33 Before 33

I'm borrowing this idea from Sonja Wieck who always posts a list of things she wants to accomplish before her next birthday.  One item for each year of life.  It's like a bucket list for your life, but on a much smaller scale and in a much tighter time frame.  Last year on my birthday, I was on a Florida-bound plane, destined to complete my first full Ironman distance triathlon.  It's amazing how much (or how little) can be accomplished in a year.  I'm hoping this list will give me some structure and that I'll have tons of fun checking things off my list!

 This Friday I turn 32.  So with no further adieu, here it is... 

33 Things to Do Before 33 (in no particular order) 

1. Grow some sprouts.
2. Go flyfishing with my dad.
3. Paint some pottery.
4. Launch Fusion Nutrition's website.
5. Attend a yoga retreat.
6. Compose a song on my keyboard.
7. Run an ultra 50K.
8. Figure out my strengths using Strengths Finder 2.0.
9. Write a note to an old teacher/mentor and thank them for positively influencing my life.
10. Hire an Ironman coach.
11. Change a flat tire in under 8 minutes.
12. Do something completely outside of my comfort zone.
13. Be a volunteer for once at a running/tri event. Pass out water cups. Cheer loudly. 
14. Meditate consistently for one week.
15. Discover a beer that I actually like.
16. Read 3 books.
17. Run a race with my mom.
18. Go on a mini weekend getaway and stay at a B&B.
19. Go vegan for a week.
20. Learn about massage pressure points.
21. Back up all the stuff on my computer.
22. Make a vision board.
23. Make a handmade card for someone who could use some encouragement.
24. Volunteer.  Somewhere meaningful.
25. Write 5 nutrition-related articles.
26. Rock Ironman Lake Tahoe and give 110% of myself in the best possible way.
27. Bake something from scratch.
28. Present a sports nutrition lecture to a team or a group of athletes.
29. Watercolor.  Remember the joy in adding more water to 'fix' a mistake.  Blend, blend, blend!
30. Try maca powder.
31. Creatively organize my race bibs/medals instead of throwing them into a drawer.
32. Support a child in some way.  Even if it's just buying some lemonade for 10 cents.
33. Make a 34 Before 34 list before 11/2/13.

 Just looking at this list makes me excited!

Halfway Through...

Today was my 15th run, marking the halfway point of my 30 runs in 30 days adventure.  Although the running hasn't exactly felt easier, I've noticed that I am becoming accustomed to scheduling the runs into my day better.

This 30 Day adventure so far has taught me to value EACH DAY-  To creatively find the beauty in each run, regardless if it's done in the pouring rain, in the dark, or on the treadmill.  I've learned to enjoy the process and celebrate the daily accomplishment, rather than focus solely on the end goal.  So often we are so fixated on the finished product that we forget to recognize the small joys that occur throughout the journey.

Exploring Eagle Ridge with Dana, who had the magic entrance pass (a Pleasanton ID).

Witnessed the illuminated raindrops via my headlamp soon evaporate into a beautiful crisp fall morning.

Climbing up Lake Chabot; surprisingly, this was much easier to tackle the second time I ran this. 

Half of the fun is exploring new trails with new running partners.

Still managing to throw a bit 'o swim and bike into this hot mix of running.

A year ago from yesterday marked the day that I experienced a myriad of drastic changes in my personal life.  While this past year's journey has had its highs and lows, I've learned to appreciate the process of growth and change.  While some turn to drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms, I am not ashamed to admit that swimbikerun served as my coping mechanism to sort through my thoughts and emotions for hours on end.

But now, I'm more interested in discovering new terrain, in both the physical and mental sense.  Sport is now less about relieving stress and more about goal-setting.  I remember how the Ironman distance seemed impossible at first.  To me, ultrarunning gives me those same excited butterflies.  I know that it will be difficult and hard, but I also trust that it will be completely unforgettable and incredible.  

My PIC and I have our sights set on the American Canyon 50K in February.

30 Runs in 30 Days

I've been definitely enjoying the unstructured off-season of triathlon, but I was hungry for a new challenge.  For months it has been about hitting certain target heartrate zones and time specifications for all things swimbikerun.  I was burnt out.

Over the years my running has improved, but it has continually been the weakest link for me out of the three sports.  I read about the 30 Runs in 30 Days challenge from the boys over at Endurance Corner, and when a friend told me that he was taking this on, well, I invited myself along in the journey.  Accountability is always a good thing.  Especially when there are bets and consequences involved if you break your 30 days.

It sounds easy in theory, you just run 30 minutes minimum a day.  There was a freedom that drew me into this challenge; there were no specific target heartrates to hit, no tempo runs, no intervals, no set distance....you just run.  For me, it was a welcomed relief from 'structured' training and an opportunity to rediscover the joy of running and uncover new trails and roads I would have never thought to traverse.

