I revamped my iPod with new songs – replaced my old Ironman training songs (angsty) with new bright, hopeful songs. One that I really like (and hate to admit) is Miley Cyrus’s “The Climb”. It always comes on as I start the ascent on the biggest hill in my running loop. I refuse to walk that hill as long as that song is on….

Since Mother’s Day I’ve run twice – and my Better Half started running again as well. We’re supporting each other as we get back in the running shoes.

Now only if our Little Guy understood how to nap during the day…..he’s just so excited to participate in life – he never wants to sleep during the day…..

Happy Little Man

Baby's first running shoes - we're all set for the Diaper Dash!

As you can imagine – although we’ve been quiet and not racing, we’ve been incredibly busy.

Race schedules have been replaced with monthly checklists…. Training schedules have been replaced with daily walks through the neighborhood and prenatal yoga. It’s very different lifestyle – slower, calmer. I am happy to say we are taking to the changes quite well thus far.

As time goes on, I miss the training schedules, race mornings (especially with Long Beach Marathon / Half Marathon in two weeks) but a goal of mine is to get back out there in the next few years. Until then – Super Husband, Baby and I will take to some local 5k’s and 10k’s. I’d love to see us do an autumn 5k in 2011, just to get back out there and expose the Little Bugger to the race excitement. And yes – I fully intend to have Baby partake in Diaper Dashes, Toddler Trots, and Kiddie Runs. Yep, I’ll be THAT mom. *sigh*

Until then…..the metaphorical Chute has now changed….it’s not a race finish chute….it’s the beginning of an endurance adventure of a lifetime!

And for any Ironman fans out there….I can’t help this. It’s too darn cute!

Future Kona Qualifier - already getting ready for Baby Triathlons!

They celebrated their lives – their past, present, and future – during those arduous 140.6 miles. This amazing couple met during the Ironman Arizona run in 2008…..and have supported each other’s passions ever since.

Congratulations you two!!

It’s been a busy summer – which I’ll get into in a few weeks… but it’s been great. A lot of wonderful family moments: a wedding shower for Brother and Sister in Law, their lovely meaningful wedding, time with the parents…. I missed this year’s Ironman which was bittersweet.

However, I am still following others’ journeys and love, LOVE, LOVE hearing their stories. We all have a reason, a passion, a drive… and those of us in this crazy enduance-driven sport respect those reasons (whatever they may be).

I came across this fantastic video (thank you SUPER HUSBAND for sending it my way!) and in case you have not seen it – take a look. It sums up the burning drive some of us have to make changes and choose happiness…. Congratulations Ben (his website is to the right) – you are an amazing man! Kudos to you, your brother, and father for crossing the 140.6 mile threshold…PLUS all those IRONSHERPAS with you along the way.

Enjoy his video!

Sunday, June 20 (Father’s Day) was the Culver City Run. I never did this race before – but considering it’s quite close to home and a great fundraiser for the local community.

I registered some time ago – when I heard I made Team Odwalla and with the LA Tri Club discount, got a really good deal on the entrance fee.

The bib / race packet pickup was held at Sporteve – a women’s athletics shop / boutique. The owner is a great woman – who happens to be a ride leader with the LA Tri Club. It’s a great boutique with fantastic race and training tools – I highly recommend it to everyone looking for women’s athletic gear.

The line for bib pick-up was one person deep (yes – no long wait!) and Super Husband signed up on the spot to do it with me. He knew I had to get in one last race to fulfill my Team Odwalla contract – so he thought he’d be there with me, step by step. I was feeling a bit under the weather – so we decided we’d walk it. The “swag” wasn’t at the packet pick-up (understandable since it was in Sporteve’s store – which didn’t give room for swag) however the race itself had lots of vendors and booths.

After we picked up our packets we stopped at Tender Greens, a salad joint in downtown Culver City. What a great salad! They were a bit pricey – but very good. Steve had a Grilled Flat Iron Steak salad and I had the Chinese Chicken Salad. Yum! Great treat on a warm summer day.

