Shamrock'n Half Marathon 3/14/2010

By looking at the name of this half mary, you already know that it's gonna be a fun race. Or so it sounded fun when my friend and running partner, Mac Donahoo, suggested that we run it. Why not, right? So registration was set and confirmed in January that we would run this half. In fact, it was decided in January that we would run a half every month this year! Yeah, I know, but that's another blog to write about!

I had talked my hubby, Chris, into running the half marathon relay with me. We had found him a willing partner, but she bailed at the last minute. It was a scramble up until the very last minute literally to find him a partner. Alas, one of my twitterverse friends, Linda, known as @MsV1959 on twitter, so graciously stepped in and agreed to be his partner. Whew!

We had picked up our packets and race paraphaneila the Thursday before the run. Good times as we met Mac at Fleet Feet in Sacramento, even though it was only for a few minutes. We were ready!

The race was to be held on Sunday, March 14 at Raley Field in Sac. Easy enough, right? Yeah, right. We had already planned on taking our sons and a couple of their friends to WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) on the Saturday before the race. We still didn't think that it would be an issue. However, we did not factor in the fact that WWE would end so late, and then daylight savings time was on Sunday ... yep, spring forward one hour!!! Ugh. Yet, Chris kept assuring me that we would be okay.

WWE was an interesting event. I had absolutely NO clue what was happening, but it was fun. The boys were entertained and they had a good time. Ironically, Chris' relay partner, Linda, also happened to have tickets to this event, and she sat only 2 rows ahead of us! It was smart of us to bring her race bib, and the relay bracelet to the event to give to her so that in case we didn't see her in the morning, she could at least start!

Unfortunately, we ended up getting home close to midnight. It was a mad dash to get everything I needed organized so that I could get to bed and not have to worry about stuff in the morning. I made sure that I set the clocks ahead, and set the alarm for the "right" time to get up. I asked Chris several times if he wanted me to Google our destination (Raley Field). Each time, he said, "No, we can do it in the morning. We'll be okay."

Sleep came easy for me, but with the usual pre-race anxieties, so I was awakened every couple hours or so. At one point I had a dream that I missed the start, and after that sleep was useless, but I continued to try to get some sort of shut eye. Lucky for me, I remembered that it's not the sleep that you get on the night before the run that counts, it's the sleep the day before the run that's important!

0515 came fast! I know I hit the snooze once, but was up soon afterwards. The plan was to get on the road by 0600 because it was recommended that we show up at 0630 because of traffic and parking delays! At 0600 Chris was having troubles getting directions to Raley Field. What? I said nothing. I couldn't because what good would it do? Instead, I decided to help him, and was able to pull up the address in a few seconds, and get directions immediately after that. Okay, it's 0615 ... let's goooo!

We have to stop, I tell Chris. I needed fuel ... breakfast. McDonald's please. Yes, I said McDonald's. I always get hotcakes and bacon before my races. Except this time, my hotcakes tasted like blah-cakes! I don't think I even barely ate half of them. Oh well. It was enough to fuel me. All this time as we're driving, Linda and Mac are both texting me ... Aaaahhh. I was ashamed to tell them that we were, as usual, perpetually late. We were on the road, and that's all that mattered.

We arrived at Raley Field at around 0715, maybe later. I'm not sure. I just knew that we were running late. I stepped out of the car and I knew that I was already in trouble. You see, I had dressed myself in shorts thinking that the weather would be fab. Mistake!!! I was instantly fffffrozen ... goose bump city on my quads! Gah! I decided it was too late to do anything about it and just suck it up and make the best of it. What else could I do?

Okay, I realize I'm getting winded ... time to move forward to the actual race ...

Mac and I started in Wave 2. Not sure why, or how I got put there, I just know that I was to start there. The first gun went off at 0800, and ours went off promptly at 0810. I was excited, and a little nervous, but overall, I was okay. When the gun went off ... I started Roxanne, my new Garmin, and took off.

