3 Things Thursday

This is my very first Three Things Thursday post. Yey!  Keeping this short and sweet.  So, here goes...


1.  Weather -  It has been really warm hot here in SoCal since Monday.  In case you didn't know, there was a heat wave last Monday during my long run (record-breaking 113 degrees).  I wanted to swim today to take advantage of this heat but when I got to the pool, there was no sun!  And it was 12 noon!  The water was cooooold. Brrr!  So, here I am, back at home, still in my swimsuit and rash guard, blogging instead.  Waddup, Mother Nature?


2.  New Shoes - It's time for my Mizunos to retire.  She's now more than 500 miles old and has been showing some wear and tear.  I feel it too.  She has served me well.  Thank you, Mizzy!  It's now time to move on to my next running shoes, the Asics GT2150.  Unfortunately, Finish Line didn't have my size so they had to order it for me.  They promised to deliver it by next week.  The best thing about it --- it was on SALE!!! Woot! Woot!

Photo from www.finishline.com

3.  Dream Bike - I would really love to own a Cervelo but it is just waaaaay too expensive for me.  So, instead, I found her....

photo from www.fujibike.com

Isn't she preeeeeeeetty?  I don't have her yet but she is the latest addition on my vision board.  I am claiming her already.  I WILL HAVE HER!  Save, save save!

Happy Thursday Everyone!!!

*Is it too obvious that I like pink? Hehe!

*How's the weather in your area?

*Have your purchased new gear lately?

*What is the latest addition to your vision board?

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Pesce-Pollotarian Spaghetti Bolognese

I needed to carbo-load two days before my 11.25 mile long run.  Usually I would make my Spaghetti Bolognese.  However, I didn't want to use ground beef this time.  I wanted something healthier!

Pesce what?!

This was supposed to be a Vegetarian Spaghetti Bolognese but I wanted to add some ground turkey since I think my family is not ready to completely eat spaghetti without meat just yet. The turkey and minced Portobello mushrooms served as a great substitute for red meat (finely mincing the mushrooms gives them an appearance and texture similar to ground meat).  I also used low-sodium pasta sauce, Stevia (as sugar substitute) , and whole wheat spaghetti.

I must say it turned out well!  I'm all for yummy and healthy recipes!



Pesce-Pollatarian Spaghetti Bolognese
*This recipe was adapted from The Kitchen Diva's Vegetarian Spaghetti Bolognese.
Serves 4

Ingredients:

1/2 lb. ground turkey
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 onion, peeled and diced
5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 large Portobello mushrooms, cleaned, stems removed and caps finely minced
1 large zuxxhini, washed, ends removed, and diced
1 tbsp. vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. ground black pepper
2 tbsp. Italian seasoning
pinch of nutmeg
pinch of cayenne pepper
3/4 jar low-sodium pasta sauce
2 tbsp. mild salsa
1/2 tsp. sugar substitute
16. oz whole wheat spaghetti

Directions:

1.  Fill a large stockpot with water.  Bring water to a rolling boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain.

2.  While the water is boiling, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Brown garlic and add onions.  Cook until onions become transparent.

3.  Add ground turkey, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, nutmeg, and cayenne.  Cook until meat is no longer pink.  About 3 minutes.

4.  Add mild salsa, pasta sauce, and sugar substitute. Mix well.

5.  Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.  Add more salt and/or pepper to taste.

6.  Spoon the bolognese sauce over on the cooked pasta and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.  Serve with whole wheat garlic bread.

Enjoy! =)

• What do you usually eat when you carbo-load for a long run?

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The Weekend That Was

Run + Swim + Cook + Pray = My Weekend

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RUN

Tried Yasso 800s for the first time.  Imagine that?!  For speedwork I usually do 400 to 500 meters or even 1.6 Kilometers.  And boy was I tired! Bleh.  Anyway, here are my splits...

1 - 4:16 (time) - 5:20 (pace) 

2 - 4:25 (time) - 5:32 (pace) 

3 - 4:28 (time) - 5:35 (pace) 

4 - 4:19 (time) - 5:24 (pace)

As you can clearly see, it still has a lot of room for  improvement.  I hope to be able to do them in 3 minutes before my first marathon this December.

