Run Bubbles Run

One month AFTER

2011-04-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

One month AFTER

I miss this. I miss you all. Today, it's been a month since the race day. It feels like it was ages ago. It took me 2 weeks to recover from the race, beating the cold and replenishing my whole system... Now I am obsessed with the next thing. Another one? Absolutely.

I was thinking about writing this entry then I received the letter from Rover Rescue last night, then I was sure to write this.

It has been a busy month. I had lots to catch up with. I am so happy to be able to spend more time with friends and family. I think Vodka and Lilo are the only ones that are missing my training schedule. They got lazy and bored. We started rollerblading together but in Vancouver it's hard to predict the weather...I have been doing some other activities like rollerblading, snowshoeing and last weekend we had some spring snowboarding as well. But I am working on a new training schedule, let's see what happens...

I actually have so much to say since the last time. There is still too much misery, injustice and violence happening around us. Yesterday was the anniversary of the BP oil disaster... How can we forget the past so easily? Did we change to be better? The wars are still out there, brothers killing each other, Japan is still trying to heal his wounds while some people in the world talk about a royal wedding... I read that there were more than 10,000 people died in Libya. Where do we draw the line for humanity? A 6 year old in Houston Texas brought a gun to his elementary school and injured 3 kids. I remember learning how to write and read when I was 6 in Turkey. What do we leave to the next generation? What lessons are we teaching them? We all have a special responsibility: to protect common interests of humanity by any means. The future is too important to be lost under the burden of our mistakes and personal desires. But this is not defeat, I always believe in overcoming difficult times and I know hope begins in the dark and we will not give up.
"You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty." - Gandhi

Don't forget to expand your circle of compassion to all living things. Believe in animal rights and give them the gift of the gentle stroke of a human hand. Here is Vodka and Lilo, they're my family...

Now go out there, it's a beautiful sunny day. Take a huge breath and open your heart. Forgive, laugh and hug.

Lots of love to you all and take care. xo

The day AFTER

2011-03-21T18:11:00.000-07:00

The day after
Sleep, eat, take painkillers. Repeat.

Wow, it's 5.30pm and I am finally awake enough to write.
Yesterday, I thought I will be able to go work today but I woke up so stiff and so dozy, decided to take the day off to catch up on some sleep and try to recover a little. I am good standing up, or laying down or sitting down. The transitions between those 3, not so much... Even my writs hurt! I took some muscle relaxants and I slept until 2pm :)

This was an amazing experience. I was slower than I thought I would be, but who ever said that this is a downhill race, definitely started from the finish line to the start. It was 24 miles uphill and last 2 miles downhill with windstorm. It rained for the whole 4hr49min. I brought over the Vancouver weather to LA and added some big drops with windstorm. They even closed the airport last night due to rain and we sat down in the plane for 40 min. It was that bad. But I decided to make the best out of this, I wanted to have fun. You never have a chance to enjoy "your first" of something ever again once its gone. I wanted to remember my first marathon as a fun event not a painful one. I smiled the whole time, didn't stop and gave up. I felt stronger than my training runs. There were a lot of people cheering despite the rain and I got a lot of "go Bubbles go!" from them. I gave high fives to everyone who were raising their hands, waived at every photographer. I got a mail from Rover Rescue this morning: "Our thoughts and prayers were with all of the brave runners who faced the rain and cold and winds! It was so great to meet you on Saturday and to see you on the course on Sunday. You looked great! You looked happy and smiling even in the face of that awful rain!!"
I received my t-shirt last night, a little late for the race but it wouldn't do any good in the rain anyway. I am really proud about what we achieved all together. LA marathon raised around 2 million dollars for charity this year.
We had a moment of silence before the race for all those in Japan and there were around 100 runners who were from Japan, running for the victims. And another amazing thing I saw during the race: Students run LA. There were around 100 kids ages between 12-16 running the marathon with their teachers. What an amazing thing to teach teenagers of America... Teaching them determination, discipline and solidarity. They were running together with their buddies. Staying together, not quitting. It's a hard thing to teach a teenager... I respect all those teachers who initiated this movement. Great work.

Anybody who are "thinking" running a marathon once in their lifetime: There is never a good time for it. You shouldn't delay it. Life happens, you need to do it against all odds. I saw all kinds of people. I passed those "gym freak" guys who were walking the last 2 miles. It's not about the age, size nor class. I hope my story can inspire some to take the challenge themselves. Run, walk, be active for charity. The world need us to do good to survive all evil.

And back home, I got 2 little ones who apparently missed me while we were away. Or she just wants some cookies. Hard to tell sometimes.

I can thank you enough. All the messages and posts that I received made it all worth it. I am so grateful and proud to have you all with me. We raised total of $5150 for the rescue of abused, neglected and homeless dogs. We are the top fundraiser for the event. "Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don’t know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!"- Anne Frank

This is going to be my last entry. This was an unforgettable thing to accomplish. I love you all and always. Thank you so much for being with me and being part of my life. I am going to miss this. Now go out there, grab your life and do something.

xo

RACE DAY

2011-03-20T14:13:00.000-07:00

RACE DAY!
26.2 miles run

Been there, done that. This was an amazing feeling. I wish the rain and the wind storm didn't attack us all like this but oh well we all managed to run and not worry about being wet.

I took the shuttle @5.15am. It's funny to be in a bus with bunch of runner munching on stuff and anxious...

The stadium was like a Rock concert and it was super super windy and cold.I waited in line for the bathrooms for 30 min.

And as soon as I crossed the start line it started pouring rain and it did not stop raining until the end and it's still raining out there while I am writing this.

I need to keep this short since the hotel wants us to get out of the room as soon as we can.

I want to thank you all for being with me, thinking of me. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be but I may change that statement tomorrow morning when I get up. And we're flying back home in couple of hours...

I ran for me, for my greatgrandma, and for everyone who supported me, especially mom and Ollie and this was for all the animals who are abused, neglected and homeless...

Love you all. I'll write tonite in full details. xo

1 day to go

2011-03-19T19:05:00.000-07:00

1 day to go
No training

So here I am in LA. I got to the hotel pretty late last night but managed to go out and grab a bite to eat.
This morning, we woke up early and drove to Dodgers Stadium to pick up my race bib and say hi to Rover Rescue.

We were there when the 5K race was finishing up and Rover Rescue was at the finish line. It was funny, I introduced myself and she was like hi, then she was like "oh you're the Tuba, oh wow from Canada". It was kinda funny. Anyhow, I hope to see them at mile 18 tomorrow during the race and hope that remembering why I am running this will make me feel strong...

It seems like it's going to rain tomorrow. They say it's %75 chance of showers... I'll be soaked if that happens. And the hotel doesn't know if they are going to allow us to have a late checkout... I will be like a stinky wet dog if I can't get a shower right away... fingers crossed for late checkout!

That's all for me right now. I'll be heading out to have dinner in an Italian restaurant around Santa Monica tonite (carbo loading). I have a shuttle to catch @5.30 am! I'll try to write another entry before I hit the road.

Love you all and think of me when you wake up tomorrow.

xo

2 days to go

2011-03-18T08:39:00.000-07:00

2 days to go
6.30 am 3 miles run with Lilo

Today was my last run before the race. That's it, I should be ready now. Vodka and Lilo trained me well and now I am on my own, doing the big run on Sunday.
I am flying down to LA this afternoon, I am going to try to post more often once I get there. I am looking forward to meet Rover Rescue team tomorrow.

