Lisbon Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon

Woohooo! 2:14:11. I'm going to barf. Keep moving. You can't puke in public.

There's the clock...that arch is the correct one...sprint, you have it in you. FASTER. You promised Lori you'd make her proud. Well, that was stupid...but you said you would...make it happen.

Keep going, it's all over in just a few more meters.

Oh Crap. Cobblestones...I just may roll after all.

Less than 2 minutes to find that finish line...is it that arch in the distance?

Okay, when you have to you can do a quarter mile in less than 2 minutes. True it's not after you've ran 10+ miles...but what if lions are chasing you?

For those of you who have never ran a 1/2 marathon, well those were some of the thoughts going through my head in reverse order the last few miles. And no, I didn't puke over Lisbon...but that does seem to be my body's way to tell me it's had enough. (Not really a selling point I guess when it comes to finding new recruits to train with.)

At mile 10.23, I was turned loose by my fabulous running partner because she knew I'd be grumpy if I didn't get a new personal record (PR). After a minute or so of pleading her to stay with me I realized she was right and took off after Wonder Woman. I mean, sounds like a great first person to choose to pick off-right?

The miles up to #10 were alright. The course was mostly paved and relatively flat, but the sunny sky and 26C temp threw in a challenge. The start out on the Vasco da Gama Bridge with a whole lot of others made for a slow start. How slow? Check out this picture that most likely was taken prior to the start of the race, but even once the race started the helicopter overhead indicated blocked paths. I often tease about full combat running...well I had a flash back to my water polo days as I ran though any opening with my elbows jabbing the arms and sides of those trying to get in my way.

Why the helicopter? Apparently this race was being televised! Did you catch it? If so you may have seen my full combat running method.

Walking to the front of the 10K-ers we found that a lot of people were lined up and ready to go. Lots. It was sort of nice knowing that unlike our local races we'd be among the last to cross that finish line...assuming there was still some sort of indication of the finish line when we crossed.

Prior to be dropping off on the bridge, we had a fabulous bus ride out to the drop off point. We called it the arm work out...you know, 20+ minutes of standing on the bus, holding onto the overhead bar for dear life with each turn we took.

The morning started off just about like any race day, woke up, showered, spent too many minutes pinning the race bib on my shirt because I refuse to ask for help. Ever. We took off to the starting point with what felt like everyone in Lisbon. The only difference was they were all wearing their race shirts. Um. Is that something that only us Americans don't do? I don't know how you can wear the shirt until you've ran the race! At any rate, it was pretty easy to pick out the other Americans and/or experienced runners. Once off the metro, we made a dash for coffee, because as Michael so eloquently put it- "because a morning without coffee is simply uncivilized." Then again he's seen the coffee-less Katie so maybe he was just trying to avoid a repeat performance?

At any rate, I'm pretty impressed with this Rock 'N Roll event. Stations were well stocked. Course was well marked. The expo was small (and no face cut outs for pictures!), but we had no issue getting our packets. The bling goes great with my collection. The results and photos were posted by the time I was home the next day. All in all, it was well set up. Am I going back next year? No. I've got other races to run...like Dublin in August! Who else in LPN is going to join me? 

Destination: Lisbosa Part I

Portugal: Tiles, ceramics, the face of the witch when looking at the map.

Okay, small view of Portugal so it's a good thing I went to check it out- right? When I saw the Rock 'N Roll Half was taking place in Lisbon and tickets were super cheap I knew it was time to make Lori start training, make a long weekend, and pack a bag.

So I did.

Upon arrival we got tickets for the hop on hop off bus. Hey, we were there to run a race, so we couldn't be walking all over the city!

Wait. It didn't start here. Rewind.

We drove up to Rome. Trusting my GPS to get us to the hotel. There were some doubtful moments as we drove through the darkness (it was 11pm) and after 3 hours of singing Dixie Chicks one too many references to "Goodbye Earl" whenever our backseat passenger wasn't playing nice. We made it.

Next morning we flew out of the airport. Landed in Lisbon a few hours later.

Found the expo. Picked up our packets. Starred at the bridge crossing the water (river...not ocean!) and began to panic about the race I was running in 2 days. That bridge is something like 17km long! Walked along the water before deciding it was time to check into the hotel.

Checked in. Headed back out to find second lunch because after the early morning start and time difference- we needed food. Stumbled upon a place not too far from the hotel to experience some local cuisine. The meal was alright, a little bland but something new. The meal included dessert and knowing I don't like flan (ick), we both picked caramel mousse. (Lori, if you're reading this, just skip ahead because you know how it turns out and well, don't relive it.) Said dessert arrived looking more like pudding, but not creamy and dense. Some spoonfuls later to try to figure it out I called it quits. Lori had quit after fewer tastes. Our plates were cleared with a you didn't like? and we sat waiting for the bill. While we waited, I noticed the man behind the counter retrieving our bowls from the dish pile. Lori noticed him pulling back out the large container of "mousse" and scrapping our bowls back into it. Yep. The bowls our germ covered spoons had been in. Yuckity, yuck, yuck. Hopefully we're the only 2 who have ever had this batch and didn't like it.

