LA Marathon - Race Report

Rain-storm, noun. – a storm accompanied by rain.

Storm, noun. – An atmospheric disturbance of strong winds accompanied by rain, snow or other precipitation and often by thunder and lighting

I felt as though I need to share with you the meaning of a rainstorm because that’s pretty much what I had to run through for my first marathon experience. Everyone kept saying “Your going to remember your first marathon forever, take everything in and enjoy yourself” Well I did take everything in and so did my shoes, pants, shirt, hat and even Mr G my Garmin (R.I. P. Mr G). It was indeed an experience I will remember forever, and if someone asked me if I would do it again the answer would be ABSOLUTELY...just hopefully in better weather!

My weekend of becoming a marathoner started on Saturday. My dad was also running so he and Robert went down to Dodger stadium with me to pick up our bibs and shirts in the afternoon. We met up with my friend Brent who was running and was just as nervous as I was. The last time he ran a full marathon was Long Beach in 1990. He was really looking forward to redeeming himself in this race since his first wasn’t really what he expected. He had been training for the Susan Komens 3 Day Walk for Breast Cancer, so once that was finished he wanted to keep the training going so he decided mid November to run LA. We constantly went back and forth via email with strategy plans and how we were doing with our training, so I was excited that he was there running with me.

The start at Dodger Stadium

I was looking at all the LA marathon merchandise and decided that since it was my first full I wanted something, a hat or even sweatshirt. But this time my dad wanted to get me something so he bought me this fancy bright orange LA Marathon jacket. I love it and love it even more that he bought it for me.

The bright orange LA Marathon jacket my dad got me. I wanted that chair so bad!

That night I had a light dinner with Robert then headed over to stay at my parents house. I was in bed by 10 and alarm went off at 2:30am. I slept fairly well which was surprising because I was super nervous. Dad and I were out the door by 3:45 did our normal 7-11 stop so he could get coffee, still don't know how he does this coffee thing before a run. We made it to Santa Monica by 4:45, and did a little run warm up to the shuttle area. The shuttle ride is what really got my nerves, and my thoughts were going all over the place. Everyone look liked zombies on that ride to Dodger Stadium and when I saw the shuttle driver turn on the wipers I knew we were in for a wet day. I had been on denial of the weather since it kept going back and forth 50%, 11%, 30%, then back to 11% change of rain. I came prepared with a rain type running jacket and running tights which was a last minute wardrobe change from shorts and a tank top. I can handle the rain I just can’t handle it hitting my face, totally freaks me out.

Dad and I got off the shuttle and OH MY GOODNESS it was cold. We went straight to the stadium to use the restroom and get out of the wind. Dad told me to meet him back at section 44 after I was done. So that’s exactly what I did, but to my surprise my dad wasn’t there so I sort of got into a panic mode “where is he”, “what if I don’t find him before the race starts”, “what if he said section 34 and I’m here at 44 but now he’s looking for me and we don’t find each other “, “I can’t run this race alone without dad”, I was seriously starting to feel like a 5 year old who got lost at the mall. My dad doesn’t carry his cell phone with him and he’s known to sort of wonder away, so I didn’t know what to do. I decided to just take a gamble and ask someone nicely to yell for my dads name in the bathroom for me, but before I could even do that I found him still waiting in line. How is the mens restroom line LONGER then the women’s?? Finally my heart stopped pounding and I repeated to my dad like 6 times "I’ll be at section 44, go to section 44, section 44 ok”! As I waited for him I found Bob, Melissa and Candice sitting in the stadium trying to stay warm, oh familiar faces thank goodness!!! I said a quick hello gave a few hugs, they assured me I was going to do great and then I was off to...well you guessed it...Section 44 to get my dad who was not allowed to leave my sight again for the rest of the day!

Our very fashionable throw away outfits!

