10 Days

10 days remaining until it's time to attempt another half marathon. Going to participate in the Rock n' Roll Las Vegas. Kinda excited about this one as it's a " Rock n' Roll" event. Keep hearing good things about this marathon.

Excited to see:


* The Running Elvis'es . My friend suggested that we get Elvis costumes and run the event. But, I wasn't really keen to this idea. I think I would get way too hot in that bell bottom jumpsuit coupled with that big black wig I would have to wear. What a hot mess these guys look like, huh?




* 85 couples getting married at mile 3.5 of the course in front of the Eifell Tower of the Paris Hotel. There will be a special corral for the lively couples, their bridal party, an running Elvis and a running Reverend.





Most of all I'm excited to be running on the Las Vegas Strip sober and with water in my hand.

New Shoes, New Clothes, and Warm Ears

The very next day after the race, I headed to Fleet Feet to return the clickity clunk shoes, aka New Balance 1011's. Tried on a few other pairs and came out with the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10. Sounds like a cool car, huh? Went with these as they felt much lighter to run in and still had the arch support that my Flinstone feet needed. Thanks Dad for blessing me with these lovely feet.

I also headed to the Nike outlet because I've realized that I was in super dire need of some outdoor winter running clothes. My stars were aligned because when we arrived to the Nike outlet, they were having a pretty good sale. Additional 30% off all the clearance items and other items around the store which so happen to be items that I was looking at. Score!

I picked up two dri fit pants, two dri fit long sleeve tops and one snazzy headband/ear warmer for $2.49!
I've never worn a ear warmer before and I'm not sure how to wear them, so I tried it out in front of my bathroom mirror. I think I need to fiddle with this warmer, yes?

My First 10K

Saturday, I ran my very first 10K with one of my EG running gals, Bern. It was the Davis Turkey Trot and it was freakin' cooooooooooold! Like 37 degree weather cold. I know this is considered warm to most people living in the midwest and east coast, but for us California people, it is freezing!

I watched New Moon near midnight the night before and was on cloud 9 coming home because I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. Had butterflies from Robert Pattinson, le sigh. Made me worry that I wouldn't be able to go to sleep right away. But, fortunately, I did and woke up grudgingly around 6:30 am.

Immediately prepared some coffee and a bowl of cereal with organic milk.

Bern came over around 7:30 am so that we could carpool together. She had no one to watch her kids and her husband had to forego participating in the 5K and stayed home with the kids. She was kinda bummed that her family wasn't able to come with her and cheer her on. I was so bummed for her as I know how much it means to have support at a race. Like, I tell my husband all the time, " still waiting for a cool glittery sign." Heh.

We line up near the front of the race. Remembering our last 5K together, I didn't want to be in the very front. Too much drama up there. So, we scoot ourselves just a little bit behind the front and wait for the countdown to begin and the blare of the horn. It finally goes off and we bid each other adieu and best of luck! I wish I could run with Bern, but unfortunately, we aren't each others pace. Hopefully, someday....

I'm running and chanting to myself, " Don't gun it, just stay your pace." At the same time, I'm thinking,"Man these new running shoes feel like cement blocks on my feet." F.

The run takes you through some streets of Davis and then it turns into the back trails behind houses. Miles 2.5 through 5 took place in the back trails and then it went back onto the streets of Davis.

On mile 4, my right shin was hurting and I know it's from my new shoes. I did try breaking them in earlier in the week and I felt the same way in them which was my feet felt heavy and my shins are hating them. I have already decided by the end of mile 4 that I'm returning them to Fleet Feet for another pair.

I got to see my friend, Joy midway through mile 4. Almost didn't recognize her as she was covered up big time. Joy just did the 20 mile run at the Clarksburg Country Run and finished within 4 hours. Yay, Joy!

Once, I saw her, I used her as my pacer. I just stayed right behind her and kept running along. Thanks, Joy! You don't know it, but you helped me.

Finally, I see the finish line around Mile 6 and feel the adrenaline kick in. I hear the crowd and I just want to finish.

