick a few races for the year. I ran allot of half marathons last year, so I'd like to focus on a few 5k & 10k races. Surprisely I enjoyed the 26.2 distance so I'm definitely going to run another full this year as well.

I want to focus on getting faster and make running more enjoyable then what it already is for me. I also decided that I'm going to get back in the pool. I found a really great adult swim class at our city pool last summer that helped with technique and breathing, so I'm definitely going to sign up again. It's a great incentive when I go running during the summer to be able jump in the pool after. Once I get my breathing down perhaps a sprint tri will be in my future, if not this year maybe next year. Penny has also convinced me to try a trail run again. I'm very excited about it, I love hiking so this may be a new fun thing for me. We're already planned to hit up the trails of Malibu on April 10!

So here it is my 2011 race calendar...there may be changes but as of right now this is it!

Seal Beach 5k - April 2

Palos Verde Half Marathon - May 14

Fresno Classic Half Marathon - May 22

Long Beach Full Marathon - October 9

Long Beach Turkey Trot 10k - November 24

Las Vegas Rock N Roll Half Marathon - Dec 4

Santa to the Sea - Dec 11

I took the week off of running since LA. Spent some time with Robert and enjoyed a fun weekend of Disneyland and the movies. I had a little muscle pain pop up behind my knee that went into my calve, so I've been foam rolling and trying to get it back into shape. Its feeling allot better then it did a week ago, so I think tomorrow I may try something small around the neighborhood. This weekend will be my first little race since LA. My friend Krissy has been working really hard on training for a 5k so I'll be running with her in Seal Beach. I know she's going to do great.

If you have any 5k's you'd like to recommend to me in the OC or LA area please let me know!

Next post will be for the ladies....beauty products to keep your skin and hair looking fresh during hot summer training!

Carlsbad Half Marathon Race Report - A PR & Beating Dad!

When I went running with Lauren, Penny, and Jordan the Sunday before Carlsbad I told them “I want to PR in Carlsbad”. For a quick second I realized what I said out loud and wanted to take it back. You know that exact moment when your brain has you say something you really didn’t want to but it happen anyway, that was that moment. Should I have said “just kidding” after my statement, or just go with it and wish for the absolute best run I could possibly push myself to. Now I had that hanging over my head in giant letters P……….R……

The weekend started with a 1 ½ hour drive into Carlsbad from the O.C. Robert and I packed up the car and head south to the expo. It was allot bigger then I expected, and Robert enjoyed eating all the free food samples from all the booths (you should see him at Sam’s Club its amazing). I picked up a new held hand bottle that I’m absolutely in love with, thank you Penny for the recommendation. Then we headed out to meet the puppies that Penny was running for, “The Labrador Rescue”.

Entrance to the Expo

To make a donation to “The Labrador Rescue” for Penny please click here

That night my parents, Robert and myself met up with Penny, her dad John, Beth and Fern, Jenny and Cullen at Gregorio’s Italian restaurant for our pre race dinner. We planned out what time to meet in the morning and talked a little about races. It was Beth’s first half marathon so everyone was giving her words of wisdom for her first race.

Robert and I at dinner

Waiting with Penny & Beth in line for the restrooms

My alarm started jingling at me around 4:45am. I was up, showered, and standing in the lobby of the hotel for the breakfast to open at 6am. I found my dad doing some warming up in the parking lot, and shortly after Penny came to get us. Race didn’t start till 7:30 so we had plenty of time to use the restrooms, and just take some time to get ready. We finally headed over to the start line and I kept thinking about the famous letters I had spoken the weekend before. There was the usual pep talk from the announcer, and then off we went.

Miles 1-4 had a few hills, and miles 5- 10 hit the beach area. I was doing great the first 6 miles, making sure to keep a good pace between 10:30- 11. I wanted to hit 6 miles under my usual 10k time which is around 1:15 or so. I kept my eye on Mr G to make sure I wasn’t going to slow yet to fast for myself. I found Penny and Beth several times throughout the coarse, they were both doing great.

All ready at the start line!

I noticed when I hit the 6 mile marker Mr G told me I was at 1:05! Just the time I wanted, this PR business was looking pretty bright! The last couple of miles were a blur, my ipod was playing my favorite tunes and I was just going. I loved that there were so many supporters on out the coarse cheering us on. Made the miles go by so much quicker. The hills we hit at the beginning of the coarse were now on the last few miles of the coarse. I tried to run up hill but my legs weren't letting me, so when I needed to walk I made sure to keep it at a fast pace, and under a minute. Before I knew it I was between miles 10 & 11, took a look at my watch and thats when it hit me that I was going to do what I said. I had a few more miles left and I was just a little over 2:00 hours. I ran my little heart out, hit finish look at Mr G......2:30!! YESSSS!!!!!

My dad and I after I beat him!

I knew my dad finished way before me cause he always does. I couldn't wait to tell him my time because he has been pushing me for a 2:30 race for so long. I finally found him at the end of the finish and that famous question got asked "What was your time", I replied "2:30!" Instead of "I'm so proud of you" I got "Are you sure" and my dad laughed.. A bit confused on why he was laughing at me, I asked him his time and he just kept saying "Are you sure you got a 2:30" I finally got it out of him that he ran a 2:31...I BEAT MY DAD BY ONE MINUTE AND PR'D!!!! The day couldn't have gotten any better!

My number one supporter!

I was so happy with my time, then to find out that I beat my dad by a minute! What a day!! I know a minute doesn't seem like much, but to me its huge! His excuse to me for not running this race faster (his last half was 2:05) was that he's shoes hurt so he had to barefoot from mile 8 on....Ok dad!! I know I will never beat my dads time in a Half Marathon again, so he's letting me gloat and rub it in for the whole minute that my little feet hit the finish before his.

Carlsbad Half Marathon...Done!!

I learned something at this race about myself. I now know I am capable to push myself when I need to. One year ago if you were to tell me I was going to run a 2:30 I would have told you that you were crazy. I'm not a fast runner compared to some, but I do what I can for myself....oh and did I mention that I beat my dad in this race by a minute!