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!

Just a few more!

Hello Readers!

Yes, long time no write but living and loving along the way!  It is nice to be online and see the traffic within my site!

How are you doing?

Me?  I am still running!  My last race was in the City of San Marino!  The race took place on the 4th of July and it was totally positive!  This race is in honor of a fallen officer.

JP BLECKSMITH 5K

A large part of our proceeds go to support the Flintridge Prep’s J.P. Blecksmith ’99 Memorial Scholarship Fund which is given to a rising senior at Flintridge Prep. The Fund was established this endowment fund in 2004 to honor the memory of 2nd Lieutenant James Patrick Blecksmith ’99, who died while serving in Iraq. The JP Blecksmith ’99 Memorial Scholarship Fund offsets tuition for deserving students, funds special leadership opportunities for selected students of promise, and through the JP Blecksmith ’99 Annual Award honors a rising senior who personifies the qualities of leadership, scholarship, athletic commitment, and public service that J.P. embodied.

The Race

The race was a fast course with (2) very intense hills!  Although the hills were a BIG surprise, I am still happy I finished the race. Always happy when I finish a race and my taste tester is there waiting for me!  One day (fingers crossed) I will be able to keep up with him!  That will truly be a a wonderful day!

Mileage has been increasing each run and I am very excited about where we are in our running abilities!

The last few nights we have run over 5 miles each run and we still are not done with the week…yet!  I still have this evening and tomorrow!  I had mentioned a few weeks back that I wanted to shake things up a bit and run 25 miles for the week – I am happily right at this goal!  Next we will need to be @ 25-28 miles solidly for the next few weeks.  That is, if I would like to run the Half Marathon in the fall!  I will continue to add mileage!  Goals! Goals! They are good for me! Just a few more miles and I will be ready for the Half Marathon!

Reading

I just finished reading “Living with the Himalayan Masters” by Swami Rama.  Although a longer read than the previous book @ 454 pages, I enjoyed many aspects of this book.  It is always a pleasure to read books that really breakdown emotional barriers, give you insight to an ancient world and explain human nature in a very different way…a spiritual way!

To my HAPPY surprise there is a chapter about Anandamoyi Ma!  To anyone who has been around here, you know my affinity to this beautiful woman!  She was divine in nature!  This is the 3rd Yoga book I have read, with different authors I might add, where she is mentioned and the actual author has their own experience with her! Beautiful Ma!

If you like books about adventures in life, yoga, and/or the supernatural world, I highly suggest it!

Musical Meditations

Our latest adventure in the music world took place last Sunday @ the Hollywood Bowl!  A few years back we attended an event titled “India Calling”.  We wondered why there hadn’t been another show since!  To our surprise we discovered there was a show for 2011 called “Journey to India”!

The concert was a bit over 3 hrs!  We had taken Kale Wraps, Champagne, and sliced FRESH cucumber! We headed out to the Hollywood Bowl and expected a dancing, high energy crowd!

What we found was a very calm and serene show.  All of the music for this event was composed by A.R. Rahmen.  For those of you unfamiliar with this composer, you can hear his work on various soundtracks.  Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours, The Kings Speech, Inception, and The Social Network – just to name a few!

It was a wonderful night!  I felt so peaceful and calm after the show!  It is rare that my taste tester and I get to eat in such a calm and entertaining fashion.  A Great memory for the both of us!

