The City of Roses

I hadn't been to Oregon since I was maybe in high school, and before than even elementary school, but I don't think I'd ever been to Portland. Despite only having about 48 hours in the city (and even less than that, really), I wanted to squeeze in as much as we could (naturally) duirng our quick weekend getaway! 

On our way! 

Our flight out of Long Beach was Saturday morning and we were in Portland and landed about 12:45 pm. We figured that we'd be on a train around 1:30 to get to our hotel, drop our things off, down to the expo to pick up race day essentials and then be on our way to explore PDX and all it had to offer. (Side note: this Portland Bucket List is awesome and I wish we had had more time to do it all!) The city had other plans -- a light rail train derailed somewhere around the exit we had to get off at to get to the hotel. So on the first train, the conductor suggested getting off at one of the main transit centers and catching a bus into downtown (where the expo was). So we're waiting around for the bus - meanwhile, people see me in my Portland Marathon Ambassador shirt and are asking me where to go! - and then a TriMet guy comes out and says "Hey, there's another train, take that one and by the time you'll get near the derailment, it should be clear!" So duh, we do that. 

Mandatory PDX carpet selfie.

Wrong, wrong and so wrong. We got stopped like three stops later and spent half an hour sitting on that train before we gave up and went to go catch another bus. We befriended an older couple who were at least getting us as best around as they knew how. So we caught that bus, transferred to another one and eventually got to downtown before our hotel. We figured we were that far already that we may as well hit the expo (all our luggage in tow) and then fight our way to the hotel. By the time we got to our hotel, checked in and upstairs, it was nearly 5:30 pm. Shenanigans. 

I had mentioned maybe going to the Portland Timbers game that evening, solely because they have one of the most live and tradition-based soccer teams in the country and even though they weren't playing the Galaxy, it'd totally be worth going to, but again... 4 hours later, that was the last thing I wanted. So we hightailed up to the hotel bar for the last 5 minutes of happy hour and spent well over three hours there watching the night's college football games. No complaints - a great bartender, great view of the city from across the river, and drinks. Color me happy. 

DOUGHNUTS! 

Sunday after the race (recap coming later today!) was pretty much all we had for exploring the city. Post-race we headed straight over to Voodoo Doughnuts because, duh, Portland. The line was only about 20 minutes, so we must have caught the last little wave before people really got going after the race - win! The gloriousness and OMG, the gluttony. We ended up with six: the classic sprinkles + vanilla, plain glazed, Oreo + vanilla, Portland Creme, a maple bacon bar and the signature voodoo doll that has a pretzel stake in his chest and oozes raspberry filling when you tear him apart. So. Good. 

After Voodoo, we headed back to the hotel so I could shower and nap and then got our day going. I really wanted to go check out the International Rose Test Garden up in Washington Park.A nice train and bus ride later (seriously, Portland's lightrail system is awesome), we were at the top of the park. 

An amazing view of downtown... and roses on roses on roses! The garden is home to some 550+ varities of roses, some which don't even have names because again, they're test roses! 4.5 acres of some of the most beautiful roses in colors I didn't even know existed. There are no words, but highly recommend you taking a visit here if you get the chance. The garden is supposedly open April - October and is free! 

Could NOT get enough. 

After the garden, we met up with two of my running club friends and their spouses (we were the kids of the group, for sure) and headed over to Blue Star Donuts who was unfortunately sold out of most everything by the time we got there. I've heard that they're "better" and "more gourmet," whatever that means in donut terms). So then we made our way to Deschutes, which is based in Bend but also has a brewery in downtown Portland, for drinks and some snacks (Doug and I were starving). After a tasting flight there and a citrus beer for me, we walked over to the Portland City Grill. Highly recommended by that couple on the bus, and despite being a little dressed down, we got in anyway.

This place is on the 30th floor of the US Bank building and overlooks the entire downtown area and the Williamette River. There are stunning views on clear days of Mount Hood and it's just breathtaking. We got up just in time for the last of the sunset and then got to see all the lights at night, too. I definitely want to go back here if we get the chance, to enjoy either a) a window table or b) a full meal, but note that it's not super cheap ($30-50 per plate). But oh my, the views make it worth it !

