Inbox



My favorite picture from the shoot.  


"Hi Malia.  This is Julia from Lululemon at Ala Moana.  Rosalyn has connected me to you as a runner.  We do photo shoots for the product notification emails and Facebook, and I would like to ask you if you would be interested in being a model.....".

Jumped up and down and screeched! Didn't read the rest of the email as I ran around the house in giddy excitement while the 3 boys (hubby/sons) looked at me with joy like I was crazy. I suppose I did not act my age.  Then again, do I ever "act my age"? Although I became a tester in January (Here), I never dreamed Lulu would want to photograph me running!!!

Morning of the Shoot.  Fairly Certain this is what I looked like running around the house after opening up my email!

Managed to pull the important details out of the email so I knew where to show up with my running shoes on.  Super excited they wanted to do a morning photo shoot at Magic Island, despite having to drive from Kailua to town on a weekday.  Most people do it 5 days a week (TRAFFIC!), yet my normal morning commute takes about 10 minutes.   

Since I’ve spent a ton of time on shoots in the role of “stage mom” for my "super model" 16 year old son, I know that reality is not necessarily what retailers are looking to portray.  Lulu's uniqueness is they do depict real life woman who probably won't grace the pages of a Victoria’s Secret catalog.  Yet I DID inquire if I should wear my hair in my runner bun or wear it down so my curls would bounce while I ran.  (I would NEVER EVER run with my hair down!  As mentioned in previous posts, I don’t like too many things touching me, while running, and I have very thick curly hair that would not only end up in knots but surely it would cause me to have a heat stroke. Has anyone won a distance race with their hair down?  Really, I want to know!)  Yet flowing hair looks really pretty in print.  Lulu wanted me to show up looking like “me” when I run. :) Certain shoe company: take note! 

I ran a quick 5 miler before showering and getting ready for the early morning shoot.  I did put some make up on as I am 29+++ and a little mascara goes a very long way.  Thankfully I zipped through traffic and made it to Magic Island with 10 minutes to spare.  Met up with the photographer who was the sweetest 29--- I have met in a long time.  She had a big red Lulu bag filled with goodies. 

When I paced Lavy (Here) in the H.U.R.T. 100 in January she wore some awesome white/black polka dot Speed Shorts.  Other runners called her “Polka Dots”.  Katie brought me some navy blue polka dot Groovy Run Shorts and with a white tank it is super cute.   She also brought me a pullover in yellow to wear over the short, which is perfect while waiting around for the Award's Ceremony. I’m always freezing after a long race. 

She had me run in 3 different locations around Magic Island.  She was trying to capture Diamond Head in the distance but the sun was hiding behind the clouds.  All I had to do was run. It was really difficult. Not. We did shots over and over and over again, at times running slow so she could capture me mid-stride.  Magic Island is fairly crowded with runners/walkers/bikers, yet only a few of them attempted to get join in on the fun by jumping in front of the camera!  We moved toward the lagoon, which had the best sun, and then by the channel with the Yacht Club in the background.

It really was super fun! I am so tickled that a huge fitness presence liked Lululemon asked ME...Mom to 3 kids. Full time job. Cancer survivor. Multiple scar bearer. I know it’s shocking but I’m really not in my 20’s. Or 30's!...to help them showcase their newest running line.  I’m in no way model material. They chose me because of what I’ve accomplished running. It’s a huge compliment and reinforcement that there are No barriers.  No excuses. Go after what you want. Treat people kindly. Set an example. And there are people/companies that will recognize you for your hard work and accomplishments...not because you were born with a pretty face and a speedy metabolism.  And I scored some super cute clothes!

29 Seconds Is Still 29 Seconds

After getting antsy on Friday (read here) and wanting to race Hapalua, I was given the military discount and signed up for 50 bucks, verses the late entry fee of $125.  Score one for me!

Questioned my judgement in racing when I went to sleep last night as I just raced Napa a week ago.  I believe the root of my desire to race was to show my body (rib/side) that I was in charge.