I got a text from Lauren and Jordan letting me know they were heading over to the corral. So we went over found everyone. The only person missing was Brent. He was texting letting me know that he was stuck in traffic on the 5 and didn’t think he was going to start the race with us. I let him know we were by the 5 hour pacer if he made it in time thats where to find us. Luckily he made it and we were all together to start this journey through LA. I was beyond happy to have the girls there with me, Brent and my dad all starting the race together. It calmed my nerves so much and I was feeling really good and so excited.

Smiling early in the run!

Finally we reached the start line and we were off. Miles 1-3 were perfect, we kept a comfortable 11 min mile pace and we were all staying together. Not sure what water station it was, but some how my dad and I lost everyone. I even lost my dad for a second, but after what happen at the stadium I made sure to let him know “please don’t get lost” So the rest of the race was just me and dad with hopes of finding everyone one else at some point. We coasted miles 5-8 with a perfect pace and I was doing exactly what Penny told me too, “enjoy the moment look around, give kids high fives when you see them, have fun” The rain was hitting, but not to much yet until we hit the Hollywood area at mile 9 then it dumped on us for the rest of the run. We were hitting puddles that were ankle deep. I mean it went from a slight tolerable rain to “are you kidding me” within seconds. I had no choice but to embrace it and take everything in. I was already wet there was no use crying over it. I looked up and all around while running down Sunset, I wanted to remember everything. I did have to stop for a potty break so I let dad know and when I came out I found my dad drinking a Starbucks coffee!! He went into Starbucks to get a little warm and the lady gave him a free coffee. Leave it to my dad to run about a 1/2 mile with coffee in hand.

We finally hit mile 15 and I check Mr G to see what my time was and I realized I had hit stop when I was wiping the rain off the lens. I was able to figure out that it was about a mile off so every time I looked I had to remind myself to add a mile. Most of the inflatable mile markers were down because of the storm so all I had was Mr G to guide me.

There's the rain, yup it was like that the whole time!

Dad kept checking up on me asking if I was ok, I just smiled every time and said yup! He told me how proud he was over and over throughout the coarse, and said "We're doing great time for your first marathon" I couldn't help my smile every time he cheered me on.

Mile 17 was my dream mile...RODEO DRIVE!! The stores, oh all the designer stores!! Dresses, shoes and purses OH MY!! I couldn't help but to try to window shop as I ran by. It was pouring rain more then anything but I didn't notice because of all the sparkly things in the windows. I had a joke with Lauren telling her it would be funny if I was seen running the rest of the race with a Louis Vuitton bag over my shoulder. Her response "I wouldn't be surprised" HAHA!

At mile 18 I found my cousin Mary working the water station. She was unable to run this year so she decided to volunteer. You have no idea how it felt to see my cousin there at 18 screaming and crying for us. She was so happy and hugged me so tight telling me how proud she was and how she was waiting until we got to her before she left. She even made me cry a little, she just kept saying "I'm so proud of you guys, so proud" After seeing her my adrenaline went through the roof. I was ready to finish the race and get out of this rain!

My legs began to get heavy around mile 20 and continued to stay that way the entire time, so we started a run walk with a group that was pacing for a 5:30 finish. When we hit 22 the rain became more of intense and I swear as I looked down I saw hail. I was over it by then and looked at my dad telling him "I don't want to do this anymore, my feet are wet, I'm cold this sucks" He just smirked a little and reminded me we only had 4 miles to go. "We can do this come on, just a few more miles and we’re done. Up there right around the corner mom and Robert are waiting for us”

Around mile 19-20

So I pumped my little legs and ran as much as I could, the wind was now forcing the rain to come in at a angle so all I could do was keep my head down so my hat could cover my face...rain on my face ARGHH!! I swear miles 22-26 feel like they take hours to finish. When was this street going to end??? I just wanted to see the beach and mile marker 25. Finally we go to the corner my dad was telling me about, and I look ahead of me to see if I could see the orange finish line. The rain and wind were so bad that stuff was flying all over the place. Then in the distance I saw the finish, mile 26.2 and I got the biggest lump in my throat ever. I can’t believe I’m doing this, I’m finishing my first marathon!! I thought of my grandpa and my friend Esrin who were with me the whole time watching over me. I thought about all the times I was a spectator waiting for my dad to finish and how much I envied the runners and now I was one of those runners. My dad ran a little past me to hit the finish a few seconds before me. I couldn’t wait to get to that finish, so I ran a little faster and I heard some people cheer for me but all I could focus on was my dad. He crossed turn around and threw his arms in the air screaming “YOU DID IT, YOU DID IT!!” He hugged me so hard and thats when I finally burst into tears. I did do it!!! I finished through the worst rain conditions I have ever seen in Southern California, and I'm a freakin marathoner!!! Finish time 5:40!

