The Saga Continues AKA Part 2 of the Rest of My Life AKA Victory Never Tasted So Bubbly

Swim 2.4 miles.  
Check.
 Bike 112 miles.  
Check.

Only one more activity and I would be finished... except that one more activity was a marathon. No big deal, right? At that moment, it felt like a very big deal. I had just finished 112 miles in almost 100 degree heat with no shade. My legs had cramped to the point of no return. My hope was crushed and my ego was busted. I had no desire to go on, no drive to be an Ironman.

"Ashlee, RUN!!!!! GET YOUR FEET UP! RUUUUUUUUN!" When I had first heard Sloan's voice, my mind did not comprehend that the man was shouting at me. Once I saw that my friend had driven all the way out just to cheer me on, I knew I had to get my butt in action. Running to the transition tent, I handed The Thunder to a volunteer, flashed a weary smile at Amanda and Kaylee and lifted my arm to acknowledge my mom as I entered the tent.

I made one mistake in that tent: I took my sorry behind and I sat it down on a plastic folding chair. The cold material welcomed my weary legs and cradled me like a mother cradles her baby during a cold winter night... except it wasn't cold... it was scorching outside that tent. The sun was shining bright and the sweat sitting on my forehead and eating away at the material of my bike kit proved that.

One of the female volunteers noticed that I had not moved since I entered the tent. "Would you like some help?" She offered, cautiously. At least she was not forcing her help upon me like the swim volunteer.

No, I would like a doctor. 

I am not a woman who asks for help. Independent, stubborn, fearful of appearing weak or needy... ask my boyfriend, ask my dad, ask any man... I am my own gentleman. Asking for a doctor's help was my first sign that this race was coming to an early end.

While I waited, I peeled my tri kit off and stood naked in the middle of the tent, ignoring the two male doctors standing behind me. Taking my red racing tights and green Patagonia top out of my bag, I hastily worked to cover my rear end before the doctor's arrival. When he came over and I told him about my cramping, he told me I had two options: I could go sit in the medical tent and have my legs massaged and nursed back to life or I could ignore the pain and grab straight Coke from the aid station when I passed it. The rest of my belongings were tossed back into their bag and I looked at him, shrugged my shoulders and said, Alright. Thanks.

He responded by lifting a spray bottle and squirting my legs. Not sure if I appreciated the mist or was upset that he just got my thighs wet and I might chaff, I walked out of the tent and out to my family with a forced smile. I'm done, guys. Dad, please stop videotaping this. I'm seriously done, guys. I don't want to finish. Dad, seriously. Please turn the video camera off. Okay, fine... I'll walk a little. 

Walking was not an option though when I came around the bend and people began cheering my name. "Yeah, Ashlee! Great form! Looking strong!" Great... thanks for printing my name on my race bib, Ironman. I'm just SOOOOO glad that everyone knows the name of the girl who is about to collapse on that grassy spot over there. 

I had no option but to run... until I came to a spot where people weren't watching. As soon as the crowds died down, so did my pace. Instead of maintaining the run, I walked two minutes, ran one minute. My pace stayed below fifteen minutes per mile, super quick, I know, but at least I would finish before the cut off time.

The run course was brutal. It was three out and backs repeated twice on concrete. The only change of scenery were the fading smiles of the runners coming back from their second lap.

"Ashlee! Ashlee! Ashlee! Looking so good! Check her fly!" Yeah, I'll fool you by running until you can't see me! What up!?

My buddy ZackZack Bertges ran toward me on his last lap and I was glad I was in my running portion of my walk-2-run-1 plan. He looked strong as an ox and nimble as a gazelle. "AshleeAshlee!" Hey you! Yay you! Okay, he's gone... now I can walk. 
  

Outhouses waited at the aid station and I realized I hadn't peed since 5am. I waited in line for five minutes then walked into the fragrant hut. As I started wrapping toilet paper around every edge of the seat to protect my rear from the germs, I felt my crotch get wet... Yup, I just wet myself a little bit. Murphy's Law kicked in when I finally did pull my tights down to go and nothing came out. Checking the damage to my leggings, I wondered if I should wait in the porta potty until I was dry or if I should run and hope no one noticed. Oh, people noticed all right. I went with the latter option and heard several, "Oh, poor girl"s as I ran by.

C'est la vie! It's a race... pros do it all the time. 

One woman named Michelle and I had played leapfrog so much during the run/walk/jog/trot that we started cheering each other on until we decided to walk together and exchange life stories. Michelle decided to continue walking, but I wanted to pick up the pace, so I said goodbye and made my way toward the final out and back. As I passed two men in their 40's, they congratulated me on my pace. That's when my minute came to an end and I started to walk. They passed me and right when they began the walk, I ran past them again. They had the same walk-run plan as I did. We pushed each other along with our game of cat and mouse. With 800 meters left in the run, I charged past them and sprinted toward the finish line.

Cheers and screams sprung my feet along the red carpet as I approached the finish line. With each prance closer to the end, the shorter the distance between me and victory and the louder the shouts of pride from the crowd. My smile widened and I ran past the clock only 15 hours and 27 minutes after starting my morning. I jogged up to a woman who wrapped me in a heat blanket and placed a medal on my neck. "How are you so awake?" She asked. "The others look so defeated, but not you!"

I went slow and saved it for the end, I confessed. She had me pose for the finishers photo and I did some modeling poses for the man behind the camera. Yeah, I'm a bad ass and I still look cute after 15 hours. What now, Mr. Photographer?

My dad called my name from the other side of the gate and I could see the pride in his eyes. I had made my daddy proud. He didn't think I would finish. My mom, Kaylee and Amanda ran up to the gate and gave me a hug. A bouquet of flowers was exchanged from my sister's hands to mine as a bottle of champagne emerged and Amanda drenched me in a cool, refreshing explosion of alcohol.

With a plate of untouched food in one hand and my flowers in the other, I ran to the finish line and looked for Michelle. When we found each other, we hugged and introduced each other to the families of which we had spoken.

End scene with my family and Amanda walking into an empty Pearl Street in downtown Colorado. Camera pans out on a day well spent and a very bubbly victory.

I Have A Feeling This Will Be The Best Year Ever

I have finally reached a place in my life where I do not mind being alone. My entire life, I have ached for the company of other people. Going into the wilderness alone was not an option. Heck, going to the ladies room alone was not an option!

But something happened when I started running. Running opened up an entire new world to me. It gave me a chance to spend time one-on-one with God. It was just me, my feet, the path in front of me and God. I was surrounded by His creation and it brought immense happiness.

