IN SILENCE, WE MOST READILY PRESERVE OUR INTEGRITY.Your soul thrives on silence. From deep inside, you receive your most certain guidance and instruction. In silence, you are without distractions. This is why we fear silence- we fear its power. Enjoy quiet meditation today.
This past weekend was the big Pacific crest trail Kick off part. A lot of hikers already started and the rest will be heading out this month and next month. I just want to wish you all a safe journey, and I plan on being out on sections of the trail to meet up with through hikers.
It's all about the journey and don't forget that.

THE HEALTHY PERSON LIVES IN HARMONY WITH NATURE.You create harmony by making choices that feel right to both mind and heart. Consider one choice you need to make today-no matter how insignificant-and make it harmoniously.
Today was just one of those days I couldn't get going I was sore from the WOD yesterday. I also had really bad dreams last night so I woke up not feeling great. I decided to do a easy 5 mile run on the road and did 300 abmat sit-ups and 50 burpees.
I hope you're all having a wonderful day! Rocky is spending the day at UC Berkeley with Mike. Mike works there. I know why Mike likes to take him, because he's a chick magnet.

FRIENDLINESS, COMPASSION, AND DELIGHT CULTIVATE A CALM MIND.Practice the healing power of compassionate mind. Open your heart to other people without judgement, and radiate the message of delight at having them in your life.
Beautiful flowers in Sunol. Does anyone know what the red one is???
Anyone know what kind of snake this is??? I have seen 3 of them this past week. They are small with a black head and orange band around their neck.

CROSSFIT WOD
9-15-21-15-9
THRUSTERS,PULL-UPS
11:03

MAY YOU HEART SING AND YOUR SOUL REJOICE. EXPERIENCE THE WONDER OF LIFE.Celebrate all that is good and blessed about your life, realizing that gratitude is a powerful remedy. Appreciating your blessings increases the vitality of you life force.
Chiping, me and Danny.
Saw Chiping in Sunol heading back to Fremont running a 30 miler. Danny was also out training, he's running the Ohlone 50k he was doing 20 miles to Rose Peak and back. Chiping will be running Ohlone too.

Today I did another long run in the heat 25 miles. I love doing long back to backs. With the heat it has been challenging. I was still dehydrated from yesterday. I can safely say I should do well in a few weeks at my Ohlone 100 mile run.
I know we all have favorite places to run. I often think what if there was a fire on Mission Peak and what that would do to the beauty of my little wilderness.

One of my new favorite areas to run in Sierra Madre is burning. These are the trails Andy and many SoCal runners love to train on. The fire is still burning and will be 5-7 days before it is completely out. It is only 10% contained.
Here is a link
http://cbs2.com/local/Wildfire.Angeles.National.2.709435.html

So far no homes have been damaged and no one has died. We should pray that everyone who is fighting those fires be safe.

This is my favorite tree. Not sure why it became my favorite tree but it has been for at least 8 years. That tree has giving energy to deal with the death of my Mom, dog(oskar) and sister. It has helped me through my divorce. It has giving me the energy & strength to finish many races. I carry a small twig from my favorite tree during my races. I love this tree.
Make sure to hug it during the Ohlone 50k race it's around 1.5 miles after the sign in panel heading to Sunol.
Getting energy from my favorite tree and transfering it into the universe. Hoping to stop the Sierra Madre fire.

TO HEAL THE BODY, FIRST HEAL THE MIND.Today is for observation. Where does your mind wander naturally-into fear or fantasy, humor or stress?? Follow your mind, and observe where it goes to feed itself. Do you like what you see??
Todays plan run 36 miles. Julia and Jerry joined for 18 miles of my run, they headed back to Fremont, and I planned to run a loop. It was very hot today. I left them at a water stop. I filled my bottle but forgot to fill my pack. Big mistake. I ended up climbing a ton so i ran out of water. I ended up running 3 miles with no water and it sucked. i did a 7 mile loop in Sunol than headed back the Visitors center to get water. I could of got water at Backpackers camp, but didn't want to climb up the hill. I ended up drinking 5 bottles when I got back. I filled my pack and headed back the 10 miles to Fremont. I was really worked but still moving.
I ran into Mylinh & Joe on my climb out. It was nice to see some friendly faces. I managed the climb up the Peak the last time passing 7 hikers.
The long down hill to Fremont was killing my tired legs. I'm happy I managed to stay out as long as I did. I ended up running 35 miles, it took 10:15 I stopped alot and chatted with people. I took a 10 min. break and had to lie down on a bench were there was a cool breeze blowing. it was a beautiful hot day.
I always manage to have fun even when I'm dehydrated ;)
Getting close to water..WOO HOO