Unofficial Time: 1:20. Eh, I was hoping to finish within 1:00 but oh wells.

I think I have a memory of a goldfish--3 seconds.

So, I'm one of those uber Twilight fanatics. I have been patiently waiting for the movie, New Moon, to come out since I bought my ticket via Fandango about a month ago to watch it at midnight tonight! By the way, I'm Team Edward and I'm going to dread this movie because there's a whole lotta' Jacob in this one. Ewwww.

Well, I f'd up. Three weeks ago, I agreed to sign up with my friend to do the Turkey Trot 10K in Davis, CA. Always heard good things about the Turkey Trot in Davis and since I wasn't working, why not? Well, I just realized this week that dam, I'm watching New Moon @ midnight and dam I have a semi-early wake up call for the 10K. Totally forgot that the movie comes out this weekend.

Eh, whatevs. What can you do? I'll just have fun with it tomorrow and not worry about the time. I hear it gets really crowded at the Turkey Trot because it's a very popular family event. Funny thing happened as I was waiting in line to get pick up my packet this afternoon which by the way was across the street from Fleet Feet and outside in the pouring rain. They did provide tents, but it was still wet in there. Anyways, the guy in front of me kept asking people around him, " So, what are you running...the 5K or 10K? Oh yeah, what are you hoping your time to be?" I just kept thinking to myself, " Really, dude?"

New Shoes.

I finally purchased a new pair of running shoes. This time, I walked into the store with a much more educated mind about running and what type of shoes are best for me. Unlike my first experience when I had no clue and trusted all of my knowledge with the running lady at the store. Grrrrr.

I wanted so badly to try on the Brooks Ardrenaline, but they didn't have my size. They didn't have my size in the Asics 2150's, either! She said that Asics may be too narrow for me anyways since I have wide feet. Ugh, really?

So, she brings out what they have as far as stability shoes. One was the Brooks Addiction and the other was the New Balance 1150's. The Brooks Addiction felt great, but when compared to the New Balance 1150's, it didn't hold up. I felt more support in the New Balance's, especially in the arches. The only thing I was concerned about with the New Balance 1150's was that they felt a bit heavy. I buy them despite the heaviness and decide to try them out. Love Fleet Feet's policy of being able to return the shoes if you aren't happy with them.

This morning, I try them out. Kinda excited, actually. That was really what got me out the door this am was being able to try them out and the fact that I actually needed to try them out since I'll be using them in the Turkey 10K Trot this Saturday.

I was a all a mess. Decided to bring Maddie with me which I really shouldn't have. I just couldn't find my groove in these shoes especially with Maddie doing zig zag's in front of me and pulling me a bit making me go much much faster than I really wanted to. Ugh. I started to get shin splints and my right arm was getting tired of holding onto the leash with a big ole' counter hold to prevent Maddie from going even faster. So, this AM run was a huge fail. Going to try again on Friday evening. I have to work the next two nights, so hopefully, I can make a run on Friday evening.

Facebook Inspires.

It really does help to have running friends. This past Sunday, I met up with two of my girlfriends for a morning running date in their neighborhood. One of my gf''s, whom I'll call PK2, has been inspired with my running updates I make on Facebook that she decided to give running outdoors a try. So, she messages me on FB and we set a date. I was excited and she was excited! I love gaining more running friends. The more the merrier, right?

Boy, was it a hard running date to make. Since the Pacquiao fight was the night before, I didn't get to sleep until 3:30 in the morning. Ugh. I was so tempted to cancel, but I didn't want to disappoint PK2 since she was excited to run outdoors for the first time. That would have been just too cruel.

With that said, I feel so much accountable to keep up the running especially on days when I'm just not feeling it. A few more of my friends on Facebook have expressed to me that they have been getting motivated to start running because of my updates. Strange, but true. I feel so humbled that my little running updates inspire them.

