Motiv8

I've been getting up so early in the morning (5 am) that I don't have time to go to the gym or a run before I go to work, therefore, I go when I get home. Well, yesterday, I was exhausted and had no energy to go to the gym but I thought, "Ana-Lisa don't forget why you are running!" So I jumped off the couch and away I went.

When I got there there were only 2 other people in there, this is one of my apartment gyms. One man was on the bike and the other lady was on the treadmill. The guy had his head phones in, for a GOOD reason. The lady on the treadmill was coughing up a storm! Every 5 minutes, I thought she was going to die. Yet instead of going home and being in bed resting, she was at the gym CONTAMINATING the air. Are you serious right now lady?!?! Go home!

Just as I thought she had finished, she moved machines, WITHOUT cleaning the treadmill that she had just sprayed spit all over by coughing! NASTY!!! She looked over at me and says, "I'm all finished with the remote, would you like to change the channel?" And while I appreciate the gesture, 2 things; I'm not there to watch RACHEL RAY and if you are going to offer me the remote at least go wipe it down with the courtesy wipes before handing if to me, especially after you've been coughing.

I was so annoyed with her up her lungs (I have yet to mention that my headphones died too!) that after 30 minutes of strength training and 15 minutes of running I went home.

Just Die Already!

As you know, Percy died a TRAGIC  and went to iPod heaven. Then just as I was about to bury him, a.k.a. throw him away, he came back to life!!! However, after only going for a week's worth of runs with me, things quickly took a turn for the worse and he died again!

So Percy, if you can ready this, just DIE already! A girl's heart can only take so much!!!

Everyday at work, we get to try a new item on the menu, for training purposes of course!!! Well, as I am only in my 2nd day of prep, I have quickly learned that there is so much cream, milk and cheese product that goes into things that we don't even realize. It's in just about everything!

Most of you know that I don't eat dairy products- I'm a soy/rice/coconut product kinda gal!

With that being said, I decided today that I was in the mood for a little "home cooking" and that I was going to try the Chicken Pot Pie. So, I went and read the recipe, there is only 1/2 cup of creme in a full recipe that yields 30 pot pies. I thought, "Spanish girl, there is NO WAY that you'll get sick from eating such a minuscule amount!" Well, this Spanish girl is STUPID! 

Needless to say, I have become great friends with "Lou" this evening!

All Tied Up!

Recently, I've had a hard time keeping my laces tied. I'm quite sure why; especially because I've had the same shoes for 4 months now.

With that in ming I hit up my favorite running magazine, www.runnersworld.com, to get some useful tips on how to tie a shoe lace. (Yes, I know---who doesn't know how to tie a shoe lace, but after this, I'm sure you'd be surprised!)

STEP 1:
You can tie the starting knot by passing the left lace over the right (shown at left), or by wrapping right over left. Either method can yield a balanced knot or a granny knot—it depends on what you do afterward.

STEP 2:
Next you make a loop with the right lace (shown at left) or the left. Either choice can yield a balanced knot or a granny knot—independent of which starting knot you made. It comes down to what you do next.

STEP 3:
 Then you circle the other lace around the loop you just made—either in front or in back of the loop. The right choice depends upon how you did steps 1 and 2. (In the knot shown at left, back is correct.) To see the proper last step that matches your technique, consult the chart at right.

For more info about trying your shoes, or perhaps you'd like a demonstration video. You can view the following article that I got my tips from: Runner's World- All Tied Up Article

Should've Listened

Last Saturday, I was scheduled to go on an 8 mile run. I did my usual routine- sunscreen, hat, water bottle and nourishment (sport beans). Usually, I have go to the restroom before I hit the pavement but I didn't have to go this time. 

This is the part in my story where I should have listened to my mama. She always says, "Be sure to go to the restroom before leaving the house!". It's like telling a 3 year old to go potty and them not listening, only I'm 24 now! (I guess some things never change)

Therefore, I hit the road! I was feeling good! I had my playlist and a great pace going. I was going to do my "best mile ever today". Things quickly took a turn for the worse. I was 3 miles into my run and then it hit me. I had to go to the "lou". 

