wine country half marathon (and a diva win)

this could be a really short post.

i did it!

but you know there are pictures and thoughts and stories that happened.

but i did it!

this was the ymca training shirt and the race bib, something cool and different.

here we are waiting for the bus at 6:00 am. i've been running with some of these people for four years now. and some just joined the group but we are all supportive and encouraging friends.

here's the group photo. do you see me? no? that's cause i was waiting in line to use the bathroom one more time before heading to the starting line.

the electricity that surrounds a starting line for a race is incredible. the energy carries you for the first mile.

nothing much to say about the first few miles of the race. they were difficult and not very fast. i felt like i was keeping a good pace but wasn't sure i could sustain it for the entire course.  i did think about my 13.1 things throughout the race. trying to remember what i had for each mile helped keep my mind off how many miles i had to go.

i listened to pandora on my iPhone and it only went out on me a few times. during those moments i got to listen to my breathing, my feet hitting the pavement or i focused on just moving.

mile 6 is where you head into los olivos. it's the transition spot for those running the relay, it's where you can get a sip of wine or water, it's where you're family is there to cheer you on and take photos, and it's where you prepare yourself for the corkscrew.

i took just a few photos along the way and it's really hard to tell in this photo but the trail zig zags along this hill.  my success was running the entire way up - at a snail's pace but i wanted to commit to running this hill without stopping and i did...

because i knew that the downhill was waiting for me on the other side. each time i passed the mile marker i would say "i love you" to whoever or whatever i had dedicated that mile to.

the weather was just right. cool but not cold.  and the buffalo were out to greet us. we also saw llamas, horses and sheep.

that 12th mile is a killer. it's the only time i walked. it's a long, steady uphill. at mile 12 it's a tough one to conquer. i knew i wasn't going to have a personal record this time around so i let myself walk for a bit.

as soon as it leveled off i started running again. that's when i saw the people cheering and reminding us that it's almost over.  that's when i saw my parents. that's when i saw the training group yelling my name. that's when i saw the finish and knew it was over. (yes, that's when i cried.)

i crossed feeling really good.  last year when i crossed the finish line i was in a lot of pain. but this year i was ok.  i needed water and i was starving but i felt pretty good.

i met up with the group and my family for some post race photos and i immediately took my shoes off and got into flip flops - that's a great feeling.  it was a good run for me. not my fastest but my goal was to finish and enjoy the run along the way. standing still after running for two and a half hours is when the muscles start to cramp and the pain sets in. my feet starting hurting and i could feel discomfort that i hadn't felt or ignored for 13 miles. it was time to rest.

the medal is outrageous. corkscrew, wine stopper and bottle opener, what more do i need?  add this to the collection.

after showering, calling bobby and dealing with foot cramps, we met up at the rv park for brunch.  everyone walked around grunting and groaning and we got to share our stories of how the race went for each of us. of course, we talked about the next race.

my parents and i left soon after eating to make it back to the valley to see sofia play softball.

they had a playoff game on friday, the day she came back from camp.  and they won!! so they made it to the championship game on saturday. when i heard that i knew i had to make it back in time to see the game.

and in a great game the daring divas pulled it off and won the championship!!  i was so glad i got to be there to see it, limping and all.

sofia played against one of her best friends and they were so happy for each other. in the end they didn't care who won or lost, but that they got to play softball together.

what a day! what a race! what a game! hooray for all of it.

ready, set, run

note this post was written on friday night and posted on saturday morning.
i should be asleep by now but I've got lots of nervous energy. prepped my clothes for the morning, finishing up my gatorade and writing this post and then it's time for sleep.

this morning we went to breakfast  before heading out of town. the instructions were to have a good breakfast.

does it get any better than this?

ok, maybe this. my brother order the french toast so he has energy to watch us from the sidelines.

we made it to solvang and picked up our goody bags. it's always fun to walk around the expo and see what's new in running.

but it's also dangerous because i see something like this and i have to have it.

 then we went to los olivos and had to do a wine tasting. why not.

afterwards, we met up with the training group for dinner and final instructions. this is such a great time to get together and talk about our expectations and anxieties. we also get to share our experience with those doing the race for the first time. i know we will all finish and support each other along the way.

i mean seriously. this is what we get to see after the 7 mile marker. breathtaking and inspiring. can't wait to cross that finish line.

13.1 things to think about

tomorrow i will be running my 5th half marathon. wow! not something i ever envisioned in my life but it's pretty damn cool, right?

as i run the picturesque hills of solvang i will need motivation and strength to get me through the miles. i know this course pretty well by now and can see myself running past every mile marker along the route.  i came up with 13.1 things i can think about to help me finish strong.

