Tips for Running a runDisney Race!

This video was super fun to do and useful too. I found myself looking up several of these kinds of videos so I hope you enjoy!

Tips:

1. Register early because availability goes out fast. 
2. Train with enough time ahead. 
3. Save money!
4. Read the program prior to the race weekend to organize yourself. 
5. Stay at a Disney host resort. 
6. Stop by the official merchandise booth. 
7. Take your camera to the expo because there will be great photo ops. 
8. Your love ones can make signs for free at the expo. 
9. Take it slow the days before the race, specially if you are going to the theme parks. 
10. HYDRATE!
11. If running in a costume feels uncomfortable, try a Disney themed shirt and some accessories to run comfy yet not loosing the Disney magic. 

Tower of Terror 10 Miler 2014 RECAP

Here's a recap of the runDisney's Tower of Terror 10 Miler 2014 :)

Disney's Tower of Terror 10 Miler: Official Photos

DISNEY RACE CHECKLIST: Tower of Terror 10 Miler 2014

T minus 2 for race day! I'm so excited, this is my first Disney race and as a first you understand I must have everything checked off on my checklist. I decided to share my checklist for all Disney firsts just like me. 

• Pack your running gear, and if you're flying pack it on your carry on. 
• Check that your hotel reservations are all good to go. 
• Buy any snacks you are used to for traveling time. 
• DRINK WATER!
• Print and sign the waiver. 
• Don't forget your photo ID to retrieve your packet. 
• Phones for pictures and chargers for phones. 
• It might be chilly (stress on "might" since this is bipolar FL we are talking about) so bring an old hoodie to give away prior to the race. 
• Bring lots of money to buy goodies!
• And last, bring a happy smile since you are gonna have the funnest time while losing weight!

HOW TO START RUNNING

STEP 1

Get all you need to go on a run, i.e. just a pair of running shoes. You don't need to be fancy with all the new gadgets when you start running, the most important and foremost thing you have to do is just go out there. 

STEP 2
Work on that playlist. If you like music and it helps you to be focused make the perfect playlist, add those staple songs of yours that make you wanna dance or sing your heart out every time it pops from shuffle and add a couple of new songs too so you can add excitement and surprise to the playlist. Try to make your playlist a little up beat, it doesn't have to be electronic music but don't go all the way to good ol' Mozart. 

STEP 3
Make a plan. Plan out the days you'll be able to squeeze in a run, plan the distance you wish to achieve (but always be flexible) and plan out the times you feel most comfortable in. If you make the time to squeeze in a run you'll never get the chance to just say no because you're packed with things to do. 

STEP 4
Bring a running buddy. Ask around your friends who'd like to get healthier with you, I don't think all of them would prefer to stay fat and have the same activity level as a couch, there must be somebody; and if there's not, make a running buddy. Sure you've seen somebody from your neighborhood running around. 

STEP 5
Go little by little. Don't overdo your first run, it will only make you wanna crawl back home and never come out, do until the point you think is your climax and then walk your way back. Increse little by little and never feel bad for a little mileage. And never ever compare your runs to other's. 

STEP 6
The first one to two miles are always the worst. Just tell yourself to keep going because around mile 3 you'll never want to stop. 

STEP 7
Sign up for a race if you need a little motivation. A simple 5k will do it!

STEP 8
Go out and run. Stop reading this blog, don't second guess it and tie your running shoes on. GO!

Youtubiiinnnng

Yeap, I decided to start making videos for Youtube again, all last times were total fails so this time I'm attempting to make like a running series based on my two future Disney runs. Here's the first one: WHAT TO PACK FOR RUN DISNEY TOWER OF TERROR 10 MILER. 

*as you noticed I was a little nervous.

Week #62: RAN MY 2ND 5K! (06.30.14 - 07.06.14)

On Monday my grandpa had me on photographer duty and I had to go to this lunch at the Sheraton Hotel to take pictures of the President of Taiwan, it wash't that hard of a job since I only had to take photos on a tripod at the stage where people took turns to take a picture with the president. The lunch was good, I specially liked the asparagus soup :) I ran into Agrupa people, aunts and uncles like Tia Nitzia, Tio Dupin, and Tio Mario, and even my high school Principal Prof. Caballero. The lunch was over and we returned home to chill before going out again for dinner at Vechio Forno with the family (Apo, Acun, Cristy, Patty, Tia Marilu, Yoyi, Mom and Dad), I was craving Italian after eating Italian for six weeks, lol.

Tuesday was triple feature day! I watched three back to back movies with Rod, which was on my bucket list for Panama so one done. We watched "How to Train Your Dragon 2", "The Fault in Our Stars" and "Maleficent", Jordan came to see Maleficent with us too and he is so sweet, when we kiss good-bye he hugs me so tight :) Me and Rod had a fantastic day, and when I got home I was so freaking tired I felt asleep once again. I've been falling asleep before midnight since I came back, that sucks.

On Wednesday I went to the movies (again haha) with Zhanzhy and Alex, I stopped by Zhanzhy's university to pick her up and then I picked up Alex at her house and we watched "Neighbors" starring Zac Efron (meltingggg). The movie was really funny and we had a really good time :) For the rest of the day I just came home and knocked out once again, but this time I fell asleep at 9 pm!