Being alone was still hard though. If you watch New Girl, there is a scene where Schmidt is running around his new apartment dancing and riding giddy-up on a broom pony. After less than a minute, he begins missing his old roommates. That used to be me:

"Yay! I'm out in the woods alone! Totally alone! Freedom!"

Twenty seconds later...

"Did you hear that? Was that a bear? I'm all alone! I hate this! I want friends!"

Ten seconds later...

"Thank goodness I can experience this stillness alone!"

Five....

"I wish I could share this view with a friend."

...You get it.

Fortunately, at the ripe young age of 26, I am totally content! I have not dated anyone in almost two years. Last Thursday, Friday and Saturday, I went on four solo adventures and had the time of my life! I was telling my friend Sam about how I chose to go out into the woods alone instead of to a party. He is a mountain man, so I thought he would understand, but he stifled a scoff  as I told him my what-I-thought-was-awesome story.

Life definitely requires solid friendships. A sunset is always a little bit better when you have someone to share it with. Community is crucial for growth. But, just as important is being content in the solitude of your alone time. Appreciate the moments you have alone with God. Appreciate who you are as an individual. Take time to reflect on your life and meditate on the simple pleasures that make you tick.

Two weeks ago, I turned twenty-six. I have composed a list of twenty-six things I would like to accomplish before next October. Some are easy (really easy!), but I need to have those easy ones in order to have small successes and motivate me to conquer the more challenging goals!

1. Send 26 care packages/letters to 26 different people.
2. Run/hike/snowshoe 26 miles minimum per week.
3. Spend at least 26 minutes in conversation or stillness with God every single day.
4. Take my vitamins for 26 days in a row.
5. Put $26,000 towards school loans this year.
6. Get rid of at least 26 items/belongings.
7. Follow through on 26 random acts of kindness.
8. Memorize 26 Bible verses.
9. Learn 26 phrases in another language.
10. Write a 26-page book.
11. Perform 26 full push-ups in a row.
12. Hold a 26-minute wall sit.
13. Discover 26 new-to-me trails.
14. Go on 26 friend dates with different people and pay for each one.
15. Attend 26 yoga or Pilates classes not taught by me!
16. Attempt 26 new recipes.
17. Try 26 new activities/foods/things that scare me.
18. Give 26 high-fives to 26 individuals.
19. Hold a plank for 2:60.
20. Do yoga/Pilates for 26 days in a row.
21. Run at least one 26-mile race (Ironman).
22. Create 26 paintings or pieces of art.
23. Cook 26 meals for my parents.
24. Make 26 CDs for 26 different people.
25. Lose 26 pounds.
26. Read 26 new-to-me books.

Will Run for Chocolate

Chocolate. We've all heard the rumors that chocolate is actually good for us and we buy into them with great enthusiasm. Let's be honest: Who doesn't want to end their workout with a handful of peanut M&M's? But how much of the rumor is true and how much of it are we "gobbling up", if you will, to soothe our souls and calm our guilt?

Are you scared now? Having second thoughts on that dark chocolate bar? Good. Now maybe you will do your research before digging into the bag of chocolate chips in your cupboard.

It is true that the antioxidants in chocolate lower blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce inflammation, lower BMI levels and boost endurance. Cocoa powder actually has sixteen more antioxidants than blueberries!

Cacao nibs offer 9 grams of fiber per ounce and taste great on top of your acai bowl or mixed in your oatmeal!

How many runners do you know who have an iron deficiency? Hand them a bar of dark chocolate! One ounce of dark chocolate aids in the delivery of oxygen to the muscles and offers iron!

So the rumors are true... right?

Yes, most chocolate is actually good for you! But please, please, please do not go buy 10 salted caramel chocolate bars from Trader Joe's and eat them all while you catch up on the Bachelorette tonight! Too much of a good thing may result in too much of a tummy!

Ellipti-Going, Going, Gone!

Ellipti-Go. Ellipti-Go where? With whom? When? How? Most importantly, why?

Say what?

If you live in Santa Barbara, you have most likely witnessed one of our city's top runners cruising around town on a strange new contraption. Rusty, Joe, Drea... all of them have taken this new toy out for a spin up Old San Marcos. And when I say spin, I mean a push-as-hard-as-they-can-until-they-can't-push-harder-then-do-it-all-over-again-spin.

So what is this machine? Why would some of the most respected runners in Santa Barbara be wasting their mileage on it? It looks like an elliptical machine, but isn't that why we run: so we can stay out of the gym and off of man-made devices?

Yes, but runners also know the importance of cross-training to help prevent injuries. And what about when you do get injured or your joints are giving you pain? Do you trudge to the gym and spend three brutal hours in an air conditioned room that wreaks of sweat when you really wish you were outdoors hitting the streets and soaking up the vitamin D?

Ellipti-Go: "The Ultimate Cross-Trainer for Runners". Competitive runners, weekend warriors, injured athletes... this is the machine for every single one of them. It allows the runner to work the same aerobic systems he or she would normally condition while alleviating the impact training has on the body.

The Ellipti-Go is for anyone who wants a great challenge or who is rehabbing from an injury. There are even Ellipti-Go races! Check out our friend Drea's blog about the Ellipti-Go event she just competed in over in Colorado! After you finish the blog, check out Rusty's cameo on the Ellipti-Go video!!

Drea's blog:  http://www.twomotivate.com/2013/07/25/elliptigo-double-2013/

Ellipti-Go video:

A Great Weekend for a PR

Run, run, run, run. La die dah dah. I love to run.

The adventure started last Friday. I fed the dogs, taught cycle, then loaded the car and drove south. The sun reflected off of the waves at Rincon on my right. To my left, the "mountains"/hills stood tall and alive (with the sound of music?). I call them "mountains" because people in my town think that's what they are. If you are from Oregon or Washington or really any place with a bump of ground that is taller than 2,500 feet, you know these are really just hills. Regardless, I couldn't help but soak in the beauty that surrounded me and think to myself, "This is where I live".

I was giddy with excitement. So giddy, in fact, that every time I thought about my breathtaking surroundings or about the Walk the Sun song on my iPod or the trip I was about to take, I couldn't hold my lips back from curling up into a smile, teeth included.

Deep breath in. This is happiness.

I have had my days where happiness seemed unfathomable. But this? There was no denying this feeling that everything in life was as it should be. 

The LA traffic was heavy. Timing doesn't matter; LA traffic is always a pill. But when I arrived in Encinitas, the sun was bright, the air was warm (80 degree weather in February) and Walk the Sun was still bumping through my speakers. I checked in at the YMCA and walked out to their enormous, eleven-lane pool. I began my 2600 meter workout. It was exciting to be in a new pool. I won't bore you with the details of the pool or the environment because God knows we all have more important things to busy ourselves with.

