This was mentioned a few times at school today during our Dance/Arts Festival – and I’ll say it again.
Despite the head aches, annoyance, frustration and hours spent in dance rehearsals with children … as a teacher, you are always proud when your students perform.
Dancing the Kuku
This was the first time I’d run two races in one weekend. Why would I do that? Well because I wanted to get my qualifying races done before summer. So – because I completed two races this weekend, I only have two more to complete my 9+1 qualifiers for the 2015 TCS NYC Marathon! And to think – a year ago I said I would never do a full marathon… Never say never.
That was the sign on a girl’s shirt today for the UAE Healthy Kidney 10k. That’s when I decided I finally need to pick a charity to donate my miles to. For the amount of running I do, I should be, and now I will run with a greater purpose. Yes, there are times when partial registration fees are contributed to charities, but not always. I’ve been struggling to decide which charity to run my miles for.
I know a common charity choice is some sort of scientific research around diseases like cancer, usually because loved ones had been affected by it. Totally makes sense. There is often a lot of focus on supporting children, and again – very valid. So as I ran and thought and ran and thought, and as I ran past some older runners – and by older I mean 70ish – I wondered what supports they had in their want and need to remain active. Or what about bettering our communities through building gardens or something like that? So my quest is to choose my charity in the next short while. Or maybe I’ll just have to pick a few!
Yes, that’s right! My dad is a May the Fourth baby. So today’s post is a shout-out to him.
My dad. Let’s see.
Thanks Dad, for being my dad. You are the funny, mellow, hard-working, tolerant, easy-going, friendly, Ukrainian, knowledgable music-loving dad that millions of people don’t have. I got some of my greatest qualities from you, as noted above. (And yes I got some from you too, Mom. 🙂 )
Happy birthday! And May the Fourth be with you!
Playin’ the gold Elvis LP on the record player!
I have been wearing Nike Free shoes for years – not sure how many pairs and models I’ve gone through. But in light of the semi-recent knee pain I’ve experienced during long distance runs, I finally faced facts. I needed to go to the running store and have my legs and feet assessed, and allow someone to recommend shoes. I don’t know why I was resisting the change in shoes- usually change is pretty easy for me.
So test ran a few pairs and settled for some Mizuno Wave Runner 17s. Usually can’t go wrong with Japanese technology. They felt good in the toes and heel as I tested them out on the treadmill. Still light like my Frees, roomy enough in the toe, and not too flashy. I’ve got two weeks to try them outside and return them if necessary – and if they’re good I’ve got three weeks until the Brooklyn half to get used to them. So hoping these shoes will answer my knee issues. Toes crossed.
Thanks for the review! http://www.mainemomontherun.com
jadedgirlnyc.wordpress.com
Great news! It is definitely time to celebrate with some prosecco or vino! Or maybe some Sicilian NERO D’AVOLA!
As of today My Love Affair with Sicily is available on Amazon in both editions, the Kindle version as well as the paperback. For my friends in the UK it is also available on Amazon UK and for my friends in Italy, on Amazon.it.
I will also have my own copies if anyone would like an autographed version, please e-mail me and we can make arrangements.
I intend to upload the file to the Barnes and Noble website too, so those readers with a Nook can view it there as well.
Thank you for all of your support during this process. You have helped spur me on to complete this journey. Who knows where it will end?
Grazie a tutti!
Sicilian cookies
First, I would like to say that today’s run in Carmel was simply gorgeous and amazing. The 9 mile route was hilly but manageable. And really no one really cared about the hills because the route was so awesome.
Carmel Bay – mile 1-2
About mile three
Point Lobos State Reserve -mile 4-5
Second, I would to say that this run was so clean, it was incredible. East coast runners are disgusting! Hahaha! Water spilled, gatorade dumped making a sticky surface, crushed cups everywhere despite the garbage bags or recycle boxes, Gu packs, spit gobs every other step. Not here! You can feel the California pride in having clean communities! There was not a single cup on the ground. No orange peels. No Gu packs. Hardly any spit. It was a miracle! People can run and get the cup in the recycle box! It’s possible!
Most organized!
Third, the Marathon Village was awesome. There was no crowding in the finish area. No lines for food. They gave you a little tray box for your goodies which included oranges, bananas, apples, strawberries, bagels, muffins, cookies, pineapple juice, milk and then outside was the beer tent. Now, I love the Rock n’ Roll events, but Big Sur had them beat! I’ll be back 🙂
Yum!
Well, this weekend is my first west coast run, and I am so excited for it. This one has been a long time coming because I registered and planned this one starting the fall! Yes last fall! I had to get in!
Flew into San Jose last night and driving to Carmel in a couple of hours. Yes, folks. This is the Big Sur run. On the PCH! Ah! I can’t wait. I’m just running the 9 mile, and I plan on stopping to take photos. How could I not?
Jibber Jabber & Happenstance 