I picked up the pace in hopes to find a restroom on the trail but there was none in sight. My mind immediately went racing, where was the nearest restroom? Then it hit me, it was approximately 3 miles away- at my house!

Flight or fight? 

Do I just hold it? Do I run home? Do I go back to the days when I went to Ethopia and dig a hole in the ground and squat?

The answer is, go home.

I began my run back to the house. Less than half a mile completed and I felt like everything was giggling around in me. "Oh, no!!!"

At that point, you clinch your butt cheeks and run- run like the wind! In instances like this I listen to the wise words of my grandmother, "quick, quick, quick!"

I made it home, just in time!

YardCore is

To my avid 6 followers on blogger:

I will be going to posting only once to twice a week. The reason? The Yard House training program, called YardCore because it's  - that it is compared to learning a year long college course in a matter of 90 days!!!

Say what?!?!

With that being said, my goal is to post at least on Sundays (at least for the first couple of weeks) and keep you posted on the nature of my training.


Love,

Ana-Lisa

He's Risen

Percy is RISEN!!!

I was packing to leave for California tomorrow and stumbled upon Percy. Before I said my last goodbyes, I thought I'd try him out one more time.

When I plugged Percy into the iPod dock, he started playing!!! While Alejandro, my step sisters iPod has served me well, I'm glad to have Percy back!

Twiggy

They say in marathon running that you'll learn quickly there is no room for pride. 

Recently, I have been experiencing some friction between my thighs while running. I have chosen to ignore it but now it is getting to the point where it is unbearable to run for longer than 4 miles.

 Therefore, I went to Dick's Sporting Goods and purchased this:

When I got there, I was embarrassed to ask where the chaffing gel was, so I aimlessly wandered around the store looking for it. Then I found it in the shoe section (explain that on to me!) where a strapping young man was working. He approached me and asked if I needed any assistance. My reply, "No thanks, I found the water bottles!" Then he went to the back to check something out for another customer and that's when I grabbed the chaffing gel and speedily walked to the front to check-out.

When I approached the registers, there were only males checking people out. Being embarrassed, I pretended to still need something and walked around for a bit, I do the same thing when I check out with a male and I'm buying tampons!

Upon my second walk around the store, I realized that the only person's thighs that don't touch are Twiggy's! When I got over myself, I went to the front and checked out.

Tomorrow, I will be going on an 8 mile run and will be testing this stuff out. Let's hope it works because it's painful when your legs rub together for long periods of time.

In a previous post, I mentioned the importance in keeping yourself hydrated and nourished. So while I was at Dick's I decided that I would try the jelly beans. They are made with jelly belly flavors! I tried the gels last time and I have never tasted anything so disgusting.

So with my 2 new products in hand, I left Dick's and will be testing them tomorrow.

Baking In Mama's Kitchen

As you may or may not know, my mom bakes cakes in spare time, simplycakesnmore.blogspot.com . A friend of mine ordered a cake from her and I got to help. This is not that story because Jessica still hasn't seen the cake, so I can't blow the surprise. But after helping my mom, I was inspired. 

So today, after sprucing up my blog and designing hers, I got bored and decided that I was going to make cupcake cones, like an ice cream cones but only stuffed cake and frosting.

Here is my version on how to make them.

 (DON'T try this at home)

Step 1: Make the cake batter.

Step 2: Bake!

Step 3: Make sure you have all of the supplies that you are going to need to make the desired product.

That's right, ladies and gentlemen. It wasn't until the cupcakes were in the oven that I realized that I didn't have flat bottomed ice cream cones, so I improvised. I used pointed cones. 

Step 4: Cut the tops off of the cupcakes and make the frosting (but try not to dye your fingers)

Step 5: Drop a dollop of frosting into the tip (like the chocolate at the bottom of a Drumstick). Then take the bottoms that you cut off and stuff the cone with the cake. After that, put a layer of frosting on the top (it will act as the glue for the top) and then place the top on the cone.

Step 6:Frost the tops of the cones. 

My recommendation: frost the cone tops before you put them on the cone, it makes it easier. Then decorate. 

