Running and Hill Survival!

Hello Readers!  Hello Bloggers!

Happy to say I have been challenging myself to harder runs! Running multiple hills each run.   Although I am attempting to be kind and patient to my psyche and my body…I have been running longer distances.

I was looking at my Garmin stats last night and was amazed to see that I have run over 200 miles! YES!

I went on a run without my Taste Tester last night and really enjoyed the run.  Although challenging for MANY reasons…I did it! It was quite a different run without him there.  Both are equally enjoyable.  However, there is nothing like the solitude and peace of a run alone!  Running is constantly testing your limits both physically and mentally!

Each time I run I add HILLS!  If we run the neighborhood around my store HILLS are a given!  There are some pretty intense hills at that! Whew! No matter which route – the home route or the shop route there are some hills that can make me feel like I want to “blow”  (throw up) once I reach the top!  But all in all, I know they make me a stronger runner. Working through the intensity of a hill is amazing!  A battle of the physical…a battle with the mind and more than anything…truly a battle with yourself!

There are key points I think about when I am feeling the intensity of a hill!

1) When feeling this pain and being in the moment it is truly a moment to BEHOLD!  Everything you are feeling – you are able to feel because you are ALIVE!  Enjoy this moment.  Feel everything occurring in this moment! Feel the muscles, breath and experience life!  RIGHT NOW!  BE IN THE MOMENT AND LIVE! This is what I tell myself.  Of course…

2) When somehow that thought process doesn’t work – I ask myself a question “Are you going to quit?”  Immediately the answer is “NO!”  I have done this before!  I can do this again!  Why wouldn’t I be able to finish?  What are you saying to yourself?  Quit? NO WAY! NOT AN OPTION! Just keep going!  Push it! Push it a bit harder! Your almost there!

3) And when that doesn’t work soundtrack music and song lyrics come to mind!  A key one is the song written by Bone Symphony – from the “Revenge of the Nerds” soundtrack.  ”You’ve got to put one foot in front of the other put the right foot down…down…down…. -or- Don Carlos “The road is long Oh yes it’s long, Got to reach the end…I just can’t stop! No I just can’t stop! Got to reach the line!” At any given moment my mind can break out into a soundtrack within!  Anyone else feel like that out there?

And before I know it, I can see the lights to our driveway and I know I am home! The run has been FINISHED & CONQUERED!

I must finish the run I set out to do.  Within organized races, I have only done the 5k, 8k, and 10k and cannot imagine stopping at this point!

I am hoping to find some 15k’s and ultimately the Half Marathon is looming.  It’s out there calling me.  It is waiting to be conquered by the Veg888 Blogger!  More than anything I would like to run the half just to prove it to myself! That I can do it! That I can conquer anything I set my mind to!

Besides, we are living an uncertain world these days.  As a whole, Mother Nature is being abused and somehow, in some ways a natural disaster seems to be something that NOBODY CAN GET AWAY FROM! Just depends on what part of the world we are in as to what we may or may not face!

This leads me to my next tidbit for the day.  Have any of you readers seen a magazine called “Outside”?  The other day, while searching for ORGANIC CORN ON THE COB I spotted an article called “Apocolypse Survival”.  As I scanned through the article, I began thinking.  If there is an earthquake, civil unrest, whatever matter…I will need to run! Run from the ocean waves if I am by a beach, run from a bunch of things falling in the event of an earthquake, run in case of civil unrest….

The article itself was not as great as the title, however,  it did set my mind the following thoughts.

1) BE PREPARED

2) Make a list of what is needed in case of an emergency

3) Start checking out Survival websites in the case of a Natural Disaster!

I am certainly not saying these things because I am being negative.  This is reality.  In the year 2011 we have seen tsunami devastation, unfortunate effects from an oil spill within the Gulf of Mexico, Flooding throughout the United States, Heat waves hitting the mid section of our country, the list can go on and on and on!

So stay tuned and I welcome any thoughts regarding today’s posting!

Love and Light!

Namaste!

Fresh Fuel, Love and Success

I enjoyed a wonderful salad for lunch yesterday…

“Fattoush” - Cucumbers, Radishes, Sumac, Lemon Juice, Fresh Mint, Olive Oil and LOVE!:)

Wonderful Salad in all it's GLORY!