And that was that. Monday morning, we were up before the sun to get on the train (with no issues!) to head up to the airport and back home. Short trip, amazing trip, but it's definitely leaving me wanting more! 

What else is on your Portland to-do list?

Road Trip!

I'm off on a little mini road-trip with this guy (not the puppy)...

The start of our last road trip, last summer!

 Doug and I are headed up to the Bay for a quick weekend away. Doug's never driven up the California coast, so we're turning it into a little touristy action fun as well. Suggestions on stops we should make?

Most importantly, looking forward to some wine-ing with this birthday girl! 

HP and me, my birthday weekend!

Looking forward to a fun weekend away, a short vacation and exploring the city some more with Doug. Baseball games to cross off two more stadiums (AT&T Park and O.co Coliseum), city touristing, and a good time out of the Southern California heat for a bit!

What are you up to this weekend?

Vacation Bound!

I know you're still hanging on for part 3 of Ragnar... I promise, it's coming. But for now... it's vacation time!

 My grandparents, uncle, parents, sister and I are all meeting up in Long Beach at the port to hop on the fabulous Carnival Imagination for a weekend ride down to Ensenada and back.

We depart this evening, are at sea all day tomorrow, Ensenada on Saturday, and back in Long Beach on Easter morning. I'm super excited - and a little nervous. I love my family and all, but you know when too much is too much! This is the first vacation (that I can recall) that all 7 of us will be going on together. Thankfully, cruise ships have enough entertainment for everyone and we can do our own thing when we please... and come back together when we please, too!

While in Ensenada, I think we're going to check out this:

It's called La Bufadora, or the blowhole. Because of the rocks and the way the water has formed sort of canyons and holes, it's a natural blowhole when the waves come up. I'm kind of stupidly excited about this! But there's also some wineries to check out so maybe I can convince some family to do that too... :)

Have a lovely, lovely weekend, and I promise part 3 is coming soon!

Have you ever been on a cruise? Where to?

Spring Adventures

Despite being fairly quiet here lately, there's a little bit coming up on my plate that I'm pretty excited about. I'm feeling a little more on the ball than the last few weeks, but given a 4-day trip to Florida, and then a 5-day trip to San Diego thrown in the middle of all that, training was the last thing on my mind. But that's okay.

One of the things i'm loving most about being back in California is that there are plenty of races going on at all times. I had plenty in Georgia, but I feel like I've got even more out here to choose from and can't be more excited about all the opportunities there are! Of course, I'd love to add more states but I'm not sure that'll be happening this year!

So here you have it:

Ragnar So Cal - April 4-5

Team Adventures in Runderland

Ragnar DC was a blast in 2012 and I'm so freaking excited that I get to do it again! I'm captain-ing our team with HP, naturally, and we've got a hodge podge of lovely women. There are five of us that are sorority sisters, two are friends of one them, and the rest are women we've picked up via the Ragnar site and other random connections. I'm excited to have our team finally come together. More on that on Wednesday! 

Carnival Cruise - April 17 - 20Because this doesn't have to be all running, right? :) We're taking a family cruise from Long Beach to Ensenada and back. My parents, sister is flying out from New York, grandparents, and my uncle and I are all hanging out for a few days on our way to Mexico and back. I'm pretty excited to spend some family time together, and most significantly for some extra time with my sister!  

Run Through Redlands Half Marathon - April 27

This half is not entirely flat, though apparently flatter than in recent years (though I have no reference point). But it runs through some really gorgeous areas of Redlands, so I'm excited to check it out. And what better than another fabulous local race to add to my collection?

Fontana Days Half Marathon - June 7

This half is is known as the fastest Half Marathon due to the gradual downward slope of the course - there is an elevated drop of 2,125 feet from start to finish! I think this is an appropriate time for #sub2orbust, don't you?

I'm looking for a few more spring races to add to the collection. I'm really looking forward to finally getting back in this groove and that I'm actually making some leeway already! Bring it on!

What spring races are you looking forward to?

Florida, Vacation, Disney, Wedding Bound!