Thursday I had a lunch date with my buddy and we went for sushi because I was craving it real bad, he came to pick me up and we went to the Sushi Express a couple streets down. As always, I had the greatest of times with my buddy since we always have something to talk about. After our lunch date I had a meeting with Chung San Jr., the group my mom started, and I saw Beto, met her sister (which is just as fun as Beto), I also saw Meisy, Any Lam, and my grandparents and Cristy. They had pizza but I decided to take my own lunchbox because I had already had sushi and too much not-so-junk food in one day is bad. The meeting ended at 10 pm and it was funny because every once in a while that would all start cheering "Stacy for president" which is really odd because I rarely gave good new ideas, just a few but not much.

Friday was kind of my day off, I woke up and watched the Germany vs. France match and of course, GERMANY WON! Then I did a couple of nothings and nobody cares, jk I played some PS3 and watched some Harry Potter and then read some Harry Potter... and yes, the PS3 game I was playing was a Harry Potter one. So I ate and did Harry Potter all day (omg that sounds bad haha), but it's the truth (is it?). 

On Saturday I went for lunch with my family as always and had steak (yes, I broke my no red meat streak), and after I headed to the Debutantes practice to take some pictures my Tia Marilu asked me for. Halfway through the practice I was dying from boredom, not again will I go to a practice unless it's one of the last ones and everything it set up. And at night I went to Athen's Pizza with the family to celebrate Cristy's birthday and I saw Nandin after centuries of not seeing him! And believe me not, he's fatter :O he went from like Andrew Chan to Anthony Smith! But he's still funny as ever :)

On Sunday I ran my second 5k, Copa do Mundo Power Club, at Cinta Costera. I was suppose to meet up with Jordan but he left because I never got back to him as of where the race would take place, oops. I ran the race in 38 minutes with something seconds and although it's not my best, thank you Panama climate, it's still within my time goal which was 40 minutes. 

Week #52: ONE YEAR BLOGGING + AWESOME MONDAY

Wow, how can I start describing this week's Monday? It all started with a good pee in the morning when I checked in the grade I got for my second economics exam, and I say good pee because I got 23/20! That more than an A and my GPA for that class went from 70something to 90! Class was boring... yeah, but I'm feeling so good. For physics, we got to get out early because we finished all the material for the final. Then I went to the library to study for my calculus final test, and stopped by Starbucks first. I was wearing my Superman shirt, and the cashier wrote in my cup 'super girl'; that seriously made my day even brighter. I study calculus for a few hours, and this is the readiest I've felt for a calculus II exam. I didn't do horrible but I do think I could have done better, I'm almost sure I got more than half right. When I came back Kaitlyn reminded me we had a Hall meeting for check out next week, and afterwards some of the suite mates came to our room to hang out. I finished my leadership paper and then chill out. It was a really good Monday despite how I did in calculus, and it for sure is the best Monday of the term, since it's the second to last and in the next one I have two finals. And I finally got to experience one of those girl nights with my suite mates talking about sex... Of course I didn't have much to contribute to the discussion but this is what I imagined college to be like, it was pretty entertaining.


On Tuesday I went to my last leadership class! It was bittersweet, I'll miss my classmates. This class was one of the best classes I've had (if not the best). I returned my Leadership book to the library and bought a new USF hoodie to retire the old one :) I also went for a run but it wasn't that good of a run... I wasn't just feeling it, I had been in the cold of my bedroom and came from an intense 5k. I just hope I pick it up on Thursday. Today is homework and paper night, yay! Since I finally solved my calculus project I can now write about it. I also registered for the Walt Disney World Half Marathon! Taking place January 10th, 2015 :)

On Wednesday I finished my last physics homework with Courtney at the library! And I also got my calculus II test back, I got higher than the average which was 58, I got a 60 LOL! Anyways, I'm actually happy with that 60 haha. I've written half of my calculus paper, which is what's going to save me this semester if I do well. 

On Thursday I got up early and headed to International Plaza, I took the HART bus and got there in an hour and 10 minutes which is really not that bad. I got my feet fitted, and it turns out that I overpronate, and have a medium arch so I got fixed to a running show that will help me balance my weigh evenly. And after trying out that shoe I could really feel the empty gap in my old Asics. I bought the Asics Gel Kayano 20. And since I was in the mall I went to Forever 21 and bought a couple more leggins and a really cute headband :) I also bought my mom some leggins because she asked for. I had Burger King for lunch and it was totally disgusting... It tasted so bad, and I don't think it was because something went wrong, but because it's been so long since I've had Burger King. I finally ran a decent distance, 8.25 km, and with my new running shoes. They felt pretty comfortable but I could feel the heaviness in my legs. Also I felt some impact in the front part of the bottom of my feet. Nevertheless, I feel happy I ran that far :)

On Friday I woke up early because I was planning on going to the last optional session for physics but I decided not to go, I was also gonna meet with Ricardo to study economics but we didn't have enough time before his next class so I did the majority of the take home exam that morning. I was also going to meet up with Courtney but she stayed at home to finish her calculus paper. This is going to be an all nighted night at the library. I have to finish my economics take home exam, study economics, study physics, finish my calculus paper and write my economics globalization paper. And I kinda want to finish all that tonight, kill me right?

RUNNING UPDATE

I MIGHT be going crazy, or "half crazy", because I just registered in Walt Disney World's Half Marathon for next year! I haven't even ran the 10-miler in October and I'm already aiming for 3 miles more. I feel a rush of excitement flowing through my veins, but I like having those exact goals in mind. 

