NEXT RUN......20 miles!

Oh my gosh! I just got a little freaked out! This Saturday i'll be running 20 miles!!!!

This week I've run a total of 0 miles =/ because things have gotten a little hectic around here. But this weekend, Nico may have to join in on this 20miler unless I think of something before Saturday morning. Either way...once running 20, 6 more miles may seem very do-able.

Just like the training for this marathon, you can only take life one step at a time....

cause if you look at the whole picture---YOU'LL DEFINITELY FREAK YOURSELF OUT!!

Assignment for today: Breathe Breathe Breathe....

(repeat infinity times)

RACE!! Less than one month away!

In 26 days I will compete in my first FULL MARATHON!

Saturday I ran 16 miles on my own, 8:38pace....feeling good, feeling strong, finding different "targets'' to motivate me to get my mind off the TOTAL distance, finding reasons to be thankful for the people in my life and the things in my life.

This 16 mile run went SO MUCH BETTER than the 16 miler I ran just 1 month ago. I am happy to say that I ran it 1 minute per mile faster than 1 month ago...crazy how fast your body conditions and adapts.

I'm starting to remember what this felt like.

Training for this marathon has made me even more thankful for this great outlet that I have. Running has truly been a gift that has helped mold me, my work ethic, my perspective on difficult situations, and my approach to life in general. I guess when it's the ONE THING that has remained "constant" in the past 20 years...it's hard to not weigh in on most of life's events, decisions, and results.

I honestly think that being a runner has made me the strong person that I am today. I'm glad that this marathon, is yet another feat that I'l be able to add to my tally of running accomplishments in what has been a lifetime of running.

Will Rodgers Park- Saturday Run!

This weekend we ran at Will Rodgers State Park...It was BEAUTIFUL! To think that we were just miles from our apt...but what seem like a WORLD AWAY!

 Check out the VIEW from up here!

The uphill running while pushing a 30lb toddler was NO JOKE...but Peter and I took turns and DID IT!

What can I say?..Adventures are all around us. We sometimes have to look up from life's regular activities and step out into the amazing world at our finger tips, breathe in the fresh air, and give thanks for the LIFE WE GET TO LIVE!!

San Diego 1/2 Marathon

San Diego Half Marathon was this morning!

I new it was going to be difficult and painful...BECAUSE I didn't train like I should have. But once the race got started, my goal time shifted all around. Yesterday I was talking about shooting for 1:45. Then as I walked into my corral I saw the 1:40 pacer and I said...Let's do it. In the first couple miles I was feeling good and even had my eyes on the 1:35 pacer for a while, but then dropped back to BEHIND the 1:40 pacer. Around mile 8 I passed the 1:40 pacer guy with my only goal being to come in IN FRONT of him!!! I used a couple (random) girls along the way to help me pull me to the finish.

I was really happy with the results...knowing that I didn't train like I SHOULD HAVE for this race, and that it was pure competitiveness that took over and got me through the 13.28 miles of ROLLING HILLS, highways, and blisters. I want to give myself a really chance to perform well by PREPARING the right way...I know it'll be good! The leader in my age group race in the front pack (3 place). With my San Antonio Half marathon time from October(2010), I would have gotten me 11th place in this age-group. Next race goal is top 10 in my AGE-GROUP. By the way, this race was the first time I ran with the 25-29 year olds!

Here are the Official Results:
Overall place: 392 of 17152 runners
Gender Place: 73 of 11538 women who ran this morning.
Division Place:21 or 2596 Girls between the ages of 25 and 29.

Official Time: 01:37:14

I must note, the course was a little long...just wanted to throw that out there. Not making excuses for my time. But...13.1 is a half marathon...and every step counts...and I did a couple(a lot) of extra steps. My GARMIN read 13.28 miles at the finish.SO DID a lot of the other GARMINS!! Rant done. Thank you.

Kelly, Josh, and Andy (Kelly's PT school friend) were also in SAN DIEGO for the Race. Kelly and Andy ran the Relay (8miles/5miles respectively). Peter, Nico,and Josh got to hang out and run around like crazies trying to cheer for the 3 of us. This was just a training run for Kelly since she is training for the NAPA to Sonoma VALLEY Half Marathon on July 17th....WHICH we are also going too---but to cheer and support and DRINK WINE =).