I realize that there was a plan that my Coach, Craig Moss, had given me. I tried to follow it, but for some reason or another, my body did not comply with my mind and just took off. I tried to slow it down, but it was not happening, so I just went with it.

Miles 1 thru 8 were uneventful. I remember I was feeling okay, and making good time. I had stayed with Mac until the 10k mark as I usually do, then I start to slow, while she keeps on going. Linda saw me at the halfway mark after she had already finished her leg of the relay. She inspired me to go on. I took my Gu at miles 4 and 8, but as I did so, I could feel my body tell me that it wasn't ready for it. But I was advised by my coach to do so, so I did as I was told.

My goal for this race was to not stop. I had a time goal of 2:10 to 2:15 which were reasonable time goals. I had been running well and without incident so I felt confident. I can't say that I ever hit "The Wall." Mile nine-ish was difficult, but I kept on. I saw Chris at this point and tried to yell at him, but he didn't hear me. Mac was ahead of me, and I thought I heard her yell at me at around mile 10. I asked her later on, and she said that she did which was cool.

At mile 11, it was as if I had a little burst of energy. At mile 12, I could feel the wheels loosen as if they wanted to fall off! It took all I had to hold it together and just will myself to keep on going. I did great talking to myself. I didn't let the voices in my head take over and get the best of me. I made it to mile 13, and I could see the finish and gave it all that I had and kicked it in to the end.

Immediately after stopping, I felt ill. Really, really sick. Physically gut twisting, nasueated SICK. I'd never felt like this before ... EVER! Then it hit me ... too much GU! I was advised to take it at miles 4 and 8 which I did. I should've stuck with my Gu Chomps. Too much Gu makes for a very twisted gut for Row. So ... lesson learned. Follow your gut. My gut kept telling me, "No, Row. It's not time for Gu." In retrospect, I believe that McDonald's may have played a small part in my GI issues. It took the better part of my whole day to get better.


Another no-no ... Not dressing correctly or underestimating the weather. I ran "COLD!" My muscles never warmed up during this run. I had goose bumps the entire run which I knew was bad. Not a good thing! So ... I will bring extra clothing to either dress up or undress! =)

Overall, I loved the course. It was a really nice day, and it was a lot of fun to run. My overall time was a PR for me at 2:18:00. 4 minutes off my previous half. Can't wait to run it again next year. Thanks, Mac, for the invite!

Kaiser Permanante Half Marathon

I realize that I am late posting this race recap, but not to worry, I remember it like it happened just yesterday!

Ah, the Kaiser Permanente Half Marathon. San Francisco, California. Sunday, February 7th - Superbowl Sunday!!! (I'm not a huge football fan, so I didn't feel as if I were going to miss out on much.) As an employee of KP, I felt slightly obligated to run this half. I would have much rather have ran in sunny So. Cal at the Surf City Marathon!

The family and I headed out to San Fran on Saturday afternoon. We had debated on whether or not to go up the night before, or to leave early in the morning. It was decided that we would leave Saturday afternoon after I had gotten some sleep after my 12 hour shift worked. Sounded like a good plan. Hotel reservations were made, arrangements were made to have our daughter taken care of, and our bags were packed. Chris, the boys and I left at around four in the afternoon. It was slightly overcast, but rainbows were abound. I believe that this was a sign of good things to come!
The sun was setting, and Nathan remarked that when he thinks of God, he believe that this is where he believed that God would live.

After much deliberation, we settled on having dinner at Strings in Tracy. Carbo-loading on pasta! It was a nice family dinner, despite the endless chatter of the boy behind us!

We arrived at our hotel before seven, checked in and settled in for the night. As I was still tired, I almost immediately went to sleep. So boring, I know, but what can I say? I had no race jitters or anxiety, I just went to sleep.