SWIM

It was really hot in California this weekend.  Isn't it suppose to be Fall already?  Extended summer? Yey!

I was able to swim 34 laps (850 meters).  

Dear Sun, please don't be so angry. I got a real funny tan line on my forehead coz of my swim cap.  And once again, I looked like a two-flavored popsicle. 

COOK

All I can say is, I was a cooking machine this weekend.  I got overly excited about the new recipes I got online and I wanted to try them all.

Pesce-Pollotarian Spaghetti Bolognese (couldn't go completely vegetarian)

Warm Apple Toast

Wake Up Smoothie

Spinach Parmesan Dip

Baked Kale Chips

I will post the recipes here soon.

PRAY

My family and I have been attending Sunday service at Saddleback Church.  The senior pastor there is Rick Warren (Writer of the best-selling book, "A Purpose-Driven Life").  For the past few Sundays, the topic was about setting goals and fulfilling our dreams for the next 10 years.  I do have set goals for my family, career and of course... my sport.  And with God's grace, I know I will be able to attain all of them.   But first things first, Rock n Roll Las Vegas Marathon...my very first full mary!  Just a couple of weeks to go! Woohoo!

• How was your weekend?
• Did you try or experience anything new?

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Gear Review: CW-X Stabilyx Tights

I got my CW-X Stability Tights as a Christmas Gift from Mike.  It was something I really wanted and God knows, it was something my legs (and back) really NEEDED.

When I joined my very first race in the Philippines, I remember seeing other runners wear this and I said to myself that I'd never wear anything like that.  Not that it didn't look nice.  But it seemed crazy to wear these warm-looking tights in a tropical country.

But boy, am I taking back everything I said back then!  I was a newbie and I didn't know what I was talking about. Sorry! ...*blushes*


When I started training seriously for my first half marathon, my joints started to hurt. I did some research online and I chanced upon a CW-X Tights review (just like this one!).  I was convinced it was what I needed.

Being a professional dancer for more than 20 years, we always used tights with support.  Which did just that --- support our legs while dancing.  I don't know why I didn't connect the similarities back then.  If it needed it for dancing --which involved a lot of movement-- then I needed the same support for running as well...*light bulb moment*


But first let me say that I do not use this for short runs.  I still prefer to use shorts and my joints start to hurt anyway during distances longer than 15K.  But if you feel you need the support even for shorter distances, then I recommend you wear them.  Your legs will thank you for it.

WOMEN'S STABILYX TIGHTS - BLACK

 Photo courtesy of CW-X on Amazon.com

The Stabilyx Tights provide optimum targeted support to the core and knees. They’re ideal for activities with lateral motion such as skiing and snowboarding and for athletes seeking our best form of knee support. The patented Kinesio Support Web™ bands together the muscles and ligaments of the lower leg to stabilize the knee and reduce vibration for increased efficiency. The Kinesio Support Web™ also harnesses the midsection, supporting the lower abdominals, hips and back to channel power through the core. Variable compression facilitates circulation during and after activity, minimizing lactic acid build-up so that you can be active longer and recover faster. 

FIT - Though it seems really small and tight before wearing it, these tights actually allows free movement.  If you get the right size for you, it should feel snug but comfortable.  If its overly tight, it can hurt your circulation and impede your breathing.

photo credits: photovendo.ph

FABRIC - The fabric is a tad thick (which I think is a necessary to get enough support), but it's lightweight and breathable too.  I've worn them so many times already and not a single thread has come off and no holes or snags whatsoever.  That said, it really is very durable.

photo credits: photovendo.ph

DESIGN - All I can say is, I feel really cool whenever I wear this. I feel (and look) like a superwoman in them.  Haha!

PRICE - Pretty expensive but it's well worth the investment!

There's just one thing I didn't like with these tight.  The LENGTH.  I've always wanted my tights to end right above my ankle bone.  Aesthetically speaking, it makes my legs look longer.  Mine falls an inch or two shorter.

