JAPAN

It's been a life long dream of mine to visit Japan. I don't know what it is about the culture that intrigues me so much. Maybe it's the fact that we were so involved in our martial arts upbringing that I wanted to know to know more about it. For those of you that aren't close to me, or haven't known me for too long, I don't really divulge this little fact about me. Martial Arts, more specifically Okinawan Sho-Ryn Ru was a large part of my life growing up.

I just think everything about the culture (what little I do know about it) is beautiful and interesting. The samurai, the geisha, the language...there's a very large history to Japan, and if I had the time or means to soak it up, I would. Even as a child, I expressed my fascination with the culture. My mom picked up on the fact that I wanted to learn Japanese, so one morning we went on a little trip somewhere in the city. We ended up at a Japanese school. You know, the ones where the Japanese kids go every Saturday. Ummm...I just wanted to learn the language. So, although we didn't find exactly what we were looking for, she tried. (just a little memory of mine, i somehow thought it fit. haha)

Then, in high school I had a chance to do a Japanese study program for a week in Japan. I backed down, a regret I've had FOREVER. But, here I am 13 years later...finally my trip to Japan is happening. YEAYYY!

I'm going by myself, but my Auntie Christine and Uncle Dwanye live there, so I'll have my personal tour guides. We've already talked about doing some tours. I don't know which ones exactly, but I'll be happy with anything really. Of course, I'll be doing some shopping. And, of course I HAVE to go to HELLY KITTY WORLD! lmao! I know, it's lightweight sick. But, what can I say.

I CAN'T WAIT!!!

potential races fior 2010

i often get asked when my next triathlon is scheduled and unfortunately, i won't have any time for a tri this year. my cousin is getting married, and i have the honor of being one of her moh's...so i have to be there for her. (love you che!)

so this year will be my year for running events. here's my potential plan:

may 16: bay 2 breakers 12k
june 6: san diego rock n roll half
july 25: san francisco marathon 2nd half (registered)
october 3: bridge to bridge 12k
october 17: nike san francisco half
december 6: las vegas rock n roll

"8 is great!"

this past weekend i spent time in vegas for a little mini vacation, but what initially sparked this vacation was the "Rock n Roll Marathon." Arlynn, Arther and I decided to run this half a couple of months ago, right after Arlynn and I finished the Nike half. Arther decided to join us, this was his first. i'm glad i got to witness him experience his first runner's high.

Sonny, Arlynn, Arther and i flew in bright and early on saturday morning. my parents, who decided to take a little vacation of their own and watch the marathon, booked their flight just a couple of days before and ended up on the same flight. when we arrived my parents went thier separate ways and we ventured over to eggs and i for breakfast. hahaha! i'm sure arther will not forget that place. then we were off to the expo. wowwww! i think that might have to be the biggest event expo that i've been to. it was hugeeee! the rest of the day/night we spent admiring our room at the encore and winding down and getting ready for our big day. (the encore had my FAVORITE print houndstooth all over and epi like louis vuitton pattern on some of the accessories. ahhhh, if i had a place of my own, i would be in heaven to live in a place designed like that. ok enough digression!)

sunday, we woke up super early, as the first race wave was to begin at 615am. we took the shuttle out to mandalay bay where the race began and ended. arlynn and i were not feeling too hot, we both fell asleep on the way to the start, me standing up. lol the weather in the morning was REALLY brisk. felt like we were in tahoe, and the wind was excrutiating. note to self: wear a garbage bag for temporary insulation. we stood there anxiously awaiting for the race to begin. i wasn't feeling too confident about the race. i KNOW i could've trained more, i blame it on daylight savings, it gets dark wayyyy to early for me to run safely. the nerves that a was feeling were slowly starting to take me over. before i knew it, the pyrotechnics started and so did my excitement. the pros were off and the big electric screen that usually advertises for mandalay bay, now displayed the channel 8 morning news that was, of course, covering the marathon. the intensity was stimulating. Arther then pointed out that it was on channel 8, 8 MY number, earlier he pointed out the beautiful painting in our room that i was already admiring resembled the number 8. i said aloud, it's an omen. 8 i am going to do well.


we made our way to the front as wave after wave crossed the starting line. it was our turn and we were off. the course was fairly easy, all flat! =) we ran along the strip and back down again. i was feeling really good. i ran all the way through. i didn't slow until after mile 8 when i had to replenish my liquids (which btw was disgusting, the water came from a hose. but, what can you do when that's all that's provided). i picked up again and decided to take a walk at about 8.5 thinking that i would pick up again at mile 9. not even 3 mins into my walk i feel a push and a yell "GO - GO - GO, COME ON!" it was Arlynn! so, i picked up again and ran all the way through to the end. i even came to a fast sprint at the last half mile. i felt good about the race overall. my official time: 2.44.14 ANOTHER PERSONAL BEST!