This week we will see Ky-mani Marley @ the Roxy Theatr

Discussions, FYI’s and other musings…

1) I read an article called “Vegan becomes an “Ethical Butcher”.  You can read that article HERE. Quite honestly, I don’t know what bothered me more.  The fact that he WAS a vegan and ate meat again -or- the fact that he is alright with the killing of animals and chopping up body parts of animals. Before you decide, I do believe that each persons body is their own!  People can do what they want to it! Eat bad food, pierce whatever, tattoo whatever…it is OUR CONTAINER to do WHATEVER WE WANT, right?  Right.  But to kill another being on this earth for the pleasure of eating it -or whatever, that is where my problem is. One of the first Yoga practices to get a grasp of in this lifetime is Ahimsa.  Non-violence toward any entity.  I don’t feel the need to call him names, or say he is beneath any of us Vegans/Vegetarians, just makes me sad that this could be alright for him.  And to make it much worse-what does he stand for? Once a vegan – then a meat eater.  What happened to the commitment of not ingesting an animal product.  I wonder why he became one in the first place???  Hmmm.  What do you think readers?

2) While scanning the internet for information and interesting stories about general health and nutrition, I found a great new film!  You can read the summary regarding this DVD HERE.  I am really interested in seeing this DVD “May I Be FRANK” and if done well, I will more than likely offer it to my readers! Tell me what you think if you are able to go and see it!  Come on Ithaca – Talk to me!

3) HAPPY to see a Vegan NASCAR Driver with a goal! You can read that story HERE.  Always nice and uplifting to see others making and meeting GOALS!!! Go Vegans!

Write to you soon!

Love and Light!

Namaste!

the LIGHT of a new day!

Hello Readers!

Thank you for coming on by!  Lot’s of changes in the magical world of the Veg888 blog!  Lot’s of updates so I will get started and TRY and make this SHORT & SWEET! But if anything we will definitely get SWEET!

1) If you have seen – BOTANY OF DESIRE I am curious to know what you think. ?!  This documentary explores an opposing side of the life of Tulips, Apples, Cannabis and the Potato!  Originally a book, this film suggests these particular plants actually control us to continue their lives and growth, as well as further their abilities!.

I enjoyed the authors spin on things!  It was nice to experience another human being exploring feelings on a deeper level than the human experience alone.

I am eager to read the book and see what other information is included in the book!  These wonderful  life forms on earth are so magical and we are around beauty all of the time.  Even if we don’t PHYSICALLY SEE IT!

I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE books about FOOD HISTORY.  Early on Veg888 Blog used to cover a bit more history of food with recipes and logs of what was going on in the kitchen.  I started adding all of the different parts of my life with you!  It has become clear that I cannot just discuss food or yoga or any other ONE interest  I have in any SINGLE SENSE within a single posting!

I hope you will come along for the ride!

2) The Art of Joyful Living by Swami Rama – This was a quick and FRUITFUL read.  I am looking forward to read a few more books by this author.

Each month I buy magazines and look for interesting information about health, food, running, yoga, etc.  Over the past few years I seek out a magazine called Yoga+  International.  The magazine is a product of the Himalayan Institute in PA.

This last month there was an article written by Swami Rama about Inner Reflection.

The article was very kind and straight forward about battles we have as people.  Why we behave like we do, how to get past obstacles, how to be gentle with ourselves, how to have an organized calm mind, and other VERY HELPFUL TOOLS to everyday life.  The article is loosely based on the book –  ”The Art of Joyful Living “

After reading this book, it has left me wanting to make some changes in my life and I am trying to utilize the tools the book discusses. If you read this book I would love to hear from you!

3) Running in the evening seems to be extremely healing for me.  I enjoy running during the day, but I must say I am really LOVING the cool summer nights we have here in California.  Although it is in the 80′s at the moment, tonight is sure to cool off to a NICE and BREEZY evening!  I am still running and unfortunately I will only have 1 race for May and 1 for June.

July promises to be quite busy with races.  I will also be hosting some functions on behalf of the Veg888 BLOG and also on behalf of the store.  My taste tester and I have chosen about 4 races for the month of July and I am also hoping to conquer 10 miles.  Yes still trying to conquer 10!

I am always looking for a great discussion to feature on THIS Blog! Discussions are so enlightening at times.  On many different levels! Please comment or add to the information regarding anything on this BLOG!

Thanks for reading!

Love and Light!

Namaste!

a – MAY – zing!

