Diez! Desyat! Zehn! Das! Dix! Ten! 10!!!

I'll go ahead and say it:  I really, really didn't think I would make it to ten miles on Saturday. Upon arriving however, I quickly realized that everyone else who showed up to the group run was training for full marathons, and the shortest distance that anyone else was going was 14 miles.  Even though I knew that they were more advanced and that I really was doing just fine...  I couldn't help but feel entirely deflated.  Great, I thought. I've only made it to 7 miles.  My longest distance was their shortest.  Not the best way to start an aggressive workout.

Off I went.  Determined to show them that I was capable of reaching the double-digit mark, I matched their pace (which was naturally faster than mine), but soon found that I just couldn't hold on.  Within minutes I had fallen behind the group, and was on my own.  After running around Lake Merced (4.5 miles), I was already feeling a deep burn in my legs and chest.  I stopped, sipped, stretched, and took off once more. My breathing at this point resembled that of a pregnant woman in her first lamaze class more than a runner's.  "hee-hee-hoooo... hee-hee-hoooo"... no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't seem to draw enough air.  Towards the end I had to walk a couple of times.  Now normally this wouldn't have bothered me, but in passing an elderly woman waiting for the bus, she called out "Come on, sweetheart. Pick up the pace!".  Seriously?!  I really hope that my smile covered the nasty glare I was unable to suppress.  I was starving, thirsty, dizzy, achey, and stiff.  I even thought that a person wearing red shorts and a white top in the distance was a water cooler.  (no joke).  Pathetic?  Maybe.  But that mirage certainly kept me running for quite awhile before I realized I was seeing things.

Days later, I'm still having trouble walking.  But I'll tell you this much:  the way that I felt after... that amazing, "I did it!" feeling...  it made it all worthwhile.  

Six more weeks.  Three more miles.  I can do this.

The Great Pacific Garbage Catastrophe

Let's do an exercise. I want you to think of the largest pile of trash you can possibly imagine. Now multiply that by 100. Then go ahead and multiply that by 100, and you might just be starting to scratch the surface of comprehending the size of the world's most massive collection of man-made debris.

Reader, meet The Great Pacific Garbage Patch. At least 100 feet in height, it's a mass of waste that floats within the North Pacific Gyre - the center of a number of currents that create a circular effect, pulling clothing, lighters, plastic bags, toys, toothbrushes, wrappers, bottles, fishnets and other pollutants together. Located between the California Coast and the Hawai'ian islands, this mass is estimated to weigh 3.5 million tons, and is at least the size of Texas (yes, I said at LEAST)... and quite possibly as large as 1.5 times the size of the entire Unites States. (Go ahead and take a moment to digest that before reading on). Of course the size is constantly changing, with pieces breaking off and either dropping to the ocean floor or drifting to one day find itself on a faraway coastline.

Surprisingly, the patch was only discovered a dozen years ago. It's beyond ecologically detrimental - with the plastic to sea life ratio standing at a whopping 6:1. That's probably because the local mammals and birds are ingesting its contents and getting caught in its tangled mass.

It was the discovery of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch that lead me to being together a team of colleagues to clean up Ocean Beach back in October of 2008. Though our efforts were minuscule in the grand picture, it was an amazing and very successful event. I have personally developed a zero tolerance policy for people who are too lazy to wait for a trash can... and become increasingly irritated with each plastic bottle that I see being thrown into the trash as opposed to being properly recycled. Call me the Recycling Nazi. I'm just that much of a stickler.

What I'm hoping that this entry will do is encourage you to make one change in your life - small as it may be - to better the environment. Does your office not have enough recycling receptacles? Call in and request for more. Find yourself collecting too many paper and plastic bags? Bring your own re-usable bags to the grocery store. Don't have any? I'll give you some - I have an abundance! Volunteer at a local tree-planting or beach clean-up. Offer to recycle that Coke can you see somebody chucking into a trash bin. Turn off your lights when you're not around. Un-plug your cell phone charger when you're not using it, because guess what? As long as it's plugged in, it's still pulling power.