After the swim, I drove down to my grandparents' house for one of the most amazing dinners I have ever eaten. Mer had made fish (which I love) with some special spices my cousin had given her for Christmas. On the side, we had steamed veggies and tomatoes. It was wonderfully made and enthusiastically consumed.

Dana picked me up after dinner and we went to our favorite sushi place to talk about life, love and friends. "Lara is having another baby?" "Tiff is going to be a perfect mother." "Most of our friends are still single. That's promising." "How was Elise's trip up North?" I love my best friend and I love my time with her. Dana and I are so different, yet we have so much fun together constantly. Her laugh brightens my week. I am so grateful for her friendship.

The next day, I met Rynny, Baby Isla, Torrey and Julie at Bird Rock Coffee. Isla is such a cute baby. Seriously. I do not say that often. In fact, I think most babies are pretty darn ugly, but not Isla. Isla has these big, beautiful eyes that are full of wonder and a desire to learn and to know. She has a perfect smile and soft skin. I could hold her all day long... until she cries. Then she can go back to her mommy.

In case you weren't sure what happiness looks like

favorites

After coffee, I did Pilates on my grandparents' front lawn then met up with Elle and April to teach them Pilates at the beach. Elle is one of my sister's best friends from growing up, but she and I have a lot of similarities and I enjoy spending time with her. She is basically a little sister to me.

Love this beautiful girl

My favorite beach

The three of us girls met up with Dana and Eric for sushi at the shores, but the meal had consequences. Dana and I were both rewarded with a dose of food poisoning. I sat up that night, the night before my race, holding my stomach and crying in pain. This is not how the night was supposed to end. I laid down in the fetal position and fell asleep texting Ben.

The next morning, I made my oatmeal with peanut butter and banana, drove down the hill and got coffee and made my way to Coronado. When I arrived, it was cold outside. The air cut through my three layers of what were supposed to be warm coats. Stiffly, I moved my legs toward the registration tent and signed in. Amy wasn't there yet, so I started to warm up.

My parents were married here

Good morning, Coronado

As the minutes ticked by, Amy and I found our spot at the starting line toward the front. "This is how our friendship started," she reminded me. "I came in to buy a pair of shoes from you and you invited me to run this race with you and here we are. A week after meeting, we were moving in together." Hey, the more running friends, the merrier!

Pre-run

My coach warned me to pace myself, but of course, I started out a minute faster than I was supposed to go. It felt solid though and I knew I could hold it. I made my way ahead of Amy (so I thought), but soon she was passing on my right. I feel really strong and this is really a slow pace for me. I should pick it up, I thought. Fortunately, I ignored my mind and stuck to my coach's orders. 8:30 pace. Just a couple more feet and I can take it down to 8:00. That's when I passed Amy again and gave her a little love tap. "Way to go," I told her.

As I passed a group of college guys, I heard them comment on my stride, using terms such as strong and confident. Someone even remarked he thought I could be going faster. Ahhhhh so hard to resist the urge.

At mile 2.8, I saw the first runner making his way back to the start.  I kept my eyes open for my new friend Sergio, who is a Saucony rep in San Diego. He was hoping to hold onto the lead runner and take him out at the end for the win. When I caught sight of his fluffy beard, he was in third. "You got it, Sergio," I screamed.

I passed a woman in a wheelchair who was pushing her way toward the win. Then a man trailing behind a stroller passed me up. I guess it was a good day to be on wheels. Aw man, I thought. I just got passed by a man with a stroller. After looking at his calves though, I wasn't too bummed. I pushed my hips forward and squeezed my glutes in. Let's go, Ash. Take another :15 off your pace. And I did.

Every mile, I cut my pace by :15. Around mile 4.5, I started feeling a little worn. There were two guys my age in heart boxers that I had been drafting behind for the past two miles. I decided it was time to let them eat my dust, so I kicked it into gear and left them by themselves. Since mile 1, I had been neck to neck with a "bunny rabbit", as Yomi called her. She would sprint all out for 400 meters then stop and tie her shoe or drink some water or just hang out. Then she would sprint all out again. I was fed up of this game of cat and mouse we were playing and I knew I had to beat her. On mile 5, I was ahead of her. At mile 5.3, she kicked it up a notch and shot past me. I watched as she started to fade. She got to 5.5 and died. I picked it up. And I didn't stop. I knew I was kicking it into gear too soon, but I didn't want her to beat me. My turnover seemed slow, but I knew I was pushing harder than I should have been. Can I maintain this for the next .75 miles? On my left, a man called out, "Nice kick!" I knew he was talking to me. People were watching me. It didn't matter that they didn't know me. I needed this for me. ...Well, it didn't hurt that I knew people at home would ask my time, too. I held it to the end and finished with a PR. Then I grabbed a medal, half of a banana and some water and started jogging against the running traffic to find Amy. A few minutes later, I spotted her staring at the ground in front of her.

"Come on, Amy," I screamed. I ran along side her and encouraged her to dig deeper. She finished her first 10K in under an hour. "Way to go, Amy," I yelled proudly.

What a great day for a PR. And a beer at 10AM. Hey, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. Halfway through, I realized I was drinking a beer at 10AM, so I stopped.

Time for coffee. Bird Rock, here I come.

Runner's Walk Of Shame

What is it they say about life giving you lemons? Take them and throw them on the ground and jump up and down on them until they are mush. Yeah... that sounds about right. 

Yesterday, my friend Amy and I ran up Jesusita. On our way back down, we talked about the "Runner's Walk of Shame". C'mon, admit it: If you have ever been a runner, you totally know what I'm talking about. That moment when your hip cramps up or you realize you didn't fuel properly for a 2-hour uphill run. You push past the pain, but you notice that your pace is getting slower and slower. Then it happens. The running turns to jogging and the jogging turns to a slow-motion Baywatch Pamela Anderson bounce and that... well, that turns into a walk. You pout. You kick the rocks you pass. Grrrrr. You are disappointed in yourself and feel like a failure. Stop denying it... you KNOW that feeling. You relate to that feeling.

This morning, I committed the dreaded  Runner's Walk of Shame.

It all started two days ago. My friend Zack invited me to go run the route to his new trail race series with him. It was a long bike day for me, but I asked my coach if I could swap it out and do half my bike and the rest as a run. He kindly agreed and switched my training plan for me.

