Learning Spanish the fun way!
So what are the chances that I travel halfway around the world and end up playing Scrabble with a couple from KC while the Royals is playing the Giants in the World Series! Gotta go watch Game 7: Go Giants!!!
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
A teaser on Spanish class
I'm not sure if I'm on vacation or a bootcamp. I'm taking Spanish lessons (2x per day), poi and surf.
Here's my schedule this week:
I'm in Spanish 3! Who would've thunk?
My schedule starts at 8am and ends around 5:30pm or 6pm everyday. Hence why all the quick posts because it takes time to type on the little iPhone. But don't need to feel sorry for me (not that you are anyway) because here's a photo teaser of the Spanish lab/class of the day:
Hiking a treacherous path to the waterfall oasis while practicing Spanish
Casado: Married men or a Costa Rican meal
It was delicious! Casado means both married men or is the name of a traditional Costa Rican meal. Obviously I am referring to the traditional Costa Rican meal. Here's what Wikipedia think is the origin of the dish "casado": http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casado
Now you see it...
... and now you don't!
Monday, October 27, 2014
Top 3 things I learned in my first day at Costa Rica
SJO airport is in Alajuela, not San Jose:
In 2008, Susy and I went on an one-week yoga retreat in the hillside of Alajuela. On our last day, we trekked across San Jose city in a cab (I still remember vividly the cabbie locking all the car doors as we enter the city limit due to safety concern) in order to be closer to the airport before our flight out the next day. How silly of me!
Perhaps I should have known that the SJO airport is not in San Jose. It's like SFO airport is in San Bruno, not San Francisco. It's like Heathrow airport is closer to Slough (where the Office is based in) than London Central. It's like the YVR airport is not by Vancouver downtown but right next to Richmond.
Costa Rica doesn't have a standardized system of addresses:
Ladies and gentlemen, leave your GPS or Google Map at home because streets here don't have signs or sometimes names, and houses don't have numbers. Upon arrival, I was instructed to take a orange ("official") cab to Hotel 1915. There was no address provided in the instruction. The cabbie asked, "what's the address?" I responded, "está cinco minutos de aqui." Trick question! I guess I answered correctly because I was dropped off at the right place.
I always love a good scavenger hunt. Next time you ever find yourself at Alajuela, stop by Coffee Dreams, a great little place for coffee/snack. On the restaurant receipt, the address is 100m sur del museo ("100 meters south of the museum"). Buena suerte!
Cultural differences:
Travel is a lifetime experience. With the right attitude, cultural differences are fun and enlightening!
Just a few weeks ago, I stopped by Trader Joe's on my way home from Skyline to the Sea 50k, my first ultra-marathon (woo hoo!). I grabbed a Toblerone while the cashier was ringing me through. He said, "the chocolate always get us, eh" (okay, maybe he didn't say eh, but I have selective Canadian hearing). I mumbled, "but I deserve it after a long run... (trailing off mid-sentence)."
Strategically placing sweets and chocolates by the check-out counters is a successful marketing ploy that tempts us into impulsive buys in our moments of weakness. Today I went to buy some grocery at the supermarket. I glanced at the shelves next to the check-out counter. Maybe because I've learned Spanish since the first time I've been to Costa Rica, I understood the words "sensitivo" and "super sensitivo". I giggled like a school girl and thought now that's a cultural difference!
Top 3 pre-trip things that caught me off guard
Sheer quantity of work:
This one easily ranked as #1, the most prominent one on my mind, because I've barely slept in the last couple weeks trying to get work done. Leading up to the trip, though I had anticipated that there would be more work because it always take more time to train someone else to do our work than just do it ourselves, but what I didn't really prepare for was the sheer quantity of documentation, training and contingency planning.
