It’s Monday again!

Before anything else, I just want to say a big CONGRATULATIONS to my friend Jae for completing Ironman Texas last Saturday! He ROCKED IT!

Here’s a video of him at the finish line.

He’s the friend from my previous post whom my hubby and I cheered for last April in Texas during his Ironman 70.3. This time was the full one – Ironman 140.6. My husband and I were cheering for him from all the way here in Ohio. As we were tracking him online we were feeling the pain and the agony. That’s 2.4 mile SWIM, 112 mile BIKE, 26.2 mile RUN + TEXAS scourching heat! That’s insane but he killed it!

Congratulations Ironman Jae!

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So last Friday, I gave myself a permission to schedule a little ‘me’ time. 🙂 I am firm believer in the importance of being good to yourself and I shamelessly indulge in “me time” every once in a while. 🙂

I had highlights done on the tips of my hair. My hair is normally very dark brown and the highlights turned out to be caramel-y. I’m happy with the outcome! Thanks to my hairdresser, Jamie! 🙂

I like it when hubby is driving, I can take more shameless selfies! LOL! 🙂

Question: When was the last time you set aside a little ‘me’ time? How did it feel?

My husband has played a key role in getting me into running. He was actually the one who encouraged me to sign up for my first half marathon. I was doubting myself that time but he was more confident for me than I was. From there, I got hooked! So, thank you for that! 🙂 Im not sure I would ever have the guts to sign up without his wisdom and encouragement. He supported me so much through my running journey. I remember when he had to wait for me to finish in the cold and sleet during my last year’s race at the Monumental Half Marathon. I love him and I am truly blessed to have him. He’s my number 1 fan! 🙂

Our very first half! 🙂

So, this year, I am repaying the favor back. He signed up for his first marathon in September. Though I am not training for any races (as of now), I join him with his training. This is my small way of saying thanks! 🙂

Now with his first marathon on the horizon, he’s been diligently following a training plan. I join him in his long runs, easy runs, not-so easy runs, interval trainings… etc. It’s nice that I do this with him. We keep each other going when one is tired. Running together is a fun way for us to bond.

4-mile interval training

Last Saturday was another long run for him.

I saw these old tracks along the way. I love railroad tracks!

Doing my much needed foam rolling

I had no idea how running weaved into our marriage. I realized that this has become a bonding time like an Iron man movie date night out for us. I am convinced that one of the reasons we’ve remained strong in our marriage is that we share the same passion and loves. My partner in life is also my partner on the run.

Question: Do you run with your significant other? Or are you a solo runner?

Yesterday, my husband and I attended the Cincinnati’s 4th annual Yoga Takeover, sponsored by different local yoga companies. It was free (which is awesome) and took place at the Washington Park in Downtown Cincinnati.

This was my first time doing a yoga class outdoor. It was pretty tough balancing on the grass, but the wobbling didn’t bother me. It’s getting close to summer season, so it was ~~warm~~ hot but everyone just seemed so happy to be outside.

There were 3 yoga instructors that led the class and they also had assistants who were walking through the crowd helping with adjustment and spraying us with water – such a sweet treat! So despite the fact that there were probably 200+ people out there yesterday, you still got a little bit of individual attention.

It was a great experience since I’ve never really got a chance to roam around to this part of downtown Cincinnati. The views were actually pretty cool. And doing a sun salutation when you’re actually reaching toward the sun is a pretty cool feeling! 🙂 And, oh, the “thing” I feared the most (see my last post), nope, nothing like that happened. LOL! It was a good day!

Question: How did your weekend go? Have you gone to an outdoor yoga?

Anyone raced this weekend?

Xoxo, JOTR

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I thought before love month ends, I could at least be done sharing my memorable holidays.

So here it is. The last one of my Holiday Recap…

Dec 31 (Monday) New Years Eve:

We celebrated it in our little home here in Ohio. 🙂

Family from Houston, Canada, Indiana and Philippines came over to our place to celebrate New Year’s. We were 17 total! We had to set a schedule for shower to accommodate everyone. LOL!

