Goodbye 2008 Hello 2009! Resolutions ...

It's been a busy year, a great year, and a year of change.





In 2008 my resolutions were:

• Try new things - I got into running, did trail races almost monthly (and qualified in most of them), ran the San Diego marathon (and qualified for Boston Marathon), traveled to FL (exotic), and more ... new things? Yup, check!
• Help and follow passions - started leading Lululemon fun runs on Mondays, started volunteering for Girls on the Run (best group ever!), become volunteer "Captain" for PacWest (technically that kicks off January 5th)
  

My resolutions for 2009 are:

• Continue to try new things - camp (I hate camping but I'll learn to love it)
• Stay financially fit - cash is king!
  
• Balance - work/life (not on a beam)

To the great old song noting "old acquaintances" I'm thrilled to be closing 2008 having reconnected with tons of old friends that I knew ages 3 on up!

A Happy New Year to all!

How I got my grove back - uploading a run from Garmin 305 to Google Earth

I haven't been running in quite a while - I blame laziness and being sick - but today I finally made it back out with GGRC for a "short run" - short to them is the perfect distance to me, 7.07mi. I'm thrilled I got back out on the trails, but even more thrilled with my new-found gadget love - the Garmin 305 is a great way to track runs and map them.

Here's my run from today (planks run):








And here it is in Google Earth:





It took me a while to figure out how to do this, but now that I know the steps it's "easy peasy."

1. Buy a Garmin 305 (really they are the coolest)
2. Download the Unit Software
3. Download the USB Installer
4. Download the Training Center (this gets you to the first screenshot)
5. Download Google Earth
6. Export the workout you want to map from the Training Center to a .tcx file
7. Use the O-Files site to convert the .tcx to an XSLT file
8. Open Google Earth
9. Go to File > Open > and select your XSLT file (the exported run you want)
10. Oo and ah at how cool it is to see your runs

Home gym

The weather outside is frightful (a little ditty to keep the Xmas cheer going), and the gym is so far away, so I've been making full use of my "home gym."


Intro - the home gym.


We live in a 1-bedroom in San Francisco so a "real" home gym is unthinkable. I've made due with a corner full of equipment and I'm quite proud of my home gym - what's more, I know it works.







Here are the basics:

• Bosu Balance Trainer Home Version - that half ball thing on the bottom works miracles! I use my Bosu to stand on and lift weights (working posture + muscle), do pushups on, and occasionally do situps on.
• Resistance Band - the red cords are magic workers for the thighs. I won my resistance band in a pushup contest with my running club - these are great for doing side-steps with or using for the biceps and doing curls.
• Body Ball (55 cm)- the perfect pushup helper/enhancer. My body ball acts as a pushup enhancer and doubles as a chair when we have company. Many people use the ball for posture (they'll use this at work instead of a chair) but I would fidget too much so I leave it in the "gym."
• 15 lb weights- my ideal weight for curls, pulls, pushes, and more. I've been doing the same arm workout for about 7-years (yep, it's time for a change) but it really works! I'll do 3 sets of 15 curls, then 3 sets of 15 pulls (where you have one knee up on a bench and are leaned over in a table top position), and 3 sets of pushes (same setup as the pulls but instead of pulling the arm from hip to waist you're extending the arm straight behind you).
• Yoga Kit - I call it my kit but it's really a hodge podge of yoga gear I've accumulated over the years (they sell the goods in kits though). The essentials for yoga are: the mat, the block (I can barely touch my knees let alone toes so this helps in stretching), and the strap (awesome for a post run stretch).
• Foam Roller- I have the small one for rolling out my IT band - it hurts like heck but works.
• The stick - the newest edition to my gym (thanks Santa!) and I LOVE it!!! The stick is great for rolling out sore muscles and the IT band.

On the wish list?

• Valeo MB8 8 lb. Medicine Ball- a ball that you hold for side twists which works the obliques to make an awesome beach bod.
  
• Foam roller- I have the small one, now I want the long size. The small one is good for working out sore muscles, the long one is good for making muscles sore - I use it at the "real gym" to lay on and try to balance while lifting one leg then the other.

Good eats

My cold finally lifted so I made my way to the gym this morning. By 8:30 the skies in SF were crystal clear but deceivingly so - it's freezing! Noshing a Luna bar (Chai is my fav) I ambled over to Crunch to enjoy Forrest Gump) they play movies and get some cardio in.

When I was in highschool I was a lot craftier than I am now - I even made my own power bars. I might resurrect that - don't get me wrong, I love Luna bars, but it's fun to create (and consume :) ).


Now I'm off to Chez Mama to continue to food fest (aka holiday spirit).

Merry Merry Christmas!

It's a bright shiny Christmas morning (in between downpours of rain - my fav) and what a great day it is! We woke and found that Santa left CamelBak water bottles and rock climbing gear in stockings under the tree (no fireplace) which are a perfect tea-up for a 2009 of outdoor adventures.

