Happy Fit Runner Girl

Some photos from my run/walk yesterday through Sycamore Canyon...

Sat, 25 May 2013 12:00:11 -0700

Some photos from my run/walk yesterday through Sycamore Canyon along with my recap from Dailymile. Sycamore Canyon 5.24 mi 01:25 16:12 pace

I had to check out Sycamore Canyon today since today was the first day the area has been opened since the Springs Fire. It’s truly a devastating sight to behold especially as you descend into the Canyon. It’s a barren landscape for the most part. There are of course oak and sycamore trees that managed to survive, but there were a lot that didn’t. As I ventured further into the canyon I could hear birds chirping, I could see the occasional lizard cross the road, and I even spotted areas of chaparral that had survived the fire. It’s nothing like it used to be but by seeing and hearing signs of life in the canyon I know more new life will eventually make its way back and in time it will be as beautiful as it once was. Robb B. and I will be back on Monday with Matilda to explore more of the area that is dog friendly!

Edit: Photos include views from the top of Sycamore Canyon looking down and to the sides of the canyon, a burnt oak tree, other burnt trees and landscape as well as the one question some of us were all wondering if any of the porta potties made it, well not this one (last photo of the set).

A belated post from our trail running group’s sunset run...

Sat, 25 May 2013 10:49:55 -0700

A belated post from our trail running group’s sunset run on Thursday night.

Sunset Full Moon Lollipop Run 4.01 mi 01:01 15:06 pace

Explored a new trail with our group tonight. Tough uphill to start and then a nice downhill and of course back up. Of course if you start with an uphill then there is a nice and fast downhill to finish! Loved that part!

I did it! Yikes!! I just signed up for my first 50K!! The Born...

Fri, 24 May 2013 08:02:57 -0700

I did it! Yikes!! I just signed up for my first 50K!! The Born to Run Ultramarathons in Los Olivos!! I couldn’t think of a better place to dip my feet in the ultramarathon waters. Everyone there last weekend were such good people and the place has such a wonderful vibe! Super excited to take on this challenge!!

Almost forgot to post a few more pictures from The BTR last...

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:41:00 -0700

Almost forgot to post a few more pictures from The BTR last weekend. We had a chance to sleep in on Sunday. We grabbed some breakfast, went shopping for some picnic food and then hit up a couple of wineries. First stop was Shoestring Winery and Vineyard right off the main road to Solvang. The grounds and vineyards were beautiful with lots of foliage on the grapevines. The tasting room is not much to write home about but hubby did like the wine, so I treated him to a bottle as an early birthday gift. I also liked the option of picking your own wines for their Wine Club but we passed on that for now. After we hit up Shoestring we missed the turn for the 2nd winery hubby planned for, but did end up on some beautiful country roads and came across some horses. I insisted we stop and I took a few pictures. The views were beautiful too. We decided to go ahead and find the last winery- Rusack Wineries. Hubby did great planning for our last stop as they had an oak tree covered large veranda overlooking the vineyards. It was great for enjoying the wine and eating our lunch. It’s always nice when a winery will let you bring your own food. The weather was perfect too, warm with a nice breeze. I didn’t want to leave but we had a bit of a drive home and we missed our Matilda we relunctantly headed home. It was the perfect ending to a perfect weekend. Looking forward once again to next year for the race and hopefully sooner for the wine ;-)

Born to Run - The Experience These are just a few images to...

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:09:00 -0700

Born to Run - The Experience

These are just a few images to capture the experience of BTR ultramarathons. Hubby looking good, good friends running, Luis E. cooolest race director with a shotgun, six-pack ab skirt wearing cool dude Jacob, Akabill ultrarunner and artist extraordinaire, more shotguns shooting at pinatas and fun times had by all.

Here’s the best 10 pictures from my 10mile experience...

Mon, 20 May 2013 13:47:00 -0700

Starting Line!

First bit of uphill

loved this hairpin turn

Loved the shape of this tree and the runners along side

Barbie Land

Thanks for the M&M's girls.

Here’s the best 10 pictures from my 10mile experience at the Born to Run Ultramarathoners and 10 quick bullet points to keep this short.

We had thought about camping out at the ranch the night before but with hubby wanting to get the best sleep possible before his 50k we opted for a nearby hotel. We headed to the ranch bright and early.
Chilly morning so after we got our bibs and shirts we headed back to the car to stay warm.
Happy I was able to use the potty before the start ;-)
Race started off with an oath, “if I get hurt, lost or die - it’s my own damn fault” and a shoutgun start. We were off. 10 miles here I come!
Working cattle ranch with mostly nice wide roads and the first stretch was flat and perfect for warming up the legs
Soon enough we were gaining elevation but I felt okay and walked when I needed.
Pushed myself but also stopped to take some pictures and soak in the beauty and experience this beautiful place.
Ran beside 2 runners who were attempting the 100-mile race and overheard them talking to each other. I think it was the ladies first and the uptenth for the guy who was Eric Hodges, his name on his hat is the only reason I know his name. Veteran ultrarunner who said he’s done the Hardrock 100 11 times and finished 8. Didn’t have the courage to strike up a conversation but it was cool to run next to him for awhile and quite inspiring given he’s 64 and finished just a shy under 26 hours.
Finished in a litte under 2 hours but only ran about 9.5 miles according to the Garmin. Loved the amulet I received but I want to come back and really earn mine.
Best part of my day (besides being there for Robb) was helping out at the Sole Runners Holistic Aid Station. I was only there initially to wait for hubby but since my Leona Divide volunteer experience I thought I could lend a helping hand. It’s such a rewarding and inspiring experience to see everyday joe’s, and the super runners who make it look easy and how they both tackle these long distances. It’s amazing!!