We did it!!!! 26.2

We got our medals then hiked down the line of spectators waiting for family members. I spotted Robert right away then next to him was my mom. I jumped into his arms, and he was telling me “See I told you, you can do it” My mom hugged me and cried, she was so excited that we finished the race together, she also mentioned how worried she was that we were out on the coarse with the weather that had hit a about 20 minutes before we got there. She described it as being a monsoon HAHA!

So thats my very first marathon race report. This was one of the best experiences of my life, and I wouldn't have wanted this to have gone any other way. Yes the weather was horrific, but it made it more challenging and showed me I can do things if I really push myself mentally ad physically. There were plenty of times on the last few miles I want to give up, but I couldn't let myself down, and I couldn't let my dad down. I've been asked already will you do this again...SURE WILL!!

This is a video shot by my friend Glenn Jones. He came to spectate the race and help out a few friends. Thank you Glenn for letting me share this on my first marathon post! This pretty much shows how the weather was for us and how amazing all the volunteers were for being out there in the cold conditions. I wish I could send each of you a thank you card!!

Bring on the 26.2!!

So this is it, all my hard work for marathon training is almost over. I did my final 2 mile run last night to the store and back just to see if my legs were ok. As I was running lots of things were going through my head. This was my last baby run before the big day, my nerves have been on over drive all week. I can’t stop day dreaming about it on the drive to and from work, while at work and just sitting at home. I just don’t know what to expect and that’s what is getting at me. It’s sort of how I feel about Thai food, I want to try it but I’m scared it’s going to be to spicy then I’ll be leaving the restaurant upset and hungry. I guess I shouldn't really compare the two but its the best way to describe it.

My training took a turn for the worst for about 2 weeks mid February. My grand-father became very ill, and he past away the weekend I was suppose to run my 18. With everything going on I had no desire to put my running shoes on much less even look at them. I was 2 weeks behind on training and I questioned running the marathon at all.
I had tried to run the Chinatown Firecracker 10k the weekend my grand-fathers health took a turn for the worst and it was one of the worst running experiences of my life. It was so bad I didn’t even write about it because I don’t want to go back and read it. My mind played so many emotional games with me that day and focusing on running was not one of them. I was scared that this was going to happen to me for LA, so I really contemplated not doing it at all. I spoke with Chris about everything and he assured me that I could do this. I decided that if he was able to do what he did after loosing loved ones, so could I. He also told me how he uses running as a way to be with his loved ones, how he chooses that time to be with them and run for them. So I decided to do the same. I took a few more days off then planned to run my 18 alone one Sunday morning. I figured if I was going to have a mental breakdown about grandpa while running I wanted to do it alone. To my surprise it was a great run and Chris was right Grandpa was there with me the whole time. I came home that day in the best mood I had been in 3 weeks and ready to run my first marathon. Since that day I've been on top of my training and not missing a beat. I even went out got a new "good luck" outfit and got my running shoes bless by Fr.Thomas at the church..call me crazy but it made me feel better HAHA!