I just saw on TV that Shelterbox boxes are being delivered in Japan. I posted on Facebook but I should mention it here as well. If you want to send supplies, if you already help the search and rescue teams or any other organization that you trust, think about Shelterbox next. It costs around $1000 for a box to get delivered to the disaster zone, but you can convince your co-workers to chip in to send a box, and you can track it online as well.

I read about the animal rescuers as well yesterday. They were saying that Japanese SPCA is allowing pets to stay in shelter for 72 hrs, then if nobody claims them they get put down... Sad truth about certain governments. In Turkey, we don't euthanize animals, it's illegal. They get neutered/spayed, and if nobody adopts them in 10 days, they go back to the streets. And then we have loooots of stray dogs in the city... It's a humane solution but it doesn't apply to certain countries like US, Japan, Canada... It makes my run to rescue the abandoned dogs so much more meaningful to me. I hope I can bring some awareness to this issue and I hope by me doing this, there would be more people supporting no kill shelters and adopt pets rather than buy.

Another note, it's about Libya, I am happy about the desperate measure that UN is taking against Gaddafi. I hope he'll be smart enough to stop attacking his own people and not cause a war in Africa. Because we sure don't need another war with US and UK involvement even though it's for an humanitarian mission.

As always, if we see only the worst, it kills our capacity to do something. I hear a lot of people talking in cliches about the world, politics... Speculating is a reaction. We need to live for a life of action, not reaction. Don't wait for others to take the first step, if you take the first step yourself on your own, it's exhilarating to see the ripple effect that you create...

LA I'll see you tonight, goodbye Vancouver for now.

Lots of love to you all and Happy Friday! xo

3 days to go

2011-03-17T08:48:00.000-07:00

3 days to go
6.30 am 4 miles run with Vodka

Here is a fun photo to brighten up the day. Vodka and Lilo LOVE eating apple skin. So here, my mom is peeling an apple and the girls are watching her every move. I gave Lilo a piece and look at Vodka's expression! priceless... After seeing the footage of 2 dogs not leaving each other after the tsunami in Japan, I thought my dogs would do the same since they are so attached to each other in a way that I cannot express. I read that they rescued those 2 dogs and now they are safe and getting medical treatment. It is amazing to see the organization of the local rescue groups. I am so impressed and so happy to have them there helping reuniting animals with their owners.

On the other hand, you see a man with no gun trying to say something to the police in Bahrain and he gets shot right in front of the amateur camera... And Libya... They just fire those huge guns, not aiming to anything, or naively aiming at the planes hovering... It's difficult times all around the world. And the news agency are just making it worse. I read this yesterday and I love his point: Kuni Yogo, a former nuclear power planner tells the New York Times that the Japanese government and the Tokyo Electric Power Company, the operator of the troubled nuclear plant, "try to disclose only what they think is necessary, while the media, which has an anti-nuclear tendency, acts hysterically, which leads the government and Tepco to not offer more information".

Be smart and support Japan, don't just run away.
I don't want to be bitter about things. I want this entry to inspire us all, not make us feel bad. Our dreams and imagination give meaning to life. I choose to dream big and to imagine a life with lots of sunshine, smiles and hope and with no suffering and with no wars. How about you? Tell me, I would love to hear it.
3 days till the big day. I am nervous but I am excited as well.

Lots of love to you all. xo
"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead"-Louisa May Alcott

4 days to go

2011-03-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

4 days to go
Day off running. Stretching.

I started packing this morning. I'll be staying with my mom with the dogs until Friday since Ollie is already in LA.
I didn't go to bed at a decent time last night, so I slept until 7.30am this morning. It felt nice to sleep a little more. I know I won't be able to sleep Saturday night before the race, so these days are pretty important.

Yesterday I saw a little girl who was selling her drawings at her school to send money to Japan. She must be 6 years old or something. That's something we need to teach all children. Be aware of the world and feel the responsibility to help.
I wrote a newspaper when I was in primary school with couple of friends and sold it at school to raise money to send it to the victims of Bosnia War.

People say only childs are spoiled. My parents thought me well to be involved and to open my heart to all. If you have kids, it's one of the most important educations that you can give them...

Love you all and always. xo

5 days to go

2011-03-15T08:28:00.000-07:00

5 days to go
6.30 am 3 miles with Lilo

I just can't stop watching the news. It's changing every hour, and it's hard to filter the information that you get. I respect the calmness of Japanese people and the way they are dealing with this whole situation. Please take the time to donate to your choice of rescue operations. I am adding the link to Canadian Red Cross and WSPA to my blog.

I am going to meet Rover Rescue on Saturday once I pick up my race bib. They are at the finish line of the 5k event that day. And they said they'll be there at Mile 18 to give jumping high fives on Sunday.
I am getting butterflies on my stomach just thinking about that day.

Do something today and check out dosomething.org and decide on "what's your thing?"

Love you all. xo

6 days to go

2011-03-14T08:28:00.000-07:00

6 days to go
Day off running, physio exercices

Even though I love having daylight after work, the first Monday of daylight saving is always rough. I set my alarm to 6, but wasn't able to leave the bed until 7. Hopefully, we'll all adjust to sleeping an hour less in the mornings as fast as we can.

Today I am hoping to get in touch with Danni from Rover Rescue and to schedule a visit to Rover Rescue next Saturday before the race. I am not sure if they're attending the race expo or not. I am really really looking forward to meeting the volunteers at their location and say hi to all the rescues.
By the way, the photo below is Lilo not letting me do my stretches... Sabotage really. I got visual proof now.

I got a message on Facebook yesterday, someone from Malaysia and she asked if she can be one of my friends since she loved what I did for the homeless dogs. I can't express how great of a feeling is that to be appreciated and to be able to touch so many lives all around the world.

Thank you for all who shared/donated/followed. Now it's my turn to run the marathon.

Love you all. Happy Monday. xo

7 days to go

2011-03-13T20:36:00.000-07:00

7 days to go
Day off

Next week this time, I'll be a proud marathon finisher. I can't believe we counted down from 62 days... All those long hours of running... I am looking forward to the race day. I will be in pain, but it's nothing compared to what we have been going through all around the world this year so far.

I am so happy to share this experience with so many you. I wanted to do something more than my day to day life for a long time. I don't like watching the news or reading the paper and feel helpless. I am so delighted to be able to inspire and spread my message. We cannot let ourselves to be spectators of the system that we don't approve. We need to stand against abuse, wars, neglect...We need to take care of all that depend on our protection.

My heart goes to the tsunami victims. Japan, you're a strong nation and have been through a lot of suffering in the past. Never forget that the strongest nations emerged out of suffering and the most massive and astonishing characters are seared with wounds. We are with you, we are sharing your pain.

Love you all. xo

8 days to go

2011-03-12T09:06:00.000-08:00

8 days to go
6.30 am 8 miles solo run

We reached our goal of $5000 last night! I am so thrilled by the support that I received yesterday. While we were just watching the news glued to the TV or following the events online, I had you all encouraging and supporting me. It's an unbelievable feeling.

This morning it was shockingly quiet outside. I felt like I am the only one awake, and the city is just silent. It was me, the pavement and the sound of waves. If you think about it, this ocean, this water around us in Vancouver is what caused so much pain and damage to another country... I kept thinking about that while listening to the waves and a quiet city.