The next morning we awoke and it was the latest start time to date (can’t complain about that!). We drove to the parking ramp in Culver City (easy in – kinda lame out since only one exit was open) and ventured to the start site. We noticed the vendors – nothing too new. I did happen to venture over to the Newton booth. I noticed they have Trail running shoes due out this autumn. I know several folks who will be very excited to see these. We also stopped at a local organic coffee booth. The extra caffeine and strawberry muffin were a happy sight (taste?).

Before we knew it we were asked to make our way to Main Street to start the 5k. (Yes, we walked a 5k – did I mention I wasn’t feeling great?? This is the one and only time I WALKED a 5k).

And we were off! We journey down through downtown Culver City – which is a cute city. Then we crossed Overland going west – continued a bit farther and turned around. It’s a very linear route – out and back – without much fuss.

Super Husband and I took our time – and it was funny, at the end people were cheering for us….telling us we had “just a short distance to the finish”. It made us laugh… I guess for some, the encouragement is helpful. We took it with a smile, thanked the spectators and ventured to the finish. No ribbons or medals – but I don’t expect 5 and 10k’s to have medals (the few we’ve done that do have them are always a bonus).

Overall, it was a great community race that assisted local businesses and agencies.

Team Odwalla at Culver City 5k

The Positives!

• Great location:  easy to get to, parking was easy (and free)
• Good time of year – late June is a wonderful time of year
• Packet pick up was easy – either before the race at Sporteve (prior days) or day-of  at the race site (which seemed to work well for those at showed up race morning – lines did not seem very long)
• Assisted the community and local agencies including Girls on the Run (an agency I definitely want to learn more!)
• Cost was inexpensive (if purchased in advance) – plus I had a LA Tri discount….score!
• Water and volunteers were abundant – and the volunteers were very positive and enthusiastic…. Perfect!
• Small race (under 1200!) but very warm, friendly, and cozy

What can be “better next time”:

• Exiting the ramp after the race was bit chaotic – there was only one exit (the others were blocked off)
• The shirts were cotton and big, baggy (but again – for the lower cost, I guess they aren’t going to be dry-wick material)

Great job, Culver City – fun race and well done!

Super Husband and Team Odwalla hit Culver City

I like this run because it is close, it is community driven (proceeds help the local YMCA) and it’s just plain fun! I ran this 10k three years ago as I was training for my first triathlon (like the Santa Monica Classic).

I signed up for the 10k race a little early so I was able to take advantage of the LA Tri Club discount – and it was very reasonably priced. Super Husband’s ankle has been feeling better so he decided to join me – but wanted to venture out on the 5k, not the 10k in order to not do any damage to a healing ankle.

Admittedly, it did not take much arm-twisting to convince me to run the 5k with Super Husband rather than a solo 10k. Running for me, is the experience – the journey…. and my journey is with my Better Half.

Yesterday (Saturday – day before race day), we picked up our race packets and Super Husband registered. There was NO line at CPK (California Pizza Kitchen – one of the sponsors). Easy in, easy out. Note to self: race morning was NOT busy – so if we do this again, we can easily show up race morning and take care of the administrative packet pickup onsite.

There wasn’t any “swag” at bib pick-up – but I imagine it was because space was very precious at CPK. We simply received our cotton t-shirts (which Hubby likes better than wicking material – I don’t mind either since I have PLENTY of both kinds…. frankly, for the cost of this race, any shirt is a good deal!).

Anyhoo – we awoke at 6:45 a.m. to make the 8:30 a.m. 5k start. The 10k started at 7:30 a.m. – which gave us extra time. This was officially the LATEST we awoke for a race – EVER! Neither of us were feeling it – we just wanted to crawl back in bed and get some holiday weekend zzz’s…..but because I am carrying the Team Odwalla name, we went forward with the race. After a quick preparation (race belts and bibs prepped, timing chips attached to shoes, etc.) we were off. We found some street parking a few blocks away (it took a while to find, but Super Husband has a knack for finding the good small spots!). Otherwise, many found parking at the VA. It was $10 parking there (proceeds went to help the VA – so good cause) – but the line was quite long (we scooted up the back side and avoided any kind of traffic).