RULE #1

Eat as many greens as you possibly can!

I made up the above stated rule after reading a “blip” out of the THRIVE fitness book by Brendan Brazier!

Leafy vegetables are a rich source of chlorophyll, important in offsetting stress by alkalizing the body.  Chlorophyll also cleanses and oxygenates the blood, making it an essential “modern world” food and a true performance enhancer.  Having more oxygen available in the blood translates to better endurance and an overall reduction in fatigue.  In their raw state, chlorophyll-containing plants possess an abundance of live enzymes that promote the quick rejuvenation of our cells.  The consumption of chlorophyll-rich, leafy green vegetables combines with moderate exercise is the best way to create a biologically younger body.

Makes you think, huh?  I am totally down with the “younger body” and better performance vibe! What about you readers???

RULE #2 & RULE #3

#2 Drink Chia and #3 Drink Rejuvelac DAILY!

I shared my last Chia recipe with you HERE.  Last night I made another elixr that combines both Rule #2 and Rule #3!

CHIA – BANG!

6 Strawberries

6 Dates

2 cups Rejuvelac

1/2 cup Chia Gel

Directions: Place all ingredients in blender and drink!

In all of the research I read about the chia, many of the complaints were about the consistency and taste.  TASTE / FLAVOR don’t matter IF you are taking this into your body for nutritional benefits.  Luckily the seed is open to many many additions!  It mixes pretty easily with just about EVERYTHING!  I haven’t found anything it is bad with.  I have even taken shots of it by itself.  I must say say this – While it is not something that has flavor (bad or good), I am guessing it is the gel consistency that makes people not like it…drink it! Nutrition! NUTRITION! Nutrition!

As far as rejuvelac…I am still brewing this wonderful elixr.  Definite difference with this one – It can be a bit difficult to get down the “hatch” so to speak.  Not the flavor.  NEVER the flavor.  It actually tastes REALLY REFRESHING!  It is usually the smell that can keep me at bay for about 15 minutes.  Once I am drinking it, I usually just DOWN IT!  I usually take in approximately 20oz a day.  I would like to get to 32oz.

This wonderful sprout finds itself turning GREEN these days!  Even the Chia has been sprouting in the kitchen!  I love life and the definite presence it has in the VEG888 kitchen!

I was reviewing an Anne Wigmore book the other day and found this “blip” about REJUVELAC!

Rejuvelac – The Enzyme Drink

Rejuvelac is rich in proteins, carbohydrates, dextrines, phosphates, saccharines, lactobacilli, saccharamyces, aspergillus oryzae and they have the faculty of breaking down large molecules of glucose , starch, and glycogens.  This is the reason rejuvelac is an aid to your digestion.

The natural lactic acid and fermentive enzymes which are produced during the fermentation process have a beneficial effect on the metabolism and a curative  effect on disease.

Thanks for reading!

Love and Light!

Namaste!

Questions, Experiences and Life!

Hey guys!  How are you this week?

I didn’t want this week to pass without sharing some pictures, experiences and articles!

Saturday – March 26, 2011

Saturday evening, my taste tester and I attended a concert.  Closed the store early and drove to UCLA.  The college was hosting an event called “Acoustic Africa”.

Each artist brought their own flavor to the performance.  I don’t know if you are familiar with the Putumayo company, but most CD’s produced by this company are GREAT.  The company itself was established to introduce people to the music of the world’s cultures. It is nice to have a compilation of world music when you are relaxing alone or spending time in a social setting.  I really enjoy music from ALL OVER THE WORLD!  What about you?  Do you like world music?  Do you get out to see performances of any kind? TELL ME!

The artists received a standing ovation.  I was hypnotized by the performance!  There was so much talent on stage!  Whew!

My taste tester and I drove to our FAVORITE late night spot – PURE LUCK!  To my extreme dismay they closed at 11:00!  They are usually open until midnight!>:( BOO!!!!

We got back in the car and headed home.  On the way home we saw a CRAZY 1 car accident!  Scary!  People were definitely driving drunk! Another BOO!  Don’t get me wrong, I am open to a wonderful cocktail or two but NEVER EVER DRIVE DRUNK!  Know what I mean???

SUNDAY – March 27, 2011

Sunday was the Buena Park Knott’s Berry Farm 10k Snoopy Run.  The race started at 7:00 am which meant we needed to leave by 5:30am.