My parents are headed in soon and we're going to enjoy Christmas brunch with gifts. Here's the brunch:

• Egg frittata with ham, cheese, and mushrooms
• Papaya, pear, and pomegranate salad
• Greens
• Toast and jam
• (Most importantly) Blue Bottle coffee

Yum! I think after all these food fests I'll be looking a bit Santa-esque.

Tight quarters

Oh - and to the guy sitting at the table next to me... I do not need your junk in my face everytime you need to walk by. There's a ton of room in front of and behind me. No show please.

Merry Christmas.

Give me your weary, cranky, and just downright b-chy

Still sitting in the coffee shop trying to get some work done. I've made myself as small as possible in a corner with my computer bag under the table but I still seem to be in everyone's way. Everyone seems to be in everyone's way. A few minutes ago an older woman in mis-matched Christmas sweater attire (I'm not being mean, just honest) charged over and fell right on top of me. She made a huge deal of using both hands to hoist herself up over my head and moving my body to accommodate her rise. I asked "are you OK?" (in other words, what can I do to get you off of me quickly). No reply - she just gave me a nasty look, fixed her Christmas sweater vest that had come undone atop the Christmas reindeer sweater draped over the Santa thermals, and walked on.

Coal!

Now please don't get me wrong - I love people of all ages. Over the past few years I've worked in a retirement home, a daycare, and now in open source (listen, open source draws one heck of a crowd). It's not an age thing - it's a "yep, we're all cold, tired, and scared of the economy. So time to buck up and be nice" thing.

Dark Christmas

Feeling the holiday spirit my work let us work from home today. Two hours into a presentation, the power went out and with the power outage, the heat went off. Peaking out the window I realized the power was out all over Russian Hill - ee! So off I ambled to Union Street to mooch wireless - the funny thing is the only place I can get on the WiFi is Bus Stop bar. Ridiculous. To top the darkness, cold, and poor working conditions off, I'm sick as a dog and my mom says she won't come for Christmas if I remain sick.

On the bright side, it's Christmas and there are some killer sales!

The drunk who stole Christmas

I left work a bit early today to do some last minute Christmas shopping in Union Square. Escaping the crowds I ambled into Lohmans (where I found a $30 DVF dress thank you very much) and encountered the biggest Scrooge ever.

I got stuck in line behind someone who clearly had enjoyed a loooooong and very early happy hour (it was only 3pm) and Ms. Boozy kept talking on her cell phone. At one point the phone rang, she was silent, and then screeched: "you ruined Christmas for everyone! You don't deserve Christmas." At which point she went silent again and then stared at her phone - I'm guessing the recipient hung up.

Ick.

In my book Christmas is a time to spend with friends and family and a time to let pants out just a little bit.

The great smoke-out

I've smelled a noticeable rise in smoking in the city in the past few weeks - I blame icky weather and declining economy. It starts in my building - every morning my neighbors apartment smells like a teen-age boys car - stale cigarettes and bad pot. Walking to work I'm constantly getting the smoke machine treatment only not from a machine, from the puffers on the streets. The odd (sad) thing is the majority of these puffers are centered around banks and financial institutes.

All I want for Christmas is some clean city air - I'll take the sewer smell over ciggies any day. Cigars? That's another story.

To do: Running in the Rain

I love running in the rain. Love it! Not just because I get the Singing in the Rain soundtrack stuck in my head (although that's a nice one because it helps me go a bit further) but because I like to get dirty. I think that explains the passion for trail races. Running in the rain makes me feel like a kid who gets to puddle stomp for the first time.


Three things I love (and need) when running in the rain:

1. A good waterproof brightly colored jacket (I love this one by North Face - disclaimer, I don't own it - I'm saving up for it, though)
2. A good pair of running gloves (I'm digging this pair by Nike)
3. A good snack for post run - I recommend something good for the body (GU Energy makes an excellent sports drink that beats out any electrolyte replacement (try TangoMango))

Matty, read closely, these would make great under-tree surprises! :)

Cool Running

It's cold in the city. Yes, I realize, it's not Boston cold but it is chilly. The chill makes running especially difficult. I step outside bundled up in running tights, wool socks, long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt, and hat. All this and still cold! Then, a mile in, my defrost kicks in and the layers are too much so I'm left feeling like the little brother from the Christmas Story. Oofa!

I am that dork

Last weekend I got to go to the Lucasfilm holiday party with my mom (boy can they throw a party!) The theme was carnival and over the course of the night I won two stuffed animals and a plastic light saber. I decided to give the light saber to my old boss (in exchange for a new cell phone - not a bad trade if you ask me). This gift exchange resulted in me being that ism on the way to work this morning.

Picture this:
I was walking carrying the light saber under my umbrella. The outfit? Rain boots, slacks/t, black ear muffs (picture the Princess). The worst part is I kept hitting myself in the head with the plastic weapon. Never again.

