The people from POM Wonderful contacted me a while back and offered to send me some of their pomegranate juice.  I had read about this juice on other blogs and was excited to try it out.   The taste is REALLY SWEET – almost a little bit too sweet for me.  But I added some ginger ale and made my own POM Wonderful spritzer of sorts.  While I like the health benefits, I don’t like the sugar content per serving (32 grams for an 8 oz serving), so I probably won’t be drinking it too often.  Still, it may be worth your while to give it a try.

Did you know that those same people who make Luna bars now make Luna cookies?  They had a giveaway for a free sample on their web site and my sample came over the weekend.  I haven’t tried it yet but will let you know how it tastes in a later post.

I did another long run with the gals yesterday, and definitely ran faster and stronger than if I had run alone.  Now if only I could make my running during the week just as strong…

Hope everyone has a great week!

I just finished knitting up a pair of baby socks for my two cousins’ babies.  I love how I can use leftover sock yarn for baby socks.  They were a quick knit  – now I hope they fit the babies and they are able to wear them for a while!

Pattern: Baby to Toddler Socks
Yarn: Zitorn Trekking, Oak Creek Yarn

Marathon training started today with a 4 mile run.  Thank goodness it was a group run with the gals as I was really feeling the heat (87 degrees at the start) and would have easily given up had it not been for them.  I was very apprehensive about running with a group but now I’m so glad I did.  There’s never any pressure to run a certain speed or distance, always good conversation, and the miles really do go by much more quickly.  I start a new job this week, so I’ll have to see how I can work running into my day before work.

I’m off to comment on everyone’s blogs…enjoy the rest of your weekend!

There is a new evil in my life.   If you have not yet tried out this DVD, Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred, just take my word for it.  It can only be described as evil.  I’ve had this DVD for a while, but only did the level 1 workout once before, and that time, I was able to still move my arms after the workout.  This time, after 48 hours, my triceps and biceps are still feeling it.   That can only be described as evil, right?  Jillian uses circuit training and covers it all:  cardio, abs, and strength training.  I plan on sticking with it for at least 30 days, so I’ll let you know how it all goes.

I finished knitting up another pair of socks.  This is my first time knitting with Cherry Tree Hill Supersock and I loved it.  These are a late Mother’s day gift for my mom.

 
Pattern:  Basic Ribbed Socks

Yarn: Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Merino in Country Garden Colorway

Today is Marcy’s birthday and the last day of her world famous blog.  If you get the chance, head on over to her blog to wish her well.    Like most other running bloggers, Marcy’s blog was one of the first I started reading, and through her blog I have learned a lot, laughed even more, and “met” other great running bloggers.  Marcy, thanks for everything!  Love ya Chica! 

I’m getting over my 2nd cold in two months, and thus there has been no running in a long time.  Now would also be a great time for me to remind you folks that it is triple digit heat here in the desert, and when it’s already 80 degrees as the sun is rising, running just doesn’t seem too appealing.  But I have plans to get back out there soon.  No big races are on my calendar.  Oh, except for the PF Chang Rock N Roll Marathon in January.  Yep – I’m running my first full marathon!  Yikes!

I’ve been knitting up a storm lately and wanted to share my latest projects.  My job at the school ends tomorrow so I knit up some gifts for the teachers.

Here is Bubby the Bear

and some Dish Cloths

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

I can’t believe it’s been so long since my last post!  I’ve been running, knitting, and going through a career change – thus the lack of posts.  But rest assured – I’m back and will be back to commenting on your blogs too!  

I decided to take a little break from running after the half marathon, and I’m just getting back into it now.  There are no upcoming races on my calendar, so it’s back to the basics – running any distance at any speed because I want to – not because I have to.  I think that kind of running is the best.

Here’s a pair of socks I finished up for my friend’s birthday.  The pattern is Monkey and the yarn is by Old Creek yarn.  This is the fourth pair of Monkey socks I’ve knit up.  I just love how they turned out.

Here is a close up of the pattern.

Finally, as some of you may or may not know, my dad, Oscar, is an avid runner who runs the Boston Marathon each year for a great charity – The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training.   This is my dad’s 8^th Boston Marathon, and this year he is running to honor my grandpa, Mariano.  My dad’s goal is to raise funds so that a cure can be found for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma. 

As with all donations, but especially in this economy, please know that any donation is greatly appreciated, and no donation is too small.  If you’d like to donate, please let me know in the comments so I can send along the info.  Thank you in advance for any help you can send!

Hope everyone has a great week!

Terri tagged me with the Fabulous Blogger award awhile back, so here are five things I’m addicted to:

1. National Public Radio.  Yes, you can call me a news geek. 
2. Postcards.  I collect them from anywhere and everywhere.
3. Sock knitting.  Socks are my absolute favorite to knit.
4. Under Armour running gear.
5. Running. 

I know many of you have already been tagged, but if you haven’t, feel free to play along.
 

Jess posted her interview and I left her a comment letting her know I wanted to join in on the fun.  She emailed me the questions so here are my answers.  If you’d like to be interviewed, be sure to follow the directions at the end!

