Half Way There

I survived my first half marathon! I ran straight until I hit mile 10. My right IT band was really killing me so I had to stop and walk it off a couple of times. Truthfully I was really pissed that I had to stop because I didn't feel tired at all. It was just my right knee that was giving me problems. I finished at 2 hours and 30 minutes at a 11 minute pace. Slower than I wanted but I'm just glad I finished the race.

There were roughly 15,000 runners at the San Jose Rock and Roll Half Marathon this past Sunday. The course took us around downtown San Jose and along beautiful neighborhoods in the city. We had perfect weather and rock bands at every mile to listen to. It was just a great experience overall.

Right now, running is the only thing keeping me sane while I'm still in transition. But I'll keep pushing forward. I'm half way there to a full marathon and I'm more hyped than ever.

Race Pains

Hmmm, what can I say?  Just when I think I'm wonder woman with invincible powers I am proven otherwise.  I am green with envy when running comes so natural to others.  I'm average and I have to work hard at it.  I knew training for a marathon would be challenging but I didn't think it would be this difficult.  I love the challenge though.

As the mileage starts to pile up I start to encounter annoying race pains like chaffing from my sports bra or tightness in my calves.  Worst I've started  to have some symptoms of runner's knee on my right side.  I went down to the the running center and picked up a band to help support my patella.  I ran with it today and felt pretty good with it on.  

This mornings 11 mile run with the Loma Linda Lopers kicked my butt.  I'm trying a new sports drink supplement called Accelerade.  It's supposedly better than drinking water or Gatorade on the long runs because it has a 4:1 carbohydrate to protein ratio.  So far I think it's giving me that extra kick for endurance.  

Since I'll be in San Francisco for job interviews next week I've decided to run the San Jose Rock and Roll Half Marathon.  (sigh) Wish me luck. 

Up and Running

Running with the 10:30 pace group in Riverside. Jessica is in the purple top.

Home stretch.  All smiles after 9 miles.   My right knee has been sore lately.  I read on a running forum to try an ice bath.  It works magic! You aren't as sore the next day.

Chasing shadows.

Running Inspiration: 50/50 by Dean Karnazes

Need some running inspiration while you train for your first marathon!? Check out this book 50/50 by Dean Karnazes. . This book is about a guy who runs 50 marathons in 50 consecutive days! Now, I don’t have a desire to run 50 marathons in 50 days but some of the lessons he learned along the way have helped me tremendously with my training.

Along the way, he uses the various obstacles and inspirations he encounters to present a number of running tips. Some of the topics he discusses are: Marathon race day preparation, fueling, hydration, mind games, music, shoes, visualization, strength training, diet, and sleep.

Overall at the end of each chapter he gave me great reasons to lace up and run wild! I just really enjoyed his outlook on running and his positive spirit.


***marathon training update***

I think my middle of the week runs and cross training have been paying off. What also helped me was that I finally purchased a fuel belt. Plus I took a power gel at about 45 minutes into my run and the goo definitely gave me that extra push to finish. I ran 8 miles on Sunday at the 10:30 pace!! Woo hoo!

On Hope

"Once you chose hope anything is possible"-Christopher Reeve

I've been following this presidential race closely and tonight I finally feel at rest for making the decision to vote for Obama. His speech was personal, straight to the point, and moving. I'm just inspired by his spirit and his determination to restore hope in America.

I love that he gave specifics on what his plans are for America's future. He addressed some topics that I feel strongly about like global warming, ending the war responsibly, and on personal responsibility. I'm with Obama when he says eight years is ENOUGH.

I was so hyped up after listening to him speak. I actually made a donation on his website because I want to support him.

We need a change in direction. I believe that Obama can bring it. I'm encouraging everyone to register and rock the vote.

The Road to L.A.

Training for my first L.A. marathon has been really challenging. I usually do really good at the start of the run but towards the middle of the run I start to lose momentum and all of a sudden I'm plagued by thoughts of stopping.  Its those damn hills!  I'm still trying to learn to love the hills.  Most of the time I'm chasing my pace group.

My goal for this race is to finish never mind how long it will take me . We are on mile 6 so 20 more miles to go.  Luckily the Loma Linda Lopers has different pace groups you can train with .  There are several groups ranging from the 7 minute mile group to the 17 minute mile group.  Jessica and I started off in the 10 minute mile group but later dropped down to the 10.5 mile pace group.  So far we are keeping up with are two weekday runs and the one long run on Sundays.

Every Sunday we meet at the Drayson center for our short lectures.  This past weekend was on water stop etiquette!    We stretch together and then off we go to our different pace groups.

Here's a picture of the Loma Linda Lopers.  Jessica and I are in the second row in the front. There is usually a flood of pink people running down the streets in Loma Linda on early Sunday mornings.  What I love about joining a running group is that you get to meet so many cool people! Plus everyone is always giving you great running and motivation tips.

