Big Sur Marathon

For more than a year I had been contemplating running a marathon. After some research I discovered the Big Sur Marathon and it was just perfect. From the moment I read about it, I knew it was the first marathon that I wanted to run. It was perfect in every way. Not only did it allow me to travel back to California to see some of my best friends. But I never seen the Big Sur coast and what better way to see it than to experience it while running.

Quickly after deciding I told my best friend Jamie of my decision and she quickly jumped on board. Funny enough, our friendship owes so much to running. Over the years we have spent most of our time together running and talking, it's just who we are and what we do. It started years ago as freshmen running track together. We could be seen running the 1600 meter race stride by stride next to eachother the entire race. Over the years our runs together have made us best friends.

So 4 months later we both met in Monterey.

Jamie and I at the Hotel waiting for the bus ride to the race start. If I remember right...this was at about 4:30 am.

The start of the race.

Jamie and I at the race start.

All the people preparing for the start!

Jamie showing off her GU.

The starting line.

Jamie and I at the starting line! After 4+ months of training we were finally there!

The pack at the beginning of the race.

Getting closer to the cliffs. The scenery was just incredible!

haha. Jamie in line. This was repeated about every 2 miles.

Yes, pretty amazing.

Running along Highway 1.

The cliffs were breath taking!

It was a very emotional run. I ran in the shirt dedicated to my friend Liz who died about a year before my race. She was an inspiration to everyone around her. And definitely was the inspiration for me to run this marathon.

From the pictures you can't read what the shirt says...but on the front it says "Life is Short. Run Long." and on the back "Always running with Liz." Her strength and incredible passion for life gave me the strength to run that day and continues to inspire me today. She will never be forgotten.

Every 2 miles there were different musicians along the road. Since all access to highway 1 was blocked to allow us to run, there were very few people along the race cheering. So instead we had musicians to inspire and keep us going.

The Pianist was placed perfected at the end of the beautiful iconic bridge. And when we arrived he was playing "It's a wonderful world." Quite perfect for the circumstances.

Waiting for us at the finish line was Jamie's husband Ryan and our good friends Kiko and Matt. They had made signs for us and were a great sight to see 100 yards from the finish line. And in true form...Jamie and I crossed the finish line stride in stride.

The Marathon Trip

So as I told you all before...I was training for the Big Sur Marathon which was on April 27th. So yeah, that was almost 2 weeks ago! Crazy!

Anyways, it was AMAZING! It was such a great experience and such a fabulous vacation for me! I turned the trip into a week long vacation and spent time in San Francisco, Stanford and Monterey with all my friends. It was absolutely PERFECT!

So I started the trip in San Francisco. My friend, Katy, picked me up and took the day off from work to hang out. It was a gorgeous day in San Francisco (sorry no photos). We walked around downtown and the marina district. Later we met our friends Jen and Matt for dinner in Little Italy. Later in the evening we met up with our friend Mary and headed to the Cat Club for some 80's dancing!

The next day I headed down to good old Stanford. It was really great to be back. Going back made me remember how great of a time I had there. I do really miss it and definitely miss my amazing friends I made while I was there. Ah...sigh...

So while at Stanford I met up with one of my best friends, Kathryn, and her Fiance' Drew, Dan and his new girl friend and Luping for dinner! It was so great to see everyone! Especially Luping since I haven't seen her in ages! After dinner, Drew, Kathryn and I drove down to Monterey to stay with our old roommate Julie in Pebble Beach.

The next day we met up with my home town friends for brunch in Pacific Grove at the cutest little restaurant. The group ended up being my best friend Jamie, her husband Ryan, my old childhood friend Kiko, and then Kathryn, Drew, Julie and I. It was fantastic having all my friends together!

On the coast in Pacific Grove

After brunch, Kiko, Jamie, Ryan and I drove around Monterey and Pacific Grove. Kiko gave us the local tour (she grew up in Monterey).

Jamie, me and Kiko. The Bomber girls.

Jamie and Ryan

The coast

In Monterey, we went to see the sea lions.

More sea lions. The were ginormous!

Me and the sea lions.

More sea lions!

This was on Kiko's tour. I had to put this picture up for Kiko....

Later that night we all joined up again at Julie's house for the pasta feed! This time Matt (Kiko's husband) and one of Julie's college friend were able to join us. It was such a great night! While everyone was cooking, Jamie and I went on a small jog to loosen up our legs after our travels. We took Julie's dog Terra with us on the run. The only problem was that we got a bit turned around on our way back. Yeah, our 30 minute run turned into an hour...luckily we found a nice old man who told us where to go.

After dinner we all hung out, played fussball (which I haven't played before...wait that is a lie. haha) Ah, it was an awesome night! I love my friends!

After the marathon, I hung out some more with Kiko, Matt and Jamie and Ryan before Jamie and Ryan flew home to Washington. After that I crashed at Julie's house in Pebble beach. The next two days consisted of taking naps, taking Terra (Julie's dog) for a walk, and walking on the beach. Not to shabby huh?

The beach near Julie's House.

In Pebble Beach

I think that rock out there has tons of sea lions on it...

Looking up toward the houses in Pebble Beach...even though you can't see them.

On the coast in Pacific Grove.

Looking towards Monterey on the coast. I think that is actually Hopkins (the Stanford Marine Biology Station)

If you look closely you will see seals and their puppies!

Loads of seals and their babies on the beach in Monterey.

Trip to Portland

In April I took a long weekend and went back home to Portland to see all my family and friends! It was a great weekend. It was amazing to be back and see everyone again! Especially all the new little guys I got to meet! Unfortunately I didn't take more photos...

Ah...Portland...I love that city and miss my friends...

My good friends from OSU. Aeyoung, Javier, Melissa, and Theresa.

Yummy. It was a cake night reunion! This time the guys were allowed to join.

Theresa and her new little boy Rowan.

Scott and Rowan playing the Piano.

Cute little Oliva. This is Cynthia and Dave's new little girl.

Cynthia and Olivia.

Me with Olivia.