2011 Honolulu Century Ride

Wow... its finally over... I'm still in disbelief.  The longest I've cycled this training session was 65.54 miles (Click me for this run's stats) and with the accident last week Sunday (which is still not healed) I wasn't sure how I would do.

A special thank you for those who have supported me in this event.  Particularly the individuals who donated to my cause - Leukemia and Lymphoma affects so many people and with the rising costs of healthcare - you have helped make people's lives a lot easier.

I've been asked - aren't the events you train for hard?? - in short, they are... but having to deal with chemotherapy is a lot harder - not having control of your future.

Another special thanks to individuals who helped me carb load yesterday.  Eating a Manager's special (half Mizithra cheese and half meat sauce - the larger portion OF COURSE!) really helped me gain the fuel to help me with the race.

So... How did I do?!  The event was more than I ask for.  I went over my goal today.  I was originally only expecting to do 75 miles and I went 82ish.  =D

Please click here for the same data, but you can play around with the map and see mile per mile how I went about the race...  (You'll be able to tell when I stopped by 7.11 - and if you're familiar with the map - you can tell me which one I stopped at!)

What did I learn from the race?

I learned many things...

First, I am truly blessed to have my health, I was surprised how fast, how far I've gone today.  They said roughly 75% did the 25 and 50 miles - out of approximately 2,000 cyclists.

Group B

I learned a lot of technicalities of the race... the race was divided into 4 groups (A, B, C and D)... I went to the B group because I figured I was planning to do 75 miles.  I should have done group A... I started the Runkeeper program when the shot went off - but it was only for Group A - Group B left the starting line about 15 minutes later (you'll see on the link that I took 15 minute pace for the 1st mile!)

One particular aspect of racing that people who don't race don't exactly understand the race day preparation.  Two days before, I made sure all the equipment on my bike was up to par and also the supplemental gels, extra tube, CO2 cartridges, things to fix the bike with - etc).

The night before I lay out all of the equipment I will need - cycling gear, shoes, socks, ipod, phone, wallet...

Day off - today I woke up at 0355 - I hit the snooze once - then at 0405, I was up and ready to go... I had to make breakfast (eating breakfast at this time is not easy - my stomach no likey) - good for the road, gatorade mix... put on my gear and run out the door... I arrived at Kapiolani park around 0445 - which was perfect.  I would free parking, I had time to check my bike (make sure the tires had the proper pressure, double check the gears, the aero bars - I had to tighten those)

2011 Honolulu Century Ride Certificate

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Lucky You Live Hawaii - Labor Day Edition...

There are many places in the world that can offer a wide variety of activities, food and culture... but none of them are like Hawaii...

This past weekend was such an awesome weekend that it epitomizes the saying - Lucky you live Hawaii...

Activities... well besides eating... I spent my weekend doing some pretty random things.  I was in Kailua dog sitting 3 energetic handsome dogs... earlier this week, I also took a friend to eat her first Pho ever (can you believe that - gasp!!) Here she is... say hi Maya!

Maya and her beef pho!!

Friday night... was great... it was a night of wine-ing, dining and great food and company... Maura and I went to Sarento's atop the "I" - I've been lucky to eat here twice this year!  We ended up at the restaurant from 1930 to 2300!  Of course, I had the double stuffed pork chops - how can you go wrong with a pork chop stuffed with prosciutto!? 

Maura and I - we need more pics together!

Oh yeah... guess what?!

What?!

I went ice skating for the first time!  Yes, seriously - ice skating... it was a celebration of Mr. Bobby's birthday and he was completely down for doing something different... he's quite a natural mover on the ice - me on the other hand needed the walker to get use to the movement with the ice skates... needless to say it was quite awesome! (more pictures coming soon!)

Michelle and Bobby

Sunday morning was just phenomenal...

I almost feel like I should write a separate blog for this... maybe I will! lol

If you would have told me 2 years ago that I would be riding 55 miles on a bike and going over heartbreak hill - I would have told you that you are crazy - well mostly because I didn't know how to ride a bike.  I am so happy/surprised how far I have come... From learning how to ride my Walmart mountain bike at the Hawaii Kai Boat Parking Lot to quickly progressing to a hybrid bike to a road bike and now my first cycling event - with only 1 month to train!  Crazy... but I feel that the word no is starting to leave my vocabulary... 

What do you do on a day where you ride your bike for over 50 miles?!  Well, besides complaining that everything is sore... you go to the beach of course!

in Kailua... 

Lucky you live Hawaii...

How was your weekend!?

