Saturday thoughts

Today was a pretty easy day and the only thing that is becoming really clear to me is practice practice practice is key to getting better at anything. The more I run the easier it is to go the longer distances. I am getting excited for race day. I even signed up for a 50k next week I thought it would be great practice. I hope your Saturday run was good, tomorrow I have a 24 mile to look forward to. It's all so exciting to me… I am your average mom, I am not fast ,I am not winning anything but running makes me feel like I am fast and every finished race to in my heart feels like a win.

Family Outings

Last week we had family in town . They came to help us celebrate Jacks birthday. When family is in town it is very important to take them to have amazing tacos.. 

The food at Bull Taco is so good. Specially if you like Mexican food. There used to be two Bull tacos but now they have three. We visited the new restaurant. It is super cute and low key. 

I had the tostadas de ceviche. Sea food tostadas . The food is amazing at this little place. My all time favorite are the breakfast burritos. They are huge but man they are the best breakfast burritos I have ever had. 

There are not tables for 8 so we all got our own table. Half the restaurant is outside. If you are in Encinitas you should try this place its amazing. After dinner we all headed to the San Diego zoo. I heard night time zoo was fun so off we went. The drive is about 45 minutes so we got there at sunset. 

The best part of our zoo trip was seeing Jacks face on the gondola. He was so excited. Christopher and Isabella where ahead of us yelling JACK…So he was super excited looking for them.

I wish I had more to say about night time zoo but I do not. I wouldn't go back at night either . The animals are all sleeping or gone. We saw 3 animals and just walked around. When you have a big group its fun no matter what you do.

Here we are at the zoo..This month was full of family and getting together with friends. Its always nice looking back and remembering all the cool things you did during summer. 

Oh Boulder how I miss you

We have been thinking a-lot about moving back to Boulder Colorado. I lived there for a couple years it was long enough for me to feel like I was home. I had never been to the mountains before I moved there. I fell in love with the beauty of the mountains. We drove into town and there they where. It is a memory I won't ever forget. 
I started my love affair with running 10 years ago. See the picture above . This is where it all started.. I decided that I would run for 21 days straight so I could get healthier and shed some baby weight that was not leaving. I also just needed a reason to get out of the house. I had no idea how far I was running or if I even had the right shoes. I just ran around the this resevoir that was not to far from my house 7 days a week. Soon I knew I needed a running stroller a double and so I got one. Then Isabella , Christopher and I ran everyday while Paola was in school and on the weekend I would go early.  I just kept running and never really stopped .  I am a creature of habit and  yup I am boring that way. I also get lost easily so I never ventured out and I really wish I had. There was so much exploring I needed to do in Colorado but I just didn't. 
One of my most vivid memories I have is running through the mountains and feeling like wow this is where I want to be. I felt like a fairy  flying  though the trees. That's what I long for when I run that feeling of freedom.  My entire family is here in san Diego but I am not as close to them as I thought I would be. They seem to do fine with out me. My dad I worry about leaving. I adore him and friends some very special friends .. This is whats going on in my brain . I might not move but thoughts of going back to Colorado are certainly floating in my brain.

2014 Stairway to Heaven Half Marathon and 15K

Here is one of the pictures from Stairway to heaven race I did a couple of weeks ago. This race was one of the hardest things I have had to recover from.. Everything hurt. My legs my ass my arms and my neck. I would do it again tomorrow if I could. I was on face book and I came across a video The Dirt Devils made about the race. Its pretty cool..So I thought I would share it here ..

Hello Monday

I didn't get out the door as early as I would have liked too. It can be pretty hot where I live and its not the prettiest place to run. There are tons of people and lights and there is a train. Its difficult to really get in the zone. The first 3 miles I feel like a rat running through things trying to get to the other side. The other side of what I don't know. This morning I decided to change things up and I ran a completely different route and not much changed except for me. A couple miles in and I stopped hearing the traffic and there seem to be less people. Things seemed to slow down. That is  what running did for me this morning. It helped slow life down and as moved mile after mile I found within me the inner peace I long for on an everyday basis. Nothing else mattered for a little bit of time just my legs moving and feeling the hot sun on my back and that grateful feeling in my heart that had settled in.. I do like to run in the hot sun and the traffic seemed to disappear .  The people all those negatives somehow became positives. This movement of my body cleared my brain of negatives and filled my heart with positives. Some people like to run in the hot sun and that includes me.

