A High Thanksgiving

Started my favorite holiday right by running a 5k in the Nitro Turkey Run  in beautiful Point Pinole with great friends.  In support of the Foodbank for Contra Costa and Solano County, this family friendly run is fun for all ages, and when I say all ages, I mean I was pushing myself trying to keep up with small children and folks twice my age :)

The kiddies before the Little Turkeys Race, and me with my motivation -- Maria, Farrah, and Z.  Image from Farrah Kawakami

The race was absolutely breath taking... and the views were nice too ;)  I haven't been very good at keeping up with my running, so I'm counting this run as the beginning of a chain of 'em until I reach my ultimate goal.  Distance running is a lot different than the standards I have to meet for the military.  While it's a lot more enjoyable in my eyes, it also takes a different kind of training and mentality. 

First stretch by the ocean.  Felt like I was in a running photography club with Zoey Deschanel.

Saying goodbye to my Nike Dual Fusion ST's after this run, at least ones with this kind of terrain. Although they are good for people with low arches and excessive pronation, I'd say they're much better for running on a smooth track.  I still love them (with their cute neon pink, green, and gray color scheme) but will reserve them for work shoes and/or running around the block.

This was right after conquering a massive hill.  I told myself if this turkey guy WITH a stroller could do it, I BETTER do it.

They say runners get a certain "high" also known as the second wind; a feeling of euphoria experienced when endorphins are released during physical activity.  I love it!  It always seems to kick in right after the moment I just want to give up.. as long as I keep going that is.  It helped to get me to a place where I could meditate and pray for all that I am thankful for.  I was that weirdo that was smiling and tearing up during the third hill. 

During the last half, especially after running up the hills, I just wanted to walk!  But I stuck with this gentleman and made it to the end at a steady pace.  I wonder if he knew? 

Speaking of high....... LOL!

Mom's beautiful vase

True story!  I walked in my parents' house, unfinished ceviche in my hand, asking for a couple lemons from their tree.  Mom shows me this... ahem... vase and says, "Isn't it pretty?"  I was SPEECHLESS.  All I could do was look at my dad, like was this really happening???  All he could do was shake his head.  Was my mom using angry sarcasm after finding it in my brother's room???  But wait, he doesn't smoke... does he??? OMG!!!!  She continues,  "I found it!!  Right outside the grocery store!"  Grandma chimes in, "Yah!! Eet's so prrrittty, it's antik!  People pay lots ob mahney por dat!"  O  M  G.  Long story short, it's still in my mom's kitchen waiting for the right kind of bud flower.  

Cousin Lyle got the party going!

I LOVE MY FAMILY!!!!  Never a dull moment, that's for sure.  Thanksgiving started being my favorite holiday when I came back to California after my first term in the military.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that my family had started a new tradition.  During the blessing of the meal, we each say something we are thankful for.  I can hardly get through it without getting watery eyed, especially this year.

Happy Thanksgiving to you!

K Bye!