I know the next 4 days I’m going to be flooding Lauren and Bob's email in box with 101 questions, and reaching out ot fellow runners via Twitter and Facebook. I had a plan, but I decided I'm going to just go run, have fun and do what I can. I think if theres a plan I'll expect way to much out of the race then be upset when it doesn't happen. I'm totally ready with a great mid set and I've very excited to see what my outcome is. The only thing that is really concerning me now is RAIN..yes RAIN! Crazy right!! The news is saying we are going to have a wet marathon Sunday so that's a whole other thing that I'm to sure about. I'm positive I'm not going to melt or anything, but wet running shoes doesn't sound very fun for me but as my mom would say "Its just water"

There are a few people I want to thank from the bottom of my heart for helping me out with training and encouragement for my first full..First my dad, he pushes me to be the best runner and always makes me feel like I can do better, my boyfriend Robert for putting up with "We can't go anywhere Saturday morning I have to run" and sitting for hours at finish lines waiting for me, Lauren, Penny and Jordan..BIG THANK YOU Ladies for running and training with me, Chris you helped me get through the loss of my grandfather and made me look at things in a different perspective, Bob your constant marathon advice is so much appreciated and Brent thanks for being the best virtual running buddy EVER!! SO THANK YOU EVERYONE!!

So that's that, my next blog post will be my LA Marathon Recap! If you any of you readers out there have any advice for this newbie, please share I'd love to read them!! For those running LA Sunday KICK ASS!!!!

Surf CIty Race Report - My inside OH MY GOODNESS moment!

Last year because of a injury (bruised knee bone) I had to walk 90% of the Surf City half. This year I got a whole new feel of the race running it, and also running with great friends. Here's how my day went!

My morning pretty much goes the same every time before race day, 4:30 alarm, shower, lite breakfast of oatmeal and tea, nothing to exciting. I lay out everything I'm going to wear the night before. My gym bag is always packed and waiting by the door ready to go. I was able to purchase the new Ifitness hydration belt at the expo, so I decided to try to use it for this race instead of my handhelds, I need something new for LA Marathon. I have to say...best thing ever, highly recommend it. No bounce and it actually fit my Iphone! YAY!

Penny and I met at the farthest parking lot we could find. I need to get in 16 miles this weekend for my LA Marathon training, so we ran to the start line then back again after. If it wasn't for her I would have parked allot closer and took a shuttle. THANK YOU PENNY!! However before we could even start our run Penny was having a wardrobe malfunction. Apparently she didn't realize with all the running she's been doing lately she's lost inches, so she had to safety pin her running skirt for a better fit. After about 4 safety pins on each side Penny and I were back on the strand heading over the start. People we looking at funny probably thinking "Why on earth are they running before a race"

Penny fixing her wardrobe malfunction!

We got to the start line area to meet up with Lauren and Ali. Everyone seemed ready to go so we headed over the corral to start and to our surprise we found Lori and Candice. We chatted for a bit wished each other good luck and off Lori, Ali and Candice went into the corral. Ali was there to PR, which she did by a whole 30 mins..AWESOME WORK ALI!

Lauren, Ali, Penny, Lori, Myself and Candice

Before the race started we discussed what we had "planned" for the run. Because I had PR'd 2 weeks before at Carlsbad Half Marathon I was there to run with them and have fun. I didn't feel like I wanted to put as much pressure on myself and I needed to have a fun run to break up the training I was doing. The race started and we all stayed together enjoying ourselves. Lauren was doing a little rapping along with her music, and I was giving Penny a singing audition so one day I could be on Glee...Penny I'm still waiting for that call from your people!

Lauren was on intervals for her training, so we decided stayed with her and do them as well. Around mile 5 Penny and I somehow lost Lauren. Not sure how this happens but I always seem to loose someone during races.

I have to say this year there were tons more spectators and supporters on the coarse then last year. Not sure if it was because I was in the back of the pack walking last year and everyone was done cheering by the time I got to certain points, but the vibe was great. The sign below made us laugh so I had Penny take a photo of it.

