A visit to Kew Gardens in May
It was a lovely May weekend, this past weekend.
Now I have no green thumbs and I am glad I can distinguish a rose from a tulip (yes, I can!). If you want to know names of plants and flowers I am not the one to ask.
I go for the colors in plants and flowers. They make me happy. It’s always amazing to me how bright nature is if we just take the time to look.
One thing I did learn though during my visit last weekend. I know now what a wisteria is. Don’t be fooled, I have been watching Desperate Housewives for a while, but in my mind they always lived in Hysteria Lane (which is probably a pretty apt name…). I know it’s called Wisteria Lane, but I thought it was a clever play on words (probably still is).
The things you learn in Botanical Gardens and soap operas….
Rock ‘n’ Roll Edinburgh Half Marathon
Alright, there are hills in Edinburgh. But did you know they only ever go uphill?
I haven’t had a chance to talk to my trusted geologist on this, but definitely tectonic plate shifts in Edinburgh on Sunday. I am sure the Scottish papers reported on this.
I liked the race.
Let’s start with that.
The Rock ‘n Roll team (Competitor Group) know what they are doing and the race was very well organized.
The expo was small but still enjoyable and as we picked up our race packs and wandered through the expo, we were listening to the Red Hot Chilli Pipers who were rocking the bagpipes on the stage.
We met some lovely runners from Oregon, Texas and Mexico on a guided literary walk we took. It was great to connect with other runners.
Race day was cold. We woke up to -1C – “feels like -4C” my weather app wanted me to know… It warmed up to balmy +1C as we walked to the start line. As it was sunny, it probably warmed up by another degree or 2 by start time. The start and finish was most likely the lowest geographical point in Edinburgh… You know what’s coming next…
Once we got going, the cold wasn’t really anything I noticed anymore.
The first 4 miles were perfectly flat with maybe even a little downhill thrown in. At mile 4.5 the torture started… From here on it was rolling hills until mile 12.5 for the finish line dash. My research on hills on the course must have been lacking thoroughness. It was a pretty tough course (and I have run in San Francisco!) and the 8 miles rolling hills felt like uphill rolling only. I think twice or three times we had a very short downhill teaser. They were teasers alright! They were never long enough though for me to regain any speed.
I don’t know how this works. I am not a geologist. We started and finished at the same point, but it felt like we were running uphill MUCH MORE than downhill. That’s where I think there must have been some tectonic plate shifts… Check the papers…
I was trying to see if my NIKE+ GPS watch gives me elevation gain data, so I could compare this race with the San Francisco Nike Women’s Marathon/Half Marathon elevation gain. But I couldn’t find this information with the NIKE+ data. If anyone knows how to look up elevation gain, please let me know.
The last downhill dash to the finish line was fun though. I finished 6 minutes slower than my PR. As I was looking through past race results, I noticed that any race that I finished around the same time or faster was a flat course. This was my fastest ever hilly race!
Medal well deserved! 
Running in Budapest
My long weekend trip over Easter took me to Budapest, Hungary. My training plan had a 6-mile run scheduled for Saturday, so what a better way to explore a new city while running?
I was traveling with my running buddy S and we picked Margaret Island for our run. It was perfect.
If you ever find yourself in Budapest, head out to Margaret Island for a run. We ran from the hotel along the river Danube to the island and were surprised to see an approx. 5k running track on the island. Needless to say, we saw plenty of other runners and it made us feel right at home.
The island sits in the middle of the river Danube and is pretty much mostly a park with plenty of green and a few sights to take in, among them ruins of a medieval church and convent and a 100-year old Water Tower.
Budapest is a magnificent city and even the cold couldn’t take the beauty away. (Darn you, weather.com!).
One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.
~ Henry Miller
A hike through the beautiful Cotswolds
Hiking in the snow was amazing. Though it was cold (-10C), we didn’t feel it much with the winter sun warming the blue sky. It was a fairly hilly 10-mile hike and today my legs feel pretty much like they ran a half marathon.
Visit to the Olympic Park
I visited the Olympic Park with some friends and saw the largest construction site in Europe. Who would go and see a construction site?
It was exciting to finally see the Olympic Stadium, the Olympic and Paralympic Village, the Aquatics Centere, the warm-up tracks and its covered path to the Olympic Stadium. Some other buildings were in the background like the Velodrome, the Water Polo Arena, the Basketball Arena, the International Broadcasting Center.