Birthday Boy and Cake

The birthday weekend is now over. The birthday celebration was a success and baby Jack had a great time. He played with bubbles and ate cake. (made by his god mother ) We had people over . The house looked nice. I was feeling very emotional having so many people around me helping us celebrate our little boy.  It is nice to be in that place of gratitude ..Lord knows it comes and goes. I am there feeling lucky and grateful for all the things that money can't buy. A HAPPY low key home ..
Tomorrow its back to life and classes and running..oh and driving kids around I can't forget that. I have a big milage week ahead and I fell pretty bad on my knees today so I just there ok...

Birthday Mode

We are in full Birthday mode over here. We have family in town and cakes that needed baking and now a birthday party for this little one to look forward to. Here is Jack with his homemade birthday cake Isabella made for him. when you turn one you get to eat the cake yourself right. Jack loved every minute of it.
I chose not run to much this week because I really wanted to not be tired for the festivities . I was feeling tired anyway and yes to be honest sometimes I just want to miss running. Does that happen to anyone else ?
My legs thanked me and yesterday after cleaning my heart out I decided three day was long enough I needed to run. I was feeling anxious and maybe feeling a little stir crazy. So bright and early today I went for a slow 8 mile run and it felt so good. Sometimes going slow feels so right . I think its the warming up of the body that feels great. I am going to do 20 this weekend. 10 Saturday 10 Sunday. Then I only have 7 weeks left before my big run.
Happy Miles and I hope you get outside today...

Look who is ONE

I have a one year old today. Its little mans Birthday and that's a big deal around here. I always knew I was going to have this little man in my life. I had this strong feeling for the last 8 years that there was a little boy waiting for me to have. So when I got pregnant I knew with out a doubt it would be a boy . I knew he was supposed to be with me. Jack is walking and he talks a-lot we just can't understand what he is saying. He eats anything and he has two tiny teeth that just came out last week. My toothless wonder. He loves hugs. He loves his big brother and his dad. the thing he loves the most are books. He sits and looks at them for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. He hates the car seat but he does well in the running stroller. He is not a great sleeper but I don't really mind. He has been a huge blessing in our life. I am so happy to be able to be his mom. 

My AFC Half Marathon Review

My alarm went of at 4 am. their was the second day in row that I was up at 4 am and yes initially I was thinking 5 more minutes right ? but them I sat up and made my way out of my bedroom because I didn't want to wake anyone up and proceeded to get ready in my kids bathroom. I knew I had to be in the car no later than 5am . I did my usual routine. Toast with peanut butter a large cup of coffee and water. I probably should of done it faster but oh well. I left my house at 5:10 and I knew I had a 45 minute drive to the buses. I don't speed when I drive because I just don't. So I just drove down and I do have good parking mojo and luckily I had it with me Sunday too because I found parking easily and I ran about half a mile to the buses and got on the second to last bus. Once on the bus everything was fine. I let all that driving stress go and started to think about the race. My biggest fear was what if my legs are to tired to run today. I told myself I would run at whatever pace felt good and i would push myself to much. You have to push a little ..

This was my 6th AFC half so it was nice to be back with familiar surroundings of a race I knew. The views in Point Loma are amazing and it was getting warm but nothing like the Tijuana marathon so it was ok by me. There was 8000 people running and even though I knew a lot of people running I didn't see familiar faces.. I met some new people and thats always fun. I do love all the cool running outfits that runners put together for the big day. The starting line of a race is great people watching for sure. 

I could not find my arm band for  my phone in the morning so I had to use my super cheap one. So I could take pictures while I was running :(  The race started at 7:30 Its really hard at this race to make your way through the crowd. There was a lot of runners in a small space. I just did what I could and my legs surprisingly felt fine.  I kept waiting for them to feel tired but they were fine. It was really and humid. Whats up with the humidity in san diego lately.. I was hair was completely soaked . My clothes was drenched it was a wet run. I feel like I was not hating life because of the heat it was just another thing to adjust too. The race went by quickly. I saw a sweet friend along the way and she took my picture. I was excited because I felt like I am growing as a runner and I am slowly but surely getting stronger ..here I was 38 miles in two days and I was fine. When I crossed the finish line my dad was there…I love my dad. He is always there..

