I was a runnin'

OK, so I don't really like to 'toot my own horn', but I had to write and tell you of my latest accomplishment. I ran another 5K race on Sunday. It was part of a national series of 13.1 half marathon races that have a 5K portion as well. There weren't as many people in this 5K as the past couple I ran this season, in fact there were only about 300. But I'm happy to say I placed first in my age category. That's right the gold medal! The best part was I decreased my time by over a minute from last race. I ran the 3.1 miles in 25:05 and my pace was 8:13 per mile. I was actually the second fastest woman in anyone my age or younger. It was a chilly morning on South Beach, but we ran the last mile right along the water on the boardwalk and watched the sun rise, which was so cool. The Miami portion of the series had a latin theme (of course) so afterwards there was a live salsa band and dancers, free beer, free arroz con pollo (traditional chicken & rice dish), latin dancers welcoming us across the finish line, latin music played along the whole course. Nothing like a chacha blaring at 6:30 am! My co-workers gave me a 'medal ceremony' the following day and we sang the national anthem! Compared to the other races, it really wasn't that big of a deal, but at least I keep improving! And I know if anyone was chasing me, they would have to run fast to catch me! Or do I want to be caught...hmmmm...:-)

http://www.splitsecondtiming.com/results/2010/131mb5k.html

My Funny Valentine!

I had been home a couple weeks without going out of town somewhere, which was driving me CRAZY, so when I saw that the long holiday weekend was coming up, I checked on last minute airfare deals to find somewhere to go. Luckily, San Antonio was having a weekend fare so I jumped a plane for a few miles and headed to Texas for the Valentine's & President's Day weekend.

I was met at the airport and whisked straight away to The Alamo Cafe where I welcomed some real Mexican Food! We spent most of the weekend really just hanging out, doing a little Hobby Lobby shopping, Target visits, etc. but mostly just constantly PLAYING with Isabelle. She is a funny little girl with an adult mind and vocabulary. It was a great weekend to spend Valentine's Day with those I love. I was hoping to be there for the new baby to arrive, but she is stubborn already! It was a quick trip but certainly always worth it!

Side note, you'll see I ran another race last weekend. I bettered my time quite a bit so I was proud of that!

alOha!

So I started 2010 with a trip to Kona, Hawaii. There was an Arthur Murray competition event there at the Hilton Waikoloa Village resort, so I made myself 'available' to go. With no real official responsibilities there other than to be unofficially official, I had plenty of time to enjoy the resort and amazing weather. Kona is much different than Waikiki, much more remote and quiet and much less touristy. I spent my mornings enjoying a beautiful run on the island, which was necessary since I spent my afternoons drinking fruity tropical drinks by the pool. Of course I also spent time in the ballroom watching the competition and having fun with friends every night. For me, a tropical locale is what I consider a perfect paradise and this certainly fit the bill. It would have been better if Matthew McConaughey would have been sitting next to me, but hey, next time! At least I'm starting 2010 with a tan.

By the way, I have added a new section on the right here of my blog "Running Report". This was suggested by a friend who said it would be cool to keep a log and information about all the places you run over the year. So...I'll try!