I hope you all had the time to take a look at what you can do to help to those who are in distress. Red Cross and all other charity groups are taking action to help.
Experiencing an earthquake is not something that you can ever forget. It's physiological impact is huge. The idea of losing a loved one, not having a roof to sleep under... Life is fragile and nature is too powerful to fight against.

Don't forget about your pets/wildlife during and after a disaster. Have a plan that includes everyone in your household. Many pets and livestock are never found by their owners after a disaster. For some of us, the loss of a family pet following a disaster can be a traumatic event that we can never recover from.

WSPA has an animals in disaster blog.
Take a look, sometimes you may not help someone individually but if you help them reunite with their companion pet, you will help them recover from a tragic event.

The Humane Society has good advice on how to prepare your pets for emergencies as well.

Love you all. And don't forget, we are writing history. We cannot wait for another great leader to come and save us all. It all depends on us, and us only. "Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive." - Dalai Lama

xo

9 days to go

2011-03-11T07:38:00.000-08:00

9 days to go
6.30 am 2 miles easy run with Lilo

First of all, I would like to send my love to everyone who got affected by the earthquake in Japan. Nature is not playing good with us, we can make strong buildings against the shake but when you get a tsunami, you feel helpless. Please reach for a hand, a paw or a branch and do as much as you can do to help to those who are in distress.

2011 is being really shaky in all around the world, don't you think? Natural disasters in the Pacific, both in NZ and Japan and all the revolutions happening in Arabic nations. I find it really unfair that the media coverage for Libya and public attention for the massacre that is happening over there is not getting the attention that a drunk celebrity is getting these days. Open your eyes, see the greater picture.

"To live is to choose. But to choose well, you must know who you are and what you stand for, where you want to go and why you want to get there."- Kofi Annan

I am a humanitarian and an animal rights activist. How about you? Stand for the things that you care.

$390 short of our goal of $5000.
Love you all. xo

10 days to go

2011-03-10T08:32:00.000-08:00

10 days to go
6.30 am 4 miles tempo run with Vodka

She didn't seem to be too excited to go out this morning but I think we had another successful off leash run with her. She is really good ignoring distractions, she just needs to focus on staying on my side. Here is Vodka tempted to go into the water while it was raining.

While I was out there, it was cloudy then hale attacked. Then we had rain, and sunshine peaked thru the clouds and we saw a rainbow. Pretty neat. I was planning on wearing my new running skirt but I think it's still not as warm as I want it to be. Yes, I am giving these running skirts a chance. They look really cute on everyone else that I saw. And I like 'pretty' things.

We're only $550 short from our goal of $5000. This is the time to take action, don't just wait there and watch your life passing. Give this world best you can.

Love you all.
Please share/donate we have less than 5 days until the deadline.

11 days to go

2011-03-09T08:33:00.000-08:00

11 days to go
Day off running, physio exercises

Yesterday after their hike, both covered in mud. And I love Lilo's look, it's like "oh trust me Vodka is dirtier than me but she is hiding under her black fur" and she was right. Vodka brought the whole park over to the bathroom.
And today, they get really curious when I do my stretching. The photos show it all.

We watched Inside Job last night. They won the best documentary award at the Oscars this year. Please watch it and learn more about the finance industry and how things went down. For me the most striking part is the academics being involved in the whole thing. I guess money buys a lot of things...

5 days to go until the fundraising deadline. We're ONLY $600 short of $5000! I am so proud and happy to have such great support for my cause. Thank you so much for your continuous encouraging words and for sharing my cause online and offline.

Dreams to come true if you survive the hard times and believe in yourself until the end. There are too many obstacles in life but we have to quickly forgive and remember that life is also is about moving on.

Love you all and always. xo

12 days to go

2011-03-08T08:18:00.000-08:00

12 days to go
6.30 am 2 miles run with Lilo

It's hiking day today, but I took Lilo out anyway. She loves to run now. And last night I took both of them with their backpacks on for a short run. It was complicated when Vodka was trying to pull and Lilo dragging behind. I managed it and I think they loved it.

It's Tuesday, we have 6 more day to reach $5000, and we're $750 short. Please, please, please share my cause with your friends. We all have the power to make dreams come true, as long as we keep believing.

Commit yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning. To me, I'll run to rescue homeless and abused dogs. That makes my life feel more complete and meaningful.

Love you all. xo

13 days to go

2011-03-07T08:34:00.000-08:00

13 days to go
Day off running, physio exercices

Happy Monday! Such a gorgeous day outside. And how do you like my hat? I dont carry it as good as a firefighter but I think it suits me :) thank you Ollie for the photo.

My training for these last 2 weeks is pretty easy, I guess it's time to rest and recover until the race. My legs are doing pretty good after 20 miles on Saturday.

This week is the last week of donations. Now I am allowed to harass some of you :) It's the last push, let's do it. Please share my blog with your friends and family. Let's reach all animal lovers out there.

Please help me reach $5000.

Love you all. xo

14 days to go

2011-03-06T21:41:00.000-08:00

14 days to go
Day off.

What a great day today. We started with taking the bitches (excuse my language) to the park, Vodka loves to fetch! It's great to see them go crazy. Then we headed to Main st. where I got some latte from Gene coffee shop. The green lightbulbs are from there. Then we went to 8 1/2 for brunch. Great little place on Main and 8th st.

We had our mom's house warming party today. She cooked probably for the last 3 days! It was just amazing! And I met some of my contributors from her Rotary Club in Vancouver, it was such a pleasure! I am so grateful and thankful to all of you who contributed to my cause.
We're only $800 away from $5000. I am so lucky to have you all. And I am so happy to see so many people being aware and supportive of the cause.

Here we go, last week of fundraising, here is the last push! Please please please, if you thought of donating for my cause, this is the time. I need all extra support I can get this week to reach $5000. If we reach $5000, it's saving more than 100 dogs...

"My goal in life is to be
as good of a person as my dog already thinks I am."
Lots of love. xo

15 days to go

2011-03-05T12:23:00.000-08:00

15 days to go
20 miles long solo run

Well, this was a long run :) I went from our place in Gastown to Wreck Beach. That UBC hill is pretty damn long! Anyway, I need to trust my training program that running 20 miles is going to be enough to finish 26 miles with the adrenalin rush. We will see.

I am a runner and running is my obsession. I complain about leaving the bed @5.30 4 times a week, and ache for the other 3 days, I look like a cookie monster who can't stop eating but I don't think I can ever stop running. I know my mom really wants me to stop training for long distance running after this one, but runner's high is something I can't let go easily.

I wasn't born to run. I was born to swim with my long torso and short chub chub legs. They used to say that watching me swim is like listening to a good poem... My running is nothing like that. I probably look like a duck wobbling :) But, I have been stopped by other runners who were curious about my funky shoes! Yes, I have pretty cool looking running shoes. At least I am able to distract people from my running by my funky shoes. Mission accomplished!

Thank you everyone who are supporting my cause. It's our last week for fundraising and we reached $4000! I know we'll break $5000 before the deadline.
We can do so much in one day as long as we dont make that day tomorrow.
Today, show compassion to those who are not as fortunate as we are. Be kind. Remember the times when people acted magnificently and took action to change the system they opposed.
Lots of love. xo

16 days to go

2011-03-04T07:46:00.000-08:00

16 days to go
2 miles with Lilo

We had an amazing night last night at Cypress. There was so much snow! So fresh and it was really quiet as well. I guess everybody was watching the Canucks game. It's pretty hard to go for a run in the morning then go snowboarding at night and then get up and go for another run the next morning... I am tired. And I can eat the world right now.

