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

THE ROOT CAUSE OF ALL DISEASE IS A NEGATIVE ATTITUDE ABOUT TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF.
How do we define "taking care of yourself"? Create a new self-care practice today. Observe your comfort level when it comes to being good to yourself. Discomfort is a wise teacher.

This healing card is perfect for my mood today. I am really going through some challenging stuff right now. I just can't stay focused I want everything now.
I'm have some financial issues going on. I just need to let the universe handle it because there is nothing I can do. Next year ,in April will be a better time for me but for now I just need to make it through the year.
On that note anyone want to buy a Mini Van??? I still have my van, and once I sell that things will be better.
I hope everyone has a beautiful day.

THE WORLD LIVES AND BREATHES, AND WE CAN DRAW ITS SPIRIT INTO US.
Think rolling waves, warm sun, wet grass, fresh earth, crowded elevator, busy streets, birds singing. Get into all the sensations of life today. You don't need a lengthy meditation to connect to nature-just draw it in.
Andy and I freezing on the top of Diablo after our run. It was 2pm and 46 degrees.
Beautiful Oak on the road leading to Mount Diablo.
Deer Flat on Mount Diablo.

me and my wonderful pacer Andy Kumeda , 2 miles from the AR 50 finish . I didn't have the best race in the world but I finished. The first 27 miles killed my legs. My feet were so sore from my shoes. I had to change shoes at mile 20. I had worn the same shoes 40 miles, on a training run but it was all trails. Live and learn. I was happy to have Andy pacing me. My goal was to finish in under 11 hours. Once I knew I was having problems. I really had to push to get in under that time but I did. 10:57.

Ask for guidance in seeing the truth concealed in your personal challenges.
Bless your difficulties and ask to see their hidden guidance. Have the courage to accept what you discover and to initiate whatever action your healing requires.
Andy & me looking super stylish at the finish!!!
I was really hard on myself about my finishing time but Andy made me feel better this morning in an email he wrote.
I took him on a run on Mount Diablo yesterday. It was cold and foggy, but so healing for me.
I will be running this very trail next week and by this very same Black Oak that I love near Deer oak flat. Next up Mount Diablo 50.
Andy thanks for all your support during my race you were fantastic.

May all creation dance for joy within you!
All you want to do today is love being alive- even if it's the hardest thing you've ever done. Appreciate the sounds, sight and sensations of your life: friends, books, ideas, sleep....just enjoy.

I'm heading out to Sacramento today. I'm running American river 50 miler. It should be a blast. Andy is flying out to come crew and pace me should be fun. Good luck to everyone running. Have fun doing whatever you do this weekend friends.
Send me happy thoughts and positive vibes tomorrow,

Well I started working at Whole Foods again. I will be working Mon-Thurs. I transfered stores. I'm working at a mega store in Cupertino. I swear my department Whole Body is huge. It's easy to get lost in my department. The store is huge too. One of my good friends and fellow WF manager friends Dominic kept bugging me to come over to his store. I'm glad I did. I will still work at REI 1 or two shifts a week. If you're in the area come say hi.
Rocky just waking up. He hates getting his picture taken.

CrossFit's Black Box

CrossFit's programming was developed by empiricism holding precedence over therory. This concept is known in the CrossFit community simply as "The Black Box". We put stuff in the Black Box(inputs) and observe what happens to those inputs when they come out(outputs). If the change is positive we use it. If there is no change or the change is negative we toss it. Here's an example: If I give Bob 6 weeks of programming and nutritional planning and he comes out of that 6 weeks with a 7sec faster 400m, a 10# increase on his snatch, 10 more pull-ups to his max, and 2% less body fat I know it worked and really don't care why. We only care that it's measurable, observable, and repeatable. We measured Bob's success with true numbers, we saw Bob's success, and now let's put a bunch of other folks through the same program to duplicate Bob's success.

There are a ton of ways to do pretty much anything. Eat, exercise, communicate, live, etc... Don't let someone else's "principles" or "therories" get in the way of what works. I know, real obvious right. You'd be suprised how many times I hear a confident voice proclaim "But you can't work legs after you just worked legs yesterday" or " You are burning too much muscle because your heart-rate is higher than the fat burning zone". The same voice has a 135# max squat, can't run a mile in less than 10 minutes, and is over 20% body-fat all with following their workout "principles" religiously for over 5 years.

What I love about CorssFit is that if something emerges that is more effective than the current programming for the goal of "being fit" CrossFit will use it, as long as it's measurable, observable, and repeatable.

(taken from crossfit unlimited web-site.)

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Crossfit WOD today
5 rounds
400m run
30 wall balls
30 box jumps
my time 28:54.
Running the Alameda creek trail getting ready for American river 50 miler Saturday.