Snow in San Francisco?!

Running roundup

This was definitely a weekend of running. The weekend was off to a "running" (heh) start with the Muir Beach 17k on Saturday. My goodness what a brutal trail! The course boasted a 2k+ elevation gain with 3 brutal hills (funny note - the elevation map looks a bit like the stock market over the past 2-months ... OK, not funny) scattered over the 10 miles. Eesh! At the start of the race the temperature was hovering just around 40 - I am not used to that and my first few breaths felt like I had swallowed an ice cap and couldn't thaw. I finally could feel my throat (and limbs) again at mile 6.

Post race I enjoyed my mom's books signing (she kicked A!) and then went home to nap.

After a quick nap it was on to an awesome Lucas party (they really brought it home this year with the carnival theme).

Today brought another race - the Christmas Relay which I ran with GGRC. It was such a good runner turnout with the studs from PacWest (hands down, best training group) rocking the course (accompanied by Lululemon (hands down, most inspiring company) runners), and runners from almost every other running club and/or team in the city. I took the first leg and ran a terrible split - my first mile was 6:24, then I went on to a 6:40, and brought it home with a 7:30 and 7:00 respectively - ick. After my leg it poured rain through legs 2 and 3. Thoroughly soaked and frozen, I watched the beginning of leg 4 before darting into my car to blast the heat and peal off wet clothes.

Post race it was off to Meredith's for a FANTASTIC brunch. I'm still full from the frittatas (yes, plural - I'll be honest), scone, salad, fruit, chocolates, pork, cheese, oh, and pie! (Uh, writing that is a little embarrassing now that I re-read)but it was SO good!

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

It is that time of year again - the busiest, most frantic, spendiest. Here's the weekend lineup: race > mom's book signing > Lucas holiday party > Steve and Brett's party > Sleep. >> Race > GGRC party > Courtney's party > Sleep. Eeee! Blue Bottle will be seeing a lot of me these next few days. Speaking of mom's book signing - I have to say that's what I'm looking forward to most. I am related to fame - this past week my mom was written up in the Chronicle - finally the press is recognizing her brilliance. What's more, tomorrow my mom is doing a book signing at Book Passage in Marin - if you're around, come on by!

WHERE: Book Passage, Corte Madera

http://www.bookpassage.com/calendarview_cm_thismonth.php?monthno=12&year=2008&submit=Go

WHEN: Saturday 12/13/08 1:00PM

I see pregnant people ...

(Insert creepy music here)

For some reason I've been seeing bellies lately. No, Molly, this is not some big announcement entry. Something about the cold and holidays is bringing out the rounds.

Yesterday I was walking home and saw a big red belly coming around the corner. I thought it was a woman dressed in a festive red coat. Then I saw the orange-tan and stick on beard - Santa! No really, it was Santa, he was coming off a job at Union Square.

Today Nicole and I enjoyed a bootcamp in front of the buiding (can you think of a better location?!) Awesome workout - I can still feel the burn(ing).

When we were lining up for the curl, lat, lunge trio, I looked back to check out the other bootcampers. Over my left shoulder my eyes grazed a round belly - cute! I was just about to say "I think it's amazing you have worked out through your pregnancy - good for you!" when I decided to make eye contact to pass on this compliment. Thank goodness I did that - turns out round belly was a dude! Eeee! I am so glad I didn't say anything.

I think this is a sign that I need to drop my powder sugar cookies and start doing more planks.

A walk (home) in December

Insert Mandy Moore music here. No, not the (cool) Entourage cameos. The waxing poetic movie stuff.

I’ve said it a million times before and I’ll say it again – I love San Francisco! Especially the chilly times when lights go up, parties proceed, and eggnog is abundant (I admit, I actually really dislike eggnog but I couldn’t think of a third thing).

I’ve been trying to get some hills into my walking mix - I need to slow down on running for a few days, my knees/hips/ankles decided to go all wonky and I’m not pleased. I’m especially enjoying the walking knowing a) I don’t have to get stuck in the road-rage mess caused by the spiraling economy and frantic shoppers, and b) I get to see more of the city.

Here are my fav pics from the walk home.

p.s. Sorry Rye and Matt, no isms were seen. No cross dressed Santa and Mrs. Clause (what’s her first name anyhow? Glenda?). No hoola dancing, harp playing, poetry reading Karoak wannabes in front of Vessuvios. No, our little city has quited down – for a bit anyhow. If the temperature rises another 3 degrees, then we’re in business – ism business.

Top of Nob Hill

Grace Cathedral

House on Nob Hill

It's a Small Sports World

Over the past few months I’ve been getting more involved in the running world in San Francisco – I guess you could say it’s a NY08 resolution that stuck! I will now be partnering with PacWest to lead the Lululemon fun runs which we’ll continue on Monday evenings at 6:30 in front of Lululemon on Union St. On a personal level I’m psyched to be getting more involved in the running world – it’s a cool (or should I say “hot bod”) world to know.