1. jordan - my first born. born on the first of the first month of the year. he works so hard at everything that he does. he struggles sometimes but is dedicated and determined. this past year his attitude shift about swimming helped him soar and now he works out harder than he ever has. he inspires me and teaches me about strength and perseverance every day. 
2. gratitude - i am so thankful for my body that lets me put it through the pain and test of pushing it to it's limit.  my two legs are stronger than they have been in a long time. they support me and sometimes give out on me. but i do not take them for granted. i'm sure there will be people running this race who only have one leg and they will remind me to be grateful for what i have.
3. bobby - we were married on the 3rd and have 3 outstanding children. his support and encouragement to do this race is what got me up every saturday morning - or maybe he just wanted the bed to himself. he is always reminding me how proud he is of me and makes me feel like i can do anything. love is what will get me through.
4. lavender fields - a highlights of this course. the smell of sweet lavendar is intoxicating and soothing. one of the best parts of running is being outside and experiencing nature. i don't do it enough when i'm not training. being outside and getting to experience this moment is what i want to remember.
5. my fifth time around. this will be the fifth time running this trail, seeing the sights, fighting with my thoughts. FIVE. one for every member of my family. five training seasons. five pairs of shoes. five medals. five seems like a good number to me.
6. passing the half way mark, water station, wine station?, seeing my parents and other faces i recognize gives me a boost. the big hill is coming but then it is beautiful vineyards and rolling hills for a while. 
7. sofia - born on the 7th. she has an "i can do anything" attitude and she doesn't let fear stop her. she has spunk and sass and energy to go from school to sports to more sports to homework to bed. she is love and laughter, softness and strength. she lights up my heart. this one's for you.
8. my family - we have had some loss recently that comes from having a big family. uncles who have passed away that meant a lot to all of us. the strength and unity of my big, beautiful family and the memory of those we have lost will carry me through this mile.
9. feeling free - this is typically my fastest mile of the race. i love running downhill. it is one of the best feelings to let go and let gravity take me. i will enjoy this mile and let my stress go.
10. andrew - born on the 10th. laughter is what i will think about. if i am struggling here andrew would make me laugh. i can think about commitment and focus - things he has told me he is working on. when he struggles he often turns to humor to get through. i will need it here and i will laugh.
11. it's ok to cry. this is where i start wishing this was over. every ache aches more. my feet are numb and i can't bare to think about the hill on mile 12, who does that? i also tend to get emotional here. shocker. but i think about the miles i have run in preparation for this race. lots of miles. that hard work is over. train hard, run easy.
12. running 12 miles alone. at this point i'm tired and there is still a hill to conquer. a few weeks ago i missed the training run due to our busy schedule. so i made it up on that sunday. 12 miles split up into 3 sections. but i didn't have a group to encourage me. i didn't have sergio to run beside me and remind me to keep my head and my pace up. i didn't have water stops to take a break. i did it on my own, encouraging myself, getting my own gatorade at 6.5, 10, and 12 miles. it was a reminder that I CAN DO THIS!
13. don't stop running now. the end is near. the crowds are cheering. soon i will be able to rest and eat and take these shoes off. this is where the glory happens.

    .1. what's next? besides a good meal and a hot shower. i am both exhilarated and exhausted. at this point last year i said i never wanted to do that again, and here i am. maybe too early to answer this question. i do have something in mind but i'll wait until the agony and pain of this race passes. either way, enjoy the moment of crossing the finish line, smile for the camera and don't pass out!

ETA: just saw this article and i busted out laughing. so true. perfect humor for today.

our weekend in photos | marathons and mother's day

our weekend started on friday at heritage day at cha.  the kids create museums about the countries that they are from and give oral presentations to the class and parents.  and then we celebrate with food - always a fun thing.

sofia presented on mexico with a keynote complete with pictures, facts and an audio file of my dad saying hello to the class from his radio program, such a cool bonus.  he's done that for each of the kids for this project.

after lunch we got in the car with my parents and headed up to solvang.

my sister-in-law and friend from school.

we checked in to the hotel and went to the expo to get our packets.  the wind at this point was rough not a good omen for the race. then we joined the training group for dinner pizza, pasta and garlic bread.  and finally everyone headed to the rooms to get some rest.  wake up time was 4:45am.

all of my stuff ready to go.  a pre-race energy drink, gel for during the race and a recovery drink for after the race.  my breakfast was the alt bar.  magnets to put on my ankle that's been hurting lately.  and my bib, t-shirt and hat.  it's a lot of gear to remember.  in the end i forgot my sunglasses and flip flops but i would survive without them.

pictures of the group waiting for the bus.  we maintained a large group this year.  usually we start out big and only a few make it to the actual race.  but we had committed members this time.

at the starting line we were joined by the walkers - yes they walk/ran the 13.1 miles and they were awesome.

minutes before the start.  i was nervous, excited and ready to run.

the first five miles of this race, on this particular day were torture.  maybe it was the warmer weather or the stress of the last few months catching up to me.  but my legs did not want to move.  i felt every ache, i needed to use the potty (i didn't for the entire race because it would have cost me 20 minutes of waiting in line.) i struggled physically and emotionally. i thought many times - i will never do this again.  and then i reached the tough hill at mile 6. i climb the corkscrew, huffing and puffing, having to walk, ready for it to be over. i reach the top and as if it were the first time i had done this race, i was taken away by the view.  and just like that, a burst of energy (most likely from the gels) kicks in and i know i can do it.