FRIDAYS RUN 13 MILES. IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL DAY.Crossing a muddy area didn't want to get my shoes dirty ;)
Top of Mission Peak Sunol is behind me.

Life is a challenge....................
I find myself these days asking why??? Why so many test in life?? Is it to make me stronger. Funny how things can change in a year. You can have everything than nothing. I know it's not important to have things but it's important to have people in our lives. I didn't manage my money all that well lst year. Taking off and not working and spending money left and right was not smart.
You live in learn. I am getting back on track, but each time I do something sets me back for a minute. That's ok I'm a Capricorn a goat and I will just climbing to I reach the top again.
Training run tomorrow: Meet at Mission Peak Stanford av. 7am for 31-36 mile run. You can make it 20 if you want to just go to Sunol and back.
Let me know if you want to come. It will take 8-9 hours.
This song by the Talking heads is perfect for how I feel today.
No mater how tough things get I remind myself I'm lucky to have great friends and an amazing boyfriend. Also I thank God each day I wake up that I'm alive :)
And you may find yourself living in a shotgun shack
And you may find yourself in another part of the world
And you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile
And you may find yourself in a beautiful house, with a beautiful
Wife
And you may ask yourself-well...how did I get here?

Letting the days go by/let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by/water flowing underground
Into the blue again/after the moneys gone
Once in a lifetime/water flowing underground.

And you may ask yourself
How do I work this?
And you may ask yourself
Where is that large automobile?
And you may tell yourself
This is not my beautiful house!
And you may tell yourself
This is not my beautiful wife!

Letting the days go by/let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by/water flowing underground
Into the blue again/after the moneys gone
Once in a lifetime/water flowing underground.

Same as it ever was...same as it ever was...same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was...same as it ever was...same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was...same as it ever was...

Water dissolving...and water removing
There is water at the bottom of the ocean
Carry the water at the bottom of the ocean
Remove the water at the bottom of the ocean!

Letting the days go by/let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by/water flowing underground
Into the blue again/in the silent water
Under the rocks and stones/there is water underground.

Letting the days go by/let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by/water flowing underground
Into the blue again/after the moneys gone
Once in a lifetime/water flowing underground.

And you may ask yourself
What is that beautiful house?
And you may ask yourself
Where does that highway go?
And you may ask yourself
Am I right? ...am I wrong?
And you may tell yourself
My god!...what have I done?

Letting the days go by/let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by/water flowing underground
Into the blue again/in the silent water
Under the rocks and stones/there is water underground.

Letting the days go by/let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by/water flowing underground
Into the blue again/after the moneys gone
Once in a lifetime/water flowing underground.

Same as it ever was...same as it ever was...same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was...same as it ever was...same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was...same as it ever was...

TO HEAL THE BODY, FIRST HEAL THE MIND.
Today is for observation. Where does your mind wander naturally-into fear or fantasy, humor or stress? Follow your mind, and observe where it goes to feed itself. Do you like what you see???
CROSSFIT WOD for time:
100 abmat sit-ups
100 burpees
100 push-ups(knees)
14:28.