The race is January 10th, 2015 at 5:30 am! And this time I'm going by myself, not like the one in October where my mom is coming with me. This means I will have to practice all the time and not slip, because if I do I'm toasted. 

I was between this half marathon and the Princess Half Marathon, but I chose the Walt Disney World one because the Princess' collided with the Gasparilla 8k (or maybe 10k, I don't remember). I know Gasparilla cannot be compared with the Princess Half Marathon but I have three more years to run every race :)

MY FIRST 5K!

Today I ran my first ever 5k! It was the HARE Racing Experience by the Epilepsy Service Foundation in the USF Track and Field Stadium. I signed up literally a couple of weeks before the race, thinking it would be a great way to start warming up for my big 10-miler in October. I never thought it would be such big of a race, and as well organized. It was pretty neat actually, the t-shirts look cool, we were time-chipped, and the racing packet had pretty cool stuff. 

 I got there with my mind set on finishing under 40 minutes, I started off at what I consider a good pace, but when my first update from Nike Run told me I was running under 7 min/km I automatically slowed down because I didn't want to burn out. I took about three walk breaks, and finished the race in 34 minutes, that's 6 minutes under my time goal! With an average pace of 6'50 min/km, which is tremendously faster than my normal pace that is around 7'50 min/km. 

I ranked 6th place in my age group category, that is from 15 - 19 :) And for my first 5k I feel so proud of myself. Specially because I just started running this February, that's less than three months ago! And I started running with 2 km, barely 3 km at the start. Now a days I can reach 8k if I work hard!

Planning on running another 5k before the 10-miler, maybe an Asics race back in Panama :) That would be nice. Got a lot of training ahead of me :)

Week #51: CERTIFIED LEADER (04.14.14 - 04.18.14)

I had a bit of a late start on Monday, I thought I would have a head start in the morning because I woke up half an hour earlier to finish my economics homework, but halfway to the dining hall I realized I forgot my keys so I had to go back... So I really had a 'butt start' if you can call that something. I didn't finish the economics homework but I did copied for Victoria the one nobody got. I got my Forever 21 package and also the three pairs of running socks I ordered. The socks feel fine, I'll be testing them tomorrow though. At 5:15 pm I headed to the MSC because it was the "Celebration of Leadership" i.e. my Certified Leadership ceremony, sadly I had to leave early because I had class at 7 pm and I feel so bad! At least I understood what we were doing in calculus II. I had Pollo Tropical for dinner, and I feel so bad eating outside food. I wanted to go to the grocery store today but had no time at all, I just want to eat my fruit now (and I feel great just wanting to eat fruit). I also got a letter from Alex! I swear to you that just before picking up the letter I was thinking on writing to her wishing her luck in her finals, I haven't told her I received the letter, I'm gonna send her a response through mail. She basically wrote to me that she supported me in every decision I made and not to stress and she absolutely calmed me down. Although that was a week ago, that letter made me feel so much better. I'm so lucky to have a friend like her.

I had my last physics lab class on Tuesday, and it was our physics lab final. I think I did good, the bonus question was really hard but everything else felt easy. Since I got out early I went to the STEM lab to get some help in my calculus II project, and there were no tutors when I got there; but this nice guy helped me out. He looked like a junior or a senior and helped me a lot, and he was nice too :) I had to stop by the computer store to buy another charger for my laptop because I forgot mine in Panama -.-' It cost $80! I'm so sad :( I got a package from Amazon with my LifeProof case, the LifeProof armband, the GoPro Hero 3+ Silver and two mounts. I got a lot of stuff, lol. Plus I got some of it at discount because of my free six months of Amazon Prime. I went for a run with all my new gadgets. The LifeProof case is amazing compared to the one I had for the 4S, it's so light and not bulky at all. I carried the GoPro in my hand, I uploaded a video here. I ran 8 km! 

On Wednesday I was attended by the rudest cashier ever at Subway... She left the cash register with me standing in front of her, a co worker had to call her back telling her she had costumers; she came mad and did what she was supposed to do. I asked for a plastic bag to put my food in and she literally threw everything in it... I just hate the attitude some people radiate, you don't have to let everybody know how mad you are, specially at work. I did half the physics homework with Courtney since it's due next week and we haven't seen the other half of the material. Then I went to my calculus class and it wasn't boring at all, I understood most of it and I actually feel prepared for the test; but of course I need to study and kill myself practicing this weekend.

On Thursday, Kaitlyn woke me up... at around 9 am -.-' I went to the International Services today to get my visa signed in because it's that time of the year, although I'm not sure if I was supposed to get it signed because I'm still not sure if I'm staying over the summer. Then I went to Dr. Campbell (advisor who assigned my calculus II project) to show him my work to see if I was on the right path, and he helped a lot. Apparently I was not on the right path, but the questions he asked me I was able to answer. So when I got back I did this insane table on Excel and I think I found the answer. I went for a run, and felt super tired, also the impact of my feet was too harsh' that's a sign I need new running shoes. I ran 8.06 km though, and then I went to Starbucks to buy myself a reward. I ordered a Shaken Passion Iced Tea Lemonade blended, and it was AMAZE-BALLS! The cashier asked me three times if I was sure I wanted it blended haha. 