On the fitness note, I think there are three types of sportys:

1. The novice – folks who want to get fit but don’t necessarily want to compete


2. The fitness freaks (and I mean freak in the nicest way possible) – when abs and arms are the best accessories and 200 pushups and sit-ups just aren’t enough


3. The competitors – the loons (myself included) who like getting up at 7am to run up the side of mountains just to see if they can do it and beat last month’s trail race time
   

I’d like to think I started at #1 and progressed through to #3 as the year went by (flew by). Now to fine tune the competitor in me and start beating last year’s times!

Richard, the owner and founder of PacWest, breaks athletes into much clearer buckets (without the childish names I attach) that help for training purposes and when people show up to PacWest workouts (bootcamps, runs, rides, etc.) they can expect to find the right group to fit their type.
I’ll be at a handful of the upcoming PacWest events to get myself in the “know” – I encourage you to come, too!

2009 Kick-off & Info Meeting
Tuesday night, December 16th – 7:00 to 9:00pm
Pete’s Tavern (across from AT&T Park) (

www.petestavernsf.com)
Come learn about PacWest’s training programs (i.e., BootCamp, Running, Triathlon, Cycling and hear about our NEW "Yoga for Runners" 8-wk program and PacWest's Elite Triathlon men’s and women’s team.

PacWest Holiday Party
Saturday night, December 20th – 8:00 to 10:00pm (private party)
Roe Restaurant & Club (www.roerestaurant.com)
What’s a workout or race without rad people and a cool bar to share best practices and stories at if you’re not already overloaded with holiday party madness, check out the PacWest site for details around their holiday party and come enjoy good company, great stories, and more. Raffle prizes and awards will be presented. I can’t make any promises but I highly doubt the party halls will be decked with sales pitches.

Girls on the Run - Lollipop Run 2008

The Lollipop Run oh the Lollipop Run

The funnest of races I ever have run

In the sun shiny morning we went to the park

The runners were stretching, arms stretched in an arc

280 girls and boys gathered

For the 1m and 5k

Their coaches and run buddies cheered them on

Hip hip hop hurray!

We gathered at the line

For "ready set go"

I led the 5k pack

Wee runners in tow

Out of the park center

Around the small lake

One big loop parkside

No time for a break

The finish line held

High fives and crowd cheers

The little boys and girls crossed

All runners were winners - all heights and all years

Inspired - Dean Karnazes

I just finished Ultramarathon Man and am truly inspired. I'm signing up for my first 33k (sure, I've run a few marathons, but there's something about trails and the #33 that has me scared ... excited ... scared).

Side-note, I think it's funny that "ultramarathon" isn't considered a real word. Maybe they're (they being the races) not mainstream enough yet.

Yoga for runners

Quite a few gyms and trainers are starting to advertise yoga for runners. At first, I have to admit, I played the pessimistic role and thought people were starting to capitalize on two popular workout/de-stressing means (sort of like a blog-wiki-mashup but a fitness mashup or hybrid). I tried one class at Lululemon a few weeks ago and LOVED it.

Tonight I tried a class at Crunch that was hot yoga. It wasn't advertised as "for runners" but this class felt like it was made for me. The entire class was one flowing movement in the heat which both made me more flexible and didn't let me get bored stretching.

Yoga for runners? I'm totally bought in.

Running with pepper spray

The alarm went off at 6:03am as always. I snoozed for 5min and then sleep walked to the bathroom to splash water on my face. I did not want to be up – I wanted to be in my REM sleep dreaming of Ireland (I have no idea why I was dreaming of being there BTW) warmed by down covers and luxurious multi-hundred threadcount sheets. But no, gotta run. If I’m going to do a 33k next week, I gotta run.

I laced up and looked out the window – the entire city was cloaked in fog (it’s own down cover?) and darkness. To battle the darkness, or really the jerks that come out in the dark and scare runners (there have been a few recently) I grabbed my new pepper spray – a first, I don’t know where the paranoia is coming from. I walked out the front door – eyes still only half opened – and started ambling down the 4 flights of stairs to exit the building. “You go girl! I’m so proud of you!” I heard from behind. Some neighbor I’ve never met was trailing behind me, maybe she thought I was someone else, or maybe she’s one of those cheer leaders we all love – either way, it helped crack my eyes a bit more.

Out the door – I made it. The hardest part of starting a morning run is getting out the front door. Cool air and fog spit (you know what I mean if you live in the city) smacked me in the face and my eyes were open. Opening my eyes was like pulling the string on a toy doll – the full vision got my feet going and I was off. Down to the water (still pitch black) and around the museum. There were lights by the water – lots of flashlights – weird. I kept going and saw it was a group of police. Pepper spray held tight I kept going. They were circling a homeless man saying something and he kept rocking on the wet pavement not wanting to listen to them. I turned up my Erland (new iTunes mix I downloaded) and blasted by. Pepper spray still in hand I made it up to Ft. Mason. By this point my face was covered in mist but I was too scared to wipe it off – I’ve never used the spray before and I didn’t want to accidentally shoot myself in the eyes. Instead of using my hand like a normal person, I used my shoulder in an awkward yogi-wannabe move.