New Years is usually the noisiest time of the year in the Philippines. The same way Americans enjoy Fourth of July with fireworks, Filipinos go all out with the noise on New Year’s eve clanging pots and pans, blow party horns (torotot) and light up firecrackers. We do that in the belief to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck, fortune, and prosperity in the new year. Since we were here in the U.S. and fireworks are not allowed in our neighborhood, we are stuck with just party horns.

Like Christmas Eve, Filipinos celebrate New Years with a midnight feast too. We had roast pig (lechon) that night. It’s been a while since the last time I ate lechon. Good thing my husband was able to find a Filipino food store online based in Columbus, just 1 hour away from us. Their food is really good! So, if you guys are in for some Filipino dishes, check out their facebook page.

My husband and sister attacking the pig. 🙂

At the stroke of midnight, everyone greeted each other a Happy New Year

…and danced the night away.

everyone got too crazy… but fun crazy. lol!

New Year is not complete without a bottle of alcohol. It has become a tradition for us that whoever hosts the party should provide a bottle of Patron.

the unboxing

Cheers to 2013! 🙂

I was just so happy to be with my family to celebrate holidays.

sister, mom and me

My husband and I were overwhelmed with happiness.

Jan 2, 2013 (Wed):

With New Years resolutions starting, there was no better way to start the year of than with renewing your dedication to fitness! 🙂 To get my family motivated, my husband and I brought them to our favorite local specialty running store so they can get fitted correctly by experts and help them get the perfect workout shoes.

My sister plays volleyball so she was given Mizuno Women’s Wave Inspire 9.

My sister loved it and she said that it’s very soft, light and comfortable.

My mom does zumba most of the time so she was given Newtons Distance (same as my running shoes). 🙂

According to the staff that assisted her, Newton shoes are also great for zumba because they have those lugs for shock absorption when dancing (Interesting! I didn’t know that!). They’re light that makes it easier to move and glide across the floor but still supportive enough. She threw in some cushioned inserts as well for added comfort. My mom loved it because it’s very light and comfortable, and has bright colors which suits her style well. 🙂

Jan 4, 2013 (Friday): A day before they leave.

I was already starting to feel sad that day. We made the most out of their remaining hours. We all went out and gave my family a tour of beautiful Cincinnati. 🙂

Who doesn’t like outdoor ice skating to music that time of year? It’s beautiful!

My sister and I had to try it! We had a blast!

After a cold night walking around downtown, everyone got hungry and finally decided to eat dinner.

Everyone wanted some seafood for dinner, so we made a reservation at Mccormick and Schmicks.

I wasn’t too quick to take pictures of the oysters. It was gone in less than a minute. LOL!

my plate

It was a fun, nice and warm last dinner with my family.

January 5, 2013 (Sat): And then, they’re leaving? 😦

The day my family flew back to the Philippines.

It was hard for my husband and I to go back to reality when they left. Our house felt empty and so quiet. I don’t mind the chaos and the waiting in line to use the bathroom when everyone was here (LOL!). But we had to face reality that vacation was over and they had to go back to work and school. It was just sad when they left.

I’m so grateful this year that my family is healthy and able to travel to celebrate this special time of year with me and my husband.

I am really thankful that I was fortunate to have a very functional family growing up, and my parents set wonderful examples for my siblings and me. I’m very grateful for my husband, who is my best friend, and his parents for being the nicest parent-in-laws one could ever have! We had a lot of fun together. It truly was a wonderful Holiday Season for us.

‘Til the next time for us to see each other again. Maybe in a year or two we might be able to save enough to go home and share my experience with you guys Christmas in the Philippines. It’s nothing like you’ve ever seen before! If you’re a traveler at heart and happen to be in the Philippines around September to December, you will know what I mean. The loud Christmas songs everywhere, the colorful lanterns, joyful caroling of kids, and all-night-all-morning festivities up to Christmas day are things that I grew up experiencing. Still, I am very grateful to be alive and content where life has taken me. My husband and I may be alone here in Ohio but we’ve met so many kind people, friends who’ve already treated us like family and are very thoughtful to us. We definitely feel truly blessed.

Hope you guys had a wonderful time reading my Holiday Recaps as much as I had fun sharing them to you guys!

Have a wonderful day!

xoxo.