Hello Longevity Seekers!

How are you out there?!

It has been quite some time since we last spoke!

Things are progressing nicely and I am finding myself quite busy these days.  What about you?

I had mentioned a few bothersome aches and pains due to running, but thankfully I have been able to work through ALL of them!

Various yoga routines have been the most KEY point in running without an injury.  Many of the poses have really opened my mind and in turn my body.

Usually I begin with forward bends and move on to various hip opening poses.  Many of the “running preparatory” poses, or so I like to call them, help enormously while I am in the act of running.

Allowing the hips, glutes and hamstrings to be stretched throughout any given session is REALLY HELPFUL when I am doing a long run! Usually 6-7+ miles.  (Hopefully I will be able to add about a mile or two this week to the 7 mile mark!)

So I usually start with:

Forward Bend – Uttanasana – To wake up the hamstrings!  I usually hold this pose for 3 minutes. Inhale. move into…

Exhale…Upward Salute – Urdhva Hastasana – Usually to rejoice I am about to RUN!!! BIG Inhale…

Exhale… Standing Half Forward Bend – Ardha Uttanasana – This is usually added as a variation to the forward bend because it allows me to check on my taste tester and at times feel the stretch in my back !

I usually repeat this series 3 more times before I move onto the next sequence of poses.

I begin in Tadasana and place my arms to my side palms down toward the floor and step one foot to the right.  This way I am ready to practice the next pose.

Prasarita Padottanasana I – Wide Leg Forward Bend – This is usually a very intense stretch for the hamstrings, calves, inner part of the thigh, glutes and part of my lower back.  Since this is usually challenging the first time I practice this asana I usually touch the floor with my palms and hold the pose for about 2-3 minutes.  Once I am warmed up, I place my elbows on the ground and really intensify this stretch.  However, when practicing ALWAYS stay in the present tense and B.R.E.A.T.H.E!!! Just stay comfortable!

From this pose I usually angle one foot and move into Parsvottanasana – Intense Side Stretch Pose – which is REALLY helpful on the inner part of the thigh, glutes and lower back.  I hold this pose on each side.

Although I move into more poses I am wondering if you are bored right about now??? If you would like more poses comment below and I can do a special sequence post for before and after a run!

With the exception of this evening, I would like to run a few times in the a.m. this week. Let’s see if I can’t shake things up a bit.  I say this because I am not usually a morning person!  AT ALL! But, I digress.

I would like to run 25+ miles this week.  That is the goal.  I am confident I will be able to run a half marathon by the fall.  I find it takes me until about mile 4 to feel warmed up, which is great on longer runs and not to good while running 3 miles or less.  That isn’t to say I can’t run, just not as warmed up I suppose.  Maybe that is why I see people running prior to a race….hmmmm.

I did meet my goal to run on my birthday!  This birthday was truly a wonderful day! I ran a 5k next to the beach, enjoyed a great dinner with my taste tester and GREAT friend Ignacio!  He is studying at the University of Santa Barbara at the moment and coincidentally enough the college was just across the street from the Beach where the race was! Yeah!

We talked and hung out until it was time to drive back to the LA area.  I hope to do a few more Wednesday Evening races.

It appears that many of the races in June and on are DURING THE WEEK and THE WEEKEND! Yeah!  The summer seems to invite more activity around these parts!

Lots of Yoga, Lots of Meditation and LOTS OF LOVE ahead this next month and beyond.  I am currently looking for some really cool giveaways this year and am so thankful to my SUBSCRIBER out there!  (You know who you are beautiful!  Look for something in the mail for you…)

and for the ZING…

Yoga Journal has recently written an article about a Homemade Sports Drink.  It is titled “Fix yourself a Drink” and can be found on page 28.  If you don’t receive Yoga Journal I have copied the recipe below…

Homemade Sports Drink (NOT VEGAN)

1/2 tsp honey

1 cup hot water

Juice from quarter of a lemon

Pinch Salt

Combine ingredients, stir, and chill the drink in the refrigerator to enjoy later.  Drink before and after exercise.