Oh my god, you guys... VACATION.

While I know I travel a lot, I finally feel like I'm actually going on a vacation. Maybe because it's longer than a weekend. I'm so excited! 

Gulf, you are calling my name!

 We're Florida bound -- spefically, two days in Orlando and then two days in Sarasota for some wedding, beach, sand, surf, all things vacation fun!

Unfortunately, I discovered that the Sarasota Half is the same Sunday, and found out about it wayyyy to late to pay that much for registration. I even almost convinced Doug to the relay... almost. Fail!

BUT - I get to take Doug to one of the best places ever for the THE VERY FIRST TIME. I can't wait - like, beyond excited. We're both nerdy Hidden Mickey fanatics, so I know he's just going to have a BALL (pun intended).

(source)

 My dear, old friend from graduate school, Kim, is getting married just south of Sarasota. It's a tiny wedding (only about 40 people), so I feel so fortunate that not only were Doug and I invited, but that we're actually going to make it! I haven't seen her in a year and a half, since last Christmas, when we carried on our one-day-dates during the holidays when we were both in California.

About three years ago this time, I spent half of my Spring Break visiting her in New York, not long after she
had moved there for her new job. She was one of my best people in San Diego and throughout grad school, especially as she continued to work at SDSU after she graduated (the year before me). Many of my San Diego adventures and shenanigans involve her and I am so excited to be there for her wedding.

Kim, though you probs aren't reading this at this point (since you're already in Florida!), I hope your wedding day is everything you desire and so much more! Many congratulations and years of love for you and Erik! See you soon!

Are you heading anywhere exciting this weekend?

Tips for Enjoying Your runDisney Experience

I wanted to include this in my post about my Wine and Dine experience, but I feel that it was worthy of its own post anyway. Please remember that is this is all based off my (currently) one and only runDisney race - and as amazing as it was, I'm sure there are always things you wish you could have done a little differently, right? Right.

Tips for Enjoying Your runDisney Experience

And heck yes! Get yourself a Celebrating! button!

• Don't go into a runDisney race with a time goal. I read so many folks saying this the weeks leading up to this, and I really took that to heart. It is Disney, after all. It's the most magical place on earth. I'm glad I didn't - not only because I wanted to ensure Heather made it, but that I really wanted to take it all in. If you are a Disney lover, you want to be able to really make the most of it.
• If you're a later corral, don't try and be that guy. in the bottleneck that is Animal Kingdom, there was a guy who was yelling at folks "On your left! On your left!" like he actually thought he'd get by people. Dude, you're in the second to last corral. Start earlier if you're going to take this race that seriously.
• Research the course. Every race runDisney hosts has a different course (some overlap in portions), but each has its unique challenges. I'm thankful for the gentleman we met going into packet pick-up who warned us of the extreme bottleneck that occurs in the Animal Kingdom because how narrow paths get. It prepped me for it, so when we got to the park I didn't freak out or worry about my pace - I knew it was coming and knew how to deal. Find folks who have done it before, read blogs, articles, reviews, and anything you can find about the course you're about to take on. 
• Stay on site: we were on property technically, so it wasn't a big deal, but I imagine having the shuttles at your disposal makes things a little easier. Overall, it didn't affect my experience, but I'm also grateful that we got to use Selby's parking pass and therefore use the shuttle to/from the start line. 
• Bring a camera! I hated running with so much junk in my hands, but am also so grateful I did. I knew my photo wouldn't cut it for the nighttime photos, so I brought my Nikon along for the ride too. So glad I did! Stop and take character photos, scenery, park signs. It's worth it.
• Don't visit the parks the day of the race. I say this for Wine and Dine, given that it started at 10 pm. I can only imagine a long day at a park, then getting somewhere to change and then go run. Morning races at Disney are totally and completely different, but for W&D, I'd personally advise against it. I'm glad I saved it for the day after the race (moving helped my legs recuperate too!). 
• Run with friends/groups/folks you know. Disney is more fun with more people as we all know. You're allowed to move back corrals (i.e. I was assigned to C but started in E), but aren't allowed to move forward (though with all those people they'd know none the wiser). 
• For Wine & Dine specifically, do several night runs prior to this.  Wine and Dine starts at 10 pm (assuming you're in the Elites corral or even towards the front of Corral A), and for some folks, running that late at night can totally throw off their running mojo. How do you fuel for a run that late? Does your body agree? Experiment for a few weeks leading up to it so you know how to best prep come race day.

