A Weekend of full of Love, Running and Moving *Phew*

I am still feeling the effects from last weekend’s festivities — mostly good memories but also a lot of fatigue. 

SATURDAY – THE RUN
The weekend kicked off super early on Saturday with a 6:30 am meet up run with TCLA (Track Club LA) in Santa Monica.  A group of us decided to re-acquaint ourselves with the newly revised LA Marathon course by running 21 miles of it!  We all loaded into three cars and were dropped off about three quarters of a mile from the start at Sunset and Elysian Park.   I decided to bring my Nathan water bottle pouch thingy since I wasn’t sure I would have an opportunity to catch a water fountain out there on the course. Unfortunately that stupid bottle bounced up and down so much that I ended up holding it for most of the way and when I would struggle carrying it, David was nice enough to hold on to it for me.  I probably could have done without it since we were able to find fountains at Echo Park and Beverly Hills on Santa Monica (not to mention we ran into McDonalds and took some of their water) but I also wanted to hydrate on an electrolyte type of drink to prepare for race conditions.  I put one Nuun tablet in my water bottle and it was just enough taste-wise but definitely a little too foamy to full enjoy but the heat made me appreciate it regardless. 

For this run I tried to focus a lot more on elevation gains and landmarks since I am like a zombie in my races – totally oblivious to anything other than water stations and mile markers.  Last year I thought I was prepped for the race having completing two training runs on the earlier stages of the course and almost memorizing the last four miles with weekly LA Roadrunner workouts only to find myself completely shocked by the conditions (most notable the incline on Santa Monica Blvd just past Century City Mall and the now famous Veteran’s Administration area).  Being a little more aware this time, I have to say that I am kind of nervous and not really looking forward to the race.  I keep reminding myself that race day will be completely different with thousands of spectators lining the course distracting from the boringness of running from Echo Park and through Sunset before we get into Beverly Hills. It is quite possible that I am so nervous that I am picking a part things that I would not normally complain about.  Either way, I love LA and I love being a part of LA Marathon. 

Our group was able to stay together for almost the entire way and as soon as we exited the VA area, we found ourselves at mile 22 of the course – San Vicente and Barrington. It was a relief to know our workout for the day was done and that we would all be sitting together for a nice refreshing beverage at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.  Even better than this was knowing that the hardest parts of the race was behind us and the last four miles of the race would simply be running DOWN (emphasis on the down part) San Vicente before we make a left turn onto Ocean and see the finish line.  Soon after this I was on my way home to begin packing my belongings in preparation for Monday’s move. 

SUNDAY – THE RACE (33rd Annual Los Angeles Chinatown Firecracker 5k/10k) 

For months I have been waiting to participate in the LA Chinatown Firecracker 5K/10K event because it was at this very race that I met Dominic.  It was a brief meeting but as he infiltrated my group of running friends, I got to know him better and at the end of June we began dating.  We decided that we would make this our annual run so we were both really excited and tried to rally as many of our friends to run it as well.  It was really nice to find so many of our running friends there that morning.  Some of us were running the 5K while others including myself decided to run the 10K.  I knew I would be running for fun having just ran 21 miles the day before and it worked out perfectly that Janese R.,  Jen and Ashely were thinking the same thing. We all ran together just enjoying our time out there and posing for photos whenever we could. If you don’t know by now, we love to document every moment of our lives – if you don’t want your picture taken, you might not want to hang out with our group. 

Post run beverage(s)!

After the races, we all met up at the Golden Dragon Restaurant for Dim Sum and beer.  It was my first time there and let me tell you — it was delicious!  It seemed like we ate so many things and had a few beverages yet we got out so cheap!  Score!  As the party dwindled, Dominic, Janese and myself decided to mosey around Chinatown. We soon found ourselves at The Mountain Bar — we had the whole place to ourselves.  We left here and headed over to a Chinese medicine store that happened to sell doggie clothing so Janese could get Render a new outfit. Once we were done there, we headed back to the bar, left again stopped at one of those food trucks and ordered Chili Cheese Jalapeno Frito chips in a bag and ice cream.    To this day, not a day goes by that I don’t think of those darn chips – they were beyond good! 

Dim Sum at The Golden Dragon

Couldn't leave our Render - we love her!

Beyond good!

Overall a great day – Dom was able to run a quick race, Jen L. was able to place in her division and we all had a blast TOGETHER! 

Jen L. and her age group medal! Friendy - yes he does exist! So nice to finally meet him (from DM)!

Me and my Goose.

 

MONDAY – THE MOVE (Oh, and Valentine’s Day too)
Monday started out super early too because I had to be out of my old place and into the new one on this day!  Everything was finished by 5:00 pm (moved out and in but not unpacked) and me and Dom had a double date for Valentine’s Day with another couple at Fogo de Chao in Beverly Hills. This place is one of my faves – it is a Brazilian steakhouse which means all you can eat meat that is cut straight from the skewer with large butchers knives, directly onto your plate. Double yum! If you haven’t tried a place like this before, you should just for the experience.  This is what is posted on Fogo de Chao’s website about the dining experience: 

Dining Experience 

Step 1: Sit down, relax, and enjoy a drink while we explain the Fogo dining experience.
Step 2: Visit our gourmet salad and sides bar. Enjoy over 30 items including fresh cut vegetables, imported cheeses, cured meats and Brazilian side dishes.
Step 3: Turn your card green side up, signaling that you are ready for our gaucho chefs to begin tableside service.
Step 4: Choose from the 15 cuts of delectable fire roasted meats that are brought to your table, sliced, and served by our gaucho chefs.
Step 5: When you are satisfied, flip the disc to the red side until you are ready for more offerings.
Step 6: If you wish, end the meal with one of our delicious desserts.

www.fogodechao.com 

We all had a great evening, exhausted, full ready to get a good night’s sleep. 

PS – This girl likes to eat! 

Happy Valentine's Day - I love you!