Something happened between midnight and 6am…My taste tester and I were watching a movie, talking and laughing.

I got up to grab some water.

My taste tester asked “What time we needed to be out of the house?”

I responded 5:30 a.m  Why?  You don’t want to run anymore?

No, I do.  But it’s a little after 6am…

Needless to say we didn’t run!  We still needed to register and there would not have been enough time.  We went to bed after realizing the time.

We took advantage of being at home and I cleaned the fridge, he did laundry and I rode the bike 11 miles.  It was nice day!

~FAST FORWARD 7 Days~

FRIDAY – April 1,2011

Kept the store open until 9pm.  We headed to Whole Foods for pre race/post race goodies!

I wanted to maintain a light and ALL RAW theme until after the race.  We have been drinking rejuvelac and maintaining out rythem in that aspect. I also made a drink that helps us feel really energetic!

Here is our Salad we had for dinner the evening prior to the race!

The next morning we got up at 5am and began our usual stretching, morning elixr and “The Spirit of the Marathon” DVD playing.  I think I am ready for a new RUNNING DVD.  Any suggestions out there???

About 30 minutes before we left I made this MAGIC POTION!

CHIA-FIRE-LOBO

1/2 cup soaked Chia

16 oz FRESHLY SQUEEZED LEMON JUICE

2 tbs Agave Syrup

2 tbs Cayenne Pepper

Directions:  Place all ingredients in a glass jar.  Make sure the jar you use has a lid.  Once all ingredients are in the jar, Cover it and shake it up. This makes (2) servings. (NOTE: To make the Chia gel – 2 tbs + 1/2 cup water – Allow to soak for 1 hr.)

SATURDAY – April 2, 2010

I attended the RUN SEAL BEACH 5k/10k.

The course receives 2 stars out of 10

PROS:

• Everyone out there got up to exercise and experience fitness!
• The course had A LOT of women show up today!  I always find that SOOOO positive.  I love to see women taking care of themselves, being social, and just pretty much happy!  Women are beautiful and I think it is important to be supportive and kind to each other!  To many people are negative toward other in life.  Let’s all be positive forces during these rather trying times in life and earthwise.
• A 15 year old holds the course record for the 5k as of today!

CONS:

• Horrible course.  We ran along the street and there were STRONG FUMES from all of the vehicles.
• All of the trash I saw along the way!  Especially the cups! Please runners hold your cup/stash your cup in your pocket! Something! PLEASE DO NOT THROW THE CUP ON THE GROUND! Better yet-come with water in a RECYCLABLE CONTAINER!
• GROUCHY SEAL BEACH OFFICERS!

This successfully makes the 7th race I have run since December! YEAH!

This weekend is the ARCADIA DERBY 5k – Saturday April 9,2011!  So exciting!  I am also hoping to do the Lake Balboa 10k on Sunday!

I will continue to eat superfoods, chia, and RAW this week!

Check in with you later!

Love and Light!

Namaste!

Kind Love

Hello Longevity Seekers!

How are you today?  Long Living? Living Long?

The week is easing into SUNSHINE and I am easing into the week pretty nicely.  What about you?  What is the weather like today?

Have you meditated? Visualized?  Even just 5 min – Do it!  It will help immensely!

This Weekend in L.A…

SATURDAY

My taste testers kids were in town this weekend!

One of them – the youngest – performed at the California Metal Fest!

Pretty cool for a kid that is only 14 years old!  EXTREMELY cool to be a ROCK STAR at 14! GO IZZY!

What made it even better was his older brother graced us with the pleasure of spending the night!

This is always nice!  I get to cook veggie food for kids and feed a wonderful appetite – healthfully and mindfully!

Ever since these kids were born my taste tester made sure to put instruments in their hands.  They both seem to be quite successful at keeping music in their lives.  Positive things, positive things!

We have made plenty of “Late Night Craigslist missions” for these guys!  I am happy to see that it is all paying off! Drum pedals, amps, bass cases, etc.  you name it – we have probably gotten it!

Growing up with a supportive parent is one of THE KEY TO SUCCESS! Don’t you think?

So that was Saturday and when Sunday arrived it was time for him to go!  Always seems – just a blink of an eye and the kids are gone…but we will see them soon.  I am hoping they will come and experience a race with us!