The morning was a different story! I had awakened without incident and readied myself before I woke up the troops. It was already nearing 0630 as we headed out the door. I know it seems early when you think that the race starts at 0800, but when you don't really know your way around SF, it's a bit of a problem. We were low on gas, and we were hungry. My husband thought that we could easily find a gas station and a McDonalds along the way ... NOT! We drove around for awhile, but finally decided that we should bail on plan as his frustration level waned and the time got closer to 0730uckily for me, I had brought a preworkout shake and took that in for my "breakfast." Unfortunately, I only had enough for myself, and I was running the Half while they were "only" running the 5K. I had to put myself first in this case. Sorry guys!

By this time, my friend and virtual running partner, Machelle "Mac" Donahoo, had already parked and was waiting for us to arrive. She had called several times to find out where the heck we were?!? We saw her as we went to park and she waited for us so that we could all board the shuttle to the start together.

When we got to the start, we made a pit-stop to the porta-potties (gags) then my friend Suzanne found us. It was late, and I felt bad that I could not catch up with my other friends to say hi and wish them luck, but it was just not meant to be. There were so many people there! I bid my hubby and boys good luck and we headed off to the start line.

At 0800 the gun went off. I turned my iPod on, as did my partners, and we were off! It took us seven minutes to get to the official starting line. My nerves started to act up, and I had to remind myself that it was just running. That happens to me at every race in the beginning. After a couple of miles, I settled in and just ran. I stayed with Mac for a good six miles until I thought that she would make a bathroom break. She *always* takes a potty break, so I took one ... but she did NOT! I had lost Suzanne shortly after we started running, so I really had no idea where she was. I was alone for the next half of the run.

What goes through my mind while I'm running a race is simple. I always think that I'm crazy to be doing this, that I should know *better*, and that this is just too much. One reason why I run with an iPod is to drown out the voices in my head. The voices that attempt to drag me down. Hello? I just want to run. This time, I told the voices to just shut up. I remember last year I had to stop and walk for a minute. This year, I told myself that I would not walk. I would not give in to the temptation to walk. I would not believe that I was tired. Instead I tried to enjoy the views of the beach as I got to the Great Highway. I just remember thinking that it was torture to see the other runners running to the finish in the other direction! But I kept running ... all the way to the very end! My time 2:20 ... Roughly 15 minutes faster than my time from the previous year, and 7 minutes faster than my fastest half! A PR!!! I was proud of myself that day. I'm proud of myself everyday, but I was happy that I didn't walk, and that I was able to PR!

My Most Memorable Run

Running has been such a BIG part of my life since I was a youngster. When I was in high school, I ran cross country and track, and I had an awesome coach named Mr. Chun. I don't believe that he ever ran a day in his life, but he coached my teammates and I well!

My most memorable run ever, was during the summer before the start of my junior year! After much planning, fund raising, and begging our parents, Mr. Chun was able to plan an elaborate week for our cross country team on the island of Molokai, Hawaii!!!

I lived on the island of Oahu, so it was a short plane flight over to Molokai. First class flight on my first commuter plane! Wow! It took several planes to get our team to Molokai, and it was fun to see my teammates in the air as I would see them driving on the freeway! Somehow, Mr. Chun was able to get us five star accomodations at Molokai High School's gymnasium! With Mr. Chun as the chapparone for the boys team, and his wife as the chapparone for the girls team, we set up our sleeping bags on the gym floor and set up camp! Too much fun!!!

Our days were packed with various workouts - morning runs, afternoon runs, weight training, core training, callestenics, stretching. It wasn't all about running and working out though. He had planned hikes, beach trips, sight seeing, mule rides, and barbecues which were integrated with a workout in mind!!! Beach trip? Sure, let's make it a beach run! Hike? Uh huh, let's run up hills and do a trail run! Mule ride to the bottom of the mountain, but you gotta run back up it! It never seemed like "working" out to me though. I was with my best friends, and I was doing what I loved - what more could I ask for?

The island of Molokai, if you have never been there, is the 5th largest island of Hawaii. It's beautiful. When I went many moons ago, it was not as populated or commercialized as it is now, I'm sure. The beaches were empty. It was a pineapple plantation, and Molokai was home to the last Leper Colony.