I am planning on visiting the Olympic Park once more before the games, just to see the progress made and hopefully catching some warmer weather.
The interesting thing _ as a marathon runner - I learned today was that the 2012 Olympic Marathon will not finish in the Olympic Stadium against all tradition...
A Sunday stroll in Richmond Park
Last Sunday was another good day to get out of the house and enjoy some January sunshine. Two friends and I headed over to Richmond Park to visit the Isabella Plantation. The Isabella Plantation is a woodland garden and a pretty one as such. Surprising for this time of year – January - we saw trees blossoming and fresh buds all over the place. Even the daffodils looked like they would like to come out now. The deer were being lazy as usual under the trees.
Richmond Park also has a protected view of St Paul’s Cathedral, which means you can see St Paul’s Cathedral from Richmond Park – it’s 10 miles away. This view created in 1710. See Wikipedia for the view. My camera didn’t capture it.
2012 Race Planning
Hmmm, are 10 races this year too many? How do I decide where I want to run? So many fun places to go to: Midnight Sun race in Norway, races in Dublin, Lisbon, Las Vegas, Montreal… It’s so much fun when I can dream up my race and travel plans. What more fun can racing be when you can see new cities or known cities in a new light?
Well, 2 destinations are set: Edinburgh and San Francisco. I am really digging the Midnight Sun race in Norway – anyone want to join me?
What other race ideas are missing? I did consider an African desert run, it’s still out there… maybe, maybe…
Welcome 2012! Happy New Year!
Now is a good time to start working on all the changes that I want to see in 2012. Or as a wise man once said: a fool is someone who expects a different outcome even though he hasn’t changed any of his actions. So, let’s get a start on changes!
Running in wind and rain is horrible? No way! Get on those trainers and run through the mud. It’s fun! I did it this morning! Welcome change!
A well deserved cup of hot chocolate
My idea of Winter Training was a cup of hot chocolate cuddled up on my sofa watching my favorite tv show. But after 3.5 years of long distance running, my legs get all itchy and my mind starts playing tricks on me when I don’t run for more than 3 days. Therefore, this winter I decided to do fun winter training, meaning whenever needed I can just leave the house and run whatever distance feels good that day, without a goal or plan.
Today was one of those days. I woke up and sun was shining. It was freezing (literally, the puddles had a thin layer of ice). By the time I got out of the house though, clouds were all over and within 5 minutes it began to drizzle. Now where I would usually turn around and trot home, I just plowed on. The drizzle turned to London rain and I kid you not, I saw snowflakes. With every step my smile became brighter and even the early morning walkers on the trail smiled back and talked to me.
What a nice way to start the day. And then I had a cup of hot chocolate. 
San Antonio Half Marathon 2011
We rocked it!
My fifth half marathon of the year, my sixth race of the year, my 13th half marathon of all times. Raised over $2,500 this year for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in 2011. I am feeling quite accomplished. This race was pretty tough, high humidity, lots of sun, but plenty of reasons why this was a great race. Though I lost Rob before the race, Michael paced me through my first 9.5 miles and it felt like flying. Once the sun came out though I took it a little easier. After the race Donice and I had a great time catching our marathon runners at the finish line. It reminded me of what a great team this is. Thank you, Team in Training, for another great experience!
Nike Women's Marathon 2011
I Ran to the Beat in London!
It was a surprise event – surprise because London presented itself from its best: sunshine and temperatures around 25C/77F, which is even on the warmer side of a race, but nothing this Texas-trained girl has to worry about.
We crossed the meridian and ran past the Royal Observatory. It is a great course, has some hills and some great views of the River Thames, The Docklands and Canary Wharf, and everything Greenwich has to offer. It was a music race and there were plenty of music stages with DJs.
Around mile 6 I fell into a little slump (right after a hill) and was coming up to another music stage where the DJ started playing a version of The Eye of The Tiger. Until yesterday, I never quite got why this was one of THE great running songs, but now I know. Singing along I couldn’t figure out which pat of the lyrics I liked best: “It's the thrill of the fight/Rising up to the challenge of our rival” or “Rising up straight to the top / Had the guts, got the glory / Went the distance, now I'm not going to stop”. This got me straight back into my rhythm and this song will be added to my running song list!
It was a great run and I would like to thank you all for cheering and Thank You to those who are supporting my fundraising! Also, Many Thanks to Jennifer, who cheered me on in Greenwich, picked me up at the finish line and took me out for a celebratory lunch.
