Soggy Doggie

As we've found out in the past, the idea of getting wet doesn't exactly thrill Fred, even though he is part lab retriever. We think the only exception is if the water is coming from the garden hose, sprinklers, etc. Here's a video of him playing with the water in our backyard yesterday.

We can't really tell if it's more distressing or fun for him. We think he likes it though because when we stop spraying, he runs over to an area where there's currently a leak in the hose and plays with the water (and of course, the muddy spot that it creates there too).

Turkey

Okay, so this post doesn't have to do with either jogging or my dog, but we're currently in Turkey (yes, the country) and thought it would be fun to share some pictures...

Aya Sofia in Istanbul's Sultanahmet District

Galata Bridge over the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul (with the New Mosque in the background) (Dad, you would love it!  There are fishermen here 24 hours a day!)

From inside the Harem at Topkapi Palace in Istanbul

Saklikent Gorge, near Fetihye (Western Mediterranean)

Animal X-ing (Turtle x-ing just for my mom)

Beaches near Kas / Fetihye (Western Mediterranean)

We're having lots of fun, but will be home soon! 

I did it!

Yep... Sunday I completed my half-marathon (13.1 miles) at the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt County!

Here's a recap of the weekend:

Saturday night: Carbo Loading
After a meal of pasta, bread, salad, beets (yum!) and fruit, the East Bay - Bay Side team got together for our customary pre-race shout-outs, moment of silence, then cheers... Can I get a "Go Team!"

East Bay ROCKS

Sunday morning: Race time!
Pre-race warm up...

At the start line...

And they're off!

We couldn't have asked for a better day... it wasn't too hot or cold, and the giant redwoods were beautiful (though I must say that I spent most of my time looking at the road to make sure I didn't trip on the uneven and sometimes pot-holed surface)!

The first 10 miles were comfortable. In fact, when we reached the 9 mile mark, I told Anglea that I already missed all the training and running. 

Then came mile 10... 11... 12... and 13. With the exception of the pain in my feet and hips, I couldn't feel my legs. During the last few miles, it seemed like an eternity to get between the mile markers. But, just as we reached the 13 mile mark, we could hear the crowd cheering and Belinda ran Angela and me in to the finish line! They announced our names and finish times over the PA system... so exciting!

After collecting our medals and taking pictures, I ate 1.5 PB&J sandwiches, a banana, and a bag of pretzels! I was hungry!

Today, I'm just a little bit sore... I've been expecting it to get worse, but so far... so good. (I may have just jinxed myself). People are already asking what race next... anyone up for the San Francisco half-marathon in August?

Thank you to everyone for all of your support!  A special THANK YOU goes out to Carey, Lynn, Chris, Fred and Lucy for making the drive up to Humboldt County to cheer me on.  Thanks also to my TNT teammates, and especially to my mentors (Belinda and Sarah), Angela, Leslie and Carla for their moral support throughout the season and for getting me across the finish line!!!

"Pimp Your Singlet" Party

On Tuesday night, my mentor hosted a "Pimp Your Singlet" party, complete with fabric pens, ribbons, puffy paints, and photos of our team honorees. I feel like I'm official now that my race jersey is all decked out!







Yippee! Can't wait!