Running in the Rain

It is raining here today and we're expecting it to rain allll day. Erik and I thought about running the Hunger 5K today, which is a race we've run in the past. However, we said if it was raining that we wouldn't run.

Well, I ended up running in the rain anyway. At least I didn't pay to do it! There was a break in the rain so I thought it was the perfect time to get out and run. Of course, about 10 minutes into the run, it started to really come down. I thought about turning around but figured I was already out there and wet, so why not just finish. Thankfully, I wore a visor to keep the rain out of my face.


This is Evie sitting by me as I got ready to go out. She is thinking, "Are you really going to go out when it might RAIN on you?"

I picked up this cheap $10 watch to see my pace while running, until I get a Garmin.
I really have no true idea how far or fast I am going out there. I use MapMyRun to map out a route on the computer, which differs from the app. I thought I went out for three miles but the map said 3.3 miles. The app says I ran 3.4 miles in 35 mins and my watch said I ran it in 33 mins. Oh well! I feel like I am becoming a better runner and feel comfortable running a few miles at a time. I can back off on speed or push myself and can sense when it's ok to do so. Getting better makes running fun!
Heyyyyyyyy....I'm soaking wet!!

Busy Saturday

Erik and I had a busy Saturday yesterday doing a lot of errands. We are leaving for CT on Tuesday night so we just wanted to get it all done.

First up, the dreaded Union Square Crate & Barrel store.


We had a gift certificate we wanted to use because we desperately needed bowls. Yes, bowls. I swear we have broken like five bowls in the past year. We also picked up a new spatula, a thermometer, some glasses, and an awesome cutting board. The cutting board is called the Chop & Scoop because the edges are curved. You can cut up your vegetables and then drop them in the trash without everything falling off of the board .


After C&B, we went to Sports Authority. I wanted to pick up a long sleeve shirt for running and had a $10 off coupon! We are running a Turkey Trot in CT this week and I think it will be cold so I wanted to be prepared.

I am a big fan of Champion clothes. I think the trick with this brand is to buy one size up and then everything fits well. I like running in tank tops best and these fit well. Plus, the price cannot be beat. I think this was originally $25 and I got it for $7!
Loved this UA shirt from the minute I put it on. It is semi-fitted and a soft, wicking material. It was a little pricey at $30, but still cheaper than Nike gear! It will be perfect to run on Thursday and also here in SF now that it's getting cooler.
With the coupon, I got BOTH shirts for $30!

After Sports Authority, we went to pick up....my wedding dress!! It was ordered & came in so we picked it up. Don't worry, Erik waited in the car and the dress is in a colored bag so he can't see it.

After driving around so much, we started getting hungry and cranky so we headed home. We made guacamole and buffalo chicken nachos while Erik put the hockey game on.



We also finished Friday Night Lights. I cannot tell you how sad I am that this show is over for us. This is right up there with Gilmore Girls for me. Both are two shows where you get so emotionally attached to the characters because you can relate to them. Thank goodness it's on Netflix so I can watch whenever I want. Can't wait for the movie.

Impromptu 4.5 Miles

On Friday morning, I went out to run 3 miles. It was a little chilly so I wore my little gloves out on the run. I took them off about half way thru the run and when I got home, I realized I lost one. They were super cheap but so cute!!

I had to take Evie out so I decided to take her on half of my run route to look for the glove. I didn't have time to saunter around with her so I made her hustle. We ended up running another 1.5 miles! She wasn't that happy to be running but it served our purposes. Sadly, we didn't find the glove. Oh well...guess I will spend another $2 for another pair!

On Friday night, Erik and I totally did nothing and it was great. I picked up burritos from Little Chihuahua and we stayed in. We watched Friday Night Lights since we were so close to finishing the series. I am so sad to see this series end!!

I Love New York!

On Monday, we were in meetings alllll day. We were happy to go back to the hotel and then out for a drink. We stayed at the Marcel Gramercy Hotel. It was hip, modern, dark, and the rooms were so tiny! But, we were only there two nights and it worked.

The hotel is right next to a wine bar called 'Inoteca.

After a glass of wine, my co-worker and I headed to Spice Market for dinner. I have been wanting to go here forever. I am sad to report that this place was a complete disappointment. We split a few dishes to try a range of their menu.

Spiced Chicken Samosas
Cilantro Yogurt

Fragrant Mushroom Egg Rolls
Galangal Emulsion

Salmon Tartare, Soy Ginger Dressing
Avocado and Radish

Seasonal Vegetable Fried Rice
XO Sauce and Basil

Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Lemongrass, Honey and Mint

Spice Market is HUGE. Two floors, lots of patrons, and it's super dark in there. The hostess was extremely nice and so was our waiter. Except, we saw our waiter when he took our order and when he brought the check. He didn't stop in to check on us and other people brought our dishes.