If you do want to support my fundraising, there still is time. Please donate by October 7th on my fundraising website: http://pages.teamintraining.
Remember that no donation is too small!
THANK YOU All for CHEERING!! I HEARD YOU!!British 10k
Stop! Moose crossing…
At 9am the next morning our team lines up at the start line (That is 2 start lines: the marathon and the half marathon do not share a course and if you want to run this race next year bear in mind that the half marathon is the more scenic route. However, if you like tank trails, pick the full marathon). Now, we are used to the big races with 20,000-30,000 runners like San Diego, San Antonio, San Francisco, Nashville, Austin, so we get there early well prepared. The first laugh is for the gear check. Being used to 20-30 large UPS trucks, there is a little SUV hanging out waiting for us to drop our bags. Next is the necessary pre-race visit to the port-a-potties. Dear reader, sorry, if this is TMI for you, but you know that’s just how it is. Anyway… With overall only 4,400 runners we don’t anticipate lines, but surprise surprise here they are…We all make it in time for the start and eagerly set off in search for moose. “Keep running. Moose are coming up after the next hill.”, shouts one of the coaches. Another 3 hills later, still no moose. I ask another coach, “Where are the moose” and he just points ahead and says, “next hill”. I am starting to think this is all just a big scam to get us over the hills, but then I hear yet another coach shout: “Look here! To your left!” Everyone around me sways to their left and we get the most amazing view of the snow-capped mountains of Denali.
From here on, the race becomes a photo safari. I see more people taking pictures than running and I join them. Where else do you get to run around such great wildlife and views? The route takes us on to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail with awesome views of the Cook Inlet, the peaks of Chugach State Park and later of Downtown Anchorage. My team mate Jessie and I stop way too often to take photos. The PR can be run at another race, but the views are unique and I will remember this race as the most beautiful race for a long time. Oh yes. After we cross the finish line, someone shouts: “Watch out, a moose!”. And we finally get our photo taken with a moose…
Finally, Team in Training runners raised $2.3million for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society with this event. What an amazing race!
Less than 2 weeks to go...
Please support my fundraising efforts to help cure cancer!
Running to save lives
With all the support from you, my family, friends and complete strangers, I have crossed the finish line 9 times so far and raised over $10,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
The experience from these races has stayed with me very positively and I can’t wait to race more this year. I made new friends, pushed myself further than I ever thought I would and have seen the good the LLS does with their patient support. I am running 5 races this year:
- Edinburgh Half Marathon in May
- Alaska’s Mayors’ Half Marathon in June
- London’s Run To The Beat Half Marathon in September
- NIKE’s Women’s Half Marathon in October (third time since 2009!)
- San Antonio Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon in November (third time since 2008)
My races are dedicated to all those suffering, to all those that have survived and to those that have lost their battle with cancer. I would like to ask you for your generous support to help FIND A CURE FOR CANCER!
London Marathon 2012 ballot
London Marathon 2011
After being absent for a number of years, this year I was able to take in the London marathon having now completed a marathon myself. It was kind of emotional watching the elite runners turning into the last 385 yards in record-breaking time.
Low and behold the winners were all Kenyans. In fact, the first 3 men crossing the finish line came from Kenya. Emmanuel Mutai won the race and broke the London marathon record at 2:04:40. He was followed by Martin Lel and Patrick Maka. Martin Lel took the second spot after a sprint to the finish line. I didn’t see the two racing the sprint, but I could hear the cheers from the 385 yard-line where I was watching from. It was exhilarating.
The female winner was Mary Keitany from Kenya who ran a remarkable 2:19:19. Only Paula Radcliff ever ran the London marathon in a faster time. Paula Radcliff sadly wasn’t running this year. I have seen her run a number of times and once I even ran “with” her – kind of. We were in the same race at least…
It was great seeing the elite runners just before they finished the race. They were a number of athletes still hoping to get a qualifying time for the 2012 Olympics, so you can imagine the cheers at the finish line as runners just made the qualifying time. Great atmosphere.
Lots of fundraising runners and the London marathon remains the biggest fundraising event in the world with over GBP500 million raised for charities since 1981. I got so into it that I am going to try to get into the 2012 race!
Lovely spring weather in London
I have been able to take advantage of the great weather by running along the Thames and Richmond Park, exploring more of London and surrounding countryside (including the hike through cow poo). I have made some great new friends and now can’t wait for all the other adventures that are awaiting me this spring. One will be the half marathon in Edinburgh. Another one is a rather unique run around the Tower of London. Yes, you heard right. I’ll be running several laps on the grass mound around the Tower of London. How great is that?