On Friday I went to an orientation for my study abroad program in Florence, I didn't learn anything out of the ordinary but it wasn't that boring because Jim is so funny. I was stuck in there for three hours! There was even a Tornado Warning while in there, but by the time we got out it was all clear. I went to the library then to study calculus with Courtney, we were supposed to go see Captain America today after studying but Courtney said she wouldn't be able to because she had to wake up early for work the next day. It was a really uneventful day, but I'm so excited because tomorrow is my first 5k! And I'm also done with this shit (freshman year) in a week! 

Week #50: Driving in USA and going to Panama! (04.07.14 - 04.12.14)

On Monday I did my usual... Econ class, then physics and then calculus. I received a packet with the shirt I'm gonna use for the Disney 10-Miler! It's a t-shirt made out of bamboo technology Something like that, and it says Mad Hatter on the front (from Alice in Wonderland) and it has the hat in the back with RUN written under it. It looks pretty neat, and it "glows" in the dark, we'll see haha. I also got my Enterprise Car Share card, which means I can now drive! :D I still don't know when will be my first ride but I'm thinking of Monday after I come back from Panama to do some grocery shopping. 

On Tuesday I got the chance to sleep until noon because I had no physics lab but I ended up waking at 9:15 am... What bothers me is that I went to bed at around 2:30 am because I was finishing the fourth Harry Potter book and I really wanted the extra sleep, but oh well. This whole morning I've been looking into degree works and internships I could take next year, and I'm getting really depressed because my GPA is going to drop a lot thanks to calculus II and economics :( What if nobody hires me? I don't even see hiring material in me... Well I was finally able to register for Fall classes and I'm so happy because I got the schedule I wanted!!! Minutes before registering I search the calculus III class to see how many seats were left and it said 0, but when I registered I got a seat! I think they opened a couple of seats for the students registering today, either way, this has made me so happy! I also drove for the first time in the states! I was so nervous but the minute I backed out from the parking lot it felt like just any other day driving :) I went to Target to buy a trifold for my leadership presentation because the bookstore didn't have any and the trifold ended up looking good :) I was about to skip running this evening because when I finished my trifold it was already 7:30 pm and the sunset was at around 7:50 but I made up my mind last minute because if I skipped this one I would regret it. And so I went and ran 7.5k :)

On Wednesday I woke up an hour earlier to study for the economics quiz our teacher told us about the day before... I did half of the homework at the dining hall in preparation for the quiz and I think I did good on the quiz. I also got my grade from physics back :( I got a 75... And I had 78 on the two previous exams... If I slip I will end up with a C on that class. I did the physics homework due Monday with Courtney at the library after physics and I skipped calculus yet again. We finished the homework and parted ways, and I came to do my laundry. I also printed out my flight ticket! I'm so excited I'm going back to Panama for the weekend! :)

Finally Thursday! I woke up at 3:45 and my shuttle got here early so I rushed to Holly Dr. and he wasn't there... He was kind of lost and I found him in the parking lot next to the MSC in front of the College of Arts. I got to the airport super early, and got to my gate around an hour or two prior boarding time. I had Popeye's for breakfast at 5 am because I was starving and catch up on some reading (Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix). I got lucky that the seat in the middle of my flight was empty, for a second I thought I had the whole row to myself but after the doors closed a gringo sat on the aisle seat. I think that wasn't his assigned seat thought, because he sat when we were preparing to take off and he knew the guy across the aisle. Damn him, I could have had the whole row to myself. When I landed my mom and grandparents came to pick me up and we went to Sheraton to eat sancocho where we met with my aunt too :) After that I went to me grandma's house to chill until Patty and her friends had dance practice for the choreography. We went to the local where the party is gonna be held and it looked cool. The decorations where halfway through and it looked really nice. It pained me that they used the pictures Patty took with another photographer and I think mine were far more better but oh well. Then my dad came and we three went to dinner at 'Leños y Carbon' which was yummy :) When I came back home I Skyped with Rod until my mom interrupted our call short. I also finished the whole box of the Soccer World Cup album stickers and then went to bed after a very VERY tiring day.

On Friday I woke up after noon and had my usual for lunch! Mac and cheese with chicken strips! I love it. I went to my grandma's house to take Patty and her friends to the venue, and while we were waiting to go there I finished my second box of stickers for my Soccer World Cup sticker album. I only have 100 stickers to go. I saw Carlos, the choreographer, I missed him so much! I also helped with the decorations, specially in the candy house Tia Rosa was making. 

On Saturday I woke up at 7:15 am because me and my friends were going to El Parque Omar to run some, of course only Tommy, Andrew and I ran while the others walked. We had breakfast at the Golden Unicorn, some yummy dim sum; but it was kind of awkward... Nobody was talking and it was cut short because Lionel had to leave... Yeah, that wasn't my idea of a fun day with the gang. After dropping Tommy at his house, Rod and I went to get some ice cream and they finally had the strawberry-vanilla combination! It's been years since I have had that. When I came back home and showered my dad took me to see my grandma. We had a good time, we read the chinese newspaper and talk for a while and then I came home. Today's Patty's Quinceanos! So see you next week :)

I also did my make up for the first time, following some Youtube video tutorials, Alex told me it was better off with the light colored lip stick but I actually like the red one. I don't know which one to use for the party, I guess we'll see. 

