Spring Break didn't kill me!

Well!  As I'm sure some of you have heard, I went on a cruise for Spring Break to Catalina Island and Ensanada, Mexico.  It was definitely an experience, to say the least.  I tried to stay active so that this weekend's run wouldn't destroy me.  That meant snorkeling and biking around Catalina Island and running laps (only once, don't get too excited) on the top deck of the ship.  We even got to see dolphins off the side!  Not too shabby, even though the waves made every other step feel either incredibly light or incredibly heavy.

And the verdict today....  9.67 miles and a grand total time of 2 hours!  (That's about a 12:24 mile time)  I think it helped that I had a running buddy for the whole time.  That probably prevented me from walking more than a few times.  (He also confirmed my belief that eating Freebirds (delicious Mexican food) right before a run was a bad choice - apparently I'm not the only one who's tried it unsuccessfully)

We ran out for 1 hour, then back again for 1 hour.  Along the way they have things called SAG stops (SAG = Sport And Gear).  It's just one of the coaches who has gatorade, water and power bars in the back of their car to give us.  We get to stretch and reenergize at SAG stops, and they usually are playing music to pump us up.  Well at the last SAG stop today (I usually don't make it to all of them - I was very proud!) the guy in charge of it was taking pictures.  If I ever get my hands on it, expect a glamorous photo of my red, sweaty face squinting into direct sunlight.  It'll be a fridge photo, for sure!

And boy are my hips unhappy with me!  (Don't worry, Mom, nothing damaging :P)  Coming down the last stretch of road took a lot to keep me moving.  Once the end was near my legs seemed to have their own minds.  Even now it's difficult to find the motivation to get up and shower (especially when I know that what awaits me is a cold bath to soothe my inflamed joints).  But, for the sake of my dignity and my roommates, I'll do it.

2 hours!  I'm exhausted but impressed.  (:

Running along the coast.  Hard to complain!

One of the lovely SAG stops.  Those orange coolers are

the most beautiful sight when you're thirsty!

a Spring update (:

Happy Spring everybody! I celebrated last Saturday by doing my longest run yet... 100 minutes! That includes getting lost on a side street and in a nature preserve by the Santa Barbara coast - I love to keep things exciting!

It was a super tough run. During finals week I was too busy frantically studying to train very much, so my body was not too happy with me when I started moving. But I survived! Even when the first long leg of it was up a hill. After the run was over a few of us decided to go ice our muscles the old fashion way - by running into the ocean at 8:45 in the morning! We stood in there with the water up to our waists for about 8 minutes until our legs were numb. Silly us we didn't think about how the numbness might affect us getting out of the water... Even though Rachel and I were holding on to each other we were slipping all over the rocks and she managed to fall in. We were wet messes when we got out - completely drenched, and for some reason I had sand all over me. Top that off with my first ever breakfast burrito (brilliant! and delicious!) and you have quite an eventful Saturday morning. (:

Proof that we're crazy!

And a HUGE thank you to the wonderful folks who I received donations from this week!
Gramma and Grandpa
Maggie and Bruce Nemirow
Deborah Walker
Jeremy Barcan
Robin and James Rashford
Aunt Jane
Kristie Summers
Danielle Stead

You ROCK! You inspire me to keep myself accountable and get up off my butt to train while also helping out people like Alyssa:

This is Alyssa.  She is 4 years old and was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in August of 2007.  She loves fiery cheetos, Tinkerbell, all princesses, Dora the Explorer, pink and purple.  She also loves to sing and dance. In August of 2008, she suffered from a severe case of encephalitis and as a result lost her ability to see and also lost most of her ability to move the right side of her body. (Encephalitis is caused by either bacteria or viruses that get in your body and localize in the brain.  The inflammation that causes along with the flooding of white blood cells trying to get at the bacteria/viruses leads to brain tissue swelling against a hard skull.  It's very rare - only about 1500 people in the US are affected every year.)  Despite all of this though, Alyssa still loves to play with dolls, sing along to music, and smile and giggle like any young little girl. She has a long recovery road ahead of her but her family is very optimistic that she will conquer ALL.
Her grandma, Cindy, is very involved with Team In Training and keeps the team updated about Alyssa’s status on a regular basis.

She's another inspiration for me.

DONATIONS!

THANK YOU SO MUCH TO THOSE WONDERFUL PEOPLE WHO HAVE DONATED!!

Kelly Shanley, Nayely Castrellon, Andrea Holland and Caitlin Evans - you made my day when I saw you had donated. (:

You're all heroes!

And if you would like such glowing praise and love, remember it's never too late to donate!

some lessons learned

As my training continues I am always learning new things.

1. Lemon gatorade and my stomach DO NOT get along very well - even diluted!
2. Eating Freebirds nachos the night before a long run is not a good idea.
3. The hardest part about working out is putting on your clothes.
4. A simple, "doing good!" can make me run an extra mile.

I'm sure the list will keep on growing!