However, once I completed the first cone, I realized I had nothing to hold these things. While I was trying to hold the cone, I was simultaneously trying to cut holes into a cardboard box. In the process of doing this, the top fell off (yes, mom, I cleaned it up!) and I had to start over.

I only completed 6 cones before I gave up and went to making regular cupcakes!

When I asked my mom about these things, she said there is an easier way to do these. Apparently, you can put the batter into the cone and bake them together.

 I guess I'll be keeping my day job!

How To Run Your Long Runs

For any long distance training program, the long run is essential. Along with being a very important part of your training efforts, it is also very important that you complete your long runs correctly. Yes, there is a right and wrong way to running or walking your weekly long efforts. And no better time than now to learn the correct way to run, as we are getting into some longer mileage. Whether you are someone who takes a little more time to complete your training sessions or someone who likes to finish your workouts as quick as you can and return to the warmth of your bed, all runners should run their long runs at the same “pace.”

That is not to say that someone who is able to run an 8-minute mile should slow down to run a 12-minute mile with his/her friend. You should be completing your long efforts at a “conversational pace.” In other words, you should be able to comfortably carry on a conversation throughout your long effort, even if you are training by yourself. Naturally, this may seem rather odd to passersby, so perhaps singing a song to yourself may seem more appropriate. Then again, you can always have fun with those you pass with some rather interesting conversation topics. Ask me for some good ones for your next run. ;)

By training at a conversational pace, you will get the most out of your long effort. The goal is to train your body to handle a good amount of time on your feet, and prepare you both physically and mentally for the rigors of a long distance race. Even if you can run 8-minute miles during your weekday runs of 3 or 4 miles, you will want to slow down a bit for your weekly long effort. Pushing yourself too hard too early in your training is just setting yourself up for trouble. Depending on your pace, and comfort level, try adding about 30 to 60 seconds per mile to your current weekday run pace. Better to add that time at the beginning of your run and throughout your long run, then to HAVE to add 3 or 4 minutes PER mile to your run for the last few miles of a 20-mile effort because you expended all of your energy too early. Your weekday runs and track workouts down the road are your opportunities to run at a more intense pace and to improve your speed, plus concentrate on other areas of running which we will discuss throughout the season.

A Mother's Heart

"The first day of summer break of 2006 Joshua awoke with what was thought to be the flu. Major complaints were a horrible headache and neck pain. His temp began to rise as the next few days passed and the head and neck only worsened. We visited a colleague of our pediatrician (ours was on vacation) who suspected a viral infection. 

As the next few days passed little things began to occur. Were they linked? The overprotective mother in me felt, "yes, they are". There were two days when Joshua's eyelids became really droopy. And leg pain! It seemed to be growing pains-felt only during the night hours, but really painful. 

Then one morning I awoke to his screaming from his bed. He was unable to even move his legs. I massaged them as I could and he fell to sleep, but only for a few minutes before his cries rang out again. We again visited a 2nd colleague who felt certain it was a virus. This particular virus would explain all symptoms, including the droopy eyelids.

Joshua was scheduled for an ophthalmologist visit to confirm suspicions. On the 10th day of Joshua feeling so horribly-headache, neck pain, leg pain growing worse each day- we finally spoke with our pediatrician who immediately called us in to her office. Joshua's name was called and as he walked in to the office he saw Dr. Campbell and an uncontrollable flow of tears began racing down his face. He hugged her tightly and said, I feel SO bad! He'd never cried like that!

I knew 2 things at that moment:
               1. Joshua was very, very sick.

               2. We had the perfect pediatrician for our son. He trusted her to make things right.

A very quick look at Joshua and a once over on the symptoms and we were immediately sent to the ED of Phoenix Children's Hospital. The doctor suspected viral meningitis and spoke of a spinal tap. If only his intuition had been right. The blood work results were in. 

Joshua was diagnosed with Acute Lymphatic Leukemia, one of the most common forms of childhood cancer. Statistics show an 80-85% chance of survival.

Waiting for their new puppy!

God, show us the way!!" 
-Meredith Gass

The Truth Is I'm Never Leaving You

We'll call this a continuation of "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" but this half is for my BOHers. 