Although I planned on attending the Claremont Red Cross 10k – that thought was quickly out of my mind once I saw the rain! Heavy Rains!

Since I didn’t attend the race it gave me the opportunity to cook for “Nitro Roc” one last time.

SUNDAY

RAW Smoothie attack!!!

Here is my RAW date strawberry banana RAINY SUNDAY smoothie prior to blending!

2 bananas

2 tbl RAW almond butter

8 dates

6 strawberries

1 bottle OXYGIZER water

Directions: Blend ALL INGREDIENTS until smooth!

Why OXYGIZER?

OXYGIZER improves measurably performance during periods of high physical stress and the resulting regeneration phase. Univ. Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Marktl (Head of Science at the Institute of Medical Physiology at Vienna University) and his research team have completed their scientific ergometry tests. Using a randomised double-blind study, these tests have proven the effective infl uence and effect of OXYGIZER on the body’s performance capability.

Additionally, Sunday was the Los Angeles Marathon!

CHEERS ETHIOPIA!

Ethiopia dominated the Los Angeles Marathon on Sunday!

WINNERS

Men’s Division

Markos Geneti ran the 26.2 miles in 2hrs 6mins 35 seconds!

Coming in shortly after Geneti was Nicholas Kamakaya in 2hrs 9min 26sec!

Womens Division

Buzunesh Deba ran the marathon in 2hrs 26mins 34 secs.

Coming in shortly after Deba was Amy Hastings from the USA.  This was her debut in the marathon. She completed the marathon in 2hrs 27min 3sec!

Great going ladies! YOU RULE!

Those are CRAZY times! The male winner also broke the LA Marathon record!

There were a total of 19,626 finishers on Sunday.  11,896 were men and 7,730 were women.

UPDATE MARCH 24, 2011: 19866 Finishers – 12045 M / 7821 F

Exciting stuff!

Depending on the weather I may run a 10k Sunday.  We’ll see.  I will monitor the weather and figure it out by Saturday evening.

Stay tuned for more Musical Meditations, Race Reviews and Recipes!

I thought I would leave you with this image…

 

Kind Love ~ Love Kind!

Love and Light!

Namaste!

10k Grunion Run + A RAW Refresca :)

Greetings from the Garden of

Veg888 Love & Kindness!

Hello Longevity Seekers!

As promised here I am with another race tale, a RAW food Recipe & a REVIEW

THE RACE

The 10k Grunion Run adventure began Saturday March 12 with a drive that would last  1 1/2 hrs! The drive on Saturday was nice and easy.  A bit slow.  My taste tester and I left about 10 am and arrived in Dana Point at about 11:20-ish.  I had NO IDEA it would take us that long to get there, but we needed to register and pick up our bibs for Sunday.

Since the drive took about an hour and a half on Saturday and the race was at 7am Sunday – I knew we had to be out of the house no later than 5:15 am.

We left and began our drive.  Sunday, as you all know, was the first day of the time change! Whew!  We woke up at 4:20 am and did our usual ritual before a race.  Took the Yoga mat out and stretched, had our kick start elixr in the a.m. and played our “Spirit of the Marathon” DVD.

My taste tester is usually the one who pops in the DVD before the races and usually has a small area set up for me to WAKE UP!  Thank Goodness for the love and understanding a 10 yr relationship can bring you! Whew!

It was still quite dark when we left. As we drove to the race, my taste tester had to use the bathroom.  As we pulled into a parking lot we saw a small bunny go prancing by.  He was so cute with his little cotton tail and brown coat.  I thought to myself, maybe this is a sign we would do this race quickly…

This was the second 10k challenge!  The 10k Pepperdine race had taught me that I needed hydration during a longer run.  I also didn’t like holding the bottle throughout the race.  Again, the benefits of a 10 yr relationship - by mile 4 to the FINISH LINE my taste tester held my bottle for me!  Yeah!

Since I wasn’t totally convinced he would stick with me this race, I wanted a hydration belt.  So what does someone do when they need reviews and info about any one subject?  Go online and research the hydration belts that are out there!

A REVIEW

I found a hydration belt that seemed to suit what I wanted by a company called AMPHIPOD.