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Health - What does it mean to me? A Photo-Montage

Health is a lifestyle, it truly is.  

Health is a compromise and the act of integrating healthier options into one's life.  

Most of you know that I am very regimented person.  Wake up at 0600 and 9 times out of 10, I'll wake up before my alarm clock.

After a pit stop at the loo, next stop time for a run.

I normally run 3-5 miles, at least 5 times a week, with my longer runs on Saturday morning with Team in Training.

Sorry for the bad photo... My roommate isn't awake yet, well most people aren't...

I'm weird, I know...

Whatever you choose to do, get out there and BE ACTIVE...

After a quick run... breakfast time!

Breakfast seriously is the most important meal of the day.

I did mention, I am a regimented, right?  Every day, I will have oatmeal (not from a box...) with organic white honey, a banana and a glass of soy milk.

This takes less then 6 minutes to make!

10am, everyday, it's snack time.

I normally have a yogurt when I am at work (we have a fridge!), or while I am in school, I will have another banana or a granola bar.

I eat lunch everyday around noon.  Today I ate a sandwich and I was so hungry, I forgot to take a picture of it... o_O.

I have dinner everyday at 1900, like clockwork, I start cooking at 1830 for something yummy.

Today, I was running late and decided to order some take out from Buca di Beppo... This picture was taken later after I ate, went to class, got home to re-plate this and take a picture.

Note:  If you eat pasta - stick to any red sauce.  Way better for you than ANY white sauce made of cream!

I love SWEETS! Ice cream, chocolate, ice cream and chocolate, waffles, waffles + ice cream + chocolate.

One thing I've learn is never deny yourself.  Once you start denying yourself the stuff it craves, you'll binge...

Just eat in moderation...  I eat 2 Ghirardelli every night around 8PM.  Kills the sweet tooth...

I think the most important thing is regulated sleep.  I sleep every night around 2200-2230 and wake up at 0600.  Sleep is VITAL to functioning.

Alright, that's a quick insight to my daily routine.

But before I go, I want to talk about another piece of the health puzzle that I believe in.

Helping others...

I participate, volunteer and fundraise for non profit organizations which are essential to our community.  We are truly blessed to have our "health".

The first non-profit organization is the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  This year I will be running the Alaska Marathon to raise funds with those afflicted with Leukemia and Lymphoma.  This is a non-profit near and dear to my heart, as I have lost friends with this disease.

http://thepowerofadollar.info

The other non-profit organization I am active with is called Kiva.  Kiva assist members in third world countries with "micro-lending" so they can run their own business and help themselves.


I decided 2 years ago when interest rates on savings account started to hover around 0.000%.  Instead of the banks having my funds, I can lend monies to businesses and I know that I am helping others help themselves through kiva.

Kiva.org for more information.


Well, its almost 2100, so its decompression time, so I can do it again tomorrow.

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Time for a makeover!

Alright...

We all know I left for spring break, looking kinda scary..

So to mark my return, it was time for a makeover!

Just a bunch a pictures marking my transformation!

Step 1:  Trim that beard!

Step 2:  Take off those braces!

Step 3:  Get a haircut!

Step 3:  Smiles!

My hair will be donated to Locks of Love.

Just another plug!  I am fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  I am a mentor for this years Alaska Mayor's Marathon which happens to be on my 30th birthday, please visit http://maxisturning30.info or http://thepowerofadolalr.info for more information.

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Practice Triathlon

PRACTICE TRIATHLON

This past Sunday we had our practice triathlon. Yes, we come in all ages, shapes and sizes. If we can do it... Seriously, you can to!

Ever wonder what goes into a practice triathlon?









1) SETUP - BRIEFING
Setup is important. You have to arrange your things for a quick transition from one event to another. There is also a quick briefing about the conditions and the route.




2. SWIM
The first event of the triathlon is swim. Normally we start on land and run into the water, this time around we decided to start in the water. Our swim route was to the windsock and back. About 500m swim.



3. BIKE
After swimming, you run to your transition area, put on your socks, shoes, helmet, sunglasses, grab your bike and go! This time out, we rode from Kaimana Beach park, over Diamond head through Kalaha and to the Aloha gas station, and back (TWICE!)


4. RUN
The last event of the triathlon. Normally a quick 3 mile run in itself, but after swimming and going over Diamond Head 4 times sometimes your legs and calves don't like to work as they normally do. Just breathe and push hard until you feel your kick come on!



5. AFTER PARTY
Yes! Its time to celebrate! High 5's, hugs, and food are in order! This is Team Jet Hawaii training group and yes, I wouldn't have it any other way!

