Me love you long time

I'm alive.
I apologize for my absence.
Since my return I feel as though I've tried to do everything and in the end accomplished nothing.
My mind is going a million miles a second while my body take minutes to respond to a single thought or idea.
So much, oh so very much has been going on.
Where do I begin?
I feel as though I've neglected writing and in return neglected myself.
I've been doing so much, let me rephrase, trying to do so much that I haven't had the time to stop. Sit down. And reflect. I can't seem to do that even now- as I cook dinner, try to clean my fresh picked veggies, plan my weekend and type all at the same time. damn you 7 pm coffee.

Now. Where was I? Oh reflection, yes.
Since my return in mid January I've been up to no good... Come on- you know me- only doing good. I've been trying new things, everything from planting new vegetable, cooking new recipes, volunteering with new charities, running new trails, running with a new group, trying new restaurants, going to a new church, joining a new book club, blogging for new people, to even listening to new music and then working 40 hours a week.
The world is at my fingertips and I just can't stop grabbing at new opportunities.
What I need to do is STOP.
Seiriously Sawna, who do you think you are? Superwoman. Well, yes- actually I would like to say I am.
But I am not.

What I'm trying to say, what I am hoping this will accomplish- is to shine some light on my goals, things I want and need to accomplish relatively soon. I don't want my hand in so many pots that I half ass things that I want to do absolutely kick ass in. I need to focus on one thing, accomplish it and then move one.

So this is what I'm going to do. Right here. Right now.

Create a list.

This may seem so minuscule to you, dear reader, but in the whole scheme of things in assists me on what I need to do- say yesterday, actually last month.

1. Spend three hours in my garden. I feel as though three hours will suffice. Three hours to pull weeds, dead plants, any vegetables that are ready and re work the rest of the garden in order to prepare for the new planting season.
2. Write four pieces for new blog end send to k. Period. end of story.
3. Create new training plan! Half marathon or marathon this June?
4. Finish one book(I'm currently reading five- at once)

I think these are all reachable goals for this week. All have their own stories behind why they are my first to jot down. Basically things I have been slacking off on quite honestly.

My unwritten rule- is the write about it.
This serves as a journal, a notepad of things I do in my everyday life, or thing I have done that I just didn't have time to write about.

I'm here. Right now. And you bet your behind I'm ready.


No more lazy Sawna.... I'm running faster than I ever have- literally and figuratively.
So now. I need to sit down. Calm down. And eat dinner.

It's not the end. Only the beginning of what's already a great year!

Till next time,
Peace, love and happiness


Same same- but different







Do you believe in destiny?
That we all are destined to meet certain people, accomplish certain things, experience certain events?

Am I supposed to befriend certain people, experience certain adventures, laugh at particular times?
I do not know nor does it faze me much.

These past few weeks have been nothing but a dream- a dream come true some people say.
I'm in Thailand.
Which says enough.

The means of travelling; the new experiences, the exciting adventures, the wonderful relationships built- something I will always remember.

There are some things a camera can not capture.
The feelings upon each new adventure, whether its a new found experience or just captivated in a new way, the moments you can not explain- sunsets, the sounds created by natures children, the captivating sun hitting the ocean, the sweet aroma of trees in the wind and fresh flowing water at your fingertips.

I look around me and think "Am I really here?"
Perhaps this is a mere illusion created in my mind- a figment of my imagination.
These seem too unreal.
This must be paradise.
Well. Maybe not the internet cafe I am currently stationed.
This only a mere pit stop.
But paradise...
Crystal clear waters, swift beautiful fish, wonderful company, beautiful sunsets, lovely music, delicious local food, endless amounts of great weather, coconuts galore, fresh fruit(endless amounts of sweet MANGO), friendliest of people, tanned skin, nature at its best- should I go on?

MY LISTS as of yet.
Kon Kaen
Chang Mei
Bangkok
Koh Samui- Chaweang
Koh Tao
Koh Samui- Lanai
Phucket- Phuket town, Panaeng/kata/karen
Koh Lanta
Phuket- Phuket town
and now back to Bangkok
(Then Surin)

Forms of transportation
Car
Plane
Train
Bus
Tuk Tuk
Taxi
Van
Truck
Elephant
Motorcycle
Raft
Long boat
Speed Boat
Ferry
Bicycle
Scooter
Mule
I feel like I'm missing something

Till next time,
Peace love and happiness

I miss you....