Write me, email me, comment or visit!

Love and Light!

Namaste!

Catch Up!

Hello Longevity Seekers!

It has been some time since I posted last and I really wanted to say “Hello!” to you all!

I hope you are all well!  I am also hoping you are able to enjoy some beautiful weather this coming week!

California seems to be at it’s most beautiful when the sun is out and the there is a nice cool breeze!

Things in life have been quite hectic for me!

For the past 2+ weeks, my taste tester and I have taken to the HILLS!  Yes readers.  I am running up and down hills!

Around my store there are quite a bit of hills and I am able to design courses that are 3.5 miles to 7.4 miles.

This last Friday I did my first 7.4 miles ever.  It felt good.  Although I feel I could go another 2 miles…I think it’s better to continue taking it slow.

I had mentioned that I was having some knee issues.  There are a few things that I have been doing to stay on top of this.  First and foremost is YOGA!

I have been able to go through some dynamic yoga sessions on the days I don’t run and I am also able to do yoga for an hour prior to my runs. (As I write this post I can smell the wonderful soil in the back patio area.  My taste tester is watering the plants and I am up in the front of the store writing this post and helping people who come in.)

As I was saying… In all of the reading I have done and all of the information that is out there about proper form while running, I am learning which yoga moves are really good for the action of running.

One of the most wonderful things about Yoga is the lesson it can teach you in one move!  I have been practicing many asanas to stretch and lengthen the ligaments around the knees, stretch the ankles and especially the groin and hamstrings! Whew!

I am not as limber as I was a few months back!  But I will continue to work both yoga and running together.  I have even taken to lifting weights.  Upper body strength is used when climbing hills and for for strong surges in a race! So I read.

This next Wednesday is my birthday and I am hoping to partake in a NITE MOVES 5K run in SB!  Sounds like fun and definitely some GREAT BLOGGING MATERIAL!

What have you readers been up to?  Any documentaries you would like to suggest?

Have any of you readers heard or seen the absolute miraculous end of the Boston Marathon?  I know we are almost 3 weeks past this wonderful day…BUT it was AWESOME!  If you have the opportunity  please check out the You Tube Footage HERE!

Well I just wanted to say Hello and let you know I am still working toward my goals!

Thanks for Reading!

Love and Light!

Namaste!

Derby 5k, WWWP5k & The Jericho Mile

This weekend I successfully finished my 8th race! Woo Hoo!

The race this weekend coincided with the (Automatic) World Wide WordPress 5k and my goal to run a race a month this entire year! LOVELY!

Santa Anita Derby 5k

This race was quite an experience!  The race started in the parking lot of the Westfield Shopping Center in Arcadia, Ca.  The race then took you toward the Los Angeles Arboretum and on the grounds of this wonderful property for most of the 5k.  The last 3/4 mile takes you back toward the mall and ultimately into the world famous SANTA ANITA RACE TRACK.

Sunday was an ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL day in Arcadia!

Here are some pictures of the mountains!

Walking up to the start line!

The race receives 8 stars out of 10

Our beautiful mountains!

PROS

• There were over 5,000 participants who woke up and RAN / WALKED
• The wonderful course through the Arboretum!
• LOTS and LOTS of trash cans for the water cups!

CONS

• The walkers that walk in a row of 3+ wide!!!  Runners usually have to somehow get past the WALL of walkers!  Walkers – stick to the right and allow the runners to pass you on the left!  (I suppose I understand ALOT better why the chracter in SPANGLISH (a movie with Adam Sandler) would yell LEFT when she was running up along side someone or about to pass someone!