http://www.laweekly.com/columns/24seven/bingo-was-his-name/18724/
Leona divide 50 miler. In Memory of BINGO.
I often dedicate my races to friends or strangers who have passed, or who are ill and can't get out and need prayers and positive energy sent to them.
Andy and I were sitting at Starbucks reading the LA Weekly when I noticed a story about a wiener dog named Bingo. He was hit and killed on March 20th by a car, it was a hit and run. Click on the link to read about him. It really touched me.
Andy and I in front of a mural and memorial wall dedicated to Bingo in LA(Lake Side area)
Andy, Catra and Quacker after the race.
Andy and I both battled stomach issues during the first part of the race. We ate something the night before that made us sick. This was our first 50 mile race together and NO,It won't be our last we had fun. Andy is much faster than me but he says he wants to run races with me. There will be times when he wants to race and that's. fine by me. I think I might become faster the more I run with him.
The weather was cold it was also very windy at times. I had my jacket on a good part of the race. I really fought to stay positive when I was having issues. I even called on little Bingo to help me run strong and he did.
I was very emotional when we finally hit the PCT section of the course. Last year I hiked the 33 miles and I told myself I would be back to run the 50 mile race this year.
I was over come with sadness wishing I would be part of the group of PCT hikers out there this year. I have a love for that trail and unfinished business. I want to go back and get the woman's record but it will have to wait another year :(.
I enjoyed the memories of that section of PCT. I enjoyed telling Andy stories and showing where I slept and all about the Andersons who are the trail Angels in the area.

I loved the course and I loved the out and back section where you get to see all the runners. I even saw some Northbound section hikers doing the last 450 miles of PCT. I stopped to talked to them and told them to tell the Anderson's & Saufly's hi(trail angels). How I miss being all grungy and dirty and living on the land.
We really picked it up on the way back. Andy set our goal on finishing in 11:40, we finished in 11:36. We had so much fun.
At the finish a woman came up to me and gave me a hug. I was surprised because I didn't know her. She said you might know by this..she than acted like she was going to moon me..I screamed Mrs. Anderson from Casa da Luna. I didn't get to meet her last year, but since she and her husband are trail angels I went to their house and met Mr. Anderson. Terri (Mrs. Anderson) was at the hospital with her daughter who was having a baby when I came through.
The hikers I met during the race called her for a ride from the trail head and mentioned Dirt Diva says hi. She found the finish of the race and came to meet me. How cool was that??? It really made my day.
I'm going to try to head out to Casa Da Luna when the big heard of PCT hikers come through at the end end of next month. Trail Angels are like volunteers at a race, only they take you in feed you, and let you shower and speed the night. I'm amazed at how wonderful these people are to open their houses to complete strangers. I'm also amazed at how a trail Angel would go out of her way to met me.

A few images from Leona Divide 50 miler. Andy stayed with my slow ass the whole time. We finished in 11:36. We did had fun, even if we both had stomach issues most of the race. I will post my report tonight.

Andy and I at the start of Leona Divide 50 miler
Me signing the PCT guest book at the trail head. I signed it last year when I passed through.
Me with my favorite sign a PCT trail marker.
Me passing the PCT northbound section hikers. They are section hiking to Mexico.

LIVE LIFE, LOVE LIFE.............
I'm in Sierra Madre woo hoo!!!!!
Don't judge a book by it's cover. I was sitting at the airport this morning reading, minding my own business when a man stops and is staring at me. He started to speak, I thought great he's going to make a comment about my tattoos. Which by the way ,were pretty much covered by my clothes. You could see my feet and a little bit of my chest.
He said nice tattoos. I said thanks. I thought what a nice totally conservative man. (white hight collar shirt and slacks and a suit jacket). He started asking me questions about where I was from, and where I get my work done. I thought how strange he's really into tattoos. As we got to talking he revealed to me he had almost a whole suit. I thought how cool. Who would of ever thought this guy would have a whole suit tattoo. We spent several minutes talking tattoos and life. He told me non of his coworkers even know he has tattoos he keeps them covered. His name was Jim. We exchanged emails. I'm sure one day we will run into each other again. Maybe next time at a tattoo convention.
Remember don't judge a book by it's cover.