Our last run, on the afternoon before we left, was a scheduled relay run thru the island! We had been divided into teams - mixed boys and girls. It was an amazing run for me! It was so long ago, but I distinctly remember running alongside one of my best friends, Frank, on the empty highway. I remember that Frank talked me through that long stretch. He could have easily left me behind, but our team was not like that. We actually cared about one another, and we had a Semper Fi mentality. When I wavered, he talked me through it, encouraging me. He reminded me to keep my head up, and to look at my surroundings. My surroundings were beautiful: lush greenery, clear, blue skies, perfect Hawaii weather, the sound of waves crashing, and the scent of pineapples! As we ran, I relaxed into the run, and just ran as my teammates cheered us on. That's the run that is the most memorable for me.

It's been a LONG time, but to this day, when I smell pineapples, I think of that run. I think of Molokai, and of my friends. I think of how wonderful it would be if I could go back and visit. I do go back and visit though, albeit in my dreams, or when I'm running and I waver. I bring my mind back to that time and place, and I once again hear Frank talking to me, and my teammates encouraging me on, reminding me that I CAN do it ...

Keepin' Up With Electronic Updating/Posting/Blogging

I'm not a very good blogger. I just don't see how I can keep up in this electronic world. I watch people on Twitter and FaceBook and I see how they're posting constantly ... Would that mean that they're on ALL the time? How can that be? I, too, love to follow my friends, but to sit in front of the computer or to have my iPhone in hand all the time ... ??? I'm not saying that that's all that they do, I just feel as if I'm not able to keep the pace. I'm sure that most are multi-task as they tweet, update status posts, or write their blogs. But there's also updating DailyMile, NikeRunning .... aaaaaaahhhh!!

I believe that much of my problem is that I'm still the one that loves writing in a journal. It's tangible. I like seeing my handwriting on paper. I like being able to pick it up and turning a few pages to see what I had written on a certain day versus having to scroll thru various screens. Maybe it's the brightness of the screen making my eyes get all goofy that prevents me from staring at the screen all day long. Mostly, I just don't believe that what I have to say is of interest to anyone except me. I'm one of those individuals who do more observing and watching, rather than interacting. I like to listen more than I speak.

I love it though. I love to read what people are doing. I love reading their thoughts that they blog about. It's like an sneak peak into a little part of their world. I love my Twiends. I've met some really great people who inspire and motivate me. I've also read some read blogs that provide insight and enlighten me!

I'm almost there ... I post my tweets, follow my friends, I make comments, and blog here and there. I'm much more advanced than I ever thought I'd be, even impressing my son at times!

Is It Just Me???

I know that I'm NOT perfect. I am soooooo FAR from perfection, but I put forth the effort when I do something.

It's so hard for me to walk into the gym and see people working half-assed! You've seen them, too, I know you have. They're on the treadmill with the incline jacked all the way up, hanging on and talking to their girlfriend on the next treadmill. They're on the phone, talking a little too loudly, trying to show that they're important. They're at the back of the class, doing the motions but not at 100%. Or they're in the weight room, "swinging" the weights around ... Mind you, I understand if they're sick or not up to par, but I've seen people who are sick or not up to par, too, and they're giving it the best that they have, or they rest until they are able to get back into their groove.

When I posted this as my FaceBook status, I received many comments to the effect that, "Not everyone can be you, Row." Or, "Not everyone has the physical abilities that you do, Row." Or, "I'm glad I didn't go because you'd just laugh at me." Yada, yada, yada ... blah, blah, blah!

My point, and I DO have one, is that people pay to go to the gym, or have a trainer, or to go workout and they don't put forth the effort. They lag, or they talk, don't do the moves right, or don't use the equipment correctly ... It's soooooo NOT a matter of physical abilities because lots of people just starting out try hard, ask questions, and workout to 100% of their ability!