Lori, it's safe to start reading here -->  Queue waiting for the bus.

We hopped on the bus to see the the red (or was it blue) round. Within a few stops the  temperature dropped and as those smarter than I headed in, the cool air felt refreshing, even with the sky started to spit just a tad. I'd like to say that there were some interesting things along this line, but I sure don't recall any. I recall the rain picking up and I just started laughing as I saw people darting downstairs and to the few seats with overhead covers. When we ended up back where we stared

Determining that none of us were hungry, we headed back to the hotel for a short nap before going out. I think within 2 minutes of laying out on my bed (twin size with race packets, jacket, and other various things taking up more than its fair share I was out. That's the last I remember of the day one in Lisbon because the next time I woke up the sun was shinning though the window and I was still laying on top of the bed cozy with my backpack and I was dressed and ready to go...in yesterday's clothes. Oops.

10 Weeks Gone?

10 weeks ago, Lori my running partner, and friend started our latest training program. The goal? To get under a 2:15:00 finish time at the Lisbon Portugal Rock N Roll Half Marathon.

At the start, we both were trying to convince our bodies that the Rome Marathon was 4 months ago and that it was okay to start running again. The deformed toenails, calloused feet, and crackling knees sure put up a fight in the beginning.

But we didn't listen. Why would we?

We pressed on day after day of 100+ degree heat. As the miles started to stack up, our average pace started to decrease. Sprint days at the track turned into adventures in the African plains, because well, I think I was delusional from all the heat. Hey, all I need to do is say "Nala" now and she starts sprinting. Our strength training days turned into "let's beat up our bodies" because t-rex arms don't look good on anyone!

In the weeks leading up to this weekend, we've been collecting information for what works for us. Why? Well it's fun to figure out what really motivates you when you're still 2 miles out and wanting to pull up a seat at the coffee bar while you wait for Lori to go grab the car. It's fun to taste new flavors of Gu. Actually, that's a lie. It is fun though to get new running shoes because you've put so many miles on your other pairs they shouldn't go any further.

So, tonight was our last official run before the race on Sunday. It went something like this:

Katie: Did I really say 3 miles?
Lori: Yep. I'm starving and a beer sounds great.
Katie: I ate candy all day, but with peanut butter so that's protein- right?
Lori: I'm starving.
Katie: My toe still feels broken, but this is only 3 miles right?
Lori: Yep. 3 miles and it's great weather to run.

Now we're both changed and ready to go. So we start walking.

Katie: Eventually we need to start running.
Lori: You mean this doesn't count towards our 3 miles?
Katie: Nope.

5 minutes later we're running and as we turn the corner the high school track (?) teams are getting ready to run back over towards the school.

Katie: Today we are simulating race day conditions...
Lori: Oh no we're not! It's a slow day- remember?! Don't get that crazy look in your eye.
Katie: C'on. You know I hate people in front of me...

Lori made the move to pass them first. Go Speed Racer Go!  And no, I didn't switch to full combat running mode.

Like normal, mile 1 sucked but 2 and 3 rocked. Well, I think they did? Today was one of those I'm totally zoned out runs where the rhythm of my feet against the street was only interrupted a few times by either a beep (mile completed) or telling Lori where our route was taking us next. Not Lady Gaga, not Pink, not even Cascade were invited on this run. Seriously. When was the last time you ran without you iPod? It's becoming a habit of mine to leave it behind. The first week was horrible but now I crave the pondering time. I sometimes even think of answers to mysteries I forgot I had! And if you are carrying a conversation? It's amazing on all the nonsense stuff gets left out when you only have time to get 5 words out before needing another gulp of air.

So yeah, this training program is complete. Hands down it's been the most fun I've had training for something in a while. Granted it was a lot shorter than the prep for Rome, but running our longest run (10 miles) this past weekend I was ready to tack on that 5K!

It's All How You Look At It!

Maybe the newness really hasn't worn off. Maybe the routine is not yet established. Maybe I'm looking at the world through rose colored lenses. I'm not sure what it is- but I always have to do a double take when someone tells me how miserable living in Naples is.

Really? Are we living in the same place?!

Don't get me wrong- the Naples culture has its quirks. So many quirks that I can see how it could be overwhelming. Even with these critical difference I've been fortunate enough to think back on other times of my life that have prepared me for this: tea parties, crazy drivers of Salinas, living in pine tree infested areas with above ground power lines, windy back roads.