What other tips would you add? Words of advice for a runDisney first-timer?

These opinions are solely my own based on my experiences from Wine and Dine 2012. These tips/suggestions are not intended to violate any rules or terms provided for runDisney by Disney, runDisney or related entities. This post not endorsed or supported by runDisney in any fashion and are my own thoughts.

#RWRunStreak: Week 4

Week 4 was rough, as it was settling back into "real life" after an awesome vacay. Womp womp. But as always, when you're stubborn determined, you make it work. Right? Right. Since I'm behind, here's my belated Week 4 adventure... or lack there of.

 

Week 4, done and done!

Monday, June 18: 1.03 mi/24:43 pace/25:28
Well, cruise ended this morning. Let the tears commence. Nah, it was a great vacation but I was a little ready to get back on land! We killed a little time before taking sister back to the airport, after which we spent the day driving back home from Charleston; we took the adventurous route home all the way up to Columbia so I could stop by the University of South Carolina. We then dropped back down to August, drove by Augusta National (home of the Masters), saw the piddly little sign, and continued on home!

 My run for Monday was just one last walk with Dad and the dog around the apartment complex a bit. Wasn't feeling much up for a real run after being in the car all day long, then giving mom and dad a tour of campus and Athens, and a heavy (delicious!) dinner at Mellow Mushroom. A walk is better than nothing! Am I right?

Tuesday, June 19: 3.16 mi/9:49 pace/31:02
So glad to be off the 2-mile wall I was on while we were on the ship! Felt great to get past that mark in what I felt was a pretty easy run. I know I'm making some good process when I feel confident in saying a hovering-around-10"-pace is an "easy" run! I'll take it! Thank goodness for breaking the boat barrier... until the rest of the week...

Wednesday, June 20: 1.37 mi/9:35 pace/13:07
I wouldn't say I hit the wall, but definitely ran out of time in the day, so went on my recent favorite quick route to get the miles in -- to the far corner of my street and back. I like this stretch because it's 99% flat, so I can push myself pretty good without killing my lungs. The only thing that's killin' me lately is this humidity. Nasty... please go away.

Thursday, June 21: 1.0 mi/8:26 pace/8:26
With how good I felt from the previous two days, I wanted to push and see how hard I could push just one, solid mile. I'm so excited about this! Legitimately, the last time I was given a 1-mile test was something like sophomore year of high school; I've never really thought to push my own limits and see how I've done, but after these last few weeks, I thought it'd be worth it! Never did I think I'd hit under a 9-minute mile... at least no time in the near future, so this felt awesome.

For your viewing pleasure; my reads for the week.

Friday, June 22: 1.02 mi/15:49 pace/16:02
And then crashed the next day and the last thing I wanted to do was run -- but in all fairness, we stayed at the dog park later than I had recently, so it was darker than I wanted it to be to get out for a run. So Molly and I drove home and went straight for a walk. Needless to say, she was tired that evening!

Love my girl.

Saturday, June 23: 1.05 mi/23:16 pace/24:26
Much like Friday, I had no desire to run. My intent was to do so Saturday morning, but I woke up later and it was already hotter than all get out. So I planned on doing it that evening, after the dog park, as usual. Wrong. I had two sorority sisters from Auburn in town (they live in Atlanta) that had come up for AthFest, so I suddenly had plans! So I walked laps while Molly played at the park; no better thing than multitasking right? Better yet, I was eating my Sonic Blast (M&M, of course) while walking while Molly played around. Perfection!

So then I ended up going to AthFest for a while, which is a music festival weekend of sorts here in town. Bands, stages, and music venues everywhere! I hadn't really planned on going, but once I knew they were here, they dragged me out a bit.

AthFest 2012.