I wore my Odwalla jacket – which was a mistake since it was in the high 60′s at 7:30 a.m. Oops! It looks great – but I ended up tying it around my waist before we lined up at the start. Speaking of the start – there were many booths worth visiting: food trials, snacks, Don Francisco Coffee (I love the fact they come to the local races!) – I had Hawaiian Hazelnut…yum!, other local community summer race tables, local non-profit agencies, etc.

Neither of us were hungry – so we didn’t rush the food tables like many. We just sat back and watched the 5k’ers get ready by stretching, doing their “wind sprints” again (see Santa Monica Classic 2010 post for my thoughts on that….) and enjoyed the warm morning. The DJ played the best music we’ve ever heard at a race, by the way….not sure who was DJ’ing – but he played great, fun, energizing music: “Pride” by U2, “Jump” by Van Halen, Linkin Park, etc. So, Mr. DJ (whomever you are) – GREAT JOB!

Before we knew it, many of the 10k finishers were walking over to our group and getting into the start line with us (they were doing both the 10k and 5k) and we started! This was a simple 1.5 mile down, 1.6 mile back on San Vicente. Super Husband’s ankle held it together and we enjoyed the shade on the way back. There was one water stop for anyone who many need it at mile 2 (2 and 5 for 10k) with pleasant volunteers. The family and friends at the finish line were positive and happy and cheered as everyone crossed. Very fun race vibe.

Super Husband and I crossed, hand in hand as always – one more for the record books….

Positives about the race:

• Small, local race (just a few miles from home)
• Well organized race (34 years strong)
• Great booths, great music
• Inexpensive (early registration plus tri club discount was about $25)
• Nice cotton t-shirt
• A medal – for a 5k!  Rare, indeed!  (Cute medal)
• Stroller friendly for those who like to run with their wee ones
• Entire roads closed – no worry about cars getting too close
• Pleasant volunteers
• Porta Potties – no line!
• 10k was able to go prior to 5k (I like that – normally I have to wait for the 5k to begin before I get to start)

What Can Be Better Next time:

• I honestly don’t have any suggestions!  Such a great race!

Thank you, Brentwood for another great run! I am sure I will return again soon….

Super Husband and Team Odwalla take on the Brentwood Run 2010

Expo

The pre-packet pick-up was held at Sports Chalet on Olympic. We decided to do our grocery shopping next door and then pop over – to avoid parking issues and long lines. The plan worked in our favor! When we arrived at Sports Chalet, there was a LONG line waiting to check out (packets included a mystery amount gift card to Sports Chalet) but the expo was QUIET and packet pick-up line was minimal. I was able to walk right up, show my ID and I was out within 2 minutes. Score!

The parking garage expo was uneventful. I did my usual fly-by and did not see anything that caught my interest. I found the LA Marathon booth and was intrigued…. I asked the woman there if next year’s course will be the same as this year. She said it would be “SIMILAR”. Hmmmm….interesting, no?? To be continued, I am sure….

So the next morning we made our pilgrimage to our usual beach parking spot….same one we’d have when we were training for our first marathon. We watched all the “wind-sprinters” warm up (you know, those runners warming up – finding their ZONE…) and laughed at how serious they looked. (It’s a local community race, people….lighten up!) After the 5k runners took off shortly after 7:30 a.m., I made my way to the starting line. The Start was separate from the finish – which was about a mile south at the Santa Monica Pier.

This is the first race I wore my new Team Odwalla gear – so I was rockin’ the new uniform. I am pleased to say the uniforms are pretty good looking – and since I love bright colors – I am very happy. The uniform got a lot of looks and turned some heads (the bright colors wake up people as well a morning cup of coffee!)

Team Odwalla rocks the Santa Monica Classic

Around 8 a.m., I kissed my Better Half goodbye and started my 6.2 mile run. We start south on Ocean, wind up at Main Street – head north on Main to Santa Monica for a block – then head north on Ocean – head east on San Vicente – turn around at 11th Street intersection – come back to Ocean and finish at the Pier. Nice, breezy, pretty run.