It rained and rained and rained ALL NIGHT LONG in Kailua!  The forecast for the race were light 5 mile an hour winds and it can rain all over the island and Waikiki remain dry.  Yet I still didn't get a good night sleep.  Pulled into one of the few remaining parking spots at the zoo at 5:15am and although it was dark, it seemed clear out.

Watched the "Chase Groups" start as we had a couple runner friends who were competing.  The Chase Groups are elite athletes from Hawai'i who are allowed a staggered "head start", starting 25 minutes before the 6am gun start, and their goal is to reach the finish line for a 5k prize before one of the 3 Kenyans (the "chasers") racing.

Makai and I lined up a couple rows back with Steve and Kanoa on the sidelines ready to cheer us on!

1st uh oh: The rain came down a couple minutes before the start.  Not nice rain drops that feel refreshing.  The kind of rain that makes your shoes squishy.

2nd uh oh: Left my visor at home in favor of sunglasses.  Didn't need the sunglasses once, where the visor would have given me some protection from the large rain drops entering my eyes.  I don't like running with both...too many things touching me.

3rd uh oh: It's a long story, and I am accused quite often of launching into long stories, when I could get to the point, so the point is: I had a Garmin attached to my wrist ready to use it for my splits neatly written on my race bib.  The Garmin didn't operate and for a couple miles, I didn't even have the time visible.

So what is a girl to do who is worried about pain? Legs that just put in a 50 mile week and a marathon? Has no idea what her pace is?  And who is trying for a PR (my previous half was 1:33:36).  I just ran.  Ran on how I felt, not competing against anyone. It was actually VERY liberating although I don't plan on racing like that again for a very long time.  I went into this race knowing that I was not going to compete for a place, but just compete against myself, because how many other 29+++ had run a marathon the week before?  (Found out later there were 195 of us in the 29+++  age group that finished.  That's a lot of "Moms" who like to race!) They surely had an advantage over me. :)

I did ask one man what our pace was between 1-2 miles and we were in the upper 6's which was a little fast, but nothing out of the ordinary.  After that, I only saw my time at the 5k, 10k, and 15k marks.  I knew at the 15K I was a little behind schedule but was hoping to be able to gain some of it back going down Diamond Head, but first I had to climb a mile up Monsarrat Ave. (I don't know the grade but it's steeeeeeeeeeep!!!)  I pride myself on being a pretty good climber, but my legs were fatigued at this point so I didn't make up as much ground as I had hoped.

From the start until heading back into Waikiki I had a cute little girl "racing" me. I had tried to drop her a couple times, yet she would end up next to me a few minutes later and I'm not a big fan of hearing other people breathing next to me.  Finally looked over at her and said, I think you are a lot younger than me and we are not competing.  She asked how old I was and I told her I was 29, um, I mean I told her I was 41 and she said "You're in really good shape for being that old!".   No, I didn't slap her or have any desire to, I just knew I was going to finish before that young whipper snapper and show her what us old ladies who have birthed multiple children can do! BTW, she was 30!!!

Nothing eventful about the race other than the puddles.  Lots of them.  I did get lots of shout outs on my skirt and I'm sure wearing a white tank top, that was soaking wet, drew attention to my adorable Lulu outfit in a way I had NOT intended.  Heard the cowbells intended just for me, right before the zoo, and saw Steve and Kanoa cheering us on.  Wanted to ask if Makai was on target but only managed to say that the Garmin wasn't working and I had no idea how I was racing.

The clock sped up as I was heading to the finish and despite my great effort to beat a 1:33, I clocked in at 1:33:08.  SO close!  It still is a PR and I will take it!!  I knew I had placed in my age group and was fairly confident I had won it as I had tracked the 5 girls in front of me and they all looked like they didn't have to worry about grey hairs yet.  And yes, I beat the cute little girl who called me old.

