LAST DAY OF 2011!!!

Great day so far. I had my last run of 2011. 2.5 miles completed...I cooked breakfast...made tamales...cleaned half of my stove with baking powder. Who knew baking powder can clean your stove better than bleach.

Heading to the strip to check out the scene for one hour. Then its off to a nice dinner and then home to watch fireworks on TV. Then enjoy some late night tamales with chili con queso.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I will be hitting the Gym tomorrow at noon for a boot camp at 24 hours fitness.

Be safe!!

RUNNING AGAIN!!

Great morning so far but it all started because of my workout last night. I hit the gym for a cycling class with an awesome Dance instructer turned Spin instructer Rawlins Apilado. Plus an extra hour of cardio.

Well, somehow I signed up for a 6:00 am conference call for my last day of work this week but to my amazement I awoke refreshed and ready to take them on. After the call I was still full of energy after my cup of amazing coffee I decided to break in my new running shoes for the season and completed a nice 2 mile run.

I love these shoes. I didn't think that I would be able to run in Lunar Glides because I'm a major pronator but my ankles felt pretty good after 2 miles. I picked a good new shoe for a new season.

WEEKLY RUN TALLY: 3 Miles

TOOTLES....

NEW YEAR IS LOOMING!!

Okay, so what is happening in life? It just occured to me this morning while preparing for my training session with my new trainer (yes, another trainer) that this is my 20th year post high school. Yep, that's right I graduated high school in 1992 and as I stated in that year that I was actually going to miss high school. I still do! In fact what I would give to be back in that year.

Anyhow, I'm still trucking along. Not hitting any additional weight goals but I did complete my 7th half marathon on December 4th, 2011 in Las Vegas, NV. It was the first ever night marathon with over 44,000 participants. My gift to my cousin (Monica) was the entry for this race which I believe is the most expensive of all Rock 'n Roll Marathon series. It was crazy and a hot mess BUT it was still fun. I mean when else can you be running in the middle of Las Vegas Blvd. at night with no cars in site. So many people complained about the race but either way it was a success. To those that got sick "Stop blaming Competitor and take responsibility that you just didn't train for the race". I feel that I can say that because I didn't properly train for the race and I thought my feet where going to detach from my ankles. But I survived and sprinted across the finish line.

Well, I'm not going to be posting in my Facebook or anywhere else that I'm writing on my blog until I have been updating for more than a month. I have been way too fickle on this commitment of mine so we'll see how long this lasts.

Artie, get it together woman. No more excuses.

Tootles...for now!

TGIFRIDAY....GREAT RUN THIS MORNING

I'm a little happy today and finishing the 3.1 miles was not as painful today at Wednesday. It could be because the heat and humidity was very light today and there was an amazing breeze. Also, I slept in just a little. There were so many people out there running today it was amazing to be part of the crowd.

Well, I'm looking forward to a great weekend. I work on Saturday and Sunday will be family day. I'm trying to decide if I should try for a 7-day stretch at Memorial Park. Hmmm How bad do I want this accomplishment. I think Bad Enough!! It is a possibility. Stay tuned.

Have a great Friday and please enjoy your weekend. We work too much not to enjoy the fruits of our labor!!

TOOTLES...

WEEK 12 TALLY: 13.8 MILES

DRAMA IS AFFECTING MY RUNNING BLISS...

I don't know what it is about this week but I just can't find my running groove. Almost everyday has been a challenge and this morning my mind was just racing with things I need to do today. I was also thinking damn...get it together already.

Anyway, gotta get back to the grind. I encourage everyone to have a great Thursday. Tomorrow is FRIDAY!!!

We all deserve a DRAMA FREE LIFE!! I thank god everyday for the good people in my life that bring me sanity.

Love & Prosperity to All! TOOTLES...

WEEK 12 TALLY: 10.7 MILES

FINDING TIME...TO RUN...TO WORK...TO LIVE!

Yesterday, was a little nuts. I'm running a project in Houston and I feel like I'm totally behind but its because I'm still running another state (Nevada) and a project or two that come with it. Also, in Houston I'm working on state plans and just overall administrative duties that we all know can take lots of time.

So yesterday I left the house 30 minutes late and after a dragging 2 mile run I had to walk another mile to get to the car and I had no time to make it to the gym to change before my morning conference call. I thought throughout the day that I would once again hit the 24 hour to get in a regular workout with weights etc but I don't leave the office until after 8:25 pm. WTH!! This is an off-year. I know that we are gearing up for the 2012 season but really. So I didn't make it to the gym because I would at least like to spend 15 minutes with my nephew before he goes to bed.