Here are the Official Results for Team Convex on Concave:

Kelly Ran 1:09:23 for her 8 mile leg of the relay which is an (8:34 pace)

Andy ran 41:02 for his 5 mile leg of the which which is an (8:12 pace).

They placed 23 place out of 295 teams who ran.

They also placed 11th out of 113 Co-ed teams who competed.

After the race we hung out at the 4th floor Hyatt Pool in Downtown San Diego...A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.!

Nico got a floaty that he LOVED. We got to tan and relax a little before driving back home for the HEAT GAME! GO HEAT!!!

I will add Pictures when they are posted!

Running partner void

In the past 11 years, I have never been at a shortage of running partners or motivation to get out to get my long runs in. However, in the last couple months here in LA I've been struggling to get into a routine....which makes me miss my running friends!!

At Lourdes, I had LITERALLY 100 girls to pick from. Runs were always interesting...filled with stories of boys, school, gossip, cosmo topics, and so much more entertainment.

When I got to UF, my options narrowed down a little, from 100 to about 14 girls...However, I lived with 3 other runners. I still remember the first week of school when I moved to UF, my roommates and I woke up everyday at 5am to run before our orientation. Those first runs were really hard and long, because none of us wanted to be the first to complain or say it was too hard or fast. Living with teammates wasn't always easy but it made it really HARD to be LAZY and to not get up for a run. And there was always someone up for a run...so lonely runs were few and far between and often a welcomed change. Throughout the years at UF I started preferring runs with some people...people who became some of my best friends. My last year I ran with the girls from TRACK OMEGA...which was always a BLAST. All my running partners throughout my time at UF filled my runs with philosophical talks on the meaning of life, heart-ache support, frustration soothers, and millions of funny, weird, and interesting stories.

(Norte Dame Invite)(100mile Relay)

After UF, I was lucky to find some friends in the Peace Corps, Lindsay, Lee, and Shiv, who would also get up a run in the mornings...mainly Lee. Most days I did run on my own throughout Santa Clara before I got hurt.

In Austin, I was lucky to find a group of girls who were super disciplined and dedicated. They would get me up at 5am to go meet them for 5:45am runs when Nico was only a couple months old! Some nights, when Nico would be up for a couple hours, I didn't think I had it in me to go for a 6 or 7 mile run...but they would text me to let me know they were waiting...and I would drag myself out of bed, and go meet them. I was also lucky that one of those running friends was a BABY MOMMA.

Since moving to LA, we have have found 2 running groups (LADC and MDR Running Clubs). I have also run a couple (2x) with another baby momma....BUT it's been really hard for me to get into a running groove.....IRONIC, since it's the most BEAUTIFUL place I've ever lived, with the ocean a few short strides away, and miles of sidewalk by the ocean.

Nico has been a supportive running partner since he was a couple months old and has made me work hard, but he's not very good a motivating me to get out the door when "I'm not FEELING IT". Instead, he makes it very easy to do ANYTHING else instead of heading out the door.

The last 2 runs I have been feeling really nostalgic. I know I'm just being a baby, but I wish I had a person that would make me accountable for my miles...and would chat with me for miles and miles about life, gossip, and things that don't matter. I feel that I need that extra push right now, while I get back into a routine.

I want to hear stories, gossip, and have senseless convos on runs up and down and all around LA with someone who is a little competitive and will keep the pace up, but not race pace everyday all the time. I know that I can't wait to find someone...I need to start doing it myself, even if it's harder...but with every lonely run that goes by....I'm pretty sure I'm gonna keep yearning for what I took for granted for SO many years. Hope all you girls are doing great...miss you!!!

HAPPY BIRTHday

Happy Birthday Vivi!!!!! We hope you had a great day...and we can't wait to see you in 2 weeks! So Nico can give you your birthday gift in PERSON!!

And Speaking of Birthdays!!!!!!

TODAY IS A VERY SPECIAL DAY FOR MY FAMILY IN COLOMBIA! My cousin, Betty had her little son, SAMUEL ANTONIO!!!! Felicidades Betty y Ricardo. Les mandamos un BESOTE.

Samuel is Nico's middle name. We both did it in memory of our grandfather, Samuel....my mom's dad. He would have been so excited to get Nico and now Samuel all dirty around the farm and up on horses!

It's a Special day in Austin too!!! Happy ONE-YEAR Birthday Jackson!