We were doing great up to mile 6 keeping a pretty fast pace between 9:30-10. I was feeling really comfortable and had a feeling we were going to get good time. I kept asking Penny if she was feeling okay because she had been sick the week before. She assured me she was fine a few times however at mile 8 Penny wasn't feeling fine. She started to have a mild asthma attack. I stayed calm on the outside for her because I knew if I freaked out it wouldn't help out the situation. But on the inside I was doing the "OH MY GOODNESS, what do I do if this gets worse". Penny always carries a inhaler with her, so I knew if I had to grab it for her that's what I was going to do. We took a small break so she could get her breathing back and I made sure she was perfectly fine before we started again. At this point if we had to stop running for her sake I was okay with it, I wasn't going to leave her alone. She took a few minutes and we headed out onto the coarse again. We slowed our pace down and did as much walking as we could. I'm sure I turned into that annoying person that kept asking "are you okay". We also found Lauren coming up on the turn around, we did a quick check up on everyone and headed off. Miles 9-11 came pretty quickly. A little after mile 11 Penny realized that I might have a chance to PR again, so she told me to just go. I made sure she was fine AGAIN, and ran the last 3 miles with all I had. As I cam up the finish there were TONS of people and the cheering was great. I hit the finish with Mr. G saying 2:30, and official time has me at 2:32. I was very happy with that until I realized I had to now run back to the car, another mile to make my 16 for the day!

Surf City Half ...done

I really did enjoy running with the girls today and can't wait for many more races with them. I learn a few things during this race, how to stay calm when I really want to freak out, that I have great friends, and the most important how to have fun..and how delicious a Slurpee is after a long run!!!!

My congratulatory Slurpee on the way home!

Okay so I have to get mushy for a moment.....I want to give a shout out to my boyfriend Robert! I can't thank you enough for staying at home and getting our house ready for our Super Bowl party. You did everything from picking up food, to making sure the balloons we ordered were set in the right spot in the house. I didn't have to worry about anything when I came home from the race because it was all done! THANK YOU SO MUCH..I LOVE YOU!!

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!

My Guardian Angel

When I was young I was told that when someone leaves this world they go to heaven and become a angel to watch over us. Some of us have people that are so special to them that they now consider them a guardian angel. A angel they can call upon for strength and guidance, its someone who has passed that you feel is surrounding you, and watching out for you when your at our worst or even best.. A angel you find yourself talking to while in the car, taking a walk, or running.. I often ask people if they believe in such a thing, and its usually different answers. Some do believe and some give you that look of "your crazy". I am amongst the few that strongly believe I have a special person that watches over me all the time,
I was having hard time with my 3 mile run last night. My legs were extremely heavy and I was starting to get frustrated as I did on Sunday. I didn't want to give up because LA marathon is around the corner and I need to get my body ready for my first full marathon. Giving up is not an option and I needed to push myself. My little legs however wanted to be at home on the couch watching Jerseylicious (I know...judge if you will, I just can't stop watching) I know 3 miles isn't allot, but for some reason I'm struggling allot more on short runs then I have on long runs. My shins are beginning to hurt again, my back hurts and everything that could go wrong during a run has been. I think I was about 1 1/2 miles in when I said "Es, friend please help me, push me, help me get this done" I said it again and again. Finally around mile 2 the pain I had in my leg was slow going away, and I was hitting 10 minute miles, and feeling awesome. I even caught myself singing "Sweet Transvestite" from the Rocky Horror Picture Show soundtrack pretty loudly, which would explain the looks I was getting from other runners at the park.....still don't know how that got onto my running playlist.
Anywho, at that very moment I felt calm, and probably could have ran 8-10 miles last night. The rest of my run all l I could think of was Esrin. My friend that was taken from all of us way to soon to cancer. Believing that she was there with me last night put such a ease in my mind, and I just felt comfortable. I often think of her during races, her beautiful smile, her fun bubbly personality, the shenanigans we had when we lived in Burbank together while going to makeup school. We even did cartwheels in $500.00 dresses in a Nordstroms dressing room one time. I think we almost peed our pants that day from laughing so hard, and what I do to have one more conversation with her, even if it was over Facebook chat like we used to. I get emotional when I think about her, then think about her Ms Swan and Brittany Spears impressions and my tears are turned into a smile, she was hilarious!! She had such a beautiful soul, and anyone that knew her would agree. The last conversation I had with her she asked me if I was still running and told me it was awesome that I was doing it. She gets me through so much, and as much as I miss her I know for a fact she is with me all the time. She is my guardian angel and I think I am the luckiest person in the world to have her.

