When 10 Became 11

We got a late start at 7:30a, which sounds a little ridiculous considering it's a Saturday, but as seasoned runners - starting times can mean the difference between a pleasant run or enduring sweltering heat. Fortunately, it was perfectly overcast today, which helped our run tremendously. At the 5 mi turn around, Eddie began to turn back and I said - let's go for 11 mi instead of 10. He said he'll meet me at the start line, but to my surprise, I heard footsteps as I approached the halfway point and there he was behind me. That's how 10 mi become 11 mi! So next week, we are planning on running 6 or 7mi to take it easy before our half marathon on Oct. 7. That's an easy goal, which is doable despite my trip to San Antonio, TX for work next Saturday. So, we're taking it easy this weekend, no plans, just relaxing after a job well done.

9 Miles and 2 Movies

Despite close to 90 degree temps this morning, we ran 9 miles, downing water and gatorade like it was going out of style. It has been a uniquely warm summer so to beat the heat we had plans to see The Words with Bradley Cooper. We had high hopes for this one, but the movie left us feeling blah-a total flop. After grabbing a bite, with the heat now at an all time high, we decided to take refuge in another movie, this time a spontaneous pick - Arbitrage, a wall street thriller starring Richard Gere. Thumbs up and way up. It kept us on the edge of our seat the entire time. It's been a great weekend that started with a Friday night walk in Encinitas where we walked by a food truck shindig with bizarre offerings like kangaroo hot dogs and chocolate covered bacon. We passed on the eclectic faire and chose to mozy onto an amazing sunset by the cliff's of Swami's beach.

8 miles and Mom's Birthday on the Bay

Even with our busy schedules, we ran 8 mi before flying to SF for my mom's Birthday on the Bay - a Hornblower Dinner Cruise. My mom met us at the airport, and we enjoyed lunch by the water at the Elephant Bar. Before we knew it, it was a time to get ready and head to Pier 3. Thankfully everyone (with a few that kept me holding my breath until the end) arrived before we set sail. With champagne in hand, we took in gorgeous views of Marin, the Golden Gate and Bay Bridge, and an eerie view of Alcatraz at night. We danced for hours - mom included! The food, music, ambiance made for a memorable evening, one that will be talked about for years to come. Guests were surprised with a brioche loaf from 85 Degrees in a bright yellow gift bag to take home. My brother played photographer for the evening. We enjoyed lunch with dad on Sunday and then off to the airport. Time flies when you're having fun. To view more photos, visit the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151263975549050.526046.792424049&type=1&l=fd613dede7

Aww...Prom Pic

Left to Right, Sandra (Friend), Me, Karen (Aunt), Barbara (Mom), Michelle (Sister In-Law), Tina (Aunt), Heidi (Friend)

Left to Right, Eddie, Neil (Brother), Barbara (Mom), Pat (Uncle), Ray (Uncle), Gilbert (Cousin)

All Together Now

Left to Right - Eddie, Sandra (Friend), Barbara (Mom), Pat (Uncle), Karen (Aunt), Gilbert (Cousin)
 

Half Way There - 7 miles

We went to Chinatown yesterday, a new restaurant for us. I had read about this place on Yelp, which has both an Italian and Chinese menu. Could any place that has both types of food do justice to any one cuisine? We didn't try the Italian food, but we did have spicy wontons, broccoli and beef and chicken with mushrooms. The food was good and CHEAP, $6.95 for a combo meal. We walked out feeling like we got away with something.

We got an early start at 7:30a. While it was cool at 3.5mi, the heat in the second half made things tough. We trudged on and finished drenched in sweat. High fives all around. Yeah! 3 day holiday! We're off to see Les Miserables today. Tomorrow, we're giving away old clothes and watching a movie. I recently discovered the wonders of the crock pot. With a successful pot roast under my belt, I'm planning on ginger chicken drumsticks as part of a new Sunday Supper ritual. Monday - a trip to Irvine to visit a popular bakery called 85 degrees. If it sounds like I blog a lot about food, it's because the benefits of training for a half marathon is that food just tastes better! Ok...maybe we just like food.

Waiting in line at 85 Degrees - yes, it's that good



My love of noodles expressed