Done with the run and drenched. I made it – first run with the pepper spray.

I’m sure you were waiting for the hilarious similes or jokes spinning off the spray. I haven’t finished my coffee yet, so I’m not feeling that funny and can’t do better than tie my run to an Annette Bening movie. Later.

Economics of saving

Saving money is tough but is proving to be an interesting challenge. The past 3-weeks I've brown bagged it everyday bringing microwave meals, leftovers, build-a-salads to work. I've also avoided all window shopping let alone shopping - believe me, that is a toughy! Running has proved helpful in that I can get past the stores faster. Biking is even better as I barely have time to turn my head let alone look.

I have learned to harness the power of imagination to wish instead of spend.

If I were a rich girl (la-da-di-da - you get the drill), I would buy:

• A 2-bedroom in Cole Valley
  
• A dinner at Pesce
• Manolos for the holiday party
• A facial
• Roundtrip tickets to the Philippines

Back to my jigsaw.

Pause - a post of brilliance is before you

I always seem to get my best ideas while running ... or shopping ... or running to shop. Today Matt and I went to Borders to stock up on books. When we got home I did a quick Amazon search and found all of the books, including shipping, for less than 1/3 the price. We went to return the books and I embarrassidly told the guy at the counter that I had succumb to online shopping for deals instead of in-store. At first I felt bad - recession aside, online business continues to push every mom 'n pop and now big box store out of business. Then I remembered when Borders first hit the scene - I don't remember them helping the mom 'n pops much ... OK, maybe I'm buying into the message from "You've Got Mail" here but I don't see big stores helping the little ones much.

When I went out for a quick run (quick because the heat in SD is a shock to the system and my feet now have blisters from toe to heal) my mind wandered to shopping. First I thought about the Amazon business model - very smart. Then I thought of Netflix who seem to be pushing all the video stores out with their video rental memberships. Of course my mind moved to fashion - Beg Borrow or Steal, an online designer purse membership store.

Then my mind jumped (as it often does on runs) to all the events I have for the season - the ballet, Black and White ball, parties, NYE festivities, etc. When thinking of events I thought of what to wear - I'd like Gucci with Jimmy but I don't think that's in the cards this year. Can't afford those goods new and don't want to pay retail or used and then have to go through the burden of reselling.

In a flash (a painful one - the blister popped) it came to me - "My Best Friends Closet" - a store where people can get "memberships" to borrow designer clothes.

Do you think this would work?

An online eStore - let's call it FaaS (Fashion as a Service for all those techies out this with a yearning for style like myself) - where people could get memberships for $30-75/month. The membership would cover rental of up to 2 items of clothes (or shoes) at a time - similar to Netflix. When you return the goods, you can rent more.

Eventually if the eStore took off, there could be "Closet" presences in big cities like San Francisco (where I happen to live), Vail (where Lisa happens to live), etc. People could go to the "Closet" to check out clothes OR browse online and goods they like from other "Closets" could be shipped to their local one.

How would this work? Well of course in this downturn stores like Saks, Niemens, Barney's, etc. are looking for new sales venues - they may just want to put their overstock goods in the virtual community for checking out. And of course Amazon would want a piece as they're always innovating - they could manage the shipping logistics and insurance. Oh, and don't forget all the small boutiques - something doesn't sell, no worries! Rent it.

Now, I'm throwing this idea to the world but I am indeed thinking of pursuing it. One of my thousand thoughts. If someone does rip off the idea and run, well then I'll be the first member. For free of course ;o)

Pain in the ... foot

We're down in San Diego for the weekend enjoying the warm November weather and celebrating Matt's grandparent's 65th wedding anniversary (!!) After a giant Mexican lunch (as if last night wasn't enough) we made it home and I decided to set off on a short run.

Donning my Nike 1/2 Marathon T (by the way, nicest race shirt EVER) and Lulu sweats (I forgot shorts - always something) I made it out the door. This was my first run with orthodics and the first few steps felt like I was walking on clouds. A mile into the run was another story, though Cresting the top of a hill (really a speed bump by SF standards) my feet starting feeling tingly. Another half mile and my feet were warming up. Another half and I was holding in tears and yells of pain - oh my goodness my feet were on fire! Apparently I hadn't broken the orthodics in enough and I was paying the consequences -still am. 2+miles should not render this much pain - this was worse than 15 miles up a 3,000 foot climb. I tried slowing to a walk and the burn only got fiercer. Finally I made it home limping in pain and only clocked 2.55 miles.
Oofa.