There are a million things you can do! The opportunities are endless. Make these small changes habits - because these are the types of habits that very soon become a lifestyle.

Puttin' on the Ritz - Country Style

If you know anything about me, you know that this is an absolute dream come true for me..... The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco has gone country! For the better part of a week, Texas Roadhouse has bought out every room in the hotel (as well as the Fairmont up the hill). What does this mean for the Ritz? We're sporting cowboy hats, boots and jeans. There's a giant, 20 foot blow-up Armadillo on the roof (his name is Andy and he's their amazing mascot). And I'm loving every second of it!

One of the best parts of this transformation is the positive publicity that Texas Roadhouse has brought with them. In an effort to counter what has been labeled "The AIG Effect", Texas Roadhouse arranged for an interview with NBC to promote business meetings and corporate travel in our current economy. This interview, along with articles and websites such as meetingsmeanbusiness.com (check it out!), are taking a bountiful stand in the fight against business cancelations. While I appreciate those who are holding onto their purse strings, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that as long as money's not moving, this recession isn't going anywhere. And while I'm not suggesting that you go bananas and spend a fortune on a vacation that's out of reach, I'm also not encouraging you to stop spending altogether. I'm a firm believer that there's almost always happiness to be found in the middle. That being said, I'm of course thankful when I see those with deeper pockets spending.

So, I'm throwing out a whopping "THANK YOU!!" to Texas Roadhouse - not only for keeping me employed (at least temporarily)... but for showing that they're not afraid to recognize the dedication and tireless efforts of their star employees... even in these trying times. The next time my tummy is rumbling and I see a T.R. on the horizon, you can bet I'll be swinging by to support them and return the favor.

Now, as my new friends at the Roadhouse would say, "Make it a legendary day!".

Yee-Haw, Y'All!!!

Yes, I'm Alive...

What a whirlwind of weeks it has been.  With 3 apartment floodings, a ceiling that caved in, a maggot infestation, it's a wonder why I didn't move out until the balcony from the apartment directly above mine collapsed onto mine... right after I finished having dinner there.  Yikes!   Although living out of bags and couch surfing was fun while it lasted, I was thrilled when my management company found a furnished apartment for me to use until they had finished gutting and practically re-building my place. (And by "found" I of course mean managed to offer once they received a quote for the hotel I was getting ready to check into).  But now that the majority of the work is done... the only tasks left are ripping out and replacing my hardwood floors and demolishing and re-structuring my balcony.  I'm starting to think that they had that old "When life gives you lemons" saying all wrong... because I'm tempted to finish it with "throw them at your management company"... or something of the like.  So, while I have not been able to keep up with the blogging (as the place where I was staying was void of an internet connection)... I'm certain that you can appreciate why.

That being said... I'm going to throw out a few updates/thoughts below.  And keep an eye out for more entries.... because being home means having an internet connection. And having an internet connection means that Whitney is a very, very happy blogger/Yelper/emailer/YouTuber/Googler/cyberstalker/Facebooker... uhm... you get the point.

1 - Shin splints are the WORST!  I had to take 2 weeks off of running (and almost had to give up walking altogether).  Painful as all heck, but so much better now that I've given my leg the time that it needs to heal.  And who has time to run when you're living the life of a gypsy anyways?  I guess if it were to happen that the timing was perfection.  Back at it and up to 7 miles.  YAY!  Onward and upward, I say!!!

2 - Land's End is by far my favorite part of San Francisco that I have discovered to date.  A gorgeous maze of trails and look-out points, you're surrounded by gorgeous trees that stand as tall as the eye can see... and offer the most breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and beyond.  Never been? I'll take you.  It's truly a sight to be seen.

3 - Live in or close to San Francisco?  I've discovered the best (and totally recession-proof) spot to get a bite to eat!  Check out Jovino on Union St.  (www.jovinosf.com).  They have a nightly $9 dinner special... which on Saturdays is a heaping pile of homemade spaghetti & meatballs AND a generously poured glass of wine.   Now that's what I call a deal. 