Born to Run Ultra Marathon Weekend…. Just a couple of...

Mon, 20 May 2013 08:00:31 -0700

Born to Run Ultra Marathon Weekend….

Just a couple of shots at Avant, the place we had dinner at the night before the BTR 50k for hubby and the 10-miler for me. I loved this place a lot. It was fun and the food was simply delicious. Hubby already posted pics of just a few of the dishes we had while we were there.
I also loved this piece of metal art work on the wall near the entrance.

More to come for the BTR race recap.

Beautiful day in Santa Barbara wine country! Even nicer to share it with my ultra runner hubby!...

Sun, 19 May 2013 09:36:54 -0700

Beautiful day in Santa Barbara wine country! Even nicer to share it with my ultra runner hubby! Today we celebrate.

What better reason than my hubby finishing his first ultra to...

Sat, 18 May 2013 13:39:19 -0700

What better reason than my hubby finishing his first ultra to open bubbles for boston brut. Congrats hubby! !

Dinner with hubby before the big ultra tomorrow morning. This...

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:11:36 -0700

Dinner with hubby before the big ultra tomorrow morning. This place is super cool.

Adventure Run raffle tickets. Tonight I was lucky and won waffle...

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:32:20 -0700

Adventure Run raffle tickets. Tonight I was lucky and won waffle stingers and a 1hr. Training session from Body Logic. Gave the training ses to hubby but not the stingers, those are for me. Now its time for some dinner!

The week ahead...

Mon, 13 May 2013 21:12:00 -0700

Body Blast class completed tonight after work

Tomorrow a rest day but perhaps some ultimate Frisbee with the nephew and niece after helping with homework.

Wednesday a morning trail run should happen

Thursday after work we have the Adventure Run.

Friday rest and head up to the Santa Ynez Valley /Los Olivos for the Born to Run Marathon weekend.

Saturday run the BTR 10-miler. Perhaps try to PR, but I guess I will because I’ve never run a ten-miler race :-) and a have kick-ass time.

Full week ahead but I’m so looking forward to all of it, especially seeing hubby cross that BTR 50k finish line.

I saw this on the SF Marathon facebook page. It’s...

Mon, 13 May 2013 09:24:00 -0700

I saw this on the SF Marathon facebook page.

It’s something I need to keep in mind especially after my last trail run where the hills did me in. Not to mention when I run the hills of San Francisco for the 2nd Half in a month!!

Happy Mother’s Day to my mama!

Sun, 12 May 2013 12:38:34 -0700

Happy Mother’s Day to my mama!

Pictures today from the group run/walk/hike.To keep things...

Sat, 11 May 2013 20:52:43 -0700

Pictures today from the group run/walk/hike.
To keep things simple…I’ll just copy my Dailymile post for the stats and such:

Backbone Trail 8.07 mi 02:27 18:12 pace
Headed out with Robb B. to do part of the Backbone trail with our trail running group. I absolutely loved all the downhill of the first 4 miles but you have to pay the piper. Going uphill is my weakness. I had to slow down a lot and walk a lot. I could also feel a hot spot so thought it best to take it easy plus it was getting quite warm. I turned around early and ended up timing it just right to finish the run together ;-)

Look for the guy coming down the side of the rock wall.

Start of our trail run/hike.

Sat, 11 May 2013 07:51:26 -0700

Start of our trail run/hike.

Lobster Madness Roll

Fri, 10 May 2013 17:43:26 -0700

Lobster Madness Roll

baby&me / the new evian film (by EvianBabies) a co-worker...

Fri, 10 May 2013 11:53:04 -0700

baby&me / the new evian film (by EvianBabies)

a co-worker sent this to me. It made me happy ;-) I’m sure I’m the last one to see it but thought I would share anyway.

Back on the bike

Thu, 09 May 2013 21:02:29 -0700

I had a great time on the bike today after work. Felt strong even on the steepest of hills. Slow and steady but I made it. I could definitely feel the burn at times during the ride which is great. I like that I’m working some other muscles.

Stats from Dailymile: North Ranch Loop 12.25mi 01:19 9.3mph pace

As soon as I got home I made some Recoverite by Hammer and headed out with hubby to walk our doggie Matilda. Then hubby cooked a great dinner for us.

We watched Hawaii 5-0 from earlier in the week while we ate. It was quite eerie watching the episode since it was about a girl held captive for 10 years. Her name was even Amanda. Just all too weird. The timing of the episode is crazy considering the real life women held captive in Cleveland and found alive this past week.

I decided to lighten things up and watch one of my favorite shows Jeopardy. This week is the College Tournament, so I feel a little smarter. I’ll feel a lot smarter when they have the Teen Tournament.

So tomorrow will probably be a rest day and then a long trail run on Saturday. I’m hoping for about 8.

All in all a great day. Time for bed now!

View from almost the top of the hill. View at top was not as...

Thu, 09 May 2013 17:57:49 -0700

View from almost the top of the hill. View at top was not as good. Now the fun part all the downhill.