The AFC always has huge heavy medals. There very nice.

Then later looked who showed up. Its my little man and my not so little but still little to me daughter. I don't care what the distance its always nice to have loved ones show up for you. There is nothing better than seeing theses faces...

The gang. Life is better when you get to share what your passionate about with the ones you love. 

My finishing time was 2:07 and I am happy with that. Here is Jack eating my medal. See medal can be used as other things too. Here is what I learned from last week. I have to take my nutrition more seriously . I need to go bed early . ( its 11:30 and I am typing this ) I need to stretch more. This week there will be less running because someone is turning 1 and we have family coming in town . Just between you and me my body needs to rest. Its telling me it needs to run less this week..
Hope you have some happy miles ahead of you this week.

25.7 Trail Miles

A friend told me about a trail run that was going on this Saturday. It was going to be 26.2 miles . I thought to myself I really need to get some good trail miles in since I have very little experience on the trail. My friends husband wanted to go too and that was perfect because he would not let me get lost.. I was so happy about that.  I got up at 4 am and was out the door by 5 am. I had a ride and we where there by 6:30 and ready to run by 7. 

It was so hard at the beginning. I could not catch my breath and my legs felt like bricks. I had a simple breakfast and I only had a bit of coffee so I was surprised I felt so tired. Maybe I had not recovered from last Sunday or maybe running on a trail is hard and so  different then running on the road. On a trail like the one we where at you have to focus on every step and it felt like a whole body work out.

I am happy to report that by mile 3 I felt good. I could breath and my legs felt relaxed. It was getting hot but not humid so I was fine.

Jeff started feeling sick around mile 17. He was hot and we stopped at Jack in the box on the way in and he had a burrito that all I can say his tummy was a mess. So we started walking and we ended up walking about 6 miles.

The views where amazing and the sky was beautiful.. I loved walking and I did not mind it at all. Its was so pretty.

On this road the adventure started, we decided to walk on the road because Jeff was feeling bad and this way if we needed to ask for a ride we could. We started running on the road and we had what we though was a 3 mile run. 

I felt like I was in a movie ..I was running on the road and I thought to myself I love this. Its what I love. I put on my head phones and put John Mayer on and started on my way.. Gloria was smiling ..

I turned out to be 4 miles and add that to the trail miles that would put us at 25.7 miles. It was awesome ..

We are all done and now its was time to celebrate..That was a long day 5:30 hours of hard work. This is what I learned . If I want to run on trails I have to run trails a-lot more. I have so much to learn.. I need to work way harder and I need to get stronger. Maybe run a little less and work out a little more. I am so happy for friends who are willing to go out and run with you. I am so happy that little man got to spend some good time with how dad.  How did we celebrate we had a Coke and a smile… Happy Miles...

As of lately

These are a couple of my favorite pictures lately. I feel so grateful for my family..They are what I mostly think about  on my runs and it always brings a smile to my face. Its a crazy life so much to do.  Its so hard to just stop and take a deep breath sometimes and one thing about running is it gives me the time I need to reflect on my life. I will be reflecting a lot this weekend. I have a big run Saturday and the AFC half on sunday.  I will let you how I do. Happy running 

I find this to be true

Amen to this. I have have a tough time recovering from Sundays run. My quads and well my legs just hurt. They hurt going up the stairs and when I just move them. I am super sore. So I am taking it easy and doing some short runs because you know wheat they say.. A short run is better than no run. 

the first mile is always the hardest. Then you just have to keep moving slowly and after about 20 minutes things start to feel good. I find this to be very true..Baby steps lead to bigger steps. Even when my legs hurt like today I still find myself loving the motion. The motion of my arms moving and legs . I love that feeling when your moving and air does not matter how fast or slow you are its a body in motion there is noting like it. I have a big weekend ahead of me . I am excited to share it with you soon. DO you have plans for the weekend ? Are they running plans ? 