Oh Turkey Day Oh Turkey Day

My tummy grew more because of yooooooooooouuuu!

What a great Thanksgiving. This morning Matt and I got up, cleaned the house, and then made our way to Grassroots Shelters. I dropped the ball bringing the gift boxes we made at LAC to the church last week, so I found this shelter and it was a perfect fit. The purpose of the shelter is to keep low income mothers and their children off the street. When I walked in, everyone was very friendly and so grateful for the gifts. I have to admit, this is one of those selfish times when it feels so good to help out - I'm glad our art project brought these kids gifts and hope they can be safe in homes of their own soon.

After the gift drop, I went to the gym for a good long workout (I got hooked on the movie playing) and then it was cooking time.

Again, Matt and I made brussel sprouts with bacon and again we took BART to Walnut Creek. Boarding BART it smelled like urine everywhere - it was disgusting. Then I looked down and noticed the smell was following me. The sprouts. Nasty. So I was the one who stunk up BART (with cooking) and I'm the one always complaining - what an hypocratism.

Now to sleep so we can rise for an early flight to SD.

Shakey face

Taking the bus is always an event for me - it seems I have a tendency to board the smelly, packed, loony buses. Friday was no different - after an appointment, I jumped on the 1 to get from California and Mason to work. Nast. When I got on a smell of dirty hair and bad breath overwhelmed me. Smells aside, the characters on the bus were ... something else. Trying to nudge my way into a standing spot, I looked down and my heart nearly stopped - I thought two passengers had passed away. The woman sat with her head bobbing over her chest. She had taken her teeth out - maybe to be more comfortable on the ride? Her companion, an older man, sat with his head teetered on the side of his shoulder, eyes closed, mouth open (I wish he'd have closed that too ...) All of a sudden the woman start saying something and immediately the old man started howling and cackling. Weird and kind of creepy really.

Ah the bus - good motivation to walk more.

A season to give

The 80 degree heat has finally turned to cool reminding us city dwellers Winter is almost upon us. And, as we all know, Winter is equivalent to fat men in red suits, over spending on gifts for others and ourselves, and, of course thinking of others.

Last night Emily and I hosted an LAC (ladies activity club - a rotating gatheringEmily thought of years ago) party to build gift boxes for low income children. We filled boxes with toothpaste, stickers, Pez, and more. We also packed each box with personal notes ("I realize I don't know you, but I'm confident you can do everything you want to do. You just need to put your mind to it, put your heart into it, and try ... blah blah blah").

I miss doing stuff like this. I don't think I've truly given back in years. I mean, I've given to the economy, but that was to put shoes on my feet. I'm glad there's a season to remind us to give/help/share/teach. I'm going to make an effort to remind myself to do this more often.

Thanks Em for the LAC party idea.

Lollupop Run!

It's my favorite time of year - the weather is cooling so Burberry scarfs (the kind from eBay) can come out, turkeys are being bought for Thanksgiving, trees are already going up for Christmas, and the Lollipop run is nearing!

I'm thrilled to be volunteering with Girls on the Run Bay Area this year because it means I get to volunteer and get involved in the Lollipop Run.

The Lollipop run is a 1 mile and 5k run in Golden Gate Park, put on by Girls on the Run of the Bay Area. Children, adults, and strollers (with the adults) come from all over the Bay Area to make their way around Golden Gate Park. I have to say, I haven't done the Lollipop run before, but I have seen children finish their first race and it truly makes the heart smile - there is always such a look of happiness and success (and exhaustion) on the race finisher's face.

The event is on December 6 and it will be Girls on the Run Bay Area's 10th semi-annual season-ending celebration. The event has established itself as a morning of fun that gets the whole family excited about fitness and healthy living.

Find out more, donate, or apply to volunteer online!

I forgot my pants when I went to work today!

No - I'm not going to write about Sponge Bob No Pants - the (half) costumed man who ran Bay to Breakers next to Linz and I last year...

Lately I've been riding my bike to work. It's great! I get there in 10-15-minutes (whereas walking takes 45-minutes), I'm learning a new culture (aka, bike culture), and I get to give my knees a break. The downside is I can't ride in my work clothes dress or skirt + heels + bike doesn't work.

Today I left the house in bike pants and my sweatshirt with my dress neatly packed away ... as soon as I was within a block from work, though, I realized I forgot my tights/ 3/4 spandex to wear under the dress (way too short for the dress alone). Ugh.

Although it's a joy to ride to work, riding to work, then home, then work again is just not fun. So I went off on an adventure trying to find tights at 8am - sadly, most everything was closed. I went to every gym in the area, and finally made it to Walgreens - my morning savior. At Walgreens the only tights I could get were size L - oofa. I bought the tights and made my way to work to change, then, endured a day of way-too-low-in-the-in-between-the-leg-zone tights that kept getting stuck on my chair (I'm not kidding, the L made these things hang way too low).