This race holds a special spot in my heart (as do most races I’ve done, I admit) because it was my first SOLO run – sans Super Husband at my side. I did this race for the first time, 3 years ago. I was prepping for my first Triathlon – which I needed to learn how it felt to run without my Better Half, my pacer. So – as I was in present day, I looked back at all that I accomplished within the past 3 years: marathon, triathlons of all distances (including the Mother Lode: Ironman) – all with the support of Super Husband. Amazing.

As I made the turn around at 11th and San Vicente, I found myself getting a little choked up. I was taking stock of my life – and counting all the blessings…. all the sacrifices, challenges, accomplishments. Simply amazing. Ten years ago my life was VERY different and here I am, 180 degrees different! I am so very fortunate. Granted, as my husband would point out – it’s because of the risks, chances, choices I made – that got me here….bravery.

Before I knew it, I was on Ocean again and could see the finish. I had a cheesy smile PLASTERED on my face the ENTIRE race! I am sure other runners thought, “Why is she smiling?” “What’s up with her?”. Better yet, as I ran into the finisher’s chute I did a little jig and danced my way in. I know, I know….if I had that much energy left over – I didn’t run fast enough!

I met my Super Husband at the finish, just as I have in every race I’ve done….if he wasn’t running beside me, he was there throughout the race – on the sidelines – supporting me, cheering for me.

Enough with the mushy stuff! On to the race spec’s!

Expo:

Pre-race packet was easy. Parking could be difficult at times but we multi-tasked, parked elsewhere and walked over. We had no issues getting there, getting the bib, and walking back out. If I needed to pick up any last minute items from the store – that could have been lousy because they were so busy… but I love anything close to home! The expo tents were minimal and a let-down but I wasn’t expecting much.

Race Day!

Positives:

• Easy parking – along the beach is always plentiful – whether in parking structures near the beach or along the beach, you can always find spots. Parking fees were steep – but that was our choice with where we parked.
• The start was easy to get to.
• Packet pick-up morning of – seemed to work well for those who did not want to make the trek to Sports Chalet previous day.
• The race course itself is easy, fun, and pretty for the most part. The hill on San Vicente always trips up some folks but it didn’t phase me with all the hill work we’ve done (it’s very minimal).
• The VOLUNTEERS were AWESOME! Water along key points with friendly, helpful volunteers. I never needed any liquids (don’t know if there were electrolytes for a 10k) but if I did need any, there would have been water available, no running out!
• The finish was fun and easy to get through.
• The finishers shirt is nice, wicking material – and unlike 3 years ago, they STILL HAD SMALLS LEFT! WOO HOO!

What could be better next time:

• Price for this race is always a bit steep – maybe proceeds help Heal the Bay – but $40 is a bit much for a 10k.
• The post-race expo gets so busy and packed, you can’t get around on the Pier. It’s frustrating trying to get the shirt afterward with all the lines and confusion.
• I really wish the shirts came with packet pickup. It’s a 5k and 10k….no need for them to be “FINISHER” shirts.

The Pier was so busy I did not want to wait in line after line to try food and drinks…which is a bummer because I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE race expos. I understand the appeal to having it on the Pier – but space is tiny!

Overall, I enjoy this race and would do it again. I recommend it – and one day you may see me back out there. It’s fun to step back and enjoy the smaller, shorter races…. no stress of the longer endurance events.

And yes, I am still a proud “back of the packer”. Even though I’ve come a LONG way in three years, my time hasn’t. I was actually 2 minutes slower this time around. HA!

Dancing at the finish - obviously too much energy leftover!

It’s much like my 2007 Team Toyota experience:  tout the product, wear the appropriate apparel, etc.  I think Team Odwalla’s strategy re: LA_Badger is this:  “She’s a back of the packer – so she’ll be wearing our product for hours longer than others!  What a great way to be seen on the course – by so many people!”

This back of the packer coming to a race near you….and if you’re looking for some free Odwalla – lemme know, I’ll hook you up.

LA Marathon 2010

Running for a Reason: The Painted Turtle!

