15 mile training run

..is not fun, but there are gifts along the way. It was cool, starting out at 4:45 meant it was cool and quiet. I didn't run with the IPod for the first few miles -- just enjoyed the silence. It was a typical training run which, for me, means stopping about every 4 miles at a convenience store and getting a sports drink, chugging it down, and going on. The first few miles are not fun (stiff) and the last 5 were a chore (sore). The middle was pretty good. JLo and Lady Gaga and Black Eyed Peas were along for the ride. I love them.
The thrill of the morning occurred around mile 9 when, for whatever reason, I had to urge to look over my shoulder and there was the sun gloriously rising over the bay. I had to stop and take it in - it was totally overwhelming. I was reminded that we are never alone, we are cared for, and to always stop and enjoy the gifts He provides.

The final gift following the run -- pancakes :)

In Training....

I started running again in June when Jen and Scott and me ran a half marathon in San Diego. I started earnestly running again (as in, going by a training schedule and sticking to it) in July. Since then, according to my Nike Ipod thingie (calibrates and works through the IPod) I've run 51 times for a total of 255 miles. I've burned 24,645 calories. And, I wore out a pair of shoes. So I bought some new ones - you can see old vs. new above. The heels are what really tell the story. I've trimmed over an hour off my June half marathon time! I'm still not super fast, but have made progress. I should be stick thin, but admit to enjoying ice cream and sweets, so it's totally worth it. So is the feeling of being fit - awesome. I remember when running 4 miles seemed so long...now it flies by. I look forward to it as I start out before sunrise in the quiet darkness, and finish just as the sun is rising, so gorgeous. It always, always moves my soul. What an awesome way to start the day -  a true gift.

This Saturday I run 15 miles for a training run, part of the schedule to prepare for a full marathon (26.2 miles) in November. I HATE doing long runs by myself, but get through them with my IPod, sometimes singing along,  and enjoy the beginning, and the finish :). Make quick stops at convenience stores to get hydrated, and keep on rolling. Ella comes with me during my 4 miler that I do 5 times a week. But not for long runs - I don't think I could stop enough to keep her hydrated, and she doesn't like Gatorade, so she stays at home and pouts, waiting for me at the gate.

Ohhh... it's supposed to be 106 degrees on Saturday. Will have an extra early start! I can't wait for the weather to cool off and see how things go --- it will be totally worth training over the hot, humid summer when the fall coolness kicks in. Can't wait!

Yeah, I do enjoy the finish. And ice cream...with M&Ms :)

First day of class for Fall 2011~!

I can't remember when I've been more disorganized...too many irons in the fire. But, once I get downstairs and meet the students -- it's always all okay.

Onward through the fog.

Oh, I wiggled the tag on the way into the garage this morning. It worked. I giggled :)

New Parking Garage!

We finally have a new parking garage on campus. After a year of losing 200 spaces (we don't have enough parking to begin with), dust, dirt, noise, etc. - it's finished! Right outside of my building, so convenient. And the thought of getting into a cool car at the end of the day - blissful. So, today was the day. We have been issued our hang tags that have an electronic thingie inside that is supposed to open the gate to the garage entrance. Faculty, staff and graduate students only mind you - students aren't allowed to use the garage. Go figure. I knew I should keep expectations in check when my hang tag was accompanied by a half page of instructions. I kid you not. I read them with my suite mate -- we knew this garage thing was too good to be true:
"There are two entrance lanes at the garage, and are identical in the way they function. The exit lanes are also the same. The gates have delayed times for several seconds, so both will not open at the same time. This is a safety factor to ensure two vehicles are not moving forward together....In the event the gate arm does not open, you can either press the call button or take a ticket from the dispenser and we will waive the fee.  The first few weeks (emphasis mine) will clear any problems with the permits and access."

So, I pulled up to the entrance this morning, my hang tag proudly displayed on the rear view mirror. Pulled up to the gate. There are four, yes FOUR policeman watching me. The gate does not open. I backed up and tried again, no change. The officer approaches my window. I hand him the hang tag, afraid I might not pass this test. He looks at it very carefully. Turns it over in his hands, and then looks at me over his sunglasses.

Officer: "First time to come here?"
Me: "Well, I've worked here for five and half years but yes, first time to come to..."
Officer (interrupts me): "Used the garage yet?"
Me: "Oh no, I just got the hang tag just yesterday from...."
Officer (interrupts me again): "Okay, hold on."
The officer goes to the front of the car, waves the hang tag around. Big circles. Nothing. Goes to the side of the car, waves again, nada. Repeats at the back of the car, and still no change.
Officer pushes a button and the gate opens. I begin to drive through, window still open.
Officer: "Nice car."

