San Diego 100 miler part 2

It's starting to get late and here I am still happy but I am hungry and starting to feel grumpy. I knew Charlene was waiting for me with food and a change of clothes. I was nauseous and my back hurt a-lot from carrying the pack I think. I have a huge respect for those people who did this solo. I do not think I could have done this with out Charlene and Jeff. I had warm food waiting for me at some aid stations and lots of awesome pats on the back and words of encouragement. 

Here I have been running for 13 hours. I am getting ready to put  my night clothes on and be on my way. I did learn that staying in the aid stations is not recommended  The best most comfy chair I ever sat in was at an aid station. The best soup I ever had was at an aid station. My legs felt the best sitting in the chair at the aid station. You get what I am saying. Do not sit in the chair at the aid satin for more than 2 min, especially after 50 miles. 

This was my last smile for the next couple hours. Not really but the next 40 miles where nothing like the first 56. They sucked.

I am not a good night time runner. I walked for most of it and I hated how hard it was for me. I did not hate the experience but I wish I would of been more prepared. I don't really have lows when I go on long runs . I have written this before I am not a fast runner I am consistent and I just want to be out there running. I love it. So I don't have lows because I eat a-lot and I just go at Gloria's pace.  I experienced a-lot of lows at this race. I am going to call it Gloria night time lows. Holy Cow I was so tired and all I wanted to do was sleep. I kept asking Jeff to please let me take a nap and as my pacer he was smart and said no. Chances are I would not get up. Jeff got me through the night . He used all the tricks in the book. I don't know how I got through it just that I did. Thank you to my awesome friend Jeff. You were a great Pacer.

This was when he stopped pacing me and what I am saying to him is please don't go Jeff. I was cutting it close and I only had about a 45 minute window. I wanted to make sure I made it and we bonded. He totally came through for me. Running this distance taught me so much about myself. Its such a humbling experience and I am so glad I got to share it with such a good friend. My dad picked me up here and he ran the last 6 miles with me. He was funny and full of energy. Not much could go wrong at this point. I think I was feeling better but I felt like such a baby. To tired to walk and complaining about being tired and hey at this point I have been running for 29 hours so. I was not being happy G anymore. I was done. Here is what got me through thoughts about all my friends waiting for me. The Trail Crashers had all finished hours ago and Ricky took 4th so Becca and him were waiting for 10 hours so how could I let them down. The other thing was if I didn't finish I would have to come back next year. At this point I really didn't want to come back . The last thing was I have been talking and dreaming about this forever. I kept reminding myself how much I wanted this. I have dreamed about this moment forever so here it was. I felt like shit but I was living my dream and with that I finished my first 100 mile race in 31:12 minutes. 

and as I crossed the finish line there was to my surprise My family Mike and Jack. My mom and brother and my sister and sister in law. My nieces and nephews and my friends. All the people I love standing there waiting for me cheering me on. Paul Jesse gave me my medal and the amazing Angie gave me my buckle. 

This was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. It was nothing like I imagined it was so much better. It has changed me forever for the better. I am so glad I choose the San Diego 100 as my first 100. It was so well marked that I never had to worry about not being on the right trail. The aid stations had really good people that cared and took good care of you. It is such a good race I highly recommend it if you are looking for a beautiful race experience. I would give it 5 stars.
Thank you to my good friends the Trail Crashers for helping me train properly and feel prepared for this. Charlene and Jeff for crewing me and pacing me. Mike for taking care of the kids every Saturday and Sunday mornings I could go run. My family for showing up and being supportive. 

Do you know the feeling ?

Do you know the feeling ?
The feeling of knowing that as soon as you step out of the car you will be freezing cold.
The feeling of cold water slowly making its way though your shoes and onto your socks then feet.
The feeling of having warm legs and numb lips.
The feeling of freezing winds moving its way though your shorts, shirts and gloves.
The feeling of adventure. The feeling of full enjoyment. The feeling of uncomfortable bliss.   

There is no greater feeling  like the one you feel when you find yourself right where you are supposed to be.  I discovered myself enjoying this mixture of crazy weather, exhaustion, beautiful scenery , silly conversations and the will get it done. Do you know the feeling of knowing a little bit more of what you are made of ? I do

Back to the PCT

This past weekend we hit the trails again because that is what you do when you are training. I feel like I can not miss any training runs right now because the race is getting closer . The long runs are the really important ones to me. They help with my self confidence. These are races that for me I need to believe 100 percent I can do in order to be successful. So back to back long runs in my book just can't be missed. I drove back up to the PCT to meet my friends. 

I was the only girl and the only slow person to show up. That meant this guys because they are total gentlemen would be waiting every couple miles for me. I always feel bad when I hold people back. In my head I just pushed and looked at the bright side at least they cared enough to wait and you can only apologize so many times for being the turtle. So I embraced it and just kept plugging along.

Here we are again. My friend Robert and me. He was the lucky one who waited most of the time . My IT band hates the trails. It has been really bothering me. I really hope it clears up soon because I am going to run either way.

The guys ran 25 miles I ran 22. It felt like a long day but I was always feel so lucky to be out here. It was a fun not to hot kinda run day. I love that. I had to push myself because all I wanted was to take nap many times. I hope you had a good weekend full of movement too.

What I am grateful for today !!