We are so close to reach $5000. I got another donation yesterday from Amy, who I haven't met before, but she is a dog lover and a runner herself and I am so grateful to have her support.
I want you all to read the story of a puppy who survive 2 euthanasia attempts. Just google it... I wished all little puppies at the shelters are as strong as this little Wall-e.

Have faith and believe in yourself. With hard work, determination and dedication, all things are available to those of us who keep their dreams alive and stay strong.

Happy Friday and be strong.

Love you all. xo

17 days to go

2011-03-03T08:32:00.000-08:00

17 days to go
5 miles tempo run with Vodka

It was our first off leash run! She tried to run ahead but I kept correcting her and she learned to stay right next to me the whole time. She tried to get into the water as usual, but she was a good girl and listened to me and came back.
I love running with Vodka.

I got a donation of $500 yesterday from an anonymous donor. It means the world to me to have such a generous contribution when we have less than 2 weeks to go to reach our goal of $5000.
Now we're only $1100 short. I believe we can reach it. I am ecstatic to have my friends and family supporting me.

Yesterday we said our final goodbye to my greatgrandma, she is always on my mind. I got this note from mom, I think it's a quote from someone else, "You deserve to live a life of your dreams with love and generosity to leave your legacy for generations to come"
Happy Thursday, please don't forget to share/donate today. We're in the last push. We can do it. $35-$50 saves the life of one dog...

Lots of love to you all. xo

18 days to go

2011-03-02T08:49:00.000-08:00

18 days to go
Day off running, sinus pain

I woke up with a horrible sinus pain...my ear hurts too. Not sure why this keeps happening, maybe it's related to the pressure change outside. But I am not surrendering, I will go to work.
This marathon became more than a race for me. I will never forget this period of time in my life, the whole experience is more than just me. The events that are happening or had happened around the world are so striking and meaningful in so many ways. I am glad to be sharing it with you all.

Lots of love. xo

19 days to go

2011-03-01T08:13:00.000-08:00

19 days to go
6 am 3 miles run with Lilo

I was going to go with Vodka but she wasn't too keen and Lilo was super excited to come out with me even though she just recovered from her snow injury. I used our new safety equipments today. Lights, a little bell, new ID tag and city licence tag. Most dogs cannot be united with their owners due to lack of identification...

I have been looking at some old pictures and realized that I keep smiling remembering those moments and even though they are gone, they warm my heart knowing that they will be with me forever. I am going to try to generate happiness and will try to go the extra mile to bring the sunshine over to our lives.

Try to do the same, it's invigorating.
Lots of love. xo

20 days to go

2011-02-28T07:59:00.000-08:00

20 days to go
Day off running, stationary biking after work.

I slept in until 7. I am catching up on my sleep since I didn't sleep much after hearing the news. 18 miles are apparently hard on my legs too.. I am going to do some stretching tonight. Lilo is not limping this morning. She managed to enjoy the snow a little bit better. Vodka is still acting like a crazy dog in the snow.

Thank you so much for your messages yesterday. Friends, family, dreams and memories... They are the most important assets we have. Hold on to them tight and don't let them go without a fight.

Next week is the last week for all donations. I can't believe we are this close to the race now.

Last day of February, happy Monday.
Lots of love to you all. xo

21 days to go

2011-02-27T20:50:00.000-08:00

21 days to go
Day off

I lost my great grandma today. You never get used to loose your loved ones. Experience doesn't have anything with the feeling of a loss.
Today I wanted to celebrate her life. I replanted our little trees that were dying. Now they have new soil, new home... I want them to live against all odds, I'll be spending all extra effort to keep them alive.

I will keep running for my greatgrandma, she will be the inspiration and the memories we shared will keep me going during those painful miles. 2011, you're not playing fair. Even Lilo is limping atfer a rough play in the snow last night. Have some mercy.
Love you all and always. xo
My favorite quote of the day today after the oscars: “It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it.” -Lena Horne.

22 days to go

2011-02-26T13:34:00.000-08:00

22 days to go
6.30 am 18 miles solo long run

I ended up doing the same route from last time just to be safe. But I didn't feel warm for the whole 3.22hr that I was out there. At least I missed the snow I guess. But today was the definitely the coldest run I have ever done. So windy and so bloody cold!

There were bunch of icicles around Stanley Park and some of them were falling down to the seawall foot path. Pretty dangerous conditions...

I was shivering for a long time after the run and the icebath wasn't really nice... It helps my joints a lot and takes away the pain but I was too cold to saty in it for enough time.

No news from my great-grandma. Thank you so much for all your best wishes, I hope she can feel the love from all around the world.
2 weeks until the donation deadline, so please share and donate to warm your heart with the feeling of doing something humane in this snowy day. Or buy a cup of hot chocolate to give away when you buy your coffee this morning.
Lots of love. xo

23 days to go

2011-02-25T08:24:00.000-08:00

23 days to go
Day off running, physio exercices

Happy Friday to you all. I know some of you are already getting ready to leave to work, but we just woke up at the West Coast.

I am putting all the photos from yesterday's after work run. It was unbelievably cold and windy. I still saw people in shorts tho... I dont get it, really.

I am not doing good emotionally, my great-grandma's condition is not getting better. I feel helpless, it's hard to be away and it's never easy to let go. She is 96, you think you'll be prepared, you'll be realistic about life, but it doesn't work like that unfortunately. There is never enough time to do everything you want to do and say everything you want to say. I am glad that she saw me growing up and she was there to teach me her secret recipes.

I dont want to finish this entry on a bitter note, but I am finding it difficult today to move on. Life is too short, so keep on laughing, keep on loving truly and forgive quickly. And we should remember that everything is going to be OK in the end.

Have the strength to do good and inspire others by doing so. Love you all. xo

24 days to go

2011-02-24T07:58:00.000-08:00

24 days to go
6.30 am 2 miles fun run with Vodka

I didn't sleep well, since Ollie doesn't read this as often I can complain about his snoring :) I am going to hit the road again after work for a proper 7 miles speedwork. I took Vodka out for a fun run since she loves to race! It is extra difficult to take a non blurry photo with Vodka, who is completely black & agitated and it's freaking cold outside!

My great-grandma is still in the hospital. I am sending her the biggest hug from here, and I hope I can talk to her again soon. I do want to believe that a positive thinker can achieve the impossible. We have to bring our own sunshine sometimes to clear up the dark clouds that are piling up around us.

18 days till deadline. Please share/donate and support my cause.
Lots of love. xo

25 days to go

2011-02-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

25 days to go
6.30 am 2 miles solo run

It was an easy morning today, just 2 miles. I kinda slept in too, felt guilty.
I am going to see my physio today, I am really looking forward to it! I hope my back pain will disappear eventually. Sitting in front of a computer all day doesn't really help...

Thank you as always for your continuos support and encouraging words. Less than 4 weeks before the race and 3 weeks before the fundraising deadline. I hope we can reach our goal.

I am going to keep this one short, don't forget to do little bit of good where ever you are today.

Lots of love to you all.
xo

26 days to go

2011-02-22T07:58:00.000-08:00

26 days to go

6 am 30 min stationary biking

First of all, I would like to say that my thoughts are with all New Zealanders. The scariest time of my life was during the 99 earthquake in Turkey. The life you know goes away in seconds, and there is chaos everywhere.