This year marked the new LA Marathon “Stadium to the Sea” course – starting downtown at Dodgers Stadium and ending at the Santa Monica Pier. I considered doing this course but was very much on the fence….a marathon? 26.2 miles?? After still being burned out from Ironman…there had to be a really good reason to get back out there. Well, I found it! Team Hole in the Wall!

I love The Painted Turtle camp and it is one of Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall camps. So….with my drive to help others – and a great new course, I signed up and hit the pavement!

Big Brother and Future Sister in Law flew in Friday night. I never gave them a tour of downtown LA – so this course was their true tour via foot!

Expo Day!
Saturday (and Friday) was the expo located at Dodgers Stadium. We decided to go mid-morning after the Saturday a.m. 5k. (This year, the 5k was a day prior to the marathon and it was 3.1 miles around the stadium. There was not a bike tour this year – probably due to logistics of being a “point to point” course).

We found a bit of traffic at first and the line to get our packet was lengthy – but I heard it was worse at other times. There were many tents and endless tables filled with free samples. I normally love these things – it’s my personal Trick or Treating – however this time we bypassed all of them so we could leave early. I did, however, stop at the Newton Running table before I left so I could get a free shirt (I knew the secret password).

After we got back we took it easy knowing the following day would be VERY early and VERY LONG! So we all hung out, resting, reading, looking over our swag. Big Bro and Sister in Law took a nap while I read about the race and all the many landmarks along the way.

Resting before LA Marathon

RACE DAY!

The next day began at 3 a.m. (ugh! 3 a.m.!). We had a 5 a.m. shuttle so we wanted to be out the door by 4. It’s a good thing we did – the traffic was great when we were on the freeway- but shortly after we arrived we noticed a LINE of cars along the freeway. They’d be there a while! So we hung out, boarded the 5 a.m. shuttle and made our way to the starting line at Dodgers Stadium.

Traffic to the stadium went smoother than I anticipated. Once we got close to the stadium we noticed there were lanes just for buses. Excellent! We drove right past all the cars. We got off the buses and went into the stadium. How great – the owner opened up his stadium so we could hang out, use the bathrooms, sit on the chairs, stretch on fields…. it was nice.

After standing in line (a few times) I was set to get to the start. We all ventured off: Super Husband by my side, brother and his wife to be….all off to the start.

The beginning was extremely crowded but we all knew it would be so we kept our cool, relied on our patience. The pro women left. Then the men and the amateurs. Off we go! We started after the fourth or fifth replay of Randy Newman’s “I Love LA!”.

Mile 1: Still in Dodgers Stadium. We unfortunately saw one man get trampled. We kept it on our minds those first miles since it was SO crowded.

We continued downtown – through Chinatown – past the great Chinatown dragon gates. Then we went through the business district – past the Disney Music Hall. The great Taiko drummers gave us an uplifting kick in our step. We needed that as we climbed the one significant hill (short but steep) and headed into Echo Park and Silverlake.

Super Husband and I kept the other two in view for most of the race – we figured we’d all try to finish around the same time and on occasion we’d leap-frog each other. The miles were tough – the weather was great (cloudy and overcast) – and right before we got to Hollywood I said I wanted to walk. So…we power-walked the rest. Yep – at mile 12 we took it easy.

That said, we had a fun, fun time talking and discussing the landmarks in LA. Once we arrived at Hollywood – it felt great. I knew the Hollywood area well enough to feel “closer to home”. We watched Sally (sis in law) wander to the Walk of Fame and finally to the Chinese Theatre – as she and Wes (big bro) looked at all the hand and footprints.

Super Husband and I giggled – and continued as we watched them enjoy themselves and take in the scenery. We went onward, before we knew it we made it to West Hollywood and their FABULOUS block parties! Great looking go-go dancers, loud music, it was great!

We continued onward and then we were in Beverly Hills – we ran down legendary Rodeo Drive. We kept quipping to Sally – saying she should take note of the luxurious wedding gowns in all the designer shops. *laugh* Before we knew it – we were on our way to Century City! I KNOW THAT AREA!! THAT IS HOME!!!

So we kept going and made our way down Santa Monica Boulevard, past Avenue of the Stars. We reached mile 20 and past my workplace. That was tough – knowing I was so close, yet still 6 miles from the end!