Julia, one of my Austin Baby Momma friends, had her little man ONE YEAR AGO! They are growing up SOOOO FASTTT!!!!

But wait!! There's more birth news in Austin!

Our running friends in Austin, Chris and Anne-Marie, welcomed their little girl, Natalie Alana a week ago, May 19th! Congrats guys! She's adorable and already has 2 body guards, Nico and Miles!!!! Can't wait to see you THREE in Austin in August!

Birthdays have always been a big deal for me, BUT now I truly understand HOW SPECIAL a BIRTHday really is! It's not only the day that your give your child the greatest GIFT---LIFE, but it's the day that you start to GRASP what LOVE really means!

Congratulations all you Mommas: FLORENCE, Betty, JULIA, Anne-Marie!!!

And of course...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Vivi, Jackson and Samuel Antonio!

Happy Belated birthday Natalie Alana!

VOTE FOR DOMINIQUE!

Have you ever entered a contest in the hopes that you would win, but deep down inside you kinda felt that IT COULD NEVER HAPPEN TO YOU??

Well, my friend Dominique from the UF track team entered a contest.

Perform Beautifully Contest where the winner will win a trip to Napa Valley for a fitness retreat and an Oakley Ambassadorship for ONE YEAR!

She needs you to vote, so that SHE CAN WIN! She is an awesome girl who is SUPER FIT and has put her hopes on winning this conest! It will take you a 2 seconds to VOTE....SO JUST DO IT, or like our athletic director, Jeremy Foley, at UF liked to say....JGID...JUST GET IT DONE!!

Baby Friends and Adult Friends packed our weekend with Activities

Saturday

Playdate/babysitting duty-in the morning Nico and I hung out with Andreas, one of Nico's friends. We went for a walk around the complex...

From 1104 dinner guests, babysitting, Enotes

We played at the sandbox...

From 1104 dinner guests, babysitting, Enotes

we ate yummy breakfast....

From 1104 dinner guests, babysitting, Enotes

and I tried to put them down for a NAP...which Andreas was all about...but Nico didn't really support the idea....

From 1104 dinner guests, babysitting, Enotes

Before Andreas got picked up, they discussed what their plans were for the week...
Since he didn't nap in the morning, he took a short little nap as we walked to the pool. I got to TAN for 12 WHOLE MINUTES!!!!

If you don't see the slideshow above, click here.

Then, we hurried over to meet up with the Cuban Lampoon Family Vacation, the Caraballo family--the whole gang, was in town to watch the screening of Chris's movie, The History of SpaceFlight. Nico and I stayed outside of the screening most of the time--because some shhhusshhhers were being really annoying, lol. The other films were kinda gruesome and depressing so it didn't matter anyway. We had loads of fun out there trying to scheme with Alina and Olgi on how to get more

From Caraballos, Beach, big boy sitting VOTING cards to get Chris's movie the 'audience's choice award' plus, Nico found the voting pencils (and box) extremely entertaining.

From Caraballos, Beach, big boy sitting

Proceeding the show, there was a lovely reception on USC campus infront of the theater and then a PACHANGA* at Chris's apartment, where his family made delicious food. We came home way past Nico's bedtime, but had a great day!

From Caraballos, Beach, big boy sitting

(yes Nico wore a Guayabera)

Sunday we went for a great 6 mile run! I got to run on the shore---with my shoes off---IN THE WATER, for the first time! It was GLORIOUS! Peter pushed Nico so that I could have that moment...lol. It was nice and sunny, and as usual, Nico loved the run.

From Caraballos, Beach, big boy sitting

Nico and I then went to Patti's house (the babysitter) to celebrate her daughter's birthday! We had lots of YUMMY FOOD and Nico was super excited about all the BALLOONS that were there.
We came home and hung out at the beach a little but unfortunately by the time Nico and I met up with Charlie and Daddy, it was already cloudy =(.

At 5pm we were ready for EASTER Family Shots. We got together with Alyssa, Lorena, Alberto, Brenda, Mia, Roberto, Leanne, and Aaron at our complex to take some pictures and enjoy some delicious pasta salad that Alyssa made. I brought some wine, kettle corn, and chicken pesto to complete our "dinner- potluck". The kiddos decided that the party was over, so we all headed home, with a couple new laughs, some great new pictures, and some more memories to add to OUR LA LIVING repertoire.