Ok - that's all for now, folks.  

Besos!

Dreaming in Green

Within the last year, I have become passionate about everything 'Green'.  Since accepting my current position with The Ritz-Carlton, I have become increasingly invested in reducing the carbon footprint of the hotel, and am now (with a great deal of help from my boss), spear-heading our property's REACT team (Ritz Environmental Action Conservation Team).  Whooo!  Now that's a mouth full.  

I'm thankful for this undertaking for many reasons, but mostly because as challenging as it can be to properly educate 500 employees on the appropriate recycling and composting practices, I myself have learned more than I could have imagined on the subject and am now one of the most environmentally conscious people that I know, both in and out of the office.  (No, I don't have a home-made compost heap steaming in the back of my building.  And yes, I still by leather shoes.)  Sorry guys, there are times when fashion simply will prevail.  I'm not by any means an 'over-the-top', tree-hugging hipster, but I certainly do my part in ensuring that everything I discard of ends up in its rightful place.  To help you do the same, I'm using my blog as a medium to share helpful (and easy!) facts and hints on how to stay green, and I've even included a simple few below.  

1. Did you know that if every American recycled just one-tenth of their newspapers, we would save about 25 million trees every year? This is just one reason why it's so important to ensure that we recycle whenever possible. **UPDATED** I had previously suggested that you find your news elsewhere (ie: TV, online, etc), however someone was kind enough to remind me of how vulnerable that the newspaper industry is in this struggling economy, and what an important role that they play in supplying the stories that are then published in other media.  While I am not discouraging you to take in your news by paper (lets be honest - most of what you see on TV is warped anyways), please recycle them when you are done!!!  :)
2. The energy saved from recycling one glass bottle can run a 100-watt light bulb for four hours.  It also causes 20% less air pollution than making a new bottle from raw materials. 
3. Do you have a self-cleaning oven?  The next time you want to use that feature, do so right after cooking.  That way you take advantage of the heat that has already accumulated :)

Last but not least, I hear rumors buzzing that an old friend of ours is ready to admit defeat after singing that same old song for almost 40 years now.  Apparently he's come to realize that it is, in fact, easy being green :)

Now, make Kermit proud....  go forth and recycle!!!!

I Drank The Kool Aid

*Our group run in Marin, which we dedicated to Meredith's dad*

As I mentioned in a previous blog entry, experienced runners tend to insist (or warn?) that running can become very addicting.  I have shrugged off this notion as something that has afflicted others, certain that I myself will never fall into this category.  I still have not become addicted, but the way I feel after a long run in the great outdoors?  That's another story all together.  After reaching my first five mile mark in Marin and then enjoying the majestic trees and waterfalls a week later in beautiful Golden Gate Park, I found that I was able to breathe deeper, was high on endorphins, and at times felt certain that I had enough energy to out-run the infamous Energizer Bunny.  (That fluffy pink thing is going down).

I'm quickly finding that there are countless benefits to running.  

1)  I'm toning up and getting into better shape.  I just wore a skirt to work that two months ago I was unable to zip.  Next on my list is that double chin that seems to be anything but camera shy....

2)  I'm much more productive with my time. When I pull myself out of bed at 7 on a Saturday morning and meet my fellow TNTers for a group run, I find that by 10, I have already managed to complete my exercise for the day, visited and caught up with friends over breakfast, and I still have a whole day ahead of me, along with twice the energy to tackle the projects at hand. Now, this is a lifestyle that I'm starting to think I could really get used to!  

3)  The people I'm meeting?  Incredible.  TNT is comprised of the most diverse group of individuals of any organization with which I've been affiliated.  And the best part is that we're all on a mission to support a wonderful cause.  

