Moving On

Again, it has been what feels like an eternity since I posted.  I have two words for the reason why:

GRADUATE SCHOOL

Here's a green smoothie to keep me going during a study session.

This past fall flew by like a whirlwind, and just like a whirlwind, my head was spinning and focus on running and health took a backseat to classes, papers and deadlines.

Here I am on a rare occasion of getting out on the trails for a run!

The entire fall, I attempted to put my health and mental sanity first by continuing with heavy training and speed work.  This succeeded for the first few weeks or so.

I was fortunate enough to get a coach, Kawika Carlson, to help me stay on track, but the semester simply proved too busy and stressful for me to continue to meet with him.

My running buddy, Robin and I at the start and finish of the XTERRA half; if it weren't for her motivation, I could not have done it!

I did manage to stay on track enough to run a solid 50k to celebrate my 32nd birthday, the tough XTerra trail championship 1/2 marathon, and the Honolulu Marathon in December.

Running up, up and more up at Peacock 50K on the North Shore.  

Celebrating after the Honolulu marathon with athletic mentors Ellis and Jerry

This semester, I've moved apartments to more relaxed and rejuvenating surroundings, cut back on my class load and have hope that I can train effectively once more; reaching running goals along with academic goals.

Halfway through a recent training run along with my pup Reba and good friend.  I've moved about 15 minutes away from this slice of heaven!

I have signed up for my first 100 miler in August, and plan to focus my efforts for the next seven months on training effectively and injury free along with having a successful semester.  I have started training runs, and am also struggling with motivation and a recent tendency to be extremely lazy with school pressures (i.e. hours of the West Wing, chocolate and total zone out)

Is it possible to be both active and in school?  I am hoping that my dedication to health and plant based wellness helps. 

All I want for Christmas is this much broccoli

 I do get the sense that if I could survive my first semester back in grad school, ANYTHING is possible!