A happy day

This morning I met up with my brother and his family at their hotel in La Jolla after picking up some yummy cranberry scones at Brick & Bell Cafe on Silverado. We had some breakfast before heading out to the zoo. It was my first time riding the bus for the tour at the zoo. Even though I am familiar with the layout, it was good to see the animals and a summary/preview of the days' events.

I went off to a tea party at a friend's place later, and it was good to have the girl talk with great food and the coconut and the rose champagne teas. We had some interesting conversations. Reluctant to leave and excited to return to seeing family, I back to the zoo to see the animals, Mr. Zoolittle, the view from the Skyfari, and also time at the Discovery Playground with Kristen, her folks, and her grandfolks.

Then a late dinner at the Fish Market on the water by the USS Midway.

Yeah, it was altogether happy.

P.S. Sam's not in the picture because he was replenishing our hydration cups before the bus tour.

A high

Went today after work to go bike shopping. Had been doing some online window shopping here & there since January. My trainer recommended UC Cyclery--and Dave helped me out. He has been working there for over 25 years. A snippet of advice from Je, and some from Pretty and ta dah! A white Specialized Vita Sport hybrid bike--the only one they had in stock in my size. I know the white is just asking for dirt and I would have loved to get an Elite.

(Is there such a thing as bike insurance?)

and I was able to get the bike rack I wanted. Yay!

Will test it out for a Sabbath jaunt among the paths tomorrow. Yay!

A Steady Pace

Spring forward. Indeed. My friend Victor had told me about the first San Diego Zoo Safari Park (formerly Wild Animal Park) Half-Marathon some months ago, and I signed up--even despite knowing that last night we lost an hour of sleep.

The stars were still brilliantly shining when I arrived at San Pasqual. I took a short nap while listening to Wally Lamb's The Hour I First Believed, chapter 31. Got my "racing" bib and checked in my gear.

When the opening sound to the run reverberated--just after a woman rendered the Star-Spangled Banner, the crowd began to move. I was in the bathroom and started 10 minutes late, but we were wearing a chip on shoe to accurately time our pace anyway.

I was very happy that I jogged most of the 13.1 miles. There was one long loop around and through the north part of the Park. I was looking for Victor, because he was about 5 minutes ahead of me at a 2-hour pace. He finished at just under 1:58.

The course was more hilly than I expected--it reminded me slightly of the mud run. I just walked those hills. Doing long distance run-walks are mainly "fun" for me. I don't do it to improve my fitness or my time. And I burst into song outloud--anything from "Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus" by PRISM to "Toxic" by Britney Spears, or "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" by Pet Shop Boys.

Jogging most of the way was a record for me. No shin splints. Slight tightening of my IT Band. But I made it--and spent the 1401 calories to do it. Thanks, God. You are my Rock.