We are documenting our daily runs and it has provided me an opportunity to see the beauty of my environment.  I completed Day 9 today, and am excited to see the progress my body will make by Day 30.

Lesson #1: Don't go too long on one given day.  Or you will pay the next day.  There are no rest days!

Some days are definitely easier than others.  Late nights after dinner are more difficult, but if there's a will, there's a way...

Following the red lights seemed to be the theme of Friday evening.

I've been lucky to still squeeze in some swimming for active recovery.

 Having to back up these runs day after day without full rest days has made me pay attention to everything I am fueling my body with.  It's only been a little over a week, but I can feel a difference in my energy when I feed the machine with quality and clean foods.

Grilled cod, arugula, tri-color quinoa, spicy sprouts, red onion, red bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, and avo

Broiled black cod, roasted veggies with sweet potatoes in coconut oil

 I look at each day as a new opportunity.  Already this has kick-started my running motivation and has allowed me to open my mind up to bigger opportunities and challenges.  I've already recruited a partner in crime to do a 50K trail run with me in the upcoming months.  This past year has been amazing with all the people I've met who have inspired me personally and professionally, and it has been refreshing to just do what I love and see things fall into place.  Live wide, my friends.

The Pink Triathlete.

In the spirit of keeping this blog about triathlon and having just survived a weekend in Vegas, here goes nothing...

The third hottie from the right is the Pink Triathlete.

Thanks, boys.  I now expect every good-looking man I see from now on to dance for me and rip his shirt off.  My mom asked what shows we saw in Vegas and I think I changed the subject faster than Katy Perry changes boyfriends.

As a fundraiser to fight breast cancer, Clint, aka the "Pink Triathlete" had a monetary goal.  If he reached that goal, he told everyone that he would dye his hair pink.  And of course, he reached that goal (probably in $1 bills), so he performed with pink hair on Friday night.

Most girls got his autograph. Instead, we chatted about his Zipp 808 rear wheel and
 how we both have the same CEP pink compression socks.

The third girl from the right is also a Pink Triathlete.

And that's all I'm going to say about that.  ;)

Mullet training.

A week and a half ago, I had the privilege of swimming long course with UCSD's Masters swim team.  It was a solid 4500 meter workout and serious.  No smiling allowed.  It was an amazingly clear and clean pool, and I shared my lane with a Ryan Lochte look-alike.  He mandated that I lead the lane. I complied because he had awesome abs and just in case he was RL, I wanted to secure an autograph after practice.  The workout was written on a 4-sided huge white board.  We got started right away, and for an hour and a half, the only words we exchanged were breathless within the 5 seconds of rest on the wall- "Last 400, then repeat?" "I'm leaving on the top." "This is the last of the 100s, yeah?"

The water was so clear that you could see the wall 50 meters across underwater.

This was probably one of the most quality and harder swims I've done all year, not only because it was long course and you felt like you were swimming for days until you finally hit the wall to do a flip turn, but because it was all business.  Fast, head down, swim-til-your-arms-fall-off, no-nonsense business.

And just like that, after everyone finished their workout, the pool cleared out in 2 minutes...

(Crickets chirping)  Wait, save some hot water in the showers for me!

After drinking one too many Red Bulls on the drive home, I was super amped up and ready to swim.  I chatted on deck with our coach and told him how different our Masters swim team was from UCSD's.  Our team actually feels like a team.  Yes, we probably swim half the yardage, but we know each other by name, call each other names, know what we all ate for dinner the night before, and who I'm going out with on Friday.  We're like a mini-family. Coach Tom actually coaches us, tells us what interval to leave on and gives me pointers for my stroke technique.  The pool is grosser and the lanes are more crowded, but you really can't beat the camaraderie.  It reminded me of a mullet, in a way....After the "business" swim at UCSD, I was ready for a "party in the back" swim, back at home!  And honestly, this is how I prefer it- getting the work done, but having fun while doing it.  

Back at Club Hot Tub's Masters swim practice.  And yes, this is during the kick set.
But look at how much fun everyone's having!!

Today I got the running business done after work... a hot 10-miler.  No better way to trash your feet on the trails before they are further trashed for 72 hours in heels.  

I did my tempo run in these. (Or at least it sure felt like I did!)

Thought I'd break them in and get them used to the hell they will endure in FMHs for the weekend.  And now....it's time to party, Vegas-style! 

Wheels 'n Heels

Breaking news!  Suri Cruise learned how to ride a bike.  Pretty soon she'll be chick-ing Lance in way cuter cycling kits.  The girl's got style!

At least we won't be in the same age group.

Today I dusted off the TT bike and met Dana for a 50 mile ride.  She recognized a fellow teammate wearing a TriValley Velo kit, and he accompanied us as we rode with no real route; she just had to get 3 hours in the bank for today.  Long course nationals are in one month!  Part of our route included some gorgeous scenery overlooking Livermore wineries.  I took in the beauty of my surroundings, felt the wind on my face, and was just so thankful for moments like these- I am so lucky to be able to do what I love, to be surrounded by amazing people and live a pretty carefree life.  