ROCKY IS UP AND RUNNING AGAIN :)I love my little dog so much. He makes me smile each day. I was getting ready to go on a short run, I looked over and he was laying on my hydration pack. I realized he was telling me he wanted to go. He knows I'm leave for SoCal tomorrow so he won't see me for a few days. He always knows when I'm leaving he's smart like that.
I thought his shoulder has been fine since Saturday. I took him out yesterday for a walk and he was fine.
I always let Rocky run when he wants to run, and walk when he has to.
We had a wonderful run at Quarry lakes he loves all the birds and the dogs and their people.

When Rocky needs a break he lets me know just like in the picture. He's resting up. the weather was great. Looking forward to my third 50 miler in three weeks this weekend. Should be fun.
I hope everyone has a great rest of the week. Enjoy the beauty in each day.

THE INDIVIDUAL EPITOMIZES THE UNIVERSE.
Where exactly does your influence on life end? You'll never know the full power or consequences of your actions and choices. Enhance the whole life today through your actions.

ROCKY TRYING TO GET MY ATTENTION!!!.
He got it, he wanted to go for a walk.


Rocky is the luckiest dog and I'm the luckiest Mom. When I'm sad he makes me happy. He's so darn cute what's not to love about him
On our walk we stopped by the park near my house. I haven't stopped there forever. I use to get drunk and high in that park back in the day.
I took Rocky on his first ride on a swing. He didn't like it. But the duck ride was a hit he liked going back and forth. The Gardeners where there cleaning the park. And I think they thought I was a little nutty. That's ok it's called having FUN!!!

WITHOUT HOPE, WE LIVE IN DESIRE.
Ask yourself, "What are my desires?" Then ask, "What are my genuine needs?" Discover how casually you desire things that have no real value for you. Then you'll realize how easily you lose your power.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE HOT WEATHER????? I was hoping the heat would stay around for awhile. I'm running Leona Divide 50 miler this weekend. I was out running at 3:15 after work and it was chilly and windy on Mission Peak. I'm thinking it will be hot at Leona. Oh well. I think after Diablo I'm ready for whatever weather we get Saturday.
Peak meadow trail Juntion with Horse heaven just a FYI for all of you running Ohlone 50k in May.

LET TIME GO.
How much do you need to do today?? Must you fill every moment to feel useful or productive? And how much of your life is directed by time??? Answer these questions honestly.

CROSSFIT WOD TODAY:
overhead squats
5-3-3-1-1-1
33-39-44-56-68-73

HOW I RAN AND FINISHED MT. DIABLO ON LESS THAN 1.5 HOURS OF SLEEP.
Me at my darkest hour on the trail
Friday night I was in my room and I heard Rocky jump of the couch and let out a yelp. He came limping into the room. He seemed fine like maybe he just twisted his leg. I thought I hope he's not seriously hurt. I picked him up, and put him on the bed. I finally decided I better get some sleep, it was already 12am and I needed to be up at 4:30. I got into bed where Rocky was already asleep. He all of a sudden woke up crying. I picked him up, put him on the floor and he was crying and limping.
I thought maybe he just slept on it weird since he was hurt. I tried to get him to go to sleep and finally at 1:30 I called the emergency pet clinic. I knew there was no way I could run the race, knowing he was hurting. I just needed to make certain it wasn't serious. It really broke my heart to see him crying. I took him in at 2am, they gave him an exam. The doctor said he just jammed his shoulder most likely, when he jumped. He didn't do major damage, but was crying because he pain. They gave him a shot for the pain and to help relax him.
They send me home with some doggie advil, and said if he is still having problems in 7 days, take him to his doctors. We came home and I pulled out the sleeping bag ,so we could sleep on the floor, since I didn't want him to try to jump and hurt his shoulder more. For the rest of the night he wined off and on. I kept waking ,only to see him staring at me.
Finally at 4:15 I got up to get ready. I felt bad leaving him, but my Uncle would be home all day with him.
Chet and I heading to Finly aid station
I met Joe & Mylinh as planned at 5:30 to carpool to the start. We got there and parked next to Julia ,who was celebrating her B-day. She was planning on running the 50m but like many others cut their distance short.
It was hot, our first hot day of the year, no one was heat trained. I was not feeling well do to the lack of sleep, and consumed with guilt for not being home with Rocky. I just kept praying the whole day that he would be totally fine and 100% when I got home.
On my way to Rock city aid station mile 24 I felt like passing out 3 or 4 times. At one point I laid down in the shade on the trail flat on my back thinking I wanna quit. This damn Devil(Diablo) was trying to drag me into HELL...I got up after what seemed like forever and continued onward and upward.
I was happy to see many old friends and meet new ones like my blogger pal Leslie from Alaska running her first 50m race. She finished strong.
I was happy to see Jim Winni at Rocky city my all time favorite pacer and crew person. He was the aid station captain there. Oh also it was great seeing Michelle and Morgan working Juniper.Thanks for being there.
The two studs at Finley. (left) Will, me, and Ryan
I headed out to the Finely road turnaround point. It's a 6 mile out and back. On my way out I hooked up with Chet from Reno. It was great to be with someone who was feeling like shit too.. We stayed together that whole section. We did a good time going down to Finley. I was happy to see Will(fast old guy) and Ryan(young fast guy) ;) I actually went to school with Will. I even had a crush on him when I was a teenager.
Chet and I headed back up to Rock city, the climb was hot but I think by then my body had adjusted to the heat. It was great on this section because you got to see all the runners.
We arrived into Rock city in a good time. I was feeling much better since I had Chet to talk to the whole way. Jim Winni had my favorite smoothie for me a mango tango. I shared it with Chet. I was feeling 100 times better. I ended up taking off and loosing Chet.
The weather was great and I knew I could get by in my sports top and MoeBen sleeves.