I can hear many of you asking why I don't help these individuals. I have attempted to, trust me. I have offered "friendly" advice. I have tried to correct poor form. I have even cited safety concerns. For the most part, I do offer my advice as "constructive criticism." It's NOT my intent to laugh at anyone, or to make them feel small. Seriously, I am happy to see people working out. But remember, I am an ER Nurse and I have taken care of my fair share of individuals who have dropped weights on themselves, "fallen" off the treadmill, pulled muscles because of improper mechanics, etc. I talk to individuals who want "quick-fixes," and get upset because I cannot offer them any other advice other than hard work, and better eating habits. There are NO shortcuts, or at least I have not found any.

Maybe it's just me. Maybe I am too hypercritical of others. I don't believe that I am though. I've been dubbed "hardcore," and other crazy adjectives to that effect. I believe in getting your money's worth, putting your best foot forward, doing your best, giving it your all in order to achieve the BEST results possible. Anything less = FAIL!!!

I Run Because ... I Am A Runner

People always ask me, "How long have you been running?" Truth be told, I'm sure that I hit the ground running once I was released from the womb of my mother and have not stopped since! My mother frequently teased (more like complained) that I was a child who never stopped. She told her friends that I was such a mobile child! Walking at 9 months old, and constantly on the move after that.

Running and being an athlete was something that has come so naturally to me. I taught myself how to ride a bicycle. Yep, I was fortunate to have a neighbor named Faith who had a two wheeled bike that I coveted and an unlocked garage ... don't worry, I didn't steal the bike. Faith said that I could borrow her bike anytime, I just had to put it back. So I did. I taught myself how to ride that bicycle in less than an hour, and I know that I rode her bicycle more than she ever did. The only thing that I regret about teaching myself how to ride that bicycle is how I remember the look on my father's face when he saw me riding a two-wheeler ... I believe that he wanted to be the one to teach me how to ride that bike! But me being as tenacious and stubborn as I am, I couldn't wait for him, I was going to do it myself. I'm still like that to this day ... tenacious, stubborn, strong-willed, self-motivated, self-directed ...

Organized running came to me in the fourth grade. Junior Olympics! I'll never forget how I had to beat all the girls in my class, then all the other girls in the fourth grade to make it to run in the Junior Olympics. I really had no clue what was happening, I just remember that I was FAST and that I got to run on a really cool track at Burroughs High School! And so my running career officially began. I ran track in middle school at Aliamanu Intermediate School, then came high school cross country and track at Radford High School, both in Hawaii.

After high school, I ran for recreational and fitness purposes only, and it began to taper off to the point where I would only run sporadically. You could say that I took at 10 year break. It was only after one of my trainers, Pete, talked me into running the Wharf-to-Wharf in Santa Cruz that the interest sparked again. Mind you, I have never really quit working out, running was just not part of my workouts. So when I seriously returned to running it was slightly painful ... Thank God for muscle memory. My muscles remembered how much it loved running!

Today, I still run for my own personal sense of satisfaction. I am in no means fast, but I can endure. I have found that I love my Nike+ iPod, Fleet Feet saved my feet, dri-fit feels good, and that half-marathons are a perfect running distance. I laugh at myself as I talk to myself during the first two miles of any of my runs - those two miles are the most difficult for me. I have learned that it takes sheer guts to run a full marathon, and that it sucks big time when you hit "the wall!" I have learned that sunblock and hats are my new best friends. I love running with my friends - physically and virtually.

I know that I won't be breaking any records, therefore my goals are different, and simple. With each organized race that I run, my goal is to better my times. My goal is to get faster. I run to stay in shape, to work off frustration, to burn calories that I should not have eaten, and to burn of excess energy. I run because I actually like the runner's high. I run because I like to know that my body CAN do it as "old" as it is, and much better than most of the young'uns out there! I know that all athletes run ... it's a great adjunct to all of my workouts! I run because I am Row., and I am strong, and crazy, and I just love running. I believe whole-heartedly that anyone can do it. It's not about how fast you are ... it's that you're up and out there doing it! If you see me on the road ... don't be afraid to honk and Holla!, then get outta your car and come with me!