Tonight I'm packing my clothes before I leave for work.

Stinson Beach 20k: 80 degrees, hurdles, a quick fall, and so much fun!

This weekend I got back into the trail racing circuit with the Stinson Beach PCTR 20k. The race was awesome! There was a great turnout from GGRC including our very pregnant president (and I have to say, she’s the cutest pregnant woman ever). We started down by the beach and ran up (up up up up) many sets of stairs and even a ladder and then down into Muir Woods.







On the trail I:

• Saw a HUGE snake – I’ve never jumped so high
• Fell, but thankfully stayed on the mountain
• Got lost – but it was a pretty detour
  

I wound up getting 2nd in my age group and 4th woman overall. And now, I have the trail race bug again …

Sunsets and beaches, skies with no ending, bright shiney faces with unemployment pending

(read the title to the tune of "My Favorite Things" from Sound of Mucis).


I love my bike ride home.

There’s more glass on the ground and a full moon over the bridge

There’s something weird going on – the weather in San Francisco continues to sporadically toggle between rain and 80 degree Summer heat (somewhat similar to the Fed’s bail out plan(s)). People seem to be angrier and more insecure than ever (likely because of the economy gloom looming). Riding my bike to work this morning I noticed more glass on the road than ever before. There’s usually the loan broken into car but today there was a series of 10 broken glass windows on the street. I think as people freak out more about the economy, jobs, being able to pay the rent, etc. they justify anger, hate, and frantic behavior (i.e. stealing).

Despite all the gloom, I was shocked this morning at how beautiful the city was. I woke early and went for a 6am run. I was the only one on the street at the time and ran down to the water around Aquatic Park and out towards Chrissy Field. At the Park, I had to stop, though – not from exhaustion but from the view in front of me. The full moon sat perched just over the bridge, a freight boat was coasting under the bridge, birds were settling onto the cement railing to take in the view, and the water rippled reflecting everything. Funny that in a time of such economy chaos we can be confronted with the most amazing bits of nature. Yet another reason to keep looking up I guess!

Ridin' in the Rain! Just Ridin' in the Rain

This morning we made our way out into the gloom of SF to enjoy a rainy ride to Marin. We rode from Lombard to the Presidio where we met up with Rob, Emily, and some of their co-workers and then took off. The ride was great! My knee has been hurting from running so coasting on a bike was a great break. Also, I love riding in the rain.



The total ride was roughly 20+/- and was fantastic. Can't wait until it starts raining again to take off on another Bay Area adventure.

Are you the running teacher?

Today I went to Lululemon to pick up my new pants (the Groove reverse - I LOVE them) and at the register I received the biggest compliment ever:
"Are you Amber? Are you the running teacher?"
Me: "Yes, I'm Amber - I facilitate the running program"
"That is so cool - I really really want to go but I'm scared."
Me: "You'll be great! There are lots of new runners."

Then I fumbled trying to find my license to pick up the pants and another person walked up:
"Don't worry Amber Taylor, we know who you are."

Happy happy happy!

Teacher + running = smiles.

Flash walking

This morning walking to work I was juggling Peet’s with my iPod and Blackberry. Through the hum of “The Be Good Tanyas” (not so much a hum as rad singing) I thought I heard:

“Nice boob”

Odd. Then I heard a muffled:

“Get fresh”

Geez! I thought – what’s going on with the city today.

I looked up and saw a guy handing out samples of Dentyne Ice telling people to start their day off fresh. I looked down and saw the top 3 buttons of my shirt were open. Great.

It's Voting Day!

This morning I made it to the polls early(ish - around 7:30am) and was faced with a 45-minute line. It was freezing, but fun - everyone in line was so happy to be voting (I think we were all a bit happy to have an end to the ceaseless calls, emails, and snail mails around the election, too).



I must say, I had the best view while waiting to vote. Can't wait to see the results!

I heart the rain!

It's finally raining in the city and we needed it. I love the rain - I love running in the rain, riding in the rain, vegging in the rain - not so much singing in the rain (my voice is awful).

San Francisco is a funny city when it rains - no one seems to know what to do which is tough because everyone in SF is always right. The roads jam up with people honking and shaking fists and the overhangs under shops are always filled with SFites who forgot umbrellas.



Despite the rain, this was an event packed weekend.

Saturday we enjoyed Tracy and Alex's wedding. They got married at The City Club which was a beautiful venue adorned with Diego Rivera art and phenomenal city views.










The crowd was a great mix of Australian's, Chinese American's, and muts (I put myself in that category). One of my favorite moments was seeing Alex's aunt get down to "So I come from a land down under" - as she shook and turned, her perm shook and turned a second or so after her.










After the wedding we all went to the Cigar Bar for Cuban music and, you guessed it, cigars.










Sunday my mom and I drove up to Calestoga to get spa'd. The spa was OK, but the drive, lunch, and views were my favorite.