• The last 3/4 of a mile was a bit more challenging that any part of the race. The last leg of the race takes you into the Race Track.  The last 1/4 mile or so takes you onto clay! THIS WAS CHALLENGING! WHEW! Actually threw me for a loop and stopped me from my kick at the end!  The only negative feelings are a personal one and in no way at fault of the race coordinators!  I will be prepared next time!

Horses at the RACE TRACK!

I finished the 5k slower than the Mardis Gras Race in Valencia by 1+ minute.  Faster than the Venice Christmas Fun Run 5k by 2+ minutes and 7+ minutes faster than the Chinatown 5k!  I have enjoyed taking the time to run and focus on my body.

Last night was the first time in a long time I went through my entire set of Yoga Poses to awaken the body.  Intergrating Yoga back into my life will only strengthen my running abilities.  At the moment I am dealing with a knee issue.  I have read and mentioned in a past posting that many knee issues arise out of TIGHT HIPS!  Well, let me tell ya…there is A LOT MORE THAN TIGHT HIPS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW!  Hamstrings, calves, and various other muscles!

My knee only bothers me when I step down!  As I went through my poses I noticed I was holding some emotion there.  I cannot put my finger on it…YET!  I kept having to remind myself to open my mind and focus on an “OPEN KNEE”!  I had to really be aware of not constricting the knee while I moved in and out of various poses.  Strange.

Today the knee FELT ALOT better.  My taste tester usually puts tiger balm on my knee for me, but I think I am going to make my own version of a rub since I noticed there are petroleum products in it.

Jericho Mile

Great Running Movie!

In my ever expanding collection of movies, I recently added a running film called The Jericho Mile.

Rain Murphy is a man sentenced to life in prison, choosing to do his time in near-isolation, and engages in distance running when given the opportunity for free-time. While his form and speed capture the attention of prison officials who believe he could be competitive for the Olympics, Murphy expresses disinterest. But when the one man he has befriended is taken advantage of by political groups within the prison, Murphy decides to pursue the opportunity presented to him in his memory. This action not only has profound changes on him, but also on the atmosphere of the inmates in the prison and their outlook on the accomplishments he can make. Written by Tara Ragatz

This film is a must see.  I had no idea it would be as inspiring as it is 20+ years later!  Anyone interested in a GREAT movie should see this movie!  At first I didn’t know what to expect.  I had been told it took place in a prison, and quite honestly I’m not into prison flicks.  It generally doesn’t seem like they would be positive! HOWEVER, this MOVIE WAS UPLIFTING, POSITIVE and leaves you wanting to see it again and again!

Thanks for reading!

Go Lickity Split!

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!

A Jar Full of Sunshine!

Hello Longevity Seekers!!!

I hope you are well!

Hope you have had a GREAT week and have some fun HEALTHY meals and activities planned for the weekend!!!

As for me I am planning on running another 5k this weekend!  The Mardi Gras 5k!  I am hoping for a better time AND better pace.  All of the money raised for this event is being donated to the SOAR (Students Off and Running) program in Santa Clarita, CA.

Admittedly I haven’t been running/training as much as I should be. Now that I have noted this fact on my blog and in my brain – things should get better!

I am really excited to have 4 races DONE and it is only MARCH! Totally trying to stick to my goal and run 1+ race a month in 2011!!

At some point I am hoping to change from only road races to road races AND trail races!!!

Have you been meditating out there?  If possible at this moment take at least 5 minutes to calm your mind.  It could mean the difference of snapping or not snapping at an individual throughout the course of your day!!!

Here is my jar full of sunshine!

100% RAW SWEET ORANGE JUICE WITH THE PULP!

The universe continues to reward me with the most divine gifts of avocados, lemons, grapefruits, (2) tangerines and LOTS of oranges!! So spectacular!

My taste tester and I have primarily eaten salads and soup this entire week!  The avocados have been so wonderful!!!  It feels nice on my tummy!  LOVE SALAD! FRESH! RAW! POWER!

I have also been enjoying better sleep.  I ‘m not one to have trouble – generally, however with all the emotion I was expending while my cousin was ill and his untimely death – I couldn’t sleep.  Things are ALOT better now!