Now, I got in (finally) and while walking up to my office, wondered, will I be able to get out??


Ya just gotta love A&M. :)


Post Script written at 8:00 p.m.
Yes, I got the car out. But only after the policeman (different guy) told me to "wiggle my tag".
Lesson of the day...wiggle your tag.

Yeah. I love A&M  :)

Diving in Roatan!

Remember I said it had been too long since I had spent significant time diving in the coral reefs? Many years ago I spent a LOT of time diving -- and learning more about diving and instructing others in how to scuba dive. Have several PADI certifications, including that for Assistant Instructor. Was working on becoming a PADI instructor when a move to West Texas changed a lot things. And since West Texas doesn't have too many diving spots, that was pretty much the end of my diving experience. Over 100 dives logged in Mexico, Jamaica and spots in the U.S., and I have dearly missed it. However, I fixed that...placed my deposit, am now on the list -- a week long trip in Roatan with  3 dives per day scheduled for November. Roatan is part of the British Honduras and has the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world -- the first being in Australia. It used to be a place where the pirates hung out - now, divers hang out there ;)  So many have told me it's the best place to go -- reefs are still healthy, vibrant, much marine life....I CANNOT WAIT.  It's gonna TOTALLY ROCK!

Playa Del Carmen: Post Script

So, now it's back to work, classes start next week....there are syllabi to write, schedules to arrange, plans to make, equipment to order, grants to rev-up, people to contact...I'm not complaining. I love my job - I really, really do. But, part of me is still thinking about blue water and wishing I was there.

On the way back from Mexico I had a strong urge to write, but having a window seat made it difficult to grab some paper from the (crowded) overhead bin that was accessed two seats over. So, I took the liberty to deconstruct the ever present barf bag and use that to write. I am, quite literally, reading my thoughts from a Continental Airlines barf bag :). Here they are:
*Went running 4 mornings before dawn, noticed that as the Mexican runners/workers/housekeepers/etc. passed me on the street they all smelled so wonderful. I felt like Ella must feel -- perhaps the humidity or heightened senses or both...I seriously wanted to stop several and ask what they were wearing but was afraid my Spanglish would be misinterpreted :)
*Hotel floors in Mexico are numbered in the opposite direction - the top floor is the first, the bottom is the larger number. Our third floor was on the bottom.
*I had several run-ins, almost bodily run-ins with iguanas, tapirs and other animals in the early morning hours. Don't know who startled whom the most.
*The sun rises earlier in Mexico than it does in Texas.
*I never heard a single horn honk -- with all the almost near-misses, congestion, etc. - they just figure it out. Not one horn EVER honked.
*The Mexicans on the Yucatan Peninsula are the friendliest and most meticulous population I have ever encountered. A smile is always returned, every job is done with pride and there is a definite presence of conscientiousness in all that is done. They are usually sweaty (everyone is) but always cheerful. I love that.
*I never noticed how much alcohol is present at resorts -- waiters at the door ready to give you fancy drink, a hundred different kinds of tequila, so many different liquors. I remained thankful - enough said.
*All shops open and close at different times, often with an afternoon closing for siesta. Very different than in America where all open and close at once.
*I have never felt so welcomed and pampered than I did at our resort -- I totally recommend it.
*The Mexican woman had their hair pulled back in a ponytail or more often, chignon. Seldom wore makeup. They are beautiful women - inside and out.
*Seeing the coral reefs was like shaking hands with an old friend after a long absence. I cried in my snorkel mask. It won't be that long before we meet again.
*Zip lining was exhilarating, scary, exciting, and a great way to notice both the forest and the trees :)
*There is no color on earth more beautiful than the turquoise waters in the Carribean. Turquoise mixed with blue -- it doesn't get any better anywhere else. Amazing.
*Breakfast was accompanied by the biggest, most luscious, awesome raisins I have EVER seen. I HAVE to find some Mexican raisins here in Corpus Christi!
(At the fold of the barf bag...)
*Running down the streets in the morning feeling alternately exhilarated and exhausted by the beautiful scenery, heat and humidity -- I wondered how this would improve (or not) my running when I returned back to 'normal' conditions.
*The food was delicious and beautifully presented, served by cheerful staff who seemed totally invested into making their customers not just happy, but delighted - and truly beamed  when we told them how delicious everything was.

