Iron Girl

I ran a 10K today that was a bit hilly and we ran right into a head wind. But it was an all-female race and those are always fun. No boys allowed. That's pretty sweet. I moved and now live across the street from the beach. Last night I watched the sun set over the Pacific, but the condo where I live is very cold. I am confined to my room with my space heater right next to me. I moved myself this weekend with no help. I am really sore. I am discovering there are a lot of Australians who live in this area, which makes me happy. I get to listen to their accents. I seem to find them at Starbucks. I've been to three Starbucks in the area and have heard the Aussie accent in each one of them. One of them has an Aussie barista who always calls me his mate. I know he calls everyone this, but it makes me feel good nonetheless.

Happy Halloween!

I got to spend 10 days in Phoenix and two weekends in LA visiting friends and family. So fun! Happy Halloween! I don't think I am dressing up as anything this year. I plan to stay home and watch Castle.

Utah





I'm hanging out in Utah right now experiencing the amazing fall foliage. I went hiking with my brother, slept too many hours and saw cousins, aunts, and uncles. The mountains are brilliant.

#34

I ran my 34th half marathon yesterday and got my 33rd worst time. I am going backwards in my fitness. It was a trail run and that makes it harder, plus it was almost all uphill and the name of it was "HeartBreak Half Marathon," which should be an omen of what was to come. It was hard and I wasn't feeling well. But that's life. It took place on a military base and many military men were running carrying American flags, which was appropriate because it was Sept. 11th eve.

I then went to dinner with a group of friends from Phoenix in town for a triathlon today. The race took place on Sept. 11th and began with skydivers carrying a 30 foot flag down to earth. I then met a friend to watch a movie. It's a nice way to spend the weekend--with good friends. Friends and family are what you get you through this life.

Ten years ago I was driving to work and heard about the attacks. I immediately ran into work and called my dad who traveled for a living--this was before I owned a cell phone. He answered and I was so glad he was safe. I was lucky, unlike so many others.

#33

I ran my 33rd half marathon in beautiful Kauai, Hawaii. The scenic course took me through a tunnel of trees, next to a sunrise over green-covered mountains, palm trees, and ended right next to the ocean. But it was crazy hard. One of the hardest in the US I was told. I even had to stop at a medical tent to assist with blisters. I got my 32nd worst time, but loved it and want to do the full marathon next time, which I've heard is extremely hard. I stayed at a condo with an ocean view, a huge pool with sand on the property, and relaxed and watched movies on one of three flat screen TVs. I cooked for myself, read a book and relaxed by the pool and sat in a very hot and lovely jacuzzi. How about that for a race???

#32

I ran my 32nd half marathon this weekend in San Diego. It didn't go as planned. I slept very little and ate very little this week and struggled in a long run last weekend, so was just happy to finish. I actually ran the first 10K at exactly the same pace I run every half marathon, which was a surprise. But then at mile 7, I sort of was done. So I finished in 14 minutes over my usual time. Boo!

Weekend

I spent the weekend in Los Angeles visiting friends and they all made me feel so good. It's nice to have a great support system. I tried to run, but have been having problems with muscle aches. I think it is stress. I haven't been feeling well and I think that is stress related as well. But every day is a new day and a new opportunity.