CARLOS: I've had so much fun with you! As with Luis, its been GREAT to watch you become a MAN. I've seen you go from dating to married, from married to having a LITTLE girl and building a family! We've talked about so much and you are ALWAYS sure to let me know what's on your mind when it concerns those situations. You've always been sure to let me know when you don't like something! Please, NEVER lose that. Continue to be who you are. You are a great man with a BEAUTIFUL family!

CHUY: You are such a hard worker! You show up to work, ready to work, EVERYDAY. You have a impeccable work ethic that challenges me to want to do a better job, DAILY! Thank you for all the great laughs. Pei Wei, I love you!

JUAN: Two words come to mind when I think about you: Class Clown. You are always playing practical jokes. Keep that sense of humor up. It brightens up eveyones day.

DORIAN: Who am I going to practice my Spanish with?!? I'm very triste that about this. You, Dorian Illiana, are a beautiful MOTHER of 2. You love your family and will do ANYTHING to keep them together and I ADMIRE that about you. You do things that, maybe, you don't want to do but you know that you need to do to PROVIDE a great life for your children. That is a trait to be HIGHLY esteemed!

FATIMA: There is something to be said for women like you. Women like you go down in the "Hall of Fame of Moms!" You are a great mother, Fati. You are doing a great job raising Juanito and Lupita. You are KIND hearted, GENEROUS, and caring. You are the type of person who would give the shirt off of her back if someone NEEDED it, no questions asked. You are RELENTLESS in telling the truth. If I ever need to hear the truth about something, you are the one that I'm going to ask! If there were more people in the world like you, this world would be a better world. 

DORA: When I think about you, Dora, I think pillar of strength. I'm blown away by how close you are with your family. The way you are with your family is the way so many on-lookers wish they were with yours. 


I LOVE YOU ALL! And it was both a PLEASURE and an HONOR working with you!


 

Don't Cry For Me Argentina

s mentioned in a previous blog post, I am not longer working for Rumbi Island Grill. What's that you ask? Where will I be going?

Well, I am going to work for a concept called The YardHouse.

I am both nervous and excited about embarking on this new adventure. I am ready to be a little fish in a big pond again and going to work for this concept can certainly take care of that.

However, talking about the YardHouse is not the main purpose of this particular blog entry, we'll get to those details later.

Rather this entry is for my now former team members and co-workers. I'll start with my FOHers

AMANDA ANNE: You darling, are a BEAUTIFUL girl. You are INTELLIGENT and funny. I've had the opportunity to watch you "grow-up". We were lucky enough that your dad let you work for us at the TENDER age of 15 and now, here we are, 2 years later, and you're entering the NAVY. You will do an amazing job at serving our COUNRTY, that I have no doubts about. You FIGHT for the things that you want, although sometimes they might not be the things that you NEED (but you'll learn that with age). Amanda, if there is one thing that I want you to fight for, it's YOURSELF. Figure out the things are REALLY important to you and DEFEND those but don't let your TEMPER or EMOTIONS get the best of you. Go after the things that you really DESERVE and settle for NOTHING less.

ALEX: You weren't an employee of mine for very long, I knew you as a guest first! You are very PEACEFUL and CALM. From me to you, don't forget to let your FABULOUS personality shine through in every situation that you are in, it's what got you the job at Rumbi and I'm sure will get you MANY more. Trust YOURSELF and remember, it's okay to MISTAKES (in fact, most people expect them, that's how you learn!) Believe in yourself and others will believe in you!

AMY: I haven't know you very long either but from what I've observed, you are a very determined person. That determined spirit will take you far. Continue to "press on TOWARDS the goal!" (ooo, and the post card from Scotland, I still have it! It's my fav!)

BRITTNEY: Where do I begin with you?!? We met at Starbucks and at first, I thought you HATED me but then as time has passed, that's clearly not true! And while not much time has passed since we've "really" known each other, GIRL, I've seen you go through quite a bit of STUFF. First, you were a "damsel in distress," literally crying in the dinning room, and so we rescued you (and that was the best day EVER!)  Secondly, you had to ENDURE one of the most miserable months of being sick. After just those few things, I've come to know you even more and I am CONSTANTLY blown away by you! You have an enormous HEART and are so generous! You challenge me EVERYDAY, whether you know it or not, to put a smile on my face, no matter what! I always have a great time with you, talking "big girl talk" or just giggling like little school girls! Loves you!

