There are things worth waiting for...

As EVERYONE knows, the Giants just won the World Series. Way to go team, way to go!

Sports have not been a staple in my life, but for the past few years, I have fallen for the Giants. I have to say that it all started when I was invited to a Giants game with Jac. We had recently become friends and she said- "Hey, I've got some tickets to a Giants game, wanna go?" I of course said yes, because we were new friends- I couldn't let her down! The game was fantastic- not too cold, not too hot, and I even went out special to get a "baseball" shirt. Because I went to this game, it sparked a new interest. Here we are ENJOYING a fabulous Giants game :)

Let's just say that watching any sports game in person is the best. You don't get the same feel when you are just watching on the television. I think it has to do with the atmosphere, the fact that 98% of the other people are there rooting for the home team, and of course the great food!

Although, it's great to be at any sporting event, I have to say that the ultimate place to be- is CLOSE to the players. I have never sat this close to the field before. Jac was SO kind to invite me, and a couple of boys to this special game. Way cooler than anything. This game will definitely go down in history, not because of the game but because of the ride on the way to the game. One of the fine men we brought along with us needed to use the facilities and threatened to go while in traffic on the Bay Bridge- we of course did not want him to get arrested so we hurried off to a local high rise and sent him in. (I know this is TMI and probably not funny to you- but if you were there, you'd be laughing right about now).

Now, the other day I was at work and a patient called saying "I can't make it to my appointment tonight, I have playoff tickets." The best excuse EVER! That set a spark which led to a fire! With a long story short, I ended up buying 3 playoff tickets to Game 4 and took my future mother and father in-laws. It was FANTASTIC! What an emotion game and thanks to Uribe- we took that game!

Now the Giants are World Series winners and what a momentous occasion. People have been waiting for years and finally a dream come true. What a deserving team! Tears were shed and fireworks were lit. Way to go Giants- You made it!!!!

Can you hear bells?

WHO? - Me

WHAT?!- I got engaged!!!

WHERE?- Del Valle, we went kayaking

WHEN?- I know you'll say hopefully not too long, but we're thinking next summer :)

WHY?- Because we love each other, and IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!!

I know, crazy right?! I'm so excited and happy. I have to admit that the planning and getting a to do list together has been crazy. I have lots to think about and lot to plan....wish me luck!!!!

Circuit Training- Ever Heard Of It?

What?! So Tuesday

Thi says- "did you get the email about training tonight?"

I say "No, what are doing?"

Thi- "Circuit Training! I'm nervous!"

Me- "Oh wow! Wait...what's circuit training?" (I think to myself, I have a circut machine...is it anything close? LOL)

Thi- "It's like push ups, sit ups, and stuff."

Me- "Oh great I'm screwed! I'm going to die! I can't do push ups...great- we still on for training?"

Thi- "Heck yeah- see you there!"

When I got to the work out I was a little confused. I didn't know what to expect. We started out on a 1 mile run. Then coach Tim put us in 3 groups. Easy enough right?! Wrong. He then told us what our circuit training would be. Each group would rotate through each exercise.

Circuit #1

• V-ups, which are sit ups in which you must bring your legs AND upper torso up at the same time, creating a V.
• Push ups, regular "boy" push ups and each time you have to alternate lifting a leg.
• Forward lunges, making sure your lower knee almost hits the ground.

After that circuit coach says- run once around the field! What?! You want me to run?! huh? Well better get to it!

Circuit #2

• Forward Planks, you get into "boy push up position" and put your forearms on the ground keep your body straight and tight like a plank!
• Mountain Climbers, again "boy push up position" this time keeping knees bent " alternate bending of legs by pushing one out while the other is bent and brought in
• Side Squats, make sure while you do this you're "sitting" on a very LOW chair

After the second circuit coach says- run another lap! "AHHHHH!!!" We come back, and Coach Tim says, halfway there! So we repeat circuit #1, run a lap, repeat circuit #2 and run TWO laps. After which we stretch, breathe, and hope to die!

So I'll give you the little run down of the fun. Here's where it all took place

The pink line shows ONE lap = 1/2 mile

The green circle is where we did our circuits

So all in all we Ran 1 mile + circuit #1 + 1/2 mile run + circuit #2 + 1/2 mile run + circuit #1 + 1/2 mile run + circuit #2 + 1 mile run = 3 miles of running, circuit #1 and #2 two times and delirium. :) OH the joy of training!

Let's make it enjoyable!

Last weekend was our 2nd official coached run at the Berkeley Marina. I have to say that there are a few things I like about the coached runs and a couple of things that are challenging. (the nice thing, there are definitely more things I like about it)

First I love that I get to be with my teammates...

What's challenging?! Getting up early on a Saturday to be in Berkeley and ready to run at 8:00AM!!! Now I'm usually an early riser and enjoy have the whole day to do whatever I'd like, but there is just something about getting up that early in the morning to run that is challenging for me. I mean I have to say that I still haven't found that LOVE for running, that I hope to attain so maybe that's my hang up. I just need to suck it up and be HAPPY to get up early on my Saturday to go run!