They say that bike miles are those that you can lose yourself in and also find yourself.  I agree.  There have been plenty of bike miles that I've been able to escape "reality" and empty out my mind and cycle out my stress with each pedal stroke.  Equally, there have been bike miles that have stripped me to my core and have caused me to understand who I am and what I stand for.  Today, I was just merely present, and taking it all in.

Funny thing.  At the end of the ride, it turned out that Dana really didn't know the rider personally, she just was friendly because he rode for TVV!  Oh, what a cycling kit can do for someone.  The nice guy towed us around for 40 miles; I was so close to his wheel that I could smell his laundry detergent.  Poor guy had 2 twin 5-year old girls at home and had a hall pass for only 2 hours.  Hopefully next time the wifey will allow 3 hours of sanity cycling time; his wheel was a pretty steady and speedy wheel to follow!

After taking off my Giro helmet, I put my Maid of Honor helmet on and met Kimi to review the venue sites.

Gazebos always remind of The Sound of Music...
"You are 16, going on 17..."

Where the vows will be exchanged. Where I spotted the froyo man.

While talking about seating arrangements and wedding day timelines and uber-important wedding information, I spotted some guy on the bench eating  froyo.  After that, I was completely distracted like a 3-year old.  Where did he get that?  It's so hot. There has to be a froyo place nearby!  Chair seating arrangements, corsages, guest book, wha??

Kimi was a self-serve froyo virgin.  SERIOUSLY?  And I thought I lived under a rock.  I was a good MOH and showed her the ropes of mixing flavors and trying all 30 toppings.  And you know, all the wedding day diets suggest eating 4 lbs of nonfat froyo rather than 1/2 c. of real ice cream. (I kid, I kid)

Kimi, I'm sorry. Get ready to say adios to half your wedding budget.

The reception is literally 0.2 miles from where the ceremony is held.  But walking 0.2 miles in platform heels feels like 20 miles.  Everyone who knows me well knows that I hate functional fitness.  I'll run 16 miles and yet drive to my mailbox.  My high heels/flat feet conundrum reminded me of this cool video about feet that was shared by my new cyclist buddy from San Diego (thanks, SK!).  How is it that I've never heard of MobilityWOD until now?  Obviously, I must live under a rock.

Tomorrow I'm going for a real run (really early too) with 2 of the most amazing and life-changing people I've ever met.  Turns out they are on this side of the globe for awhile- I'm lucky to be able to see them again in person.  

Has anyone out there who has flat feet or severely overpronates been able to successfully transition to minimalist running?  Thoughts?

Staycation.

I kinda want to stay here.  Like forever.  Today I got an early start to beat the heat.  Apparently, I lost.  I was sweating so much and probably appeared so disheveled that people were probably wondering what half marathon was going on this morning.  Little did they know, I had only run 0.5 miles up Torrey Pines. 

Check out the view!  How could you live here and not want to run this everyday?

I paid $15 for parking, so I wanted a good run for my money.  Literally.  It was gorgeous, but holy hills! I took a trail that dropped me down to the beach where I ran alongside the water for awhile, then climbed back up, only to descend the initial hill I climbed in the beginning. 

Gradual and gorgeous climbs

Another shameless plug for Betty Designs.  

I hit the La Jolla Farmers Market afterwards.  The founder, Sherry Ahern, was my first news shoot that I put together when I worked for KGTV Channel 10.  She created the farmers market to help fund and provide resources for her children's school.  It was such a fun experience working with her, setting up a "mock" farmers market on Wednesday (the day we got camera footage), and coordinating the millions of details that ultimately ended up being 2 quality minutes of airtime.  

Still thriving, even after all these years!

These were adorable!

There's plum and nectarine goodness underneath the star...

The workers at the info booth texted her to see what time she'd come, but unfortunately, I had to leave before she showed up.  She did remember me after 13 years though and via text she congratulated me on my success.  At the time, I remember the kind words she offered up to me as a journalism major wanting to go into the news/media industry.  She made me realize how important it is to foster another's dream, regardless if that dream comes to fruition or not.  She watered my hope.  And I still have the bamboo plant she gave me as a gift from one of the market vendors- it survived almost 6 moves in different cities, and is a tangible reminder of how our souls can flourish wherever there is love and sunshine.

After that, I headed to Oceanside to spend some quality time with Erica, who has equally been a tangible reminder of all things good, and who has helped my soul flourish in the sunny days and in the cloudy rainy days. 

The view from our "bar" area outside.

These suckers were HUGE!
I probably exceeded my RDI (Recommended Daily Intake, for all you non-dietitans) by 2000%

 The world needs more Sherrys and Ericas.  I am lucky and grateful to know them both.