San Diego-a-go-go...2010 San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon

Accomplished and fully rocked! I have lost my marathon virginity and loved every minute of it (well, that may be a slight overexaggeration)

I had my doubts going into the race knowing that everyone was saying how hot today was going to be (record heat and humidity compared to recently or something like that). But it didn't really start to get hot until I had reached around mile 10.

Started off the race in Corral 19-20 with a pace of 10:15 min/mile...I figured I could run that for 3-5 miles and then I could pick it up. Accomplished that much, and then accidentally picked up the pace too much so that I was running a 9:15-9:30min/mile which I knew I would not be able to maintain for the whole race. But ended up running at that pace for a good 3-4 miles since I was trying to keep up with my friends (3 faster running males!...bad idea!)

Once we made it to the 163 (awful freeway that is majorly banked...and long...and at an incline...for 3 miles) I had to take it back down on my pace. This is where it started to get majorly hot. It didn't help that because the freeway is long, I could see miles and miles of people ahead of me (literally).

But this time we were at mile 11 or something, and I had vaguely remembered R saying that he would be at Mile 11. But he was hanging out with his coworker (who's wife was running the half...slightly different course), so I couldn't remember if he went Mile 11 on the half course or Mile 11 on the full course. Scanned and scanned for his sweet face, but couldn't find him. Eventually found him and his friend on Mile 11/15 (half/full) and couldn't be more thrilled. Filled up my water bottle with fluids I brought from home (the course was supplying something I had never drank before and didn't want to upset my stomach). And then kept on going.

I'll admit, by this time thoughts running in my head were: "Why am I doing this? Am I crazy? Oh wait, I must be crazy because I signed up for the Portland Marathon too! Are we there yet? Is my sports bra tan getting worse? Why is it so hot!!!" haha. But hearing the crowds cheering all the runners on and listening to all the live bands playing pushed me forward.

Once I got to Mile 19 I knew I was on the home stretch (albeit a long stretch). I had ran that part of the course numerous times, so I thought it would be easy...specially considering it was super flat! But no, I was wrong. We ran around Mission Bay and onto Fiesta Island. The loop around Fiesta Island was, I don't know, like 3 miles or something...but it felt more like 8. The number of bands and onlookers on the island were lacking, and it made it difficult to push through. But I told myself I KNEW I could run 4 miles and it would just require me to take things one step at a time. Oh yeah, and I had somehow managed to pick up a small pebble in my right shoe around Mile 16 or something and I couldn't get myself to stop to untie my shoe and take it out. So I ran with it in there until the end.

Once I hit Mile 24 (I think this was on Fiesta Island towards the end), I could taste victory (but only a little. hahah). This is where I think I may have hit a wall (I guess I should be happy that it hit so late in the race). I kept running (only walked when I came upon the aid stations throughout the race), albeit slowly (maybe 10:45-11:00/mile) but I told myself running slow was better than walking being so darn close to the finish. MAN I WANTED TO WALK SO BAD. My legs were building up so much lactic acid and that darn pebble hurt by this point. I could feel myself loosing steam and salt.

Finally came upon the last aid station (0.8mi from the finish line)...it was glorious! The volunteers kept on chanting 0.8mil from the finish! 0.8 mile from the finish! And I was like YES SWEET JESUS I LOVE YOU! But let me tell you, that was longest 0.8 mile I HAVE EVER RAN IN THE ENTIRE HISTORY OF MY RUNNING HISTORY. hah!

Came around a corner, saw a tent and thought "yes! That must be the finish!" but it turned out there was another 0.2 miles to go (talk about mirage!). Forced my legs to lengthen their strides and propelled myself to the finish line!

You know I threw my arms up when I crossed that finish line! I am very happy with my time of 4hr 32 minutes 6 seconds...I couldn't have asked for a better first marathon experience. Like with other races I have ran, I see areas that need improvement (ie, my 1st half pacing) for future races, but I finished today looking forward to running the Portland Marathon!