In other news…

Cafe Gratitude opened it’s doors to Southern California this week!  For those of you in the BAY AREA you have been quite LUCKY for some time to have this restaurant in your area!  It is GREAT to see more and more restaurants opening in Southern California that support RAW &  VEGAN LIFESTYLES!!!  YEAH! A visit and taste test SURE to come!!!

California is “organic land of opportunity” according to an article by Food Navigator-usa.com  You can catch the article by clicking on California!  The article indicates a 10% growth for the demand of organic foods and notes that the demand (at the moment) far exceeds the supply.  This sounds great for the state of California, but I am curious what your thoughts are as readers?

And to end this post in a positive note…this is a GREAT article about a Healing Center in BC.  Not only does this article outline what is being offered at the Center BUT it also add some REALLY GREAT ADVICE!  You can read this article HERE – Eat Raw, Breathe and Sweat!

Thanks for READING THIS BLOG!  I love you even if I don’t know YA!

Love and Light!

Namaste!

TEAZER and the FIRE-CRACKER CAT!

I will begin with…

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!

I hope you are all rested and feeling good today!  Much love to you and your families!!!

This weekend was pretty busy!

Opened the store on Saturday and then went to a Birthday Party for my wonderful sister.  It was her 40th!!!  My taste tester and I left about 11:00pm from the restaurant and were in bed by Midnight.

Get up – It’s 6:20…said my taste tester

I sleepily opened my eyes.  It was race day and I wondered what I would learn from this race.  Agh! I wanna sleep some more…

I told my body – Get out of the bed and get ready…Yawn!

Alright I’m ready…

CHINESE FIRECRACKER RACE

Each race has taught me something new about myself.  Well, this one taught me A LOT about the  City of Los Angeles races, FALSE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS, determination, etc.

We began the race with a steep hill and ended the race with steep downhill!!!

The initial .25 mile of the race was a straight away.  The 1.25 – 1.5 mile was an ABSOLUTE UPHILL CHALLENGE!!! We climbed 200 ft in elevation.

It was entirely upsetting to many people in the race!  I kept hearing people saying:

“@#!%*…this isn’t like the online description at all!” Huff Huff

“How long are we going to go up this hill?  Huff Huff – Oh my gosh – we still have to climb up to the top parking lot of the stadium? Pant Pant

The course led to the top parking lot of Dodger Stadium!  It was BRUTAL. Not that I was unable to do it, but the road had small pebbles and many people began slipping and falling! It was starting to bother me mentally.  I must have seen 4-5 people fall within a 12-14 minute period!

After the initial 2 mile mark (ALERT thanks to my GARMIN – NOT THE USUAL RACE MARKERS!) Which I thought this kinda sucks.  We are declining rapidly down a hill people are slipping on…

Once my Garmin beeped at mile 2 – I felt alright.  I thought, although this race seems to be going at an INTENSE rate, I am soooo GLAD I committed to the 5k and NOT the 10k! Whew! 6.25 miles uphill? No thank you!

Yes it was quite challenging.  I ended the race in 40 minutes and 16 seconds.  Which I suppose isn’t too bad since it was ALL UPHILL!!! I was okay.  I don’t know IF I will do this race EVER AGAIN, BUT I am glad I finished it and saw it through.

Overall thoughts:

CONS:I saw many people cut across the loop, I saw people not even do the hill and wait for their friends to come down the hill, I also saw more dogs at this race.  Never before had I seen people have their pooches with them.  The race officials didn’t have enough PORT A POTTIES for people.  It was very disorganized in terms of the course being outlined.  Not many cones – human sheilds. BIG TEAZE OF A RACE!!!

PROS: Young Adults 18 – 28 were in FULL EFFECT!!! That made me happy and hopeful!  Happy they were out there taking care of their bodies and enjoying life.  Adults 65-80 years old were out in FULL EFFECT as well. YES!!! Photo Booth for all entrants!!!

