Marathon Van Ride on the Barf Route

Having just returned from a wonderful visit to Oaxaca, Mexico, I am savoring memories from that trip.  Day 1 land in Oaxaca City at midnight.  Day 2 off to Huatulco, area known for their beautiful bays on the Pacific coast.  Well, actually to the town of Pochutla which is one the Highway 175 to Huatulco.  The friends we were staying with advised us that trip is slow and long, 6 hours on a winding road with many curves.  We would be traveling in minivan with 12 passengers.  My husband Mark gets carsick on winding roads but decided he would be okay if he sat in the front seat by the window.  At the terminal, my friend Alma kept asking if we needed Dramamine.  "Oh no" we both replied.  "Linda never gets carsick and Mark will be okay in the front".  HAH!  Stupid last words.

We stopped 2 hours after departure at a rest station for bathroom breaks and to buy beverages and snacks.  No one was eating on the van but I was starving.  It was about 8 pm now and my last meal was lunch at 2pm.  I bought the biggest bag of potato chips I could find and chowed down.  Damn, this is a longg drive.  I kept checking my watch and we haven't even been on the road for 3 hours.  This is taking a lonnggg time.  And then it began...Thank goodness for the LARGE potato chip bag because I filled it up for the next 3 hours of the trip.  

My heart sank everytime I saw another winding road sign. This road trip is a marathon that will never end.

 

Meanwhile, I was surprised Mark did not appear to be getting sick.  Until it got unleashed.  While I was quiet and dainty about my sickness, he was LOUD.  I'm sure everyone in the van plus the driver was horrified.  The funny part (in my opinion) was when he stuck his head for another LOUD round while going through a sleepy quiet village, the dogs all started howling and barking.  

For the return trip back to Oaxaca City, we got smart.  Compramos medicina para no vomitar.  Just like in English.  

Practice Till You Puke

Sage advice given by my dear husband.  Of course, you need a little context.  I really learned how to ride a 10-speed bike when I was in my 30's.  Daunting to learn something many of you have been doing as naturally as walking.  I finally mastered the art of balancing on 2 skinny tires while pedaling, shifting and steering.  But then there was the issue of drinking while riding with a group on longer rides.  Taking one hand off the handle bars and reaching down the bike frame for my water bottle was super challenging for me.  As I whined about this to my husband, he said that I needed to keep practicing that action until I puked.  He did not mean literally that I should puke but that through repetition I would master that skill.  I still remind myself to "practice till I puke" because to become proficient at a new skill, it sometimes takes time and practice. 

Smiles and Flirts

 Classic pre-run layout!  Thank you Colleen for selecting the Flirt Skirt to complete your running ensemble. 

 



 

Colleen always looks adorable and has the hugest smile at running events.  She is always training and registered for different running events.  Yet manages to find time for her profession as a teacher.

 I love her energy and passion. 

 

 

and who could not enjoy themselves in sunny Sedona. 

Surf Dreams

I first discovered this book by William Finnegan because of an excerpt that was published in New Yorker magazine.  He is a writer for the magazine and an avid surfer.  The story in the magazine focused on his life in the tough public school system and surfing in Honolulu.  I am a product of the Hawaii public school system as well and really got what he was saying.  Years later as an adult he returned to Hawaii and lived to surf at Honolua Bay and lived in Lahaina.  My old stomping grounds so of course I needed to read about that. 

The book is about surfing yes.  But what struck me was the extreme intelligence and the intellectual way he wrote about surfing.  Even if you have no background in surfing, you can't help but be fascinated by the details of his storytelling. 

I'm a surfer wannabe and someday I'm going to find my inner surfer. 

 

Sometimes We Fall

Skiing off-piste or away from groomed runs is my winter time passion.  I've been skiing for 33 years and have acquired a level of confidence with skiing the entire mountain at a ski resort.  But sometimes that confidence gets challenged.