I wish you all the best and I hope everyone can unite with their loved ones and recover from this disaster as soon as they can.

As some of you know, 2011 wasn't a good start for me and it's still trying to be a bad year. I dont give up and I believe that we can change things by thinking positive. My great grandma is doing better, hopefully she'll be out of the hospital end of this week.

When there is so much chaos, disasters, violence and sickness, it's hard to stay strong sometimes and not to be discouraged.

But difficult times should help us understand how great and beautiful life is in every way and every day and many things that we worry about are of no importance at all.

I hope you can enjoy the day as it is and hold on tight to everything you care about. Lots of love to you all.

26 days until the race and 19 days until fundraising deadline.
xo

27 days to go

2011-02-21T07:41:00.000-08:00

27 days to go
6.30 am 3 miles run with Lilo

I have to say, it was pretty hard to get up this morning. My back and arms are pretty sore from the weekend. I think my upper body strength needs to catch up with my legs.
But Lilo was really excited to go for a run, she was all smiles and galloping right behind me. It's such a treat to have running buddies like Lilo & Vodka.

My great-grandma is in the hospital. She is 96. It's really hard to be away when a family member is not doing well. I am sending her my love and the biggest hugs. I love you Hayros, I'll be thinking of you. Hang on.

When you think you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. - Roosevelt
Happy Monday to you all. Lots of love. xo

28 days to go

2011-02-20T21:18:00.000-08:00

28 days to go
Day off running. Snowboarding @Whistler.

We had an amazing day at Whistler today as well. The sun was out and the snow was just perfect. I feel pretty tired after this weekend's activities. I managed to squeeze a steam room and pool session before the end of the day. It was exactly what I needed to open those joints! Back to running tomorrow. I hope it would be a dry morning.

I hope you all had a great weekend with lots of sunshine to warm your heart.
I really missed Vodka and Lilo, but obviously they had an amazing sleep over at chez la mom :)
28 days to go.. getting more excited about this than ever. Please continue to support with your donations.
Dont forget, a dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself. Lots of love. xo

29 days to go

2011-02-19T16:27:00.000-08:00

29 days to go
Day off, snowboarding at Whistler

So we were at Blackcomb today all day snowboarding. Amazing day, nice and sunny, really nice snow conditions :)

We're staying at this amazing lodge, thanks to Dawn! It is able to fit 8 of us comfortably and it has a cozy atmosphere.

After lunch, and after having a small bottle of Merlot, I head down to the village and got a sports massage at the Westin Hotel. My legs are so fatigued, and a massage was excately what I needed.

I need to keep this one short since we're at a Starbucks in Whistler Village and I am invading Dawn's computer :)

I hope everybody is having a great weekend. I'll try to report more from Whistler tomorrow.

Short and sweet.
We got 29 days to go, it's so close now.
Love you all. xo

30 days to go

2011-02-18T07:54:00.000-08:00

30 days to go
Day off.

We'll be heading to Whistler tonite after work for 2 days of snowboarding. So I am taking today off to give my legs a break. Too bad it's a nice morning outside after last night's thunderstorm.
I went to "Innocent Coffee" on W 4th. Really small but super cute place with good coffee. They have a small exhibition room upstairs as well.

I hope we can hit the $3000 mark this week. Thanks so much for your continuous support!
“When you do nothing, you feel overwhelmed and powerless. But when you get involved, you feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better.”

Happy Friday!
xo

31 days to go

2011-02-17T08:01:00.000-08:00

31 days to go
6 am 5 miles run with Lilo

We got a pretty fun run, I think she missed running together. She tried to go to the water once but I managed to catch her before she got wet.
Super cold outside, there was ice all around the ground. At least I get to see some clear blue sky now. And I get some color in my photos :)

And just as a reminder, the donation deadline is March 14th. We got another 3 weeks to reach our goal.
Choosing a rescue dog will not solve the pet overpopulation problem but it does give many of them a chance they otherwise would not have. But, beyond doing a "good deed", adopting a rescue dog can be the best decision and addition to the family you ever made...
Please support my cause today.
Lots of love to you all. xo

32 days to go

2011-02-16T08:12:00.000-08:00

32 days to go
6 am 3.5 miles solo run

The girls were exhausted from yesterday's hike. They were all cuddly with each other and didn't even move when I opened the bedroom door. So I left them at home. And for me, I wasn't in a better condition than them. I took 2 muscle relaxants last night instead of 1 for my back pain, and this morning I woke up in a vegetative state... Awake in a sleep mode... I felt like I can't control my legs, one after another, every step felt little bit more awkward than the previous one. So I cut my run short to make sure that I make it back home in one piece.

I just feel like sharing this feeling with you today.We spent our lives with day to day worries and expectations. But we are not in this world to live up to other people's expectations. We just need to have high aspirations and dream big without expecting too much from the world that surrounds us. Taking action rather than expecting is the key to achieving. Even if we fail, we won't be disappointed because at least we tried, rather than assuming that it would happen on its own. So today set yourself free of worries and expectations. Create your own opportunities. Believe me you're going to be so proud of yourself.

Lots of love. xo

33 days to go

2011-02-15T08:46:00.000-08:00

33 days to go
6 am 6 miles solo run

It's hiking day for the girls today. And such a lovely day outside. I am sure they're going to be covered with mud when they come back no matter what.
I wish I can film their pick up time for the hike. There is a Chihuahua in the car and 4 or 5 other big dogs scared to death from that little Chihuahua! and Lilo and Vodka as well...It's priceless.

So we went to Rtl last night for dinner, had a 4 course meal and wine pairings. It was pretty yummy and it was fun to see all the new couples out there having a romantic dinner :) I am not a big fan of having these set menus for Valentine's day, we wanted to go Shore Club but their menu didn't have the things we wanted to eat. A Shore Club experience cannot lack popcorn shrimp...

My back still hurts like hell, I have a horrible knot around my shoulder blade. I booked a sports massage for the weekend at Whistler. I hope they can press all the trigger points on my body to release the tension all around.
Yesterday, I realized that February is short! We are 4 weeks away from the donations deadline. Thank you all for your amazing support!

Lots of love to you all. xo

34 days to go

2011-02-14T08:22:00.000-08:00

34 days to go
I am having pretty bad back pain. I didn't sleep well at all. No training.

I want to write about today. Not about it's being Monday but about the increase of color red all around town.

I dont cherish Valentine's day as a day to celebrate having a lover. It take it as a day to open our heart to each other despite our cultural boundaries and differences and despite our class, religion and views. Today, I celebrate enjoying this world with all living beings, and by showing compassion and appreciation to all I possibly can.

Life is full of interruptions and complications. Leave them behind and don't take today as a day to celebrate love between lovers. Because, love actually, is all around...I love you all. xo

35 days to go

2011-02-13T14:45:00.000-08:00

35 days to go
Day off

Happy Sundays! So nice to stay in bed even though I get up around 7.30 on my day off.
We went to Cafe Medina for brunch, if you're in Vancouver and can make it there before 10, you'll can have pretty yummy brunch with a Moroccan mimosa and a lavender latter. If you're late, you have to bare the queue.

My all time favorite 3d animation movie is "How to train your dragon". If you haven't seen it, drop everything and go watch it. Every year, The Genesis Awards pays tribute to the major news & entertainment media for producing outstanding works that raise public awareness of animal issues. And this year "How to train your dragon" is nominated for the feature film category!
Congratulations to Toothless & Hiccup!