Here is the link to the Pre-Easter Photo Album if you don't see the slideshow below.

*For those Gringos reading this, PACHANGA- is a latin style party---aka, lots of people talking very loudly about a bunch of different things, at the same time, and an incredible large about of really scrumptious food/desserts/snacks.

London Marathon

Tio Ashish ran the London Marathon this morning in a time of 2:38:12

We are very proud of him!!

Everyday things: Running and Laundry

Running is an everyday thing for us here...or at least we're trying to get back into that routine...lol. Sometimes (very rarely) I run alone, like I did this past weekend. Sometimes I run with Peter and Nico. But MOST of the time its me and NICO!

From 1104 Run with Andreas

A couples times in the past 15 months I've run with other mommas---actually I've only run with 3 mommas, Laurel and Julia-in Austin at Town Lake and Lenora, here in LA. Running with other moms is great cause you have a lot of cool things to talk about and they also understand if you need to stop and let your kid out for breaks. The tricky thing about running with other moms is that there are 2 little ones to please; timing is KEY for these kinds of things. FLAT, QUIET, LOW-TRAFFIC, SHADY, and WIDE roads or routes are ideal.

Flat: So that the ride is a smooth as possible for the little pumpkin that's riding inside. This means...avoiding SIDE WALKS. Those ups and downs each block can get really old, really fast.

Quiet: So that if the child actually falls asleep, they aren't abruptly awakened. Even if they're not, it's just nicer, more enjoyable for all parties involved.

Low-Traffic: Safety first! Low-traffic means less chance of getting run off the road by a crazy driver. It also means that you can run on the road vs sidewalks which can possibly mean less ups and downs.

Shady: So that if you're baby isn't sleeping, the sun doesn't upset them IF they happen to look RIGHT INTO IT!

Wide: So that you can fit your momma friend next to you to have somewhat normal convos instead of screaming infront or behind you, potentially, over a crying baby.

**But your lucky if you have maybe 2 of those listed above at any one time. Once you find a route with all 5---you'll probably never run anywhere else again.

Fortunately we had a Flat, mostly wide, low traffic path on our route with Andreas and Lenora.

Unfortunately we caught Andreas at a not-so-good time the other day. Poor little guy, he was really mad at us for taking him on a run, by the beach, on a BEAUTIFUL sunny southern california day...lol. Instead of running the planned 6 miles, we ran 4 and hit up a couple of the parks along the way to let the kiddos play.

Mommies and babies on runs are apparently a spectacle around here. That one day we got at least 8 comments--"way to go Mommas; Go get it; Good job".....and others along those lines.

I know Nico had fun, but I hope he doesn't get any ideas. I've been really proud of him. He has always been good in the stroller, but recently, even better....I know i'm lucky that Nico is such a great running partner =).

Here is the link if you don't see the slidshow below.

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Laundry we don't do as often as my mother would like but we procrastinate a little since the laundry room is a bit of a hike since its in the garage of the next building.

Here is a picture of the most adorable ASSISTANT EVER--even though he does make doing laundry a little more challenging!

From 1104 Laundry-Tomas's Bday

Lots of Updates!

Sorry I havn't posted pictures of Nico in more than a week!

See all the other pictures here.

So last family update, I told you that I got a wet suit...and that I couldn't wait to use it, so I juped into the Marina that same day....Well I've used it 3 times since I bought it (a little over a week ago). LastTuesday, Peter and I got to swim a little in the Marina, right in front of our complex, so that I could practice and get a little stronger. Nico hung out with Patti, while mommy and daddy had a water date!It was SO MUCH FUN!!! And I still made it to class on time to Teach in Beverly Hills later that day.

The rest of the week flew by with everyday stuff...lol--Nico and I have a BUSY mommy/baby friend schedule!

Thursday Morning we went to Music Time at The Cow's End with mommy friend, Darin, and her daughter, Ryan. This Music session was SOOO much better than the others that we have been to at other places. The musicians sang and played songs from Bob Marley, the Beetles, U2, among other nursery rhymes in a cool---NON-creepy way! When we got back to the complex, we hung out with the kiddos by the pool. Alyssa and Lorena joined us there for some fun in the sun.

For Dinner later that day Peter, Nico and I went to Gaby's, the mediterranean place right next the Cow's End.

