Last month during Comic Con week, I participated in a zombie-infested obstacle course. I was hesitant about registering for it because zombies freak me out.... a little. But I closed my eyes, and clicked my mouse button to hand over the virtual monies to the zombies. My nerves were still twisting my stomach and making think too much until it was time to "evacuate" at Petco Park on Thursday July 12 8:00 pm.
Right before the "escape", I went around the lot across the Hilton Bayfront to nourish myself from a long day at Comic Con. I sat on the curb with a burger when a girl dressed as Zoey from Left 4 Dead approached me and asked how I did at the course. I looked at her bewildered and she corrected herself as she assumed I was someone she just met before her "escape time". She reassured me as she revealed that she walked and that there are workers there that will help. But that it was super fun and crazy!
After I had my fill on food and info, Joel and I parted ways. He purchased a pass to spectate the frenzy in "safe" areas. I continued walking around the stadium alone to find a bunch of people gathered in separate lines and just crowding around tables with signs of huge letters. As I lined up, I grew even more anxious. People around me were wrapping flimsy paper wristbands around their ankles tightly, wounded securely around their shoelaces or just letting it hang loosely by a shoelace. I overheard that if one of the zombies caught yours, you become infected. Strategy time!
Got the wristband, checked in my heavy Comic Con backpack, walked through the gates, checked by "government" officials, got told to put on my ankle/shoelace band, meandered around a sea of people, and finally got herded into Petco Park by "government officials". After everyone in our wavetime gathered inside, the gates clanked as they rolled shut behind us, reverberating through the crowd. We shuffled deeper and deeper inside under the instructions of the stern "government officials" poised on makeshift platforms. In the center of the crowd was an official herding two zombies chained at the neck towards the opposite side of me where a dozen other zombies are fenced off.
Suddenly out of nowhere, one of the chained zombies attacked a bystander and all hell breaks loose. I remember trying to run, but a huge crowd of sweaty, costumed people were in my way at the same time I was being pushed forward by those behind me. Very reminiscent of a mosh pit at some summer outdoor concert. I got pushed into this group dressed up like some 80's hair band with their long, frizzy wigs and colorful, tight clothing. And they were sticky. As the crowd spread out into a more open area, zombies were just shuffling around, grabbing at anyone who passes by. I ran and jumped like a crazy. People seriously could've got killed back there....or just injured.
Just goes to show you that trying to survive something will make people go bat-shit!
A flight of stairs going down to a set of closed doors slowed down the frenzy. At the bottom of the stairs were 2 officials (with "FEMA" on the back of their shirts) peeking through holes of the paper-covered glass doors. By groups of 10 or so, they let people out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hRfzEys-wE&feature=youtu.be
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Bay to Breakers
Today was my second time attending Bay to Breakers but it was my first time registered, sober, and running. It was still fun in other ways. I was nervous doing this, thinking that I wouldn't be able to make it to finish line before 12 noon, which is when the course closes and medals aren't handed out. But I made it!! It took me about an hour and half to get there but I got there in one piece.
The race starts in Embarcadero where the waterfront meets the Bay , runs the breadth of San Francisco westward through skyscrapers and party-goers in the rowdy bars, quaint houses with cheering residents in costumes, garage bands and rooftop DJs, the hellish climb up Hayes Street Hill, the distinct smell of weed, the pristine surroundings of Golden Gate Park, the strong smell of eucalyptus, then finally reaching the refreshing breezes from the Pacific Ocean of the Breakers at the finish line.
It was a great experience to be part of the running group, especially earning a crazy intricate medal at the end. I think everyone should experience this race once in their lifetime. However, running it was something I could do once while partying in it I would do over and over.
Of course I crashed at the beach for awhile. Great people watching, especially drunk people.
4 years ago, I partied in it. This year I ran it. Next year, I'll go in costume!
My results
# of naked people: 33
# of nudies that were female: 3 (and they were all with their lover)
# of nudies in shape and young: maybe 10
Standout costumes:
Mario Kart group
Superhero group with Thor, Captain, Martian Manhunter, Flash, etc.
Dr. Evil with Fembots, Fuk Mi and Fuk Yu
Salmon!!!! going against the current of course
Freebies:
Coconut Water!!! that a couple of white people spat out...
Wonka ice cream
Odwalla drink sample and granola bar
Nestle Chocolate milk
Bay to Breakers wristband
baseball cap
B2B keychain bottle opener
B2B lapel pin
Body Armour drink
Glenoaks yogurt sample
packet of brown rice with a sponge
The race starts in Embarcadero where the waterfront meets the Bay , runs the breadth of San Francisco westward through skyscrapers and party-goers in the rowdy bars, quaint houses with cheering residents in costumes, garage bands and rooftop DJs, the hellish climb up Hayes Street Hill, the distinct smell of weed, the pristine surroundings of Golden Gate Park, the strong smell of eucalyptus, then finally reaching the refreshing breezes from the Pacific Ocean of the Breakers at the finish line.