One of my EG girls came along. Actually, since I wasn't familiar with her neighborhood all too well, she told us where to meet her. Pk2, EG Girl, and moi did a cool 3.6 mile run along the trail. We were able to talk and catch up with each other lives which I enjoyed very much as it made the time go really fast. Unfortunately, every now and then, I kept experiencing aches in my arches. I knew it had to do with my awful shoes.

Pk2 really enjoyed the run. She was surprised that she didn't get tired at all and thought it was a great start for her. Hopefully, I can meet up with her more often.

Took Maddie out for another run this morning. I swear, she is the best motivation to get me out there. Plus, I think she pushes me to continue running at times when I just want to walk.

This time, she was a bit too fast for me. I looked down at one point and saw that we were going about 9:41 pace. Eeeks, Maddie slow down! I know this girl has potential, but I'm holding her back as I can see.... sorry girl. One day, we shall run at that if not a faster pace for you.

Wore my Berkeley shirt today while running as today is the last home game. Go Bears! Passed a fellow runner that yelled out, " Go Bears!" as we ran. That put a smile on my face.

Sadly, me and the husband aren't attending it tonight as we are hosting a Pacquiao fight party at our house. It's pretty much a requirement of every Filipino household to throw a party for the Pacquiao fight. Isn't it?

When we got home, I could see some religious people making their way to our neighbors doorsteps to talk with them. Ugh. Gotta run faster to get in the house, close the blinds, and hope that they didn't see which house we ran inside of. Maddie immedately drank some water and ate up all of her food. Cracked me up that she needed some carbs after running. After that, she passed the heck out.

I think I found a running buddy!

Maddie turned a whopping ONE YEAR old last month and ever since then, I was contemplating of taking her out with me for some runs. I had a hunch that she would be a good running buddy. The long legs, lean body and rambunctious personality. Plus, I tested the waters at times on our walks and would run with her for a few seconds or so and she seemed to like it alot. She was total game.

Well, today I decided that this was the day she was going to run. So, on with her harness and her leash. We walked for about 5 minutes to warm up since it was a bit chilly outside and then I asked her, " You Ready Girl," She looked at me with a, " huh?" Then I started to run and she started to run. She did zigzag diagonally every now and then making me a bit annoyed, but once I called out her name, she ran straight once more. Ofcourse, there were the few run in with other dogs which I wasn't so much afraid that she was going to attack them. She's a very sociable dog. I knew that she was going to try and go to them and get them to play. So, we had to stop for a bit whenever we saw the dogs walking. Ugh. Gotta work on that! Other than than, she did awesome! Our pace was between 10:40-11:00 and honestly, it seemed like a measly stroll to her --that punk! LOL

I'm loving that she's going to be a great running buddy. She kept me on pace and I'm just hoping that she'll make me a stronger and faster runner. Yay!!!! Go Maddie!

Backyard is Done!

Our backyard is done. Yaaaaay!!!! So happy to be looking outside to trees and plants, instead of dirt and weeds. The even better part, Maddie can go out and do her biznatch-- privately! For a year, we've been taking her outside to the front lawn and I would get embarrassed when people would walk by and see her do this. It's bad enough that our lawn showed it, too! We would have random yellow patches on the lawn.

The stain lady did a really good job. She's a one woman worker and I can't imagine how she does lots that are way bigger than ours alone. Much kudo's to her! Thank you, stain lady. You rock!

This is a picture that is in front of our door. I caught Maddie doing "sprints" back and forth and through the bark causing some of the bark to get loose onto the cement. Oh yeah, also caught her putting her nose in the bark. Luckily, I caught her in time before she got to the tarp to do some serious damage. So, needless, to say, whenever we catch her on the bark, we tell her to get off. Sorry, girl! It's way too early to be messin' up the backyard.

Now, all we need to get now is some patio furniture. Having to wait on that since patio furniture is pretty expensive. It's like shopping for indoor furniture all over again. If you have some places where you can suggest for some reasonably priced patio furniture, send them my way!

Great Deal!

Love the store, See Jane Run. I think it has to do with more of the name. They have some cute shirts that have statements written on them. Two of my favorites are the,
" I Run for Chocolate," and the other one being, " If you can run a mile, you can run a marathon." So, true, yes?