One thing I miss.
Yes ofcourse I miss my friends, my family, healthy sanitary food.
But I miss what I am supposed to be writing about.
Running.
In Mexico I was privileged enough to run once even twice a day and it was wonderful.
In mahajual I was the girl in the neon orange shoes running laps on the streets early and the morning and at night.



Running with only the sound of the ocean as my soundtrack and the breath taking streets lights and panoramic view as the only landscape I was running to.
Here though, there is nothing of the sort.
My first day I spent sleeping since I was against the clock but the second morning I was up and ready for a nice long run.
Nice.
What I got was nothin of the sort.
I was running with fumes in my face and dogs at my feet.
Literally.
Thankfully I was already running so the dogs could not attack me- but they sure could have.
I miss the sweat. Not just the endorphin's but the serenity and peace running brings to my life.
In bangkok.
There are cars.
There are tuk tuks.
There are motorcycles.
And they are insane. I cherish my life too much to commit suicide by going for a run.
Playing it easy.

Just wait.
I'll leave for Ko Samui tomorrow. Beach city.
Which means, hopefully, a place to easily run.

I just purchased a documentary on my phone and look forward to the inspiration- and of course writing about it.

I miss my team and running for a reason- I look forward to my return and joining once again.
But right now- I must live in the present.
I'm in Thailand.
THAILAND. Me. Here. Now.
So I'm going to suck it up, shake it off and go enjoy my holiday from the real!

Till next time,
Peace, love and happiness.

So far.










The bucket list

I have yet to create an official bucket list- don't really see it necessary just yet.
However, I do feel the need to create lists of certain things I'd like to achieve at a certain time- whether you call that a bucket list or just a to do list, the your prerogative.
One thing that has been on that "to do" list for the past few years is to get my scuba diving certification and after last years experiences...
It was top if my list.

Mexico 2011
Filled with many grand adventures, wonders, new experiences, great sights and only the best loving company!
I'm afraid of a few things, I don't know if I've completely found things necessarily not metaphoric that I am afraid of but one thing I know I am prone to be afraid of is the ocean.
The ocean, a mass body of water is filled with wonders and great adventures.
One I have only began o explore. Scuba diving not only opened my eyes to a brand new world but I was able to experience this new world with my father, whom last year I'd never thought he'd be able to climb the next stair little own scuba dive a cave thousands of miles away.
Cozumel, dos ojos, banco chinchorro, majahuahl, ixalac and the waters of Belize to name a few. My scuba adventure has only just began.
Now what? I'm mind boggled by the endless amount of things I'd love to do.
Many top others and I'd like to heck things off before the new year.
A marathon.
Wait a tick- I've done that one already.
But what I really mean is that during the countless hours of training for this marathon.. My running partner and I brought up the next adventure quite a few times. You know what I'm rambling about.

Bungee jumping.
Yikes.
I still can't wrap my head around it.
Me! Jump of a bridge. No way!!
But I did. And as frightened as I might have looked jumping off that red step- boy was it fun!
Pictures soon to come.

So whats next.
Well since I'm trying to catch up on all my adventures I'm sure you already know.
Thailand.

But thats for another time.
SO much to tell. SO little time.
But is that not how it always is??

Till next time,
Peace, love and happiness

My Team

I don't know why it's been taking me so long to talk about my experience.
The memory of that weekend constantly runs through me as though it was yesterday.
I wish it was yesterday.
Six months I've had this collection of people that I grew to know and love.
What am I supposed to do now?
This past week I've been sleeping in- WHAT IS THAT?
It's not something I'm accostomed to and quite frankly I don't like it.
I've enjoyed working toward something- although it was something I wanted to check off my bucket list, it was a something that involved a better cause.

Team in Training changed my life.
Normally I wouldn't wake up at 4am or 5am and drive myself to pasadena if it weren't for these amazing collection of people.
But I did.
And I would do it all over again.
and again.
and probably a few more times:)

This marathon was not just a physical test but a mental test and I pretty much passed. (If there was a cab around mile 22- I MIGHT have taken it)
The overwhelming sense of accomplishment as I passed that finish line was amazing.
Will I ever feel that again? I'm not sure.
But once I collected my thoughts and my feelings in my toes started to come back- I was almost upset.
I thought, when I crossed the starting line, that once i finished I'd be a cry baby. But I was upset.
The fact that it was over really made me angry.
I didn't want it to end. Correction- I wanted the marathon to end at mile 20.
What I didn't want to end is the training...
The sound of my alarm clock scaring me awake at 5am.
The sweat making my eyes sting.
The enjoyable 25 minutes in the ice bath.
The weekly coaches shout outs.
The "rock talks"
The oohs and aahhs as I woke up the days after the long runs.
The silk chocolate milk.
The friendships I've made.
The over all sense of hope and love I felt.