Stairway to Heaven half marathon

Sunday morning I woke up at 5 am made my way down stairs and  had my coffee. I got all my stuff and did my best to be out the door by 5:40. I only had to drive about 30 minutes to this sundays half marathon. I was really nervous and feeling really insecure because it was a trail run. Once I was there I felt much better. I said hi to some friends and made a couple new running peeps. It was hot and it was 6:30 in the morning. We all made our way to the starting line .

The race director gave a little speech and then at 7:04 it started. I stayed near the back but in retrospect I need to make my way to the middle and not be such a wimp and insecure about running by people. The course was really pretty . 

It is also very hilly and very technical. I liked the up hills they are challenging and I am not afraid to fall but coming down hill was a little different. I was a little scared after seeing a couple guys fall flat on there backs so I was careful. 

I have no idea who this guy is but I wanted to show you why this was named Stair way to heaven. We run up to the of this mountain . There are stairs that kick your ass but at the top is a girl smiling dressed as an Angel. 

I am hot in this picture and I chose a long sleeve shirt. Do you also love the mascara below my eyes from the sweat. I know !! I feel like yelling G…
Short sleeves honey and take all the mascara of before you run. 

I felt strong most of the race I just need to not hold back. I think on the trails I am afraid I will run out of energy so I make sure I have this reserve and at the end I had all this run in me I did not use. 

This is me running in. My dad showed up and took this picture. Its always nice seeing someone you love waiting for you at the finish line. I can always count on my dad. I recommend this race its put on by The Dirt Devils and they have four races a year. I did get a little lost but I found my way back. 

I am happy about my run and I think I am learning a-lot about running. One thing in trail running your shoes need to be at least 1 size bigger mine are a size and a half bigger .. I hate loosing my toe nails and bigger shoes help me keep them. Happy Trails and I am really looking forward to next Sundays half...

Monday Rest Day

Is Monday a rest day for you ? Its sure has been for me lately. I am really tired come Monday morning and resting has been good for all of me. I had a great race yesterday I am putting a post together for tomorrow . I can tell you one thing walking down the stairs today has not been fun. I ran all the miles on my training plan last week and I feel really good about that 52 miles baby. I  never thought I would be able to say I ran over 50 miles last week… That huge for me. I have noticed that I need to eat way more protein and I have been that helps too. The plan for training for my big race in October has been to include as many organized runs as possible so I don't burn out and it makes it easier for me to fallow through. Its been fun having all these half marathons to run on the weekends. I have made new friends made many cool memories. Next Sunday is the AFC half marathon. It is a great half but really hot. I have been running it with my day for 6 years I think. This year I will run it alone and thats ok too.
This week I have 46 miles that need my attention. I am really loving the hill training. Running up hill has been easier that trying to figure out how to run down a hill with out having my knees hurt. I am super grateful and I give God a huge thank you everyday that I am able to run and fallow this passion of mine.  So what your plan for the week ? How many miles do you have planned?

Happy Weekend

Weekend Time. I love the weekend because that means I get me time on the road. We do have family in town so dinner and the zoo are on the agenda but so is Saturday run with my dad and The Stairway to heaven half marathon. I am both nervous and excited about this race because its an ass kicker and a trail run. I have not been on a trail in a long time. I am going to buy trail shoes tomorrow that's how long it has been. Its a-lot of climbing and I like that its really the down hills that hurt my knees. I should really learn how to run down hill with out having your knees hurt. Is that possible ? I got most of my miles in for the week. I am sitting here with rainbow compression socks on my feet . I am hoping that if I wear this all night my legs won't feel to tired. I bought some new running shorts that are the amazing for the race. I will share for sure. Do you have running plans for the weekend ? Remember to hydrate I take a water bottle out with me very single time I run even though it bothers me to carry it . Hydration is huge. It helps you recover so much faster if your hydrated well too. I will share all  about the race this Sunday until then happy miles.

I Bought the Pictures

I rarely buy the pictures of me running. There crazy expensive for beginners and I don't really ever look like I am having a good time . Then came the Rock and Roll Seattle pictures.. I knew once I saw them I just had to wait for the price to go down and I would buy them.  I really like them. I look so happy and yes happy is the right word. 

Here is my actual medal picture. I love this one too. Its  not often in my world I look this happy and well put together after running 26.2 miles. So I bought the pictures and I am so glad I did. Do you ever buy your marathon pictures ? Do you wait for there crazy prices to go down too ?