MY OPINION ON RUNNING SCHEDULES

It happened to me, when you are in Pinterest and you randomly decide you want to run to lose weigh when you see one of those 'Running for Beginners' or 'From Couch Potato to 5k' posts. I started doing the 'From Couch Potato to 5k' and it was in a 5 week lapse I think, I was doing fine at the beginning bur the repetitions where getting more and more intense and if I couldn't keep up with the pre-scheduled routine I would feel depressed. The thing is, those schedules are not fitted for a human being, or well, maybe for yourself. You gotta go with what fits you, and makes you feel comfortable but at the same time challenged. 

What I did was that I just went for a run, after deciding on quitting the 'From Couch Potato to 5k' and I saw that I could run 5k at my own pace. So every now and then I push it up 0.25 km more and try to run more and walk less, or to run faster. Since then I've been increasing my distance tremendously fast. I started doing that on March 7th, and today, almost a month after I increased two whole kilometers. It may not sound as a big difference but it is for me. 

I usually go out and run three times a week because of my packed schedule, and since opting out of the trail and just running around campus it's been wonderful. I also created two new playlists to listen while running because if you do too much of the same it can get boring. I created a Disney oriented playlist when I feel motivated about my Disney run on October and another one with just different songs than my first playlist. Now, the campus just seems to small to run around. I now have to enter dead end streets to cover some of the mileage I wanna run. 

Week #49: RENAISSANCE FAIR! (03.31.14 - 04.04.14)

On Monday I woke up very tiredly. I've been having problems when going to sleep, and I think it's due to stress. Remember the guy I told you about? Sam? Yeah, we are still talking as friends and I think he's pretty cool :) It would be really nice to have a close friend that lives on campus. I had an economics test today and I think I did pretty good, I just hope to raise my GPA on that class to a B or something. Physics was really boring, and after class I bought myself some Subway and went to the library to study some calculus before Courtney came over to study physics. We had a practice test and we solved it, so I'm hoping we are well prepared. I decided to skip calculus II because I'm so done with that guy, the simple thought of him just makes me wanna destroy little ponies and the happiness around me... Yeah, that's how that #@%!^ guy makes me feel.

Tuesday was a good day because I had my last physics lab of the semester! Although physics lab wasn't much of a struggle it helps me conceptualize the few weeks left of this semester. Leadership class was fun, today's topic was change and they totally mixed up the groups and I had so much fun. Leadership class feels more like a 3 hour recess where you have fun and learn about yourself at the same time. There after I went on a run, I was feeling very tired because the night before I only got to sleep roughly 4 hours. I just couldn't sleep, I didn't feel tired at all. Despite the tiredness, I ran what I had planned; 6.50 km. I then changed and went to the library and practice tons of calculus while eating the pizza delivered here. William came to me and asked if I could do him a favor and since he was here I gave him the remanning of my pizza so it wouldn't go to waste. I worked as hard as my mind went, and I'm pretty proud of myself. 

On Wednesday I had totally forgotten that I had a physics exam, I had studied with Courtney earlier but I was not mentally prepared for it. When I got in I saw the scantron in the big screen and people with it on their desks and I thought it was from the previous class but I noticed that they were all blank. Then I saw the people that usually sit on my row with scantrons and I was like 'oh shit'. I feel like a did good, I got the numbers right, so let's hope they are actually right. I went to calculus for the first time in like a week or so and actually understood what that old man was talking about, later I went to his office hours to talk about the second exam for another shot at the extra points, at the end he told me how to solve it because I had no idea, and now I don't know if he gave me or not the 3.5 points I needed to get a 50%. Then I asked him a question about my project, and he told me it was a good question which made me feel great because nobody had ever told me that I had asked a good question. I then left to the library a little confused as to if I had gotten the 3.5 points and couldn't focus so I went back to my dorm and just read Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

I was excited for Thursday because of my advisor appointment. I had to ask some important questions, including changing majors which I did. I'm officially a computer engineering major! I asked him about the calculus II class, if I fail it I can replace it with a better grade if I take it over the summer but that doesn't secure my spot on a calculus III class over fall. I talked to my mom and she says just to try to get to a C, if I fail well there's nothing we could do and I would come for the summer term. At 2 pm I had a meeting with Justin Fitzgerald from the Leadership program because he's my coach and I learned a lot of valuable things. He helped me with my leadership philosophy which he loved, and also with my resume. Then I biked to Walgreen's and Target to buy my aunt's medicine and a pair of earbuds because I lost the ones I had :'( I also bought Patty some easter candy to put in her birthday basket :) Her gift is going to be epic. I also noticed I was getting weird stuff on my feet because I've been running. They are not blisters but more like empty blisters? Or circles where my skin is peeling off? Well, I bought some band-aids for that as well. So I just ran 7 km! I'm so freaking happy, but when I got here I noticed I got a blister in my second to last toe :( It doesn't really bother me but that means that now I need to get running socks... Which are kind of expensive. 