Maybe it was the three cups of coffee I had chugged that morning; maybe it was the lack of water in my system; whatever it was, my calf started cramping in the middle of the run. I've never experienced a calf cramp before. I wasn't quite sure what to do about it. I went home and foam rolled. No problem, right? Except it was a problem. Foam rolling it sent pangs of compressing, pulsing pain throughout my right calf.

The next day, I taught a 70-minute cycle class. That was followed by an hour of Pilates. After Pilates, I met up with Amy for that trail run. After the run, I went to the pool to swim 2,600 meters. I noticed the firmness of my lower leg during Pilates, but didn't think much of it. It was not until the trail run that I felt the heat. Shoot, shoot, shoot! Girl, what are you doing? We got to the top and Amy asked how I was doing. I slapped my calf and it felt like wood... in fact, it looked like wood. There was no shake, no wobble, no movement... The problem was clear: My legs are obviously stronger than my arms. Must be all those stadiums, cycle classes and squats. Just call me the calf master.

I remember walking up the stairs with Miriam at Monica's wedding. "Whoa girl," she said. "You have fantastic calves." Yeah, I do. Actually, that was the first time I realized my lower legs were stellar. Thanks for that confidence booster, Miriam!

On to the main story: Last night, I talked to my coach about my morning track workout. "I think you should do it," he said. "But I want you to chug 10 ounces of water before bed and 12 ounces at 4:30AM, an hour before your run." I followed his advice, but when I woke up this morning, I could tell immediately that today was not my day.

"Shake it off, Ash," I told myself. "It's all mental." So I ran to the track. The warm-up felt okay. I was stiff, but nothing seemed too out of whack. Rusty gave me the workout and I joined my group to run 8x200. Odds at :40, Evens at :50. That felt okay, even though I was at the back of the pack. My calf was very tight and my hip kept locking up, creating a weird cave-in of my knee as my right Mizuno hit the track. Next on the menu was a 2k, 4x800's and another 2k. No problem. I could get through this.

Then the first lemon was given. Two-hundred meters into my first 2k, my hip totally locked up and I caught myself and slowed down to a jog. I looked ahead to the group ahead of me... almost 100 full meters in front of me. I heard two runners breathing hard behind me. I pulled over to the football field. Ahh. This hurts. I galloped up the green pathway to Rusty. He looked confused.

"I can't do this. My hip is bothering me; I'm going to go see Kelly today."

I walked off the track and straight to the gym for a good foam roll. I thought that would help make the rest of my 3-mile run home a little bit easier, but an 11:00 mile was the fastest I could muster before the pain took me out. I sucked it up and ran it home. Stupid lemon. It had better start squeezing out some juice before Sunday.

On a positive not, here is my lemonade for the day: There is some evidence that big calf muscles can help you run faster. Woohoo! And life is wonderful once again. http://www.livestrong.com/article/437390-does-having-big-calf-muscles-make-you-faster/

RICE, Saltines and a Hot Date

The lights from my headlamp and knuckle lights created odd silhouettes on the pavement as I ran down the dark street. I had been jogging for almost 3 hours. I say jogging because I didn't feel like I was pushing. My stride was strong as determination and drive seared through my Brooks Pure Cadence shoes. I had planned to start right after work at 7:15, but Amanda needed a ride home. Thirty minutes after my original goal starting time, I finally laced up my shoes, took in a Hammer Gel and pounded the cement.

Immediately, I began trying map my route in my mind. If I go through town, I'll run into homeless people. Tyler and I did that last week, but he was with me, so I felt safe... I could run out to Cosy's to go see Renee, but then I have to run through the sketchy part of town. I have my pepper spray, but I don't want to risk it... I could go north, but it is so poorly lit and a man was killed out there two years ago... Gosh... I guess I will just do my regular route... In Wyoming, we worry about bears and cougars. Here, we worry about homeless people and drunk college students. I had two cars full of college kids yell and swerve to try to scare me. Yeah, that's a good way to end up in jail, boys. I found myself wishing Grylls was still in town to keep me company.

My route involved a number of climbs. The hills feel easy now that I've been spending more time on the trails. And rock climbing has helped make me more aware of my surroundings. I definitely felt on edge in the darkness though. Every rustle in the nearby brush made me tense up and prepare for flight or fight. On my third climb of the evening, three hours into my run, I could feel a tender spot start to rise up in the back of my left leg. I slowed my pace, hoping that would ease the pain; unfortunately, less than 5 minutes later, I found myself walking the pain out. When I texted Mavel and my family to let them know my location, the throbbing got worse. It spread from my hamstring to my IT Band. Grrrrrr....

9:57 PM. I had 3 minutes to get to the gym before it closed. I was still over a mile and a half away. It wasn't going to happen. My water supply was out though and I was thirsty. Once again, I pulled out my phone, but this time I text Doug to ask if I could stop by and grab some water. When I arrived, he was full of life.

"Let's go," he said after chugging his protein shake.

"Let's go where," I asked.

"Running! I need to get my cardio in!" He hop stepped side-to-side as if he was about to take a kick-boxing class.

"You're going to run with me?" I was a bit surprised.

"Yeah, let's go!"

So we ran back to my house and finished my 19 miles. We talked politics. We talked friends. We talked about girls (his girls, of course). Doug is such a wonderful friend; he is always brimming over with energy. It was great to have someone there taking my mind off my pain (though, I could still feel the twinge throughout the run.

That night, I put my $200,000 education to use and rested, iced, compressed and elevated my leg while watching Hart of Dixie on my cell phone til one AM. The next morning, I taught cycle at 5:30AM, but I took it eas(ier) so I wouldn't aggravate the injury. I had woken up feeling ill- stuffy nose and no energy- so after cycle, I came home, cancelled my other classes for the day and slept until I had to go into the running store. I figured I would teach Pure Awesomeness after work, but when I walked into my house to grab dinner, my body was wasted. Lauren (bless her heart) agreed to sub, so I ate a package of Saltines, my wonderfully amazing housemate made me tea and I slept hard.

This morning, I woke up totally energized and ready to go! I taught cycle at 5:30AM and followed it with an easy trail run to test the leg (=my hot date with Running). There were a few hills that bugged it, but overall, I think I'm recovering nicely! This is the first time I've been willing to cancel classes due to illness (other than the time I had the stomach virus) and it totally paid off! Running and I had a wonderful date to make up for our "fight" on Tuesday night. Ahh... Running. He beats me up and I always come back. It's sad, really. But I know he loves me and I will never regret my time spent with him, even if it leaves me limping.

