Mountains2Beach

I mentioned back in January that I finally joined a running group. Despite having run two full marathons and almost 20 half marathons, I have never had a formal coach. Plus, this group uses a kinder, gentler training program called the Galloway Method. 

Established by Olympian Jeff Galloway, the training program uses a less-is-more approach to running: two 30-45 minute maintenance runs, two cross training days, and one long run that progressively increased in mileage each week. The long run includes walk intervals, with the walk/run ratio determined by each runner's average pace. My ratio was 4:1...run four minutes, walk one minute.

This was really hard for me to buy into at first. Only three days of running? You have to be kidding. When I trained for my marathons, I was running 5 days a week, and logging around 40 miles a week at the peak of my training. I suffered from bulging discs afterwards, but hey! I was a marathoner, right? The notion of walking goes against every fiber of my being; every time I took walking breaks previous to this training method, it sabotaged my remaining mileage. The rest of the run was sluggish or I ended up walking more than I ran - that is, if I was able to keep running at all. 

The key is to use a wristwatch with an interval timer, and only walk for 60 seconds. During the information meeting, Coach Rob explained the premise behind the walk intervals. It flushes out the lactic acid from the muscles, which shortens post-run recovery time. Also, and surprisingly, it improves performance. A person who runs 5 miles without stopping will actually finish slower than a runner who breaks up their mileage with walking intervals would.     

Coach Rob went on to discuss the basics of running, and laid out all the stuff I had to learn the hard way...right there at the information meeting, for free. Hydration, wicking fabric, and proper shoe fit were all covered. Had I gotten a coach 13 years earlier, I could have spared a half-dozen toenails and much chafing. My apologies for the visual.

I had also hoped that the running group would make me more accountable. Typically, training for an event gets me out running. But as I've gotten older, creakier - and more likely, lazier - training for a race has proved to be less of a motivator. After running fewer than five training runs for my last (miserable) half marathon, I knew the motivation of a race alone was no longer sufficient. I hoped to make some new friends, and even possibly find a running partner. We met each Saturday for 12 weeks, training for a half marathon called Mountains2Beach. 

Warning. Rant ahead. 

Mountains2Beach? The absence of spaces make me spitting mad. I mean, really. It reads like a bad text. You know, back in the day when everyone had crappy data plans? Everyone was limited to a ridiculously low number of characters, and had2resort2usingnumbers&nospaces4brevity. 

The running group planned on meeting in a designated spot prior to the start time. It was so wedged with bodies, aside from briefly running into the other coach, Tom -- who is just about the nicest person ever, and also happens to have the most magnificent arm hair and Caucasian afro -- I saw no one else from our running group.

Coincidentally, my best girl's friend Dana, who ran Dirty Girl and the Warrior Dash with us, was also running this race with her sister. We discussed meeting up at the race on Facebook, and I was able to connect with them. I figured we would chat a few minutes post-race, and then we would part ways once the race began. I was pleasantly surprised that they ran my pace, and we ended up running the whole race together. It was nice to have company, especially during one isolated stretch with an abandoned factory filled and rusty silos, 'Look kids! That's where you go to get hepatitis!' Dana proved to have a wicked fun sense of humor. 

The last three miles were pretty hard; there was so much concrete that my hips, hamstrings and knees were screaming. There came a point over the last mile where we saw runners looping back, but the turnaround wan't visible. For a moment, I panicked that we had missed it...and were actually on the full marathon course. We came into the last half-mile, and Dana's sister Breanna pulled ahead of us. I can say with certainty if I wasn't running with Dana, I would have broken and walked. As my friend Ange would say, it was a ride on the struggle bus - but we finished together with a time of 2:34:08. 

It turns out I did make a new friend and meet a running partner, after all. If all goes according to plan, we'll run the Star Wars half marathon at Disneyland together in January.

Right before the race...Go Babydoll!!

Bay to Breakers

Last Sunday was Bay to Breakers. I got to run this 12k with one of my lovelies, Dee.

Dee and I have been friends for almost 40 years. We went to grade school together and she is the only friend I've had that my mom forbid me to see; anytime we were together, trouble closely followed. Since then, we've both grown up. We each got married, had children and got our proverbial shit together. I have the honor of being her son's Godmother. It's fair to say that I absolutely adore Dee, and I'm enormously grateful for her friendship. 

We have been planning this race for almost 6 months. For those that don't know, Bay to Breakers is one of the oldest footraces, and probably one of the most eccentric as well. It's known for outrageous costumes and rampant nudity. As the name implies, the race begins at San Francisco Bay and travels through the city, past the Height district and through Golden Gate Park, before ending at the ocean. 