On Friday I woke up early to go to a Renaissance Fair with Courtney and one of her friends! It was really fun and it had a lot of stuff to do! I did archery with an arrow and a bow and it's harder than it looks like, I also did the throwing knife thing and I actually got the knife stuck in the wood! I got a champion sticker because of that :) I had chicken and chips for lunch while Courtney had a turkey leg. We saw several shows that were actually really good, I was surprised by that. The bad thing is that it was hot as hell! Gosh, why am I in Florida... Then I went to Publix to buy some groceries and when I got back I decided to register in a run for this month since I can run 7k :) So I registered for the 22nd Annual Hare Racing Experience which will be here in USF in the Track and Field stadium and it's 5k, what worries me is that I can't run 5k straight, I need a little walking break in between but when registering there were two options: runner or walker. So I guess it'd be okay to walk :)

Week #47: MILEY CYRUS CONCERT! (03.17.14 - 03.21.14)

Monday was said to be rainy all day and it was the moment I got out of my economics class. So far so good with my eating habits, I had fruit and whole grain crackers for lunch. I'm stressed though, because I have a calculus II test and I tried to study yesterday but couldn't. I understand the new concepts, what's hard is the integration itself :S thumbs up for all you college of engineering students struggling as I am. Honestly, I don't imagine myself studying anything else; business bores the crap out of me, I'm not that good at designing (I have the ideas but not the skills), and everything else I just don't like it. When I got done with the test all my hopes were down, I feel so depressed and sad :( 

On Tuesday I had my usual. I can't stress enough how much I love my leadership class, it's not the class, it's the group of people seating at my table. I just love them, they are so funny and good sports. I kind of feel bad because after class I ate ramen, not one but two! I went for a run and ran a little over 5 km, which was good. I felt the run wasn't that good but compared to my last run I ran further and faster! While running I saw a cute little grandpa riding his bike with a orange flag and a fluorescent vest so as to warn drivers he's riding a bike. And to top it off he was carrying things to recycle which I saw him pour into the recycling bins! So cute :3 I just have a weird love for old people.

Wednesday, was boring while at economics class because Ricardo didn't go. Armando is as usual guessing the answers as if he knew what was going on... And Victoria was playing Minesweeper on her phone. The funny thing is that Victoria knew what to exactly do for the class activity. I really need someone to talk to in that class... Otherwise I equal the quality of human characteristics as somebody who is dead. So after the first five minutes at economics class my day was practically dull. I went for a run at the track in the gym, and went for dinner afterwards at Champion's Choice. I kinda feel bad because I ate past and two slices of pizza (and a cookie too but shh), but hey... I'm getting into my period so I have an excuse. I got an email from INTO USF, the place I applied for a job and had a group interview the week before spring break, and they want to have a second interview! Then it came calculus and I got my test back :( I got 32.5... But I can better it up to a 50 so that kind of makes me feel better. I know I can pass this class but I'm seriously thinking about changing majors :( I'm at the library right now, studying the material we saw today, I want to get an A on the next and last test! I was also texting with Jose David while at the library because he was helping me with math and congratulated him at midnight because it was his birthday! I stayed at the library until 12:30 am, which is the latest I've stayed ever. I also Facetimed with my mom, because I was down because of my test grade and she always encourages me not to change majors.

I woke up early on Thursday, tired as hell because I stayed up last night watching Pokemon on Netflix. I went to the Study Abroad Orientation session, which was kind of informative but pretty obvious stuff. Then I went to my second job interview at INTO USF *crossing fingers. After that I had an advisor appointment to release the holds I had for registration. Finally I went to the Health Insurance office to release that hold as well. It's been a very busy day so far dare I say. And at last! It was time for THE MILEY CYRUS CONCERT! I met up with Sam and her best friend Juan, who turned out to be super awesome at Fresh Food to have a bite before heeding out. We then met with Grace and drove downtown to Tampa Bay Times Forum. When we got there we took some pictures and Grace and I bought Miley Cyrus concert shirts (the less obscene they had of course). The concert was amazing, the props where perfect, her entrance is the best entrance I've ever seen, and the concert was not just a concert; IT WAS A PARTY. I danced, sang, and had fun like ever before. The closing was spectacular, ending with We Can't Stop, Wrecking Ball and Party in the USA. And after a long day I had a late bite at Fresh Foods with Sam and Grace and then headed to bed. 

On Friday I woke up to go do some physics homework with Courtney and we nailed it! I got over a 100% on the homework and randomly decided to go see Divergent since it came out that same day. We went to see Divergent and were almost late to the theater! The movie was awesome, and OMG, the thought of Tobias just melts me <3 I had an awesome time with Courtney as always :3 She's a really good friend. 

Week #42: VALENTINE'S WITHOUT ROD :( (02.10.14 - 02.14.14)

On Monday I got my calculus II test back, and I did better than expected. I got a 72.5 :) I went to the library after class and tried to read through my economics material since I have a test on Wednesday and I did the best I could. I bought a hot chocolate at Starbucks to drink while studying but it was so nasty, it lacked sugar or something like that. I feel like a real blogger now, my Starbucks to the left, a TMNT sweatshirt on and my legs crossed; the only thing missing is for me to be sitting in Starbucks instead of the library. 

On Tuesday I had my physics lab, and it was a good lab :) I also had my leadership class, this one was a little bit more tedious but I still like it. I have that economics test on Wednesday and my plan is to study Wednesday morning, lol. Also, Tio Ricky arrived to Orlando, and that means: Disney World next week!I also had Panda Express for dinner, and that made me feel back so from now on I'm gonna be healthier! I also ran in the trail today, following the "from couch to 5k" workout. 

This was my view when running, pretty isn't it?

On Wednesday I woke up super early, 7:30 am, because I wanted to study before the test; besides, I asked Ricardo if he wanted to study together and he said Wednesday morning. Breakfast was not that good... The place smelled horrible and it seemed like nobody noticed, plus there weren't any biscuits! I came to the coffee shop at the bookstore to study while drinking my hot chocolate. I got to read a whole chapter, and when it was 9:15, Ricardo bailed on me. 