Nike Women's Marathon 2012

Things I learned this weekend:

1. When I am around my college friends, I feel happier, healthier and more excited about life.
2. Sometimes you have to wait for things you really want.
3. It's always better to be two hours early to a race than two minutes late.
4. This world is much too small, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
5. The hills in San Francisco aren't as bad as everyone makes them out to be.
6. N*Sync's music will help pick up your pace around mile 9.
7. It's better to start out slow and finish strong than to wish you had.
8. Compression socks and coffee are like a dream come true after a hard run.

Saturday. 5:30AM. Santa Barbara, Ca.

Let's be honest... it's been over a year since I got out of bed after the first alarm. Usually I hit snooze 5... okay, if we're being honest... 15 times. I wish that was a joke. After an extra hour of sleep, I'll roll out of my comforting bed, exchange my flannel with some workout clothes and go make breakfast for myself and Scofield. Today was different though. Friday night, I stayed an hour after work to compete in the challenge. I pushed fairly hard even though I knew I was supposed to be resting. Problem was, I had homemade vegan cookies at home that I knew would be consumed (by me), so I had to burn some extra calories.

After an hour of intense exercise, I walked home and finished packing (after eating my cookies, of course- nom nom nom). Knowing I would be spending six hours in the car on Saturday, I decided to go on iTunes and buy some new music for the car ride. YES!!! More country! YAYYYYY! And Justin Bieber! Good thing I was driving alone. By the time I finished downloading and creating a new playlist, it was almost midnight. I had to force myself to fall asleep, but eventually I was out and sleeping hard.

It must have been the excitement to see Renee that helped me get out of bed after the first alarm sounded. I sat up tall, went to the closet and pulled out some comfy, warm car clothes, fed Scofield, grabbed my things, dropped my key at the Janke's and took off. Surprisingly, I was on the road by 6AM, dancing and singing to Taylor Swift and Jason Aldean.

Saturday. 11:30AM. Moraga, Ca.

Renee's home was perfect, just as I suspected it would be. Perfect fall leaves falling from the perfect trees out front. Perfect brick step with perfect pumpkins to celebrate the season. Perfect mother with the perfect tennis outfit vacuuming her perfect living area. Everything was pristine and spotless. I was in awe. I felt as if I had walked into a Home and Living magazine shoot.

Renee and I took a walk around the neighborhood for an hour then got ready to go into the city and get our packets for the race. We took the BART to Union Square and walked to the expo. There were women in running shoes everywhere we looked. Tall women. Short women. Skinny women. Not-so-skinny women. Women with jeans on. Women in scarves. Women with their husbands. Women with their girlfriends. Women, women, women galore. The line looked long, so we walked up toward the Disney store, hoping to find the end soon. Then the line made a curve so we followed it another block. Then the line curved again... This was insane. Renee asked one of the volunteers where the end was... it was where we had started. The line literally wrapped around Union Square two times then zigzagged inside until you reached the tent entrance, where more lines awaited you. It was like the Disneyland of race expos.

Once inside, we decided to check out the sponsor tents... not much to see. As we passed the Nuun table, I saw a man who looked incredibly familiar. His arm was around a much shorter women who looked up into his eyes with the same adoration she had been giving him since I met her 5 years ago. It was Kiley, my RA from my first year of college! I snuck up and grabbed her side. We hugged and caught up while we tasted all the different Nuun flavors, deciding finally that the tri-berry was the best.

Saturday. 6:00PM. San Francisco, Ca.

After saying our goodbyes and exchanging good lucks with Kiley, Renee and I tried to hail a taxi cab. It was my first time trying to hail a taxi and I was completely in the dark. Finally we waved one down and took it to meet Renee's friends for dinner. The total was a little under $6. "Make it $8," Renee told the taxi driver as she handed him a $20. He gave her eight dollars back. Uhmmm... Yeah, I don't think that's what she meant...

We ran across the street, ten minutes late for our reservations. They had given our table away and seated Renee's friend Brianna and her fiance Cameron at a separate table. It was a small establishment and the owner was VERY Italian. We asked if we could somehow be seated together, but they said tough luck. Fortunately, we were served quickly, so after dinner we stood outside and conversed.

Saturday. 10:00PM. Moraga, Ca.

"So we'll take the BART to Union Square in the morning," Renee planned. "That means we should be up by 5:30." The race started at 7AM, so I was nervous we would be cutting it close. "Oh Em Gee," Renee exclaimed. "This can't be! The BART is closed in the morning! There's a race! Why would they do that! This must be wrong." She made some calls and found out it was indeed correct. "Well, I guess we will wake up at 4:30 and drive."

Sunday. 4:30AM. Moraga, Ca.

My alarm went off and I snoozed it once. I heard Renee do the same. Sleepily, I rolled out of bed and threw the items I would need in a bag: Sweater, Hammer gels, water, snacks, cell phone. Downstairs, I mixed my walnuts, oatmeal, craisins and peanut butter, chasing it down with some water. We hopped in the car, turned on the tunes and into the dark morning we drove.

Sunday. 5:00AM. San Francisco, Ca.

The cold air was nipping through my Lulus. I looked around at the women in shorts and tanktops and wondered how much sanity they had left in them. Around 6AM, Union Square began to fill up. We took our place in the crowd under the 7:30-8:59 pace sign. As we chitchatted, I looked over and noticed a man taking my photo. He looked familiar... and way too excited to see me. Oh! That's why! It was Roger from my home group! I ran over to say hello and he informed me that his wife had a college reunion there that weekend, so he decided to take a morning walk around the city and just happened to see me in the crowd. So funny.

Renee and I tried to warm-up a little by jumping up and down without bumping into the people around us. As a girl passed me, I felt a hand squeeze my butt. I looked at the girl quizzically but realized it wasn't her. It was Kiley! There were 25,000 racers and I had run into Kiley twice now! How could this be!? She wished us luck and made her way to the front of the crowd.

The race clock counted down. One minute to go. We got ready. We got set. We went. It was hard to find a good pace as we ran through the city. There were so many people that it felt like you had to jump over the short ones and duck under the tall ones in order to keep your rhythm. The last woman didn't even start the race until 40:00 after the race clock started due to the extreme crowd. Renee and I were able to stick together though and it was fun to look over and make sure I was still with her from time to time.

When we got to the first mile, a gospel choir encouraged us along. I looked over at Renee and smiled... just like college. We neared the wharf at mile two and Renee and I parted ways. I spotted a woman whose pace was similar to mine and I locked onto her. She had no idea, but she paced me for a good three miles before I passed her and continued on my way. Looking to my left, I noticed Fred and Sarah from one of the gyms I work at. I hollered hello and zoomed down the hill, side-by-side with Elvis.

