Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run

Since 2007 I have been actively running.  And each year I participate in local races/runs that support the community or special event.  This time of year is the Old Koloa Sugar Mill 5K/10K/10M Walk/Run.  This event which is sponsored by The Rotary Club of Kauai and benefits the Nursing Program at UH/KCC, the Electronics Technology Program at UH/KCC, Professional Massage Program at UH/KCC, and the RYLA Rotary Youth Leadership Award just celebrated it's ninth year.

This particular race was also the beginning of my love for running.  It was in September 2007 when my boss (at the time) invited me to join her on the 5K at this event.  I originally figured I'd walk it, but once I tried to run I realized how much I enjoyed it.  So I trained for it.  Every night after work I went out for a little run....all in preparation for my first official race on November 3, 2007.  I didn't know what to expect but seeing several hundred people participating in this event and cheering for each of us as we made our way through the finish line invigorated me.

Despite the warmer temperatures (the race is located in Poipu - the sunnier/hotter side of the island) and the blaring sun beating down on the course, I've made it a point to participate in this race each and every year (except last year when I was still recovering from my surgery in Sept 2010).  But as each year passed, I increased my training and I found myself getting stronger and stronger so I transitioned from the 5K to the 10K race.  After this year's event, I reviewed my results from previous years to see my progress:

Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run Kauai - 5K Division Results

November 3, 2007             :36:56       11:54

Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run Kauai - 5k Division Results

November 1, 2008             :32:52       10:36

Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run Kauai - 10K Division Results

October 31, 2009             1:15:46      12:13

Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run - 10 K Division Results

November 12, 2011          1:07:47      10:55

As I look back at this race (and others I've done) I can see the advancements I've made.  With each race I ran I have never finished a run - longer than 5 miles - in under 11 minutes per mile.  So when I realized I finished this last race under that goal I was ecstatic. 

I'm ready to keep on going.   And I invite everyone (near and far) to come join me for the 5K, 10K, or 10M at next year's event - which will be celebrating it's tenth year!  Who's in?

Paleo Eating Plan

My dinner tonight was a trial start to my new eating plan (Paleo Eating Plan) that I will be officially starting in three days.  And with a new eating plan comes several new....and hopefully good recipes.  That I will enjoy profusely and be excited to share with my friends. 

To kick start this new way of eating I found a recipe at http://www.paleoplan.com/2011/02-01/roast-chicken-with-balsamic-bell-peppers/ for my dinner tonight - Roast Chicken with Balsamic Bell Peppers - can we say Yum-O!  It's from a website for the Paleo Diet or Paleo Eating Plan.  What is a Paleo Diet?  Well, it's not really a 'diet', but more of a method of eating.  It's all about eating natural foods such as meat, fish, vegetables, wild fruits, eggs and nuts.  Generally a diet high in animal fat and proteins and low in carbohydrates.

And for those that know me well, know that like most people, carbohydrates are my friend (and worst enemy).  I love bread, pasta, rice.  And I love chocolate, cookies, cake just as much.  But it's time to take out all those processed foods and unwanted sugar and eat HEALTHY.

The internet is a huge source of information regarding this method of eating.  Most diets are destined to fail, but I feel like this won't.  I've heard success stories from friends who have encouraged me to give this method of eating a try.... just for 30 days and see how I feel.  

And in time, maybe I will become a success story myself and I can inspire you to give this method of eating a try.  This is the eating plan that will make me SUCCEED!