Go Team!
You're all rockstars!

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

2 weeks

2 WEEKS

I am still in disbelief.

2 Sundays ago, I was learning how to ride a bike. Last Sunday, was my first time riding on the street in a pack.

Today, we had our first time trial and I can't believe the progress I have made.

Just goes to show. Anything is possible.

Pic of me & some new friends.



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Protein, Part Deux

PROTEIN PART DEUX

Just in case yesterday's 1 lb t-bone steak wasn't enough, I'd thought I'd have another steak. Today, 1 pound rib-eye steak with bone in with sauteed mushrooms and garlic.



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Triathlon Training

TRIATHLON TRAINING

Hmmm... I thought I was in decent shape... but not even close. The people I train with are just 2 extremes, the triathletes and us...

At least I like my new Triathlon jersey!

Hopefully, I can finish training and finish the 2009 Honolulu Triathlon



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

2008 Honolulu Marathon

2008 HONOLULU MARATHON

I can't believe I did it and I really can't believe its over. Many "Mahalos" to everyone for your support to the cause I ran for this year. There are a lot of people affected by Leukemia & Lymphoma and thanks again for showing your support. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Team in Training has raised over $900 million since its inception to fighting blood cancers and we won't give up until a cure is found.

This is my 2nd marathon and I improved my time by over 2 hours. I walked the first marathon in Dublin and I am looking forward to the marathon again next year. The hardest part of the marathon wasn't the running, it was the weather. It stayed dry until the gun shot at 5AM and the rain came pouring down. I ran the 1st 10K slow and I expected to pick up the pace, but it never happened. I was running with blisters for pretty much the whole race. I have about 4-6 blisters on each foot and I am very proud of my time given the circumstances.

On that note, I would like to say a special thanks to Buffy Whiteman who is a part of the Team in Training team and ran with me between miles 24-26 (up Diamond head). If it wasn't for her words of encouragement and pace, I would not have crossed the finish line under 5 hours.

I didn't expect to get emotional, but there I was crying at the finish line and crying again when I saw Buffy at the tents.

Some people say, "I can't do that or that's impossible". I know with the support of my family, friends and the community that anything is possible. That is why I have signed up for the 2009 Honolulu Triathlon.

Well, since the marathon I have eaten Carls Jr., Zippy's, Taco Bell, Fried Chicken from Safeway. Ha! I deserve it! :)

Love you all and thanks for everything!

My Official Split Times


The Finish Line (from the day before)


3AM - Day of Marathon - Preparation


Ready to go


After the Marathon



First Meal


Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Honolulu Marathon in 1 Week

HONOLULU MARATHON

In 1 week, I will be running the Honolulu Marathon.

Yesterday, we had our last training run and now its time to taper off, rest the legs and get ready for the race.

I am getting butterflies thinking about it!



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Another half-marathon...

HALF MARATHON

Another 1/2 marathon in the books!

3 weeks until the marathon.

CLICK ME!



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Inspirational Video

INSPIRATIONAL VIDEO

This video of Matt Ortiz. He died on May 13th, 2008 at the age of 24.

This was discovered after he passed away.



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Knee Problems

KNEE PROBLEMS

I've been having knee problems since last week and this past Saturday when I ran, it was really painful. I've been icing it for 3 days and taking ibuprofen and my appointment with a sports medicine doctor is on Thursday. I think my knee is seriously messed up this time. No fear though, I will complete the marathon one way or another. I owe it to everyone who has shown their support.



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Productive Saturday

PRODUCTIVE SATURDAY
I decided to go to training today and I didn't expect to do this well. I hadn't ran in 2 weeks because of my infected tattoo. A 1/2 marathon in km is 21.097494km or 13.1 miles. Well, I was able to run a 1/2 marathon + an extra 2 km in less than 2 hours! WOW! I really didn't expect this. I felt fine after, just a little tired, but not tired enough to do some upper body workout. I knew I couldn't surf immediately, but I decided to get on my board and paddle back and forth Ala Moana. 3 complete laps to be exact. Then next thing you know Guillaume calls me and wants to go surfing, so after grabbing some Pho, Walmart, Best Buy and Costco gas station, we went surfing. I lasted a good hour and I literally felt like jello. I swear you'd think I was Michael Phelps, I made myself a pasta dinner and yeah I ate about a pound of pasta... at least I'm so full that's what it feel like. Well, I am going to enjoy the US Open on my DVR.

Hope your Saturday was productive.



