Sailing to Catalina

Running LA & The Things It Taught Me

Ever since the holidays, my vacation to the Philippines, and the month nearing the LA Marathon, I didn't find the time to run/diet/train for the grueling challenge of 26.2 miles. Although it's completely out of character, perhaps I just didn't care enough to make the time... because even days prior to race day, I still kept making excuses to weasel my way out of it. It wasn't until my best friend and her mom yelled at me for backing out, did I gain the motivation to at least finish the course. With new long distance running shoes I bought at the expo, 150$ registration deep and bib checked out, I had no choice BUT to do it. 

I've never considered myself as an active runner & 26.2 miles is not an easy thing to do. Truth be told, it was one of the most physically challenging things I've ever done. But the people were inspirational and the journey throughout LA was the perfect depiction of why I love this city so much. Here's why:

1. The runners - there were at least 30,000 running this race. But unlike the SF Nike Run (where atleast 90% are women), I saw everyone here... little kids, groups of high schoolers, the blind runners, slim and overweight runners, and my favorite the 85 year old couples. Not only did I see everyone from all walks of life, EVERYONE was motivating each other throughout the course. Everyone was so friendly, inspiring, & motivating. It made each step that much more bearable and got me through the worst parts of the course at Mile 14 to 18 (where the heat was just RIDICULOUSLY HOT). It was probably the ONE TIME I was wishing the SF gloom would come down to LA.

2. The cheering sections in each leg of the race was as diverse as it can get. From China Town, to Hollywood, to Beverly Hills, to West Hollywood ... this is truly LA. You'll find yourself running through Chinese drummers and dragon dancers then miles later in a squad of drag queen cheerleaders. The LA area has a whole set of cultural differences that it was quite the journey running through all of that in a couple of hours. 

3. The Weather - I will complain about this due to the fact that I hate running outdoors when it's hot. More importantly, I hate sweating with clothes on. (If I could, I probably would've preferred to run naked). Battling the heat was the hardest challenge throughout this marathon. It was exhausting having to be under the sun and getting really bad tan lines. But HEY! That's beautiful, sunny LA for you! It was quite the scene when you'd be around the bend on your final mile and see Santa Monica Beach. My favorite area of all!

4. Running Meditation - This was a true testament of "trusting the process" & in this case, my body. Running marathons is definitely a mind over matter scenario. However, this was a great exercise to learn how to be super attentive to my body and its needs. If I needed to stop, I had to. I had to stretch before I completely cramped. Drink water before I became dehydrated. I became very good at enjoying the journey, taking things in stride, just worrying about the next steps, and being responsive to the struggles that happened "in the moment". I kept setting small goals for myself at each 5 mile mark. Somehow, I found myself at the 20 mile mark and realized how far I'd gone already. 

 

My best friend knew that I'd follow through with my run and I wouldn't regret it. (She is my best friend for a reason!) Although I'd like to say I feel super accomplished, I wouldn't necessarily say I felt AS EMPOWERED as my previous half marathons. Maybe it was my emotional and physical investment put into this race (or lack thereof) making me feel this way. That or by some miracle and my ability to mentally rough through the pain, I was able to "get by". Nonetheless, in a million years did I ever think I'd ever complete a full marathon. But I can definitely say I successfully finished one & on my home turf!

Bucket List #204: Run a Full Marathon

Swimming with Dolphins in Subic

I spent the rest of the week attempting to work out but just being taken out by family to eat. ALL THE TIME. It’s a bit ridiculous how much food and rice they serve us here. But it was nice to spend time with family… & to think, I still haven’t seen all of them yet!!! I am primarily staying and spending a majority of time with my dad's side of the family. 

On Friday the 24^th, my Lawyer cousin, aunt and uncle went to this city called Subic to go do some ocean/tree top adventures. RJ and I swam with the dolphins (one of my bucket lists!). Then we watched this acrobat show where I was forced to mimic some dance moves and do the limbo in front of a bunch of people. Pretty embarrassing making me twerk like Miley. Then, we did some ziplining and did this thing called the tree drop, where they hang us flat 60 feet in the air and just drop us. It was tons of fun and pretty exciting.

BUCKET LIST #91: Swim with DOLPHINS! :)

International Weddings

My first week in the Philippines was full of weddings, like I had previously mentioned. It was really cool to witness a wedding & a 25th wedding anniversary within a week. I was invited to a 50th wedding anniversary last week but I was in Palawan so I wasn't able to attend. Both were so drastically different but pretty awesome nonetheless.

I arrived at the house and had an hour or two to prepare for Mayor Edwin and Janet’s 25^th Wedding Anniversary. My parents had prepped me to believe that this was an extravagant wedding and it sure was. The roads were blocked and school was cancelled for half a day to accommodate for guest parking at the church. I was astounded to see lines of people along the streets just to catch a glimpse of the magnificent event that was about to unfold.

I entered Saint Andrews, a rustic old exterior but a bejeweled altar stood tall inside. The backdrop bordered in gold and the church overflowing with flowers. This was the church where my parents and other family members got married.

As the guests settle into their seats and the entourage of notable congressman/woman and politicians make their way through the aisle, I realized that marriage isn’t just a relationship between two people. If done correctly, it’s a love that expands to everyone they meet - a shared gift for the family and community.  As everyone gathers for this renewal of their vows, it’s proof of celebration and commitment. Love inspires.

 

My cousin’s wedding was also pretty nice. Aside from the glamorous fireworks, lakeside villa, infinity pool and the likes, the best part of the weekend was during the wedding ceremony. As the doors open for the bride, I turn to see my cousin, Kuya Matt, shedding tears as he sees her walking down the aisle. It was a bit crazy to see because my cousin is a classy flirt and has dated some really sweet girls, as well as, socialites. Good for her to be able to get him to settle down. Haha, that isn’t an easy thing to do.