Ok hello?! Look at how nice this trail is. I mean now that I've gotten up early, made my way to Berkeley, am freezing because the sun hasn't even gotten up yet, look at where I'm running! I LOVE IT! I love the water and it is soooo nice to be able to have a nice little cool breeze from the water hit you while you run! I love that we've gotten to run in nice places so far!

There really isn't thing else that I find challenging about these runs. I just have to "Get over myself!!!!"

When we complete a run it's exhilarating! Before we think about the honorees, past and present and those whom we have a special connection to. That is really what keeps me motivated in this quest. By the time I am done running, I am just grateful to be healthy enough to run. Besides, look at how gorgeous the marina was when we were done! Loving the BLUE sky!

Like Elle Woods from Legally Blonde says, "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy..." So true- I mean look at how happy we are! To add to the fun of completing yet another great coached run, we went to breakfast at the greatest place in Berkeley thanks to our friend Maja! She used to live in the area and came to support us in our training run! We went to Rick & Ann's - Yum!

And if that wasn't enough- we made our day complete and totally enjoyable with a trip to Lululemon! (The cutest yoga/work out clothes EVER!)

Three is the magic number

I can run 3 miles! What?! Um yes, I did it today. I had no clue that I could do it and to be honest, I thought it was a fluke that I could run 3 miles. I did it last Saturday as a part of my first coached run. Totally thought it was the adrenaline that got me the whole way, but let me tell you, I did it! I am so grateful to have health and strength to be able to run that far. I love being outdoors and that you to mother nature she has allowed the sun to stay out long enough for me to get in a run after work! I hope it stays super sunny and not too hot so I can keep it up and continue to share in the journey. I'm happy to report, that though I may not consider myself "a runner" I feel like I am well on my way! Hooray! Thanks for all the support :)

http://pages.teamintraining.org/sf/nikesf10/ttanihara

Run run as fast as you can, you can catch me, I'm not the gingerbread man!

A year ago I had chatted with my girlies about running the Nike Women's Marathon. It's held every year in October in fabulous San Francisco. My bestie Jac-Attack and I, thanks to the help of Rach decided to "be serious" about it and we went to RoadRunner Sports where we ran on treadmills and figured out exactly what kind of shoes we should be buying for ourselves. While running on the treadmill we got to see how we ran (I am a very inefficient runner). We also had to walk on this pad so we could see what kind of arch support we needed. Once completed, Jac and I left with a new pair of shoes.

Let's be honest, I wasn't serious and I didn't run marathon, a half marathon, or a 5K. I did however start walking more and jogging on occasion, which in reality jogged about 2 times a week which was a huge step in the right direction. I went for more hikes last year than I had in my entire life and even was diligent in using my Precor which I have had since I turned 18.

Ok, let's cut to the chase, I'm still not a runner and I can usually manage my 1 mile, but thinking about 13.2 is ridiculous! Absolutely ridiculous- I die when I think about running long distances. Argh!

The other day Thi came into work one day and said "let's sign up with Team in Training and do the Nike Women's Marathon!" I didn't even think, I reacted and signed up right then and there! Heck yes sister friend- it's official- I'm going to run the Nike Women's HALF-Marathon October 17, 2010 and training started today!

Help support in anyway you can- and I promise I'm committed to updating my official Team in Training Blog! I already have pics and fun info...so check it out!!!!!!!

http://pages.teamintraining.org/sf/nikesf10/ttanihara

ps and btw- I bought two pairs of shoes last year and this is a pic of my still new in the box pair, not my I've been using for a year pair! :)

Finish out January

Now that I'm nearing the middle of February I feel it is best I catch up on the remaining happs of January.

...talking- yes I'm pretty good at that. Public speaking?! Not so much, though I had the "great opportunity" (as many proclaim) to give a talk. I usually don't mind giving talks, but this was the first time that I've had to do this in years! No worries though, it all turned out well- thank goodness. I ended my talk with my favorite take home message- "The $20 Dollar Bill"

...work- yes I have my moments- we all have moments when we doubt what we do. I was feeling discouraged about work and was very confused. We recently had a "team member" leave our office. Since then, we have all pulled together. Even though we are more busy and have more "work" to do and catch up on, we're all happier and more relaxed. Sometimes things just happen for a reason, this time it was for the better.

...driving- yes I like to drive, though no I don't like driving alone. SLO is like another "home" it's a mix of a vacation spot and another place I'm absolutely comfortable in. I went to SLO for the weekend and had a blast. I didn't realize that one of my friends who had graduated last year was going to be down there the same weekend. FUN! I didn't do too much while there, though I did make my traditional homemade cinnamon rolls- which were a success, got orange cranberry scones from The Apple Farm, did a quick Costco run, made dinner, went out to dinner, watched a movie, and shopped. (notice how most of the things I did was related to food? that's why I consider it a vay-cay-- I always eat way too much on vay-cay!)

Well, that finishes up my January, now for my next post, catch up on February since we're almost half done!!!!