I was introduced to this company by my sister and her new husband around X-mas time, when they gifted me a this really cool pouch I could carry my keys, ID and phone in while I run.  It clipped right onto my waist band. The really cool part about the product was that it didn’t bounce around AT ALL!  I figured since it was a good product and all of the reviews stated their belt was the best.  So I thought  I would try their hydration belt.

The belt itself was quite cool.  Initially it was difficult to put the bottle back into the clip and I struggled a bit while I ran, but mid race I moved the bottle to the front and it was ALL smooth sailing after that.  The next 10k race I run, I think I will try one of those bottles that has a grip on it.

What about you readers???  Do you have any thoughts or insights about this???

I filled the bottles with 10 pH water and was sooo happy I did!  Whew! I got thirsty.  I ended up leaving one of the bottles in the car and took one for the run.

Each bottle holds 10 oz of liquid.

The day before I drank a 1/2 gallon of the 10 pH water, had a spirulina shake, a really delicious Chia Drink and ate VERY LIGHTLY.  Veggies mostly.

Here is the Chia Drink

Mamma Chia

A close up…

Arriving at the Race…

We arrived at the beach about 6:00 am.  It was still dark and there was a very calm vibration in the air.  Most of the people running the 10k were in their 30 years plus.  VERY COOL!

Walking toward the Start Line!

THE COURSE

This was a fast – mostly FLAT course.  I really enjoyed this run and would like to do it next year. The course was clearly marked.

Miles 1-4 were nice and easy.  I didn’t really hit my “warm up level” until about mile 5.  I did however enjoy the fact that we ended up running more than a 10k!  We ran a total of 6.56 miles.  I felt as though I could have run another 3 miles!  As to if I really could have – well I will have to try that at another time! (15k here I come!)

Mile 5

The ocean was so CALM.  This was the first time in a little while that I stopped and took a picture during the race.  At this point I saw I was a bit over an hour.

Sorry for the blurry picture…

I wanted to finish the 10k at 1hr 15min or no more than my last 10k -

I ended up finishing the 10k in the same amount of time, however once I looked down at my Garmin it read 6.56 miles instead of 6.2 miles.  That brought my pace to a 12 min 11 sec mile.  Faster than the Pepperdine which was a 13 min 54 sec mile.  I’ll keep working and working and working!

RAW FOOD

After the race I had a wonderful Date and RAW Cocoa shake! YUM!

For the next 4 hours I wanted nothing but ALKALINE foods in my system! I figured it was a FABULOUS recovery method!

I made a Mineral Rich Crust Pizza with Avocado and Jalepeno Hummus! Served it with salad and little tomatoes!

Mineral Rich Crusts…

Topped with Avocado and Hummus…

And finally…

We drank a lot of water and went to bed pretty early!!!

TODAY

I made my first CHIA drink to enjoy.  This miracle seed is said to help with staying hydrated AND endurance.  How could I not drink this wonderful SUPERFOOD???

CHIA REFRESCA

CHIA STRAWBERRY DRINK

1 cup Chia Gel(*)

7-12 Strawberries

Directions:  Place strawberries in blender and blend.  Pour into a mason jar and/or container with a lid.  Shake and Pour!

(*) To make Chia Gel – 2 TBS + 1 CUP WATER = Allow to soak overnight.

*PLEASE NOTE:  You can add agave, date sugar, stevia or any other natural sweetner if you wish.  I liked it au natural*

Thanks for reading!

Love & Light!

Namaste!

A Race & International Vegan Pizza Day!

Hello Longevity Seekers!

How are you? It has been over a week since I last posted! Hard to believe it has taken me 4 days to finish this 1 post!

This will be a post full of pictures, happiness and love!

I had mentioned in my last posting HERE I was having a Vegan Event in honor of International Vegan Pizza Day – January 29, 2011!  I think I also mentioned what a fast pace the week had been taking on ~ An energy unto itself so to speak…

So…I will begin with Thursday.

THURSDAY

Since my taste tester and I were hosting the first (of many – fingers crossed) Veg888 Blog Event, we wanted an area which was inviting, calm and most of all relaxing!

We decided we would host the event outside in the patio area of the shop.

