Color Run San Diego 2012

This weekend was the Color Run in San Diego. It was the first 5k I've ever participated in. Although I didn't run much of it, I felt it was definitely worth my time. It was so much fun running through all the different color stations and then enjoying the color party at the end with my girlfriends. Sometimes it's difficult to find inner peace with life constantly moving at such a fast pace but Saturday I felt better. I was around positive people and I was having so much fun. I forgot about my miserable week of eating candy and drinking Diet Coke and I was just happy. Ahh... inner peace. I loved having my friend Nicole out here from Hawai'i for the Color Run. Girl time at it's best!

 

An amazing weekend full of fun, laughter, and color! What more could a girl ask for?

Btw - I'm back. For good! New layout, new blog name, new approach. Hope you stick around for the fun.

Love,

About My Hiatus

Hanging out in sunny Los Angeles with my best friend, Vicki (later that night those wedges broke, haha, more on that later!)

Oh, hello there. It's me! I'm alive and well. August, like I stated before, was crazy. I worked 7:30am to 4:00pm but I usually didn't leave work until 4:30pm! Then I had to go to the gym or training and then go home and make dinner and then get ready for bed. I was definitely thrown off my morning routine and I found it difficult to find time for myself. Self-care is so important when we're talking about health and wellness. In an attempt to self-care, I spent my weekends out with friends or in bed. 

At the end of August I decided that I needed to do something different for my workouts. I've been talking to my sister about Crossfit and I've decided to take the scary leap into it. With that being said, I had to make my last day at Fitness Together September 4th. I was sad to leave and also a little nervous. It was strange to know that the place and people who have been supporting me for the past six months would no longer be there anymore. My trainer, Palani, said I could go to him whenever I needed and this made the transition a bit easier for me. Closing one door and opening another. Let the adventure begin! 

Speaking of adventures, within the past week I was able to go on two mini trips with some of my closest girlfriends. On Thursday, I went to Santa Monica for a free show and on Saturday and Sunday I was in LA for my friend's friend's short film premier. They each deserve their own entries so I don't want to share too much. August and the beginning of September have been really fun. I felt happy and free and really blessed. 

Now that August is over, I plan on stopping by here more often. I have so much to say and so many pictures to share. It only seems right! 

Until next time, keep smiling! 

"Take a Hike" Saturday: Kwaay Paay Summit (Mission Hills Trails)

Last Saturday, I went to Mission Hills with Jessica and Maricela. I was really excited to get out of the house and explore. This time I decided not to bring Junior (my dog) because I didn't want to deal with ticks. However, Jessica brought Stella and she was a great motivator. Every time someone fell behind she would stop and wait. It was really funny. We first attacked the first hill I ever hiked at Mission Trails. We got up in no time and I was in shock. I was telling Jessica how the last time we went up that hill I felt like it took forever. I also wasn't as exhausted as the first time I got up that hill. 

After the hill we took a side trail that didn't really lead anywhere so we turned around and decided to go up to Kwaay Paay Summit. That was an intense hike. We kept comparing it to Cowles Mountain. The hills were very steep and took a lot of work to get up. We were hoping the trail would go up and then down toward the Visitor's Center but on the way up, we spoke to some fellow hikers who said the summit was the end and that we would have to go back down. Although it wasn't what we had hoped, we were ready to get to the top. Once up there, I was excited - dripping sweat and covered in dirt! I stood around at the top for as long as possible because I had to mentally prepare to go back down. The hike down was rough but it was very rewarding because it reminded me of how much my fitness levels have changed. Two hours later - it was time to head home for some SUSHI! 

Stella getting pumped for the hike!

The infamous hill! This was the first hill I hiked at Mission Trails. 

This sign is very confusing. Where exactly am I going?

Jessica is always head of us! Maricela and I gotta keep up!

A cute little bridge off our path.

Up, up and away we go!

New trail for us.

Steep, steep hills.

Looking out at Mission Trails and the 52.

Near the top! You're** I wanted to edit this so badly!

We heard that on a clear day the view is spectacular.

I'm on top of the world, hey! (Imagine Dragons got me up to this point)

Jessica lookin' cute and not a sweaty mess at all!

A little creature that Maricela spotted. I tried to get closer but it ran away.

845 calories - gone! Woo!

I'm really loving my Saturday hikes. I can't wait until I get to go on harder trails. I look forward to the challenges! 

Until next time, keep smiling! 

Sunday Weigh-in 010

Week ten people! I am on week ten. This week's weigh in isn't the best since it's a gain but I decided that I can't be upset if the scale goes up. It's going to happen from time to time so I can't make myself upset over it. It's not fair to my mind or body.

