California's Great America

Yesterday was a Great America kind of day!

This is my boyfriend, Kelvin

     I opened at my job so it was from 5:45am-10:30am and I really had nothing planned. Me & Kelvin have been trying to save money, so we don't go out too often. I had expected to come home and maybe watch movies at home or go bike riding in the area... you know, something free. However, I come home and what's waiting for me?? Season passes to Great America!! I know, I know, Great America is known for their overly expressive teens and "ghettoness" of the area but I thoroughly enjoy amusement parks for what they are and I'm pretty oblivious to the teens around me. 

     Anyways, we got there around 12 and paid $12 for parking. $12 for parking?! I think next time we'll park across the street for free and walk over there. Being an endurance athlete, that SHOULD be do-able... should be lol. So we get there and it's packed! There were a lot of teens (of course) but a lot of families were there too.. which is always refreshing to see people taking their kids out instead of plopping them in front of television on such a beautiful day.

Waiting in line :)

     When we got into the park, man has it changed! The last time I was there, possibly 5 years ago it was still Paramounts Great America with Nickolodeon and Sponge Bob and all that good stuff. Now, when we were there everything was Snoopy & Peanuts -- and it's called California's Great America! Instead of going straight to the season pass picture place, we went to go ride the Vortex (name is still the same) and the line wasn't that bad. We waited in line for maybe 10 minutes and in no time we were on the ride! I haven't been on a thrill roller coaster in a long time so by the time the ride was done my nervousness didn't have a moment to bubble. BUT! my god... that ride. I was banging my head on those side panel thingys so hard, I had a headache afterwards!

     All rides after the Vortex were kind of a blurr. They still have Great America Open Mic night and it was fun watching all the kids sing... and one drunk lady dancing in her bikini (not in shape but very confident or drunk). After that we watched a very cuteeee Ice show with Snoopy & the gang! I highly recommend everyone who's gonna go to Great America, should watch this show! I won't spoil the details, but it's fun for everyone!

Burritozilla!!

     We went home and wanted to have a good little dinner at the Sizzler, but the Sizzler in Santa Clara was packed! Unwavering, we headed to the Sizzler down the street from our house in San Jose and their power went out :( :( :(!!! All of a sudden, we decided to eat a Burritozilla from Iguanas... and we got it! lol That thing is no joke! I think it could feed a family of 4 with no problem! We ate about half of it and was stuffed! Instead of sleeping it off, we walked around the block and the sky was beautiful -- it was a lovely purplish pinkish color. Afterwards, we played Mario Kart on the Wii and went to sleep!

    No training on this day but I think that's essential to an athlete; to be able to know when to rest and not overwork the body. Nothing, including the body, can perform at optimal levels if it's put through too much work with no rest! With that piece of mind, I'm off to enjoy my Father's Day with Kelvin's dad (didn't find a father's day run in san jose). I hope everyone has a great Father's Day! 

Nutz Over Chocolate

Santa Cruz Half Marathon 2011 shirt!

I've created this blog to keep my writing skills from vanishing, weak attempt to blog on a regular, and to allow myself to remember why I love/hate running. I know it seems like I'm always so happy to go running with people or go running alone, but in all actuality... there are some days.. more like most days where I dread the thought of getting out of bed to do even a short run. Today was just one of those days. 


I woke up at 6:30am and immediately thought to myself, "ok.. time to do that 6 mile run. Well, maybe in 30 minutes." 



7:00am came and then I thought, "well, if I run now then I'm gonna be bored and I'm probably gonna take a nap before I register for classes ..." etc. etc. etc excuse excuse.



Finally, 7:30am came and by this time I was at mental warfare with myself. I didn't go running yesterday so it was crucial that I go running today or else my training plan would've been off. So then, I ate a Luna Bar (Nutz over Chocolate, yummy!) as a pre-workout snack and was off!




I went out for the 6 mile run and the weather felt a lot better than it looked -- HOT. I ran the first 3 miles a little slow and then the next 3 miles a bit faster. 




During the first 2 miles I considered turning back around because I couldn't keep up with my breath and I couldn't get myself to focus, I wasn't getting frustrated, I wasn't thinking at all *dazed look*. I finished 6.04 miles in 52:03 and I'm OK with that! haha



I'm not a fast runner, but I put my heart in my run and that's why I love the sport. If I just ran because I was fast and was constantly winning stuff, that'd be cool too but in running, I control my output. If I don't put 100% into a run, training, or race; I know that's because of my own choices and I'm only to blame if I don't feel good about the run. However, running is a lifestyle and sometimes as an American I don't know if I like that. Ideally, I want to stay fit with as minimal work as possible (who doesn't right?) but running is really hard work. Running is really step 3... step 1 & 2 are the worse! Step 1: convincing yourself mentally you need this run. Step 2: Getting dressed and opening the door! Sheesh! This sport, I love it & hate it but today it's more love. :)


Anyways,


I'm considering signing up for a race this Sunday for Father's Day, but I think I'll only do it if it's in SJ because barbecuing is in order for Kelvin's dad. Well, I think this a good first blog! See ya tomorrow!