(I admit though, I cried just for a brief second when I saw R at the finish because I was SO sore, relieved & happy to have finished. And yes, I am currently still sore!)

Go Long, Go Strong!

And we're back...sort of.

I got my laptop up and running again...in a janky sort of way. I borrowed our old roommate's computer monitor and hooked it up to my laptop. My laptop screen is still black, and eventually I'll need to either fix it or upgrade to a new laptop, but at the moment that seems like an unnecessary expense (esp after my most recent dental visit...super expensive to re-fill four fillings yo!...and we had to get the garage door re-keyed the other day...which was unexpected)

Anyways, it's nice to have my laptop alive again.

We recently ate at Jyoti Bihanga...it's this vegan/vegetarian restaurant down the street from where we live. It's run by Sri Chinmoy practitioners, and they are all super mellow and friendly. Must be from all the meditation!

Anyways, I had hibiscus mint ice tea to drink...



And the NeatLoaf Sandwich for my lunch. I generally like vegetarian/vegan alternatives (R not so much) so I gobbled up my meal happily:




R had the curry...I think it had mock chicken in it. It also came with a carrot ginger soup (which was light and refreshing), but I failed to take a picture of it before R consumed it all. I think he was afraid that I was going to eat it all in my "one bite" that I requested. hehe (he always teases that I consume all the food in the house while he is gone and threatens to hide the groceries so that he can have some. hah!)



I'd like to go back and try the other things on the menu. There are a lot of options to choose from and the atmosphere of the restaurant is really relaxing and peaceful. I also love that we can walk there!

San Diego-a-go-go...in New York!

Just came back from a refreshing long weekend in New York spent enjoying the company of my good friends (from back "home") and exploring some good eats around town. Conclusion: There is not enough time to eat all the good foods offered in this city.

At Xie Xie (not your average Vietnamese sandwich shop)...this is my friend C's Sweet Glazed Pork sandwich


My Vietnamese BBQ Beef sandwich...it was epic:


My friend works in front of a building that has a DESSERT TRUCK parked out in front!!! AMAZING. How she doesn't eat from the truck every single day at every single chance she gets never ceases to amaze me. Here is a pumpkin whoopie pie...bite size. Not too sweet, but hits the sweet spot nonetheless:



We spent some time at MoMA, though we didn't get a chance to look at the Tim Burton exhibit (it was sold out!)



We were puzzled by the works of Marina Ambrovich:


There was a lot of naked bodies involved with her exhibits. We even ventured through the one exhibit which had us walk inbetween two naked women in a hallway. I was afraid that I was going to graze them. While our one friend N just looked one of the women straight in the eye while walking inbetween them. How brave! You can't imagine how uncomfortable it made me feel...

Back to the food...At Inoteca in East Village...an assortment of bruschetta:


Considering this was a tapas restaurant, we left feeling quite satisfied. This was the octopus and garbanzo beans:


Prosciutto panini:


Thai Delivery from Land Thai...I'm blown away at how many things can be delivered in New York. I feel like I would never leave my home. All this food for $60!


A ginormous chocolate chip walnut cookie from Levain's bakery. The dough pre-baking was the size of a baseball. It was beautiful:


We also went to the Spotted Pig for brunch:


My cubano sandwich:


C's burger with roquefort cheese and shoestring potatoes (the neverending MOUND):


N's corned beef and hash with poached eggs:


Mini Cupcakes from Baked by Melissa...I AM OBSESSED with mini cupcakes! I had the red velvet and also a mint chocolate chip one:



Saw an awesome performance called Streb Slam in Brooklyn. A combination of gymnastics and dance and acrobatics...it was cool to say the least:



Also ate at Otto's:
Ramp's pizza:


BUCCATINI AL' AMATRICIANA (hollow spaghetti and crispy pork cheek):



Also had an anchovy pizza:


For dessert I had a triple gelato...Olive Oil, Guiness Stout (OH SO GOOD), and Pistachio!