Sunday, June 24: 5.47 mi/10:56 pace/59:48 
This is the run I had hoped to do on Saturday! ... minus 3 miles. I got a little over-ambitious, I'll admit! I got up and out the door a little later than I had planned (7:45 am or so) and it was already 78 degrees when I barely left the house! I knew  I was in for an interesting time, but at the least, it'd help get me prepped for Peachtree! I was super sluggish going into this, just couldn't get my mind wrapped around doing a long run. This was the longest run (only one other 5-miler) since my half in April, and especially with this Run Streak challenge, it was more of a push than I'd needed lately. About halfway through, I found myself getting a little more into the mindset, but felt like I struggled the whole way through. Was pleasantly surprised to see that my pace was (just) under 11 minutes. It was nearly 90 by the time I got home, so justifies that sluggish feeling, but whew! Brutal!

From this long run, I've also decided I'm ready to get into a training plan again. I need that push to get in the mood and mind for a weekly long run. Need to see what's next and figure out what I want to get ready for first! So many exciting things coming up this fall: Ragnar, Wine and Dine, and starting my first full marathon training plan! 

Week 4 done. One and a half weeks to go, can you believe it?! How did your Week 4 go? Ready for those last few days? I sure am!

#RWRunStreak Week 3

I'm a little behind, to say the least. Forgive me! It's been a crazy week trying to settle back into "real life" after an amazing vacation (that post is coming soon, too!). But, here's my catch up on my #RWRunStreak adventures, brought to you by Week 3!

Week 3, not bad!

Monday, June 11: 2.21 mi/13:15 pace/29:18
I was already mentally ready for vacation, this was rough! Mom, Dad and I took Molly to the park and being that I wanted to get in my run and the day was almost over, Mom and I walk/jogged home through the neighborhood to get in some miles. Was definitely still really warm at 8:30 in the evening -- hmm... summer is upon us!

Tuesday, June 12: 2.02 mi/9:25 pace/19:03
I had no choice but to run first thing in the morning - today was the day we left for Charleston and our cruise! So I hauled out first thing in the morning and was pleasantly surprised with my quick 2 miles. Maybe I need to be a morning runner again!

And here begins my first major battle of the #RWRunStreak: Running/working out on vacay.

Wednesday, June 13: 2.11 mi/9:58 pace/21:02
Last run on land for a few days! On the treadmill - I hate treadmills - at the hotel, but made it count none the less. Was ready to get on vacay and leave the worries behind! But, all in all, got in a good run and core workout, followed by Embassy Suites' stupendous breakfast buffet. Perfect. 

Finally on the boat! First cruise, here I come!

Thursday, June 14: 2.0 mi/10:09 pace/20:18
Once you're used to running with a GPS (watch or phone or otherwise), it's really hard having to run without one! I used the stopwatch on my iPhone as my timer for the morning, which just felt awkward. It was also quite torturous being that it took ELEVEN - read that, 11 - LAPS to get a mile out of the ship's track. In addition to treadmills, I hate tracks. Running in circles is boring. Good thing there was scenery... the wide open ocean!

That's just cruel.

Friday, June 15: 2.01 mi/9:57 pace/20:00
I checked out the ship's gym Friday evening. After dinner, we went out on the ship's back deck and read as the sun set. What a view. *insert heavy sigh here* Afterwards, I made my way to the gym to get my workout done for the evening. Again, on the treadmill, because the idea of running up on the track... alone... at night... just weirded me out. Not that the gym, had anyone in it (maybe 2 other folks), but at least no one could throw me overboard from there! Good run, decent pace. As I set myself up for my run, my only goal was to run hard-ish for a solid 20 minutes, and hopefully get in at least 2 miles. Squeaked through, made it work!

Sunrise, June 17.

Saturday, June 16: 1.04 mi/9:52 pace/10:15
This was the hardest day to get up and run on vacation. Like Friday, I went after dinner/reading on the deck. I was SO over this run by the time I hit the half-mile marker, not to mention my mom and I wanted to go see a comedian that night, so I hauled butt to get my mile in and call it a day.