Overall I am pleased with the CW-X Stabilyx Tights. Whenever I would use them, I noticed an improvement in my running and posture.  They truly offer both muscle and joint support for your legs, back and core.  My knees and shins no longer hurt during long runs when I wear them.  I somehow also don't fatigue as quickly while wearing them.  I dunno if that's psychologically or I just feel lighter since the tights really suck in everything.  And...since the Fall Season is already here, these tights help with the chill.  Though they do have the ones with insulators --- which I might need when it becomes really cold.

The next product of CW-X I would like to try are their support bras. =)

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• Do you have any favorite running gear you swear by?
• What was your biggest splurge on running gear?

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Magical Breakfast Blaster

After getting all the ingredients at Whole Foods, I tried out one of Dr.Oz's smoothies on his book, YOU: On a Diet. I modified it a bit though. Instead of using honey or apple juice concentrate, I used blue agave, which is a wholesome organic sweetener.

What I like about this smoothie is that it keeps you full for hours! For Mike and I, it took 3 to 3.5 hours before we felt hungry. We took it around 9am, so, by 12:30 we were ready to have lunch already.

If you take a look at the ingredients below, you'll see how pretty complete it is and how rich it is in fiber, protein, and vitamin C. Just for your information (in case you didn't know), the Psyllium Husk promotes colon health. And the Flax Oil...oh my, where do I start? There are just too many benefits that it may require a separate post! But for my athlete readers, it is known for shortening the recovery time for fatigued muscles after exertion. It is rich in omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. In short, this is REALLY good for everyone! You can take it before a workout or on your way to work.

Anyway, I'm rambling...

Here's the modified Breakfast Blaster Smoothie of Dr. Oz....

Ingredients:

1/2 large frozen ripe banana, broken into chunks (or other fruit of your choice)

1 scoop (1/3 cup) soy protein

1/2 tbsp flaxseed oil

1/4 cup frozen blueberries

1/2 tablespoon blue agave (or honey)

1 tsp psyllium husks powder

8 oz water

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Optional: Add a few cubes of ice, as well as powdered vitamin C. Cover. Blend until fairly smooth.

Tada!!! Enjoy! =)

da!

Nutrition Facts:

136 calories per serving

2.6g total fat

0.3g saturated fat

2.4g healthy fats

6.3g fiber

16.8g carbohydrates

11.1g sugar

29gprotein

380mg sodium

93.5mg calcium

33.1mg magnesium

1.8mcg selenium

195mg pottasium

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New Look

I had some free time today and was able to change my blog's design.

For the header, I used a picture of my actual legs this time. The one before weren't actually mine, hehe! Did I fool you or did you know that already? I also adjusted the colors and used hot pink, a minty shade of green, white and gray. The title fonts are a little more feminine too.

I also decided to turn my blog into a health journal of sorts. I will chronicle my life, not only as an athlete, but as a "consistently healthy" one as well. I will blog about healthy recipes I've tried, helpful tips, my diet and nutrition, product reviews, and more!

So, do you like my blog's new look and feel? Let me know what you think. =) ♥.•:*¨*:•.♥

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Oh Oatmeal!

Went to Starbucks one morning and was happy to see that they had Oatmeal with dried fruit and nuts. They call it, PERFECT OATMEAL.

You see, last time I checked, Starbuck's in my country did not serve this....YET. This IS so much healthier that the usual strawberry waffle or doughnut I would have whenever I'd go there for breakfast. Boo to bad carbs and empty calories!

In my warm bowl of (old-fashioned) oatmeal at home, I would add organic trail mix (dried nuts and fruit), fat-ree milk and a little agave (instead of honey). Yum! It is rich in fiber and packed with vitamins that revs me up in the morning. I also eat a piece of fruit (like a banana) and fat-free yoghurt with it. Hooray for wholesome breakkys!


I love it so much, I would even have it for an afternoon snack sometimes! :p ♥.•:*¨*:•.♥



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Swimming: Taking the Plunge!