Everyone needs a running buddy to keep you accountable.  Jessica is my running inspiration and I'm so glad she's on the road with me to L.A. 

Scattered Thoughts

I'm on overload.  Some thoughts today:

1.  My legs are sore. It's painful running up hills.  

2.  I want to be on  I Survived a Japanese Game Show!

The making new friends in Japan episode is so funny! 

3  I'm changing my blog title and layout in the next couple of weeks.

4.  I'm thinking about getting a dog soon.

5.  Wherever I end up I need to live by the beach.

6.  There's  too many people in this cafe.  I wish I was back at Cafe by the Park in Saipan.

7.  I haven't found a church that I feel comfortable at yet. I prefer a small church vs. a big church. 

8.  I need new loupes.

9.  I need to send some resumes out.

10.   Guns, Germs, and Steel 

by Jared Diamond is such a great read!

11.  I'm trying to get Jessica to run the L.A. Nike 10k Human Race with me.
12.  Do I really want to go back to school?

(sigh)

Mile 3

I'm back on track and it feels great to start training again. After finishing the Xterra triathlon the intensity of my training went down hill. OK, truthfully I've been a little lazy. Now I feel like I'm starting from scratch! So I've dusted off my mountain bike and bought new running shoes to get me started again.

Aside from my goal to train for the Xterra championship in Saipan next year, Brit inspired me to start training for the L.A. Marathon in March 2009. My running buddy, Jessica, and I joined a local running group called the Loma Linda Lopers. This running group has been around for over 30 years and has over 250 members in the Loma Linda chapter alone. You can't miss us because most of us are wearing our hot pink tank tops and are along the main streets in Loma Linda.

What I love about this running group is that you get to train with people who truly enjoy running and the challenges of it. Every Sunday mornings we meet up at 6:30 and have really great lectures on proper stretching, weight control, shoes, motivation . . . Then we break off to our different pace groups and go for our long runs in the morning.

We are following a weekly schedule which consists of two weekly runs on our own and a long run on the weekend with our pace groups. So far we are on Mile 3 of 26!!! A long way to go but I know we'll eventually get there!

Belize Revealed

My Belize trip was the perfect transition after leaving Saipan. Greg and I just spent about four weeks ziplining through the jungles, exploring Mayan ruins, and diving in the second largest barrier reef in the world! Whale Sharks are amazing, but more on that later.



These pictures are from our afternoon trip out to my favorite Mayan ruin known as Xunantunich (Stone Maiden). It's just located a few short miles from the Guatamalan border.





From San Ignacio you can either take the local bus or a cab to the site and it's about a twenty minute commute. On your way to the site you must cross the Mopan River at the base on a hand cranked vehicle ferry!













Without a doubt, this site has great energy and the climb to the top is definitely worth the visit. It's set on a leveled hilltop and is the archaeological pride of Belize.
















This view was pretty impressive. I kept thinking I can't believe I'm here!! Did you know that only about 5% of Belize has been excavated. If they could only find a way to get more funds to do more research and uncover more sites like this.











This site once flourished as a ceremonial center and is thought to have been abandoned after an earthquake around AD 900. It's tallest building, El Castillo, rises about 40 m (131 ft) above the jungle.

More posts to come about my other adventures=)

Adieu Saipan

I’m terrible at goodbyes.

Amy, what would I have done without you?!

So I’ll keep this short and tell you how you guys were the BEST part of my every day. Thank you for your friendship and the memories. I’ll never forget the laughter and happiness you brought to my life. Here are a couple pictures of my last week in Saipan.

My Saipan Family

My scuba buddy, Harry! Thanks for coming to the airport to see me off.

The SDA Dental Clinic had a farewell party for me. A favorite patient baked me a yummy Apple Coffee Crumb cake!


My daily sunshine at work! I'll miss Mark and Tammy James. Thank you for throwing me a farewell party at your house! I will also miss Aunt Judy and Uncle Dennis for teaching me how to scuba dive. You introduced a whole new world to me and now I'm ADDICTED!

Ken and Crystal gave me a beautiful lei from Chuk! I have had the time of my life and I'm so glad I got to spend it with them. They were my spiritual mentors in Saipan and have encouraged me to follow my passion and dreams. I'll miss you guys!

My good friends, John Dax and Mai. Always there to listen to me Rant about everything! There's Noah squeezing his cute face in the pic.

Lunch at 360 with Angelo. Thanks for the laughs!

If you have ever read the book Eat Pray Love you’ll understand me when I say that living and working in Saipan was my “India” experience. I came to Saipan on a quest for personal and spiritual growth and left with so much more. This journey changed my life. My heart has awakened and my soul is at ease.