This is an organization that I can see myself remaining involved with long after my upcoming race. I mentioned this to a friend of mine who has been involved with Team In Training for a number of seasons.  She chuckled, and said "Yup. You drank the Kool Aid".  

Drink it I did... and I'm loving every sip :)

When it rains...

...it pours, and the leak in my roof caves in which floods my apartment for the first of three times in the week.  And no, I'm not exaggerating.  In the last week my apartment has flooded not one, not two, but three times.  I have had a maggot infestation (yes, maggots), mold from the flooding, and most recently , the ceiling in my bathroom caved in, the walls buckled and the medicine cabinet crashed to the floor. Ten days ago, my apartment was pure *perfection*, my haven, my 'escape from it all'.  It used to be pristine, gorgeous, like an oasis to be coveted.  Or at least it appeared that way.  What used to be my favorite place in this world has suddenly morphed into what can only be described as the seventh circle of Hell.  I'm coming to realize that those age-old life lessons are true:  appearances can, indeed, be deceiving.  Chalk one up for mom... one by one her mantras are proving to be true.  My cozy little home may have looked the part, but beyond the newly painted walls, hardwood floors and crown molding is old, rotten wood, gutters that haven't been cleaned since OJ was tried, and plumbing problems that haven't been tended to since I learned how to multiply eight by four.  It's been more than difficult to suppress the "why me?", "why me?", "why ME?!?" mentality that I refuse to let get the best of me.  It's called perspective, people.  The situation is far from ideal.... but in the end I have to remember that it could be a heck of a lot worse.  

Alas, here I sit, in my childhood bed... having taken my mom up on her offer to (temporarily)  move home.  Though it's admittedly strange to be sleeping in my old bed, there's something immensely comforting (and not at all creepy) about looking over and seeing my childhood teddy bear staring at me with his dopey, glassy gaze.  

So, the question remains, what's the next step?  Do I move?  Do I let my (negligent) management fix the problems at hand?  Or do I milk this free rent for all that it's worth?  Hmmm......

Addicted? Nope, not this girl...

When I started running, I sought out advice from a number of friends who have run marathon after marathon. They all had different advice: ‘Eat more carbs’, ‘Stretch before AND after your workout’, ‘Don’t push yourself too hard’, ‘If you can’t talk while you’re running, you’re going too fast.’ While many of their points differed, they all seemed to agree on two things: “No matter how much you run, the first mile is always the hardest”, and “You WILL become addicted”.

So far, the first has proven to be true. Upon the first few blocks, my legs feel like they’re being forced to operate in a way they were never meant to. There is no rhythm, and certainly no grace associated with my movements. Keeping my arms tight at my sides in an effort not to whack fellow pedestrians, my legs look and feel completely out of sync. Sure enough however, after the first mile or so, my body seems to remember what it’s supposed to be doing. I slowly find my pace, and my aching muscles are no longer stiff. This is the moment where I actually start to enjoy the act of running. I’ll pump up my iPod to play something rhythmic and up-beat. If I’m starting to slow down, I’ll play my “pump-up” song. I’m embarrassed to admit that there’s no song that gets me going faster than Britney Spears’ ‘Womanizer’. Ick. There, I said it. Please feel free to laugh at me. I am.  But all jokes aside, each hill seems that much more approachable with each verse: “Womanizer, woman-womanizer you’re a womanizer…”. There! I reached the top of the hill… pushing myself to keep going and trying not to focus on the burning sensation in my legs… “OH womanizer, OH! You’re a womanizer baby”.  She may be a virtual train-wreck and the polar opposite of anything related to health or fitness, but that woman can get me moving!

As for becoming addicted… that is yet to be seen. I’m sure there’s some truth to it, but I’m certain it will be a long while before I’ll put “addicted” and “running” into the same sentence. Of course if Britney keeps popping out hits as rapidly as she has been, I may be eating my words sooner than expected... :)

A Body Ready To Be Worshiped

My body is taking an official Leave of Absence today from all of these running shenanigans.  To date, I've done quite well - running 4 days a week and cross-training my core at the gym about 2 days a week, with one *much* needed day of rest in between.  Today is said Day of Rest... it's a Holy Day really, and not just because it's Sunday. I keep thinking of the old biblical saying, "your body is a temple".  And if my body is indeed a temple, then I'm ready to let the rest and worshiping begin.   