This morning I left the house at a usual 6:30 got to the park by 7:20. I finished my run just before 8:00 am. Just enough time to hit the gym and Starbucks for my usual coffee. Now it takes me 20 minutes to start and post this blog now I can get my day started with past due task items.

I know I shouldn't be complaining when there are plenty of mothers out there that somehow find the time (or not). And I have no kids to pick up from the sitters or to take a bath and get to be by a certain time. Or a husband to cook dinner for. But I can't help it. Why am I working so much? Why is there so much on my plate? I will say that I am happy to be spending this time in Houston and somehow it's actually helping stick to a regiment even if it's only been a week.

WE NEED TO STOP LIVING TO WORK AND JUST WORK TO LIVE!!

Until Tomorrow...TOOTLES

WEEK 12 TALLY: 8.2 MILES

HOUSTON HUMIDITY IS A KILLER!!

OMG!! Yesterday after work I went 24 hour fitness and did a quick half mile run and an hour workout. Legs, arms, chest, back and abs. Ouch!! Lots of stretching. Damn I miss the foam roller.

This mornings run was so hard. My t-shirt was soaked after half a mile. I only finished 2 miles I had to stop and walk. I mean really this is another reason I never moved back to Houston. Now when I get back to Vegas I'm going to get sick because it's so dry there. Going from one type of climate to another.

71% Humidity...Kills your RUN!! GGEERRR!!!

Anyway, so I had 'my fit FOODS' and it was awesome. Great tasting chicken and veggies. I'm wondering if I can develop a business plan to bring it to the west coast. Although I'm sure there are similar type of shops in CA already. Maybe not in Vegas. hmmm Need to take a business class.

Well, today will be a busy one so gotta get back to it. My run made me so late that I didn't have time to hit the gym and shower. I'm glad I have a job that I can show up in my running gear. YEAH!!! No meetings please. This will be helpful because afterwork I don't have to change to hit the gym again. YEAH!! :-)

TOOTLES...

WEEK 12 TALLY: 5.1 MILES

WEEK 12 - FEELING BETTER..

Today is the first day of Week 12 and I'm feeling a little better. I can't lie this morning I was feeling a little sluggish. Got to Memorial Park at 7:20 (had to stop for gas & water). I was exhausted after a weekend of work and nephew time. Then I asked myself, How are you exhausted when you didn't workout all weekend? I mean it wasn't like I just sat on my ass and did nothing but I sure as hell didn't run on Saturday or Sunday.

So, I got my fat ass out of the car and started stretching...and stretching....and stretching until it was time to start running. That last mile was hard but I kept going. I started out a little faster than usual and kept up that pace for 1.5 miles but then slowed down. I finished and I have no idea what my time was because my cell phone is on the fritz again. I can't seem to use the touch screen. UGH!!

I hit Starbucks and found a place called 'my fit FOODS' It is a store of prepackaged meals. I think I'm in love at first sight. But I will wait until I taste it. I bought a Chicken & Veg lunch and a Chicken & Veg dinner. Looking forward to it.

Will let you know how it goes...Hoping to hit the gym after work. I hope I'm not that exhausted, I'm a little behind at work but that's because I'm working two states and well...just too much!!

TOOTLES...

WEEK 12 TALLY: 3.1 Miles

RUNNING OUTSIDE CLEARS THE MIND AND LUNGS!!

As I sit here at the Houston office drinking my protein shake (& my Starbucks) I was trying to think when was the last time I felt this invigorating feeling. I mean even though I'm beginning to get very clumsy dropping cinnamon all over my phone and keys, leaning up against the car to get something out of my workout bag or forgetting to grab that one thing I need to email someone about (which I still need to do) and dropping my phone three times within 15 minutes.

In all seriousness, after work I went to Memorial Park to run the loop which is exactly 3.1 miles (that's what I've been told but my MapMyRun said 2.90 & NikeRun said 3.1) and I finished under 12 min per mile. It felt great afterward singing out loud (I know I'm not the only one) and full of energy. So this morning I woke up and said "Let's do this Artie" and made my way to Memorial Park again for another run. While it felt great to get back outside in the morning (morning runs are the best) it seemed a little harder this morning. None-the-less i finished the 3.1 miles and was very happy with myself. I can't remember the last time I ran 6 miles within 12 hours.