Who's Ready For Fitness in 2010? I Am!!! I Am!!!

It's here ... 2010 ... Time to bust out the calendar and plan out my fitness goals and log my events down. For those of you who are a willing participant, I am a good Captain, and I will lead you in the right direction. It is my intent for 2010 to be the fittest that I have ever been. For this reason, I will post the events that I am planning to participate in.

Are you ready to go? Pull your calendar's out, grab a pen, and let's get started ...

January 1st, Friday: the PERFECT day to begin. It's the Resolutions Run in Auburn. 5k, 10k or 10 miles. I am planning to run the 10 mile run. NO excuses. I am working on New Years Eve - all night! Yep, from 7pm to 7am. The run starts at 1pm so I'll have time to catch a quick power nap while my hubby drives us up there and right before check in. http://www.active.com/running/auburn-ca/resolution-run-2010

January 2nd, Saturday: TBF Racing's New Year's Duathalon! Run 2miles, Bike 7miles, Run 2miles ... it's free!!! Another no excuses day! TBF is graciously offering their services to teach us the Du! http://www.tbfracing.com/events/newyeardu.html

February 7th, Sunday: Kaiser Permanente's Annual Half Marathon and 5k, San Francisco, CA. I'll be running the Half Marathon. http://xnet.kp.org/sanfrancisco/index.html

March 13, Saturday: Stockton Shamrock Run. No web information or sign-ups posted yet, but will be soon on http://onyourmarkevents.com/

March 14, Sunday: Shamrock'n Half Marathon, Sacramento, CA. Okay ... I got talked into this one, but it makes sense because my running buddy, Mac Donahoo, and I have set a goal to become Half-Fanatics!!! http://www.shamrocknhalf.com/

April 24th, Saturday: It's the Annual Kaiser Permanente Spear-It Run. Easy and FUN in Downtown Stockton, Cali. 1mile, 5k, 5mile. Last year I ran the 5mile, and this year I'll run the same! Come to Stockton, get your run on, then have you some asparagus! No web information or sign-ups yet, but will be posted soon on http://onyourmarkevents.com/

April 25, Sunday: Okay, this is new. My friend Mac Donahoo wants me to consider running in Big Sur. 21 miles. Something to consider ... Big Sur is beautiful. It's funny because I was thinking that I wanted to run the half marathon that they have, but in November. This event also has a 9 miler, 10 miler, and a kids 5K. http://www.bsim.org/The_Twenty_Fifth_Presentation.htm

May, 2010 ... Still researching and searching for events. I'm thinking I'll just rest this month out! LOL!

May 01, 2010 ... Sacramento's American River Parkway Half. Half marathon that benefits the American River Parkway ... such a nice run!

June 6, Sunday: Muddy Buddy, San Jose! Oh boy! This is a definite must. This will be my 4th Muddy Buddy and it's a BLAST! A buddy duathalon ... approximate distance is 10K ... run, bike, run! I'm passionate about this event, and suggest it to everyone that I know. Last year we had a great group of people who got together to "Du" it ... I'm expecting the same turn-out this year! Check it out on http://www.muddybuddy.com/

July 26, Sunday: Wharf-to-Wharf, Santa Cruz, California! This is a nice, fun 10k run! Sign ups for this race begin in April, and it sells out fast. Check out the website at http://www.wharftowharf.com/

August, 2010 ... no info yet this early in the game, but I'm hoping that the Modesto Midnight Half-Marathon is a "go" again this year! Last year was the first annual one, and I enjoyed running in the dark, however, not many people did. There are a few kinks to workout so as soon as there is information out on it, I'll be sure and let everyone know. For now, just keep watching the blog, as I intend to update it regularly!

September, 2010 ... still searching for events!

September 25, 2010 ... WolfPack Events - Fall Showdown, San Pablo. Half Marathon in Concord, CA.