Lilo is really moody this weekend. I am keeping an eye on her just in case if she shows any physical problems...She just lays down and looks up with big droopy eyes. I think Vodka bullied her a little bit too much... Send her big cuddles.

Thank you for all the motivating words. It makes my training more meaningful.
Lots of love. xo

36 days to go

2011-02-12T11:05:00.000-08:00

36 days to go
6 am 16 miles solo long run

I decided to have safe and flat route today. So I did Gastown, Coal harbour, Stanley Park, English Bay and back. I am glad that I picked this route because it was just fascinating. The color of the ocean, all the ducks, birds, kayakers... I thought I'll need music this time but nope, there is nothing better than listening to the sound of nature.

I was able to run half of my run dry. Then half way point I got hit by rain and wind pretty badly. I think it's snowing on local mountains, they were covered by big clouds, and it looked pretty white up there.

I just can't have enough of the view of this city of ours. Every where I run, I see something unique and beautiful. My mom asked me why I dont run on a treadmill, how can I leave this view?

I saw this sea star on the pavement. I tried to save him but I think the seagulls did the damage. It was super dry and solid, I threw him back to the ocean, hoping that he'll revive. But I think I was a little too late. The seagulls are just brutal...

The race is getting closer and closer and I feel stronger and more excited about it every day. There are going to be difficulties in running in a different climate and weather quality, but I think having that many people to run with and the crowd is going to make everything worth it. Shouting out the my friends in LA! Please come and cheer for all the runners on March 20th.

Thank you everyone with your continuous support on my cause. It means the world to me. I am so happy to connect with some old friends that I haven't been able to stay in touch with.

Today, call an old friend, a family member that you haven't talked to for ages. Go for a coffee/tea/wine with them. Believe me, you're not going to regret that text message, email or that phone call.
Love you all always. xo

37 days to go

2011-02-11T08:36:00.000-08:00

37 days to go
Day off running, physio stretches

Since I have 16 miles to run tomorrow, today is more of a rest day.
I took Lilo to the park close to our place and put her back pack on. She is not a big fan of the backpack but when I am not running with them in the mornings, walking with a backpack makes them get tired a little faster than regular walking.

And, hey, it's getting closer to summer, they better get used to carrying our beer in their backpacks ;)

I have to decide on my running route for tomorrow so that this time i can study it a little bit better and hope to not get lost again. If anybody has any suggestions in Vancouver or North Vancouver, please let me know. I love a change of scenery when I am out there for more than 2 hrs.

I was thinking maybe another North Van run but I am not that familiar with that area. So please fire up suggestions!

And happy Friday to us all! Make sure you take care of it, make sure you have fun and get out there to enjoy this precious life.
And Congratulations to the Egyptian people.

Lots of love to you all.
xo

38 days to go

2011-02-10T08:35:00.000-08:00

38 days to go
6 am 6 miles tempo run with Vodka

So cold outside this morning! And dear Canadians, I understand you guys are hard core stuff but when there is ice on the ground, running in shorts is not OK. I am freezing with my multi layer outfit and you guys are in shorts and t-shirts! Seriously...

I went to my first gathering with Turkish ladies of Vancouver last night. I think I haven't been this exposed to Turkish culture for a long time :) It was just hilarious. I am not so eager to meet other Turks outside Turkey just because I like being with other cultures and blend with the rest of the world. Not sure if any of you are reading my posts, but thank you for all the tips about Turkish food places in Vancouver area, greatly appreciated.

You guys should see the mountains this morning. So nice and white, and the sun hits the peak of all of them. I love my city when it's dry and bright, and we have snow covered mountains with green fields all around.

And don't forget, we can change the world if we care enough. Keep your guards down and break out of your boundaries.

Love you all. xo

39 days to go

2011-02-09T08:27:00.000-08:00

39 days to go
6 am 3 miles solo run

Sorry for the delayed entry. I am having technical difficulties this morning.
Last night was pretty amazing up at Cypress. Super clear sky, no lines, the grooming machines were working constantly and it wasn't really pow pow but still darn good. I am so glad that I went there.

It is pretty difficult to get up and go for a run after a night of snowboarding but now since this training and the race is more than me, I am good at leaving the bed and hit the road.
The doggies were too tired from yesterday's hike so I had my run on my own.

By the way, it is really cold outside today as well. So be prepared.

I am so happy that I am receiving support from my friends in Turkey. I know life has its own priorities over there and I don't want anyone to feel obliged to support my cause in LA.
It warms my heart to have my friends from high school with me. You guys are awesome, and I miss you so much.
Don't forget to do your little bit of good wherever you are.
Love you all. xo

40 days to go

2011-02-08T08:01:00.000-08:00

40 days to go
Day off running, suppose to do biking

I didn't hear my alarm and now I dont have time to hit the gym. Vodka is waiting for the school bus to pick them up, she is worried as usual. They are both waiting for my phone to ring. My little super excitables...

Anybody for Cypress after work??

Now, I need to go to the gym after work. I am blaming the red wine last night... Even a glass or two makes me all sleepy now.
I'll be staying over mom's since Ollie is going down to LA for couple of days. Mom's place is a block away from my work, so it works perfectly.

Sorry for the short entry today, I will make up for it tomorrow. Love you all.
xo

41 days to go

2011-02-07T08:10:00.000-08:00

41 days to go
6 am 4 miles easy run with Lilo

Super windy outside. Perfect for kitesurfing :) I think Lilo needed this morning's run, she was super happy smiling and galloping next to me the whole time. And the photo tells it all, a big smile on her face after we were done.

We hit $2000 this morning! Thanks to Cyndi & Kat for their generous donation! I am so proud and overwhelmed to have you all.

After a pretty relaxing weekend, now we're back to work. At least there is light outside, so it's not too bad. If you walk to work, the fresh air will wake you up, I promise you that.

Have a fantastic day and try to beat those Monday blues.

Lots of love.
xo

42 days to go

2011-02-06T13:50:00.000-08:00

42 days to go
Day off

Nothing better than sleeping in on Sundays. I woke up around 7 but stayed in bed and slept until 9! Mom is still spoiling me with scrambled eggs, mimosas and Vivaldi on a long play.
I like these sleep overs at mom's :)

We got some new toys and bones for the bitches (that's how I usually refer to them, excuse my language) Vodka likes the squeaky toys and Lilo likes the soft cuddly ones. In this photo they are waiting to be released to play with their new toys. And I got them some super bowl bones, they will keep them busy while we're watching the game. Busy dogs = happy Bubbles.

I love this wine. A shot in the dark, from Australia. It's a mixture of Shiraz. Pretty tasty. Read the label first and then tell me, what is you plan with your life? Isn't it time to break the comfort zone and change certain things?

Enjoy the game today, don't forget your pizza and beer!

Lots of love.
xo

43 days to go

2011-02-05T11:38:00.000-08:00

43 days to go
6 am 14 miles solo long run

I took another route today, something different for a change. I went up to 33rd from the Olympic Village, went towards UBC and thought I should go into the Provencial Park. By the way, there are some amazing houses around that area... Not sure what they do for a living, I must be in the wrong industry. This is me looking at the houses and thinking what the h...

So everything was pretty nice and jungly inside the trails, I just love the sound of the nature and the smell of the trees. I was planning to get out of the park around w 16th. Not even close... Apparently I went the other way.. Ended up at Marine Dr, W 41st. I am lucky to run with my Nike+ seriously. Google maps saved my life.
But I added another 30 blocks to run to my route, which wasn't cool at all.