Yet another handful of reasons why I love this city - when it rains, I get the streets to myself. We get to enjoy events in art adorned historic buildings. The wine country is an easy escape from the rain. The list could go on and on ...

Beat over the head with politics

Today I rode my bike to and from work (can't walk right now because somehow I messed up my ankle (somehow being a gorgeous pair of 4" heels)). Riding home I almost got taken out by a prop 8 sign!

I was riding along the Embarcadero paying more attention to the cars on my left than the sites on my right although occasionally my eyes did veer to the bridges and water. It's a good thing I took in the sites - when I glanced to the Ferry Building, I saw a sign coming at my head - an avid political activist was thrusting his sign at traffic but didn't notice me (I hope he didn't notice anyhow).

With all these propositions and media recommendations for how to vote, it's tough not to lose one's head!

OK, gotta get back to studying the CA ballot.

Inspired

I normally hate forwards, but when cheese-it sent me one today (good friend Lisa - I don't have delicious cheesey snacks sending me things ... but yum would that be nice) I had to read/watch.

Here's the story of Team Hoyt:
True Story ...
เรื่องจริง ...

A son says to his father: 'Dad, would you be willing to run a marathon with me?'
วันนึงลูกชายได้พูดกับพ่

อของเขาว่า 'พ่อครับ พ่อจะไปวิ่งมาราธอนกับผมได้ไหม'

The father, despite his age and a heart disease, says 'YES'.
ถึงแม้ว่าตัวคุณพ่อเองจะอายุมากแล้ว แถมยังเป็นโรคหัวใจ เขาเลือกที่จะตอบลูกของเขากลับไปว่า 'ได้ซิลูก'

And they run that marathon, together.
หลังจากนั้นทั้งสองก็วิ่งมาราธอนด้วยกัน

The son asks: 'Dad, can you run another marathon with me?' Again father says 'YES'.
อีกวันนึง ลูกชายได้ถามพ่อของเขาอีกครั้งว่า 'พ่อครับ พ่อจะวิ่งมาราธอนกับผมอีกครั้งได้ไหม' แน่นอนว่า พ่อตอบกลับไปว่า 'ได้ซิลูก'

They run another marathon, together.
เขาทั้งสองก็ได้วิ่งมาราธอนรายการอื่นอีกครั้งด้วยกัน

One day the son asks his father: 'Dad, would please do the Iron Man with me?'
และอีกวันนึง ลูกชายก็ถามพ่อของเขาอีกครั้งว่า 'พ่อครับพ่อจะลงแข่ง Iron Man กับผมได้ไหม'

Now just in case you wouldn't know, 'The Iron Man' is the toughest triathlon in existence; 4km swimming, then 180 km by bike, and finally another 42 km running, in one stroke.
(สำหรับคนที่ไม่รู้ว่า Iron Man คืออะไร มันก็คือไตรกีฬานั่นเองในภาษาไทย รายการนี้จะรวมมนุษย์เหล็กจากทั่วโลกมาแข่งขันกันโดยแบ่งออกเป็น ว่ายน้ำ 4 กิโล ปั่นจักรยาน 180 กิโล และ วิ่ง 42 กิโล โดยไม่มีการหยุดพัก ใครเข้าเส้นชัยก่อนเป็นผู้ชนะ)

Again father says 'YES'
และก็อีกครั้งหนึ่งที่ผู้เป็นพ่อไม่ได้ตอบปฏิเสธ 'ได้ซิลูก'

Maybe this doesn't 'touch' you yet by heart ... until you see this movie:
บางทีบทสนทนานี้คุณอาจจะยังไม่เข้าใจ และยังไม่เกิดความประทับใจกับมัน...จนกระทั่งคุณได้ดูคลิปต่อไปนี้


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJMbk9dtpdY

Run, reuse, recycle, reward?

Starting the running group, and volunteering for the running group for kids here in the city, I started noodling on how the economy is going to effect the holidays AND how the two could maybe help each other ...

The idea:

Run, Reuse, Recycle, Reward

A store could sponsor a clothes drive where people could donate old clothes (from that store) that would go to low income children in and around the Bay Area. Each item of clothing could get 1 “Kharma buck” which =s $1 off a purchase at that store (or something). The “Kharma bucks” themselves could actually be tree seeds (Matt and I gave these for our wedding (insert "awww") that people could keep and plant, or give back to the store for their $1 off and the store would plant (maybe even with kids in the community) – full circle helping.

My thinking here is that the government is pushing money back into the economy (which can be good) but a lot of the spending is going to spas and bonuses. If people help people and spending begets reward, maybe people will be more encouraged to help? And get rewarded? And reward (because rewarding drives more business through the rewards that are rewarding others). I'll stop rambling.

Random ideas - I'm full of 'em! (both randomness and ideas :) )

How's that for a footprint?!