It was a great experience to be part of the running group, especially earning a crazy intricate medal at the end. I think everyone should experience this race once in their lifetime. However, running it was something I could do once while partying in it I would do over and over.
Of course I crashed at the beach for awhile. Great people watching, especially drunk people.
4 years ago, I partied in it. This year I ran it. Next year, I'll go in costume!
My results
# of naked people: 33
# of nudies that were female: 3 (and they were all with their lover)
# of nudies in shape and young: maybe 10
Standout costumes:
Mario Kart group
Superhero group with Thor, Captain, Martian Manhunter, Flash, etc.
Dr. Evil with Fembots, Fuk Mi and Fuk Yu
Salmon!!!! going against the current of course
Freebies:
Coconut Water!!! that a couple of white people spat out...
Wonka ice cream
Odwalla drink sample and granola bar
Nestle Chocolate milk
Bay to Breakers wristband
baseball cap
B2B keychain bottle opener
B2B lapel pin
Body Armour drink
Glenoaks yogurt sample
packet of brown rice with a sponge
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
This past Saturday, I ran my first 5k at the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women in Downtown LA around the Memorial Coliseum. We were greeted and cheered on by the gorgeous Halle Berry at the starting line. It was very hard to start running as we were surrounded by plenty of walkers, but the sidewalk was the best place to run. The street was a sea of pink and tutus as everyone was out there to fight for a cure in women's cancer. Seeing signs of women people were running or walking for inspired me to keep moving forward. I kept up my stride even when I felt like giving up or throwing up. The sight of people running back with a gold medal hanging on a red ribbon around their neck encouraged me to get there faster. As I approached the coliseum, my feet pounded the pavement to the rhythmic beat of the taiko drums. I ran past the drummers, faster and faster into the coliseum. Out onto the field, I saw the finish line getting closer and closer. Then I past it and I received a freakin' gold medal!
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Ready, Steady , Go!
Marathons/Races I plan on doing this year:
May 12, 2012 - EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women Los Angeles
300 Howard Street @ Beale Street, San Francisco, CA
Sunday, May 20, 2012 @ 7:00 AM
12 obstacles from hell await you along this 3.21 mile course. Are you a Warrior?
The Color Run hopefully
May 12, 2012 - EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women Los Angeles
May 20, 2012 - 101st Zazzle Bay to Breakers 12k
$57 Basic Registration300 Howard Street @ Beale Street, San Francisco, CA
Sunday, May 20, 2012 @ 7:00 AM
September 1, 2012 - Color Me Rad 5K
| Early Bird Reg | $35.00 | 5/11/2012 |
October 27, 2012 - Warrior Dash
Casa de Fruta, 10021 Pacheco Pass Highway, Hollister, CA
$65 until 11:59pm* on Sunday, Sept. 2, 201212 obstacles from hell await you along this 3.21 mile course. Are you a Warrior?
The Color Run hopefully
| SOUTHERN CAL | April 22nd |
| SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA | July 14th |
| NEW ORLEANS | November 17 |
| ORLANDO, FLORIDA | December 2 |
| DALLAS, TEXAS | Feb 2013 |
Monday, October 3, 2011
Mission Peak
Yesterday I went hiking with a couple of friends as it's on my list of things to check out before moving to LA. Mission Peak is infamous among the locals as a tough hike and it's always brought up on facebook. I made it my mission to see if this peak was as intimidating as people made it sound and there's only one way to find out!
I'd say we took too much time looking for the actual entrance and an unlocked bathroom on campus of Ohlone College. We walked around the campus which was pretty big and reminded me of an M.C. Escher drawing with all the stairways and railings. After 30 minutes, we asked someone who knew where he was going and was pointed to a porto-potty. Then we probably took another 30 minutes walking up a paved road into a construction zone then turning around and spotting another friend driving into the wrong road. On the journey back to the parking lot, we found out the entrance was right across the lot entrance next to the cows and horses....
Upon entering a few cattle gates, we were greeted with cow pie and horse crap explosion. Then we started up on a gravel path where we crossed paths with rolly pollies and stink bugs. some stink bugs went up into stink position. We then saw 2 puppies finishing their hike all dirty and dusty. They left brown pawprints on our pants.
No more trees means no more shade! We also decided to take a shortcut which is steeper yet a more direct route than the actual trail. The trail became more zigzaggy.
Trail became flatter and straight forward until we hit a rest stop with a restroom and a picnic table. We took a break, refueled, and waited for 2 people to catch up.
Afterwards, the path got steeper and rockier. I enjoyed the rocky parts the most!
Finally the peak of Mission Peak! Time to break out the Astronaut ice cream!