The one survival tactic I had to employ during this hectic period is the 80/20 rule. Here's an article that does a good job of summarizing how to apply the 80/20 rule at work: http://www.askmen.com/money/career_300/338_applying-the-8020-rule-at-work.html
Packing skills are intentional, not genetic:
The 1-bag rule, or at the maximum, carry-ons (at most airports, this is 1+1). The smaller the bag, the less you'll pack. Rick Steves offers some good tips on Packing Smart and Travelling Light. https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/packing-light/packing-smart
After packing everything, unpack everything. Examine each item carefully and ask these questions before packing it: Is it necessary? Will I use it frequently? And to take it one step further, does the item offer versatility and multi-functionality?
Due to multiple activities and destinations of my trip, I had to pack and unpack three times before everything fit in my carry-on backpack.
Be prepared for the unexpected:
When the one week countdown started, I had planned out every minute on my schedule: work until late (lucky if I leave the office before midnight), pack when I can, and throw a micro party while watching the World Series. Little did I know that my knee pit (aka the back of the knee) pain was concerning enough for my primary doctor to send me running around to see the sports doctor/orthopedics, and get an ultrasound as well as a MRI. I'm happy to report that the test result was good (i.e. no blood clot and no meniscus tear) and I got the ok to go on my trip.
Bon voyage!
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Race Report: Skyline to the Sea 50K
"If I can't hike it, then why not run it!" This was my race motivation....
Skyline to the Sea trail begins from the top of Santa Cruz Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. I've always wanted to hike the 29.5 mi (47.5 km) trail, but to do a return trip, that's a multi-day trip, or to do a one-way trip, it would require way too much time to sort out the car logistics. In a trail race, the race organizer would provide the one-way bus shuttle and I could check ultra-marathon off the bucket list.
There are two Skyline to the Sea trail races: one called the Big Basin 50k in July, and this one in October is the "original" Skyline to the Sea trail run presented by PCTrailRuns. Both races follow the exact same routes, but I would assume that the weather is more pleasant for running later in the year.
Saratoga Gap to Waterman Gap (10.5 km; +455 ft; -1,710 ft)
The trail narrows quickly on a downhill, so I was pleased that I had position myself at the start correctly. Not too forward and get trampled by faster runners, but also not too far back and get stuck behind by slower runners. Although there are many more miles to go, this first section of the trail is very runnable, so I was glad to be able to just enjoy an easy pace without being rushed or held back.
One thing that I had not anticipated was with many runners ahead, dust was being kicked up everywhere making it hard to see and even harder to breathe. I almost wished that I had my Buff to prevent breathing in all that dust. Next time, I would also wear some gaiters to keep the pebbles from getting into the shoes.
Being more of a road runner than trail runner, I was amazed at all the selections at the aids stations. It was near impossible to pull myself from the first aids station at Waterman Gap, but now it's not the time to waste too much time.
Waterman Gap to China Grade (7.4 km; +1,015 ft; -280 ft)
This section was the first of many climbs of the day. Karen, Steph, Jen, and I did a recon of this section and the next part of the course a few weeks ago, so I knew what to expect. By now the racers have all spread out and grouped together by similar paces. I found it easy to just follow the runners in front and enjoy the early part of the run when my legs weren't hurting and my mind weren't screaming (yet).
China Grade to Gazos Creek (7.5 km; +175 ft; -1,100 ft)
This section was mostly downhill, but was technical with exposed rocks. I didn't want to fall and risk twisting an ankle, so I took my time through the trickier parts. I was also familiar with this section of the trail from our recon a few weeks ago, so I had a good idea how far I was to the next aids station, which was also approximately the halfway point.
Gazos Creek Loop (7.2 km; +615 ft; -770 ft)
I arrived into the aids station at Gazos Creek, and I couldn't believe Karen was waiting there! What an incredible surprise! It's a real long drive from Marin all the way to the Santa Cruz Mountains! I was even happier that she was going to run the Gazos Creek Loop with me!
