The 2012 Great Aloha Run

On Monday, it was another fun-filled day at the Great Aloha Run. 

I always love running in the GAR.  I love the energy of the crowds and determination of the people.  It's a struggle to weave through them. There are so many!  But at the same time, it's very motivational to see all of the runners come out to support charities throughout Hawaii (or to exercise!).

Thank you to all of the volunteers who passed out water, played music, and cheered us on!

This year, I got lucky.  My friend secured a free ticket for me since someone we know didn't plan on running this year.  I was fortunate enough to get his ticket and forgo paying $38 bucks.

I finished the 8.15 mile run at 1 hour and 24 minutes.  I am happy.  I beat my time last year.  I only wish I didn't get cramps after the 5th mile.  I didn't listen to my body and continued to run, but when your body screams for you to stop, it's better to listen.  I didn't listen right away and ended up with painful, crippling stomach cramps for half the day.  It felt like someone kicked me in the stomach. Thank God that feeling is over!

At the end of the race, it is the most exhilarating feeling.  There's nothing like exiting the stadium to grab treats and your finisher's t-shirt - cramps or no cramps.  This year, they had coconut water, a real treat after a long run.

I am so glad to have run in the GAR this year!  It is the last time I will be able to run in the GAR (for a long time!) because I will be leaving the islands soon and do not know when I will return. 

Good luck to all of you 2013 GAR runners!

My First Football Game

I finally went to my first football game.  I never liked watching sports, but I had such a good time at the game between the University of Hawaii and New Mexico that I wanted to return. 

I never imagined I would actually enjoy a football game.  It was so exciting and fun.  I cheered like crazy and stuffed myself silly with junk food.  Who can resist kettle corn and nachos?

I have been to the Aloha Stadium while other football games have played, but I was one of the beer servers, trying to raise money for school.  Now, I've finally experienced what it is like to be a spectator.

Wahiawa Pineapple Run 2011

Today I accomplished another goal on my 101 in 1001 list.  I completed the Wahiawa Pineapple Run 2011!  Now, I can cross this event off.

I had such a crazy, yet amazing day.  In the morning, my best friend and I were running late to the Wahiawa Pineapple Run, frantically searching for nearby parking.  Luckily, she was able to squeeze my car past two other cars, so that we could park in an open area. I can only imagine what others may have been thinking, as I tried to direct her, yelling "watch out for the mirror!" and other cautionary notes.  For next time, I will know to show up at the run much earlier because parking is hard to find.

After parking, we began heading towards the starting line with only minutes to spare.  I was surprised by the amount of people at the run.  I thought there would be many more people, but it seemed like a small-scale event.  I was so glad to have participated in it though because the money is for a good cause and you get a free pineapple in the end. 

While running, I thought it was great to run by many of the places I've only driven past for years.  I haven't been in the area for a long time and felt like I would have an opportunity to experience a neighboring town again.  It was even better running in the morning, towards pineapple fields, while heading down hills with a mountain view.  Then, we ran past a waterfall (man-made, yet beautiful none the less!) and lake Wilson, which I've only seen from a distance.

As I was dying to finish after miles of running, I knew the end would soon be near when I was pleasantly surprised by my best friend who came back to look for me, so we could run at the end together (even though she had already finished 10 minutes earlier!).  It helped motivate me to finish the run faster, even though I felt dizzy after not exercising for weeks.  In the end, it was worth every moment though and I'm so glad to have finished sooner than expected.

After crossing the finish line, it was time to cool down, get some water, a banana, and of course, my pineapple! 

For those of you interested in running in the Wahiawa Pineapple Run, it is a lot of fun!  It is a smaller-scale run, but you'll have an opportunity to run in the "country" and explore a new town, quite different than Honolulu.  Also, the money is for a good cause and it is worth waking up early for, especially once you cross the finish line and receive your pineapple.  Where else can you experience such a unique run?

The potential downside for some runners may include not being close enough to pineapple fields.  Also, you have to be careful because although there are cones and police officers on duty, some cars can still be quite aggressive.

I hope that next year, you might consider running in the Wahiawa Pineapple Run.  The experience itself is worth waking up for, so sign-up next May and join in! You'll be sure to enjoy this unique run.

The Great Aloha Run 2011

Although I am usually on the volunteering end, passing water to runners or working to contain the crowds, I finally decided to run in the Great Aloha Run for the first time.  Now I can cross out one of the items on my 101 in 1001 list.

The Great Aloha Run begins at Aloha Tower and ends at the Aloha Stadium.  It is approximately 8 miles. The event helps raise money for various charities throughout the islands, so the money you pay to participate in the run is completely worth it.  It is for a good cause and it helps motivate you to stay in shape.