I suggested matching outfits, thinking we could wear capes or wings. Matching socks, maybe? Dee suggested Zombie Prom Queens, because...obviously.

Sashes and prom dresses were purchased, and corsages were ordered well in advance so they had a time to dry for that quintessential undead look. I found an inexpensive full-length gown for $25 at Forever 21. Several friends asked me if it was hard to run in a dress, but I took every precaution to ensure my race was a chafe-free experience; I was quite the spectacle in the changing room as I put my prom dress to the test. To the amusement of the staff, I ran in place, jumped around and then did a quick series of 'mountain climbers'. My dress passed with flying colors. 

If you stumble across my dressing room antics on YouTube
or Vine, be sure to let me know. Kick, stretch...and kick!

I arrived in the Bay Area on Friday night, and the next afternoon we set about to ruining our dresses. Taking scissors to a perfectly good dress, and hearing the tearing sound as we ripped fabric was enough to make both of us cringe - but we were equal to the task. We rubbed our gowns in dirt, and then sprayed them with fake blood. The finishing touches were splattering the sashes and tights with 'blood', and we were all set to rock and roll.

You'll see by the pictures that we did more photo-ops than actual running, although 'lurching' was more accurate as we worked the crowd. There were even spectators cooking up grilled cheesies and burgers for the runners! This event is a must-do for any runner looking for something alternative to add to their list of races.

Here are highlights from our race. Enjoy!

Babydoll waiting for BART
with a bag of brains. As you do.

We were a bit of a spectacle on the train ride into the city.
Our chaperon in orange was dressed as Jim Carey's
Lloyd Christmas. In real life, he's Dee's brother. 

We made a batch of jello brains just for the occasion.
I'm happy to share my receipe...just ask!

We caught up with Ms. Pac Man later in the race
as she weaved back and forth through
runners...while being chased by ghosts.  

Just...no. Did I mention that this
race is known for nudity? 

Billy Ray and Miley, y'all!

Wonder Woman and her magnificent beard.

These girls took, like, a hundred
selfies before the start of the race.
For once, I'm not exaggerating.

Magically delicious! Aside from being green,  I'm not sure
how their shirts figure into a leprechaun theme, but
regardless: Darth Vader trimming topiary kicks ass.

'Hi Ho! Hi Ho! It's off to run a 12k we go!'
Their felt beards were clever and adorable.

Carbo loading!

Magnificent! Our dresses are the same color, yo.

Those boots! Such awesomeness.

Tony the Tiger says 'They're grrrrreat!'
::thumbs up::

I have a fever. And the only prescription is...MORE COWBELL.

Why yes, those are Teenage
Mutant Ninja Turtles! *cough*
I did mention this race was
known for nudity, yes?

This is such a clever costume. I'm also loving the photo bomb
inside a photo bomb. That's some next-level shit.

A taste of Milwaukee, which is coincidentally
where my cohort Dee hails from. PBR!

Warning: The man holding
this sign is an ASSHOLE. 

Babydoll and Elvi

My fabulous friend. I heart Deirdre!

Valedictorian

Fitbit partnered with a race I'm scheduled to run in a few weeks, and offered a discount code for registrants. I have several friends who love the technology, so I decided to treat myself to an early Mother's Day gift:

Happy Mother's Day to me! 

It's pretty much a glorified pedometer, but their website is engaging and fun. In addition to keeping track of steps, users are also able to track calories, water consumption, log additional workouts, and 'compete' with friends for most steps logged during the week. It includes a dongle (I'm not making that word up, I swear) that connects to a USB port and updates your information by connecting wirelessly to your wristband. Dongle makes me giggle because I'm 12-years old like that.  

The Fitbit also tracks sleep quality. It measures sleep patterns by keeping track of when the user goes to bed, how long it takes to fall asleep, and how many times they are restless or awakened during the night. Exactly how it is measured remains a mystery to me, but I like to think Santa is involved somehow. 'He knows when you are sleeping, he knows when your awake...'   

I've always been an average person. I'm not particularly good at any one thing. Well, except for sleeping. 

I consider sleep to be my superpower; I can fall asleep quickly and almost anywhere. I have fallen asleep during a massage, which probably isn't all that uncommon - but I have also fallen asleep while having my teeth cleaned, during an MRI, and even completely sober at an Aerosmith concert.