This picture pretty much describes my experience in Saipan: A blast!

My beautiful friends.

And now I’m ready to grab life by its two horns. I hope you will continue to enjoy the ride with me. I’ll keep the same blog address but there will be some changes in the next couple of weeks. I’m still trying to come up with a new title. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Scott and Atsuko Eck baked me this yummy choco brownie cake! Thank you!

What’s Bubbles’ next adventure? Scuba diving and searching for Whale Sharks in Belize this June! Greg found this one just recently in Belize. I hope they come out when I get there. Stay tuned Neh !!!=)

Whale Sharkey! Picture taken by Greg Moretti.

Happiness is

. . . Flame Tree season in Saipan. I love the brilliant orange hues.























. . . Seeing White Tip Reef Sharks when you dive at Obyan Beach!

















. . . my Sunday morning bike rides from Hyatt to Suicide Cliff with Crystal and Lorrie.














. . . standing on Mark and Tammy's terrace that overlooks their beautiful pool and Lau Lau Bay. Can you imagine coming home after working and having this view to look at everyday!?


















. . . friends who inspire me in so many ways.





















. . . hearing the kids have a big belly laugh at our drama skits. Real Christian is getting ready to perform at the schools in Palau.












. . . Sabbath and picnics at Pau Pau Beach.

A Bittersweet Ending

I've been thinking a lot this past week. Stay or go!? Stay or go?! I'm going crazy. Leaving Saipan is a bittersweet feeling for me. I could stay another year but I'm hesitating. Something doesn't quite feel right. I just think it is time for me to move on.

Maybe I have island fever. I just know that I can't hack it here till Sept. So, my early departure from Saipan will be on the 19th of May since I have to go home anyway for my best friend, Michelle's wedding.

Real Christian Theater performs at the schools in Palau early May for about a week and then I'll work one more week. You know what that means?! I'll spend my last dives of this year in Palau! I'm so excited.

One thing is for sure, I came alive in Saipan. I'll never forget that here is where I learned how to truly forgive and how to trust God.

Weekend in Guam

I love blogging. Blogging is my lazy version of scrapbooking. When I leave Saipan I'll print all these entries up and make a book to remember
all my little adventures.

This past weekend I met up with some good friends in Guam. The picture on the left is of my friend, Gemma, and my cute nephew, Max. Max is showing off his little Noah's Ark tool set that he made during Sabbath School.



I found out that my girlfriend, Nikki, was going to be in Guam while passing through to the Philippines. So I booked a ticket to meet up with her and my other friends. While we were in Guam Mike and Gemma gave us an island tour.





We ended up at Fort Soledad. A lot of rich American history on this little island when the US recaptured Guam from the Japanese in WWII.


On my left is Sydney, Mike's brother. He's graduating Medical School at Loma Linda University this May and is finishing up his last rotation at the SDA Clinic in Guam. He definitely inspired me to go back school. For what? Eeek. I'm still deciding. I just know I don't want to do dental hygiene full time.

This picture is of Magellan landing. There is a tribute by the water that says "Magellan landed some where near here"!

A picture of the Mercado family. From Left to right: Gemma, Max, Mike, and Sydney.
Gemma is a MD at the Guam SDA Clinic and Mike works as an MD on the Naval Base in Guam.

Look out point near Talofofo Falls near the Yokoi Cave. On my next visit to Guam I'd like to see the Yokoi Cave. There is an amazing story behind this cave. Yoki was a Japanese Solider in WWII that retreated in the jungle of Guam and hid from the US forces going unnoticed. He survived in a cave for 28 years before being discovered by local farmers in 1972.


Nikki and I enjoying dinner at the Mermaid Tavern in Guam!I recommend this place because they've got delicious food! I had the seared Ahi with mash potatoes and salad. Not only did we have a great meal there was live Blue Grass music! Nikki is one of my best friends from California and I'm so glad I got to see her again. Last time I saw her was almost a year ago.

Riki Turns 21 and Spring Break!

Great things come in small packages and Riki is one of them. We celebrated her 21st birthday over dinner at Spicy Thai.

















We crammed together in the corner at one of the low tables. You're either sitting cross-legged on a pillow or on the bamboo mat . The thick lacy curtain blocks our view of the outside and there are colorful Christmas lights still hanging from the ceiling. I really like it here and they have the best Thai food

In the meantime various plates are being served to us. Lets see, there was Phad Thai, Fried vegetable rice, Tofu Yellow Curry, Spicy Papaya Salad, Mixed Vegetables, and Veggie Egg rolls. All my favorites! Great company and good eats. Life is good.


My how the school year has flown by. Spring break has started and some of the teachers will go to either Australia or the Philippines for a week. I'm going to Guam for the weekend to meet up with my girl friend, Nikki, from California.