Gazos Creek Loop is what differentiate the 50km from the marathon. I realized very late in the training that this extra loop was very hilly. We started on a fire road and turned off onto a trail that just kept going up and up. The climb was so steep that I didn't even think it would have been possible to run it if I haven't already ran 25 km. I hiked most of the uphill, and then followed Karen on the downhill. I was almost sad that the loop had came to an end and she would have to leave.
Before she left, she risked her life to get me some food. Not exaggerating at all! By the time we rolled around to the same aids station at Gazos Creek, the bees have found all the delicious treats and they were helping themselves to it. I tried to reach in for some fuel, but gave up. I don't think I was thinking clearly when I said that I'll just skip it and wait until the next aids station. Luckily, Karen saved the day by fighting the bees and got me some food. Thanks, Karen!!!
Gazos Creek to Twin Redwoods (13.8 km; +555 ft; -1,645 ft)
On my own again, this section is the longest until the next aids station. Hence, it was mission critical that I had fueled up at the last aids station. I had hiked this section with Cory and Jenny before, so again I was back on familiar trail. Although it was net downhill, any uphill, small or large, felt like climbing a mountain. The trail was busier with day hikers, but they must have seen all the runners on the trail that they were ready to kindly step aside and let us through.
I thought I was going crazy when I heard live music blasting through the redwoods. I had no idea what concert it was, but the music was rock and roll, the band was playing on a little wooden platform, and there were plenty of audience. I wished I could have just stopped and enjoyed the music too.
By now I have exceeded my longest run ever, and on my way to my first ultra-marathon!
Twin Redwoods to the Finish (2.9km; +30 ft; -75ft)
The last stretch was the hardest mentally because there was still another climb before the final descent down to the Pacific Ocean. I haven't seen any other runners for awhile, so was glad to see a couple runners up ahead. We encouraged each other on. I heard cheering but knew that the trail was still winding, so close but no cigar. When one of the race staff said "Almost there!", I didn't want to get my hopes up because "objects are farther than they appear."
Overall (7:39:28 & 15/22 F30-39)
7 hours 39 minutes 28 seconds later, I crossed the finish line happy but absolutely drained of any energy to show the happiness.
I had opted out of the race t-shirt when I was registering online because I didn't need another t-shirt, but boy was I glad that the lady insisted that I take one in exchange for signing up for future races and bringing friends. Why didn't I think that I would want something to remember my first ultra-marathon?
If you were ever going to do just one ultra-marathon, I would highly recommend running the Skyline to the Sea 50K. While the course was challenging with several climbs, the fact that it is net downhill makes it do-able, physically and mentally. And the gorgeous scenery and the varied terrain make the run enjoyable and worthwhile!
Skyline to the Sea trail begins from the top of Santa Cruz Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. I've always wanted to hike the 29.5 mi (47.5 km) trail, but to do a return trip, that's a multi-day trip, or to do a one-way trip, it would require way too much time to sort out the car logistics. In a trail race, the race organizer would provide the one-way bus shuttle and I could check ultra-marathon off the bucket list.
There are two Skyline to the Sea trail races: one called the Big Basin 50k in July, and this one in October is the "original" Skyline to the Sea trail run presented by PCTrailRuns. Both races follow the exact same routes, but I would assume that the weather is more pleasant for running later in the year.
Saratoga Gap to Waterman Gap (10.5 km; +455 ft; -1,710 ft)
The trail narrows quickly on a downhill, so I was pleased that I had position myself at the start correctly. Not too forward and get trampled by faster runners, but also not too far back and get stuck behind by slower runners. Although there are many more miles to go, this first section of the trail is very runnable, so I was glad to be able to just enjoy an easy pace without being rushed or held back.
One thing that I had not anticipated was with many runners ahead, dust was being kicked up everywhere making it hard to see and even harder to breathe. I almost wished that I had my Buff to prevent breathing in all that dust. Next time, I would also wear some gaiters to keep the pebbles from getting into the shoes.