Makai came around to the finish area, looking quite relaxed like he had been waiting for me all day.  The kid, who in November had run his first half in 1:31, and was aiming for a 1:25, had finished almost a full 10 minutes ahead of me in 1:23:13.  He was the 16th finisher overall out of a field of 3000.  I was 72nd finisher overall.  There are no words to describe how proud I am of him.  I'm also certain he has some God given talent and with his training schedule he is improving immensely.

Makai and I with our AG awards and dry clothes after the race!

Ate a malasada.  Got our age group awards and headed home to spend the day cuddled up in front of the couch as it's 9pm at night and still raining!

Tomorrow morning is the abdominal ultrasound. Prayers appreciated.

Running Through Agony To Joy

Driving out of the hotel parking lot, about 45 minutes from the starting line, the temperature outside was in the 40’s and the winds were whipping.  25 minutes down the road, light rain drops started falling.  Got a little panicked, as now was I not only broken and expecting 30 degree temps with little to no wind, but surely I was going to get hypothermia in this weather.   Thankfully by the time we pulled into the high school parking lot and boarded the bus, the wind was light and the rain was non-existent.  WHEW!

After what seemed like a very long uphill bus ride with the heat blasting, we arrived about a ¼ mile from the starting line.  Got off the bus and headed for the bathrooms with my friend’s nice puffy very warm jacket on to keep me warm.  Nice thing about a small race, the line for the bathroom was short and Steve and I headed for the bus, shed our jackets, and gave someone our drop bags that we would get at the finish.  Jumped up and down a little to stay warm, got many compliments on my cute outfit and we were off!

In Calistoga, before the start of the race.

It didn’t take long to warm up and Steve and I found a  nice rhythm.  It seemed like we were doing more passing, than being passed, were running around 7:20’s for 10 miles and trying to enjoy the view.  The whole “rolling hills” description is total BS as we had a couple legit climbs in there.   I was very happy with our half marathon pace of 1:38 and felt good enough that I was visualizing a PR.  The Flashdance song “What A Feeling” had played on the radio in the car on the way to the race and that is what I was singing in my head.  Couldn’t even feel my calf strain, my side/rib pain was barely there, and it didn’t feel like it was the only the 3^rd time running in my new Brooks. 

Feeling great about half way through the race!

Ah, the joy of running a marathon is there are so many different stages until you cross the finish line.  Between mile 14 and 15, the pain in my side became stronger and the hill climb left me in no mood to talk or enjoy any of the damn vineyards lining the course.  It got worse as we hit mile 16 (SIDE NOTE:  this course has a huge ass red flag at EVERY mile.  You could see them in the distance and all 26 of them were beautiful encouraging sites!!).  As we climbed a hill at mile 16 and ¾’s I started to walk. 

I am not a walker.  Don’t like to walk.  Don’t like to run with people who walk.  But I couldn’t catch my breath.

Steve told me to keep going and reminded me that I am not a walker.  He is a walker.  But I am NOT!  We had made a deal the day before that if any of us broke(injuries flared up), the other would continue going and not wait up.  It was deal.  Sealed with a kiss.  I told him to go.  He hesitated and I’m confident it was pretty hard for him to leave me walking on the side of the road, but off he went.   A very tall, slim, handsome (this has absolutely nothing to do with anything) man did slow down and ask me if I was ok. When I told him I was in pain but had an injury, he told me to hang on; someone would be there to pick me up. HELL NO! I was not going to get picked up.  If I was walking, I was not above crawling.

When the pain subsided I started running again.  Actually logged quite a few sub 7:45’s after mile 17.  Also spent a lot of time walking.  It seemed to hurt more when I drank so considered skipping the aid stations but figured that really wasn’t a good idea so decided to walk through aid stations.  What a concept!  I have heard of a ton of peeps that run marathons that way.  It helped me get through the pain.  The last few miles were a combination of not taking deep breaths because it was so painful and my legs blowing up because of lack of training due to being broke for almost 2 months.  At one point I ran a 9:20 mile. &^#%!*  There are no words.