 That's what was on the bag. What I didn't write was that there were so many times when I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes, and my stomach hurt. So many times when the beauty and presence of One With More Power Than I overwhelmed me and moved me to tears. Experiences that are sweeter, more memorable and so wonderful when they are shared.

I remain Blessed Beyond Measure.

Playa del Carmen VI: BEACH DAY!

What else can I say?? It was time for some R & R -- no buses, planes, boats or taxis to catch. No ziplines, rappelling ropes, helmets, gloves or dickering with Mexican storekeepers. Just a day to take a run before sunrise, enjoy the beach and awesome food, and do as little as possible-- before having to pack and leave the following day.

The view from my beach chair, strategically located in diffused shade so I didn't burn like a Gringo :)

There are many Palapas in Mexico - even on the beach. Audrey calls these "Hairy Roofs".

I loved Playa Del Carmen - and hope to return very soon. Upside down.  :)
_

Playa Del Carmen Day V: Selvatica!

We went and saw the travel advisor during shopping day and told him we wanted more ziplining adventures. Our advisor, Antonio, gave a slight smile, turned to a page in his big book of Great Places To Explore and said, "SELVATICA!". Hmmm. Pics of people ziplining through trees (vs. above them), zipping into Centotes, riding ATVs through the jungle, something about a parachute jump... Yeah. This was going to be GOOD!

We arrived and got suited up, posed with a parrot, and then began our adventure. It was OUTSTANDING. Selvatica translates to JUNGLE. We earned our jungle stripes that day.

Staring down the trees..."Get outta my way JUNGLE" :)

It was very cool....but what was cooler and not captured by the roving photographers was that I ziplined UPSIDE DOWN and was twirled as I went careening across the forest :)  Here's the deal. Saw a tee shirt that said "I did it upside down" in the Selvatica gift shop and realized this could be a possibility. Decided I wanted that tee shirt so I was going to have to EARN it. Asked the staff person if I could, and he replied, "Sure, but you have to wait for the guide to accompany you." No problemo. Carlos The Guide appears, we go off the platform as he is holding me in place, stationary on the zipline, about 100 feet up.

Carlos: Now, swing your legs up and put your hands on your helmet so you are facing upside down.
Me:  (Looking down, trying to swing legs, and having serious second thoughts about the damn tee shirt) Umm, I  don't think I can do this.
Carlos: Oh yes, you ARE going to do this.
Me: (seriously panicky now) No, I don't think you understand, I can't do this....
Carlos: (with much exuberance) Yes, you CAN!
...as he flips me up and over and I say a quick prayer to take away the fear...we are OFF AND ZIPPING UPSIDE DOWN!!!
Oh my gosh and then he starts to twirl me around !!!!!!!! The forest was rotating beneath my head!!

It was sooo amazing. I will never, ever forget ziplining upside down. And I have the tee shirt to prove it :)
Yes, Ron also went upside down. I think he left out the twirling....but he also earned the tee shirt!

Following that - it was off to ATVs and riding through the forest. This didn't particularly excite me when I first saw the pics but driving that 2/4 wheel drive dealie was AWESOME. Sliding across the road, hitting every pothole, catching air....Ron mentioned a 'maniacal laugh" coming from beside him. That was me :)

 The roads were REALLY silty and we stirred it all up - covered in dust

We then took our silty selves down through the jungle where we climbed seven different bridges over the tops of the forest,  parachuted down back to to terra firma, walked some more and proceeded to zip across another rope into the cool, clear, refreshing waters of the cenote...it was awesome!!

Time to dive into the Cenote!

SUCH a fun day - we gathered ourselves together, had some chicken and rice made by staff, and bought our tee shirts :)

I'm ready to go back and do it again...upside down. Seriously.

Playa Del Carmen Day IV: SHOPPING Day!

What can you say about shopping in Mexico? It's treacherous, intimidating, and confusing. First, the Mexican people get their feelings hurt if you don't come into their (cluttered) shop and look at things that are in just about every other (cluttered) shop. Then, there's the conversation that must follow -- they start with a price, you come back with a price, and then they counter. On it goes. I bought a Saturn just to avoid this very thing...so I sure didn't want to spend my vacation bickering about...pesos? What's a peso? That's the final straw...converting to dollars from Pesos. It's just more energy than I want to spend on SHOPPING.