Between mile 8 and 9, I began getting really tired and wanted to walk. That's when I heard it... the vocals of Lance Bass and Justin Timberlake. A man in a ninja outfit with a boombox on his hip danced along the street singing along with the music, "Baby, Bye, Bye, Bye". I giggled and decided to stick with him even though he was faster than me. His music was inspiring and I needed some motivation to keep my feet moving and grooving.

As we came up on the 10th mile, I found more speed and passed N*Sync man. With only three miles left, I decided to try to set a new PR. I pressed forward and picked up my speed. My feet were hurting and my left hip flexor was giving me pain. Hips forward. One step at a time. Do this.

Upon the final descent, I passed a man who was sitting on the ground, rubbing his leg. He was a quarter mile away from the finish and his legs had seized up. That's no good. I thought about stopping and helping him, but I didn't know what good that would be. So I tried to pick up my pace instead. Unfortunately, my legs would not go any faster. I glided past the finish line and the clock read 2:02. Dang it. Definitely not a PR. But I was okay with that. It was by far the best race I had ever run. The beauty of San Francisco, the crisp Autumn weather and the energy of the people was phenomenal. I collected my Tiffany's necklace, my finisher's shirt a heat blanket and a banana and made my way back up the course to run Renee in. I found her running strong and began to run her in. Without even training, she finished in 2:44!

It was an incredible birthday weekend and I loved every moment of it. Renee is such a beautiful woman inside and out and I am so blessed to have her in my life. I can't wait until my next adventure with this lovely lady!

Like A Cat Up A Tree

When we first got my cat Spaz, she chased a squirrel up a tree and couldn’t get down. We had to call the firefighters to come get the cat out of the tree. This morning, I felt like Spaz, hopeless and scared up in the tree. Nash and I had plans to meet at 6:00AM at El Diablo/ in Maui (can you tell I haven’t named it yet?). My bed felt so good. I snoozed my alarm for 45 minutes before I finally crawled out and made my BirdRock coffee and chomped on a banana. There I was, ready to go. I had my things packed for work, grabbed my phone and ran down the stairs, slamming the front door behind me. “Oh…. Dumb,” I thought. Yes, my keys were not in my hand. Instead, the coffee mug had taken their place. “Well, hmm…. What should I do? Maybe I can break in through the kitchen window?”

Climbing the gate up to my rooftop is not an easy task, but this wasn’t the first time I had done it. At least this time I wasn’t wearing skinny jeans, cowboy boots and a silk top. I pulled myself up over the downstairs neighbor’s room and scaled my way to the window, noticing the molding on top of her roof, wondering if it would give way and I would wind up in bed with her… that would be awkward. I tore the screen out and tried to open the window. Of course it wouldn’t budge. Thank goodness I had decided to stick my phone in my pocket just in case.

6:10AM… TEXT MAVEL: “Are you awake?” Response: “Hi! Yeah, I’m at work!” Me: “Do you have your keys? I’m stuck on the roof.” Response: “Oh no! No, Andrew dropped me off.”

FAIL.

6:12AM… TEXT ANNAGRACE AND JUDY: “Are you awake?” Response: none.

FAIL.

6:20AM… CALL JOSH: “I’m sorry to wake you, but I’m stuck on my rooftop. Will you come save me?”

CA-CHING! Third time's a charm.

So, as I waited for Josh to come to my rescue, I watched the sunrise. It was beautiful. I would love to build a balcony and watch it rise over the ocean every day. Maybe then I could hide a spare key on that balcony. During my time of sunrise enjoyment, Josh pulled up and shook his head.

“How exactly do you want me to help you,” he asked.

“Just make sure I don’t stab my face out with the fence on my way down,” I pleaded. “I can’t see anything and there is nothing to hold onto.”

So he guided my feet into their proper positioning and I was safely on the ground soon enough. He dropped me off at the Jankes’ house where I waited outside until they responded to my text! Yay! After getting my spare key from them, I walked home and got in my car to go run. I didn’t want to risk being late to work, so I did my speed work on the treadmill (ugh!). 2 mile warm-up, 4x300m 5k race pace with 100m jogs in between, 2x400m 5k race pace with 100m jogs in between, 2x800m 5k race pace with 100m jogs in between and a 1-mile cool-down.

2-mile warm-up: 20:11

300m’s: 1:39, 1:31, 1:22, 1:29

4oom’s: 1:58, 2:00

800m’s: 3:55, 3:49

1-mile cool down: 8:50

During my lunch break, I met up with Carol for a cool (and when I say cool, I mean ice cubes in the refrigerator cold) ocean swim. Yes, it is mid-February and Carol and I are swimming in the ocean. Sometimes I wonder if I am crazy… then I remember that I am insane. We got in the water and I panicked. “So cold, so cold, so cold! Can’t breath! Ahh,” I thought to myself as I whacked the water with my arms and legs like a mosquito struggling to get out of a Jell-O mold.

“How you doin’?” Carol asked, looking back.

“Great! Hey,” I started. “If you want to go on and just turn around when you’re ready, I’m TOTALLY cool with that!”

“Oh, I’m good.”

“No, really, TOTALLY cool…”

Then I stopped panicking. I focused on my form. Breathe, face in…. AHHHHH! So cold! Can’t get my breath out! Panic! Panic! No! Stop! Breathe, stroke 1, 2, breath 3.  And there it was. I totally relaxed. I didn’t think about the recent shark sighting down the coast or the fact that my toes were numb (okay, maybe I thought about those things a little bit); instead, I realized that I was having so much more fun being out in the ocean than I had ever had in the pool. The rest of the swim, I spent in total bliss.

When I got home, I showered off, hopped on my bike and rode out to Katie’s house for a home-cooked meal and prayer. It was so good! Great time of fellowship and yumminess before work.

Yesterday, my cycle classes were all fun and intense! I kept the members in zones three and five with short recoveries. The best part of my classes is the smiles on the member’s faces when they finish. The harder I make the class, the more they enjoy it and that is so awesome to see! I put my iPhone on shuffle for my first class and loved the mix so much, I just used it for the others.

During strength class yesterday morning after my first cycle class, my hip flexors were exhausted. I felt like I couldn't finish any of the moves. Thank goodness Sophia was there! Fortunately, the class went by quickly and I rushed home, changed and got ready to hike a 2500 elevation climb with Ben. I think that might have been the highest peak I’ve done (not positive about that), but I had great company, awesome conversation and gorgeous views. Ben admitted that he didn't think I would be as fast as I was. Teaches him to wear Chocos to hike! Although, he's hardcore like that, so I don't think that bothered him. 