Trail junction where I last talked to my Mom before she died.
There is a spot on the trail, it's part of the trail through time, at this very signpost was the last time I heard my Mothers beautiful voice 6 years. It's a special place to me and I always place a rock or flower when I pass by it. I called on my Angeles often during the race. I even prayed a lot for my little Rocky.
I made it to the Juniper aid station 9 miles to go, there I saw many many runners not looking good. They looked like they wanted to call it a day. I tried to get them to leave but no one left with me. A few later went on to finish.
We all had to battle our demons out there on that trail. Many times during the race I felt like that Devil Mountain was pulling me into the depths of HELL. I just kept fighting and clawing my way out, hour after hour.
There where times I had 10 reasons to quit but I had 15 reason to keep going.
I was stronger than I had been all day those last 10 miles. I ran free all the way to the finish knowing I had beat the devil once again. I finished in 15:02. I survived just like most of the runners ,who managed to finish.
By the time I got home it was 1am. I walked in the front door and there was my little Rocky running around like a little mad man as though nothing was wrong. And just some 20 hours ago he couldn't walk. My Angeles answered my prayers and healed him.

A CHEERFUL EXPRESSION BRINGS JOY TO THE HEART, AND GOOD NEWS GIVES HEALTH TO THE BONES.
Here's a task: Be the bearer of only good news today. In living out this task, note whether you find it difficult to maintain. And if do, discover why within yourself.
Tomorrow's going to be the hottest day of the year so far. I'm running Mount Diablo 50 miler which is hard enough, but throw in 80+ degree temps it's going to be a challenge. Send me those positive vibes like you all do so well. I would like to finish in a good time, but just finishing is always good.

EVERYTHING LOST IS FOUND AGAIN; EVERYTHING HURT IS HEALED AGAIN.
The truth has the power to retrieve a part of your spirit from the past. It's a mantra that's strong enough to overcome past injuries. This will be your constant thought today.

I know life sometimes is a challenge. If it wasn't I wouldn't grow as a person. I always face my challenges head on. Running and doing crossfit makes me feel much better ,if I didn't move my body everyday it would die, I would die. I love to live.
I have two tattoos on each of my wrist, one says "Live Life" the other "Love Life" I looked at them today and realized why I got them. To make me remember life is not that bad after all.
Out on my run today I saw this snail it was a sign. He was there to let me know, slow down, it will all come in time. Snails are really beautiful creatures .
CROSSFIT WOD:
4 ROUNDS OF ROW 500 METERS WITH A 2 MIN. REST IN BETWEEN
2:23, 2:28, 2:33, 2:25