1.  How and why did you learn to knit?
I learned to knit from one of my dearest friends, Ellen.  We used to work together, and one day I saw her knitting during lunch break.  I loved the scarf she was knitting and was just fascinated at the concept of turning yarn into something you could use and/or wear.  

2.  In terms of running, what’s your favorite race experience?
My favorite race experience would have to be the last half that I ran – the PF Chang Rock N Roll Half.  Not only did I get to meet up with my blogging friends, but I ran the entire race with my dad.

3.  If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?
Definitely pay off debt.  Then go on a trip around the world with the husband.

4.  What color best describes your character and why?
Purple.  I’ve read that surrounding yourself with purple brings peace of mind, and I’m always aiming to be that calm in the eye of the storm.

5.  If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take with you one object that you currently own, what would take?
Though it would be a touch choice between my knitting and my running shoes, I’d have to go with the running shoes.  Can’t live without the running shoes.

To play along:
1. Leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.”
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions).
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview others in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

I’ve been sick with a cold and cough, so I’m taking an unscheduled break from running.  I was okay with no running for a couple of days, but now that a week has passed, I’m really missing it!  Hopefully this cold will be gone soon so I can get back out there.

Lastly, don’t forget to head on over to The Chic Runner to get in on the giveaway.  Hope everyone has a great week!

I wore the same race shirt for both half marathons, and on the back it says “DON’T THINK – JUST RUN!”  I put that on my shirt to inspire others but also to remind myself of a couple of important points:

• Don’t worry about the other runners around you.  Run your own race.
• Don’t think of it as 13.1 miles – just run it one mile at a time.  This especially helped me early on in the races, and before I knew it, I was at mile 10 or 12.
• Pre-race nerves are normal.  Don’t look at it as a big race.  Look at it as just another training run with a lot of other people.

I recently ran a half marathon and of all my races (about 10 or 12 ranging in distance from 5K to 10K to Half Marathon), I would have to say that this race was the best.  No, there was no PR involved, it was a hot 80 degrees, and most of the race was spent running around walkers.  BUT for me it was the best because it was a fun, strong run with no pain, and here’s the coolest part – I got to run the entire race with my dad.

So don’t think that just because you didn’t get a PR that you didn’t run a good race.  For me, running pain free and enjoying the race are what it’s all about.

On race day, we got up early and I tried eating a little bit before getting on the road, but it wasn’t working out too well.  For whatever reason, I just couldn’t eat, and couldn’t get rid of that nervous feeling in my stomach.  I brought my bagel and peanut butter sandwich with me and managed to get in a few more bites on the shuttle and while waiting at the bag check.  

Before the race, we were able to meet up with Lisa, Pat, Karen, and Mary.  Here are a couple of pre-race shots.

Dad and me waiting for the start

It took about 35 minutes for us to reach the start line.  As we were waiting, we heard the announcer say that there was no need to rush because we were all going to get the same medals at the end.  When we got to the start line, we could see the announcer and we realized that it was John Bingham.

Slow and steady is the best way to describe this race.  We spent most of the race weaving around the walkers, and the 80 degree temperatures didn’t help.  But we just kept moving.  I ran with a gatorade bottle, but got rid of it around mile 9 or 10.  My hips started to ache around mile 10 as well, so we stopped so I could stretch.

Before we knew it, we were in Tempe and spectators started telling us that the finish line was “so close” and “just around the corner”.   We rounded the last corner, and could see the finish line ahead of us, and we spotted the family cheering us on.  Dad and I crossed the finish line together.   It wasn’t a PR, but it was a strong run, pain free, and a lot of fun. 

My dad and I were very impressed at how well organized the race was.  I would do this race again; probably not for a PR because of the large number of runners, but definitely for fun.

I have no time goals in mind for this race.  I’ve been told that it’s a great race with great bands along the course and great spectators, so my plan is to run my own race and enjoy it.

I might be MIA for the rest of the week as the parents and my cousin are flying in for the long weekend.  My dad is running the half with me and I know it will be a lot of fun.

Have a great rest of the week!

I’m more of a goal person.  In looking back at my goals from last year, I did meet all of them so I’m pretty happy about that.  I haven’t decided yet if I’m going to do another goal list for 2009, or start on my 101 things in 1001 days and just have my 2009 goals be included in that.  Either way, I think I will give myself another week or so to decide.  I will share a couple of things that will be on THE list  – to knit myself a sweater (my largest knitting project to date) and a FULL marathon. 

Now that the Phoenix Rock N Roll Half is fast approaching, I’m starting to think about logistics – getting to the shuttles on time, do I wear a throw away sweatshirt, etc.  So come the questions for the experts.  Yes, fellow runners, you are the experts so any input is greatly appreciated.

They will be providing Cytomax along the course, and I unfortunately have never had it.  Do I bring my own gatorade, which I know my body is used to, or take my chances with Cytomax?  

Also, I usually eat 2 hours before a long run.  With this race, I’ll need to be in line for the shuttle bus about 2 hours before the start, which means I’m in the car about 2 1/2 hours before the race.  So I’m now contemplating what to do.  Do I take my food with me, and just eat on the go?  Do I eat before leaving home, and then have a banana or a yogurt shortly before the race?  I’m leaning more towards eating on the go because my body is used to eating two hours before running.   

What do you think?  Again, thank you in advance!