Since I have always been on the volunteering end, I never had a chance to experience the run until yesterday.  It was an amazing run!

In the morning, I woke up at 4:00 a.m., so I could head to the stadium and catch a bus.  It took forever to get into the parking lot and even longer to wait in line for a bus.  But after getting onto the bus and stepping foot in Honolulu, I could feel the anticipation. I was ready to run!

During the run, I had to weave between walkers and runners.  There were so many people!  I felt energetic though, especially as I saw the volunteers who cheered everyone on.  There were bands playing and volunteers passing out water. Watanbe Flowers passed out roses too, which I thought was really sweet. I would have grabbed one if my hands were not full. 

I really hate carrying things while running, but I had no choice to but run with my phone and a backpack!

I also love how people dress up for the Great Aloha Run.  I noticed there weren't a lot of people dressed up this year compared to years before, but I did see some interesting costumes.  The best costume I saw this year was Avatar.  I wish I had a picture!

I wish I could have taken more photos too, but my camera phone was acting up.  However, I did catch a view of the freeway.  By this point, I had run approximately 6 miles.

There's nothing greater than running 8 miles and finally seeing the finish line!  Once you reach the tunnel, right before entering the Aloha Stadium, people start cheering. 

As great as it felt to run past the finish line, it was an even better feeling to receive all of the treats and a finisher t-shirt.  I felt so happy to have finished running.  I was also ready for a nap. 

If I'm still in Hawaii next December and not overseas, then I would love to run in the Great Aloha Run again!  I would recommend anyone participate.  It is so much fun!

I Love China Town Festival - Honolulu, Hawaii

On Saturday, I spent time with some friends at the I Love China Town Festival.  The event is held in China Town in celebration of Chinese New Year.  

The festival began on Friday and ended Saturday night.  There was entertainment, food, a parade, and more to ring in 2011 -The Year of the Rabbit.  It was my first time at the festival and I'm so glad I went.  It was a great opportunity to experience a Chinese New Year celebration in the heart of China Town. 

One of the best parts of the festival was the food.  I over indulged.  It was hard not to with all of the delicious fried food around.  The price of each item was also very reasonable.  I have been to many other festivals and the food booths at the I Love China Town Festival were unbelievable. 

I had a chance to try many new foods too.  I now know exactly what I want to eat the next time I visit China Town, which will be very soon.

Although the food was good, I can't say I loved the drink I purchased.  It was $3.00 and tasted like a seaweed syrup concoction.  I had to carry it around the entire time since my friend said she would drink it later, although it is currently sitting in my fridge. 

I got a lot of questions about the drink as I walked around.  People wanted to know what type of drink it was since it looked like an aquarium inside.  It is a drink I would not recommend (for most people at least).

The crowds were insane at the festival. I  love people, but not when we are smashed together like sardines and everyone becomes pushy.

The parade was beautiful to watch, although it was challenging to see anything from behind the crowds.  There were people everywhere! Fortunately, a nice police officer let me take photos in front of the crowds, in one of the most perfect spots.

Isn't this cute?  These girls were watching the lion dancers perform at the festival.

Happy New Year!

Lantern Floating Ceremony - Ala Moana Beach Park, Hawaii

For the last 12 years, the Lantern Floating Ceremony has been a tradition at Ala Moana Beach Park, where friends and family honor loved one's who have passed. It's a humbling, if not touching event that will move you. 

Nearly 40,000 people attended the event on Memorial Day, as friends and family gathered along the shore line to set lanterns a float on the calm waters at Ala Moana Beach Park, as the sun slowly set. On every lantern, there is a message, prayer, or wish being "sent" to loved ones, as friends and family write personal messages to honor those who have passed.  

As I stood knee-deep in water at the shore line with other photographers, desperately searching for the best spot to take photos, I started to observe the people around me.  I quickly noticed, men, women, and children weeping throughout the crowd, as they remembered their own loved ones.  Although I had only come to take photos and observe the event, it began to move me, as I began to appreciate the significance of the Lantern Floating Ceremony, an event that promotes peace among human beings.

As friends and family gathered around the shoreline ready to set their lanterns a float, I noticed a young boy, crying as he held his. You could feel the emotion in the air, as hundreds and thousands of people at Ala Moana Beach park silently waited for the moment they could finally release their lanterns into the water.

Before the event took a place, there was an elegantly presented Buddhist style ceremony, while there also had been entertainment, to include the lighting of an "enternal fire," prayer, and singing.