A ton of women passed me in the last mile.  Didn’t care.  I was giving it all I could.  There was a guy in a grey shirt (not tall, yes slim, and I was dizzy but don’t think he was handsome) who I ran with the last few miles.  We didn’t talk.  We were both just trying to get to the finish line.  He had friends who offered him a coke.  What I would have given for a sip of that coke. 

The crowds were huge and so awesome near the finish.  They were actually all over the course.  Many yelled out that my outfit was cute (there is a point to this) and I always get the biggest chuckle when someone yells that they love my skirt!  Seriously, “GO GIRL GO! LOVE your skirt and your tank is so cute!” 

It was the longest .2 miles of my life and when I saw the finish and the announcer said my name I knew I had made it.  Not a PR.  Yet a respectable sub 3:30 marathon with a chip time of 3:27:51. Each finisher got their own personal “catcher” who gave them water and led them to the medal girls.  As my catcher was holding me, Steve came over to hug me (he finished in 3:21 which is a PR!!!) and asked if I was ok.  I think I said no, he said do you need to go to medical and I said yes.  A person from medical magically appeared to assist me (I wonder if I looked bad heading to the finish?) and as we were walking to the tent the guy in the grey shirt hit the pavement face down unconscious.  I thought my medical person should have left me and ran over there, but she (or he?) had a firm grip on me and a bunch of medics went and helped my grey shirt runner friend.  

As I was laying on the gurney, I heard someone ask for a defib.  I was so out of it.  Blood pressure was low.  Got juiced up and then needed to get the heck up and moving.  As I walked past grey shirt, he was on his back, EMT’s were working on him, his face was bloody, but his legs were moving and he had an oxygen mask on.  (Found out later he is OK!).

Apparently I didn't take in enough liquid nor breath deep enough for 10 miles.

Somewhere around mile 20 I questioned the sanity of why I like to run marathons.  Surely half’s were sufficient and maybe I should just work on speed and do 5ks.  The whole idea that I want to do a 50k was laughable.  But when you finish and get through the demons of pain that don’t allow you to take a deep breath and legs that are indescribably heavy, I realized why I sign up for these events.  To feel alive!  The thought of sitting at a spa for 3 hours and 27 minutes having my nails done, facials, and whatever else you do at spas seems torturous and incredibly BORING!  And pretty pointless.  If you get off on sitting down and having someone else do all the work for you to look pretty or relaxed, good on ya.  But for me, sweating, sorting out my problems as my feet hit the ground, and accomplishing something my body sometimes fights, is what does it for me.  It is what I need to do to live.  And when you look at all those who sign up again and again for marathons and ultras, I know I’m not alone.

After soup and oranges. 

Didn’t sign up for The Hapalua Half on Sunday as I thought I would be in recovery mode a week out from Napa. I still have pain in my side.  Ultrasound is Monday.  My left big toe is a little sore, not from the Brooks, from 9 miles of trail running on the most glorious trails outside of SF on Tuesday.  Today I looked if I could register for Hapalua.  I can.  The only thing that may hold me back is the $125 entry fee.  If I don’t run it, I’ll do as planned and cheer on my incredibly dedicated 16 year old who fell in love with running. 

Back to the Skirt: After a cup of hot soup and more gatorade and water, Steve and I went to pick up the drop bags.  A girl came up to me and said, "Cute outfit! I followed you the entire race and your outfit is so adorable!"  Steve and her husband/boyfriend smiled and the husband/boyfriend actually asked her if she would like to get my # since she was google eyes over the Lulu outfit.  I always tell Steve that people cheer for the skirt and he witnessed first hand on both ends how much fun it is for me, and those around me, to wear ruffles as I run.  

Spas may not be my thing, but a glass of wine while wearing compression socks is the perfect end to a long day of running!