This summer I feel grateful for the color yellow... I love yellow sandals,dresses, nail polish and yellow drinks..Oh wait I also love how this color makes me feel ......Happy

I feel grateful when I look around and see that God provided us with flowers..Here they are they come in all shapes and colors for our viewing pleasure...They are the earths decorations...

This picture makes me grateful for earthy things....It makes me feel grateful that I can run and be connected to the earth. It makes me feel the raw that nature has for us....I like it..

I am grateful for really cool signs...Like this one..I am also grateful for documentaries like I am..It was a great story about understanding what really makes us happy...and money was not it...

I am grateful for my girlfriend Elena for lots of reasons ...first she has been  a grate influence on my teenager...second because she is very wise...third she has great giving skills...

I am grateful for moments that make me happy to be alive and present..moments when I look outside and see this. moments that very quietly give me hope.. That say yes you can ...just look out your car window G...
I hope this weekend brings you lots of joy...
xoxo
G

What I am grateful for today !!

 What I am grateful for today....

I am grateful for the great personality of my little girl.

I believe all of our children have spunk. creativity. imagination and its our jobs as parents to make sure they feel safe and loved its our job to make then feel like they can do anything...

They need us to be there biggest fan...

ok

Back to my list.. sorry

I am grateful for warm summer days that ask for ice cream treats.

I cant have ice cream but I do.. because its so yummi !!!

 I am grateful for little boys who don't like having there picture taken but will pose facing the other way...so   007

 I am grateful for people who will take funny pictures and pretend to be Elvis...(my dad)

 I am grateful for signs that remind you to do it happy..

 I am so grateful to have a camera again....so I can pictures of myself..          ( that's a joke)

 I am super grateful for woman who believe in Art, keeping long distance friendships going. Who text to say ..Your amazing and how some how you get those text on the days you need them the most..Magic never fails.

 I am grateful for nature and taking time to touch the earth. We are so blessed with all of our surroundings . Our Earth kinda rocks ....

I am most grateful about feeling happier today..  I have had a really sad week, you know the kind you cant shake of. I don't like feeling super sad but I guess we just remind our selves it will pass and it will get better. It is really important to have someone to share it all with so they can remind you its all going to be OK and hug you if you need it...Then before you know it you wake up and guess what..You feel a little better...next thing you know being sad is just a memory and your happy again..

I hope you have a happy weekend..

xoxo

G

What I am grateful for today !!

Good Morning sweet friends....My Grateful List for today is....
1. My kids have been teaching me patience this week. I am not sure if I passed the test but I am learning a-lot...I love them for that.
2. Warm Coffee in the morning...so yummy
3. The fact that I am still in bed but I shouldn't be...

4. The Heartwing Sisters..I love Kolleens girls, They speak to me and they remind me that being cute and silly is good. That magic is all around me. To stay in touch with that little girl inside of me. To believe. To keep my eyes open to all that is. They touch my heart and everytime I see a new girl I think..man I love these cute little angels...I am so grateful for her talent...

5. For little girls who love it when you take there silly picture.
6. I am so grateful for candles that smell like vanilla.
7. I am grateful for friends who ask...did you run today?

8. I am grateful for time spent next to the pool.
9. I am also grateful that next week this time I will be in Cabo.
10. I am also grateful for morning when I wake up in a good mood.
11. I am super duper grateful for all my dreams.
like
having an RV.

12. I am grateful that maybe just maybe I will be able to make at least 10 cute hats like the one I am wearing for my girlfriends. If I start now I could have them done by Christmas... I am grateful for that dream....
Well, my friends have a great day and I will get ready for work now.
xoxo
G

What I am grateful for today !!

My today is actually yesterday but that's OK...

So here is a page out of my Smash journal...I know cool hu !!!

What I am grateful for...

1. Yummy French Toast

2. My new awesome Polaroid

3. Saturdays

4. musicthatmakesmyheartdance

5. simple foods

6. My car

7.small heart shaped rocks

8. my favorite word. SITUATION

9. Birds

10. KPRI

What I am grateful for today !!

I am grateful that God has allowed me to make it to 39.

I am grateful that God has made my path so colorful.

I am grateful that I have peace in my heart.

I am 39, years old today..I can and cant believe it.

My daughter Paola asked me if I felt old. I thought long before I answered her.

No.. I don't feel old . I feel strong and very capable.

Her reply.. Cool mom.

I am so grateful for this cute teenager.

I am grateful she is honest with me .

I am so grateful that she has her own sense of style.

I am grateful that she teaches me acceptance.

I am grateful for Miss Bella who just gets me and I her.

I am grateful she loves dolls like me.

I am grateful she loves to go outside.

I am grateful that she teaches me a-lot about just being happy.

I am so grateful For Christopher.

I am grateful for his sense of humor. (he is so funny)

I am grateful for the way he holds me. (tight)

I am grateful for that he teaches me patience.

I am grateful that God granted me 3 amazing kids that just are my heart, complete my heart, nurture my heart.

****

I am grateful for woman who see the need to create a safe space for other woman to nurture each others spirit.

I am grateful for Gloria's Space.

for in this space I fed my spirit. I felt my spirit being loved.

I am so grateful and honored that my spirit held a special place in that space.

***

I am super duper grateful for 3 kids who made me a cake last night

It was turqouise and red.

with a peace sighn in Cheeries.

Chocolate with Peanut Butter filling.

YUM !!

Yes my friends, I forgot to tell you I am 239 years old today..

Thats a big number ....