Thank you Esrin for being with me last night, your amazing!!

Esrin Hedman

Sept 8, 1982 - Sept 3, 2009

Santa to the Sea Half Marathon

So when I signed up for the Santa to the Sea Half Marathon I was assuming that the day would be filled with cold crisp air and lots of holly jolly California Christmas weather in the mid 60's. I had prepared warmer clothes and had everything planned out to perfection for a "colder" run. As the week went on, I periodically check the weather and I couldn't believe what I was seeing. The weather was predicted to hit low to mid 80's that day. As Penny would say "AAAAAACKKKKKKK" Last weekend I was running a 10k in running tights and ear warmers, this weekend I had to plan to run in shorts and short sleeve shirt, not really my idea of a "holiday run" but I was ready for it.

My race day started at 3:15am which only gave me a whole 3 hours of sleep. It wasn't allot but the night before I had tickets to go see Michael Buble in concert. I've been waiting to see him for years, so I was willing to sacrifice the lack of sleep for him...he's so dreamy its hard not to, any girl would agree! Anywho, I got up did my normal half marathon routine, shower, coffee, and stretching. I headed out at 4am to met up with Penny and Jordan so we could carpool to Oxnard from the Southbay area. Since we had to be shuttled over to the start line we were aiming to be in the parking lot by 6:30am. I had never been to Oxnard much less knew exactly where it was on a map, so I wasn't sure what to really expect. I sat in the back-seat of Penny's car enjoying the view of ...well, nothing really. It was like I was looking into my friend Krissy's laptop as she plays Farmville. Hills to the north and the ocean to the south with lots of little crops in the middle. What I did notice was how flat it was which was perfect, because training lately hasn't been the greatest. I was looking at this run as a training fun run, no PR's or anything just a fun solid run so flat coarse was a-ok with me.

We finally arrived as planned, then waited to meet up with Bob and Stuart to jump onto the shuttles. We got to the start line with about 45 mins to spare. We dropped off toys we bought in front of the giant Santa Claus (if you have time, you must see the backround story on this big guy) then just waited for 8 o'clock to roll around so we could get going. As we waited the sun was getting stronger and people who showed up in sweatshirts were not stripping down to tank tops. It was HOT and getting HOTTER!

Stuart, Jordan, Penny, Me & Bob

The race just sort of started, no big 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 or anything, everyone just sort of starting running. We all stayed together for the first 5 miles or so. All I can remember is hearing the "jingle jingle jingle" of Penny's running shoes. I ran further up from them a few times, but I knew as soon as they were coming up to me cause of those bells. We were having a good time chatting, trying to keep each other sane from the heat. By this time the temperature had hit 86....yup 86 in good old So. Cal!! While most of our running friends were trying to stay warm in snow storms, we were trying to stay cool from what felt like a heat wave.

Penny & I trying to beat the heat

Around mile 6 I realized I was by myself. I guess listening to my ipod and my brain wondering off I had gotten a little to far up from the pack. I knew they weren't to far behind me and if anything they would catch up to me again. As I was hitting the mile 6 water station for pretzels and some hydration Bob found me. He was so awesome to stay have with us girls even though we are no where near his usual pace. Then he was nice enough to find me and still stay at my pace the rest of the race. It was great chatting and learning more about the running world, his family and the fact that he is not a sports guy! We need to change that!!! GO PATS!!

Coming up the only "hill"

After what felt like forever we FINALLY reached the beach strand around mile 11. I had been dumping cups of water over my head for a while just to see if anything would help. Someone must have heard Bob say "It would be nice if the residents from these houses were outside with a hose to hose us down" because as we approached mile 12, there was what stood in my eyes to be a angel.....The guy with the hose!!! I have no idea who this guy was but if I can find out, I want to thank him from the bottom of my heart for to spraying us down. I wanted to stand there the whole time but time was a ticking.