THIS IS OKAY, KRISTEN!

This week was especially difficult for me. I was disheartened on Friday when I realized how sad I've felt all week. I felt heavy and unmotivated which is weird because the scale was slightly lower and I found myself exercising every day this week. Training for my 5k is becoming more difficult by the day and I don't know if it has anything to do with how fatigued my body felt this week. However, what I did learn this week is that I need to give my body a rest. Last Sunday, I ran/walked around my neighborhood even though I wasn't suppose to train that day.

This Sunday I decided to take a break. I went to brunch with my family and then headed out to Balboa Park with my friend, Victoria. It was a great way for me to clear my head and refocus for the week. August is going to be really busy at work and I'm not looking forward to the tiredness I am going to feel this month.

Victoria enjoying the sun (or lack of underneath the trees).

Me staring into the sun. The sun is a great way to instantly make yourself feel better. It seems to refresh me and help me refocus myself. There's nothing better than enjoying what nature has to offer. 

Listening to planes overhead. Never forgetting that we're in the middle of a city. 

Rex watching us paint. 

The relaxation I enjoyed today put a lot of things into perspective. My friend Victoria has such an amazing way with words and I am so happy to have someone like her in my life. Sometimes when you're feeling down about life, or your goals, it's great to be able to openly talk about it with someone who can help give insight. Victoria understands my lack of motivation and the fact that I'm upset because I'm not noticing changes right now. However, she helped me realize that I am changing in ways that aren't obvious right now. We discussed my eating habits and the fact that I track calories. She also reminded me that I'm working out everyday. These are things I know and sometimes deny but they're true! I am working hard, harder than I ever have before. 

Until next time, keep smiling! 

"Wicked," baby!

Last Saturday I was fortunate enough to see "Wicked" with Jessica. It was such a fun experience. We both decided to get dolled up for the occasion. Anytime I can whip out my red lipstick, I know it's going to be a good time! There's something about red lipstick that makes me feel sexy. Did I just say "sexy"? Yes I did! But anyway, after our hike that morning, Jessica and I rushed home and rested for the evening's events. Our seats were in the way back (waaay back) but it was okay because we rented binoculars for $5. Not bad on top of our $32 dollar tickets. The songs and acting were great, I was singing "Popular" in my head all week. After the play we went to sushi and I indulged in a couple of drinks. 

Trying to look cute! This was the first time I wore these wedges that I found at Ross!

A close up of my necklace and red lips. 

At Civic Theatre in Downtown San Diego!

Jessica matched the parking garage!

Jessica looking cute in her dress outside the theatre.

Inside the lobby.

Inside the theatre. That dragon was only used once which I found strange since it was a focal point during the whole play!

Adjusting the binoculars before the show begins!

And I'm just being goofy before the show begins... 

Definitely a fun night for me! I need to think of something to reward myself with once I get to the 200's. I'm getting there before September... or at least, that's what I'm challenging myself to! 

Until next time, keep smiling. 

"Take a Hike" Saturday: Scripps Coastal Reserve/Beach

The girls and I headed out for our Saturday hike and originally, we were suppose to go to Torrey Pines. I was slightly disappointed when I pulled up to the window and was asked for $15. I refused to pay the prices so we drove around to see if we could find some free parking. No luck! I quickly pulled out my phone and found another trail near by. Scripps Coastal Reserve here we come! While the view was very pretty I wasn't very happy with this trail, as it was literally a circle... a short 20 minute walk. The fog was rolling in making it a bit eerie but that's about it. I guess I should have stopped to read all the ecological signs but I wanted to get my heart rate up. It just wasn't happening with this trail... 

Hello little bunny!

We were on our way out when I decided to walk further down the street to look at houses (one of Jessica's favorite things to do!) That's when we stumbled upon an entrance to the beach. It was a downhill walk on a winding road with beautiful scenery. Jessica mentioned that it looked like Hawaii and I agreed. The whole way down I was looking forward to walking back up the hill because I knew it was going to be killer!

Made it down the hill!

This was a private residence. I thought it was a cool backdrop because it looks so sci-fi! How appropriate with Comic Con in town!

Jessica leading the way up the hill! She was tough to keep up with.

There she goes!

A cool view of the winding road.

This was a pretty decent hike because we were rewarded with a nice stroll on the beach. The hill was tough and got my heart rate up. I love when my heart is pounding and I'm dripping sweat. It feels like a mini-victory every time. 

Until next time, keep smiling.