October 17, Sunday ... This is the day of the Annual Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco. Sign-ups usually start in March, BUT ... it's a lottery so, unfortunately, it is NOT a guarantee that you will get in once you sign up. This will be my third marathon should I "win" the lottery again! I have always dedicated this run to my Dad, as this marathon benefits the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. It is during this time that I will seek donations/contributions and post a website to my donation link. I'll keep you posted when sign-ups begin so we can all enter the lottery together!
*Update* I'm in ... I won the lottery again. I'll be running NWM 2010!!!


October 23, Saturday: I'm anticipating that this will be the day of the Annual Nike Human Race. It's a 10k run anywhere ... you just have to have Nike+! Last year, I was fortuantely to meet Sarah Kay Hoffman, Nike Human Race Ambassador. We ran the 10K at Fleet Feet of Stockton. Good times. As it gets closer to the event, I'll remind everyone, but information can be found on http://nikerunning.nike.com/

October 31, Sunday: Down and Dirty Mud Run, Sacramento, CA. First annual Down and Dirty Mud Run!!! A 10 K with obstacles. Presented by the same promoters of the Muddy Buddy, it is similar, however no biking.


November 13, Saturday: First Annual Veteran's Half and Fun 5k. I signed up for this event last year, however it was cancelled at the last minute! =( I'm hoping that this year it will not be cancelled and I'll be able to get the day off again this year! I'll request the night off again and see what happens. I'll sign up for the Half-Marathon when it comes up! This event was not scheduled, therefore, it's a NO Go!!! But ...

November 14, Sunday:First Annual Stockton Half Marathon. I'm in for this one. Stockton's first half marathon?!?! I'm all about staying close to home.

November 25, Thursday: Stockton's Annual Run Against Hunger. It's a 5k and 10k run. Last year I ran the 10k! Too much fun! Come on out, run, then get your grub on! You'll be able to eat your Thanksgiving dinner without guilt!

December 05 2010: California International Relay Challenge. Signed up with my running buddy, Mac Donahoo. We are team "MiniRow and The MACHine." Excited! We will each be running a half marathon. Mac will start, and I will pick up at leg 3 ... =)

So many things that I desire to do ... so little time!!! I have a goal to be a Half-Fanatic in 2010! That means that I need to up my game and find more events closer together.

I am open to various events. That means ... if you hear of any events that you think I'd enjoy, let me know and I'll go with you! My goal is to run at least 4 half marathons this year. I like 10ks because they're fast and easy. I'm always looking for places to go, and even "Staycations." It's crazy to say that my family vacations are usually centered around where the events are, but it's fun, and I am thankful that I have an understanding family that doesn't mind being "dragged" from place to place. Usually I try to get them involved also and participate, and sometimes (only sometimes) I'm successful.

I am a member of InShape Health Clubs and American Martial Arts Academy both in Stockton, California. I also have a pass to Bikram Yoga Stockton. I run, bike, kickbox. I have a black belt in Krav Maga, and I practice hot yoga! I love resistance training. I enjoy working out with others and am open to trying new things. You may very well see me running or biking out and about in Stockton - if you do, don't hesitate to come out and join me. (If you see me and I don't respond to your honking and/or yelling ... don't get upset if I don't acknowledge you ... it's because I'm running with my iPod on at full blast!) I am an exercise DVD and equipment hoard ... hahaha! P90X? Got it! Insanity? Yep! Elliptical? Uh-huh. Treadmill, weights, resistance bands, punching bags, exercise balls, medicine balls, jump ropes, pull-up bar ... I've got those, too! I carry a gym bag packed with workout clothing and running shoes in my trunk , as well as equipment! See, NO EXCUSES! Absolutely NONE!

Let's make 2010 the best year ever!! We can motivate, encourage, help, and hold each other accountable for staying on track as we get and STAY in shape TOGETHER! Let's goooo ... it'll be so much FFFFUUUNNN!!!

Follow me on http://www.nikerunning.com/ (user name: MiniRowRow), http://www.twitter.com/MiniRowRow , and http://www.facebook.com/MiniRowRow ! You can also find some of my crazy (easy) runs mapped out on http://www.mapmyrun.com/.