So after a big detour, I was hoping to have some downhill action, but no, it felt like I ran 10 miles uphill and like 4 miles downhill. Good practice I suppose...
I saw this house around W 8th. Totally looks like a hobbit house. Really nice roof! I felt like a creepy person taking pictures of people's houses, but I thought I should share some of these beauties.

I always look at the date of construction of roads, bridges and try to think about what I was doing at that time. And today, I saw 1946... My parents were not even born. Pretty fascinating. This is Crown st.
Today, do all the good you can, in all possible ways, in all the places you can, to every living thing you can, as long as you can.
Love you all and always.
xo

44 days to go

2011-02-04T07:30:00.000-08:00

44 days to go
6 am 30 min stationary bike

No running this morning since I have a 14 miler tomorrow. Vodka stayed over my mom's place last night, and Lilo really didn't wanna hit the road this morning. And I like biking anyway, you can basically sleep on a stationary bike while pedalling.

Sleep over at mom's place this weekend! It's nice to have mom in town, makes me feel like a 14 year old :) Hoping to take it easy a little, I am getting really tired in the evenings now so some quiet time this weekend is gonna do me good.

Down side of this training is that, I am constantly hungry and especially the craving of a cookie around 3-4pm... awful. I am eating every 3 hours but it's never enough!

I got physio this morning again. I am really glad that I am going to see her once I week since I am so prone to injuries. She keeps me healthy :)

Happy Friday to you all and please since it's Friday share the love and don't forget to donate for my cause.

Love you all.
xo

45 days to go

2011-02-03T07:53:00.000-08:00

45 days to go
6.30 am 3 miles easy run with Lilo

I slept in this morning. I didn't hear my alarm at all. I know.. Unacceptable.
I needed to run 1 mile less than my schedule to come home on time.

It's wet outside, warm as well.
I dont know if we are going to be able to snowboard at Cypress this season if it goes like this.

Lilo and metal bridges don't get along well, she is refusing to cross them. She refused this morning as well. It took me sometime to convince her to cross and when she realizes she doesn't have a choice, she is not walking, she is actually crawling..

I am so proud that I have a lot friends taking action to change things for a better world.
Love you all. xo

46 days to go

2011-02-02T08:07:00.000-08:00

46 days to go
6 am 5 miles tempo run with Vodka

Just like every morning, I got up, walked to the dryer to get my running gear, still half a sleep, grabbed my gloves from the floor then BAMMM... the door of the dryer tried to kill me. I hit my head so hard that I just needed to sit down on the floor with my ice pack for 15 minutes... I have a huge bump on my head now.

At least I was able to leave the house, got my coordination under control. I guess Vodka was pretty tired from yesterday's hike, she didn't want to come with me. But i dragged her anyway :) She was pretty well behaved. I am sure she'll be snoring all day today.

Now I can see the sky getting lighter before I get back home. There are more runners & bikers. And I think there are a lot of naughty ducks around, they hang out with each other and I hear strange sounds...

Prerun drink: Beaver Buzz green tea
Postrun drink: Gatorade
Breakfast: Eggs and turkey bacon

Thank you for all your support yesterday.
Love you all.
xo

47 days to go

2011-02-01T08:03:00.000-08:00

47 days to go
5.45am 5 miles solo run
I have a message to everyone today.

I wake up every morning, check my news feed before getting up. The whole page is covered with dogs/cats that are waiting to be adopted or fostered all around the world. Most of them are abused, injured, sick and need care. The only thing that makes me able to take breath is to see that there are other people trying to help. Small group of people trying to share the photos of these animals, hoping that they can survive before going back to the streets of Turkey.

Then I see the news about 100 sled dogs being slaughtered in Whistler because business is not doing well. Deliberate cruelty to the defenseless. They even buried them while they were still suffering. I just couldn’t breath, felt so hurt. Canada is a place where people protect their natural environments and Canadians are proud to have this amazing wildlife and environment.I felt like there is no hope in humanity. I thought if we can’t protect the creatures that depend on our care, there is nothing humane in human nature. Until we show compassion to all living things, we will not resolve anything.

I wanted to wait for a day until my anger settles down about the tragedy. Then thought about certain facts that are really horrifying. Perfectly healthy, fully adoptable animals are euthanized for no more reason than a lack of cage space and an unavailability of willing fosters or adopters. All animals in shelters face this potential fate, not just those that are seriously ill or have behavioral problems that make them unadoptable. Then I read a story of one such dog, referred to as “B-10” because he lacked a name. He was “A perfectly nice, perfectly healthy dog. But completely anonymous. And then,” when euthanized because kennel stress led to aggressive behavior after two weeks in the shelter, he was gone forever.
All day, I carried this heavy heart thinking that running a marathon is nothing, nothing at all. I wish I can do more, save more. Then I opened my mailbox, and found this card. It’s from Whistler Animals Galore Society, a no-kill shelter. A thank you note for all the Canadian Tire money that we collected...it made me smile for the first time yesterday, a note from Whistler.

Remembered one of my favorite quotes:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead.

So that’s all. Thank you for stopping by and taking a moment to read this. And thank you for all the support and encouragement. We may not save them all, but at least we can give a second chance to some of these beautiful creatures.

Love you all.
xo

48 days to go

2011-01-31T08:25:00.000-08:00

48 days to go
45 min stationary biking

We are a little sleepy this morning. Didn't have a good night sleep last night so instead of having a sluggish run, i ended up going to the gym and leaving the doggies at home.
I really need to pay attention to what I am eating these days otherwise I just don't have much to work with and i just need to have more in the system to have the energy to face the cold.

Beautiful sunrise. It's getting brighter earlier and earlier.
Unfortunately it's Monday and nothing is going to make us feel better about it.
"Sometimes it pays to stay in bed in Monday, rather than spending the rest of the week debugging Monday's code"
Have a great day everyone.
Love you all
xo

49 days to go

2011-01-30T16:30:00.000-08:00

49 days to go
Day off running.

What a glorious day in Vancouver. Just mesmerizing.
Started the day by washing Vodka and Lilo. They LOVE being washed and love playing with the towel after.

Had brunch with Dawny at 100days in Yaletown. Got my weekly mimosa+latte fix. Still not sure about the 100 days concept but it's kinda funky inside.

Walked all the way to Granville Island from our place. It is way too cold in the shade unfortunately. Walked to Go fish fish and chips place right underneath Burrard bridge. If you haven't been there, it's definitely worth the wait... super fresh and delicious.
Took the Aqua bus back home. I really like that commute.
It is a great day to have as day off. May have another cup of hot chocolate at home. I still dont feel my legs, they must be frozen.

I hope you guys living in Vancouver took advantage of this beautiful Sunday and those who are not from here, feel the urge to visit this beautiful city of ours.

And as always, don't forget to share and donate. Or just go out there and do something good for yourself and for everything that matters.

xo

50 days to go

2011-01-29T12:26:00.000-08:00

50 days to go
6 am 12 miles solo long run

Sorry for the delayed post. I needed to take Lilo to the Vet right after my run. We had a "grape" accident last month and she needed to go for a follow up. Note to self: never give your dogs grapes, they are poisonous to them.
Anyway, it was pretty quiet outside this morning. Not many runners. It was super dark in Kitsilano area. I ran until Jericho beach from our place.