My taste tester ran the race as well.  His time was 38 minutes 33 seconds.  AWESOME!!!

We went home and ate and showered.

Since it was the 13th I was scheduled to go to lunch with my sister and her NEW husband for her official 40th party with JUST FAMILY. Unfortunately, all of that was called off.

My cousin passed away at approximately 3pm on Sunday. Sad.

and

~IN MEMORY OF MY CAT~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

I love you Grady!!!

You will always be my FIRE CAT!!!

Race Recap – Part Deux + New News!

This is the fuel I had devoured the day of the race.  I knew I needed RAW food, Great Water and FRUIT!!!   So I packed my snacks and headed out the door prepared!   The (2) waters are: Essentia (9.5 pH) and the other is ESSENCE (pH)!  A love force energy bar – Flavor Chocolate Mint, Raw Cracker, a Sprouted Quinoa Salad, 2 Oranges, 1 Pink Lady Apple and Love!

As we drove up to the beach all I saw was FOG!!!  I wondered if it would end up raining on us or not.  There were quite a bit of cars parked in all of the parking lots!  All of the cars there were mostly there for the 10k race, which began at 7:30 am!  I would have to say there were much more cars for the 10k than the 5k!  Whew!

There were even some folks who did the combo!!! 10k + 5k! CRAZY!!! (One day I thought to myself!!!)  But for now, I will concentrate on the 5k and some speed work, weight lifting and bicycling!  Got to get ready for the 10k!!!

These wonderful people were all heading to the START LINE!!!

Here was my hero for the day!!! WONDER MOM!!!  You can read about her HERE! In this picture we are all assembling to the START LINE.  Initially WONDER MOM caught my eye for simply showing up pregnant and getting ready to run the race.  However, as the gun went off, she began running with her children and the stroller!!! WOW! AMAZING WOMAN!!!

Here we are on the race path!  We have passed the 1 mile mark.  We are on the Venice Boardwalk now.  Probably about 1 .75 miles into the 5k! I came across this really cute kid yelling at his parents! “HURRY UP MOM AND DAD!!!”  WHAT IS TAKING YOU SO LONG?”  He was very much ahead of his parents and I laughed to myself!  The energy of a young child! Not knowing or understanding why mom and dad were behind!!!  I understood!

At the time I didn’t understand why my pace was so much better.  Now that I have time to think about it.  I have come to the conclusion that living near the San Gabriel Mountains changes the air a bit.  It also occurred to me the other night that I run up hills since we live so close to the mountains and the 5k course was a flat course.  This is what gave me the idea to work more hills and hopefully gain speed for the 10k!

Everyone is leaving at this point including me!   Finished with the 5k and I was ready for my massage and a GREAT MEAL! We went to one of our favorite restaurants in Los Angeles – SIMPLY WHOLESOME!  Best RAW TACOS in town!   Great Salsa too!

After our snack we headed off to the shop!  We opened on time and I left to receive my wonderful massages!

I thought I would post these pictures!  Technology had been my enemy this week.   But things are looking up!

I have also been taking in SUPERFOODS…Goji Berries, Mulberries, Cashews, Carob, Raw Cacao, Coconut, Brazil Nuts and Raisins!  I made this mix myself.  I will try some other’s next week.  I have also been having E3 live every morning!  Sometimes I mix blueberries in the blender with the E3 live and other times I use frozen pineapple, mango, raspberries…just depends what I have on hand…

Check it out…

Ingredients:

1 lb RAW CASHEWS

1/2 lb. Organic Raisins

1/4 lb Goji Berries

3/4 lb RAW Superfood Trail Mix

1/4 lb Carob chips

1/4 lb RAW WALNUTS

I hope you are well Longevity Seekers!

Stay positive!  Some needed days off are coming up!

Love & Light !

Namaste!