We ventured through the VA and made our way to San Vicente. It was lovely but quiet. We came across Sunny Delight on the side – given to us by some fantastic volunteers. That Sunny Delight was sent from the GODS!!! IT WAS SO GOOOD!!! I thought the vanilla soy milk in Silver Lake was great – but Sunny D was PERFECT!

We made our final turn onto Ocean and could see the finish. During the last couple blocks we decided to run – and at the end we all held hands (yes, all four of us) and crossed the line together. With life moving forward it may be a while before all four of us race together again…we lived in that glorious moment.

POSITIVES ABOUT THE RACE:

• The COURSE, THE COURSE, THE COURSE! (Did I mention the course?) What a great way to see the city – all the best landmarks!
• Shuttling – I was so impressed by the plentiful buses that left ON TIME
• Parking – the pre-paid parking permit definitely made life easier!
• VOLUNTEERS!  They were awesome!  As were the spectators!
• Plentiful water and Powerade (electrolytes) along the course
• Mile markers – it was great to see those for BLOCKS ahead of time

What could be “Better Next Time”

• Add gels along the course – this was the first marathon I’ve seen without gels
• Expo – the people traffic was too congested.  Those checking in, getting packet pick-ups were in the same lines as those wanting freebies from vendors
• MORE PORTA POTTIES at the START and ALONG THE COURSE, please!  (runners were literally “running to the hills” before the race….eek!)

All in all – a race to add to your “GOTTA DO!” list.  I hope they keep this course (the owners are going through a terribly messy divorce and we all hate to see the marathon get lost in the legal property divisions).  I also hope the communities of Echo Park, Silverlake, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica welcome us back….
GREAT JOB, LA MARATHON!! You exceeded all of my expectations – and then some.

Saturday morning began with an incredibly difficult 14 mile run. I was aiming for 17….and alas, at about mile 10 or so, I asked Super Husband if it was ok to start walking short spurts here and there between the running. He (as he usually seems to be) was right there with me, feeling the tough sluggish run as well. We happily agreed to continue and I was the one who actually called the run 3 miles short. I noticed in the last mile my legs actually hurt when I ran (which is incredibly rare) so I throttled back in order to NOT hurt myself or damage anything.

We happily got taco truck burritos as our reward, enjoyed a chocolate milk and relaxed the rest of the day. Coffee, a nap, some reading, followed by a sushi dinner…. that was our awesome Saturday. We don’t really celebrate Valentines’ Day (not a bad thing – we just treat each day as special as we can – no need for Hallmark to dictate either of us to buy overpriced flowers or candy) so the 3 hours side-by-side as we ran through the neighborhood was a great event to celebrate us. (And dinner at our all-time favorite sushi place didn’t hurt either!).

Sunday began with Super Husband’s awesome belgian waffles (courtesy of IronSally’s holiday gift to IronSherpa). We ran some errands, came home – I napped (and napped and napped). As Super Husband assembled a storage cabinet I noticed I was REALLY tired – way more tired than I normally am….even after a long run. So I took it easy. We ended the day with a 3.5 mile walk around the neighborhood at sunset and enjoyed the birds, the lightest scent of the blooming white lilacs… the announcement SPRING IS HERE!

Today – a day off! It felt great!! I awoke just before my Better Half left for work and I decided to run some errands. I cleaned the apartment, then went to get groceries….but as I was out and about I thought, “I’d love a walk along the beach today….” and so that was the plan. After the groceries were put away – I changed into some summery clothes (tank top weather is back!) and headed to the beach. I started my walk along the strand and I think I went about 10 miles. It was our old (VERY OLD) running path when we trained for our first marathon 3 years ago. It was great to get out there, smell the ocean and sand….feel the warm sunshine and wind on my face. I was (still am) giddy with excitement and happiness.

Some days the sunshine makes everything better….today was one of those days. I people-watched as I walked. Lots of roller-bladers, cyclists (serious as well as beach cruisers), many runners, some walkers…. all out getting their dose of the California sun this February day.

What a great way to start the week. If I could bottle this happy feeling, I would – and use it on a rainy day!