So now that I'm running again i can ruin my diet. Last night I bought the best protein for shakes Gold Standard Whey (Delicious Strawberry) and this morning hit the Target got a Mango fruit mix (pineapples & strawberries), Soy Milk (light vanilla) and Zone bars (strawberry yogurt). My mother bought me this Magic Bullet blender wannabe and voila I had my morning shake. Ingredients: 1 Cup of Soy Milk (70 calories), 1 Cup of frozen fruit (70 calories) and 1.5 scoops of Protein (165 calories). Woot Woot!!

FUNNY Pic of the Month!! OMG - I walked into Starbucks and what do I see a woman with a full head of pink rollers. I had to take a picture and share it. LOL Who does that?? (she does)

Alright...Go Have a Great Day!!

TOOTLES...

WEEK 13 TALLY: 10.2 Miles (back on track baby!)

WHAT IS UP WITH HOUSTON? POST OAK 24 HOUR FIT?

So, I landed in Houston yesterday and it has been a little crazy!! I can't believe I didn't post anything yesterday.

But let me just say...what happened to my city? There are lots of people and is it just me or did everyone just get rude over the last 15 years?

Yesterday, I landed at Hobby (BTW this airport got a major face-lift) and went straight to work.

At 6:30 I made my way to 24 hour fitness Post Oak and my recommendation is STAY AWAY!! This is by far the worst 24 hour fitness locations. I have been to a lot of 24 hour gyms including the Active level ones and even those for their size and expectations are decent. The 24 hour on Post Oak was just not enjoyable.

At first glance I thought WOW...they have valet from 4 - 8pm but then I walk in they say hello, I say hello and key in my number. I walk over to the where the drinks are pick out a water (they don't have DASANI what a disappointment) and try to walk to the counter but it turns out they have a store within the gym. This means I can't buy my water with my easy pay access. I decide to forgo the water (i had no cash..UGH) and I start making my way to the locker room and I get yelled out by the staff in a TX twang "Ma'am did you sign in" - I reply in the same tone "Yes, I did" - then a second staffer standing right next to him yells louder (because i've gotten further from the counter) - "Ma'am did you sign in" - "Yes, I did" - "What's your name?" - "Blanco" - "Your first name" - "My last name is Blanco" (people have problems pronouncing my first name) - "What is it?" - "My last name is Blanco - she checked me in on the first key pad". I mean really?? If you would have paid attention when I said hello then we wouldn't be having this shouting match over other gym goers.

Finally, I went into the locker rooms and it looks like the lockers from my high school locker room. I mean I understand you can't change that '80s tile over night but damn you could at least change out the lockers to the new ones. I've been to other gyms that were converted from a similar gym in the Fort Worth area and my regular Rainbow 24 hour in Las Vegas but really give this place a face-lift. You must have enough gym goers if you have valet to help park people's cars.

All I'm saying to 24 Hour Fitness - this experience will not change my membership but let me just tell you as a regular this gym gets the worst grade from me. Maybe that's why there is another gym only 3 miles away from this one. Seriously...get it together!!

Anyway, I did run yesterday at the gym but it was short lived I had a conference call at 7:30. So far I have only missed Tuesday. Today is Thursday and I am ready to hit Memorial Park. The last time I was here I was driving by and saw so many runners doing their thing. So, it's now gonna be my turn. I will be in Houston until September 21st so I should be able to enjoy a daily run at Memorial except maybe Sundays. I just need to find the perfect spot to park and run. Can't wait.

TOOTLES....

WEEK 13 TALLY: 4 miles (eek!!)

WEEK 13 - BRING IT ON!!

As you can tell I am counting down from week 14 to week 1 Las Vegas Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon on Sunday December 4th. 90 Days to Run Day!!

Woke up this morning had a peach that I bought from the farmers market and realized that it was Monday, Labor Day! The last day of summer (although if you live in Las Vegas like I do it will feel like summer for another month or two). Then it dawned on me that I put the wrong tally on last nights post. What the Heck was going on in my mind.