I went for a swim today as part of my cross-training and to catch the last few days (or weeks) of the warm weather. I like swimming laps because it's just like running. It helps clear my head and I get to think about a lot of things. I love the silence of being in the water. It is a meditation as much as it is an activity.

REMINISCING

Within those 800 laps, I was able to recall when and how I started swimming. I was 6 years old when I thought that the kiddie pool was getting too lame for me already. I wanted to graduate and I remember trying to swim in the "big people" pool. I was hanging on to the sides for dear life, scared because my feet could no longer touch or feel the bottom of the 5 foot deep pool. And to think I was at the shallowest side of that pool. I looked hopelessly at the other end, which was 10 feet deep. So, what's a kid to do?

I taught myself how to swim! Seriously! Of course I didn't do the freestyle or breaststroke right away. It was more like the dog paddle (reminiscent of how dogs and other animals would swim). I practiced EVERYDAY. After school, I'd put on my bathing suit and head to our clubhouse pool. I swam until the sun would set. I didn't stop until I was able to swim across the deepest end of the pool.

MY FAVORITE STROKE

As I grew older, I did the "real" swimming strokes. I would see some athletes train in the pool and would try to mimic how they did the freestyle, breaststroke, and backstroke. The stroke I became accustomed to was the breaststroke. I can do this with my eyes closed! Haha! That's how comfortable I am with this stroke.

PAUSE AND PLAY

When I became a teenager, swimming took a back seat. I concentrated on school and my dancing. My swimming was reduced to doing it leisurely at friends' swimming parties, family summer outings or beach trips.

When I set my goal to be a triathlete before or by the time I hit 40, I knew I had to start swimming again. After years of no swimming, I gave up after just doing 3 laps on a 25 meter pool. I barely even finished it! I was out of breath and I got tired easily. FAIL!

But one thing I noticed is that I progress faster in swimming than in running. So in just a few month, I was able to participate (and finish) two aquathlons (Swim and Run event) and swam as far as 1,650 meters, which is also known as "a swimmer's mile".

When we moved to our new apartment, I was happy to know that we had a very nice 25 meter pool in our complex. Just a stone's throw away from us and it's right beside the gym. Hooray!

DISCLAIMER

Let me make it clear that I am no Natalie Coughlin (though I aspire to be!) and I haven't had any formal swimming lessons. Everything I know is just self-taught or through coaching from other swimmer friends. Meaning, I still have a LOT of room for improvement. I still have at least 3 years until I join my first triathlon and I hope that I have progressed by then. My skills may not be perfect but I do love swimming! I really really have the desire to swim and improve, that's why I do it.

I'm thinking of getting free lessons at our local YMCA to improve my skills and to take advantage of the indoor pool when it gets cold. I'm open to suggestions or any tips readers have for a wanna-be swimmer like me . =)

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Giving It Up: CHIPS!

I AM A CHIP MONSTER!!!!!!

Ok now that I got that out of my chest, let's see if I can take it out of my daily edibles for two weeks. Oh God, help me!

I love them all... Lay's, Cheetos, Doritos, Pringles...Oh the crunching sound it makes, the saltiness that tickles my tongue, BUT...not the extra calories! This has been my guilty pleasure since I was a kid. I can do without sweets, I can do without carbs...but my life without CHIPS?! Well, that remains to be seen.

I ate my last chip at exactly 9:30 the other night night. It has already been a day and a half. I think I am experiencing withdrawal symptoms already. *shakes nervously*...Thank God it's only for two weeks! LOL!

Quite depressing but I accepted this Give It Up For the Get Fit For 2010 Challenge with open arms! I CAN SO DO THIS! Wooh!

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RACE REVIEW: Disneyland Half Marathon

This race was 6 months in the making. Seemed just like yesterday when I talked my running buddy, Gail, into joining this race. I'm so happy to have shared this wonderful experience with her.

As race day drew closer, I couldn't contain my excitement. Which I bet was pretty obvious in all my updates on my Facebook page, Dailymile and Twitter account. This IS my very first race event outside the Philippines. It has also been 4 months since I last joined a race. So my legs, no, my whole being was just itching to hit the pavement. I was very excited to see how it is like here in the States. I heard the races here are very well-organized and that you need not be afraid of running out of water or energy drinks or worse, getting lost due to poor marshaling.

