Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend at Disneyland

Martin Luther King Weekend was our family's trip to Disneyland, where Melissa and I participated in The Rebel Challenge, 10K & Half Marathon Run.  My hip is still bothering me from a class I did in December, so I wasn't prepared for this race at all.  In addition to the actually running, you end up walking around 10 miles at the park.  Overall, in 3 days, I walked over 150,000 steps.  It was tiring.  My hip did okay, as Melissa and I didn't push ourselves speed wise.  We jogged most of the first 5 miles, and then did a walk .25 mile, jog .75 mile.  This strategy worked out well, and we did the half marathon in 3:08.  Our 10K was Saturday, and we ran about a 16 mile pace.  We used the 10K as our opportunity to take photos with characters, sadly though, most of the lines were already closed by the time we got to them.  We did get to take some photos with stormtroopers, and on the Speeders (see photo).  At the end of our half marathon, we were greeted by our amazing cheer squad - and their awesome signage!

Disneyland was amazing.  The new "Season of the Force" was awesome!  Zain and I waited in line to meet Darth Vador and Chewie!  They even have scenes from the new movie on Star Tours!  I was really impressed with Tomorrowland.

Steve, Suzanne and I got to try new drinks at The Cove Bar!  Lobster Nachos were ordered! :)

Always a lot of fun going to Disneyland with the family, here are some pictures below, more on my facebook:

Christmas in Minnesota

I know, I am a little late, but these last few weeks have been crazy!  

This Christmas was a new one for me, it was my first time being away from my family, my first time in Minnesota, and my first time meeting many of Steve's family!

Not going to lie or sugar coat things, being away from my parents and our Christmas traditions was hard - really hard.  I found myself homesick from them at times.  I missed doing our puzzle, spanking the turkey, and opening up gifts with them.  Before we went to Minnesota, Steve and I did some Facetime with my family, which was fun to see them open our gifts.  Nonetheless, it was still a challenge for me.  I know, that as Steve and I get married, and start our family, there will be blending - and I anticipate there will be challenges for both of us.

So now, on to the real good stuff.  Minnesota was lots of fun!  Steve's family is fantastic.  Loved meeting the cousins, and his Grandma.  All very good people. 

Some highlights of the trip include:

• Being in Negative weather for the first time Ever!
• Taking my first Zorbaz ShotSki (see photo below).
• Spending time with family!  His cousins, Leah & Hannah, are both around are age, married, and have great kids.  It was never a dull moment in the house!
• Eating delicious food - and plenty of it.  Made sure to make two stops at the Pizza Ranch - an all you can eat Pizza Buffet.  Also, enjoyed Zorbaz, Taco Johns, lots of local eateries, and of course home cooked holiday cuisine. 
• Sledding down the hill from the house, both fun and scary.
• Talking about their upcoming trip to the bay area in July!
• Playing the games Aunt Lyn came up with - with lots of prizes!
• Opening gifts - took about 3 hours total to get through everyone!

 I am looking forward to our next trip to Fergus Falls, most likely towards the end of summer.  Minnesota nice - its a thing - and so wonderful.

The only downfall to our holiday trip, was the holiday travel.  Steve, Suzanne and I got stuck another night in Minneapolis due to a storm in Chicago.  Suzanne and I spent a lot of time the next day exploring the airport (which includes shopping!).

Here are a few pictures of our amazing trip (more on Facebook):

 

Nick (Hannah's husband), Leah, me, and Steve, taking a "ShotSki" at Zorbaz

  

Steve and his frozen beard!

 

Me and my closest Minnesota friends!

 

Steve getting in to the Christmas spirit!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Urbanathlon in San Francisco

Steve, Melissa, Aaron & I ran the SF Urbanathlon.  This was my first non-mud obstacle course based run. 

http://www.menshealthurbanathlon.com/

We ran the 5K one, after finding a great deal on LivingSocial.  They also offered an 11 Mile race that included 18 Obstacles.  The 5K (SPRINT) had 8 obstacles, including:

• A stair climb in AT&T park
• Climbing over a bus using a cargo net
• Crawling under big rig trucks
• Climbing over a wall 
• Jumping over Taxi Cabs

Once finished, we received a medal and a beer.  Overall - the race was fun, but I am glad we got a deal on LivingSocial.  We paid $35 on LivingSocial, and I wouldn't have paid more.  I also prefer Mud Runs over this City Obstacle Races.  

Next Obstacle/Mud Run: TBD 2016

Our trip to Washington DC

How lucky am I - a trip to Washington to attend my sister's Bridal Shower.  I will not load this post with a bunch of pictures - you can find that on my Facebook page.  

Our trip to DC was a busy one! Highlights of DC itself include: Arlington, Vietnam Memorial, WWII Memorial, American Smithsonian, Space & Air Smithsonian (Steve's favorite), and Mount Vernon.

Non-touristy highlights - visiting my sister's Kindergarten class, being at my sister's bridal shower, and having a large family dinner with Gayle & Stuart.  

I must say, seeing my sister's class was truly inspiring.  She is such a dedicated teacher.  She goes above and beyond to help her students.  

I also got to meet her future in-laws at the bridal shower - and had a GREAT time.  I feel confident she is marrying into a loving and caring family.   It makes me very excited for her.  

I got put on timeout... OUCH!

The Big Sur Half Marathon

In November, Steve and I took a weekend trip to Monterey, for me to run the Big Half Marathon.  I wasn't sure if I was going to run it, till a few days before.  It was challenging to do this race because it was the most unprepared I was for a race as I have ever been.  My back injury in late July, which led me to take 6 weeks off really put a damper on my training.  I didn't really start training till October.  So, I did the half, with the longest run prior being a 6 mile run.  Was it smart... maybe not.  But I was able to run the half in 2 hrs 36 min.  Not my best time, but a pretty decent time - and my body felt great - well.... my back felt great, my body hurt from lack of training.

The race itself was amazing.  No fumes from cars, beautiful smell from ocean, amazing views, great people, perfect weather.  Would HIGHLY recommend this race to anyone.  I would love to actually do the Big Sur Full - but it sells out quickly.  Adding that to my Running Bucket List.  

Next Half: Disneyland Star Wars - January 2016.

Super duper Halloween

Halloween with a Super Dog!  Hope everyone enjoyed their Halloween!