Spring into Spring...

with a Burger Bar Party!

This is actually from a few weeks ago, but living in San Diego, are there really seasons? :P hehe

Check out the view from our friend's new condo in Little Italy. She has a kick ass community roof top BBQ area in the building:




Yummy vanilla bean cupcakes from Trader Joes, complete with sprinkles:



I sneaked a small piece before eating my lunch (don't tell my mom!)


More yummy goods from Trader Joes...the broccoli salad:


Hey, where are the burgers??? After all, it was a burger party, right?

An assortment of toppings for the burger bar:


More toppings:


I loaded my turkey burger:


It was a fantastic way to spend a Sunday...friends, food, good times :)

San Diego-a-go-go...The Naked Cafe

Oh my god...YUM!

The Naked Cafe is my new favorite breakfast joint.

Blackberry-Banana pancakes:
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I'm ready for my closeup:


The Yin and Yang (roasted potatoes, black beans, avocado, jalapeno peppers, tomatoes and salsa served with a tortilla):


It really hit the spot.

The Big Buff Breakfast burritos:


The Transcendence Wrap with a big heap of quinoa:


Dear Naked Cafe,
I will be back for more!
Love,
Me

Manic Monday

Got the keys to my first place today!

Scary and exciting all at once

San Diego-a-go-go...O'Brothers (Horton Plaza)

A few of my friends and I are on a never-ending quest for the Best Burger in San Diego...In fact, our friend, F, has set up a handy dandy spreadsheet/grading system for this burger quest. It's awesome!

Tonight we made plans for an early dinner (4:30pm! And no early bird special yo!) and met at O'Brother's in Horton Plaza. We've tried to go to this burger joint three times now before we realized that they closed at 7pm on Sunday's. (Hence why we met extra early today to ensure that we could enjoy a burger there) We were all equally impressed.

The menu is simple (maybe a total of 6 burgers to choose from), and everything is organic...even the beer! I love the concept of farm-to-table restaurants!

F & I both opted for the The Big O burger (w/cheese, bacon, avocado, tomato and onion). F paired her Big O burger with an organic oatmeal beer, I opted for some green tea:



Each burger comes with your option of fries (tossed with generous chunks of minced garlic and salt) and two dipping sauces (ketchup and a ranch-flavored dip) or you could opt for a side salad:


(F & I both opted for fries!)

N opted for the Western Burger (bacon, cheese, w/homemade bbq sauce, onion rings) & the side salad & some classic root beer:



After taking a look at N's onion rings, F & I got a side order of onion rings too. hehe...but I mean, looking at this, wouldn't you want to try it too?



Meal = Amazing. I guess it is on the pricier side seeing as it was a $9.50 burger...but you get what you pay for at this joint.

In fact, before we left I got R a Big O burger to-go. He enjoyed his as well. I'm sure we'll go back...just maybe not for dinner (since how often do you eat dinner at 4:30?)

Next up, we'll be having a Burger Bar at our friend's...on her lovely outdoor BBQ/patio area. I can't wait.




O'Brothers
www.obrothersburgers.com
188 Horton Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 615-0909

San Diego-a-go-go...2010 San Dieguito Half Marathon

This past Sunday (yeah, on Valentine's day! I clearly had nothing better to do but get up early on a Sunday to RUN) I ran in the San Dieguito Half Marathon...I was not mentally prepared for the run, on top of which my foot started hurting after mile 4 (at which point I knew I'd be doomed), and yeah, ended up running my slowest half marathon time thus far (a dreary 2hr 16 minutes wah wah wah). But, in the end, I crossed the finish line, and I'm happy about that.

My right foot has been bothering me off and on for the past two weeks (for a few days I thought I had a stress fracture and R never heard the end of it since I brought it up every single night and made him inspect my foot every single night. But I think I just need more supportive shoes since my current pair have reached their mileage capacity), and so the week prior to the race I had assumed I wasn't going to run in the race (hence why I was not mentally prepared!)