A great January weekend
NZ week 2 - Merry Christmas to you all!
We then cycled through Marlborough Sound which was pretty with beautifully coloured waters. We took a ferry over to the North Island and are now in Wellington which is the most windy city I have ever seen!
So if you think of NZ having lots of sheep, I can tell you they are hiding well. I have seen far more cows than sheep. I think I have even seen more possum roadkill than sheep. So, forget that image of NZ!
Cycling this country is probably also not the best way of getting around. Too many mountains (and I may just be whining!), but also too few roads. We are cycling on major highways without shoulders. Though there is little traffic mostly, having trucks pass you at 60 mph is somewhat scary. The views are nice though from the bike.
We are now going to explore the North Island in our last week here before we complete this trip in Auckland. Until then, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
New Zealand - week 1
Internet here is a little sketchy and if at all available won't let me upload any photos. So, more for you all some time later.
I am sure you want to know what it's like at the other end of the world. Well, I would say it looks a lot like Wales (actually I think there are more sheep in Wales!). There are plenty of lakes and mountains and we have been travelling along those. Today we arrived at the Tasmanian Sea and the weather turned on us and we have had rain all day (and it now feels a lot like being at the German or British sea side). Thanks to a severe cold/flu I haven't been cycling other than the first day. However, we have a bus travelling with the group the whole time, so I have been sitting in the bus and have taken plenty of pictures – so no picture lost and I am still enjoying the scenery.
Unfortunately due to the weather we weren't able to get close to Fox Glacier, but saw a little anyway. Not much in terms of wildlife, no scary deadly crawly things or scary big ones. Possum is the most curious one, usually lying dead on the side off the road hit by cars. Saw kiwis in the birdlife centre and a tuatara – which is the animal most closely related to dinosaurs living today.
We are still on the south island, so there may be more in store the further north we go.
I am trying to tell you a little bit about the Christmas season here as much as I can observe next time (whenever that is...).
Arrived in New Zealand
Meeting my tour group tomorrow. Until then I will catch up with some sleep.
November
Mine is today. A really miserable November day. I wake up and the wind is rattling the windows, rain throws itself onto the windows as if it wants to come in (well, it IS much warmer inside the house than outside…). My alarm clock is trying to get my attention, but I find the snooze button (4 times this morning – way too comfy under the duvet). Eventually, I get up and make my way to the gym. On the way over (the gym is across the river from my flat and actually a nice 15-minute walk away along the river Thames), I am having my smug moment: patting myself on the shoulder for finding a gym a short walk away and signing up to continue my workout through the winter so that next year’s marathon season can be started somewhat fit. No way am I running outside. At this point it’s just windy with a little spraying rain, no biggie.
On the way home, November gets me!
2 minute walk away from the gym, the rain starts hammering down. It’s not actually too bad, but the wind comes from all sides and within minutes I am soaking wet. Yes, before you ask. I did have an umbrella with me. Let me rephrase that. I did have an umbrella. It was torn to shreds within minutes. I walk quickly, cross the bridge, come down the other side and get under the bridge and seek some shelter. Oh, yes, I did leave the gym with a cup of coffee – who wouldn’t? So, finally I am drinking my still warm coffee (they know how to brew it HOT in England – US visitors be aware!) under the bridge soaking wet. So much for paying through my nose for gym membership, I am soaked anyways, could have had it for free if I had just gone for a run outside…
As November has it, the minute I arrive at my front door, a streak of blue sky peeks through the clouds and sends me a smug smile!
Nike Women's Marathon - Take 2
Right as I came through the finish line it started to rain. I nearly melted... ;)
San Francisco must have had a few earth movements over the past year because the hills were just so much more and so much steeper. Someone could have told me... It was a fun run and the miles just flew by and I skipped the chocolate mile again - seriously who wants chocolate?? I think they should introduce a burger mile - but that's just me thinking... Anyways, very lucky this time as I did see the firemen in their tuxedos (the beauty of not being completely dazed after the run as I was last year after the full). Very yummie! ;) And another beautiful Tiffany's necklace in my collection. This won't be my last time at the Nike Women's Marathon. GO TEAM!
A cafe called Austin's
Was much needed after I got thrown off a park bench by some bums...