Hundreds began to set foot in water as they began releasing their lanterns.  One by one, the amount of lanterns began to grow, softly floating a top the water, illuminating the sea.

Happy Memorial Day!

Cop On Top - Hawaii

I volunteered tonight for the "Cop On Top," event, where cops are put on the roof at SafeWay on Beretania and Pensacola sreet.  The purpose of the event is to raise funds for Special Olympics Hawaii.  Many of the children look forward to the Special Olympics, so it is important to raise enough funds to continue supporting this wonderful cause.

Although I volunteer frequently, this is the first time that I've attended the "Cop on Top" event and it was an incredible experience.  I have also learned that it can be rough out there!

I had an image in my mind about how things would be, but I was quite off. For one, I thought the cops would be on the SafeWay roof, but they actually had their own raised platform they sat a top.  There was music blaring, while volunteers had nets to collect money. People were dancing and having a good time.  It was awesome!

Second, I never realized how much hard work it takes to stand on the side of the street to gather donations with a basket.  It's hard work!  I have renewed appreciation for those who collect donations because it's not easy.  I ran into a lot of unusual situations tonight. Although most people were friendly and pleasant, there were a few that I can only regard as "a part of society."

I was able to capture several photos from tonight.  I wish I took more, but I was busy trying to collect donations!


You may be wondering what unusual situations occured tonight. Well, I asked a man passing by on his bike, if he would like to donate money for Special Olympics.  He pondered my question before mentioning that we need to be more aggressive and began to demonstrate how we should be.  He pointed to a young woman in a fancy car at a stop light and yelled,

"Hey, you!  You need to give this girl some money, NOW! I know you can afford it.  It's people like you who need to donate, driving your $30,000 car your boyfriend probably bought for you!"

The young female smiled and ignored him, but I could tell she was uncomfortable.  I was uncomfortable when the man demonstrated his aggressive tactic.  The woman drove away, but he tossed in 50 cents into my basket, stating "If you are aggressive like me, you'll get more money!"  I have to disagree with the fellow though because such aggressive tactics might in fact, scare people away! 

I had 50 cents in my basket for quite sometime, as I waited on the side of the street.  We tried to yell "Donations for Special Olympics," to get more attention.  But one man immediately rolled his window up when he heard us.  He was afraid he would come up to his car and request money.  I decided I would switch streets and find one with more visibility and traffic.  Afterall, we have to try our best to raise enough funds for Special Olympics!

After switching streets and continuously calling out for donations, things finally started to pick up!  I started to have such a great time and tried to make the most out of the moment. 

As it became dark, however, we had to head back to SafeWay to avoid being mugged.  We stood outside of the store, asking for donations, instead of holding our baskets on the streets..  There were so many kind-hearted and pleasant people who donated several dollars whenever they entered or left the store.  We cheered them on and thanked them profusely for their donations.

Volunteers started dancing.  There were also pageant girls there who were signing autographs.  When the Macarena began to play, they started to dance and some of the cops did too.  It was a memorable scene.

We continued to ask for donations throughout the night whenever customers entered or left SafeWay, when an older gentleman had walked by.  I asked him politely, "would you like to donate to Special Olympics?"

"No Thank You," the man said. 

I added, "Have a good night!" as he walked by because regardless if someone donates or not, they should leave feeling good inside.  However, I would soon regret those words deeply.

Several minutes later, he exited SafeWay and came up to us and said "I just needed to get cash while I was in the store," as he aggressively put the dollar bill into the basket.  Then he angrily added, "That's for those remarks you made!"

I was confused.  Did I say something to him that was rude or out of line? I am an extremely pleasent person, so I had wondered if maybe he had misheard something that I had said.

 I told him, "I don't understand.  What remarks?" 

"I know what you meant by have a good night and it was uncalled for!"

I was stunned.  He was accusing me of being rude to him because I had said "have a good night."  I figured the man must have thought I was being sarcastic when I said "have a good night," but I don't know how he could have mistaken my words.  I was momentarily stunned and felt incredibly terrible at the same time. I didn't know what to say.  The words wouldn't come out and all I could muster were "No, I didn't mean it in any negative way!  I have been saying it to everyone tonight." 

In a small way, it made me ponder the situation.  But I realize, it's something to just brush off.  We are there to request donations for the Special Olympics and we can only do our best.

I had a great time tonight and an interesting one at that ... I had a chance to experience the hard work involved in requestiong donations.  The rejections, the greatfulness, the tired feet, and the good feeling you get when a person donates and you are there to collect money for a good cause.  I would do it again - anyday.