Soon will have home-grown tomatoes

Our tomato plants are growing tall and healthy. I spotted a big one the other day and 7 or 8 small ones are sprouting.

I am very excited for some home-grown tomatoes to make some delicious pasta or tomato soup this summer.

16 Miles

During the past weekend, Walt and I put in a total of 25 miles with a total of 37 run miles weekly.

On Saturday, I wanted to do an easy run before a long one to put in some more miles for the week, but it turned out not so easy. We ran from my house to Alum Rock Park, without remembering it was a slight slope on the trail for 4.5 miles. But on the way back, we had plenty of recovery time. I wore my old Asics and they felt fairly heavy and the strides were as smooth as the Saucony Grid Type A4.

Yesterday was the long run - the 16 miler at the Coyote Creek Trail in San Jose. Running new route really makes it more fun and short. The weather was in the low 70s and most of the paved trail was shaded. A few hours before the run, I had Hidden Valley fruit & nut and one of the two honey n' oats bars. Then, about 45 minutes before the run, I took a few spoonful of fried rice. I was really surprised that the fried rice didn't give me cramp at all during the run. That was great! I wore the new shoes (Saucony Grid Type A4) and felt so light on the feet. These shoes really force me to run with my forefoot/midfoot. My ankles and lower calves would get sore after the second half of the run. It was a lot less yesterday. I think that part of the muscles are getting stronger. Like usual, we took a water break at the half way point. This time, I took my Gu at mile 10 - 11, finished in 3 or 4 gulps. I really felt the caffeine and energy from the gel up till mile 13. It wore out after that. On the next run, I will bring 2 and more water. I was dieing for water toward the end.

I am glad my ankles and lower calves recovered so quickly. I am not sore today!!! But soaking in the jacuzzi and have a glass of wine tonight would be great!

Andy Schleck was 100ft in Sight!

Finally!!! I dragged Walt along and went up on the hilltop of Sierra Rd to see Andy Schleck who finished second of Stage 4 of the Amgen Tour of California. It was sort of disappointing to not see him kick butt. BUT he is still my favorite and cutest rider :)

Some sponsored booths were set up on the bottom of Sierra Rd for fans. We spent the most time at the Nissan booth and each got a T-shirt as souvenir.

Home-made bagelwich...so good even looking at it now.

Most cycling fans rode up the hill, not just once, twice but three!

One looked painful but the other is comfortably riding in his wind-resistant womb.

He was paid by Team Sky to chalk the logo.

It was crowded. The crowd was fairly old-aged too. Figured. Which youngster would be like me to ditch work for this?

Chris Horner blew out all his competitors, even Andy Schleck >.< It's pricelss to see one of the fans facial expression seeing how effortless and fast Chris Horner raced up the hilltop.

Here comes Andy Schleck!!! He also has a scar on his elbow...except mine is on the left side.

Make way for the peloton. They took up the entire width of the road.

Look at these sexy shoes...

I first spotted them at Fleet Feet in Sacramento while picking up the race package for the 5th Annual American River Parkway Half Marathon. Yes, I have to admit it was the colors that drew the attention of my eyes. So, the very next day, I did some researches on the shoes and ponder on which site has the best deal. Amazon.com sealed the deal.

My fiance held them today and said "they are lighter than a tissue paper, dude!"

I'll have to break them in now :)

Happy 22nd Anniversary!

On this very day, twenty-two years ago, it was not a Cinco de Mayo celebration for the Mexicans, it was also an independence day for the Chen and several Luo members families. This was what we looked like when we first touched the American soils. Can you make out which one is me?! hahahahaha~~~~

I appreciate life.

Engagement Anniversary Race - American River Parkway 1/2 Marathon

Past Saturday was a great day, for me and for Walt. Both of us recorded our new personal bests for our half marathons. Absolute awesomeness that it was in the same race! Walt has to thank me for keeping him on top of his training program :P

Race Result
 Age Group Rank - 33, Gender - 144, Overall Rank - 438

Age Group Rank - 16, Overall Rank - 111

May is Bike Month, Time to Get Outside

Happy May, everyone! Did you know that it is bike month? It's the perfect reason to get outside and get some exercise. Not only is riding a bicycle a great way to get around, but you can burn a ton of calories, even on a leisurely ride.

For every hour of biking (think a ride to the park, not the Tour de France), the average 160-pound person burns about 292 calories. Not to shabby for a relaxing ride.

To stay safe when riding, follow these tips from the League of American Bicyclists:

1. Follow the rules of the road.
2. Be visible.
3. Be predictable.
4. Anticipate conflicts.
5. Wear a helmet.