so i ran.  for 7 more miles.  still not really loving it. still suffering. and still having doubts.  but determined to finish strong.

i turned into the final stretch and saw my parents and sofia cheering me on.  closer to the finish line i saw sergio and my teammates yelling out my name.  and i ran faster.  i crossed the finish line at 2:25, 13 minutes slower than my best time 3 years ago. it's disappointing to work so hard for 16 weeks only to have a "bad" run on race day.  honestly, once i crossed the finish line i let go of all of the negative feelings and i embraced the joy of finishing my fourth half marathon!

i got my medal and snacks, drank my recovery drink and met up with the group who were coming in. and then the pain started in my foot.  in compensating for one side of my ankle i put pressure on the other side and it was in pain.  i couldn't get my shoes off fast enough.  i was limping and uncomfortable.  i should have gone back to the room to ice and lay off it.  but instead we went wine tasting.

there was a music festival and wine tasting in the park.  we got wine glasses and bellied up to the bar, along with hundreds of other people. we tried reds, whites and beer.

and then i went back to the room to shower, ice my ankle and sleep.

the boys arrived in the afternoon and we went to dinner with some of the group at the cold spring tavern.  this is such a cool spot. it was an old stagecoach stop in the 1800's.

3 well behaved kids.

and one cold beer.

and chocolate cheesecake to celebrate his 12th birthday.

then off to bed for the night.

on sunday my ankle was in bad shape. i was icing, taking advil and using the biofreeze that came in our recovering pack.  it all helped, for a moment and then it hurt again.

so we went across the street for mother's day breakfast and met my family.

sitting outside, eating french toast and breakfast wraps, talking about our race experience.  getting to know debbie.  just enjoying this awesome town was a great way to celebrate mother's day.

 it was amazing seeing debbie cross the finish line.  she did awesome and i'm happy that she stuck with it and completed the race.  and maybe wants to do it again?

getting to spend time with my mom who i adore.  she is such a huge support for me.

and then it was time for the long car ride home.  feeling content.  feeling accomplished. feeling happy.  with my kids, my hubby and my medal. and a bag of ice.

our weekend in photos: a race and a shower

not the kind of shower you think of after a race (of course i took one of those too.)  i'm talking about a baby shower.

this weekend marked the halfway point in my training for the half marathon.  i'm feeling ready, but definitely need these next weeks of training to get me to the finish line.

since starting on this half marathon craziness 3 years ago i've been doing this 10k race in agoura.  it's a similar course to the solvang one.  and it's so beautiful.

the weather was perfect that morning.  overcast and fresh but not too cold. i met up with others from our group and we went up to the starting line.

this scene is getting comfortable for me.  but this was my first race since the half last may, so i was feeling a little anxious.  getting back into training after taking 8 months off has been difficult and frustrating.  talk about starting over.  but i felt strong.  i know this is a process and i'll keep working and getting stronger.

and then we were off.

i managed to get this shot in one of the prettiest sections of the course.  that's my sister-in-law in the middle.

it was challenging for sure.  two big hills toward the end of the race, one that i had to walk, and a steep downhill that hurt my knees.

i ran with energy and excitement.  i always run hoping to get a personal record (pr).  but i knew leading up to this race that i was running slower than last year.  like i said starting over sucks.  i kept reminding myself that this is where i am right now. i'm making improvements and doing much better then when i started in january.  and of course my trainer's voice pops in my head "you can't train desire." i finished 2 minutes slower than last year but 1 minute faster than the first time i did this race (and that year i ran a pr in the half.)

and no matter the time, crossing the finish line feels just as good amazing.

i grabbed my medal and some water... and bagels, pancakes, and pineapple juice.  everything tastes so good after you've given your all.

we met up again for some pictures and then it was time to go. huge congrats to debbie on her first 10k! you were awesome.  can't wait to see you after the half marathon.

as luck would have it, the next phase of my weekend took place in thousand oaks, just 10 minutes from agoura.

i was able to take a (real) shower at kenzi's family's house and get ready for the baby shower of our cousins jeff and kenzi.

this is their first baby and it's going to be a boy!  my kids can't wait to have a new baby cousin in the family.  they're suckers for adorable, sweet babies - but who isn't?

the shower was so sweet.  

and the food was delicious.  a lot of our family favorites.

loved these pretty, easy and delicious fruit tarts that tara made.

the games were fun and there were lots of presents.

this beautiful quilt was handmade by my mother-in-law.

decorating diapers was a cute idea for guests.  too funny.

and the favors as guests left.  

sofia and i stayed in t. o. with family even though it was close enough to go home. we weren't ready to say goodbye to aunts and cousins.

the girls got some swimming in before bed.

sunday morning we had breakfast at the hotel.

and spent time catching up, sharing photos and stories about running, marching band and life.  

there may have been some shenanigans back in the room.

and lots of hugs before we said goodbye.

the baby is due around the time of my half marathon in santa ynez.  how cool would it be to run the race and then go to their house and meet the baby?  

wishing you a good weekend.