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!

My First Backpacking Trip!

I did my first Backpacking trip in October.  Steven, Sonia and I signed up for a Backpacking class through Treks & Tracks - at Point Reyes.  

http://www.treksandtracks.com/

It started off in the parking lot where we got to pick our bags and meals for the next 24 hours.  The bags were actually pretty light.  Once I added my clothes and water, it maybe weighed 20-25 lbs.  Once everyone in our group was settled - the trekking began.  Only a 6 mile hike to camp, which was just breathtaking.  It did become challenging as it was a crowded trail, and with the bags on, caused us to be "thick" on the thin paths.

I loved every view along the hike - we got plenty of pictures:

Once we got to camp, we found out that the well was dry... this caused a big problem.  We needed water to heat our food.  Our group went with our guide and filtered water at a nearby creek.  Sonia enjoyed pumping the water.  Our group guide also shared wine & cheese - best part ever!

Our group took on another hike at the beach to catch beautiful views.

So this experience wasn't a true backpacking experience, as we had porta potties, but Sonia & I both enjoyed a good pee outside our tent ;)

Eating was interesting.  For dinner - we had three cheese pasta:

http://www.rei.com/product/878010/alpineaire-foods-three-cheese-chicken-pasta-2-servings

It actually was really delicious.  And filling!  

I have already told Steve that I would do it again!

Family Camping - October 2015

We enjoyed a weekend with the family at Lake Del Valle in Livermore.  The kids enjoyed playing together, and the adults enjoyed sitting by the fire talking.  We did a few hikes as well.  The lake was really low (you can see in the pictures we are walking in the lake).  Of course, it wouldn't be a family trip without a little bit of drama.  Poor Jenna, while coloring at the table, fell and knocked out her two front baby teeth.  Of course, having two dogs there brings a bit of drama too :)

Overall, we had a great time, and look forward to doing it again next year.

Meet the new Team America in Curling

For my Birthday, the girls and I got to take a class in Curling!  We had so much fun!  It is actually a lot harder than it looks.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curling

There are three positions in Curling - Thrower, Sweeper & Skipper.  I enjoyed being a sweeper (don't tell Steve!).

Other highlights of the night included watching the Stephanies fall - a lot!  And of course - Sonia - the natural athlete - good at everything.

The night concluded with drinks & dinner!  It was lovely!

A Wedding from a Galaxy Far, Far, Away

Steve and I were lucky to witness a very magical wedding.  October 3, my good friends Michaela & Alfredo said "I Do" after 6 years of dating.  Like them, their wedding was wonderful, exciting and magical.  Star Wars Jedi as the Officiant, princesses bridesmaids, super hero grooms men, a dance, a kiss - just lovely.   I am so happy for my friends.

September Travels

Wow!  I can't believe how long it has been since I have wrote.  Steve and I, like always, seem to be always busy!  It's already mid October, and I have so much to write about, but let me start with some of our September Adventures!

We started off September camping in Coyote Lake (see previous post).  We also got to spend much of the month celebrating birthdays of family & friends.

We got to enjoy Disneyland with our friends Rachael & Peggy.  We had a lot of fun eating, drinking, and enjoying the rides.  Our main goal was to ensure Peggy has a GREAT time.  I think we succeeded!  Steve and I were also lucky enough to catch up with friends, Ryan & Brit.  Something new we did was try the all you can eat BBQ place at Disneyland.  It was great food!  The restaurant is closing January 2016 due to preparations for Stars Wars Land.  We also watched the new World Of Color and the Fireworks show.  The World of Color show was dedicated to Walt Disney.  It had snip its of Walt's work, including older movies and shows.  We enjoyed it.  The Fireworks show is awesome, I love the projections on Main Street.  I have to say... the 50th year fireworks was better... because it was all about Disneyland, the 60th Year Fireworks of course had Disney movies, Jungle Book, Aladdin and Frozen - not really about the park. 

Happy Birthday Suzanne!

We met Macie!  Sparky's sister!

Happy 60th Disneyland!

Disney Culinary Bucket List - Matterhorn Macaroons!

