4 years

4 years ago L and I walked and ran 12 miles from Campbell, CA to Los gatos to get a coffee and back. Little did we know that day was the beginning of what would turn into a grand adventure spanning many cities and countries, many ups (with a few downs) and so many freaking fantastic memories (hot air ballooning, a drive across route 66, Mexican pyramids, Napa Wine tastings, many running events, and an amazing trip to Brasil just to name a few) along the way. We are 2 peas in a pod- well 3 with the CB dog.


Last night he surprised me with dinner at Takashi. You might remember Chef Takashi from Top Chef Masters fame. we've also been to his "Noodles by Takashi" which has some of the best ramen I've ever had (located in Macy's on State St.) we had the tasting menu + wine/sake pairings which was absolutely divine. I can't stop thinking about the incredible food and the red wine blend from Valencia which was one of the best wines I've ever tasted.


Today L is celebrating with CB, because 4 years ago today was their first meeting. For CB, it was love at first sight which was awesome because he usually doesn't like new people, especially men. Seeing CB jump up on L like he was an old friend and interact like they were lifelong buddies that day made me realize almost instantly that L was going to be in our life for a long long time.


After our walk to the Campbell dog park on the Los gatos trail for CBs first date with L, we hit up the Campbell farmers market for some food, and CB went with us. The signs said no animals, but no one said anything to us. CB had on his backpack and people thought he was a service dog!


Modeling our pretzel necklaces at the Chicago beer festival last weekend. We are truly craft beer connoisseurs.

We thrive on experiences instead of things. Because things get broken, used up, or out of style and forgotten. Experiences last forever in our memories. (And in the awesome Blurb photo books we create)


Last Saturday we sampled 43+ unique beers at the Chicago Beer festival.

For Easter we had brunch at Aria in the Fairmont hotel.


Crab cake Benedict at Aria.

This weekend we are both running the Shamrock Shuffle 8k.


This will be my 3rd go at this race and barring catastrophe, should be a huge PR day for me yet again. I'm decently trained and finally in a healthy state. I love this race because it goes through downtown Chicago (a block from our apartment!) which only the Rock n Roll Chicago half and Chicago marathons can boast. All other Chicago races are held on the beautiful lakefront.


Late winter run on the lakefront with CB.

The funny thing is, I don't really care about the PR I'm going to get at Shamrock. Don't get me wrong, I love seeing improvement just like anyone else- but I really love the experience of it all more.

Waking up and walking with L to grant park a few blocks from our place, the electricity in the air when 40,000 people are all congregated in Grant Park on Columbus Ave waiting for their turn to own the streets of Chicago, the sound of the gun going off as our corral slowly moves to the start, that moment when you know it's "go time" as you start your watch and begin to run. That feeling you get, the goosebumps on your arms while running through the city you call home while you struggle to catch your breath from the shot of adrenaline turning onto Michigan ave where the huge crowds are cheering so loud just before the finish. And that final straight shot towards the finish on Columbus Ave, where you're giving it everything you've got to finish strong while the crowds are deafening with cheering and cowbells and excitement for the runners. And then you finish, with a huge smile on your face, knowing you couldn't have given anymore.

Yeah, I really could care less about the PR & number on the clock as I stop my watch- to me, it's about a lot more than that.


- xaar

Chitown 10k [but not really] recap

38:40, for 5.15 miles. Not a 10k. Avg Pace: 7:30 a mile. YAY

So i signed up for this race a few days ago because I was going to cheer for Britt, Jenny and Hillary anyways because we had a brunch date for post race. Figured I would give an earnest effort at the 10K distance after my first 10k in Brasil in January. This race would be one in which I was trained well, and coming off a less than stellar experience at the half marathon last week due to weather.

Myself, Jenny and Britt pre race

My only goal going into this race was to try to maintain 7:30's and then kick it in for the final mile.  *Spoiler alert* there was no final mile.

The half and 10k started together. After a half mile or so there were volunteers directing 10k runners to turn. I thought this was incorrect after briefly studying the course map- but who am I to question? *Since im never in a position to win a race, I dont generally look at maps closely. I followed the small herd. After a mile and not seeing a mile marker I knew something was wrong. But there was really nothing I could have done to go back, or fix it. So I followed the herd. Somewhere after mile 4 we turned back south to head towards the finish. I knew for sure at this point, there would be no more loops and we would be done a mile early. And I was BUMMED.

The Race director made an announcement post race that volunteers had mistakenly started pointing the 10k'ers in the wrong direction and because of this snafu, they will refund the 10k runners and give a $10 coupon towards a future All Community events race. Needless to say I'm going to ask for my refund.

 I really had my heart set on beating my time from Sao Paulo. Because if you arent improving, youre going backwards right?!? And it's only about the PRs and PBs?!?!?  haha I really just wanted a good race since last week's half was in crappy conditions. I did get a good 5.15 mile "race" in today.

During the last half mile I saw Pete who was so nice to cheer me on and take a few photos!
Post race, we all went to a delicious brunch place (Frances' in Lincoln Park) that had "spiked" milkshakes. I was on "Team Oreo." And it was delicious!
I had their skillet which was yummy and cant wait to eat the remaining portion of it later.

It was so nice to catch up with new and old friends :)

Post Brunch with some serious speedy company: (photo stolen from Jenny)

Hillary, Britt, Myself, Jenny, Chanthana

Final thoughts:

I ran this race  in 2011- the first year it existed, and had no problems. (didnt run it last year due to injury) I understand problems and mistakes do happen and I applaud the Race Director for stepping up and announcing a fair resolution to this snafu. While i'll probably never do their Chitown race again, because it is run on the confusing inner paths of the lakefront, I would/ am considering running some of their other races this year.

Silver Lining:

I now know im going to PR the hell out of the Shamrock Shuffle in 2 weeks. *save for catastrophe, and that makes me happy. Im a stronger, non injured runner FINALLY!

- xaar