I was enjoying a beautiful morning on the slopes of Crystal Mountain, WA with my regular ski buddy.  We were on one of my favorite runs which has spots that are steep, narrow and through the trees.  But there was plenty of snow, the sun was out and I was skiing carefully and slowly.  Well, I hit an ice block which knocked one ski off.  I am standing at the start of what looks like the steepest run ever desperately clinging the loose ski in my hand.  By now all former confidence has departed and I am trying to keep calm and carry on.

It took a long time and a lot of self-talking before I finally got my ski back on.  The first few turns were very shaky and I reverted back to my bad habits of sitting back and generally using the "fear" stance.  I did finally get my skiing legs back and made it to the bottom comfortably.

While shaking in my ski boots, I saw an analogy to life itself.  Sometimes we get shaken up but we must remember that we have the skills and knowledge, and believe in ourselves to get back on track.

Deep end of the pool, Shallow end of the ocean

The title describes my comfort level with swimming for the past 20 years.  

I grew up surrounded by water in Hawaii and absolutely loved wading in the shallow end of the ocean.  But it was a bummer not being able to join my friends in swimming and snorkeling.  As an adult I took countless swim lessons at the YMCA or community centers. But I still could not get over my terror of deep water.  Totally unfounded terror too.  There was no big traumatic event that caused this fear.   

Then 20 years ago, my mermaid friend Judith worked with me at the pool and everything clicked.  I was able to coordinate side breathing, with crawl stroke and kicking!!!  I would swim laps and cling onto the edge of the pool in the deep end.  

Over the years, I kept up with my swimming and received more swim coaching. It seems as though one day I went out into the ocean and just felt comfortable in the deep.  It was such a liberating experience to be able to snorkle in deep waters, to get smashed by waves while learning to surf, kayak faraway from the shoreline.  I felt as though a whole new world opened up.  

I really thought I would never be able to swim.  That I was a "sinker".  Then when I learned to swim, I thought it could only be in the safe confines of a pool.  Then I graduated to swimming close to the ocean shoreline.    I am not some superperson with the will to overcome or anything that noble. I am just someone who kept on practicing and one day, it all came together.  

Marathon Memories from a Year Ago

Honolulu Marathon 2015 took place today and I was fondly remembering my experience at this marathon last year.  I've decided this is my favorite marathon to date.  Fun beautiful course with no time limit.  The course will stay open until the last person crosses the finish line.  How is that for being inclusive.

A few things I love about this marathon:

• Starting with huge fireworks display gets the adrenaline going.  
• Early 5am start in the dark with downtown Honolulu lit up with Christmas displays
• So much energy.  Gotta love the Japanese cheering groups with their enthusiasm and energy.
• Costumes, costumes everywhere.  
• Running in WARM rain.  No overheating.  
• Seeing the elite runners on the route to the finish.  Amazing.
• Breathtaking scenery.
• Malasadas at the finish.

Yes, I did see a few rainbows.

Funny running form but gotta love the Flirt Skirt and the scenery.

Hurray, now time to recover.

My biggest smile of the day.

Marathon Bus Ride on The Barf Route

Having just returned from a wonderful visit to Oaxaca, Mexico, I am savoring memories from that trip.  Day 1 land in Oaxaca City at midnight.  Day 2 off to Huatulco, area known for their beautiful bays on the Pacific coast.  Well, actually to the town of Pochutla which is one the Highway 175 to Huatulco.  The friends we were staying with advised us that trip is slow and long, 6 hours on a winding road with many curves.  We would be traveling in minivan with 12 passengers.  My husband Mark gets carsick on winding roads but decided he would be okay if he sat in the front seat by the window.  At the terminal, my friend Alma kept asking if we needed Dramamine.  "Oh no" we both replied.  "Linda never gets carsick and Mark will be okay in the front".  HAH!  Stupid last words.