What an experience.
If you want something to change your life.
DO a century ride,
a triatholon,
a hike,
a half marathon,
or like me a full marathon... and do it with team in training.


Because it will change your life.
And only for the better.


Till next time(don't think you got rid of me that easily),
Peace, love and happiness.


*** Thank you, my supporters, my donators, my friends, my family in all of your kind words and donations that assisted me in crossing that finish line.
(Pictures will be uploaded soon)

Its here



I'd say it's the day I've been waiting for... but "waiting" hardly describes the effort I've put in over the past few months.

No.

Its the day I've laced up and headed out the door literally hundreds of times for.
Its the day I've envisioned in every painful moment where I questioned WHY.
Its the day that never let me press snooze.
Its the day I have trained for.

Crossing the finish line (because I WILL cross it, you know) is going to seal the deal on making 10/16 a memorable day, but I've got an awful lot to look forward to in the meantime.

Four days (yes FOUR) away from work.
Away from the hectic LA lifestyle.
Four days to spend in San Fran.
With the people I love!

So. Cheers.
To an amazing season!

Till next time- because there WILL be a next time!
Peace, love and happiness.

This Sunday



I'll be in San Francisco.
I'll be with my team- Team In training.
I'll be running.
A MARATHON.



Can you believe it?
I still can not wrap my head around it.
Six months ago I started training for this event and for it to actually be right around the corner... wow.

I'm so thankful for this team.
For my decision to join this team.
For the new friendships I've made on this team!

I'm also thankful for EVERYONE that have donated.
Honestly.
I go back to my fundraising page and all I can say is WOW.
Not only did I raise my minimum but I surpassed it.
I have my family to thank for it- their support(and friends) really helped me out.
When I first signed up for this I thought it would be a piece of cake but it is not.
You think certain people would donate instantly but it's the people you least expect that go above and beyond and I am truly thankful for not only the donations but the support.

I can honestly say that Team In Training has made me a better person- and makes me strive to become even better with each day.

So enough with the rambling.

Tomorrow.
Tomorrow is very special.
Why?!? you ask...
Because it is our teams send off dinner.
But more importantly it's my fathers birthday.
A day I am most thankful for and it makes me overwhelmed with happiness that I have the opportunity to spend it with him again this year.
To another year full of opportunities, GREAT adventures, love, and happiness.

Till next time,
Peace, love and happiness!

20 miles

THATS HOW MANY MILES I RAN.

No.
Not in a week.
PSHHHH.
Come on- give me some credit.

20 miles- all in a matter of a few hours.
Insane right!?!
I know I am.
Its alright.

I don't know if its because I'm in a Doomies Vegan food coma-
or if its because I'm just awfully tired OR
if its my complete excitement for my long run tomorrow.

I told myself I'd explore Griffith.
I run Griffith park all the time, yes, but it's always the same trails.
THIS TIME- I'm going off the map and exploring.

Wish me luck.
If it were up to my dad and roommates, they'd stick a gps tracker on me when I run because I'm gone for so long that they worry.
I am loved:)


Till next time,
Peace, love and happiness


**Special thanks to Samantha Celera and her family for supporting me in my fundraiser!!!

My friends

Since I've started fundraising I've been nothing but surprised.

Surprised how big some hearts can be.
Surprised at how supported strangers can be.
Surprised at how generous family/friends can be.
Surprised at how much love I feel for everyone.

Its absolutely amazing at how far people will go to assist another.
It truly shows that even though we may not be in each others presence at all times, we still care and support each other.

Words can not even express this venture. This experience.
I am just overwhelmed with gratitude toward everyone who has shown support.

I have a few other topics to discuss.
But 'tis all for now.

Till next time,
Peace, love and happiness.



**** Special thanks to one of my best friends growing up, Mallory Wang, and her heart warming donation!!!

Interesting People

I met a very interesting person the other day at work.
He runs marathons.
BAM.

Crazy huh!
Like I was saying.
He runs marathons.
Has ran marathons in almost every state.
And will complete all 50 states in the next year(or so).

I was completely inspired.
He is also partaking in the 2011 Ketchum- Downtown.
Climbing the highest building west of the Mississippi- The U.S. Bank Tower in Los Angeles.

Help him reach is fundraising goal!
Donate here

Till next time,
Peace, love and happiness

Disney

There is a few topics I'd like to discuss about Disney.
The first has nothing to do with running.