Uphill time: est 3 hr 15 min
Downhill time: estimated 1 hr 18 min
Total time: est. 4 hr 33 min
I'd say we took too much time looking for the actual entrance and an unlocked bathroom on campus of Ohlone College. We walked around the campus which was pretty big and reminded me of an M.C. Escher drawing with all the stairways and railings. After 30 minutes, we asked someone who knew where he was going and was pointed to a porto-potty. Then we probably took another 30 minutes walking up a paved road into a construction zone then turning around and spotting another friend driving into the wrong road. On the journey back to the parking lot, we found out the entrance was right across the lot entrance next to the cows and horses....
Then we spotted a cave! Photo Op!
Forest part means possible ticks and poison oak!
Trail became flatter and straight forward until we hit a rest stop with a restroom and a picnic table. We took a break, refueled, and waited for 2 people to catch up. 
Finally the peak of Mission Peak! Time to break out the Astronaut ice cream!
Marked our names and date!
Now the journey downhill!
We saw hanggliders and paragliders! I slid a few times going downhill which was both thrilling and scary!
Downhill time: estimated 1 hr 18 min
Total time: est. 4 hr 33 min
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
iFly Indoor Skydiving
This was done August 21, 2011 at iFly, the Union City location. We were briefed with a short instructional and safety video along with a recap with our instructor. Then black suits with bold colors, goggles, ear plugs and helmets were provided. On this day, I donned my new Tokidoki/Marvel Storm shirt, hoping she would bestow her incredible wind powers upon me.
Turns out the shirt matches the suit given to me. Nice!
Then, the instructor started checking us if everything is in place and fits right. We sat a bit, waiting for the group ahead of us to finish. As we waited, I started getting nervous. while waiting, I watched the other participants go before me, taking mental notes of what to do and what not to do.
Before I knew it, it was my turn. On the first bout in the wind tunnel, you get one minute. I braced myself and let my instructor flip me horizontal, spread out my arms and attempted to fly. I kept having trouble staying up. The instructor placed me in front of the mirror to tell me to how to position my arms and to keep my chin up. He seemed to have a hold of me for most of the time, giving me hand signals to bend or straighten my legs and relax.
Once I finally processed the meaning of the hand signals, I knew I was flying. I went higher up above the instructor's head, spun around, then my feet hit the walls of the tunnel. That's when I was gently pulled down and flung to the door. The wind was so strong that I had trouble getting to the exit, which made me laugh a bit too much.
Once I got out, the mother of a family that's part of my group gave me thumbs up and said I was in the air by myself for a good while. Of course, I felt proud.
Waiting this time around, I wasn't as nervous. Soon, it was my second turn. This time I tried not to think so hard. Just relax.
Finally I got a handle of it. I didn't need the instructor as much. It was incredible flying freely and spinning around getting a good view of the place. At one point the mom and her two daughters gave me thumbs up. I tried to give the thumbs up back, but I dropped a bit and I couldn't stop laughing! As I laughed, saliva was flying up and I could feel the slobber on my face, which led to more laughing. I had to keep my mouth shut from now on. So I was given an extra minute since I had the "Spread your Wings" package.
Two minutes of awesome flying!
At the end, we each got a certificate from the instructor. He said that I was pretty good in there and wrote "Wonderful Flight!" on my certificate.
Definitely, something I would do again!
More pics here!
Turns out the shirt matches the suit given to me. Nice!
Then, the instructor started checking us if everything is in place and fits right. We sat a bit, waiting for the group ahead of us to finish. As we waited, I started getting nervous. while waiting, I watched the other participants go before me, taking mental notes of what to do and what not to do.
Before I knew it, it was my turn. On the first bout in the wind tunnel, you get one minute. I braced myself and let my instructor flip me horizontal, spread out my arms and attempted to fly. I kept having trouble staying up. The instructor placed me in front of the mirror to tell me to how to position my arms and to keep my chin up. He seemed to have a hold of me for most of the time, giving me hand signals to bend or straighten my legs and relax.
Once I got out, the mother of a family that's part of my group gave me thumbs up and said I was in the air by myself for a good while. Of course, I felt proud.
Waiting this time around, I wasn't as nervous. Soon, it was my second turn. This time I tried not to think so hard. Just relax.
Finally I got a handle of it. I didn't need the instructor as much. It was incredible flying freely and spinning around getting a good view of the place. At one point the mom and her two daughters gave me thumbs up. I tried to give the thumbs up back, but I dropped a bit and I couldn't stop laughing! As I laughed, saliva was flying up and I could feel the slobber on my face, which led to more laughing. I had to keep my mouth shut from now on. So I was given an extra minute since I had the "Spread your Wings" package.
Two minutes of awesome flying!
At the end, we each got a certificate from the instructor. He said that I was pretty good in there and wrote "Wonderful Flight!" on my certificate.
Definitely, something I would do again!
More pics here!
Thrills to be had
I made this blog to keep up with my bucket list and share my experiences as I cross out each item. Mostly, I want a place where I can look back and remember those experiences.
My online bucketlist
My online bucketlist
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