The " I Run for Chocolate," shirt is on sale for $17.99. Thinking of purchasing it as a Christmas gift for my dear friend, " No Fear." She has a strong weakness for chocolate and she makes no qualms of admitting it a whole lot. So, I think it's perfect for her.

Right now, they are offering a fantastic deal. You can purchase a gift card that is valued at $50 for $25! The deal is going on for 2 days, so make sure that you get on this asap! Click here to be taken to the deal.

I'm planning on using it towards a pair of new running shoes. My friend, who is a physical therapist assessed me as I was complaining about my feet aching badly whenever I go on long runs. I suspected it had to with my shoes coupled with me having flat feet.

My suspicions were correct as he checked out my shoes and bent them in half which told me that I had no support whatsoever! We also headed to a sports store so that he could show me what kinds of shoes I should be purchasing as to not purchasing.

Here's what I learned. For you overpronaters, the key to a good running shoe is looking at the side of the shoe (arch area) There is usually a foam part at that area. What you should do is press down onto that foam. If your fingers can instantly and easily press down on it, then that isn't the shoe for you. However, if the foam doesn't easily press down, then it should provide good support for your feet and not allow you to overpronate. He also added that you can insert food inserts in order to give you additional support.

Three shoes I have in mind. One is the Brooks Addiction 8. It retails for $94.99. If I use the gift card, I would ultimately pay $69!


The other shoe is the Asics 2150.
It retails for $99.99. I would pay $74.

The third one is the Asics Kayano's 15. I keep reading and hearing how wonderful these shoes are, especially for flat feet people such as myself. It retails for $139.99 which would have me paying $114. A sweet, sweet deal for these shoes.

In the Works.

Our postage stamp backyard is slowly coming along. The landscapers started working on it about two weeks ago. Starting with putting in all the drainage. We were and still are a bit worried since our backyard had a bit of a slope. We got mixed reviews from our estimators saying that we should put a small retaining wall because of the slope to no retaining wall is necessary; it's all in the draining placements. Ultimately, we decided to not place a retaining wall and go with placing a proper draining called "decko draining."

The area we are located in is partly known to flood. So far, we haven't experienced any flooding the few times it has rained. Let's hope it stays that way!

Last week, they just slabbed on the salt cod concrete. So far, it looks really good! I can't wait for the acrylic lady to come and stain it with the chocolate brown/light brown colors we chose together. We chose to go with the salt cod concrete because it was more reasonable. What I would give to have either stamped or pavers, but it was just way out of our budget. I guess you can say that the salt cod concrete is a ghetto version of stamped? They place salt all over the concrete for a few days . After a few days, they wash off the salt and BAM, you see all kinds of dibbits in the cement.

Here, we plan on putting lawn. All for Maddie. Parents kept insisting that we get the fake grass. The one that looks and feels like grass. It doesn't look like the Brady Bunch backyard grass or the mini golf turf anymore.

But, I just kept thinking about when she poos and how gross it will be to wash that stuff off. Like, what if it still smells and such? Eww. Plus, since we weren't asking for alot of grass, alot of landscapers won't give you the fake grass or recommend against it because it cost more. So, that basically solved our dilemma.

I can't wait for it all to be finished. I'm hoping that once its all finished, we can throw a little bbq to celebrate and break it in.

The hubs has been doing quite the research on gas grills. Fortunately, we have a gas hookup for a grill, so we don't have to deal with propane stuff.

We found out that all Webers hardly ever go on sale. They are like Apple Mac's. The closest to a good deal we found on Webers was no tax, free delivery and no additional fee to put it together at California Backyards. That's how they compete with the other competitors who sell Webers. It's a good deal and we nearly got one there. So glad that we found out this information as we would have been going through all these stores comparing prices of Webers. As much as we would love to splurge on a Weber, I think we are going to go with Weber's other brand called, Ducane. Its made by Weber and has all the Weber like qualities, has great reviews, but not the price.