The food was just ok. I wouldn't go back and I definitely wouldn't recommend this restaurant. This restaurant is supposed to be a dedication to South Asian cuisine with a food stand/street market twist. It really tasted like mediocre take out food. The brussel sprouts tasted burned and the fried rice was just that - fried rice like you get with Chinese take out.

Well, we didn't dwell in our disappointment. Instead, we hit up the Gansevoort Hotel rooftop bar.

We found a seat and had nice views of the Meatpacking District and of course, New Jersey. It was fun to people watch here since this is a place where out of towners come to visit.
After the Gansevoort, we went to the Gramercy Park hotel. The lobby was a medevil theme which was cool.

The hotel bar was pretty small, but cozy with velvet seats and heavy drapes. Also, apparently they were burning Frankincense so it smelled like that in there. Yes, we felt like we were at Christmas mass. haha

After the Gramercy, we had to head back to the hotel since we had to be up bright and early for more meetings!

Our flight out on Tuesday was at 3:30 pm and we here back in SF by 7:30. The flight took an HOUR longer due to wind. I was so happy to be home reunited with Erik & Evie.

I do love NY though. It was nice to be able to see family and go out on the town. We'll be flying back to NYC in a few days for Thanksgiving!!

New York, New York

Today, I had a very early wake up call of 3:30am to get picked up for the airport. We flew out to NYC for meetings on Monday & Tuesday. VERY quick trip. I wanted to fly in early so that I could meet up with my family for dinner on Sunday night.

We met up for pizza at Patsy's!

We split a big salad, two pizzas, and canoli's! So delish!! It was great to see them & I'm excited to come back to the east coast next week for Thanksgiving!

I'm so tired and ready for a long day of meetings tomorrow but so happy to be in NYC!

10K Mermaid Race

This morning, we ran the 10K Mermaid Race! I picked Nicole up around 7:15 so we could get over to the Marina Green to pick up our race bibs, t-shirts, and meet up with our two other friends. It was supposed to rain today but it didn't! It was gray & cold when we got there but by the time the race started, the sun was coming out!

Nicole & I...Ready to run!

Elle & Nicole
There were a ton of women set to run today. The Mermaid Series is an all-women race series. There was a 5K and 10K today. The 5K runners set out about 15 min before the 10K runners.

Nicole, Me, Meghan, and Elle ready to go!
We ran along Chrissy Field and the views were gorgeous.There were a lot of people in this race and it was hard to get started. We were kind of packed into the start and so it was a slow start to find space to really get going.

Once you found a spot, the course was pretty good. It was a flat course that had us run down to the Golden Gate Bridge. We did two loops by the bridge and then headed back down the Marina Blvd. I ran the whole race except for a few second stops to get water at the stop and re-tie my shoes.

Where's Waldo?

Heading into mile 6. Great views!I finished the race in 1:09. For my first 10K, I feel happy with how it went, how I felt, and how I did. I now know where I can push myself so that I can run a bit faster. I definitely had some energy in the tank to sprint the finish. Also, with a race that allows for a wider start, I think that time could be improved.

My only complaint was the MUD. The race tents were set up in the grass of the Marina Green and it rained yesterday so it was very muddy. The Finish chute was also set up in the grass. So, you saw the finish, sprinted down the asphalt that lead you into the grass. It was so muddy & slippery so that was annoying.

We received a nice bag and t-shirt at this race. We also got some snacks and PINK SHOELACES. Yippeee! Can't wait to put these on my shoes. I heart pink!

The t-shirt is women's cut and a little long so that means it makes for a nice fit!

Beyond the mud and she squished start, the race was really well executed. It was fun to do the run with other people & see them out on the course.

After the race, we went to brunch at Rose's Cafe.
I swear we sat next to Danielle Steel. She lives in the neighborhood so it's likely!
Great race!

Ready to Run

This morning, I got up and ran 3 miles. I use the Map My Run App on my iphone to track my time/mileage. This thing is so finicky. I know my route is 3 miles yet some days it says 3.3 miles, other days it says its 2.8 miles. All I know is that I ran this at the same pace as my 4M race and that made me happy. I really want to get a Garmin watch because I would like to accurately check my mileage and mile splits. Also, looking at something on your wrist is much easier than on your arm.

I feel really ready for my 10K on Saturday. I have run different distances races from 5K, 8K, 12K, and half marathon. I've never done a straight up 10K. So, guess what - that means I'm guaranteed a PR at this race on Saturday! :-)