I ended the evening by making Richard do stadiums after doing my evening cycle class. Soon, he is going to be tougher than me! … oh wait, he already is! ;)

She's Almost A Real Person Now!

There is nothing that tastes better in the morning than the oatmeal at my grandparents' house. Sophia and I sleepily made our way to the kitchen for a big bowl of steel-cut oats with strawberries, blueberries and bananas... Weston would be so proud. We took our time getting ready for the day. We had no place to be since we had both decided to take the day off. After listening to some good ol' country music, we drove down to Bird Rock Coffee (my favorite!!! Another first for Sophia) with my parents. We all took our coffee down to Windansea to watch the surf. Although, I forgot my coffee in the car, so they drank while I enjoyed life. Daddy let me borrow his camera and I took some awesome shots of the surfers. One guy had just arrived when we were hanging out at the shack, so I watched him duck dive his way out to sea. I am so grateful this surfer decided to come out when he did! He was making big air and busting out some gnarly 360's! Hello surf photography opportunity! I got some fun shots of him and the seagulls. I hoped he would come out of the water while we were still there, but he was having a fantastic surf session, so I didn't rush him. It took me back to my old dream of starting a surf magazine; maybe I should reacquaint myself with those aspirations.

As we walked up the steep cliff back to the car and hopped in, Sophia looked down at my feet.  "Where are your flip flops," she asked. Are you kidding me?! I have the memory of an 89-year-old with amnesia.







We went shopping in downtown La Jolla before meeting my family at Panera for lunch. My cousin Becca had brought her two sons along; Ryan and Aiden are adorable. Ryan, though only in first grade, can beat most of the fifth graders at his school in running competitions. He is part of the 100-mile club, which is a challenge to see which student can run an accumulative 100 miles during the school year. P.S. I love this idea and want to incorporate it into my life. Sophia and I are starting a 100-mile a month club if anyone would care to join us and be part of the challenge (Weston? Kristina?).

Ryan was so excited to hear all about our race yesterday. I told him I was hoping to run the Western States 100 in a couple of years and asked if he would care to do it with me. He looked skeptical. "Maybe... If I could go slow," he paused. "And if I could bring a water bottle." Alright, so I have a pacer! Sweet!

Two doors down from Panera sits a little shop I like to call... LuluLemon. Yes, it was time for a reward for running so well yesterday. There's always an excuse to buy new Lulu, right? I thought of a few: It's Valentines Day!, this shop has clothes our shop doesn't carry, that striped sports bra is so me... as well as the bright pink tank top. So we got Lulu. And I got Lucy running tights. And Sophia got an amazing cupcake and scarf. No more purchases for me this month. (Insert Sophia's pants)

We went home and threw on our racing shoes... it was time to see what Ryan was made of. Ryan, Aiden, Becca, Paul, Sophia, Daddy and I made our way to my grandfather's tennis courts. We lined up and got ready to race three laps. "Ready," Ryan started. "Set! Go!" We all scurried across the courts. Aw man... his little legs move quickly! We had a blast! He kept trying to hold my hand and pull me back, but he didn't need to... that boy is as fast as Dash from The Incredibles!

After the race, we drove back to Bird Rock to meet my bestie Dana! As soon as we got there, it started pouring! Sophia and I were speeding through the rain when my flip flop struck cobblestone and KABOOM! Down I went. I looked up at Sophia with puppy dog eyes. Really? My Lulus were so wet right on the butt. So fun! But seeing Dana's face made everything better!

We drank our Bird Rock and decided to walk down to Bird Rock Surf Shop then drive to Pacific Beach. The sunset was incredible that night as we drove to La Jolla Shores for a sushi dinner with my parents.

It's Valentines Day

A weekend of firsts it was for Sophia. First time in Downey (for water and Coffee Bean), first time in San Diego, first time meeting my extended family, first time successfully using chopsticks, first half marathon, first time hanging out with Weston, first time at the San Diego Zoo... lucky girl. Those are some great firsts!

Friday night, we had girls' night at my house: painting, movie and conversation. I started a painting, but have yet to finish. I'm not the biggest fan of this one thus far.

Saturday morning, I taught four classes before getting on the road to San Diego. During my Pilates class, I kicked butt! Within the first fifteen minutes, Yumi exclaimed, "This hurts more than being in labor!" Everyone laughed really hard and Heather said, "How is that for birth control?" Halfway through class, I yelled, "C'mon, give it all you got! It's not like anyone is running a half marathon or anything tomorrow!" Yeah... I don't think anyone knew I actually was. I totally wore myself out during class, but it was so good! My glutes were hating me! But I was wearing my new bright pink pants and my neon pink Lulu Energy Bra and a white lace tank and I felt like a giant Valentine! After work, I was walking home and had to wait at the stop light. I swear every guy that passed me turned their head to see my face. They must have all seen my big booty in my pink pants and thought, "What kind of white girl has a butt that big?!"

My little sister is my very best friend. I am a goofball and no one has ever fully accepted that except my sister and parents... until now. Sophia understands me! It is unbelievably wonderful! She is quirky, I am bizarre and together we are a mixture of... well, it's Valentines Day. We goofed off in the car, we made fools of ourselves in Downey, we made the boys at Sushi on the Rock II wish they were our dates, I screamed about a reverse ladybug while Sophia took photos... it was a fantastic road trip.

Weston was waiting for us when we returned home. The night consisted of two hours of me going through my 8,129 songs on ITunes and making a running playlist. I spent so much time and dedication to make the most ideal running playlist. Music was purchased, songs were arranged... it was going to be epic. This was the mix that was going to help take me to the top during my race!

After my mix was complete, Sophia and I curled up into bed and Weston settled in the bedroom adjoining ours. We should have been tired, but after making our playlists and having all of the electricity in the back apartment go out, we were on a high. Giggles came from our room and the rice paper walls could not muffle the sound for Weston; the poor boy had to deal with our high school girl immaturity. We were having so much fun on our slumber party, we didn't want it to end. We finally fell asleep.

Encouraging (?) picture from Mavel

5:20AM
Good morning, Sophia! We woke up before the alarm went off and Sophia told me all about my "mmhmm" responses to her sneezes during the night. Yes, it is true... I talk in my sleep. I "mmhmm" in my sleep. Mmhmm. Then I showed her my moves for Luke Bryan's "Country Girl", which is my "get psyched" song. Weston witnessed a portion of it, too, unfortunately. I threw in some of my hippy dancing. Yes, hippy dancing to country music. It is fabulous. Please ask to see my dance sometime. You will not be disappointed.