We had an entire week to prepare for absolutely EVERYTHING!  In the middle of my crazy week – I received an email from the race I was planning to do in January.  Guess which day?  January 29, 2011! :/

So, once I broke this news to my wonderful taste tester, we knew there was SO MUCH WE NEEDED TO DO! Whew!

I called to have chairs delivered, a porta potty, and a dj were the main elements we wanted to ensure before anything else was done.  The rest-as they say- was UP TO US!

About a year ago we wanted an awning for the back patio area.  We called around.  ALL of the quotes we received were going to cost us $1,300 – $2,500.  At the time we felt that was WAY TOO MUCH to pay. So what does any business person do?  Look for one on CRAIGSLIST!

We found an awning the same measurements we wanted for only $100. Woo Hoo!  Sure it said some random name on it…but that’s okay.  I thought it would add to the charm.  The tables we have acquired are ALL different, so I thought sure – why not?

I had attempted to hire people to hang the awning prior to now, however something always fell through! We were really pressed for time so we put some energy out there and voila!  A customer said he could hang the awning!

We arrived at the store about 10am…the awning was up by 11 am! YES!!! The awning took a large part of the patio away from us being able to move things around, tend plants, etc.  I am really glad we were able to find some help for my taste tester and get that awning up! LOVE PROGRESS!

Wall before the Awning goes up!

Here we are half way through it…

And finally ready for the BIG DAY!

Throughout the day on Thursday we talked about all of the things we needed to have done by Saturday afternoon!  And let me tell you THERE WAS A PLETHORA!

We just kept going over our guest list, plates, glasses, water, salad, chairs, tables, etc.  I figured if we talked about it daily, there would not be any last minute problems!

FRIDAY

By Friday evening we were pretty much set as far as the particulars, but there was still LOTS to do to fix the patio area!  Move a BUNCH of plants, sweep, figure out the configuration, etc…

Here is the patio area prior to any movement…

I still had to tend the store and get ready for race day.  I decided I would make a RAW dinner for us the evening before the race!

I decided on an OLDY but GOODY!  MARINATED KALE  SALAD with mushrooms and tomatoes! YUM!  Besides, my wonderful customers have been giving me lots of lemons and Avocados! Perfect for a PRE RACE MEAL!

Marinated Kale Salad

1 Bunch Lacinto Kale

1/2 cup Crimini Mushrooms, sliced

2 Medium Organic Tomatoes

1/4 Apple Cider Vinegar

1/4 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice

1 clove garlic, minced

3 splashes Sesame Seed Oil

Spike to taste..

Directions: Mix liquid ingredients together in a SMALL bowl and whisk together.  In a LARGE bowl add the entire bunch of chopped kale.  While you are chopping the Kale, add the mushrooms and tomatoes to the “dressing” and allow to sit for 30 minutes, plus.  (Overnight has a nice heightened flavor) Add the dressing, mushrooms and tomatoes on top of the Kale and massage everything with your hands!  Allow to sit for 15 minutes and enjoy!!!

We were in bed by 12 midnight! Which is REALLY early for us!

Saturday

We woke up at 5:00am that morning.  I meditated after I woke up.  I wanted a CALM day, although I knew it was going to be ACTION PACKED until about 2 am – which was about the time I thought people would start leaving the event we were hosting.

The Race

Pepperdine University Coastal 5k/10K Run-Walk – Dockweiler State Beach – Playa Del Ray, California

We arrived at Dockweiler State Beach about 7:45am and checked in.  My taste tester decided he would run the race with me that morning, which again, I would say was an INSPIRATIONAL moment for me!  He amazes me all of the time! Which NOW that I think about it he has amazed me everyday for the last 10 years!

At approximately 8:00 am I checked in, picked up my number and Long Sleeve T-Shirt.

I found the environment to be really calm that day.  Although there were more people attending the Venice Christmas run, I felt people were nicer and calmer at this event.  There were also MANY MORE PICTURES of this event.  Everyone was included in the pictures – not just the beautiful, elite runner, etc!

We headed to the START LINE and waited for our “kick off”.

View from the Start Line!!!

I wondered if I would finish tired?  Would I still be running?  Would I be walking? I went in knowing I hadn’t realistically EVER run 6 miles prior to this race.  Sure I wanted to BUT I never did.

Up until the day of the race, the longest run I had done was 4.25 miles on Thursday prior to the race.   I felt good, so I thought why not do the 10k! And so I did!