To make up for it, I did a quick 6 minutes on the rowing machine to feel like I did a little extra work that day... sort of.

Sunday, June 17: 3.04 mi/12:37 pace/38:22
Not a great pace, but my far my best run on the ship! Last full day on the boat - without an alarm, my body sprung wide awake at 6:30 am. Um, what? This is vacation, not real life! But being that I was wide awake, I figured I'd take advantage of it; thought I was up early enough for a sunrise. I got the middle of the sunrise - gorgeous, and a perfect wake up call!

I started my run on the track upstairs, only to learn how freaking windy it was outside. I decided I'd fight a mile in the wind, then go back down to the gym inside - that mile was rough, but managed to do it in just over 10 minutes. Considering I was running into the wind at that point, I was pretty excited. There were quite a few people outside with me, also trying to fight their way through it. Some gave up quicker than others. :)

Morning run on the deck!

Moved back inside to the treadmill... as mentioned, this is how I feel about treadmills in general...

But got myself to go 2 more miles on the treadmill for my longest run(s) while on a ship, and on vacation. Pretty proud that I made it happen every day of vacation, something I've never been able to stick to before! After this run, I hopped on the bike for a 5 mile cool down, just to get my legs really moving for the day. And by that point, I was out of the gym by 9 am, and in a bathing suit on the deck by 9:30 with breakfast, a book, and a day full of sunshine.

I did it! Week 3 in the books. Running on vacay challenge accepted and completed. My mom commented on my commitment to this challenge and making it happen, despite being on vacation and told me she was impressed with how much "determination" I had and that she was "proud of me for it." Not that I do it to make someone proud (aside from myself), but I like the word determination. Call it commitment, determination or stubbornness, I'm proud of my ability to make this work!

Week 4, coming on up! And a post about my cruise, I promise!

Dear Monday...

want to join in? link up!

Dear Monday, thanks for kicking off a short work week. Todayis Monday. Tomorrow is Friday. I call that a win!

Dear Bahamas, I'mma need you to shape your weather up just a bit. While 30% chance of thunderstorms can go one way or another, I still need it to be sunny and clear. I expect to come home with some kind of tan. Please and thank you. 

Dear body, you rock! Thanks for knocking out a great race on Saturday and bringing home that first AG win ever! Excitement!

Earth Fare 5K - age group win!

Dear parents, despte the rain ruining most of our Atlanta plans, thanks for being good sports. I hope you had a great time, regardless, adventuring around a new city and trying new food and the like! I'm glad you're here and I can't wait for cruise time!

and speaking of...

Dear cruise, you're only 2 days away! YES! Vacation. Sun (crossing my fingers still, yo). Snorkeling. Running and planking on a boat. Yes please.

Have a great week everyone! You more than likely won't hear from me, aside from a #RWRunStreak Week 2 post that I've got scheduled to post! Enjoy!

Dear Monday...

want to join in? link up!

Dear Monday, I'm ready for the last whole week of work before vacay. I'm also very ready for next week's two-day work week. Yes please.

Dear Summer Run Streak, thanks for getting me to do some major work lately! I can honestly say it feels fantastic and I'm excited to see how I progress. Cutting 13 seconds off from Friday's run on last night's run let me know that if I really keep at this, I know I'm bound for great things. Just gotta keep at it!

Dear friends, Amma and I are running for Team Cruisin' for Cupcakes, as part of the Run 10, Feed 10 campaign from Women's Health. Our 10K has yet to be determined, but won't you help contribute to our cause? Don't deny the children their cupcakes -- be a dear and donate? :) Please and thank you! Side note: many thanks to CrowdRise for the Twitter contest... I won a shirt that will be heading my way! Excited, I've never won anything on Twitter! Yay! And thanks to Latika for the most hilarious email ever. Love them.

Dear Ragnar DC Teammates, I'm already stoked about this. And we don't even register until tomorrow. SO. EXCITED. Can it be here now, please?

Dear family, cruise time is almost here! Get excited! I'm so ready for a vacation, and a tan, and running on a boat, and delicious island adult beverages and yes, family time. 

YES!

Have a great week, everyone!