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Mortality

MORTALITY
Yesterday, Tyler Reseigh passed away from a very aggressive form of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. He was 27. We weren't the closest of friends, more like acquaintances, but I can't help to think about my own mortality especially since I am a year older than him and fighting my own battle. I am struggling to fight the tears as I change my fund raising website from "In Honor of" to "In Memory of". When is it going to be my time to leave? Like Tyler, I am not bitter about our own struggles. For me, I have always chosen to live my life according to my own rules, like my tattoo says "ima wo ikiru-live in the moment". I guess what I am trying to say is don't let life pass you by. If you want to learn how to swim, do it. If you want to learn another language, do it. If you want to travel the world, do it. No one is stopping you except yourself and your own expectations.

My prayers are with Tyler's family through this very difficult time for them.

Rest in Peace, Tyler Reseigh.

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

RUN RUN RUN! Gamertag, Nike Mini

RUN RUN RUN!
Saturday, I ran with Team in Training. The weird this I find that on my longer runs my pace is faster than my shorter runs, I don't start feeling the kick until mile 4-5 when I get into a stride, well and not to mention, I always run the first 1-2 miles really slow just to see how my knees are feeling.



Yes! I ran this morning before work. 5 miles a day will keep the fat cells away.



My 360 Gamertag.

Add me!




My Hyperactive Nike Mini
Click here to see my Nike Mini.


Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Fanny pak! My training schedule... tears!

FANNY PAK
I can't believe they were eliminated. I will no longer be watching ABDC.

RUN TRAINING SCHEDULE

Advanced
8/2/2008 60 MINUTES
6:30am, meet @ Kailua Beach Park (shoe clinic)
Sun. 3 miles easy

wk. 8-4-08
Mon. 4 mile easy (E) run
Tue. 5 miles E
Wed. 4 miles E
Thur. 5 miles E
Fri. rest
Sat. 70 MINUTES
6:00am, meet @ Ala Moana Park (McCoy Pavillion parking area)
Sun. 3 miles easy

wk. 8-11-08
Mon. 5 mile easy (E) run
Tue. 5 miles E
Wed. 4 miles E
Thur. 5 miles E
Fri. rest
Sat. 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES
6:00am, meet @ Kapiolani Park (1st parking lot on Paki), Nutrition Clinic
Sun. 3 miles easy

wk. 8-18-08
Mon. 5 mile easy (E) run
Tue. 5 miles E
Wed. 5 miles E
Thur. 5 miles E
Fri. rest
Sat. 1 HOUR 45 MINUTES
6:00am, meet @ Kapiolani Park (1st parking lot on Paki), Injury Prev. Clinic
Sun. 3 miles easy

wk. 8-25-08
Mon. 5 miles E, w/6 strides (ST)
Tue. 6 miles E
Wed. 4 miles E
Thur. 6 miles w/6 x strides
Fri. rest
Sat. 2 HOURS
6:00am, meet @ Ala Moana Park (McCoy Pavillion parking area)
Sun. 4 mi. w/6 x strides

wk. 9-01-08
Mon. 4 miles E, w/6 strides (ST)
Tue. 7 miles E
Wed. 4 miles E
Thur. 6 miles w/6 x strides
Fri. rest
Sat. 2 HOURS
6:00am, meet @ Kapiolani Park (1st parking lot on Paki)
Sun. 4 mi. w/6 x strides

wk. 9-08-08
Mon. 5 miles E, w/6 strides (ST)
Tue. 10:00E, 4x(4:00H,3:00E),
10:00E
Wed. 5 miles easy
Thur. 7 mi. w/6 x strides
Fri. 4 mi. w/6 x strides
Sat. 2 HOURS 15 MINUTES
6:00am, meet @ Kapiolani Park (1st parking lot on Paki)
Sun. rest

wk. 9-15-08
Mon. 5 miles easy
Tue. 10:00E,6x(5:00Tw/1:00rest)
10:00E
Wed. 5 miles easy
Thur. 8 mi. w/6 x strides
Fri. 5 miles easy, 6xstrides
Sat. 2 HOURS
6:00am @ Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens, Kaneohe
Sun. rest

wk. 9-22-08
Mon. 5 miles easy
Tue. 15:00E,6x(5:00Tw/1:00rest)
10:00E
Wed. 5 miles easy
Thur. 9 mi. w/6 x strides
Fri. 5 miles easy, 6xstrides
Sat. 2 HOURS 30 MINUTES
6:00am, meet @ Kapiolani Park (1st parking lot on Paki)
Sun. rest