We stopped 2 hours after departure at a rest station for bathroom breaks and to buy beverages and snacks.  No one was eating on the van but I was starving.  It was about 8 pm now and my last meal was lunch at 2pm.  I bought the biggest bag of potato chips I could find and chowed down.  Damn, this is a longg drive.  I kept checking my watch and we haven't even been on the road for 3 hours.  This is taking a lonnggg time.  And then it began...Thank goodness for the LARGE potato chip bag because I filled it up for the next 3 hours of the trip.  

My heart sank everytime I saw another winding road sign. This road trip is a marathon that will never end.

 

Meanwhile, I was surprised Mark did not appear to be getting sick.  Until it got unleashed.  While I was quiet and dainty about my sickness, he was LOUD.  I'm sure everyone in the van plus the driver was horrified.  The funny part (in my opinion) was when he stuck his head for another LOUD round while going through a sleepy quiet village, the dogs all started howling and barking.  

For the return trip back to Oaxaca City, we got smart.  Compramos medicina para no vomitar.  Just like in English.  

Running in the Rain

I've learned from my cat to just turn around and go back in the house if it is pouring outside.  Kinda rough on the training schedule since it has been pretty damp here in Seattle.  But if I can get outside BEFORE the big drops arrive, I am okay.  I've come home looking like a wet rat many times and always feel so virtuous for sticking to my running plan. 

This fabulous group of women placed FIRST in the walking team category of the Barrel 2 Key Relay this summer in Oregon! How can you not smile and have fun when your team is called "Don't Worry Be Hippy" and you are speed walking from Barrel 2 Keg. 

Time Flies

I have been quite lax with my correspondence this past year--both personally and professionally.  Overwhelmed with too many things to take care of. Wen I decided to resurrect my blog, I was quite shocked to discover that my last post was from October 2013.  And here I am now, still undertrained again for the 2014 Columbia Gorge Marathon. 

About a month ago I felt a sharp pain in my knee during a short training run.  Well that pain has not disappeared so finally went to see a sports medicine doctor.  Surprise, surprise I have arthritis in my knee. 

I was happy to learn that I didn't tear or break an important body part.  And with the knowledge that I have a lifetime condition that I have to live with anyway, I am putting my running shoes back on.  I will dial back my running--lower mileage and fewer days/wk.  But I'm still running my marathons.  Well maybe run/walk with more walking. 

I'm a slower marathoner anyway.  Knowing that I need to take it easy on knees makes me feel okay and smart about being at the back of the back.  Whereas I would put imaginary pressure on myself to train harder and get faster.  Now I just feel fortunate for any running I can do. 

Fall running in the gorge



Am feeling a bit undertrained for this event and have wondered if I should proceed. Oh what the heck.   I feel as though I can do the mileage but it could be kinda slow...  At least the scenery will be gorgeous and dry weather is in the forecast.  This area is one of my most favorite in the Pacific Northwest. 

http://www.columbiagorgemarathon.com/event-info/registration/

Crazy as a compliment

I have a favorite running route on West Maui.  Starting at Kapalua, running to Honolua Bay and sometimes past that for a longer run.  I just returned from a hotter than usual Hawaii summer.  After a week of running my fave route in 90 degree weather, a cyclist passes me and says "You're crazy!  And that is a good thing".  Yes, drenched in sweat (me, that is) and proud of the crazy label. 

Pink Lady Runner

We've been having an uncharacteristically warm and dry summer in Seattle this year.  I love this weather but didn't realize what a wimp I am running in the "heat".  This girl from Hawaii struggles with running in greater than 70 degree weather.  That is until I discovered my new favorite go-to gear for the summer.  I lovvvve my pink hydration Camelbak.  It holds enough water to last me through a long run and keeps me well hydrated.  It even has pockets to store my cellphone and other stuff.  My Camelbak is not so pretty and pink anymore because it is always going on the road with me. 

 

 

Run your own race

Run your own race.  Set goals for yourself.  Live your own life. 