Three weeks ago I couldn't run one mile without stopping.  However with each passing run, I managed to push myself further than the time before.  The other day I ran my 3.7 miles... but had to walk two or three blocks in the middle.  It's not perfect, but it's certainly progress and I was incredibly excited to break my own distance record.  Yesterday, Team in Training held their weekly group run along the water by Crissy Field.  I met tons of incredible people, most of whom had, like me, never attempted anything like this before.  It was a great feeling to get out there on a Saturday morning and share this truly life-changing experience with a bunch of strangers who by the end of the day, I felt I could call friends.  The brunch & mimosa to follow didn't hurt much, either.

So while I'm beyond thrilled to be taking this day off and letting my body recuperate (Hallelujah!!!).... I'm excited to get back out there tomorrow and, hopefully, set a new record.  113 days to go....

25 Random Things About Me

Facebook has this posting that's circling the internet where you think of 25 random things about yourself and then pass them on. Kind of random, but here's what I was able to come up with.... 

1.) My middle name is Suzanne, after my maternal grandmother
2.) I am terrified of cotton balls… I can't touch them. I can't stand the way they "squeek" when you hold them. I do however LOVE using q-tips… because they're so tightly wound around the stick that you don't get that squeeky effect.
3.) I sang with my high school choir on the Great Wall of China
4.) I could eat plain/natural frozen yogurt every day for the rest of my life and never tire of it.
5.) I never wanted a tattoo and didn't even like them, then got one in Mexico. I love it. I won't get another, but I love the one I have.
6.) I get a serious rush out of changing my hair. Dying, chopping, bleaching... drastic = awesome.
7.) Michael Buble doesn't know it yet, but we're getting married.
8.) The first time I went bowling or sang karaoke were when I was 17. In China. Random.
9.) A few days ago, I ran 2 miles without stopping for the first time. I thought I was going to die.
10.) I just signed up to run a half-marathon in May. I'm ridiculously excited... and deeply terrified. See #9.
11.) I was a bit of a tomboy growing up. Remember those Stussy & No Fear shirts? They were baggy, they were boy-ish, and I rocked them.
12.) I just started a blog where I will publish all of my random thoughts for everyone to ponder & laugh at. www.whitneywonders.blogspot.com (you know about this one because you're here!)
13.) I'm the ultimate hopeful romantic. Not hopeLESS people, hopeFUL. There's a difference.
14.) There are few things I love more in this world than cooking & trying new recipes. I would love to publish a cookbook one day.
15.) Chyna the (scary) female wrestler kissed me. On a dancefloor in LA. There are photos to prove it.
16.) Someday, I would love to be a stay at home mom.
17.) My biggest fear is to look back and wish I'd done more with my life. As Wayne Gretzke said, "You miss 100% of the shots you never take". I want to live my life with no regrets.
18.) I want to travel the world.
19.) I came face to face, 6 feet from a great white shark when I was 7 or so years old in Hawai'i. I still get squirmish in the ocean.
20.) I believe in ghosts.
21.) I have a nephew who is 7 years older than me.
22.) As far as spicy food goes, the more painful, the better. If it makes your eyes tear up watching me eat it, it's just about right.
23.) I cracked my head open when I was 4 on the sidewalk at the airport. They had to stitch it up without numbing it... I still remember it like it was yesterday.
24.) Beautiful views are my absolute favorite. They give me chills, and warm my soul. I could live in a shack and be happy as a clam so long as I have a breathtaking view to enjoy.
25.) On my 12th birthday my mom said I could pick what I wanted to do that day. So we went to Costco. Costco & Target are still my favorite places to shop.

There.  I told you it was random!! :)