Bob and I almost at mile 12

Like I said before we weren't trying to PR or anything but the competitor in me was hoping for maybe a time faster then Long Beach. I wasn't going to be disappointed if it didn't happen, but I didn't want to hit something I wasn't going to be happy with. From a distance there was another runner in a red tutu that Bob and I both noticed, this is when he told me "Your not gonna let that lady with a red tutu beat you are you?"....NO SIR I was not!! How dare he even challenge me to such a thing!!?? So that's what I needed that little bit of competitive "I dare you" moment and I started to run as best I could to beat that impostor in a tutu!! I past her up looked at Bob and said "I beat the red tutu" Take that Red Tutu Runner!!!

Me, Jordan, Penny and Bob

Finally we came up to the home stretch and hit the finish at 2:45. I couldn't have been happier to have ended this HOT run. I know how much Penny hates running in the heat, so I texted her to make sure that she and Jordan were ok. Everyone was fine and had crossed the finish not to far behind us. However because the race over sold Penny and Jordan didn't get their medals. They were promised one to be delivered to them ASAP. After we all found each other we headed back to the cars, Penny and Bob enjoyed a few celebratory "beverages" and we decided to met at "Eggs N Things" for a much needed breakfast.

New bling!!

Overall this was a very fun race, if the weather had been cooler this race would have PERFECT!! Next year I hope Mother Nature is a little nicer to us!! I can't express to you how awesome it was running with these 4 crazy kids. We had a great time (even in the heat) and I can't wait to experience many more races with them!

Merry Christmas!!

Just Say No To Drugs Holiday Classic 10k at the Universal Studios Backlot

I absolutely love movies especially old classic horror movies. So when I heard about the Just Say No to Drugs, Holiday Classic Backlot 10k at Universal last year, I had to do it. So many great films have been shot there Frankenstein, Psycho, and lets not forget Back to the Future!! I love them all, so this was right up my alley for a fun run.

Last weekend I got pretty sick, so I was hoping I was going to be feeling better by this weekend to make plans to run it. After a quick trip to the doctor this week to make sure everything was ok, I got the clear from her to run. Robert decided to go with me to the race which was awesome. It's always nice to know he's at the finish waiting, (especially when he brings Starbucks). We got to the race a little early so I could pick up my packet which ended up being really organize and quick. I still had about 45 minutes till race time so we decided to walk around the booths, get some coffee, and took a quick visit to the Alpha Running tent. I also found Bob fellow runner and blogger who was there running with his family

Around 7:20 I headed to the start line alone which was weird, I usually have someone I know with me. This time it was just me and a bunch of strangers, so I put my ipod on, and tried to get warm since it was 50 degrees this morning. The race started about 10 minutes late which got me a little ansy. Finally everyone in front of me started moving and I was off. I started Mr G. and together we conquered the downhill ride of the first 3/4 mile. Holy down hill Batman! From there was a few more ups and downs then the coarse got flat towards the back of the lot. I totally forgot how hilly this little coarse was, but I was feeling ok.

About mile two or so is when my nose decided it wasn't going to cooperate anymore, and it was going to run faster then me. So I sniffled and ran my way through Wisteria Lane, Old West, and Spartacus Square. Then past Jaws, Whoville, The Bates Motel, Psycho House and War of the Worlds. The 10k looped the coarse twice so I figured I would hit the first 3 miles hard, then enjoy the last 3 taking a few quick snap shots. I knew from being sick I was going to want to hydrate more then usual so I took my handheld with me. Thank goodness I did cause around mile 4 I noticed most of the water station were out of water and abandon.

I enjoyed the last few miles taking quick pictures of Wisteria Lane, and even caught Norman Bates standing outside the Bates motel for a quick photo. Then I finally got my picture out front the Psycho house. The horror movie nerd in me was so giddy I could have ended the race right there and been happy. I snapped a few more of the War of the Worlds area then headed to the finish. I had one more tiny up hill to go then I was done, I hit the finish at 1:18.

Overall this race is allot of fun. If you want to get a hilly 10k in for training purposes, this is the race for you. Second year in a row I had a blast and will be there next year!

That's a wrap!