But that's not the point of this post.

I was just thinking once again how fortunate I am to be here while I watched the sun come up over Vesuvio with my Italian kitty and espresso in my Starbucks DC mug. You know, the one I bought when I resolved to be working in DC by 30?

Sure I could curse at the growing trash pile outside my gate (no one seems to know why it hasn't been picked up in 3 days). I could kick myself for agreeing to 3 years out here (my 30th year will be spent in Italy). I could criticize the parts of Italian life that I still haven't fully adopted (dinner at 8?), but why would I?

The sunrises and sunsets from my roof are only intensified by the pollution. The fireworks at all hours of the night just adds to the twinkling stars in the night sky as I chat with friends on a roof top with fabulous wine. The littered streets help me pass the time running when I'm counting empty water bottles. Sunbeams sparkle off the water reflecting an indescribable  blue. Power outages give me a reason to light my candles and listen to the rain coming down.

Even in the moments when the "what I miss the most from the states" game starts...garbage disposals, Target, and Mexican food...they are really all things that I can live without for 3 years. And typically that is the verdict of the other players of the game, because we are being paid to not only work, but also live in this crazy, beautiful, amazing place.

After all, wasn't one of the goals for the end of this tour to be able to talk about "when I lived in Italy" down the road? If I'm going to talk about how I lived in Italy...I want to tell how I really lived in Italy. Not how I lived in an Italian town like an American. I want to have stories about how I went to Sicily for the weekend or ran through an itty bitty town before being handed a watermelon and medal.

It's all how you look at it and if I've left any doubt in your mind about how I'm looking at my time here in Italy, let me sum it up:

It's AMAZING! And, thank you once again for paying your federal taxes to give me this opportunity!


***Trash was picked up after 3 days. Longest it's ever been in MdP. Still have no idea what the deal was...maybe the garbage man was sick?***

Passing Out Wildcards Left & Right?

Recently in the early morning baseball banter back and forth with my coworker I came across a very disturbing fact.

At first I didn't believe him and called my coworker delusional (I mean, he is a Dodgers' fan after all), but after we raced to "Google it" we got our facts straight- 2 teams per league will advance via wildcard!?

What in the world?

And perhaps the most ridiculous part is that they have a 1 game play off game to figure out who advances in the wildcard spot. (Because really, the normal season doesn't give each team enough opportunities?)

Lucky for me the Giants' magic number is now 2 so advancement looks pretty good. The problem is, now I need to worry about a 3rd place team coming in and taking the World Series title? (ie the Dodgers if they can get their act together....ha, I couldn't even type that without laughing out loud. Okay, maybe it was more of snicker.)

Ugh. We both had to check when this came into effect, apparently at the start of season. So just chalk this late discovery up to "living in Italy, where baseball ranks below soccer, volleyball, and basketball."

Let's Go Giants- I want to see you play while I'm home next month!

And Now We Wait...

Got the official dress!
Found the shoes!
Invitations mailed.
Found another dress
Made all necessary reservations.
Now it's time to find the bling.

And when I say bling I'm not talking race medallion...although my newest one being earned in a few weeks may work... And no, also not talking about the one that will live on my left ring finger one day. I am however, talking about something a little sparkly for the ears. Just something little, since it's not my wedding day but my (not so) little sister's big day!

Even after the wedding prep I've been involved in it seems crazy that Nini is getting married in 31 days! (Yep sister, that's your deadline.) Maybe that's because every time I'm asked "how do you like him?" I'm reminded that I haven't met my future brother in law and that I won't until only a few days prior to their union. Good thing my sister has exquisite taste and extended family has met this guy and hasn't said anything too ridiculous! Kidding Chase (and Nina)- anyone who can take a detailed email on "how to be Kate's stand in at Thanksgiving" and go for it rocks in my book. 

I've got to be honest, helping plan a wedding from overseas is crazy. Throw in time zone differences, the inability to see any dresses prior selection, no cake tastings, all means I need to count a ton on my amazing parents to do the leg work. It also means that emails are sent out at all hours of the day to make sure things fall into place. But you know what? This is my sister's day and even though the above may sound like complaining it's been totally easier than sharing a room with her growing up. Seriously...do any of you remember those wars?

At any rate, figured I owed you all a "real life update" although boating, Amalfi, and traveling are my real life activities these days...figured you'd want a more "normal person real life" update. For those I will be seeing in less than 30 days I can't wait! Seriously- between the frequent calls home, writing familiar zip codes, and making my lists for the trip home, I think California is becoming my most frequently used word.

Maid of Honor Out.

Summer Isn't Over Yet!

It is cooling down, but there is still PLENTY of sun to entice new freckles to come out, and to make the cool sea water feel perfect!

How do I know?

It was a boat day!