On Thursday I biked all the way to 7-Eleven at Fletcher to pay my Grehound ticket since the website was not accepting my credit card, it was chilly outside, and afterwards I went to Publix to do some grocery shopping since I had none left. It's so weird how I know all the streets and routes I have to take, I finally feel kind of at home; but without the family and friends part *sigh. When I got back I just chilled and did nothing for a while, I worked out a little in my room and watched Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince before going to bed. I was suppose to go on a run but it was so chilly I changed my mind. 

Happy Valentine's Day! This is my 4th year with Rod as my valentine! <3 and he got me a cookie, lol, even though we are 1345 miles away! (Yes, I googled that). Either way.. He ate the cooke hahaha. I also went for a run this morning and ran 4.20 km, I obviously didn't run the whole time but I'm def getting better. I met up with Courtney to do some physics homework and I gave her a Hershey's bar and a Resse's Pieces. She let me have two of her Resse's Pieces and now I like that chocolate :) I ordered pizza for dinner to celebrate valentine's day by myself, lol; jk, I guess I'll Skype with Rod tonight :) I also discovered why I didn't got accepted into PSU! I got a letter saying that they didn't accept transfer students for mechanical engineering, lol, they should have told me that when I applied don't you think? I also did laundry since I'm wearing my last pair of clean undies, hehe. 

Week #41: From Couch to 5k (02.03.14 - 02.07.14)

On Monday I was very tired and stressed, I got to finish the physics homework due that day but I got a 45% on the homework due Wednesday and I am SO MAD! It was the multiple choice that takes points if you miss the questions, and it was so tricky! I hate you Newton. I went to the library to try to study for calculus and did a bit but not much, I came back and I wanted to Skype with Rod so bad but he fell asleep :( I also got my last two birthday presents, the Konstructor camera kit and my Harry Potter bracelet, I absolutely loved the bracelet; but the camera kit stressed me out because there's something that doesn't fit so I just left it alone.

On Tuesday I just had physics lab since the Fundamentals of Leadership class got cancelled, and I did well on the lab. I've been procrastinating all day, I even Skyped with Rod during the day. I was browsing through my blog (procrastinating, ehem) and felt so happy while scrolling down my photography posts, I feel so happy I got to do all the things I've done and to have the opportunity of having a good camera :) After procrastinating I manned up and got through 3/4 of my economics material. At 7 pm I went to the gym and got on the treadmill for the first time, obviously I feel more comfortable at the elliptic but I wanted to try it out... Well, looks like I'll keep using the elliptic. I also had a yoga class and the instructor was absent again.. and we got a pilate instructor AGAIN! I really miss doing actual yoga :( Anyway, I feel pretty proud of myself because although I had Moe's for lunch, I had nothing else for dinner than mandarines and tea :3

Wednesday was a very busy day, I had a quiz and my first calculus II test. I felt proud of myself for sitting down for what felt like hours in the library working on calculus problems. I also did a much needed laundry since I was wearing my last pair of clean underwear. I had Subway for dinner, which I haven't had in a long time and it was good :) And at the end of the day I spent the night at Pinterest, and I came up with a new goal since I kinda broke my "don't break the chain" thing (kinda... I can still make it work though). My new goal for the next couple of months is: from couch to 5k. Whenever I run I always try to run the 5k the first time, but now I'm gonna stick to the plan that I found. 

On Thursday I met up with Courtney so I could help her with her calculus homework and work together on our physics homework as well. We got to finish the physics homework and then headed to the MSC to get some food because I was starving, we ended both eating Moe's which I thought was a bad thing because of the health factor but they put so much cheese on my burrito I now dislike Moe's. Like, I'm typing this and I can still taste the shit load of cheese I had in my burrito. After that Courtney was kind enough to drive me to the Study Abroad office so I could hand in my application for Florence and Jim, the study abroad *some high position, was so funny (a little weird) and made us laugh the whole stay. Courtney is thinking about studying abroad in Scotland so she got to learn a few things she didn't know. After that Courtney dropped me off at my dorm and I went grocery shopping, got some fruits, yogurt, and ingredients for my tofu wraps. I started the "from couch to 5k" program and I ran what I was suppose to run, I was surprise that I was tired at the end because it didn't seem like a big workout but geez, I ran 3.08 km which is the most I've ran in the last three months or so, and the fastest too. 

On Friday I skipped the economics class because I was very sleepy, I went to the academic advisor's office to get my course approval form approved for study abroad and then I fell into a deep depression... I can't apply to the Senacyt scholarship because I have to be there to get some papers signed so that means I'm stuck here until graduation day... I also got denied by Penn State which I don't get because I have better grades and a higher SAT score than last time. I'm so frustrated with myself and I just wanna die, like this is the first time I've felt I don't wanna be here anymore... Obviously that's not going to happen because I'm not that stupid but that's how it honestly feels. I tried to bring positive thoughts so feel less sad, I hope I can do my masters in UC San Diego or McGill, that would really make me feel better in the future. I also went to my coach meeting with Justin Fitzgerald for the Certified Student Leadership program and I like Justin :)I also went for a run and actually ran faster and longer than last time :D and lastly I finished my leadership paper :D I also had pizza bites for dinner and that makes me feel bad :( gotta do some abs now haha. Uhh and it was rainy all day, so I ran in the rain with my rain coat haha. 