Steve & Joe in Arizona!

Loving the straws and Bride & Groom Cocktails!

Camping at Coyote Lake

Steve and I spent our Labor Day Weekend at Coyote Lake in Gilroy!  It was my second time camping in the R-Pod (still need to name it), and my first time camping with full hookup.  It was a hot weekend, so full hook up was nice (love the AC).  Steve and I made it a good hiking weekend.  We hiked Saturday - 3 miles in the morning (to the lake and back) and 5 miles in the afternoon to Mummy Mountain.  Sunday we did an 8 mile hike - trekking along the Coyote Ridge Trail to Harvey Bear Trail, back to the lake (where we enjoyed a nice packed lunch) and back to camp.  It was hot, and the trails do not have a lot of shade, but we enjoyed ourselves.  We saw lots of wild life:  Snakes, Turkey, Quail, Geese, Cows - and dozens of Deers.  We had a great time at night as well - we met many of our "neighbors" and enjoyed many conversations with them.  Of course... you can't go wrong with Smores!!!  The camper is awesome - it makes camping a little easier and more enjoyable.  We are adding features and modifications as well to enhance our storage and experiences.

Our next camping adventure is in October with our families - cannot wait!!!!

Steve posing in front of Coyote Lake.  We are standing on the Dam.

In front of Coyote Lake.

On the tail to Mummy Mountain - can you spot the deer?

Sparky... not trusting the cows.

Giants race

I completed the S.F. Giants Run on Sunday, August 23rd.  I did the 5K with my friend Christine.  I love the Giants Race for many reasons:  .

1. There is usually a Giants Alum there to kick off the race
2. You get to see awesome Giants costumes/outfits
3. You bring together Giants fans from all over 
4. You get a great view of the Bay Bridge 
5. You get to finish the race on the field!   

Being on the field where legends play 6 nights a week - it's an experience, which you can do at Fanfest, etc., but to be on the field after a race, laying on the grass, eating frozen yogurt - and people who do not do the race can only watch you from the stands.  You may or may not hear your name be called as you finish, but you do get your face on the big screen - those experiences you will not get at Fanfest or the sleepover.  It's a pretty awesome experience.  

The Race isn't perfect.  Here are some things you should know prior to signing up: 

1. the Half/10K and 5K are different time starts.  The 5K starts at 10:50AM and all other races start at 7:30AM.  This could prove rather challenging if you are running with friends.  The 5K people have to wake up early, and the 10K people will have to wait hours before the 5K can start.
2. The race is crowded - really crowded. 
3. There are a lot of inexperienced runners who do this race (which can be awesome but..) who do not know the proper protocols, i.e. not stopping in the middle of the lane to walk.  I once witness a woman trying to jog the 5K in heels.
4. A lot of people make up times to be in earlier waves.  I know this happens in every race... but this seems to be a real issue at the Giants Race.  This past race, the woman in front of me, at the time of the gun, just walked out the start line.  It can be frustrating for the first few miles to get the pace sorted out.

Overall - I would recommend this race, and do it again.  The Expo the day before has some pretty cool stuff as well.

 

Me with the Bling

 

Rich Aurilia was this year's Alum

Tri For Fun! Our first Tri together!

On August 15th, Steve, Sonia and I participated in the "Tri For Fun" Series in Pleasanton.  It included a 0.25 mile swim, 11 mile bike ride and a 3.1 mile run.  I have been wanting to do a Tri for many years, but the idea of biking terrified me.  As you may know, I have been practicing and working on getting my confidence up, which helped a lot in the race.  

The toughest part of the race was actually transitioning from the biking to running.  The run wasn't on a paved road, it was a trail run with hills.  After 11 miles on the bike, my legs felt like bricks.  It was also our first time doing open water swimming.  I loved it, even though I ran into a dozen women and the buoy - I enjoyed being in the water and swimming towards the shore.  I am not sure how I would feel about ocean swimming, but lake swimming was great.  Steve and Sonia both agreed that Swimming was their most challenging part of the race.

