Race day....it began at 5:00 am sharp when the entire town of Kailua was still asleep! I came to this run feeling unsure & half-prepared, and unfamiliar with the route....you see, this year was the start of a new run in Kailua that stretched from prestigious Lanikai town to the Kaneohe Bay Marine Base. I have never run a race on this side of the island before (except once on a recreational run around Lanikai while i visited with a friend). The 15.3 mile run was full of beautiful mountain and ocean views from start to finish. Many times i just wanted to stop or walk and enjoy the magnificent scenery but i had to press on. Well, i did finish before 8:00 am (just what i had hoped for) at 2:46. Topping off the run with a nice cold dip at Kailua Beach soon after finishing was sweet, like icing on the cake!

Halfway thru this crazy month and i'm still standing (or should i write, driving). Racking up some miles in my semi-new volvo as a tour guide to our first-time visitor from manila. Our tourist cousin is enjoying all the sites and major attractions, malls, etc.., but what i thought stood out for him so far was the spectacular view while driving thru H3 yesterday on our way to see Pali Lookout. Those majestic mountains on either side give you a sense that a higher power does exists and cant help but feel small and in awe of the marvelous creation of God. And the best part is that as soon as you emerge out of the H3 tunnel, a grand view of quaint Kaneohe Bay and Kailua town just take your breath away and realize it's one of the reasons people from all over the world come to see our beautiful place. It is my favorite view on this entire island! and it was free (no admission fee)!

September to Remember

• William, a cousin from the Philippines, who received his US Tourist Visa is visiting us for the first time for a whole month.
• Nuel, a nephew who recently graduated from Nursing School in New York and his entire family will be flying in from California for a big celebrationg here.
• Godson, Luke is celebrating his 1-year birthday Luau.
• Attending a wedding for cousin, Maricel, and Carol from Las Vegas is coming to attend!
• A surprise wedding shower for Nerisa, a girlfriend getting married in October.
• And last but not least, a pre-marathon run (25k) on the 27th....a nice way to help get rid of all those calories i'll consume from all the parties and family get-togethers.