Our race results:
Arther: 2.16.52
Melanie: 2.44.14
Arlynn: 2.47.05

the rest of the weekend was filled with laughter that i definitely enjoyed. "It's PATRON time!" "Badda Bing" Sonny thank you for being our number one supporter. Arlynn thank you for the invite and being my second wind, i wouldn't have done as well as i did without you. Arther, CONGRATULATIONS! welcome to your new hobby. this high is like no other and i'm glad i was there to help, Mr Solanpas. lol

our medal up close

my parents with me after the race. my dad wanted to pretend he ran too

watch me finish, my bib #23578:

http://las-vegas.competitor.com/features/finishreplay/

gobble gobble

woo hoo! thanksgiving! had a great 4 day weekend. my weekend started off early, as we were let go at 1pm. WOO HOO! that hardly every happens, so me and everyone else in my office were set to go at 1pm. you could hear all the computers turn off at the same time. lol!

i actually started my thanksgiving celebration early. my sister and i went vessel and had a blast. read the blog below for minor details.

wednesday night was cousin night. jessica, janice and i went to watch blindside. such a good movie! if you haven't seen it, go watch it! i'll watch it again if you want a date.

thursday, brunch was at my dad's side in hayward and dinner was at my mom's side in so city. then mae, janice and i went to cream of beat! as always...my heaven...good music and good vibes. i love being totally immersed into a set. i love being taken away by the lyrics, the beat, the rhythm...dancing with i don't care who...on my own little cloud floating above everything. ahhhh...if i could take miguel (mr e) and jon (shortkut) and put them in my pocket. i would take them out whenever things are tough, when i need inspiration, or when i'm just not having it...if only... i would never have a frown on my face.

then friday...jason's celebration. "fun sized" good times. lol inside joke, you totally had to be there.

saturday...i unexpectedly ended up at the warriors v lakers game. even though we lost, i had a really good time! 2 half patron margaritas will do that to you! lol

and sunday! to try to even out everything i ate i ran 8 miles. i was pretty nervous seeing that i haven't been running as much as i used to with it being so damn dark out. but i did so much better than i thought i would. and although i am nervous for the vegas marathon next sunday...the eight mile run did calm my nerves...just a little.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

things i'm thankful for ... each and every moment/thought that brings a smile to my face.

eventful tuesday

my tuesdays are usually uneventful. usually no running, i use this as a rest day or if need be it's my massage day. last tuesday, janice and i ventured over to mercury for their "hella smart" event. (i think that's what it was called) each table is a team and you answer trivia questions. pretty fun! but i like games like that.

this tuesday, i got a little circuit training in with my sister. damn! i haven't done any sort of strength training in FOREVER! it was great. i can't say that i forgot how much i liked circuit training, i always knew i liked it, but i can say you don't know how much you miss something until it reappears in your life. i think this will have to be included in my workout regime. tuesdays and thursdays perhaps...

then it was off to vessel for mike's bday. what a great little get away. but for me good music is always a great mini vacation for my mind. after a stressful day at work, getting my endorphines pumping from the great workout and enjoying a quick little retreat was just what i needed.

simply days filled with smiles are what i'm always thankful for!

not a fluke

i ran the lake again on saturday and looks like running the lap in 50 minutes was NOT a fluke. =) YEAY!!! i started at 2.15.45 and ended at 3.05.21. woo hoo!

so i finished the big loop, and ran the small loop afterward. i thought that the loop was only about 3 more miles but it i think the total was closer to 8 miles. lol it's ok, as my ironman coaches would say, "money in the bank!"

my dates with the lake

so here i go training again. yes, i'm training for the rock n roll marathon in vegas, dec 6.

i ran with my sister this weekend, and although she likes to think of herself as slow...she's a quick one. i was feeling really sluggish last saturday. prolly b/c i'm always drained around this time every month. for some reason no matter how much i want to work out, it's sooooo freaking hard. my legs are heavy, my lungs are closed, it's a big struggle. and 2, i haven't been on my running routine. but as hard as it was, and as slow as i felt, i pushed my way through it. and to my surprise, i actually finished at the time i usually finish 53min.

so last night...i kept telling myself you have to get a 7.5 mile run in. i got home from work, ate a little bit for some calories/energy, changed, and was on my way to the lake. as i got closer to the lake it was getting darker and darker. i didn't really mind b/c i figured everyone runs the lake at this time, so it should be well lit right? WRONG!!!

it wasn't until after i started running that i realized that the lake has NOOOO LIGHTS! as i got further and further around it got darker and darker. there's even a section of the lake that is PITCH BLACK (right before the gun range and apartments). I could hear people coming closer but couldn't see them until they were about 2 feet in front of me. pretty freaky! so, i decided that 1 lap would be enough for the night.

but...all in all...it was a good run. i knew i wasn't going to be able to get the extra 3 miles in, so in the last half i pushed myself extra hard. and maybe i pushed myself b/c i was lightweight afraid of what might jump out of the bushes and just wanted to be done lol! either way i shaved 3 minutes off my time and ended in 50 mins.

i hope to break the 50 min marker before the vegas marathon.