Week #20 (09/09/2013 - 09/15/2013)

So on Monday I was super tired, I didn't even wake up to Kaitlyn's alarm at 7 AM. I went to Chemistry and Armando sat next to me again, I like that people look for me to sit next to me; I like Armando :) After Chemistry I bought some Pollo Tropical and ate in my room while watching my daily vlogs (usual mondays). Then I went to American Studies and at 4 I went to Calculus, thank God I remembered Calculus is at 4 not 3:30 because I have gone twice at 3 thinking it is at 3:30. Later in the night I hear a lot of chatting and when I look all of my suite mates (except Abby) are gathered in the other common room, so I go there and do some social life. I really like them all, they are so funny and cool to hang out with. Kaitlyn was really hyper though, I think it was the coffee she drank. Anyways, she went downstairs to open the door to Chris and we decided to tease her and we all hided in my room. When they turned off the lights and saw my wall full of stars they went like "wowww" hahaha. It was a nice ending to my Monday.

On Tuesday the guy from the Study Abroad finally replies to me and says I have to meet up with the advisor of my major, so I made an appointment with John for Thursday. Before class I went to the bookstore to buy a weekly planner because I feel I'm forgetting so much stuff, but when I got there I realized I left my wallet! This is the second time these past two weeks! So I went to Fresh Food Co. and grab some food to go. I feel bad because they didn't have any healthy stuff, so I had a lot of carbs for lunch. At class, remember I told you I felt like I was forgetting stuff? Well I had a quiz on Foundations for Engineering Lab, luckily it was in group and you actually did not need to have read the chapters. After that class I went and bought my weekly planner and also a USF t-shirt, because I feel I don't have enough. I went to my other class at 3:30 and saw Ahmad, I feel so bad because I have not texted him in a very long time and he told me that he felt sad, either way we worked that out. After class I went to Champion's Choice for dinner (I love that place) and I had mashed potatoes, a meat I don't know from what animal came and a tofu salad. After that I had a group meeting with the guys from my Foundations for Engineering class, Nick and Chad, and we accomplished to do something. Chad and I are lucky that Nick is a Junior because he knows a lot of stuff we still don't. On my way back I decided to stop by the Pod Market to see if they sold any Whoppers but they don't. Last weekend I went to Target and bought everything I needed except my Whoppers, and now I crave them everyday! Vicki message me through Facebook today and she invited me for Thanksgiving at her house, so I guess I'm going to Miami on November :) Before going to bed I had a nice chat with Kaitly about piercings, thanksgiving, and other stuff, this is the Kaitlyn I like; not so hyper and weird but not that much.

On Wednesday I went to my usual classes, however, at noon I went to Lunchtime with Leadership for my Certified Leadership hours and today's topic was about "Leadership after a crisis" since today is 9/11 and it really inspired me you know? Also before the lunchtime there was a Volunteering Fair at the MSC and I got really interested in one called Metropolitan Ministries, I liked that one because it has tons of area in which I can help, including photography! After all my classes I went to dine at Champion's Choice and while I was eating alone Olivia came up to me and asked if she could join. I felt happy because I haven't talked that much with Olivia. We had a great time :) After that I came back and changed into my work out clothes. Today has actually been a very stressful day because I have to read 7 chapters of "The Right Stuff" by Tom Wolfe by tomorrow. So while I was working out I was also reading. I really can notice when I'm interested in what I'm reading because 400 pages' books that I like take me about three days, while this one I read only 10 pages in 25 minutes while jogging. I didn't get a chance to skype with Momo because of that book. Anyway, today was a really busy and productive day.

Thursday was a very stressful day, besides the fact that I have to wake up for my 8 AM class, the class is Chemistry lab! I hate it. I got really stressed out because we have to do a billion things just for that class. Anyway, after the living hell lab we had I went to my advisor so he could approve my course for the Study Abroad next year, he did but I also need the approval of the course's department. So I biked all the way to the other side of campus, it was seriously a long bike ride (about a mile and a half). So I get into the building and get send to the other side of it. I got lost and asked for help and a boy named Evan (looked like a student) helped me go where I was supposed to. I had to go to room 2632 and when I got there it was a sign next to a coffee table.. I was like 'are you kidding me?'. So a guy found me and took me to the secretary, the lady said that the guy I was looking for was not there so I left my number and email. When I got out of the building it was freaking pouring outside, and of course I left my umbrella, AGAIN. I stopped by the mail room to pick up my new Asic running shoes :) When I got to me room I was soaking wet and changed my clothes, then I realized it had stopped raining so I change clothes and went out to the trail to try out my new running shoes. At first they felt good but as the time passed I could feel the impact in my heel.

On Friday I went to my Chemistry class, and practically what we are doing right now is the same I did in my three years of Chemistry in high school, so no pressure. For lunch I had discovered Thursday that Champion's Choice has those sticks that chinese restaurants serve! Those you can buy packaged in Panda Express, I call them "palitos". So now whenever I wanna eat I go to Champion's to eat some "palitos" :P hahaha. I still have tons of homework but I really don't feel in the mood to do them, I did some of it but I still need to write a couple of lab reports, study and do homework. The USF library at the beginning of the semester announce that they would not have the 24/5 schedule they've always had but we protested and from this Sunday it will be 24 hours! So maybe I can hibernate at the library this weekend and finish all I have to finish.

I also installed my cup holder
for my bike :)