The Walt Disney Station on Pandora is the SHIZZ NIZZ.
Just had to say it.
Where else can you belt out songs after songs from your childhood?
Ohhhhh the glory.

The second thing I must discuss does, of course, deal with running.
13.1 miles to be exact.



Last night was Team in Training send off dinner to all the participants that have been training, fundraising, and preparing for this Sundays race.
The dinner was held in Monrovias Domenicos. You know- only a hop skip and a jump away.
I'm not going to lie. I contemplated not going.
To be honest- I don't mind the driving, but yesterday was not the ideal day.
There was no turning back though, I'm here to support my team- whatever the distance.

Some pictures I've stolen from last night.


Coach Kiley and Juan

Keep Calm- Carry On

Mannys I believe Tshirt

There is a mouse on the mouse

Taking carb loading to the next level. My special vegan plate:)


Needless to say- I left this dinner inspired.
Inspired to fundraise.
Inspired to run.
Inspired to help.
Inspired to love.

Till next time,
Peace, love and happiness.


What I do


The Getty



2nd picking of veggies from the Sawna garden



My pumpkin. Which was stolen the day after this picture was taken:(


Griffith Park Swing



Vegetable picking one




Griffith Swing



A Sign



The pipe



Till next time,
Peace, love and happiness

Decisions

When your running, say 14 miles, you have a lot of time to think.
When your running 14 miles with two other people- you have TIME to talk.

I don't know how, why or at what point we stumbled upon this topic but I had mentioned the two best decisions I've made in my 23 years of living.

Decision ONE.
Becoming vegan.
It has been almost 4 years now, and I'm thankful every day. Making this lifestyle choice has not only opened my eyes to a plethora of different fruits and vegetables but it also taught me how to cook and fend for myself in more ways than just what is for dinner. Becoming vegan has made me into a better person I feel (I hope you agree). I've not only learned to care for my body, what goes inside but for the earth and its inhabitants. Many of my daily activities have been formed because of this lifestyle decision- juicing, running, hiking, cooking, gardening- to name a few.
I can go on and on about the pros of being vegan, what I cannot even name is just ONE con. Nope- none.

Decision TWO.
Joining Team in Training.
Yes. I said it. One of the best decisions I've made is deciding to run a marathon- and running it with a collection of AMAZING people. Honestly- why doesn't everyone do it? I can't wrap my head around it. This team; exercises, raises money, supports their friends and family all for a good cause- to assist in finding a cure for Cancer. You know my reason for raising money for the Leukemia lymphoma Society, but there are a collection of people that do it- just because. These assortment of people are genuinely good people. I would be lying if I said that I felt that about everyone in Los Angeles, and quite frankly it is pretty sad to admit- but these people I have met do this because they care. Joining TNT has altered my life- and only in the best ways. The coaches, the support staff, the mentors, the members, are all out here for a reason, and it’s for those that are struggling out there with a disease. There is so much to say about these wonderful people, why they are here, where they come from, what they are accomplishing. But I think the best way to learn- is by doing it yourself. Experience the power of hope, friendship, will, and most of all love by simply joining this collection of people and do something- something GREAT!


I don't know where I'll be next year, still in LA maybe? Living on a different continent, maybe? Who knows. What I do know is that I'll have both decisions still with me and helping me mold myself into the person I strive to be.


Till next time,
Peace, love and happiness.

Its a beautiful morning!

Ahhhhhh. The breath of fresh air.
The smell of coffee roasting.
The sun is shining.
Wait. It's only 6am.

I've been going a bit nuts over here.
Why you ask?
I haven't been running.

Ok. SO I ran 14 miles on Saturday- no big deal.
But I mean- my daily activities, running has not been one of them.

Hiking, yes. Cycling, yes. Running, that's a big negetivo buddy.

It's not that I don't have the urge to.
My quad has been kind of sore the past few weeks and I'm trying something new- I'm listening to my body.
I've been doing more land work outs, i.e. squats, lunges, sit ups, etc.
But it's not doing the trick.

When I ran the 14 miles on Saturday. My body felt great, tire- HECK YES, but fantastic! NO quad pain at all.

Perhaps it's the new running and trail shoes I purchased.

Today...
Hiking Griffith then land work out with the team.

CANT WAIT!

GO TEAM!

Griffith Park

Covered 37 miles since Saturday.
That's with two days of cross training too.

I've re introduced Griffith Park back into my life.
I think you should too.

REASON WHY.


















Because its THAT gorgeous!

Till next time,
Peace, love and happiness