The course was scenic (duh, Rancho Santa Fe is so nice! The homes are like whoa!) and even got to see people riding horses along the way. They served ice cold beer at Mile 12...which in theory sounds fantastic, but when you grab a cup thinking it'll be water or an electrolyte drink, it's not so pleasant. I took a big gulp by accident...meh. I also think it was Bud Light...making it a double meh. I also learned in this race that it's a lot harder to walk in a race then it is to run in a race. Strange how that works out. I can't even begin to fathom how some people walk a marathon...by choice!

It was hilly, but not overly so...in fact it almost seemed like the first four miles of the race was relatively downhill. But, it was definitely hillier than Silver Strand or Carlsbad.

I think I'll run it again next year...and prepare myself mentally for it. I also plan on leaving my house earlier next time seeing as how I did not enjoy parking over (due to lack of parking nearby!) a mile away from the race site and then having to walk over a mile UPHILL back to my car after running 13.1 miles. Let's just say my legs were feeling it the next day.

Next up...the La Jolla Half Marathon in April!

San Diego-a-go-go...2010 Carlsbad Half Marathon

Disclaimer: I am not running to win the race...EVER!

Half Marathon #2 done and done. I PR'd (personal record!) yesterday at a time of 2hr 4min and 17seconds...a whopping 4 minutes faster than my time at the Silver Strand Half Marathon back in November.

Amazingly, the 13.1 miles went by quickly...to the point where it felt like I had only ran 6 miles or something. I made good use of my Garmin Forerunner 305 (which R got for me for Christmas..and I LOVE IT) and actually paced myself from the get-go. I ran a smarter race this time so that I would have some leftover umph for the last 3 miles (always the toughest for me). It was freezing cold though, and I ran with my gloves on the entire race. It helped that there was a lot of live music along the course and a LOT of bystanders cheering us on. Hands down my favorite was the little boy (he had to be about 5-7yrs old) singing Eye of the Tiger while his dad (?) and some other dudes played the instruments. I was laughing out loud, and mouthing the words and probably looked completely crazy. I also made sure to shaka at all the event cameras, wave and smile. Yes, I actively made sure to smile at the cameras this time, and oddly enough, I think that helped me get through the run.

I am so proud that I didn't stop once to walk during this race. Yes, it was a relatively flat course...there were some low-grade inclines but nothing quad-busting. But, like a turtle, I made my way to the end, slow and steady.

It was awesome being able to participate in this race with the Pit Bull Rescue San Diego Running Team as well...I feel like we really bonded over the experience. I'm so proud of my teammates for not only raising so much money for the pit bulls in the rescue, but for completing the run (it was the first time running a half and/or running that long of a distance for a lot in the group). It's no easy feat, and the dedication it took to train and complete this means a lot! We are even setting sights for another fundraising race further along in the year :)

Running is a humbling experience and you never know what kind of race you're going to run when you first cross the start line. A good time for me maybe a horrible time for the person next to me. I think that's what I like the most about running...yeah, when you're an elite runner you're competing against other people, but for people like me (the average joes), you're competing against yourself. It takes discipline, restraint, and patience. Do you know how hard it is to pace yourself in the beginning of the race when the adrenaline is pumping through you??? It's tough! Everyone was passing by me in the beginning of the race and I was like, shit! what did I get myself into? Do you know how hard it is to keep going when you feel like you have a blister forming on your toes? (It turns out that my toenail dug into the side of my big toe and cut the skin/made it bleed...and that's what was hurting, not a blister...gross I know)

I have to admit, I think I'm hooked.

p.s. - I am so grateful for R. He kept me going and was my number one cheerer from Day One. So, thank you R. You are ichiban.

Some things that end up in my tummy...

Drunken Noodles with tofu and veggies from Amarin Thai



Drunken Noodles with tofu and veggies from Amarin Thai
Broccoli