In about two months the teachers will be leaving and I will have to say goodbye again=( Riki will be attending Loma Linda University in June for the Masters in Occupational Therapy degree in California. The other girls have all made plans already. Me? My contract ends in September. I feel like I'm floating inbetween dreams right now. Not quite sure where I belong yet but I kind of have an idea.

Well, where ever we end up . . . I'm so thankful that God brought us together here in Saipan. I know I'll always cherish the moments we spent together.

Where's Your Sense of Humor?

Sometimes I can take things or decisions in life too seriously. I'm still learning to lighten up. In the meantime I love surrounding myself around really funny, passionate, and positive people.

If you know me you'll know that I laugh REALLY loud! I know Angelo makes fun of me. I mean, I really belt my laughs. My mom says its not proper for a lady to have such a hearty laugh. My head tilts back and you could probably see my tonsils! But when I think something or someone is really funny I really let go! I love sharing a good laugh. I think it really bonds you to someone. Mostly because they get you and your silliness.

Anyways, I need a laugh today so tell me your funny and corny jokes. Ok, here's my joke: What did the Salmon say when he hit the wall? He said, "DAM!" he he he Get it? Dam? Damn?! Ok, you're turn ;)

My 8 Favorite Eats in Saipan

Looking over my budget I notice that most of my money is spent on food! I love food. Food makes me really happy! Sometimes I enjoy food with company but most of the time you will find me eating out solo w/ a good read. Yes, I'm a loner. lol I guess you can say that I'm not shy about enjoying a nice dinner alone whether it is in a nice restaurant or low key eatery.

Anyaqq tagged me to list 8 facts about me. I am going to modify this meme since I've already done that here and list 8 of my favorite eats on Saipan. I've been wanting to do this for awhile now. So here goes in no particular order.

1. Spicy Thai- I am a big fan of Thai food especially if its EXTRA spicy! On the menu I recommend the Pad Thai with Tofu, Vegetable egg rolls, and Thai Iced tea w/ Milk. The service is usually fast and friendly.

2. Remington Cafe- I go here sometimes for lunch. I try and stick to my Vegetarian diet as much as possible but sometimes its hard. Before I came to Saipan I was a Vegetarian for nine years. Since I arrived in Saipan sixteen months ago I started eating fish and then chicken. Now I just believe that everything in moderation is okay. On the menu here I recommend the Chicken Katsu meal with Iced Coffee. The iced coffee has coffee ice cubes in it! I love the Japanese people that work there. Every time I go in there I add a new Japanese phrase or word in my vocabulary. The decor in this cafe has a modern feel to it.

3. The Bean Cafe- I'm a morning person so my favorite meal of the day is breakfast. One day I am going to throw a party and have everyone bring their favorite breakfast food. My favorite thing to eat on the menu here is the French Toast accompanied with an Iced Hazelnut coffee. Crystal and I used to have breakfast here after our long bike rides on Sundays. I love feel of this small jazzy coffee shop. I also love that no one smokes in there and that they have wireless connection.













4. Taste of India- I never really liked Indian food before until I tasted a dish called Alogobi. Its got eggplant and potatoes cooked in a curry. It's absolutely delicious. Try also the Vegetable Samosa, and Bhatura Bread. The drink that I am hooked on is the Masala tea.

5. Capricciosa-I know that this Italian restaurant is kind of expensive but there is one dish that keeps me coming back. It's the Cream of Tomato Mushroom Spaghetti dish with fresh Parmesan cheese on top.

6. Len- This little restaurant makes me feel like I'm back in Tokyo. I just love the way this restaurant was designed. You'll have to keep your eyes peeled out because if you are not familiar with the location you can easily pass it. On the menu I recommend the hot pot! It comes with chicken, tofu, and all kinds vegetables that you cook right in front of you. The garlic chicken is tasty!













7. Grotto 2298- If you are a diver you will love this little restaurant! The owner is a diver and has decorated his walls with beautiful underwater pictures. On the menu try the Sweet and Sour Eggplant, Tuna Sashimi and Avocado, Japanese Spaghetti, and Fried Garlic.









8. Oleai's Bar and Grill Restaurant-Two words: dollar tacos. This place has become a favorite to us for lunch after our morning dive on Sundays. I usually get a couple of veggie tacos and an ice tea. Oleai's is located right on the water's edge so you've got a great view of the lagoon during lunch. I love it here.

I just ordered a couple of books on amazon. One of them is My Last Supper: 50 Great Chefs and their Final Meals. I thought it would be a fun and interesting read. So I leave you with this question: If you were to die tomorrow, what single dish or what one mouthful of food, would you choose as your last?"

Humm, I'd have to go with Italian food. The Cream of Tomato Mushroom Spaghetti dish would be my last dish!