Definitely not a PR but still Giddy

I completed the Vancouver USA Marathon in June in approximately 6 hours.  The details (minutes, seconds before or after) don't matter to me.  I was giddily happy for the following reasons, not necessarily in this order:
1.  As I rounded the corner and ran into the last .2 of 26.2 miles, the announcer referred to me as the "young lady"!
2. The announcer also commented on me running in with a good kick and a strong finish.  So never mind that it took 6 hours, I finished strong and felt great.  I usually come in slogging (slow jog). 
3.  I never felt like I hit the wall.  So I enjoyed myself and felt good throughout all 26.2. 
4.  Brewfest with free beer tasting at the finish.
5.  Ono kalua pork plate lunch piled high from the Hawaiian food truck. 

I felt good knowing that I ran my own race and had a great time on my own.  And I was definitely on my own for several miles.  At one point, I worried that I took a wrong turn somewhere because I didn't see any fellow racers.  Finally, a volunteer cycled passed and reassured me that I was headed in the right direction.  I'm even registered for VUM 2014. 

Race, no. Training run, Yes!

After analyzing an event, sometimes I pick up clues as to what I could do better or differently next time.  I just completed the Wenatchee marathon last weekend on a sunny day with light winds and a comfortable temperature.  And yet it was the most difficult to complete and I could not determine what I could do differently.  I was doing o-kay and feeling good until mile 21 and by mile 23 my mind and body was determined to WALK.  I could not mentally muster up the will to run at the end.  And I was going to be okay with that.  This 26.2 mile event felt more like a training run (a long one) and I decided to view it that way.  Despite my body's refusal to run the last few miles, I was relaxed, feeling good and enjoying the day.  There's always the next marathon to attempt an improved time!  Or not.

26.2 miles and done. happiness!

Out of hibernation

During the winter, Wahine Sport goes into a semi hibernation.  No expos and little outreach.  The reason is that I have another sideline and that is working at a very busy CPA office during the tax season.  It fuels the detail-oriented, business, number crunching side of my brain and provides structure and focus that I sometimes enjoy.  So my first outing for the year was the Whidbey Island Marathon Expo.  I must admit that I was not really motivated or ready for this.  I was feeling quite exhausted and unsure of the direction this business was headed in 2013.  However after the expo a few weeks ago, I've refreshed my enthusiasm and recaptured the joy of why I do this.  It was so fun chatting with old customers and meeting new ones.  I was reminded of what my products do for women--make you feel more excited about getting out and moving your body.  Want a skort that is a little longer or a jacket with a looser fit.  How about a pair of arm warmers in fun prints and colors?  Some colorful headbands that are sure to add sizzle to your runs. 

Masters of hibernation

Pick up the pace. I can do it.

Today was a 10-mile run according to my marathon training plan.  I've been running around my neighborhood so much lately that I decided  a change of scenery would be good.  My second favorite go-to running path is along Lake Washington to Seward Park.  On the return run, I ran into my friend Paula.  We had not seen each other in a long time and she decided she would run back with me.  My initial thought was "oh no".  Paula is a much faster runner and I thought this would stress me out.  Well I did have to stretch myself to pick up the pace and there were moments of struggle.  I commented on that and she did slow her pace but it was still faster than I would run alone.  At the end of the run, I felt pretty good and realized it was good to challenge my pace and that I could run a little faster if I tried.  Left on my own however, I would never push myself harder.

Learning to swim as an adult

I was born and raised in Hawaii and lived just 2 miles away from the beach.  However, I never learned to swim and the great fear of swimming continued.  Fast forward many years and as an adult I took MANY swim lesson from classes at the YMCA or local community center pools.  It was frustrating and I was embarrased that at "my age" I still could not swim.   I just could never combine breathing, kicking and stroking together.  Finally at age 36 with the help of an excellent swimmer and friend, it all came together and I completed the Danskin sprint triathlon.  Then years later, I worked one on one with a swim coach to learn to swim more efficiently. This opened up a world of fun and interesting experiences of snorkeling in tropical waters. Everytime I'm swimming in a relaxed state, I give thanks to Judith and Denise who enabled me to enjoy the activity.