I hate to be a BIG BABY . . . but DANG!  I did 16 miles today and I'm such a mess right now.  My lower back hurts, both my calves and feet hurt, I have a big blister on the back of my left foot and I'm a little sun burn.

 

Ask me again why I'm running a marathon?  If you read my essay . . . I run marathons for the "journey".  I still firmly believe that.   On December 5, I will rejoice in completing yet another journey!

 

I will definitely take a break from running after this marathon.  I have to start thinking about my upcoming Grand Canyon and Machu Picchu treks!

 

Anyway, I just wanted to vent a little.  Thanks for listening.  Time to take a nap!

 

 

 

 

 

A couple of weeks ago my cousin, her husband and their 4-year-old grandson, Taylor, moved out after living with me for the past 11 months while their home was being beautifully renovated. 

 

I was really surprised that I got used to having a little one in the house.  

 

As soon as they left, I realized how much I miss Taylor's laughter, his interesting conversation, his endless questions, his playfulness and yes . . . even his occasional drama.                                          

 

It wasn't fast nor pretty, but I finished my 3rd Long Beach Half Marathon. My goal was 2:40, however, due to an unexpected 20 minute line at the you know where, I was a bit delayed and didn't finish until 3:10.  Or at least that's the excuse I'll stick with.  

 

This was probably the best half marathon course that I've run.  It was very scenic running along the beach and running through the marina.  I have to say that I was not bored during the entire race.  There was only a couple of significant hills and a little bit of wind by the beach but other than that the course was pretty flat.    

 

I can't believe this was my 2nd Half Marathon for the year and I still have a full Marathon in Vegas left to do in December! 

 

My friends finished way ahead of me!   Their times were 2:21 and 2:23 respectively!  I also bumped into an old High School friend, Janice, and her time was 2:45!  All very good times.

 

Well done everyone!

 

 

 

I can't believe how time has just flown by this fall.  On Sunday, October 16, 2005 I will run in the Long Beach Half Marathon race.  This will be my third time to run Long Beach.  I'm just hoping to finish in 2 hours and 40 minutes.  My fastest time was 2 hours and 33 minutes. 

 

Next up is the December 4, 2005 Las Vegas Marathon extravaganza!  It's the last race of 2005 and so we decided to go out "Las Vegas" style. 

 

 

 

Lately, the weather has been very hot.  I’m talking in your face “Vegas” heat . . . HOT!  Today, I’m supposed to run 12 miles.  And I use the term “run” very loosely.  To keep me entertained while pounding the pavement, I’m going to day dream about being on top of the Swiss Alps!  COOL THOUGHTS!

 

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how I miss the excitement and fun of planning a big international trip.  I just don’t like not having something to look forward to.   

 

Traveling the world is so much fun but it can become addicting.  Once you’ve tasted its pleasures you just end up needing and wanting more!

 

I have a terrific hiking and camping trip planned with some friends for December 2006 and that’s something to look forward to.  But I’m feeling more and more like planning a solo trip for early spring.  My destination… not sure!  I’ll be scouring the Travel boards and internet sites for ideas on somewhere to visit next spring.