We went into the main house and made our oatmeal with bananas, strawberries, nuts and peanut butter. Weston had his special oatmeal planned out plus a protein drink. We were set. We climbed into the back of my parents' car and off we went.

7:11AM Get the bibs. Check.
7:20AM Stand in line for the restroom. Check.
7:28AM Complain about being cold and decide whether we would wear our long sleeve technical tees or not. Decide to stick with our short sleeves/tank tops. Check.
7:30AM Double knot our laces. Check.
7:49AM Walk down to the starting line with the masses. Check.
7:55AM Realize there is no time for a warm-up. Check.
7:56AM Turn on my Ipod and realize my playlist didn't upload. Check.
8:00AM Start jogging in place and trying to maneuver around the slow runners to find our place. Check.
8:04AM Lose Sophia in the crowd. Check.
8:08.43AM Mile 1
8:11AM Catch up to Weston again. Check.
8:16.13AM Mile 2
8:23AM Force myself to think of 10 reasons I'm happy to be here today:
    1. I would be getting ready to walk to work right now.
    2. I don't have to work today or tomorrow.
    3. I'm with Weston and Sophia.
    4. My knee doesn't hurt yet.
    5. My family, friends and home group are all praying for my knee right now.
    6. It is a beautiful day.
    7. I can run.
    8. My pace is faster than I planned... shoot... should I slow down?... nope.
    9. I get to eat Mexican food when this is over.
    10. My pants are bright pink.
8:24.52AM Mile 3
8:26AM More hills?!?
8:28AM Will this hill ever end? Hips forward, hips forward.
8:29AM Oh good. A flat stretch.
8:31AM Another hill?!!!? "Hey Weston. I'll race you up that hill..."
8:32.40AM Mile 4
8:36AM Wow... it is beautiful here!!!
8:36.30AM Wow... my legs hurt. I want to walk. "Hey Weston, go ahead without me. Don't wait up." Weston: "No, no, it's more fun running with someone else." Me: "Poor Sophia."
8:37AM Maybe I should turn back for Sophia? But I don't know where she is. Is that her? No... Shoot!
8:41.55AM Mile 5 Shoot... I'm losing my speed. I started way too fast. I need to slow down. It's too late to slow down. This is a training run, Ashlee. You are not running to compete, you are running for fun. It's okay to walk for a little bit. No, it's not. Weston isn't walking.
8:43AM These hills are killing me. Don't act up, knee... Bye, Weston!
8:52.15AM Mile 6
8:53AM Where is Weston? Is that him? No... shoot. Oh well. Maybe I'll walk this next hill? Not going to walk... Don't do it, Ash.
8:56AM Just pass these guys.
8:57AM How did that bimbo just pass me? Get your hips forward.
9:01.43AM Mile 7
9:05AM Time for my Hammer Gel. Water? Yes, please. Bathroom? I'll hold it.
9:11.20AM Mile 8
9:12AM Okay, I got this.
9:18AM I've really got this! I just passed everyone who passed me earlier!!! This is awesome! Check out my groove! Everyone is looking at me like, "Where did she get her energy?"
9:19AM Hips forward! Charge!
9:20AM I want to dance.
9:21.33AM Mile 9
9:24AM Hills.... Hills! HILLS!!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Okay, got it.
9:32.10 Mile 10
9:34AM I got this.
9:40.28 Mile 11 Two miles! Yay! Pace yourself, Ash. Pace yourself! Stop trying to race this guy... he's only 17!  .... Yeah, race him...
9:48.13 Mile 12
9:50AM This 17 year old thinks he is going to beat me... won't let that happen, will I?
9:52AM I don't think I can take one more step. Oh look! That woman is dressed like the Queen of England!
9:54AM .10 Miles?! Ugh... just be done!
9:54.56AM There's Weston.
9:55.07AM Oh, Dad is video taping...
9:55.13AM Sprint, Ashlee, Sprint!
9:55.15AM Hi Mom!!
9:55.17AM Eff... I'm going to collapse...
9:55.34AM I did it! I did it! PR! YAY!!
9:55.45AM Just keep walking...
9:58AM Time to find Sophia!

Who is who?

We finished the race strong and tired and went to Fidel's for Mexican food. Delicious! I love the taste of great food after an epic workout. And I got to see my Aunt Trace Ann and Uncle Cole! What a wonderful sight!

Weston captured the look on my face when Sophia turned down guacamole. Is she crazy?

It was so nice to have my parents at the run supporting me. They have never seen me run before, so it was encouraging to know they were proud of me and would be there to help me no matter what. It was cool to watch Sophia start and finish her first race! She beat her goal time and I was so proud of her (2:12.09)! Weston also set a PR (personal record), finishing in 1:49.23. He was fantastic! I love running with him! I cannot wait until our next event! I also PRed (that makes three of us!) with a finish time of 1:55.34, 8:49 pace. It's not great, but I'm happy with it. That was exactly 3:50 minutes faster than my Santa Barbara half marathon time!

Showers felt so good after the run. We collected our things and left for the zoo. I kept trying to text Dana, who had missed the race because she thought races were in the afternoon? Haha. "Zoo?" I texted. She called. "Zoo tomorrow. Zoo tomorrow." Nooooooooooo! So she did not join us at the zoo. Sad day.

The zoo was awesome! We got Weston an "It's my birthday" sticker, texted Steven nonstop and tried to wake the animals up from their slumber. I was exhausted. I'm not sure how Weston and Sophia were holding up, but I wished I was sitting in a dark movie theater, not walking around looking at awesome giraffes (my favorite!) and elephants (Kaylee's favorite)! Overall, great day at the zoo with my wonderful parents and my awesome friends.

We finished the perfect day with dinner at The Fig Tree Cafe. It was fantastic! One of the best meals I've ever had! Our waiter was hysterical, too, and played Whitney Houston throughout our entire meal. We took lots of pictures for Mavel because she always takes photos of delicious food and we wanted it to be our turn to make her jealous. Mom, Sophia and I shared shots... yup, shots... of energy and antioxidants: Mangosteen, Acai and Goji. Yummmm. We each ordered a different salad. Dad and Weston ordered the chicken and potatoes.

It was time for Peet's Coffee. Yippee! So we walk in and we're standing around chitchatting. Sophia grabs my arm. "I need to show you something," she said. "What?" She wouldn't tell me. She pulled and she pointed. "Is she pointing at that girl? Oh my goodness... she is pointing at that girl! And she is getting really close to her! This is embarrassing! Oh wait... I know that girl! It's... Megan!" So fun!

I can't wait for what tomorrow holds!