I give this race 5 HOT LEGS!



Here's my review and a blow-by-blow description of the event...

PACKET PICK-UP

Everyone was required to attend the Disneyland Health Fitness Expo at the Disneyland Hotel to receive our event shirt, race bib, D-tag timing device, and goody bag. This was the day we met Mr. Jeff Galloway during his talks there. We also had time to do some picture-taking and window shopping since there were a lot of booths that sold running gear, accessories and souvenirs.

CORRAL PLACEMENT - Corral placement is based on your anticipated finish time. Upon registration you are asked for proof of time which must be from a race 10K or longer. Based on this time, you are placed at an appropriate corral. The elites, of course, were in Corral A. When I registered, I still wasn't able to achieve my best 21K time of 2:27. I registered my previous Pikermi time which was 2:36. Thus, I was placed in Corral D. During the packet pick up I realized I could move up to corral C but I wasn't able to bring with me my proof of time. Didn't matter really since the ChronoTrack D-Tag system will be used to time this race.

D for Determined!

RACE BIB - Now I know why they printed our names on the race bib. So the people watching can call out your name and cheer you on..."Go Julie!", "You got this, Julie!", "You're doing a great job, Julie!". I have to admit, all that cheering (even if I didn't know those people) really helped! Participants without a bib number will be removed from the course for security and safety reasons. In other words, "bawal ang bandits." (no bandits), hehe! There was also an Emergency Medical Information on the back of the bib number.

With our race bibs

TIMING - Our D-Tag was located on the back of our bib. We were asked to step through an area on the day of packet pick up to either activate it or/and to check if the tag is working well. I wasn't so sure. I just remember seeing my name on the computer when I stepped through the sensor. Clocks were located at every mile marker along the course. However. the time displayed was the time from gun start so it really is only for those who started in front of the start line (Corral A).

my D-tagged Mizunos

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RACE DAY

The roads were closed early so Gail and I had to run about 2K to our corral. It's ok, we needed the warm-up anyways. When we got to our corral, the area was packed! We were waaaaaay at the back of corral D and were being squished by the tall Americans. That said, we didn't have enough space to stretch. =(

we're so small ;p

RACE START - As it should be, the race started on time. Each corral started 5 minutes after the other. So being in Corral D, Gail and I started 15 mins after the actual gun start.

THE FIRST FEW MILES - Although Gail suggested a 2K run and 30 second run walk cycle for this run, we ran up to 4K during our first cycle. LOL! Yes, I didn't want to take a walk break just yet. I was too hyped up! It was hard to stop. So many people cheering. When we finally did slow down, I managed to take some pictures along the way. Most of which, were blurry since I took them while running.

Gail wanted to stop for a quick pic but I said NO! ;p

We first entered California Adventure. We were welcomed by cheerleaders and Disney Characters. When we entered the Disneyland Park, I got sooooo excited! We ran through the castle of Sleeping Beauty where we were greeted by Maleficent!

There's the castle!

who's up there?

HALFWAY MARK - When I entered the Angel Stadium, I remembered thinking...TOO COOL!!! I've never been inside a baseball stadium. And to think this was the home of the Angels! We were greeted by numerous people on the bleachers, clapping, cheering and calling out our names with matching words of encouragement. I noticed whenever this happens, my pace would increase! Proof that it really does help in terms of motivation. There were cheerers, dancers, bands everywhere, I didn't feel the need to listen to my ipod.





THE LAST FEW MILES - This is when it got serious. I put my camera away at this point and really focused on my running. I wanted to beat my last time. I felt my right calf muscle stiffen. I tried to relax and pulled up my upper body to lessen the weight on my already strained legs.