No, I didn't go adopt 3 adorable kids this weekend, but I did manage an invite to hang out with them in Ischia! I guess the lack of Coach Katie in their lives convinced their dad (one of my coworkers) that it was time to hang out. That or he really did want to see the bridge that I jumped off of on the 4th of July!

Our day started off with a quick stop in Procida to fuel up the tanks. *Note that if you have to pull up pier side, you probably should wait until the line is tossed ashore and you're tied up before jumping ashore...especially if you have a few kids still in the boat. No, this wasn't our boat, but they were with us. Dumb Americans* Once that was done, we were off to meet up with another coworker and have some serious fun.

The day was spent splashing around, jumping off the bridge & cliffs, and swimming to shore to soak in the terme and eat lunch. Yep. You had to swim to shore for both the terme and restaurant. Although the thermal pools were packed, we found a space and the kids started to grind away the rocks creating a sandy/algae mud mask. The boys decided that I deserved a spa day and told me to "sit back, relax, you're going to look great." Yep. Nothing screams "relax" like a 5 and 9 year old applying mud to your face.

We (okay, maybe just the under 10 crowd, influenced by me) also picked rocks that they wanted carried back to the boat. Somehow they kept getting larger and larger. Luckily they were lava rock so didn't weight a ton, but talk about awkward! One of them actually did make it back to the boat- way to go guys!

On the way back to Monte di Procida to turn in the boats, we stopped in a small cove along Procida, under the old prison. Well, we actually stopped before that when Miss Fancy Pants lost her balance while we were flying along the water and grabbed the kill switch while trying to recover...Such a klutz! With the sun setting, I found a cozy spot on the boat to laugh at them debating if they wanted to get in or not. And yes, I may have gave them an encouraging push- but that's what started their round of "jumping the plank."

8 hours after taking off that morning, we returned to shore. Worse part ever. I was practically ready to go inquire on what a house boat would cost me. I love the water, so much so that it still amazes me that I only work for the Navy and am not actually in the Navy. Here's hoping for a few more weeks of summer and boat rental opportunities!

Il gattino ha uno anno

Look who is 1! Okay, maybe he's older than that, but today we celebrated his "Gotcha Day." It makes me smile to think about how much he's grown and changed over the last year...

Granted, he still loves the fire place but no longer as a place to hide, but as his main route in/out of the kitchen.

Crinkling paper still produces the better results than calling his name, but he knows his name (and all the variations of it).

Mr. Rat is now approx 1/5 his size, rather than 1/2.

And perhaps most important, my Little Prince has learned to share attention and even make friends (both feline and human) so he had a few guests over to join his celebration!

The Royal Mile (Day #2)

Just a regular start to the morning- if your regular start is waking up, not quite remembering where you are, not knowing the source of an extremely loud blaring or the red lights flashing...Oh, it's the fire alarm! I wonder if it's for real?

No joke.

I opened my room door- didn't see a soul out there.

Tried calling the front desk- no answer.

Started to get dressed because I knew it was super cold out there. Then I realized that I needed my contacts in since I didn't pack my glasses. Something like 5 minutes later I was finally out my door ready to face the day should I have been kept out of my room for some time. As I walked by the man in a robe waiting for the elevator (yep, during a fire alarm) mumblings from other guests were pretty much the same as those floating in my head: How did I have time to get dressed and this guy is still in his robe? Shouldn't there be some kind of loud speaker announcement?If this is real why isn't there a fire truck?

Queue flashing lights, siren, and fire truck.

I still don't know the reason of the alarm; no one seemed to want to inform us guests but as we filed back into the hotel I was reminded that we were an hour behind Italy and that I have a major issue with time changes. Two plus hours of news, music videos, and ESPN later plus a 30 minute nap I started my day- with tea (hey, when in the UK) and cookies.

Our second start to the day took us up the hill to the Edinbugh Castle. There we froze in the drizzling fog and strong wind as we were lead around the various building atop the hill. Eager to get inside, despite a glimps of blue sky, we visited the gem room and the room where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James, the future King of both Scotland and England.

At 1 o'clock we naturally lined up with all the other guests to watch the 1 O'clock Gun be fired. The tradition dates back to 1861 when it was established to serve as a time signal to boats in the Firth of Forth (the water way). After the shot was fired, and our spot of tea consumed, we headed back over the dry ditch and walked along the Royal Mile. Destination? The Palace of Holyroodhouse. Distance? You guessed it, 1 mile away.



Once arriving to the Palace, we walked around the perimeter but all agreed we were castled out. So, in true Katie touring fashion, we walked towards the grass covered extinct volcano we had spied on from the hill the day prior. With the sun peaking out from behind the clouds we sat in the park area for a while and watched the most adorable dog splash in the fountain until we declared it time to walk back up to the castle and find ourselves a pint of beer.