So...we went into the air conditioned shops along Fifth Avenue (I'm not kidding) in Playa Del Carmen and had a blast. Got some cool souvenirs (more on that on another blog), and a nice gift for moi....one that I will treasure forever. Very special.

Shopping in Mexico - it's not for the faint of heart.

Playa del Carmen III: Snorkeling Adventure!

The next day, we decided it was time to do some snorkeling -- well, we also hauled a bunch of diving gear to Mexico so we were going make sure we USED it! The boat was super cool and only 4 other passengers were aboard, making our group small and quite manageable (read: won't be bumping into each other in the water). Pablo was our divemaster and he was awesome...he knew exactly where to look for critters and natural curiosities.
Here are views from the topside as we went to three different locations: an older underwater coral reef, a newer coral reef with cenote and sea turtles, and a lagoon that was oh-so-peaceful. In all three areas we were the first to arrive so we had the entire region to ourselves.

The critically endangered hawksbill turtles are so beautiful - and I fed one as we swam with them:

These turtles are so graceful in the water -- and very friendly as they are used to people coming and feeding them. Naturally inquisitive, they seemed to check us out as we did the same to them :)

At one point, Pablo moved a rock out of the way and pulled out a Brittle starfish, Ophiuroidea. They thrash about and are not as brittle as I thought - though very different in appearance from their cousins the sea stars.

(Note: pictures above taken from internet as I don't have an underwater camera...yet :)

It was an amazing day, filled with new discoveries and so very enjoyable. I have missed seeing life at the reefs - and definitely plan to include more diving in the very near future. The marine life underwater is a world unto it's own, filled with tranquility and beauty and, sadly, disappearing at an alarming rate.

Playa del Carmen II: Tulum Extreme Adventure!

After arriving and settling into the Sandos Playacar Beach Resort and Spa in Mexico,

it was time for Ron and I to go out and explore. So we went for an EXTREME tour of Tulum's Mayan ruins and forests in Cancun --

The ruins "heyday" was in about about 1200 A.D. and housed many Mayan scholars and is located at an important point for trade -- you can read more about them here. What impressed me was the view of the beach -- incredible. The turquoise blue waters of the Carribean just cannot be adequately described.

 Following the Tulum ruins tour, the "extreme" part of the day began -- first, snorkeling in a Cenote - an underground limestone cavern formed over millions of years with stalactites and stalagmites. Incredibly beautiful and many, many of these are found in the Yucatan Peninsula:

The colors are created by the minerals in the water as they drip through, creating sedimentary rock in these awesome formations. The water is crystal clear, and provides a great deal of drinking water to the population in the peninsula. It was totally amazing.

The next part of the day involved rappelling -- yes, rappelling = ropes and jumping off of a platform. I always wondered how this worked, and now, was about to find out. So, we got outfitted with helmets and gear and off through the jungle we walked to the rappelling towers...which were quite high. I mean, VERY high. The view from up there was phenomenal and then, you have to rappel down. It was a BLAST !!!!

Bring it on !!   Ready to GO!

First step down -- "Am I doing okay?"

 Second step down -- totally loving the view!

Third step down and getting ready (giggling the whole time...can't wait to let goooo!)


and DOWN YA GO!!!!!!!!

Next was Ron's turn -- and since I already showed him how it was a piece of cake :)

Like I said -- nothing to it. I was already back on top of the platform by the time he got down --- had to go again!!! Such fun...I see more of this happening in the future. :)

After conquering the rappelling platform it was on to zip-lining. Now, this too was totally new to me and once again required climbing up to great heights on other platforms. Again, the view was awesome. But, zip-lining --- it was hard to imagine what this was gonna feel like...


Diagram and scheme of zip lines:

You get all hooked up into this girdle thingie that makes you feel like you've got a wedgie :) and then you crouch down on the platform, get a handle on the roop, and jump forward....literally zipping across the line in the sky. IT IS AWESOME!!!! You go FAAAAAASSSSTTTT!! I loved it - hands free and all! We went across several lines, each gradually getting longer and longer and faster and faster....

On the last line you go so fast you have to brake in front of the platform and they drag you to the end. Oh my gosh it was such fun!!! Smiles the whole way!

 And Ron totally loved it too :)  I think he started off in a Zen pose:

Yeah...really loved it. We wanted to do some more of this ASAP :) It was an incredible day, followed by an incredible dinner and more plans for Day III of Extreme Adventures!!!