Being more of a road runner than trail runner, I was amazed at all the selections at the aids stations. It was near impossible to pull myself from the first aids station at Waterman Gap, but now it's not the time to waste too much time.
Waterman Gap to China Grade (7.4 km; +1,015 ft; -280 ft)
This section was the first of many climbs of the day. Karen, Steph, Jen, and I did a recon of this section and the next part of the course a few weeks ago, so I knew what to expect. By now the racers have all spread out and grouped together by similar paces. I found it easy to just follow the runners in front and enjoy the early part of the run when my legs weren't hurting and my mind weren't screaming (yet).
China Grade to Gazos Creek (7.5 km; +175 ft; -1,100 ft)
This section was mostly downhill, but was technical with exposed rocks. I didn't want to fall and risk twisting an ankle, so I took my time through the trickier parts. I was also familiar with this section of the trail from our recon a few weeks ago, so I had a good idea how far I was to the next aids station, which was also approximately the halfway point.
Gazos Creek Loop (7.2 km; +615 ft; -770 ft)
I arrived into the aids station at Gazos Creek, and I couldn't believe Karen was waiting there! What an incredible surprise! It's a real long drive from Marin all the way to the Santa Cruz Mountains! I was even happier that she was going to run the Gazos Creek Loop with me!
Gazos Creek Loop is what differentiate the 50km from the marathon. I realized very late in the training that this extra loop was very hilly. We started on a fire road and turned off onto a trail that just kept going up and up. The climb was so steep that I didn't even think it would have been possible to run it if I haven't already ran 25 km. I hiked most of the uphill, and then followed Karen on the downhill. I was almost sad that the loop had came to an end and she would have to leave.
Before she left, she risked her life to get me some food. Not exaggerating at all! By the time we rolled around to the same aids station at Gazos Creek, the bees have found all the delicious treats and they were helping themselves to it. I tried to reach in for some fuel, but gave up. I don't think I was thinking clearly when I said that I'll just skip it and wait until the next aids station. Luckily, Karen saved the day by fighting the bees and got me some food. Thanks, Karen!!!
Gazos Creek to Twin Redwoods (13.8 km; +555 ft; -1,645 ft)
On my own again, this section is the longest until the next aids station. Hence, it was mission critical that I had fueled up at the last aids station. I had hiked this section with Cory and Jenny before, so again I was back on familiar trail. Although it was net downhill, any uphill, small or large, felt like climbing a mountain. The trail was busier with day hikers, but they must have seen all the runners on the trail that they were ready to kindly step aside and let us through.
I thought I was going crazy when I heard live music blasting through the redwoods. I had no idea what concert it was, but the music was rock and roll, the band was playing on a little wooden platform, and there were plenty of audience. I wished I could have just stopped and enjoyed the music too.
By now I have exceeded my longest run ever, and on my way to my first ultra-marathon!
Twin Redwoods to the Finish (2.9km; +30 ft; -75ft)
The last stretch was the hardest mentally because there was still another climb before the final descent down to the Pacific Ocean. I haven't seen any other runners for awhile, so was glad to see a couple runners up ahead. We encouraged each other on. I heard cheering but knew that the trail was still winding, so close but no cigar. When one of the race staff said "Almost there!", I didn't want to get my hopes up because "objects are farther than they appear."
Overall (7:39:28 & 15/22 F30-39)
7 hours 39 minutes 28 seconds later, I crossed the finish line happy but absolutely drained of any energy to show the happiness.
I had opted out of the race t-shirt when I was registering online because I didn't need another t-shirt, but boy was I glad that the lady insisted that I take one in exchange for signing up for future races and bringing friends. Why didn't I think that I would want something to remember my first ultra-marathon?
If you were ever going to do just one ultra-marathon, I would highly recommend running the Skyline to the Sea 50K. While the course was challenging with several climbs, the fact that it is net downhill makes it do-able, physically and mentally. And the gorgeous scenery and the varied terrain make the run enjoyable and worthwhile!
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