The race itself was nicely organized.  There was about 200 people on the course.  Plenty of waves & room.  Good amount of water stations on the run.  Plenty of volunteers to give directions.  Overall, was really happy with the event.  It was hot - so that added a bit of struggle during the bike and run portion too.

My time was 1 hour and 36 minutes.  I think we will do this again next year, and I hope to beat my time.  All three of us are interested in doing another, so are on the hunt for possibly doing one more before next Summer.

Here are a few pictures I took from the event:

Two Weeks of Wedding Madness

The last few weeks have been completely dedicated to the wedding.  Both my family and Steve's family came into town.  It was busy, fun, crazy, exhausting and cute - all rolled up together.  We...

• Visited the Wedding Venue (and had some wine)
• Had a party for our family and wedding party to meet.
• Went painting (and had some wine)
• Found my wedding dress
• Took Moey to a surprise bachelorette party in SF
• Threw Moey a bridal shower
• Found my bridesmaids their dresses
• Found my dress for Moey's wedding
• Spent lots of time catching up, eating, drinking and more...

It was a lot of fun, however, very draining.  I am finding it challenging to be excited about the wedding when I constantly feel like there is a big "To-Do" list looming over me.  We got a lot done, but there is more to do.  I am glad I was able to have my Mom & Sister here for some of the big stuff.

Here are just a few photos of the fun we had:

 

I am looking forward to some wedding downtime over the next month or to.  I have a lot to do, but I need a break.  I feel very lucky that I have friends and family who have been such big help and support.  My biggest fear in planning a wedding is damaging relationships with people I care about.  I don't think that will happen - but, it always on my mind.  Be thankful, be kind and do my best to not stress myself out.  Maybe I need a wedding mantra?

It's already end of July? Where did the time go!?

Okay, so I haven't posted in a while... it has been insanely busy!

Steve and I ended June with the Sharks Race.  I ran the 10K and Steve participated in the 20 mile bike ride.  I ended up running the 10K in less than an hour.  I was super excited and thrilled about that.  The Sharks race is still growing and still has some issues.  The t-shirts this year were a lot better and same with the medals.  Steve told me when he was done that the bike ride wasn't marked, and that him and a bunch of bikers got lost.  I still think we had a great time running with our hockey crew and will do it again next year.

Steve on the bike

With our medals!

4th of July Weekend was a blast!  We enjoyed a visit from Stephanie & Scooter!  They stayed in town Friday night, and we got up early to grab seats for the Redwood City 4th of July parade.  I met up with my friend Tola, and ran the 5K beforehand.  The 5K was fun.  It was great having a new jogging partner to talk to.

The parade afterwards was great.  Lots of local groups.  Enjoyed watching my boxing group on a float.

We also enjoyed the Art & Wine festival after, where Steve and I bought some awesome art and drank a little too much (in no particular order)... :)

Gus & Scooter - good friends!

Tola and I before the 5K

 

Loving my Sparkle Skirt!

 

Sparky enjoys taking Steve's chair and watching the parade in comfort.

 Sparky & Stephanie enjoying the festivities

July 11-12th we enjoyed a weekend camping with our hockey buddies in Gold Lake.  Gold Lake is located in Plumas National Forest, past Truckee.  Highlights of the camping trip for me included watching Sparky enjoy the lake water, watching Steve fish, hiking along the Pacific Crest Trail and eating delicious food.  

 

Steve along the Pacific Crest Trail - Section 16

 

Enjoying the view!

 

 Sparky LOVED the lake!

Sparky's training is a work in progress.  I am working with his loose leash walking at work on the roof.  I feel there has been some good movements in that.  We are still working on his sudden fear and outbursts.  Sparky has a lot of energy and enjoys  being around people.

 

Sparky: "Do you want to buy this Rug?  Too bad..."

 

 Sparky & the guys, chilling

Sparky being a good salesman

As for now, I am really occupied getting things together for the wedding, my sisters bridal shower and more.  I have been plagued with some illnesses and injuries in the last few weeks.  I am hoping to get back on that soon.  Not exercising makes me depressed and I hate that feeling!

Hopefully I won't wait too long to check in next time!  Thanks for reading!