This morning is a little cloudy in LA so I decided to hit the We Ho 24 Hour Fitness on Santa Monica with the boys of boys town and the old Jewish ladies of luxury (and other stragglers such as myself as well). I had a great hard 3 mile run on the treadmill. I seriously thought I wasn't going to make it. I was holding on for dear life in that last mile running a 6.0. Geez I really need to get it together. I used to be able to run 3 miles at 6.0 without much major strain. But that's what happens when you lose your way. Don't fret I can't bitch about it if I'm not doing anything about it. Suck it up Artemisa. This ain't your first rodeo. LOL

It is time to reward myself with a Grande Soy Vanilla Latte no foam with Cinnamon and a cup of fruit. Generally I would get a protein plate or a scone but I'm looking forward to my protein shake at home with fresh raspberries and blond raspberries from the market yesterday.

BTW STARBUCKS NEWS ALERT!! Today is the last day of the TREAT RECEIPT! For those of you that are not a regular Starbucky that means that when you buy a coffee on your receipt if you return to Starbucks you can get a Grande cold drink for $2.00. That could be a savings of up to $3.00. So if you are out and about today take advantage of the LAST DAY OF SUMMER STARBUCKS TREAT RECEIPT! Treat yourself for that last workout or for all that extra work you have been doing this summer. Go ahead you deserve it!! (TIP: Go easy on the whip and caramel)

Well, it's my last day in LA before heading back to Vegas only to leave for Houston for work. I will see my fellow Texans running in Memorial Park or the 24 Hour Fitness on Elgin & Louisiana! (best gym in Houston).

TOOTLES...

WEEK 13 TALLY: 3 Miles

DOING IT LA STYLE...

My Sunday started with a 2 mile run and good weight training workout at an awesome 24 Hour Fitness on Sunset and Ivar. It's where the great Archlight Cinema. It was actually a spectacular gym with the swimming pool on the main level.

After the gym I noticed a Farmers Market across the street. It is by far the best farmers market that I've ever been too.

There was fruit, veggies, flowers, figs, live music, nuts, juice, jams, grilled.foods, unique fruits, seafood and meats. Yep, butchers at a farmers market. It was a little different.

The atmosphere was great and the fruits amazing. I'm a sucker for raspberries, strawberries and peaches. Didn't get to buy any plums or better yet a green plum. Wow! That was great tasting fruit.

Next time if you find yourself in LA and you want to drive down Sunset be sure to stop by. Also, they were handing out announcements for the Santa Monica farmers market festival happening Sept. 16-18. Eating fresh fruit!

TOOTLES...

WEEK 14 TALLY: 10 Miles - Gonna try to hit Venice again tomorrow for final run of the summer

WOW...VENICE BEACH IS STILL HAPPENING!!

Today started out pretty good. I had plans to hit the We Ho 24 Hour Fitness but instead I just chilled chatting with my BF. Until we both realized how hungry we were and it was time to introduce me to Tommy's Original Burgers. Apparently, another So Cal burger thing, like In & Out. But these burgers are smothered in some soy looking meat product chili. At first I thought sure a chili hot dog with no cheese that's better than a burger right. OMG! If it brings back the memories I'm glad it can make people food happy.

After yesterday's run I got it in my head that I was gonna go to the beach today to run. This afternoon (after the chili dog settled like a brick) it was time to hit the beach. Thinking of all the things we have seen and heard about Venice Beach since I was kid, I thought maybe it's not like that anymore. I WAS Wrong! Yes, I said it. I admit when I'm wrong. It just so happens it doesn't occur very often. Anyhow!

So, I'm approaching the beach and it is crowded with people. I see the pier and the minute I step on it I hit the MapMyRun app on the phone and start down the pier. OMG talk about running into the wind. I hit the end and circled the benches and made my way back to land. It was an awesome view. People walking everywhere. Rugrats (I mean kids) running around getting in my way. I then start at the beginning of the bike path. People it is painted that it is for bikes only why do you insist on having you and your entire family walk like turtles down the bike path. And you get annoyed when someone says "On Your Left".

Anyhow, during my 2 mile run I saw the crowd surrounding the basketball courts that still trys to prove that "White Men Can't Jump" well some can. Then there was the skate park, oh where the kids with cuts and bruises are on their boards trying to be another Tony Hawk or Mark Gonzales. Then there was the THROW BACK skate park where the older skaters are on the old school roller skates dancing and doing hand stands to good 'ole school jams. I had to take out my ear piece to hear the music and the spectators yelling and joining in on the sidelines.

I finished my two miles and thought why not keep going but then I remembered don't over do it. Take your time then I thought is that Santa Monica Pier? Can I really run all the way to the big ferris wheel. At that point I stopped and turned around trying not to get hit by a family of bike riders. I decided to pull over and take off my shoes and socks. I started towards the ocean and just walked the 2 miles back to where I started. It was so great to feel the salty cold water reach my toes then my calves. Back to the BEACH!