Race Time!

I began the race thinking “slow and easy” missy.  I felt good. I had been taking in Rejuvelac and E3 Live ALL WEEK and knew this would help.  I also took in a few other goodies that morning.  Some Goji Berries, Gooseberries, Raw Cacao, a Banana and some dates.

By mile 3 I felt good.  Still running “slow and easy” and I was able to keep my time.  We decided we would use the Essentia water throughout the race.  NOTE TO SELF: Find a better water transport system the next time.  I didn’t like holding the bottle AT ALL!  I switched hands a few times during the race, but all in all it ended up alright.

By mile 4 and 5 I felt good as well!  The only negative part of the race quite honestly was the putrid smell that came from the waste stations we ran by during miles 3 and 4.  The last mile from 5.2 – 6.2 was LONG! Maybe it seemed long since it was at the end of the race, or maybe it was the visual of the pink tape and cones.  By mile 5.98 I was thinking…this is still going on?  Not that further but I can’t see the finish line?  Oh there it is – Oh I’m past it – Where’s my taste tester?  I finished!  OH HIT THE GARMIN and STOP THE TIME!  BEEP – 1hr 20 minutes! What? 10 minutes sooner than you thought? YES!  You did it! You made it!  You started with a goal and made it!!!!

Finishing the 10k in 1 hr 20 min.  actually surprised me!  I thought for sure I would have been at a hour and half or more! So that was pretty good!  My pace was 13:04.  Although 1 min slower than my last pace time at the December Christmas Venice Run I ran a longer distance!

I would like to get to a faster pace, but I know it will take time, perseverance and strength training!

Just then a THOUGHT – Oh hurry! Gotta get to the house and shower!!!

Our snack right after the race consisted of more bananas, more dates, mineral rich crusts, rejuvelac with E3 live and pH10 Essence water.

We got home, showered, and ventured off to the store! The minute we got to the store I opened the store and my taste tester got to work outside.

I decided to close 2 hrs early on Saturday.  I wanted to help my taste tester set up the tables.  We also needed to get our pizzas, set up the plates, and other necessities we would need for the event. Whew!

By 8:30 pm we were done with everything!  The chairs had been delivered at 6pm, the porta pottie came at 4pm and the DJ arrived about 8pm.  Tables were in place, pH water was chilled, and even the Champagne was ready!

Here is the menu for the event…

The back patio has a kiosk.  The kiosk is complete with a fridge, espresso machine, and various other amenities.  You can see the inside here…

Here is an outside look of the kiosk after all of the plants had been moved and before we set up the tables!!!

Here were are later in the evening ready with umbrellas and tables!!!

We had planned for the event to begin at 9:00 pm and end at 2am.  Now, usually when I would be invited to a party I would have arrived about 10 or so.  People were at the shop right at 9pm!  That was exciting.  It told me the environment of health and relaxation IS NEEDED in this area!

As you see on the menu above we had various kinds of Vegan Pizzas!

Armagarden…

Just Vegan Cheese…

Pesto with Spinach & Tomatoes…

Mushroom and Fresh Tomatoes…Somehow I didn’t get a picture of this one???

A HUGE THANKS TO PURGATORY PIZZA FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THIS EVENT!!!

We also served Champagne, pH Water and/or Coconut Juice!  Here are the glasses we used!

Everyone seemed to enjoy the fact they were glass, rather than plastic!  I thought it was stylish!!!

Here is the DJ rockin it with one of the guests!

All in all is was a very successful day!!! I am pleased people showed up for the occasion.  There was lots of love in the air that night and we were able to relax with many of the guests!

Our next event will be a Vegan Taco Night and I think I will invite more than 20 guests.  It was the first event held in the patio area of the store and I needed to see what it would be like.  How it would flow – but most of all what would it look like with 20 people in the patio??? Crowded? Was 20 to many?  Those types of things!

I will update when that happens!

We went home after a very long day and went right to bed!!!! Interestingly enough we woke up at 10am Sunday!

We went on a drive and came home to rest and relax the rest of day.

I will leave you with this wonderful image of this guy we saw as we drove up to our house!

What a proud guy this was!!! I love the fact that there are peacocks  near our home!!!

Thanks for reading!

Love & Light!

Namaste!