wk. 9-29-08
Mon. 5 miles easy
Tue. 15:00E,4-5x(5:00H, 3:00E)
10:00E
Wed. 4 miles easy
Thur. 6 miles, 6xstrides
Fri. rest
Sat. 2 HOURS 30 MINUTES
6:00am, meet @ Kapiolani Park (1st parking lot on Paki)
Sun. rest

wk. 10-06-08
Mon. 5 miles easy
Tue. 15:00E,4x(10:00T w/2:00R)
15:00E
Wed. 5 miles easy
Thur. 7 mi. w/6 x strides
Fri. 5 miles easy
Sat. 2 HOURS 45 MINUTES
5:30am, meet @ Ala Moana Park (McCoy Pavillion parking area)
Sun. rest

wk. 10-13-08
Mon. rest
Tue. 15:00E,4x(10:00T w/2:00R)
15:00E
Wed. 5 miles easy
Thur. 7 miles easy
Fri. 4 miles easy
Sat. 3 HOURS
5:30am, meet @ Ala Moana Park (McCoy Pavillion parking area)
Sun. rest

wk. 10-20-08
Mon. 5 miles easy
Tue. 15:00E, 15:00T, 3:00E,
15:00T, 3:00E, 10:00T,
10:00E
Wed. 5 miles easy
Thur. 8 miles
Fri. 5 miles easy
Sat. 2 HOURS 30 MINUTES
5:30am, meet @ Ala Moana Park (McCoy Pavillion parking area)
Sun. rest

wk. 10-27-08
Mon. 5 miles easy
Tue. 15:00E,4x(10:00T w/2:00R)
15:00E
Wed. 5 miles easy
Thur. 8 miles easy
Fri. 3 miles easy
Sat. 3 HOURS
5:30am, meet @ Kapiolani Park (1st parking lot on Paki)
Sun. rest

wk. 11-3-08
Mon. 5 miles easy
Tue. 15:00E,8x5:00T w/30 secE,
10:00E
Wed. 5 miles easy
Thur. 6 miles easy
Fri. 3 miles easy
Sat. 3 HOURS 30 MINUTES
5:30am, meet @ Ala Moana Park (McCoy Pavillion parking area)
Sun. rest

wk. 11-10-08
Mon. 5 miles easy
Tue. 15:00E, 4x10:00T w/2:00E
15:00E
Wed. 5 miles easy
Thur. 8 miles easy
Fri. 3 miles easy
Sat. 3 HOURS 30 MINUTES
5:30am, meet @ Ala Moana Park (McCoy Pavillion parking area)
Sun. rest

wk. 11-17-08
Mon. 4 miles easy
Tue. 15:00E, 3x10:00T w/2:00E
15:00E
Wed. 5 miles easy
Thur. 5 miles easy
Fri. 4 miles easy
Sat. 2 HOURS 30 MINUTES
5:30am, meet @ Ala Moana Park (McCoy Pavillion parking area)
Sun. rest

wk. 11-24-08
Mon. 5 miles easy
Tue. 15:00E, 2x10:00T w/2:00E
15:00E
Wed. 4 miles easy
Thur. Turkey Trot 10 miler(predict your time) Run@ Kapiolani Park Bandstand area
Fri. rest
Sat. 5 miles easy
Sun. 3 miles easy

wk. 12-01-08
Mon. 4 miles easy
Tue. 15:00E, 3x10:00T w/2:00E
15:00E
Wed. 5 miles easy
Thur. 5 miles easy
Fri. 4 miles easy
Sat. 1 HOURS 45 MINUTES
5:30am, meet @ Ala Moana Park (Marathon Prep Clinic)
Sun. rest

wk. 12-8-08
Mon. rest
Tue. 15:00E, 4x4:00T w/3:00rest
15:00E
Wed. 4 miles easy
Thur. rest
Fri. 4 miles easy
Sat. rest
Sun. Honolulu Marathon!

Team in Training

Team in Training

Training started this past weekend and I'm in better shape than I thought I was. I haven't been running as much as I should be. I haven't surfed in about a month, but low and behold. I was able to run over 7 miles in an hour. After running for an hour in beautiful Kailua, the group met at Fleet Feet for one on one shoe sizing. Well, needless to say I pretty much have alien feet. My true shoe size is 7 EEE. Its hard to find shoes because my feet are so wide. I've been wearing a size 8 but the problem with that is my feet slides in and out and probably have caused my previous knee injury. Basically, they didn't have shoes in the store for me. I wanted to try 4E shoes but those shoes are made for size 10 and higher... LOL They ordered me 7EE and 7.5EE shoes. Hopefully one of those fit well, I really want to start logging in longer distances.

Don't forget to donate!



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.