I just need to run twice as much as today's run to finish a marathon. I am sure I'll get there :)

While I was finishing up, I saw dragon boaters getting ready to hit the water. I love Vancouver, it's a great place to have all sorts of outdoor activities. Rain or shine.

Prerun drink: Beaver Buzz green tea.
Postrun drink: Water.

Breakfast: Turkey bacon, egg on toast, grilled tomatoes and coleslaw.

Thank you everyone who contributed to my cause this week. We now have $1500! I even got donations from people I haven't met before. that's just super motivating and inspiring. There are great people out there...

Love you all and enjoy your weekend.
xo

51 days to go

2011-01-28T07:59:00.000-08:00

51 days to go
5.45 am 5 miles easy run with Lilo

Nice fog eh? It was pretty cool and distracting. Kinda cold outside this morning.

Lilo got obsessed with a goose half way. I think she thinks "it's small, it's fast, it's running away from me. I must chase!" She almost went and jumped after the goose once the goose flew towards the water.

We had a quick break around Granville Island, she just laid down and put her paw on my hand, it was pretty cute. I managed to take a picture ;)

I have physio this morning. She managed to press on a trigger point last week... wow. I hope she does the same today.

And it's Friday! last Friday of January. Can't believe it's over already. Got less than 2 months for the marathon...

So I hope you feel like doing something good before beer o'clock today and donate for my cause ;)

Prerun drink: Beaver Buzz green tea
Postrun drink: Water
Breakfast: What ever I can grab after the physio

Please donate today to make my day!
xo

52 days to go

2011-01-27T07:41:00.000-08:00

52 days to go
5.45 am 5 miles speedwork with Vodka

Way better than yesterday. Felt my toe in the beginning but it didn't bother me after the 1st mile. So thumbs up little toe!

And it's hard to believe, but I think I saw the sky getting brighter and brighter this morning. I think summer is coming :)
I am just saying...

Prerun drink: Sips of Beaver Buzz Green Tea
Postrun drink: Gatorade lime
Breakfast: Hoping to get some yummy eggs from Chef Ollie

It's going to be a pretty day outside today. Ditch the wellies, it's almost flip flop time!

Love you all.
xo

53 days to go

2011-01-26T07:18:00.000-08:00

53 days to go

R.I.C.E day, off running.

R.I.C.E is for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation

Dear Little toe,

What happened? Why did you leave me behind this morning? Get it together please, we have 53 days to train...

Sincerely heart broken.

Well this was disappointing. I started to have this awkward pain on my little toe yesterday, taking anti inflammatory helped but this morning went out and yeah,I think I am experienced enough to know not to run when there is pain. So I came back home and started icing :( I think Vodka got pretty disappointed coming back home after 5 min.

The other 2 pictures are from yesterday's hike as promised. They were so muddy! but so tired as well. I think not going for a run today is going to be ok.

So please donate for my cause to cheer me up a little this morning, because I really need something to leave this morning behind.:(

Happy hump day everyone.Love to you all.
xo

54 days to go

2011-01-25T08:18:00.000-08:00

54 days to go
Day of running. Biking and swimming

Probably most of you don't know but I used to be a national champion swimmer. I started swimming when I was 5, and kept going until I was probably 15 or 16.

I did 30 min of biking then I did some pull buoy swimming for my arms, that pink thing in the picture is a pull buoy for those who are not familiar with it.

The doggies are going hiking today. Every Tuesday, the yellow school bus comes and picks them up and they go to the north shore for a 5 hrs hike. I'll take a picture of it today and post it tomorrow. It's pretty special :) They are waiting for my phone to ring, that's when they know that it's pick-up time.

Love to you all. xo

55 days to go

2011-01-24T07:41:00.000-08:00

55 days to go
5 miles easy run with Lilo

Had a pretty good run in the rain. It is unusual for a Monday morning.

We had an embarrassing moment with Lilo. A pug overtook her. She tired to catch up but the pug was running so much faster with his little legs... embarrassing really. I hope Lilo can recover from today's embarrassing moment and starts moving a little bit faster :)

It's pretty wet out there, put on your wellies and dont forget your umbrella.
It's Monday, but I have faith that we can handle the (rain + monday) syndrome.

Prerun drink: Couple of sips of Beaver Buzz green tea
Postrun drink: Water (need to buy more Gatorade powder)
Breakfast: Egg on toast

56 days to go

2011-01-23T16:50:00.000-08:00

56 days to go
Day off

Well, it's Sunday. And it's my official day off training during the week. Decided to enjoy a big cup of latte at the Fish House in Stanley Park. I am attaching the picture of Vodka in the foreground and Lilo in the background. Lazy day after all... for all dogs and humans out there.

Today I booked my hotel for the race. We'll be heading down to LA on the 18th and be back on Sunday evening after the race.
We're staying at the Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica. Wanted to stay close to the end rather than the start. The course goes all around LA and it ends at Santa Monica Pier. I should be able to just crawl back to the hotel :)

Happy Sundays!

57 days to go

2011-01-22T09:36:00.000-08:00

57 days to go
7 am 10 miles solo long run

What a beautiful morning. Finally managed to see the sun this week.
Pretty cold and lonely out there but it was worth getting up and watching the sunrise.

Just crossed the Lions Gate bridge and back. Love that course. It kills me with its long inclines and declines but it's just an amazing scenery of Vancouver and North Vancouver.

The bridge in the photo is in North Van. There is a pretty cool park right underneath the Lions Gate. Super nice trails. I had my water and food break over there. It was almost half way point anyway.

This week runs are done. Tomorrow I'll probably do some yoga or some sort of cross training. Or maybe just sleep for a change :)

Now I am gonna head to mom's for breakfast. Need to be spoiled for a bit.
Now you go out there and breath that fresh air and soak up the sun.

Love to you all.

Prerun drink: Lots of Beaver Buzz green tea.
Postrun drink: Water, water, water
Breakfast: Hoping to find some amazing scrambled eggs.

58 days to go

2011-01-21T07:58:00.001-08:00

58 days to go
Day off running.

Went to Cypress last night for couple of hours of snowboarding. Not really liking running and snowboarding on the same day, but hey what can you do when there is fresh snow?

Heading to the physio this morning to keep an eye on my legs. Cannot really afford to have an injury after this point so it's good to get things checked.

Happy friday everyone and try to stay dry out there. Love you all.

Breakfast: Latte and a scone.

59 days to go

2011-01-20T07:28:00.000-08:00

59 days to go

5.45 am 5 miles easy run with Lilo.

Lilo is Vodka's sister. She is awesome running right behind me off-leash.

Vancouver, get ready for a cold,wet and windy morning. I am pretty sure that I am not a big fan of wet snow after this morning run. Not so much fun.Got soaked.

Well at least, it seems like a nighttime snowboarding day at Cypress tonite. See you all up there. ;)

Prerun drink: Couple of sips of Beaver Buzz green tea
Postrun drink: Gatorade

Breakfast: Egg on toast

60 days to go

2011-01-19T08:05:00.000-08:00

60 days to go
6 am 5 miles tempo run with Vodka.
Let me introduce you to miss speedy Vodka.
She is my best tempo run buddy. Always trying to be a step in front of me.

It's full moon out there and she usually turns into a little hyper werewolf at home, and running helps her to calm down and become a good dog again.

Pre run drink: couple of sips of Beaver Buzz green tea.
Post run drink: A big cup of Gatorade frost.
Breakfast: Cheese omelette with an orange.
Happy hump day everyone.