Freebird burrito
After a big MISS at the Whole Foods here in London, I finally found a great place to get a great burrito: FREEBIRD. No, they didn't come over all the way from Texas (note the small difference in spelling), but they are nearly as good as the original.
Mexican food is back on the agenda! YEAH!
The Art of Communication
If you tell me the shuttles runs until 10am, I am not expecting the last shuttle to leave at 9.45am.
If you tell me I have 100 free minutes to call international, I am not expecting to pay for these.
If you tell me the flat is in an exclusive gated community with 24-hour concierge, gym and pool access, I am not expecting the flat to be a council flat. (Thanks to estage agent FOXTONS, who I will make sure never to use again. They are a bunch of liars. Be warned.)
Please someone teach me proper English!!
31 August - not Christmas yet...
No really! When I went to the supermarket today I saw a whole aisle of Christmas treats already. As I am trying to get my head around this (at sunny 26C), I am slowly making my way to the checkout. In line I noticed that the people in front and behind me have bought Christmas sweets. Seriously? You can't wait another 3 months? Even then you still have a month to eat your way through all the sweets...
Now, while I'll go and get some ice-cream and enjoy walking around in my shorts, I wish you a Merry Christmas!
Brussels, Belgium
Extended my French: Cafe au lait is called Cafe Russe and soixante-dix becomes septante.
What to eat in Europe...
And isn't food heaven having to choose from 4 different chocolate spread varieties??
Accomplished so far:
- German beer and German sausage in Germany - done.
- Chocolate croissant in France - done (those petite ones are delicious!).
- Belgian fries (of course called French fries to the dismay of the Belgians) - done (with mayonnaise naturally!).
- Belgian fruity beer - done, cherry flavour (chocolate flavour still to come).
- Creme Brullee done in Belgium instead of France - negative points for wrong location.
Still on list:
- cucumber sandwich and cream tea in London - still missing.
- Cafe au Lait in France - still missing.
- Belgian waffles - still missing.
So European...
Paris in the summer
The best way to spend time though in Paris is sitting in a cafe on the sidewalk, sipping some wine and watching the world pass by.
Eurostar
Travelling through Europe is actually travelling like actually being on holiday. No one runs through airports really, everyone is fairly relaxed with a hint of anticipation. I am sitting on the Eurostar now, watching Europe pass me by in a high speed train. Everything is so … European. The menu comes in 3 languages, the Eurostar personnel speaks at least 2 languages, probably more, you change currency before you leave. I love it. My next stop is Paris and I can't wait. Oh, here comes my freshly brewed tea.
Petition to bring back the Swiss clock to Leicester Square
While strolling around Leicester Square yesterday, I didn't hear them. They were gone. One landmark piece of Leicester Square used to be the Swiss Centre with its huge Swiss glockenspiel clock and it's hourly chime and parade of figurines. Imagine Big Ben without eh... Big Ben. No sweet sounds of the bells. Something is missing. Leicester Square feels empty now. I am appalled by the lack of concern by the Swiss. I will start my own petition to bring the Swiss clock back to Leicester Square!(Actually I just read that the W Hotel group that is redeveloping the Swiss Centre building will allegedly bring back a Swiss clock, but not sure if this will be the original one)
Oh my sweet popcorn
The delicious smell of sweet popcorn in the cinema is a feast for my nose and as it turns out also for my taste buds. I don't think popcorn ever tasted this sweet!
Hot guy alert!
Finally in London
London is just as awesome as I remember - I don't think I can continue saying "awesome" though... Buzzing with all kinds of people and filled with culture. I am already taken in as if I had never left. After flat hunting this week I will need to go and see some of the exhibitions!
And a note on fashion - they do wear flip flops here!
Found Cupcakes
Need to search further I guess...
In the supermarket
From the cheese aisles I make my way to the wine aisles. I rub my eyes once more. It takes me 10 minutes to find all of 3 wines that cost over EUR 5 every other wine is cheaper. What a blast would the wine & cheese party be now?
At the checkout the cashier asks me if I found everything alright. I rub my ears. Am I back at HEB? Things have changed in Germany for sure and I am too flabbergasted to point out that I couldn’t find any cupcake.
Day 3
I saw cars today that were way too small to be having 4 doors, not sure where the backseats were hiding. I think these cars were all actual size... ;) The drug store also had aisles that I am not sure a lot of Texans (not Austinites though) would be able to pass through. I guess everything is smaller in Germany.
First run in Europe
Arrived
Starting with 90F/32C so I wouldn't get too confused about summer temperatures.