Didn't see the muscle beach but ladies hold on because let me tell you the Baywatch is still in full effect at Venice Beach. I saw a Lifeguard in action. He was running to save some young kids that were just too far out into the ocean. He jumped into the water and started diving into the water coming up for air quickly then returning into the ocean. He was like a dolphin but only hotter. WOW! I was walking it was as if I was an extra in a Baywatch episode. There were three other lifeguards watching the action unfold. The kids where safe and the HOT Hero walked tall.

Lastly, I just have to say to the CA runners...this is an advantage that you have. If I lived close to the beach I would be running along the ocean as much as I could. I was so inspired by the other beach runners that I broke out into a quarter mile run along the beach barefooted. It was exhilarating!! That's the only way to describe it. All I have to say is I WANT MORE VENICE BEACH! Next time I'm actually going to check out all of the tents shops along the way back. And who knows...I think its time for some tattoos (henna! y'all know I'm not ready to make that kind of commitment to ink).

TOOTLES...

WEEK 14 TALLY: 8 Miles

SAN MANUEL AND TICKETMASTER CAN EAT DIRT!!

Are you kidding me?? WTH I downloaded the Blogger ap on my fancy phone and took like 10 minutes typing a long post and it didn't save it or post it. It apparently foreclosed!!! I have 7 minutes to post before midnight!!

 

Well, here is the paraphrased version.

 

First, today I ran two miles after many hours of work starting early in the morning.  I ran at La Cienega Blvd. in LA near the Bev Center. I don't like running on tracks because dirt gets all in your shoes and makes everything dirty.  That was at the La Cienega park. Annoying!!

 

Anyhow, the reason that San Manuel Casino and Ticketmaster can EAT IT is because I was all set to go to a 30 Seconds to Mars concert this evening.  How? Well my broyfriend's daughter really loves this band.  (BTW the lead singer is Jared Leto - do you remember him?  He was on My So Called Life with Claire Danes and a couple of movies).  ANYWAY!

 

I started the traffic batte of LA from 3:30 and finally reached the San Manuel casino at 6:58 pm.  Just in time to get the tickets buy a shirt and head into the concert.  BUT NO!!!  We start walking into the casino and a county police officer decides to ask for ID and well informs us that no one under the age of 21 is even allowed onto the Casino Property.  WTH??!! Are you kidding dude??

 

So, I bought the tickets on TicketMaster and nowhere did it say you had to be 21 to attend the concert. WHAT BS!!  And the Casino folks couldn't refund me because I bought them from TicketMaster.

 

LESSON!! Don't go to San Manuel Casino- They aren't a real Casino.  The Real Casinos are in Vegas!!

 

WEEK 14 RUN TALLY: 6 Miles...

 

TOOTLES...UNTIL TOMORROW

13.5 WEEKS TO RUN 13.1 MILES

Yep, its been almost an entire year since I last blogged. But hey someone was a little busy with campaign season and all. 2010 was an important election year for Nevada. Yep, I'm still in Las Vegas.

Anyhow, back to the subject at hand. It is midnight on Wed. wait is it Wed or Thurs? I mean if it is technically Thursday but then again its Wednesday night. Oh let's just move on...I'm getting s headache typing this while lying in bed with one finger. (No not that finger).

I decided to download the Google Blogger app and voila I'm updating my first blogpost since 9/26/10. Wow I think that's the week after I met my boyfriend. (We'll save that story for a later post). And here I am trying to get back to the business if running. Big Girl Running!!


So, I'm finishing my post on the laptop. Monday I hit the gym and ran two miles.  Yesterday, I did the math and realized that I am 13.5 weeks from my next scheduled half marathon of 13.1 miles.  UGH!! Gotta get it together.

So today I ran two miles and will start tracking my weekly / daily mileage.  So I can be ready to ROCK the Vegas Strip at night in December! Looking forward to match or beat my 2009 Vegas Half Marathon time of 2:39 (my 1st half marathon ever). I have to keep in mind that Vegas is a flat course so while I set get back in the groove of my running I have to be in better shape than I was in 2009 to beat that time. YIKES!

Well, more entries to come!! Let's see how long you can keep it up Artemisa! LOL TOOTLES...

WEEK 14 TALLY: 4 miles
Aug. 29 - Sept. 4