The LAST 100 METERS - I have never experienced cramping on my leg before. And it had to happen on my last few meters. In all my races, I would always sprint to the finish line. When I was starting to do so here, my right calf would stiffen and my right foot would simply feel dead. I tried sprinting 3 times and this would always happen, which caused me to almost trip and fall down on the ground! It was a weird feeling. It was like the lower part of my right leg would just lock. So what I did was to transfer most of my weight to the left side. My poor left leg. I talked to it and said, "please try to hold up, we're almost at the finish line". 25 meters from the finish line, I heard the love of my life call out to me, cheering me on. Exactly what I needed! He was like a breath of fresh air. Actually, it was almost like a scene from a movie!

craaaamps! ooooucchhh!

FINISH - So yeah, I made it! Yey! I limped my way into one corner to stretch my right calf and a medical personnel pointed to a wheelchair and asked me if I wanted to sit on it...NO FREAKIN' WAY!!! Hahahaha! Secretly I wanted to, but, the vain side of me screamed, NO! ;p

success!

MEDAL and DRINK - The fabulous Mickey Mouse finishers medal were handed soon after I crossed the finish line. On the left side were tents full of water and Powerade. Organized!

Isn't she a beauty?

COOLING OFF - I followed the crowd to this area where they gave packs of ice and cling wraps. I sat on a bench and first wrapped the bag of ice on my right calf. Then a volunteer offered to wrap my left side. She did a better job doing so, compared to me.

Not too shabby

After that we were handed chill packs. Oh my, this is something I have never experienced before. The towelette was so cold and it had some sort of menthol in it. So I "bimpo-ed" my face, neck, arms and thighs. And I smelled good. You won't be able to smell, er, tell, that I ran 21 Kilometers! =p

Heaven in a bag

PICTURE - Walked some more and was led to the photo area where solo pictures were taken of all runners with the Disneyland backdrop. Tried to squeeze in a smile. I was so tired already!

Fake smile

FOOD - After the picture, there was the Refreshments tent. I have never seen so much bagels, oranges, bananas and Clif Energy Bars in my life! Too bad I could only carry so much.



BAGGAGE COUNTER - Tents were arranged alphabetically. Doing so, made everything fast and hassle free to get your checked-in stuff. How organized!



FAMILY REUNION AREA - Since the tents were arranged alphabetically based on your last name, it was very easy for me to find Mike. And there he was. Taking a pic of me coming out and holding up my banner. Aaaawwww....

Nice feeling to have a loved one waiting for you at the finish line =)

MASSAGE - Gail and I treated ourselves to the free massage. I thought I heard my legs say, "aaahhh yes, that's the spot". We had two masseuse each and there were about 20 to 25 massage beds in the tent. Nice!

Yeeeeessss....

I had my medal engraved (name and finish time) and then Gail and I went wild with the pictorial before heading home.



Oh Disneyland, you surely did not disappoint. I guess the only thing I didn't like were some areas where it bottle-necked so it really became crowded. But I guess this is fine since it helped me relax and slow down a bit. Also, I like the Photovendo pictures in Manila better where they really can get really snap happy and take 20 to 50+ pictures of each runner. Though I liked the fact that they take a pic of you crossing the finish line.

Starngely, my Garmin registered I finished at 2:20, not 2:24. Hmmm..

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THANK YOU's

Thank you so much Gail for sharing this memorable race event with me. Thank you Carina for always being there for me, coaching me, always motivating me and answering my numerous questions about training. Thank you to my takbo.ph family for praying for us and wishing us well. Thank you to my 2 Mikes for being my inspiration and for being so patient with me and understanding my passion for running. And lastly, to God Almighty! For giving me the strength and the endurance to finish this race and for finally showing me the sign. My prayer was answered!

You see, I was choosing between two marathons (Santa Barbara International Marathon or the Rock n Roll Las vegas Marathon). I really wanted to do the latter but got scared when they changed the cut-off time to 5 hours and 30 mins!. It was so hard to decide! So I lifted it all up to God. I prayed and said, if I beat my last Pikermi time today, I will take that as a sign. A sign that I am meant to do my first full marathon in Las Vegas this Dec. And so the Lord has spoken. Vegas...here I come! Hotlegs runner is gonna run like a rockstar!!!!

View pictures of the Disneyland Half Marathon HERE. =)

*** Follow Up:  Got my certificate....

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