Treadmill Run

The Rock n' Roll marathon is in (GASP) SIX WEEKS! OH MY GOD!!!!

Okay, no more excuses, I've got to follow the schedule to the T until game day. Which meant a half hour on the treadmill today, even though I would have much rather had a lazy Sunday. It's bittersweet knowing that the end is near- I've so enjoyed meeting all the Team in Training people, seeing such a beautiful side of San Diego, and working to raise money for something so important to me. I'm also so glad that I'm actually running again, and look forward to doing 5Ks on a regular basis and will probably join the San Diego track club (even though they'll run rings around me).

My beloved Pandora was not working so I was a captive audience to Jack Lalayne's Juicer infomercial- by the end of it I was completely convinced I need one!

Torrey Pines

Had a great run this morning with Team in Training, after two weeks of no running (I know, I'm a loser) because of the new job that's taking all my time. I have to figure out how to fit in the running between the paperwork and exhaustion at the end of the day.

The day was so beautiful- since it's spring, the flowers are in full force and the drive to Torrey Pines was gorgeous. And it's just breathtaking there- probably one of the most beautiful places on earth. The run started at the bottom of the hill in the Penasquitos Marsh reserve, and we jogged up (and up!) the hill, along the Pacific Ocean to the road, where we then ran down Torrey Pines Blvd to the Del Mar dog beach. WOW! I hadn't known that we were going to run to Del Mar, so when we got out of a gorgeous housing development and I saw the ocean, I literally had to catch my breath!

I ran with three other nice girls (I'm amazed I was able to keep up with them, considering my training has been so sporatic) who all had done the Peace Corps. Add that to the list of why I love Team in Training, I meet the coolest people! We did intervals of 6 minute run, 2 minute walk...the six minute run was a bit long for me, but I LOVE the two minute recovery! On the way back from Del Mar, just as I headed into Torrey Pines, I stopped for a moment to drink it all in. I was in the middle of some flower fields, overlooking the cliffs and the ocean, and I started crying because I was so overwhelmed by the beauty of Torrey Pines. I'm a sap, I know! Running makes me happy to be alive.

Distance: 6.1 miles

Five Miles in La Mesa

I haven't posted in a while, due to a new job (finally!), traveling to NY for my beautiful nephew and godson's christening, and general procrastination. I am gradually healing from my plethora of running injuries, so going out cautiously and with some trepidation. I made the decision to switch to the half marathon because I've lost so much time training- an extremely difficult decision, but a realistic one.

Today we ran in La Mesa, which is east of where I live and usually sweltering hot- it wasn't today, thank goodness. We met at Moving Shoes then ran around Lake Murray and back, doing 4 minute run, 1 minute walk. Since I wasn't quite up to doing 8.4 miles with the A group (my slow lighting running partners) I pulled off the loop and went back at El Paso. I think it was 5 miles but it was probably a bit less...so funny to say, "I ONLY went five miles today."

I really am enjoying training with the Team. It took a little bit to know people, but now that we're 2 months in, we're all more comfortable with each other and it's fun to hang out together after the run for stretching and chit chatting.

This past Wednesday I was able to go to the Balboa run and did 3 miles around the museums. The weather was perfect (70?), the flowers were fragrant, and I was running around amazing artwork. That's what I love about running- it makes me happy to be alive.

Rubio's Fundraiser For The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Stop by Rubios for some dinner and their world famous fish tacos, then go see an IMAX movie at Edwards Cinema next door! Make it a family night or date night! Bring this flyer in to Rubios and the Leukemia Society will receive 20% of your purchase! Whoo hoo!

Wednesday, April 14th

3 pm- close

Rubio's - Mira Mesa

10714 Westview Pkwy., San Diego, CA 92126
858-831-0634

Flyer can be used for dine in or take out! Ummm, fish tacos!

Aid Station

You may have noticed I have not posted in a while due to still nursing injuries...went to a chiropractor and got inserts, and then when my shin splints were still throbbing went to a sports medicine family doctor to get them looked at and x-rayed to rule out hairline fractures. Lovely. Have been trying to make up for the lack of running (was told to take two weeks off) by swimming, using the elyptical trainer and taking spin classes- supposedly an hour of spinning has the same cardiovascular benefit as running 5 miles. Hmm...spinning is not that difficult for me whereas running 5 miles is like- well, it's not easy.

The team went on a trolley run, where they took over two trolleys used just for Team in Training runners, were dropped off at another trolley location, and ran back. I thought it was so cool and disappointed I couldn't join them! I figured since I couldn't do the run, I would at least help out, so I did an aid station at mile five (and then again at mile seven) for the runners doing the half marathon. It was nice to be able to talk to everyone, and performed some first aid on a runner that wiped out on the sidewalk. I think I'll be carrying some neosporine with me on my runs from now on!

Honored Patient Picnic

We met at Vacation Isle by Sea World this morning to do our long run- although I ended up walking 3 miles with my new orthotic insoles because I still have problems with shin splints and swollen ankles : (

Afterwards we had a Hawaiin themed picnic with three honored patients. Very heart breaking and inspirational stories.

Thought I'd share a video I made from the photographs I took from the picnic-enjoy!

Honored Patient Picnic- Team in Training 2010 from Kelly Moncure on Vimeo.

Spread the Word for Charity!

I am always looking for ways to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and was just contacted by Hotels Combined looking to contribute. Word up! They are currently working on spreading the word about their company, the world's leading hotel price comparison engine, by donating money to the charity of your choice when you mention them on your blog, twitter update, or become a fan of theirs on Facebook. Sign me up! What a terrific way to advertise- charities get much needed funds, and they get the word out! You can do the same as explained here.

I just went on Hotels Combined and found it very easy to use- I typed in New York, NY (typically the highest priced city to travel to) and it gave me a list of hotels and their prices. When I clicked again on a hotel image it gave a further price comparison between various hotel sites (ie hotels.com) as well as an overview, map, photos and reviews. A very handy tool, especially for someone who loves to travel as much as I do!

Thank you for your help in the fight to cure cancer, Hotels Combined! You rock!