Since using my Fitbit, I learned that I typically fall asleep in 6 minutes and I am rarely awoken in the middle of the night or even restless. Leave it to me to excel at doing nothing: 

YOUR SLEEP EFFICIENCY99%

Seventeen

Dear Beauty, 

You turned seventeen a few weeks ago. I'm sorely behind on this letter, although I have thought about what I wanted to write frequently, such as: how can you be so old already? I know it's cliche for adults to say stuff like that, but it's the truth. 

Weren't we just celebrating your 6th birthday...when I actually talked a dispatcher into sending a real ambulance and paramedics to our house for your party, so all the kids could see what a real ambulance looked like on the inside? 

You wanted a hospital-themed birthday party that year where kids could weigh themselves on a scale, listen to their heart beat with a real doctor's stethoscope, and use child-sized crutches. Of course, there was the overzealous guest who made you cry by putting band-aids over every single one of your babydolls' eyes. Regardless of that one snafu, it remains in the top three of best parties I've ever thrown. 

And then you had to go and do this:

That first day you drove by yourself to school,
you drove off with my heart.

We toured colleges over spring break a couple weeks ago. I was both excited for your bright future, as well as feeling overwhelmed with the realization that you will be headed off to college and on your own in less then two years. Maybe I should follow you and go back to school to pursue my college degree after all? JUST KIDDING.

And I'll be completely honest: I've bought into all the hype about high test scores, perfect GPA's and a well-rounded college resume. Although it's coming from the best intentions, I have literally made myself sick behind it and brought you an unfair additional amount of stress. It's a completely different world than when I was in high school, and I cannot fathom the pressures that you've faced as a teenager. Truthfully? No employer has ever asked me what my high school GPA was. You are going to get into a great college. 

Touring UCSC...where we saw Don-freaking-Cheadle!

Today was a special day; we spent the afternoon together shopping for a prom dress, shoes and accessories, and, if everything goes according to plan, your sweet boyfriend is asking you tonight to his senior prom as I write this. I love seeing you in love, and I couldn't be happier for you. This whole thing with your friend Samo's health has affected me deeply. My biggest fear as a parent is to outlive you or your brother, and it's been a reminder of how precious family and childhood are. I want you to know how much you are treasured, and to look back on your childhood and our crazy family with fond memories. 

Last year's birthday present: Cooper.
The gift that keeps on giving!

Performing with your brother and Dishwalla drummer
George Pendergast for Big Daddy's epic birthday party!
It was one of the best days of your father's life.

Your brother! I don't even know what to say about this picture.

You, me and Aunt Erika with friends at the Warrior Dash!
You were a very good sport.

Sparklers to celebrate your birthday at Theo and Thea's house.

I love this face so very much.
Happy 17th birthday, Beauty!

You are truly one of my favorite people. All my love always...

Mom

Samo

One of Girldoll's best friends, Samo, has been diagnosed with a virus in his heart. Originally hospitalized for pneumonia, he is now on a waiting list for a heart transplant. A few days ago, he suffered a stroke and has lost his vision.

Samo is 17-years old.

We have known Samo since he was in grade school when the kids were on swim team together. The first time I met Sam, I overheard a conversation he had with his dad. During a swim meet, his dad asked him what his strategy was for his next race. Sam confidently replied, 'To dominate.' 

Honestly, that has been pretty much Sam's life strategy: to be on the forefront of life and inspiring others along the way. It's rare that I'm struck by the charisma and character of someone so young. 

The last few years have been tough for Sam. I won't go into that here because it's not my story to tell, but I will say that he is a study in resilience. I've known adults that are taken down by adversity, but Samo has more perseverance and wisdom than many men twice his age.  

After a month-long illness that affected his grades and caused him to be dropped from the varsity water polo roster, Samo pursued an independent study program. In less than six months, he has earned enough school credit to graduate from high school a year early. He recently returned from an all-expense paid trip to Washington DC, after being recognized for a grant that he authored.

Despite his (hopefully) temporary loss of vision, his mom reports that he is still playing his guitar and has quickly won over the nurses and doctors on his unit.

The irony of Samo's situation is not lost on me; it's hard to believe that anyone with such an extraordinary heart has been hospitalized, waiting on a new one. I think of you every day, Sam. Please know that your story and your life has touched a whole community, and it is another reminder of how precious family and our children are.

This photo was taken last October when
Samo accompanied Girldoll's band,
aptly playing a cover of Foo Fighter's My Hero.
Yes, Sam. You most certainly are.

Tiny Dinosaur

So, this is what my Friday night looked like:

Tail curl! Squeeeeeeeee!

Shhhh! She's sleeping! 

I promptly texted these photos to Girldoll and pleaded my case: 

Mother's Day? Please?!

Monday Monday

Well played, Monday.