Friday Morning we went to the Venice Farmer's Market! It was so yummy. There we met up with Kate and Jordyn. We walked around for a little and Nico ate his breakfast while us mommies talked about USC's home track meet (scheduled for the following day).

During the day we hung out with a mommy friend, Lenora, and her son, Andreas who is a couple months older than Nico.

We ran to the park---THROUGH THE SAND along the beach, let the kiddos play around (and we tried to recover), and ran back to my apartment (on the pavement)---Total run: 4 1/2 miles. By the time we got back, Nico had fallen asleep in the stroller, so Lenora and Andreas got in the pool for a little and I just RELAXED. The pool was definitely a happening spot for kids a couple months old to about 12 years old. There were a couple extras tanning...but they just seemed out of place...lol. After the pool, we worked up an appetite and came upstairs for a yummy buffet. Nico and Andreas ate chicken nuggets and baby carrots =)....SO CUTE!

Later that afternoon we Biked with Peter to the Beach to watch him surf for a little. Nico and I played in the water...until my back literally ALMOST CRACKED from being bent over! Nico loved getting in the water....even though it was freezing. He especially loved when the waves were coming. He would get all excited and make really funny sounds. We biked to dinner after the beach...and ate scrumptious Pizza at a little place nearby.

Saturday Morning we went to the MDR run Club where we ran a 10k with the group after doing our own 1 mile warm up to the meet-up. We were the 3rd people to finish in the group...WITH NICO in the stroller =) so proud! We ran between 7:45 and 8:10 pace throughout the run, switching stroller duty.

During the day, Peter got some time to relax and catch up on work stuff while Nico and I went to COSTCO!!!

At night we invited another Mommy friend, Amparo, over with her two sons (2yrs and 5 months)and her husband for DINNER. Due to her work schedule, she can't meet with us and the other moms during the week, so we hadn't even had a chance to hang out in the last couple weeks, since the day we met! Charlie also came over.

I made a really yummy dinner: Spinach and Cheese, and Lobster and Cheese Ravioli's with my own Alfredo sauce and baked brie with strawberry preserves. Amparo brought a delicious dessert..which I didn't get to try (due to my lenten promise). We laughed a lot...but I can't really remember what about now...lol.

Sunday we went to the Main Street Farmer's Market for some snacks before heading to the Sunset Beach for the majority of the day.

I got a little guttsy and tried to swim out at HIGH TIDE, like if I knew what I was doing. Like Peter and Charlie like to say, I GOT ROCKED! No for real...my hands and knees were shaking. I don't think I'm quite ready for the open ocean just yet.

After I made it out...barely alive, the three of us hung out on the beach for some time while I regained control of my body. Peter and Charlie went out for a little while Nico and I went to pick up lunch and talked to Eneida--Peter's abuelita.

In the evening, we went to a Pot Luck that a Co-worker from Berlitz was hosting. We had a great time...and fit in just great thanks to Nico. There were a bunch of little munchskins running around. The funniest part of the evening was when the sales director said that he was very careful about what he feeds his 16 month old....they TRY TO give him every organic and WITHOUT ANTIBIOTICS...hahaha. I almost lost it laughing but held my composure!

Monday we hung around here because I had some work to do before going to teach in the afternoon. But yesterday we went to a NEW Music Story-time right by our grocery store. There was a puppet show with monsters right next to a beautiful fountain! It was great. We're gonna try to make it to more of those!

Well that's my update! Of course there's always a million things going on here in our lives...but we're always trying to take time to keep you---who are reading this because you want to know what's up--updated.

__________________________---__________________________

I want to give special shout out to CASH, HENRY, ISSAC, AND ARCHER--Nico's Austin friends who celebrated their 1 year birthday this past weekend!

We missed it but we were there in Spirit! You have all grown up to be such handsome, WELL BEHAVED, young one year old gentlemen! I'm sure you are all making ur mommies' very proud by just being ur cute little selves and reaching all the milestones that you have reached!

Congratulations on ur first BASH!!! I hope in 21 years you invite us to celebrate as well! =)

And to you mommies...

Dear Stephanie, Candy, Heather, and Bethany:

Congrats on making it to the 1 yr mark! Your babies are beautiful...which are a reflection of YOUR HARD WORK, YOUR UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, and PROOF of what AWESOME WOMEN YOU ARE! I'm so glad that I'm friends with you girls =).

Love, Valeria