DARIAN:  OOOO Darian. You APPRECIATE my child-like heart, need I mention the silly bands or Disney movies?! You could QUITE possibly be one of the coolest young ladies I've EVER had the pleasure of knowing. You are always joking around and having fun, you have a "California girl" way about you. As with a few of the other girls, I've seen you go through some stuff, as well. Remember when you THOUGHT your car was stolen?!? And then there is the whole topic of boys and girls and people SWITCHING schools. Drama, drama, drama. But in the midst of that RUBBISH, you stayed focused and VIRTUALLY unmoved, and for that girl, my hat is off to you! You are going to accomplish GREAT things with your LIFE and I hope that I am around to see that happen!

JACQUE: I started working here you leave the first time! You come back and it's a whole new world!  I've enjoyed the time that we have spent together. You WANT to learn and while you may not be in one place forever, you certainly want to do your BEST at what you are doing, that has been SELF- EVIDENT over the past few weeks. Keep up the GREAT work! You have faced some MASSIVE trials in the past 2 years and I've been there to watch you and your reaction to situations. These things have caused you to grow up and mature and in a sense "re-define" yourself. I see you, now, as a young lady who is learning what the IMPORTANT things in life are. As you figure those out, you are learning where to PLANT your feet on solid ground so that you can stand FIRM to defend those things. DON'T back down from those things and continue to plant those feet, but remember-be teachable, there's a balance! Thank you for all the laughs and great conversations that we've had!

LUIS: You like?!? You have to be the FUNNIEST person I've ever known! It has been great to watch you step up! You've really become a MAN in these past few years but this last year, in particular. Continue to LEARN! If you find yourself GROWING weary or bored, ask for a NEW learning experience. You are only going to go as far as you ALLOW yourself to go. You are YOUR biggest obstacle, right now. You have so much MORE to bring to the table (or offer) than you REALIZE . You have a great heart, Luis, guard it. Don't let people rob your joy! Be happy because you are who you are and don't let that be based on anything other than that, my love!

SARAH: I am so happy and BLESSED that Pastor Dan brought you into my life! You are a joy to have around. You DILIGENTLY seek after the heart of God and I am blown away by your FAITH. You are great example of what it means to be the "hands and feet of Jesus." I've had the honor of watching you ESTABLISH yourself as young woman. In the past year, you've moved to Mexico, went to Scotland, and now you are EMBARKING on a new adventure, by moving into your own place! I'm so excited for you and for the things that God has for you. Sarita, continue to be "a light in a dark world," it is an encouragement! Your faith INSPIRES!

Speed Racer (Flash): ummm....i worked 2 shifts with you. So not much to say but make sure you listening to Spoken!

B.MADD (Powder Puff): I'm sad at you and the fact that you weren't there to WITNESS my last day. It was not long ago that I WALKED into Starbucks and fell in love with you! You are peanut butter to my jelly, soy to my iced coffee, and new york to my tourist! I was always ELATED to work with you. You were always so APPRECIATIVE of the things that you were experiencing in the moment. If there is one MAJOR thing that I have learned from you, it is, just that. Enjoy everything that you have in your life and enjoy the moment you are in!

Eric: Last but not least. I could write a WHOLE blog entry about you. When we met, I knew virtually nothing about this industry, and while I'm still a PUP, I've certainly come a LONG way and that is thanks in part to you. You brought me under "your wing" and raised me up. You saw something in me, that I couldn't even see in myself. I've learned so much from you in the past couple of years ranging from business to a vast array of subjects. Thank you for taking the time to TEACH me and make a SOLID investment in me and in my life. I would not be where I am today without some of your MANY contributions to my career. I know that I am DIFFICULT at times (as are you!), STUBBORN, would be more appropriate, but as "iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." You have been there to support me, especially when I was in a "dark place". But you were PATIENT and waited for me to BOUNCE back. While to me, these two little words seem INSUFFICENT, I know that me simply writing about you in this blog and mentioning just a few things, that it means a lot to you. With that, THANK YOU!